Heavy metal toxicity of kidney and bone tissues in South Australian adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus)

Metallothioneins (MT) concentration, renal damage, and bone malformations were investigated in 38 adult Tursiops aduncus carcasses to determine any associations with cadmium, copper, zinc, mercury, lead and selenium. Significantly higher concentrations of cadmium, copper, and zinc in the liver were observed in dolphins showing evidence of more advanced renal damage. No significant differences in metal or selenium concentrations in the liver were observed between groups differing in level of bone malformations. Some dolphins displayed evidence of toxicity and knowledge of metal toxicity pathways were used to elucidate the cause of these abnormalities. Two dolphins had high metal burdens, high MT concentrations, renal damage, and evidence of bone malformations, indicating possible severe and prolonged metal toxicity. One dolphin showed evidence of renal damage, but the lack of any other symptoms suggests that this was unlikely to be caused by metal toxicity. We recommend examining a range of metal toxicity symptoms simultaneously to aid in distinguishing metal toxicity from unrelated aetiologies.     

Acute toxicity of heavy metals to two species of marine nematodes

The acute toxicity of seawater solutions of copper, zinc, lead, cadmium and mercury to two species of free-living marine nematodes was studied. Enoplus brevis (Bastian) is a euryhaline species inhabitating intertidal estuarinemud. The closely related Enoplus communis (Bastian) is stenohaline and may be found as a commensal in the byssus threads of seed mussels. Specimens of both species were collected from two sites on the Northeast coast of England showing different levels of pollution by heavy metals. Both species were more susceptible to copper, lead and mercury than to zinc and cadmium, but the order of toxicity of the metals changed with exposure concentration. The euryhaline species survived better than the strictly marine species and there is a suggestion that animals from a polluted site were more tolerant of elevated of heavy metals.     

Liver cadmium uptake,catalase inhibition and cadmium thionein production in the killifish (Fundulus Heteroclitus) induced by experimental cadmium exposure

Liver catalase activity was used as an index of cadmium poisoning in the killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus, and was found to be inhibited following both in vivo and in vitro exposure to dissolved cadmium at a concentration greater than 1 mg/litre. Pre-exposure at 1 mg Cd/litre prevented catalase inhibition at higher subsequent doses of cadmium. Comparison of the effects of in vivo and in vitro exposure showed in vivo exposure to cadmium to result in greater catalase inhibition.Cadmium and copper binding was determined by gel chromatography and found to occur at three distinct liver cytosol fraction peaks. Both metals showed enhanced cytosol concentrations with cadmium exposure and relative changes in peak levels as related to cadmium exposure regimes. Cadmium thionein (molecular weight of 7–10,000) was found in the killifish liver and was correlated with adaptive responses in liver catalase activity. High molecular weight cadmium binding was found to be a better index of cadmium toxicity to liver catalase than total liver cadmium concentration.     

Concentrations of trace metals in the tissues of long-beaked common dolphins (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Delphinus capensis</Emphasis>) in the East Sea,Korea

Concentrations of trace metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Se, and Zn) were determined in the livers, kidneys, muscles, intestines, and hearts of twelve long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) from the East Sea, Korea, in 2006. All specimens were entangled in various commercial fishing nets or traps and as such are recorded as by-catch. The concentrations of Cu, Hg, Se, and Zn were much higher in the liver than in the kidney, muscle, intestine, or heart. Trace metals that accumulated in the liver were, in descending order: Zn > Hg > Cd > Se > Cu > As > Cr > Pb. In contrast, the concentration of Cd was higher in the kidney than in any other organs. The trace metals accumulated in the kidney were, in descending order: Cd > Zn > Cu > Hg > Se > As > Pb > Cr. No significant differences were found in the concentrations of As, Cr, or Pb in all the tissues examined.     

Trace metals in the common porpoise, Phocoena phocoena

Mercury, cadmium, copper and zinc concentrations in brain, liver, kidney, heart and spleen of twenty-six specimens of the common porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) are presented. Mercury and cadmium levels in liver and kidneys tended to increase with length of animal, but copper and zinc levels show no such trends. The proportion of methylmercury to total mercury (9%–57%) in the liver decreased with increasing total mercury concentrations. Lead, chromium, nickel and cobalt levels were below the analytical detection limits (0·5, 1·0, 1·0 and 2·5 μg^?1, respectively).     

