The burrowing crab Neohelice granulata as potential bioindicator of heavy metals in estuarine systems of the Atlantic coast of Argentina

This paper presents the concentrations of total copper, lead, cadmium, and zinc in hepatopancreas of the burrowing crab Neohelice granulata from the Samboromb??n Bay (La Plata River estuary) and the Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon, Argentina. The highest accumulation of lead was observed in Mar Chiquita samples, whereas copper, zinc, and cadmium concentrations were higher in those from Samboromb??n Bay. Marked temporal and geographic availability differences were observed, while sexual differences only were observed for zinc. Finally, the validity of using this species as bioindicator of heavy-metal pollution within the assessed estuarine ecosystems is discussed.     

Trace metal residues in tissues of two crustacean species from the Bahia Blanca Estuary,Argentina

Trace metals (total mercury, cadmium and zinc) were studied in several tissues of the edible shrimps Pleoticus muelleri and Artemesia longinaris from the Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina. The digestive gland was shown to be the main organ in which metals accumulate, followed by the stomach-alimentary canal and abdominal muscle.The metal contents found in the present study largely exceeded those of the same species caught from the Argentine Sea. Mercury concentrations increased proportionally to the total length of the shrimps studied. Only little variation in metal concentrations among individuals seemed to exist.Finally, the usefulness of these species as bioindicators of trace metal pollution in the Bahía Blanca estuary is discussed.     

Trace metal levels in Prochilodus lineatus collected from the La Plata River, Argentina

Most of the industrial, urban and sewage discharges are released into the La Plata River, Argentina without any previous treatment. However, few works have investigated the extent of metal contamination. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of cadmium, copper, lead and zinc in liver and gills of adults Prochilodus lineatus collected from three sampling stations along the coast of the La Plata River: Berazategui, Berisso and Atalaya (from north to south). Samplings were performed during 2002 and 2004. Berazategui and Berisso were located nearby the main ducts that discharge the urban and domestic waste disposal from the cities of Buenos Aires and La Plata, respectively. The third station, Atalaya, was free of sewage discharges. Levels of cadmium and copper in liver were always higher than those found in gills. Instead, for lead and zinc, high levels were observed either in liver or gills, depending on the sampling station and the sampling period. In both tissues, the concentrations of metals did not differ significantly between male and female fish. In liver samples, the concentrations of cadmium, copper and zinc tended to increase from north to south. Instead, the levels of lead followed an opposite pattern. No clear tendencies were observed in gill samples. The data may be useful as reference levels of metal contaminants in P. lineatus, the most important fish species in the La Plata River system.     

Assessment of dissolved heavy metal in the Yangtze River estuary and its adjacent sea, China

The purpose of this paper is to determine the concentrations of dissolved heavy metals namely mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) and to investigate the relationships between nutrients (nitrate-nitrogen and phosphate) and dissolved heavy metals. For this purpose, the concentrations of dissolved heavy metals were measured through 51 voyages form 1984 to 2006 in the Yangtze river estuary and its adjacent sea. Results analysis showed that dissolved heavy metals were not the main pollutants in the Yangtze river estuary, and the main source of heavy metal contamination was industrial wastewater from terrestrial pollution during the past 20 years. Heavy metal values showed significant abundance in the south branch of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay. In addition, Pb showed negative correlation with nutrients, while the positive correlations between Hg, Cd, and nutrients were shown. The obtained molar ratios, $\Delta \mbox{Cd}/\Delta \mbox{N} = 1.68 \times 10^{-5}$ and $\Delta \mbox{Cd}/\Delta \mbox{P} = 1.66 \times 10^{-4}$ , are close to those in plankton, showing the biogeochemical behavior and process of dissolved cadmium.     

Contaminants in Wintering Canvasbacks and Scaups from San Francisco Bay, California

Organochlorines, metals, and trace elements were measured in liver, kidney, or whole-body tissues of canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria), lesser scaups (A. affinis), and greater scaups (A. marila) collected from San Francisco Bay and three coastal areas of California during the winter of 1986–1987. Potentially toxic concentrations of mercury (mean 10.4 µg/g, dry weight) and selenium (mean 32.7 µg/g, dry weight) were found in livers of scaups and canvasbacks from several San Francisco Bay sites. These elements varied spatially, temporally, and between species, with the highest concentrations found in late winter. Mean concentrations of mercury, selenium, and cadmium were generally higher in scaups than in canvasbacks. Of all the organochlorines included in the analyses, only p,p'-DDE and total PCBs were detected in all samples in this study. Mean whole-body concentrations of DDE and PCBs from San Francisco Bay ducks collected in late winter varied spatially and between species, but the concentrations were not considered toxic. Causes for inter-specific differences are unclear, but may be attributable to differences in diet, movement, or physiology.     

