Total and subcellular distribution of trace elements (Cd, Cu and Zn) in the liver and kidney of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from the Mediterranean Sea

This study investigated the subcellular distribution of Cd, Cu and Zn in liver and kidney of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) stranded along the Italian coast of the South Adriatic Sea (Eastern Mediterranean). Cd and Zn mean concentrations did not differ significantly between liver (4.26microgg(-1) and 34.53microgg(-1), respectively) and kidney (5.06microgg(-1) and 26.39microgg(-1), respectively), whereas the levels of Cu were significantly higher in liver (32.75microgg(-1)) than in kidney (8.20microgg(-1)) (p<0.009). Most of Cd, Cu and Zn was present in hepatic and renal cytosol, and their concentrations increased with total levels in both organs, indicating that cytosol has a crucial role in metal accumulation. Cd and Cu in hepatic and renal cytosol were present mostly in metallothionein fractions (MTs), whereas Zn was fractionated into MTs and high-molecular-weight-substances (HMWS). The comparison with the results of other investigations on individuals of the same species collected in different marine areas shows good agreement relatively to essential metals. For Cd our data are comparable with those encountered in specimens from the Mediterranean Sea (Cyprus) confirming the homogeneity of the area comprising the south-eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea from an ecological point of view.     

Pollutants and the health of green sea turtles resident to an urbanized estuary in San Diego, CA

Rapid expansion of coastal anthropogenic development means that critical foraging and developmental habitats often occur near highly polluted and urbanized environments. Although coastal contamination is widespread, the impact this has on long-lived vertebrates like the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is unclear because traditional experimental methods cannot be applied. We coupled minimally invasive sampling techniques with health assessments to quantify contaminant patterns in a population of green turtles resident to San Diego Bay, CA, a highly urbanized and contaminated estuary. Several chemicals were correlated with turtle size, suggesting possible differences in physiological processes or habitat utilization between life stages. With the exception of mercury, higher concentrations of carapace metals as well as 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and γ chlordane in blood plasma relative to other sea turtle studies raises important questions about the chemical risks to turtles resident to San Diego Bay. Mercury concentrations exceeded immune function no-effects thresholds and increased carapace metal loads were correlated with higher levels of multiple health markers. These results indicate immunological and physiological effects studies are needed in this population. Our results give insight into the potential conservation risk contaminants pose to sea turtles inhabiting this contaminated coastal habitat, and highlight the need to better manage and mitigate contaminant exposure in San Diego Bay.     

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.     

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).     

Investigation of arsenic accumulation and tolerance potential of Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L

Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L., a facultative halophyte, is considered a suitable candidate for the phytoremediation of metals. An investigation of As accumulation and tolerance was conducted in Sesuvium plants upon exposure to As(V) (100-1000 μM) for 30 d. Plants demonstrated a good growth even after prolonged exposure (30 d) to high As(V) concentrations (1000 μM) and a significant As accumulation (155 μg g⁻¹ dry weight) with a bioaccumulation factor of more than ten at each concentration. The results of shoot and root dry weight, malondialdehyde accumulation, photosynthetic pigments, and total soluble proteins demonstrated that plants did not experience significant toxicity even at 1000 μM As(V) after 30 d. However, metabolites (total non-protein thiols and cysteine) and enzymes (serine acetyltransferase, cysteine synthase and γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase) of thiol metabolism, in general, remained either unaffected or showed slight decline. Hence, plants tolerated high As(V) concentrations without an involvement of thiol metabolism as a major component. Taken together, the results indicate that plants are potential As accumulator and may find application in the re-vegetation of As contaminated sites.     

