The Influence of the Biometric Parameters on Metallothionein and Metal Level in the Heat-Treated Cytosol of the Whole Soft Tissue of Transplanted Mussels

The influence of the biometric parameters (shell mass, whole soft tissue mass, condition index) on MT and metal levels in the heat-treated cytosol of the whole soft tissue of transplanted mussels was studied over the period of one year. The positive correlation of three metals (Cd, Fe, Zn) with the shell mass indicated to time-dependent increase of their contents. Strong correlation of Mn content with the whole soft tissue mass (r = 0.74, p < 0.0001), and almost identical changes of these two parameters over the year make Mn a good indicator of mussel's condition. As opposed to the other metals, Cu content does not exhibit connection with biometry. On the other hand, MTs are highly influenced by biometry. As much as 65% of their variability could be explained by the changes of the shell mass and the whole soft tissue mass. Consequently, it is difficult to distinguish if the obtained positive correlation between Cd and MTs (r = 0.48, p < 0.05) reflects MT induction by Cd, or Cd accumulation as a result of age-dependent increase of MTs. Due to the strong influence of the biometry on MT level, the whole soft tissue is not considered as the best choice for measuring MTs as a biomarker. Better option would be to isolate a specific tissue that shows indisputable connection between MT induction and metal accumulation.     

Non-dioxin-like PCBs in ten different fish species from the Danube river in Serbia

This work has been developed to examine the level of non-dioxin-like (ndl) PCBs (28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180) in (a) ten different freshwater fish species from the Danube river, (b) two sampling points: up and downstream of the industrial zone of the city of Pancevo (ecological hot spot in Serbia) and (c) two time points i.e., in 2001 and 2006. Obtained results would serve to analyse spatial, temporal and congener profile characteristics of ndl PCBs cumulated in fish tissues due to environmental pollution. Sixty-four samples of the following species were collected: wels (Silirus glanus), pike (Esox lucius), bream (Abramis brama), crucian carp (Carassius carassius), pike pearch (Stizostedion lucioperca), barbel (Barbus barbus), tench (Tinca tinca), sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L.), common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis). Gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detector was used for analysis of ndl PCBs. Total ndl PCBs content in upstream samples ranged from 2.7 to 98.1 ng/g and from 4.9 to 68.3 ng/g in 2001 and 2006, respectively. During the 5 years, ndl PCBs content increased significantly in downstream samples i.e., ndl PCBs varied from 13.7 to 46.1 ng/g and from 14.4 to 107.2 ng/g in 2001 and 2006, respectively. PCBs 138 and 180 were predominant congeners in 2001, while in 2006 the most abundant PCB congeners were 138 and 153. In 2006, the presence of PCB 28 and PCB 52 has indicated a recent contamination event. Data on continual monitoring of PCBs in all relevant environmental compartments together with appropriate biomonitoring data are expected to give comprehensive insight into the fate and behaviour profile of these contaminants.     

Economic,ecological, and health aspects of β-diketonate application in the process of water purification

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Water pollution is a constant challenge for humanity. Sustainable economic development and environmental protection through a green economy structure...     

Seasonal variation of the metal (Zn, Fe, Mn) and metallothionein concentrations in the liver cytosol of the European chub (Squalius cephalus L.)

Seasonal variations of biometric parameters as well as metal and protein concentrations were analyzed in the liver cytosol of indigenous European chub (Squalius cephalus L.). Fish sampling was carried out in the reproductive (spring) and non-reproductive period (autumn) in order to define parameters which are seasonally dependent. The specimens caught in the spring period had higher biometric (liver mass, condition and hepatosomatic indices) and some biochemical parameters (metallothionein (MT) and Mn) that are characteristic for the reproductive period. Contrary, Fe hepatic cytosolic concentrations were significantly lower in specimens from spring than in autumn period. Total cytosolic proteins, Cu and Cd concentrations were not seasonally dependent. Range of constitutive levels was determined for total cytosolic proteins (17.7 to 24.7 mg ml(-1)) from the whole set of data. Constitutive range of seasonally dependent parameters MT (207 to 337 microg ml(-1)) and Mn (0.11 to 0.19 microg ml(-1)) is based on the data from non-reproductive period. In order to avoid the interference of reproductive cycle on the level of selected biochemical parameters, it is recommended to perform chub sampling during non-reproductive period.     