Hg,Cu,Cd,Zn 对真鲷仔鱼的急性毒性研究

本文采用静水生物试验法测定了Hg,Cu,Cd,Zn对真鲷仔鱼(2周龄)的急性毒性。结果表明:Hg,Cu,Cd,Zn对真鲷仔鱼24h的LC_(50)分别为0.025,0.31,5.00和3.70 mg/L,48h的LC_(50)分别为0.016,0.24,1.72和2.22mg/L,72h的LC_(50)分别为0.006,0.11,O.56和0.92mg/L,96h的LC_(50)分别为O.004,0.07,0.27和0.44 mg/L。Hg,Cu对真鲷仔鱼的影响极为显著,Zn,Cd的影响虽然很大,但比Hg,Cu低得多。Cd的毒性比Zn强,但毒理作用较为缓慢。4种重金属的毒性顺序为Hg>Cu>Cd>Zn。     

Quantitation of metallothionein mRNA from the New Zealand common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus) and its implications for biomonitoring

Metallothionein (MT) is a protein found in most eukaryotes where its primary role is the regulation of homeostasis of the essential metals copper and zinc. MTs have an additional protective role through their binding of toxic metals such as cadmium and mercury. Increased expression of MT in response to harmful levels of these metals has been demonstrated for several aquatic species. In this study, the expression of MT in the liver tissue of the New Zealand common bully Gobiomorphus cotidianus was measured by quantifying MT mRNA. A statistically significant increase in MT expression was observed in fish exposed to copper for 48 h, but not those exposed to zinc. Field sampling of common bullies showed a wide variation in individual hepatic MT mRNA levels which did not correlate with fish age, sex, or sampling location. A comparison of two populations of common bullies from a polluted and a control site showed a two‐fold higher mean MT mRNA level in fish from the polluted site. Implications for using MT expression in the common bully as a bio‐monitoring tool are discussed.     

Assumption and elimination of trace elements in Adélie penguins from Antarctica: a preliminary study

The concentration and distribution of some trace elements were determined in stomach contents, excreta and feathers of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) breeding at Edmonson Point (Terra Nova Bay-Antarctica). In these materials obtained by non-destructive methods, concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead measured were used to establish natural levels of these metals in the penguins' diet. An intake-excretion hypothesis was formulated.     

茅尾海养殖区重金属污染调查与评价

文章对2012—2014年8月平潮期钦州茅尾海增养殖区水质以及表层沉积物中的铜、铬、镉、汞、砷含量进行了调查和评价。结果表明,茅尾海养殖区水体和沉积物中重金属含量水平能满足规定的海水水产养殖标准值要求,水体中重金属总含量呈递减趋势,而沉积物中则相反,沉积物中重金属总体潜在生态危害程度仍处于低水平,但潜在生态危害的程度略有上升的趋势,潜在生态危害较大的是镉和汞。     

Altered glutathione status in atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) tissues exposed to lead

Metals which induce the synthesis of metallothioneins, such as cadmium and mercury, also elevate glutathione (GSH) concentrations in fish tissues.^1,2 To determine whether metals which do not stimulate metallothionein synthesis increase GSH levels, the GSH status of Atlantic croaker tissues was examined after oral administration of lead. Lead significantly increased GSH levels in the intestine and liver, but not in kidney or brain tissues. Lead was not bound to GSH and the increase in GSH did not appear to be linked to lead accumulation in these tissues. Investigations of hepatic GSH synthesis and turnover in vitro using a radiolabelled amino acid precursor, C¹⁴ glycine, showed that the elevation of GSH was due to an increase in GSH synthesis rather than decreased utilization of GSH. These studies suggest that the interactions between GSH and lead are indirect and involve a stimulatory effect of the metal on the activity of the enzymes for GSH synthesis.     

重金属Pb和Cu对Cd在泥鳅（Misgurnus anguillicaudatus）组织器官蓄积的影响

采用静水生物测试方法,研究了Pb（0.5mg/L）和Cu（0.1mg/L）的相互作用对Cd（0.05mg/L）在泥鳅组织器官中蓄积的影响。结果表明,重金属离子相互作用对Cd在泥鳅组织器官中蓄积的影响与重金属的种类、数量、染毒时间及组织器官性质有关,Cd在泥鳅组织器官中的蓄积顺序为肝〉肾〉肌肉。研究发现,Cd在组织器官中...     

The impact of metals on the reproductive mechanisms of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis

Environmental pollution due to anthropogenic activities may exert an adverse impact on the reproductive mechanisms of animals. In particular, environmental chemicals introduced into seawater are able to disrupt the normal development and function of the reproductive system of marine animals. In this study, we have used the whole‐cell voltage clamp technique to examine the effects of four metals – lead, cadmium, mercury, and zinc – on reproductive mechanisms of the marine ascidian Ciona intestinalis (tunicates). In particular, we measured the effect of metals on plasma membrane electrical properties, the steady‐state conductance, the fertilization current in the mature oocyte, and larval development. Results show that oocyte voltage‐gated sodium currents are significantly reduced by all four metals, steady‐state conductance is affected only by zinc, and post‐fertilization contraction is inhibited only by lead. The fertilization current is suppressed in the presence of zinc and mercury. Embryo development up to larval stage is inhibited by zinc and mercury exposure with a reversible effect; however, a long‐term effect on larval morphology was observed. After exposure to cadmium, fertilization occurs but gives rise to abnormal larval development. These findings highlight the point that exposure to metals represents a significant risk factor for the physiology of reproduction of marine species and suggest a possible role of the C. intestinalis as a bioindicator for marine pollution monitoring.     