Organochlorine,PCB, PAH,and metal concentrations in eggs of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from northwest Florida,USA

Abstract

Composite samples of unhatched and physically unaltered loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, eggs collected from 20 nests along northwest Florida were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals. Chemical analyses revealed that turtle eggs contained detectable amounts of metals, PAHs, and PCBs. Only one OCP, p, p'‐DDD, was detected, and its presence was restricted to eggs from two nesting sites. None of the PCB concentrations exceeded the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) action limit. Concentrations of dioxin‐like PCB congeners, 105, 118, and 126, and total PCBs were also detected and are contributors to the toxic burden of loggerhead sea turtle eggs. Concentrations of PAHs, 1,2,5,6‐dibenzanthracene, 1‐methyl naphthalene, Cl‐naphthalene and naphthalene were variable at nesting sites. Comparison of mean metal burdens in eggs from different beaches suggested that no uniform geographic gradients exist. Presence of OCPs, PCBs, PAHs and metals and their additive or synergistic toxicity is a concern to loggerhead sea turtle eggs; however, additive or synergistic impacts for loggerhead sea turtles are largely undocumented.     

Phytoremediation of arsenic contaminated paddy soils with Pteris vittata markedly reduces arsenic uptake by rice

Arsenic (As) accumulation in food crops such as rice is of major concern. To investigate whether phytoremediation can reduce As uptake by rice, the As hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata was grown in five contaminated paddy soils in a pot experiment. Over a 9-month period P. vittata removed 3.5-11.4% of the total soil As, and decreased phosphate-extractable As and soil pore water As by 11-38% and 18-77%, respectively. Rice grown following P. vittata had significantly lower As concentrations in straw and grain, being 17-82% and 22-58% of those in the control, respectively. Phytoremediation also resulted in significant changes in As speciation in rice grain by greatly decreasing the concentration of dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). In two soils the concentration of inorganic As in rice grain was decreased by 50-58%. The results demonstrate an effective stripping of bioavailable As from contaminated paddy soils thus reducing As uptake by rice.     

Levels of trace elements in green turtle eggs collected from Hong Kong: Evidence of risks due to selenium and nickel

Concentrations of 22 trace elements were determined in green turtle (Chelonia mydas) eggs collected from Hong Kong. Concentrations of selenium, lead and nickel in these eggs were generally higher than those reported in other studies. The predicted no effect concentrations (PNEC; ng/g wet weight) of Pb (1000), Se (340 and 6000 for the worst-case and best-case scenarios, respectively) and Ni (17) in the green turtle eggs were estimated. Hazard quotients (HQs) estimate that Se (HQs: 0.2-24.5) and Ni (HQs: 4.0-26.4) may pose some risks to the turtles. Our study also found that concentrations of Ag, Se, Zn, Hg and Pb in the shell of the turtle eggs were significantly correlated with levels in the whole egg contents (yolk+albumen). Once the precise relationships of specific elements are established, egg-shell concentrations may be used as a non-lethal, non-invasive, surrogate for predicting whole egg burden of certain contaminants in marine turtles.     

Levels of organochlorine pesticides in Amazon turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) in the Xingu River,Brazil

Abstract

Due to the toxicity and high environmental persistence of organochlorine pesticides in aquatic organisms, turtles have been studied as environment biomonitors. These animals are important sources of protein for the riverside and indigenous peoples of the Brazilian amazon. In the present study, organochlorine pesticide contamination was investigated in Podocnemis unifilis. Liver, muscle and fatty tissue samples were removed from 50 specimens collected from five sampling points located in the Xingu River basin. Fourteen organochlorine pesticides were analysed via gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (CG-ECD). Eight organochlorine pesticides were detected with average concentrations of ∑DDT, ∑Endossulfan and ∑HCH which were 26.17?±?26.35, 14.38?±?23.77 and 1.39?±?8.46?ng g^?1 in moisture content, respectively. DDT compounds were the most predominant, with a greater concentration of pp′-DDT in the liver and pp′-DDD in the muscle. Significant differences were noted between the types of tissues studied, and the concentration of OCPs varied between sampling sites.     