Hepatic mercury,cadmium, and lead in mink and otter from New York State: monitoring environmental contamination

Many non-linear processes link atmospheric emissions to the bioavailability of metals; consequently, the monitoring of metals in ecosystem components is required to model their ecodynamics. American mink (Neovison vison) and river otter (Lontra canadensis) have the potential to serve as an upper-level-consumer component in monitoring metals bioavailability. However, the relationship of bioaccumulated metals to various environmental factors has not been explored nor have the effects of demographic factors been resolved. To address these limitations, mink and otter, collected throughout New York State during 1998–2002, were analyzed for hepatic concentrations of total mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). Relationships were investigated between metals concentrations and landscape-level factors (physiographic zone, hydrologic unit, and elevation) and demographic factors (gender and age). Considerable variation in Hg and Cd concentrations was observed relative to both physiographic zone and hydrologic unit for both species. In contrast with Hg, Cd concentration increased predictably with increasing elevation. Mercury concentrations were greater, but for Cd less, in otter than mink. Lead concentrations showed little landscape heterogeneity and were independent of elevation. Age-related bioaccumulation was evident for Hg and Cd, but not for Pb, in both species. Mercury and Cd concentrations were greater in female than male mink; however, Pb concentrations were greater in males than females. Inverse relationships of relative growth (weight/length) to metals concentrations explained gender differences in Hg and Cd in mink. For otter, no gender-related differences in metals concentrations were apparent. The suitability of mink and otter for monitoring programs is discussed.     

Bioaccumulation of Some Heavy Metals in Different Tissues Of Dicentrarchus Labrax L, 1758, Sparus Aurata L, 1758 And Mugil Cephalus L, 1758 From the ÇamlIk Lagoon of the Eastern Cost Of Mediterranean (Turkey)

In this study, bioaccumulation of the heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cd) in the liver, gill, gonad and muscle tissues of Dicentrarchus labrax, Mugil cephalus and Sparus aurata were investigated seasonally. Camlik is the important fisheries lagoon located in The Iskenderun Bay, Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Due to heavy industrial and agricultural activities in the region, the bay has the polluted coastal waters of Turkey. Therefore, the levels of cadmium, zinc, iron were determined in the muscle in each species because of its importance for human consumption and also the liver, gill, gonad were analysed since these organs tend to accumulate metals. Heavy metal levels were found generally higher in the liver and gill than the gonad and muscle tissues in three species; the levels of all metals in a given tissue were generally higher in Mugil cephalus than the other two species. Data collected in this study suggest that Camlik lagoon is affected by a relatively metal pollution. The concentrations of Zn concentrations in the muscle tissues exceeded the acceptable levels for a food source for human consumption and other metals in the edible parts of the investigated fish were in the permissible safety levels for human uses.     

Lead,cadmium, arsenic and zinc in the ecosystem surrounding a lead smelter

A lead smelter has been operating at Belledune in the province of New Brunswick, in eastern Canada, since 1966. This paper presents data on the concentrations of the four primary metals emitted from the smelter — lead, cadmium, arsenic and zinc — which were measured in the terrestrial environment near the smelter and the concentrate transport route. Deposition of these metals to the snowpack and the uptake by grass forage are discussed in relation to non-regulatory guidelines, toxicity and atmospheric emissions. A 1992 snowpack transect survey extending 0.5–40 km northwest, southeast and south of the smelter revealed lead concentrations of 2–3193 ppb, cadmium <0.10–49.7 ppb, arsenic <3.0–72.0 ppb, and zinc 3–401 ppb. Deposition estimates within this zone for lead were between 0.046 and 20.1 kg/ha/yr, cadmium <0.007 and 313 g/ha/yr, arsenic <0.016 and 453 g/ha/yr and zinc 0.020 and 2.52 kg/ha/yr. Concentrations of these metals in the snowpack were highest within 3 km of the smelter and were detectable at greater distances SE of the smelter. Lead was dispersed greater distances from the smelter than cadmium or arsenic. Snowpack samples collected within 5–20 m of the railway contained 140–7270 ppb of lead, 0.4–36.9 ppb of cadmium, <3.0–72.0 ppb of arsenic and 41–13100 ppb of zinc. Grass forage sampled within 0.6–16 km of the smelter contained lead 5–152 ppm, cadmium 0.10–4.1 ppm, and zinc 22–154 ppm. Highest concentrations of lead, cadmium and zinc in grass forage were found were found within 2.2 km of the smelter. Grass forage collected within 10–70 m of the railway contained lead 13–288 ppm, cadmium 0.4–1.3 ppm and zinc 98–831 ppm.     