渤海中部表层沉积物中重金属赋存相态及来源

近年来由于环渤海经济圈的快速发展,渤海接受了来自周边河流、沿岸排污及海上油气开采所产生的大量的重金属等污染物质,使得渤海的生态环境系统面临前所未有的压力。本文采用电感耦合等离子质谱仪（ICP-MS）对采自渤海中部的25个表层沉积物样品中的Cu、Co、Ni、Zn、Pb、Cr、Cd等重金属元素的含量和赋存相态进行了分析,探讨了重金属分布规律、污染状况及来源。研究结果表明,Cu、Co、Ni、Zn、Cr在渤海湾的近岸区域和渤海中部泥质区有较高的含量,而Pb和Cd则在整个研究区的含量都较高;表层沉积物中Cu、Co、Ni、Zn、Cr主要以残渣态形式存在,而Pb和Cd则具有较高的非残渣态含量;生态风险评价结果表明该区表层沉积物未受到Co、Ni、Cr的污染,Cu、Zn、Pb和Cd则为未污染-中等程度污染。重金属元素Co、Ni、Cr以自然来源为主,在沉积物中的分布主要受沉积物物质组成的影响,而Cu、Zn、Pb,尤其是Cd,则受到了人类活动的显著影响。黄河沉积物是研究区表层沉积物中重金属的主要来源,影响范围涵盖了本区大部分区域,但在研究区的北端受到滦河来源物质的影响,渤海湾和研究区中部则受到海河物质和大气沉降来源重金属的一定影响。     

Assessment of metals in sediments from Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia, using normalisation models and sediment quality guidelines

Industrial activity since the 1890s and, more recently catchment development has resulted in significant metal contamination in Lake Macquarie, an estuary in New South Wales, Australia. This paper presents an analysis of metal concentrations in surface sediments from Lake Macquarie using normalisation models to estimate enrichment relative to natural background concentrations and by comparing concentrations with sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and effects range median quotients to assess the potential for ecological harm. Of the 12 metals examined, cadmium, lead, mercury, selenium, silver and zinc were enriched in surface sediments throughout the lake. The greatest contamination was found in the north of the lake and, for selenium, also in areas adjacent to two power stations. Comparisons with SQGs and effects range median quotients found that sediments from a site in Cockle Bay had concentrations of metals with the highest likelihood of causing adverse effects on sediment associated biota, and that the likelihood adverse decreased with distance from Cockle Bay. Comparisons with historical sediment quality data indicated that there has been a marked reduction in surface metal concentrations throughout the lake over 15 years. Models could not be constructed for all metals due to low background concentrations. For most metals, simple linear regression models were adequate, but for selenium and arsenic a multiple regression model provided a better estimate of background concentrations. SQGs possibly overestimated effects for arsenic, which has naturally high concentrations in the lake and underestimated the potential for ecological effects in coarser sediments.     

Marine mammals from northeast Atlantic: relationship between their trophic status as determined by delta13C and delta15N measurements and their trace metal concentrations

The relationship between trophic position through delta13C and delta15N and trace metal concentrations (Zn, Cd, Cu and Hg) was investigated in the tissues of six marine mammal species from the Northeast Atlantic: striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba, common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, Atlantic white-sided dolphin Lagenorhynchus acutus, harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena, white beaked-dolphin Lagenorhynchus albirostris, grey seal Halichoerus grypus stranded on French Channel and Irish coasts. White-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, white-sided dolphins, common and striped dolphins display the same relative and decreasing trophic position, as measured by delta15N values, along both the Irish and French channel coasts, reflecting conservative trophic habits between these two places. Hepatic and renal Cd concentrations were significantly correlated to muscle delta13C and delta15N values while Hg, Zn and Cu did not. These results suggest that Cd accumulation is partly linked to the diet while other factors such as age or body condition might explain Hg, Zn or Cu variability in marine mammals. Combined stable isotope and trace metal analyses appear to be useful tools for the study of marine mammal ecology.     