Arsenic accumulation and translocation in the submerged macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle

Worldwide contamination of arsenic in aquatic systems requires the development of a cost-effective, in situ phytoremediation technology. Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, a submerged macrophyte widely distributed throughout the world, has the potential to effectively remove heavy metals from water. In order to understand the potential of H. verticillata for As phytofiltration and its impacts on As cycling in the water system, we investigated As accumulation, speciation and translocation in H. verticillata plants. Plant shoots showed a significant accumulation of As, with a maximum of >700 μg g⁻¹ dry weight (DW) after exposure to 20 μM arsenate [As(V)] or arsenite [As(III)] for 4 d, with no significant differences between the As(V) and As(III) treatments (P > 0.05). In addition, results of an in planta transport experiment showed that, after exposure of root and shoot to 2 μM As(V) and As(III) for 4 d, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) in roots for As(V) was almost twofold than that of As(III). Higher As BCFs in roots compared to shoots was also observed. Arsenic accumulated primarily in the cell walls of root cells (>73% of the total As in roots) and in the soluble parts of leaves (>60% of the total As in leaves). Regardless of the form of As supplied [As(III) or As(V)], As(V) was the dominant form in roots and As(III) was the dominant form in leaves. Further, basipetal translocation of As in this plant (?17%) was markedly higher than acropetal translocation (?3%). Because of accumulation of As in the shoot and immobilization of As below ground in roots, H. verticillata is a potential As phytofiltrator for bioremediation.     

Arsenic Uptake and Accumulation in Curly Endives (Cichorium endivia L.) Irrigated with Contaminated Water

Arsenic accumulation in vegetables for direct human consumption represents a concern for food safety purposes. This potential problem can be of economic importance particularly in much appreciated, high-quality horticultural products. In this work, a greenhouse set of experiments were conducted to evaluate possible phytotoxic effects and arsenic accumulation in the production of curly endives with arsenic contaminated water.

Two concentration levels (0.5 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L) and two arsenic species (As⁺³ and As⁺⁵) were considered. Dry mass production tended to be reduced as As⁺³ concentration increased in irrigation water. However, As⁺⁵ treatments did not show significant dry mass production differences with a blank (control experiment). As accumulation in plant increased with As concentration in irrigation waters, following a linear trend. Nevertheless, the increase of accumulated As was not statistically significant for As⁺⁵ at 0.5 mg/L. Calculated biological absorption coefficients resulted in higher than previous values reported in the literature, which was attributed here to the source of arsenic (irrigation water). Considering field values for As⁺⁵/As⁺³ ratio and averaged concentrations in water, the obtained results support that there is not a short-or medium-term risk to food safety in the curly endive crop in the region of Castilla y León (Spain).     

Arsenic and Mn levels in Isaza (Gymnogobius isaza) during the mass mortality event in Lake Biwa, Japan

The present study measured the concentrations of 25 elements (Li, Mg, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hg, Tl, Pb and Bi) in the whole body of Isaza which is an endemic fish species to Lake Biwa, Japan, and compared the values in the specimens from the mass mortality Isaza (MMI) and normal fresh Isaza (NFI). The mean levels of Mn and total As (T-As) were relatively higher in MMI than in NFI. In the T-As, highly toxic inorganic As was detected in MMI. Moreover we found Mn and As concentrations in surface sediment were extremely high and temporally increased. From all these results, we could infer that the dissolution of Mn and As from surface sediment of Lake Biwa might have been one of the cause for the mass mortality of Isaza.     

High incidence of deformity in aquatic turtles in the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is subject to pollution from multiple sources. We studied development of snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) embryos from the refuge from 2000 through 2003. Mean annual deformity rate of pooled painted turtle clutches over four years ranged from 45 to 71%, while that of snapping turtle clutches ranged from 13 to 19%. Lethal deformities were more common than minor or moderate deformities in embryos of both species. Adult painted turtles had a higher deformity rate than adult snapping turtles. Snapping turtles at JHNWR had high levels of PAH contamination in their fat. This suggests that PAHs are involved in the high level of deformities. Other contaminants may also play a role. Although the refuge offers many advantages to resident turtle populations, pollution appears to place a developmental burden on the life history of these turtles.     