A study of the heavy metal concentrations of the Singapore River

The concentrations of lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, iron, and mercury in the water, sediment and biota of the Singapore River were determined. The concentration of the various metals in water showed significant variation at different sampling times and there was enrichment of lead content. The spatial patterns of metal distribution in the sediment could be due to the different pollution sources such as exhaust emission from boats and other environmental variables such as clay content of sediment or tide level. In the biota, higher amounts of metals were found in species inhabiting the river bed while organisms of higher trophic level such as free-swimming fishes and crabs accumulated lower amounts. In general, the flesh of fishes and crabs had the least content of metals compared to other tissues. The Concentration of various metals in bivalve, Mytilopsis sallei, which were found extensively in the river did not reflect the pollution distribution.     

Trace elements and organochlorines in surf scoters from San Francisco Bay, 1985

Surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) were collected from 6 locations in San Francisco Bay during January and March 1985. Overall, mean concentrations of cadmium and zinc were higher in livers of scoters from the southern region of the Bay, whereas mean iron and lead were higher in those from the northern Bay region. Mean concentrations of arsenic, copper, lead, zinc, aluminum (January only) and iron (January) also differed among individual locations. Mean concentrations of copper and zinc increased, arsenic decreased, and cadmium remained the same between January and March. Selenium and mercury concentrations in scoter livers were not significantly correlated (P>0.05), but cadmium concentrations in livers and kidneys were positively correlated (P<0.0001), and body weight was negatively related to mercury concentration in the liver (P<0.05). Body weight differed among locations but not between January and March. Body weight was correlated with lipid content (P<0.0001). DDE and PCBs were each detected in 34 of 36 scoter carcasses. DDE increased significantly between January and March at Richmond Harbor, but BCBs did not differ between January and March at the 3 locations that could be tested.     

Heavy Metals in the Eggs and Muscle of Horseshoe Crabs (Limulus Polyphemus) from Delaware Bay

Lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and manganese concentrations were measured in the eggs of horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) from 1993, 1994 and 1995; and from chelicera muscle in 1995 from Delaware Bay. Metal concentrations in the eggs represent levels derived from females. In eggs, mercury levels were below 100 ppb or were non-dectable; cadmium levels were generally low in 1993 and 1995 but were relatively higher in 1994; lead levels in eggs decreased from 558 ppb in 1993 to 87 ppm in 1995; selenium increased from 1993 to 1995; chromium decreased from 1993 to 1995; and manganese generally decreased. Leg muscles had significantly lower levels of all metals than eggs, except for mercury.     

Metals in feathers of sooty tern, white tern, gray-backed tern, and brown noddy from islands in the North Pacific

Levels of heavy metals are usuallyhigher in adult than young birds because they eatlarger, more contaminated prey, or because they havehad longer to accumulate metals in their tissues.Further, levels of contaminants are usually less inbirds nesting on remote, offshore islands than inbirds breeding closer to mainland areas that areurbanized and industrialized. We examined the featherlevels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese,mercury, and selenium in adult sooty terns (Sterna fuscata), gray-backed terns (Sterna lunata), and brown noddy (Anous stolidus, and adult and young white terns (Gygis alba, fromMidway Atoll, and in adult and young sooty terns andadult brown noddy from Manana Island, Hawaii (chicksof other terns were not available). We tested andrejected the null hypotheses that metal levels are notsignificantly different among species, ages, andlocations. Despite their small size, adult white ternshad the highest levels of lead, arsenic and tin. Brownnoddies had the highest levels of cadmium, chromium,manganese, and selenium. Sooty and white terns had thehighest levels of mercury. Sooty tern adults hadsignificantly higher levels of cadmium, mercury, andselenium than young, while young had significantlyhigher levels of arsenic and manganese. White ternadults had significantly higher levels of selenium andtin than young, while young had higher levels ofcadmium and mercury than adults. Except for mercury,there were significant inter-location differenceswithin species in all heavy metals. Contrary toexpectation, where the differences were great, metalsgenerally were higher in the feathers of terns andnoddies from Midway than from Manana.     