Heavy Metal Contents in Soft-Bottom Marine Macrophytes and Sediments Along the Mediterranean Coast of Spain

Abstract. Hg, Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations were determined in sediment and in tissues of five species of soft-bottom marine macrophytes ( Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa, Zostera noltii, Ruppia cirrhosa and Caulerpa prolifera ) along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Levels of metals were low in most of the sampling stations and similar to those found by other authors in uncontaminated zones. Certain locations, however, showed some degree of contamination (Cambrils, Almassora, Alacant, Mar Menor and El Portús). In Santa Pola we found high contents of metals in one sample of sediment due to the high proportion of the fine fraction (particules < 63µm) and organic matter, but not in the seagrass species. Mercury and zinc concentrations in the sediment are correlated to those in at least some anatomic fractions of Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa and Caulerpa prolifera , suggesting that these species reflect the levels of these metals in the environment. Lead contents in the alga Caulerpa prolifera are also correlated to those in the sediment, while no significant correlations were obtained for cadmium. Among the species studied, Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa seem to be better biomonitors than Caulerpa prolifera .     

辽宁沿岸海域重金属和石油污染的生物指示种初步研究

本文根据经济贝类污染物残留量调查结果，对辽宁沿岸海域贻贝、菲律宾蛤仔作为重金属、石油污染的生物指示种的可能性进行了初步研究和评价。应用ＰＯＬＹＤＩＶ统计技术对采自辽宁沿岸海域１４个站点样品中的重金属、石油含量进行了统计分析，结果表明辽宁沿岸海域各站点的贻贝、菲律宾蛤仔受Ｃｕ，Ｚｎ，Ｃｄ，Ｈｇ和石油污染与石油污染程度的分布和沿岸排放工业废水的分布及表层沉积物中的含量相一致。据此，贻贝和菲律宾蛤仔可作为监测Ｃｕ，ｍ，Ｃｄ，Ｈｇ和石油污染的生物指示种；可否作为Ｐｂ的生物指示种尚需进一步研究。     

浙江近岸海域贝类中重金属和贝毒污染状况研究

在浙江近岸海域采集了青蛤(Cyclina sinensis)、毛蚶(Scapharca subcrenata)、厚壳贻贝(Mytilus coruscus)、缢蛏(Sinonovacula constricta)、泥螺(Bullacta exarata)、菲律宾蛤仔(Ruditapes philippi-narum)、文蛤(Meretrix meretrix)、僧帽牡蛎(Ostrea cucullata)和栉孔扇贝(Chlamys farreri)共9种贝类计29份样品,检测其中重金属汞、砷、铜、铅、锌、镉以及麻痹性贝毒和腹泻性贝毒.结果表明,瑞安毛蚶、瑞安栉孔扇贝中有麻痹性贝类毒素检出,嵊泗文蛤、毛蚶和乐清牡蛎中存在重金属超标的情况;牡蛎对汞、铜、锌、镉有较强的富集能力.     

Effects of barium and cadmium on the population development of the marine nematode Rhabditis (Pellioditis) marina

Offshore oil and gas drilling often involves the use of fluids containing barium and traces of other heavy metals. These may affect the environment, but information on their toxicity to benthic biota remains scant. Here, we present results of a 10-day bioassay with the marine nematode Rhabditis (Pellioditis) marina at different loads of barium (0-10 ,000 ppm nominal concentrations) and cadmium (0-12 ppm) in the range of concentrations reported from drilling-impacted sediments. Barium did not affect the fitness and population development of R. (P.) marina at concentrations up to 300 ppm, but did cause a decrease in population abundance and an increase in development time from concentrations of 400-2000 ppm onwards. Increased mortality occurred at 4800 ppm Ba. For cadmium, LOEC and EC?? values for total population abundance were 2.95 and 8.82 ppm, respectively. Cd concentrations as low as 2.40 to 2.68 caused a decrease in the abundance of adult nematodes, indicating that assays covering more generations would likely demonstrate yet more pronounced population-level effects. Our results indicate that oil and gas drilling activities may potentially have important implications for the meiobenthos through the toxicity of barium and associated metals like cadmium.     

Assessment of toxicological status of a SW Mediterranean segment population of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) using skin biopsy

Various studies have revealed high concentrations of contaminants such as organochlorines (OCs) and heavy metals in Mediterranean cetaceans. A geographical trend of contamination (PCBs and DDTs) has been found for striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). In this study we used a non-lethal approach (skin biopsy) to investigate bioaccumulation of OCs, including polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), DDTs, polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs), trace elements (Hg, Cd, Pb) and CYP1A activity (BPMO) in nine striped dolphins sampled in the Aeolian area (Sicily - Italy) in summer 2002. The arithmetic mean value of BPMO activity in this group was 43.46 AUF/g tissue/h. This value is approximately 3 times and 5 times lower, respectively, than the value found in the Ionian and in the Ligurian groups. Skin biopsies of striped dolphins emerged as a suitable material for assessing the toxicological status of the various Mediterranean groups.