Influence of Lead on Atrazine Uptake by Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedlings from Nutrient Solution (7 pp)

Background Atrazine is a widely used herbicide, and its persistence in soil and water causes environmental concerns. In the past, plat uptake processes are mainly investigated for single contaminants. However, in many cases, contaminants co-exist in environmental matrix, such as soil, and plant uptake of one contaminant may be influenced by its co-existing ones.Methods The uptake of atrazine by rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.) from nutrient solution through the roots was investigated in a solution culture, over an exposure period of 4 weeks. Atrazine accumulation in plant tissues was determined by gas chromatography, and lead was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry.Results and Discussion With different ratios of atrazine and Pb2+ concentrations in solution, the observed atrazine concentrations in shoots and roots varied significantly. In atrazine-Pb2+ mixture systems, the added Pb2+ either increased or decreased the concentrations or BCFs of atrazine in seedlings (relative to those without Pb2+), depending on the atrazine-Pb2+ ratio in nutrient solution. The enhanced atrazine uptake results presumably from atrazine-Pb2+ complex formation. The reduced atrazine uptake, which occurred mainly at high atrazine concentrations, is attributed to atrazine toxicity that inhibited seedling growth and transpiration. Conclusion The formation of atrazine-Pb2+ complex both in the solution and within plant tissues may affect the accumulation of both contaminants by rice plants.     

Effects of elevated CO2, nitrogen supply and tropospheric ozone on spring wheat-II. Nutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn)

CO(2) enrichment is expected to alter leaf demand for nitrogen and phosphorus in plant species with C(3) carbon dioxide fixation pathway, thus possibly causing nutrient imbalances in the tissues and disturbance of distribution and redistribution patterns within the plants. To test the influence of CO(2) enrichment and elevated tropospheric ozone in combination with different nitrogen supply, spring wheat (Tritium aestivum L. cv. Minaret) was exposed to three levels of CO(2) (361, 523, and 639 microl litre(-1), 24 h mean from sowing to final harvest), two levels of ozone (28.4 and 51.3 nl litre(-1)) and two levels of nitrogen supply (150 and 270 kg ha(-1)) in a full-factorial design in open-top field chambers. Additional fertilization experiments (120, 210, and 330 kg N ha(-1)) were carried out at low and high CO(2) levels. Macronutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg) and three micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn) were analysed in samples obtained at three different developmental stages: beginning of shoot elongation, anthesis, and ripening. At each harvest, plant samples were separated into different organs (green and senescent leaves, stem sections, ears, grains). According to analyses of tissue concentrations at the beginning of shoot elongation, the plants were sufficiently equipped with nutrients. Elevated ozone levels neither affected tissue concentrations nor shoot uptake of the nutrients. CO(2) and nitrogen treatments affected nutrient uptake, distribution and redistribution in a complex manner. CO(2) enrichment increased nitrogen-use efficiency and caused a lower demand for nitrogen in green tissues which was reflected in a decrease of critical nitrogen concentrations, lower leaf nitrogen concentrations and lower nitrogen pools in the leaves. Since grain nitrogen uptake during grain filling depended completely on redistribution from vegetative pools in green tissues, grain nitrogen concentrations fell considerably with severe implications for grain quality. Ca, S, Mg and Zn in green tissues were influenced by CO(2) enrichment in a similar manner to nitrogen. Phosphorus concentrations in green tissues, on the other hand, were not, or only slightly, affected by elevated CO(2). In stems, 'dilution' of all nutrients except manganese was observed, caused by the huge accumulation of water soluble carbohydrates, mainly fructans, in these tissues under CO(2) enrichment. Whole shoot uptake was either remarkably increased (K, Mn, P, Mg), nearly unaffected (N, S, Fe, Zn) or decreased (Ca) under CO(2) enrichment. Thus, nutrient cycling in plant-soil systems is expected to be altered under CO(2) enrichment.     