Heavy metals and selenium in feathers of three shorebird species from Delaware bay

Concentrations of lead, cadmium, mercury, selenium, chromium and manganese were examined in breast feathers of shorebirds migrating north through Cape May, New Jersey in 1991 and 1992. Although we predicted that metal levels would be positively correlated with weight, this was only true for mercury in red knots (Calidris canutus). Selenium was negatively correlated with weight in red knots. No other significant correlation of metal concentrations with weight were found. Lead and mercury were highest in sanderlings (C. alba). Selenium and manganese were highest in red knots, while chromium and cadmium levels were highest in semipalmated sandpipers (C. pusilus). For 1991, interspecific metals differences were significant for all metals except lead. For semipalmated sandpipers, cadmium and chromium concentrations were significantly higher in 1991 while managese concentrations were significantly higher in 1992.     

Heavy metal and selenium levels in feathers of herring gulls (Larus argentatus): Differences due to year,gender, and age at Captree,Long Island

The concentrations of heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese) and selenium in the feathers of herring gulls (Larus argentatus) from a nesting colony at Captree, Long Island, New York were examined from 1989 to 1993 to determine if there were differences from year to year, and between males and females, adult and young, and dead versus live gulls. Variation in metal levels in regression models was explained by age (all metals), year (all except manganese), and whether the feathers were from live or dead birds (all except lead and chromium). The feathers of adults had significantly higher levels of mercury, lead and manganese than those of young, but lower levels of selenium and cadmium than those of young. Levels in down and fledgling feathers were similar for lead, cadmium and selenium, but fledgling feathers had higher levels for mercury, chromium, and manganese. There were no gender differences in metal levels for adult feathers except for lead (females had higher levels). Levels of mercury and manganese were higher in feathers of live adults whereas levels of cadmium and selenium were higher in the feathers of dead adults.     

Heavy metal and selenium levels in birds at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge,Minnesota: Food chain differences

The levels of heavy metals and selenium in the eggs and in breast feathers of adult doublecrested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), and franklin's gull (Larus pipixcan) nesting at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in Marshall County, northwestern Minnesota were examined. Also examined were metal levels in the feathers of fledgling night herons and gulls, in the feathers of adult and fledgling American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus), in eggs of American coot (Fulica americana) and eared grebe (Podiceps caspicus), and in feathers of adult Canada geese (Branta canadensis). These species represent different levels on the food chain from primarily vegetation-eating species (geese, coot) to species that eat primarily fish (cormorant). A clear, positive relationship between level on the food chain and levels of heavy metals occurred only for mercury in feathers and eggs. Otherwise, eared grebes had the highest levels of all other metals in their eggs compared to the other species. No clear food chain pattern existed for feathers for the other metals. For eggs at Agassiz: 1) lead, selenium, and manganese levels were similar to those reported in the literature, 2) mercury levels were slightly higher for cormorants and night herons, 3) all species had higher chromium and cadmium levels than generally reported, and 4) eared grebes had significantly higher levels of cadmium than reported for any species from elsewhere. For adult feathers: 1) gulls had higher levels of lead than the other species, 2) cadmium levels were elevated in gulls and adult herons and cormorants, 3) mercury levels showed an increase with position on the food chain, 4) selenium and chromium levels of all birds at Agassiz were generally low and 5) manganese levels in adults were generally higher than in the literature for other species. Adults had significantly higher mercury levels than fledgling gulls, night herons, and bitterns.     