Multielement analysis in the fish hepatic cytosol as a screening tool in the monitoring of natural waters

The possibility of direct measurement of trace elements in hepatic cytosol of European chub (Squalius cephalus) by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR ICP-MS) after cytosol dilution with Milli-Q water and subsequent acidification was investigated. Due to low detection limits of this procedure, determination of 13 elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, V and Zn) was possible in the chub hepatic cytosol, exhibiting excellent measurement repeatability in duplicates. Some of these elements were also measured by HR ICP-MS in acid digested cytosols (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Sr, V and Zn). Good agreement of the results obtained after sample dilution and sample digestion indicated that complex organic matrix of hepatic cytosol did not affect measurement reliability. Cytosolic concentrations of 13 trace elements in the chub liver were quantified in the following order: Fe, Zn>Cu>Mn>Mo>Sr, V, Cd>Co>As, Pb>Sn>Sb. Unlike Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn for which the cytosolic concentrations were previously reported after measurement by AAS, cytosolic concentrations of eight additional trace elements characteristic for the liver of chubs inhabiting the low contaminated river water were reported here for the first time (in nanogrammes per gramme)—Mo, 136.8–183.6; Sr, 32.7–63.0; V, 17.5–69.0; Co, 24.3–30.7; As, 9.9–29.5; Pb, 5.8–35.6; Sn, 5.5–12.4; and Sb, 0.9–2.6. The simultaneous measurement of large number of trace elements in the cytosolic fractions of fish tissues, which comprise potentially metal-sensitive sub-cellular pools, could be beneficial as a screening tool in the monitoring of natural waters, because it would enable timely recognition of increased fish exposure to metals.     

Distribution of Co,Cu, Fe,Mn, Se,Zn, and Cd among cytosolic proteins of different molecular masses in gills of European chub (Squalius cephalus L.)

The distribution of essential elements Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn, and nonessential element Cd among cytosolic proteins of different molecular masses in the gills of European chub (Squalius cephalus) sampled in the moderately contaminated Sutla River in September of 2009, was studied after the protein separation by size exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (SEC-HPLC), and the metal determination in the obtained fractions by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR ICP-MS). The aims of the study were to characterize the distribution profiles of metals within different protein categories in gills in the conditions of low metal exposure in the river water, and to compare them with the previously published hepatic profiles. The distribution profiles of analyzed metals were mainly characterized with several peaks. However, some observations could be emphasized: both Cu and Cd were eluted near metallothionein elution time; elution time of one of Co peaks could be associated with Co-containing compound cobalamin; increasing cytosolic Fe concentrations resulted in possible Fe binding to storage protein ferritin; both Mn and Zn had poorly resolved peaks covering wide ranges of molecular masses and indicating their binding to various proteins; both Zn and Se increased in protein fractions of molecular masses <5 kDa following their concentration increase in the gill cytosol; expected clear metallothionein peak was not observed for Zn. Comparison of gill profiles with previously published hepatic profiles revealed similar and in case of some elements (e.g., Co, Fe, Mn, and Se) almost identical distributions in both organs regarding elution times. On the contrary, heights of obtained peaks were different, indicating possible metal binding to the same proteins in the gills and liver, but in different proportions. The results obtained in this study can be used as a basis for comparison in monitoring studies, for identification of changes that would occur after exposure of chub to increased metal concentrations.     

Distribution of selected essential (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn) and nonessential (Cd, Pb) trace elements among protein fractions from hepatic cytosol of European chub (Squalius cephalus L.)

Association of selected essential (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn) and nonessential (Cd, Pb) trace elements with cytosolic proteins of different molecular masses was described for the liver of European chub (Squalius cephalus) from weakly contaminated Sutla River in Croatia. The principal aim was to establish basic trace element distributions among protein fractions characteristic for the fish living in the conditions of low metal exposure in the water. The fractionation of chub hepatic cytosols was carried out by size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC; Superdex? 200 10/300 GL column), and measurements were performed by high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR ICP-MS). Elution profiles of essential elements were mostly characterized by broad peaks covering wide range of molecular masses, as a sign of incorporation of essential elements in various proteins within hepatic cytosol. Exceptions were Cu and Fe, with elution profiles characterized by sharp, narrow peaks indicating their probable association with specific proteins, metallothionein (MT), and ferritin, respectively. The main feature of the elution profile of nonessential metal Cd was also single sharp, narrow peak, coinciding with MT elution time, and indicating almost complete Cd detoxification by MT under the conditions of weak metal exposure in the water (dissolved Cd concentration ≤0.3 μg L^?1). Contrary, nonessential metal Pb was observed to bind to wide spectrum of proteins, mostly of medium molecular masses (30–100 kDa), after exposure to dissolved Pb concentration of ~1 μg L^?1. The obtained information within this study presents the starting point for identification and characterization of specific metal/metalloid-binding proteins in chub hepatic cytosol, which could be further used as markers of metal/metalloid exposure or effect on fish.