Correlation and toxicological inference of trace elements in tissues from stranded and free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

The significance of metal concentrations in marine mammals is not well understood and relating concentrations between stranded and free-ranging populations has been difficult. In order to predict liver concentrations in free-ranging dolphins, we examined concentrations of trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, total Hg (THg), V, Zn) in skin and liver of stranded bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the South Carolina (SC) coast and the Indian River Lagoon, Florida (FL) during 2000-2008. Significantly higher concentrations of Zn, Fe, Se, Al, Cu and THg were found in skin while liver exhibited significantly higher Cu, Fe, Mn and THg concentrations for both study sites. Mean skin concentrations of Cu and Mn were significantly higher in SC dolphins while higher concentrations of THg and V were found in FL dolphins. In addition, liver tissues in SC dolphins exhibited significantly higher As concentrations while higher Fe, Pb, Se, THg, and V levels were found in FL dolphins. Two elements (Cu and THg) showed significant age-related correlations with skin concentration while five elements (Cu, Se, THg, Zn and V) showed age-related correlations with liver concentrations. Geographic location influenced age-related accumulation of several trace elements and age-related accumulation of THg in hepatic tissue was observed for both sites to have the highest correlations (r² = 0.90SC; r² = 0.69FL). Mean THg concentration in liver was about 10 times higher in FL dolphins (330 μg g⁻¹ dw) than those samples from SC dolphins (34.3 μg g⁻¹ dw). The mean molar ratio of Hg to Se was 0.93 ± 0.32 and 1.08 ± 0.38 for SC and FL dolphins, respectively. However, the Hg:Se ratio varied with age as much lower ratios (0.2-0.4) were found in younger animals. Of the 18 measured elements, only THg was significantly correlated in skin and liver of stranded dolphins and skin of free-ranging dolphins from both sites suggesting that skin may be useful in predicting Hg concentrations in liver tissue of free-ranging dolphins. Results indicate that 33% of the stranded and 15% of the free-ranging dolphins from FL exceed the minimum 100 μg g⁻¹ wet weight (ww) (∼400 dw) Hg threshold for hepatic damage while none from SC reached this level. Hepatic concentrations of As in SC dolphins and V in FL dolphins were also highly correlated with skin concentrations which may have some regional specificity predictive value. The present study provides the first application of trace element concentrations derived from stranded bottlenose dolphins to predict liver concentrations in free-ranging populations.     

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.     

Exposure of an anoxic and contaminated canal sediment: Mobility of metal(loid)s

A derelict canal contains an estimated 9800 tonnes of anoxic sediment with highly elevated concentrations of trace elements. Lack of maintenance, reduced water levels and vegetation colonization threaten the stability of pollutants by removing existing waterlogged reduced conditions. A column leaching study of the sediment under increasingly oxidized conditions showed reductions in As mobility but increased heavy metal concentrations. In a reduced state, As mobility was higher (as a consequence of enhanced Fe and organic carbon solubility) whilst heavy metal concentrations in leachates were lower (due to markedly higher pH). Over 10 contiguous wetting and drying cycles, the consequences were profound; all trace elements were continuously leached with enhanced flushing of Fe, As, Zn and Cu. This raises concern over possible mobilization of pollutants to the wider environment, including groundwater. Options for management to stabilize contaminants are discussed that point to the importance of limiting water flow through the sediment.     

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.     

Arsenite transporters expression in rice (Oryza sativa L.) associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization under different levels of arsenite stress

As a silicon hyperaccumulator, lowland rice takes up higher levels of As than many other plants due to silicic acid and arsenite sharing the same transporters (Lsi1 and Lsi2). Glomus intraradices (AH01) was inoculated to rice under different arsenite concentrations (0, 2 and 8 μM) in order to investigate the interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and rice on the accumulation of arsenite. The relative mRNA expressions of Lsi1 and Lsi2 resulted in a down-regulating trend in mycorrhizal plants. Under 2 μM arsenite treatments, Lsi1 and Lsi2 were significantly decreased, by 0.7-fold (P < 0.05) and 0.5-fold (P < 0.01), respectively, in mycorrhizal plants when compared with non-mycorrhizal plants. This led to the decrease of arsenite uptake per unit of root dry mass. No organic As species were detected in both roots and shoots. The As(III)/As(V) ratios indicated that mycorrhizal plants immobilized most of the arsenite proportion in the roots and prevented its translocation from the roots to the shoots.