Bioindicator organisms: Heavy metal pollution evaluation in the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea—Italy)

Trace metal concentrations of mercury, cadmium, lead and chromium in Patella caerulea, and Mullus barbatus were investigated to provide information on pollution of Ionian Sea, since these metals have the highest toxic potential. High chromium levels (0.47–0.97 g g^–1 ww) were registered in limpet samples collected from two station near the Gulf of Taranto, while elevated concentration of mercury (0.31–1.50 g g^–1 ww) were found in mullet specimens from Sicily. The metal concentrations recorded at the clean stations may be considered as useful background levels to which to refer for comparison within the Mediterranean area. On the contrary, the high levels of chromium and mercury found respectively in the areas near the Gulf of Taranto and at Capo Passero being of concern in terms of environmental health need frequent monitoring.     

Distribution of mercury and other trace metals in the sediments of Cochin estuary (a Ramsar site), Kerala, India

Sediment quality data provide essential information for evaluating ambient environmental quality conditions. Sediments are important carriers of trace metals in the environment and reflect the current quality of the system. In the present study, distribution of mercury, lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, chromium and manganese in Cochin estuary were studied. The distribution of oxides of metals and textural quality were also studied in detail. It was found that the concentration of metals in the sediments near the industrial belt was extremely high. Correlation of different metals and metal oxides were analysed. It was found that all the alloys were correlated significantly (α?<?0.01) but in case of metals, correlation was only among certain metals.     

Metals, Boron, and Selenium in Neosho Madtom Habitats in the Neosho River in Kansas, U.S.A.

In 1991 and 1992 we determined the levels of metals, arsenic, boron, and selenium in the Neosho River drainage in southeastern Kansas, the primary habitat for the threatened Neosho madtom (Noturus placidus). We evaluated concentrations in sediments, mussels (Quadrula pustulosa and Q. metanevra), and fish(Percina phoxocephala, Cyprinus carpio,and Ictiobus bubalus) from three sites on theNeosho River and one site on the Cottonwood River. We also evaluated contaminant concentrations in C. carpio composite samples collected by theKansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)at two additional locations on the Neosho River in1990–92. Sediments were contaminated by lead. Concentrations of selenium, boron, and most metalsin mussels were low to normal for biota. Arseniclevels in mussels and fish suggest low-levelcontamination of biota. Aluminum, barium, manganeseand strontium concentrations were much higher inmussels than in fish. Five fish composite sampleshad cadmium concentrations that indicate chronicdeleterious effects on biota. Lead concentrationsin six fish samples were elevated. Mercuryconcentrations in most large fish compositesexceeded concentration for protection of animalsthat might consume them. We believe that reductionsin cadmium, lead, and mercury contamination, inparticular, would benefit aquatic life in theriver.     

Metal Concentrations in Fish Species from the Northeast Mediterranean Sea

Samples of Mugil cephalus and Mullus barbatus were collected in the Northeast Mediterranean coast of Turkey the contents of cadmium, copper, iron, zinc and lead in the liver, gill and muscle tissues were determined by atomic absorption flame spectrophotometry.Except for lead, highest levels of each metal were found in the liver and this was followed by the gill and muscle in both species. Among the metals analyzed, Cu, Zn and Fe were the most abundant in the different tissues while Cd and Pb were the least abundant both in M. cephalus and M. barbatus. Seasonal changes in metal (Cd, Cu, Pb, Fe and Zn) concentration were observed in the tissues of both species, but these seasonal variations may not influence consumption advisories. In general, the highest concentrations were detected for all metals in summer.     

Heavy metal (As,Cd, Hg,Pb, Cu,Zn, Se) concentrations in muscle and bone of four commercial fish caught in the central Adriatic Sea,Italy

Heavy metal (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Hg and Se) concentrations in the muscle and bone of four fish species (Mullus barbatus, Merluccius merluccius, Micromesistius poutassou, and Scomber scombrus) from the central Adriatic Sea were measured and the relationships between fish size (length and weight) and metal concentrations in the tissues were investigated. Samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrophotometry with automatic dual viewing. In the muscle, results of linear regression analysis showed that, except for mercury, significant relationships between metal concentrations and fish size were negative. Only mercury levels were positively correlated with Atlantic mackerel size (p?<?0.05). No significant variations of heavy metal concentrations were observed in muscles of the examined species, but a significant difference (p?<?0.01) was found for As, Cd, Pb, and Se concentrations in bone. All the investigated metals showed higher values in the muscle than in bone, except for lead and zinc. Regarding cadmium, lead, and mercury maximum levels, set for the edible portion by European legislation, several samples exceeded these values, confirming the heavy metal presence in species caught near the Jabuka Pit.