Seasonal Variation of Metals in Seawater, Sediment, and Manila Clam Ruditapes philippinarum from China

Concentrations of trace metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Hg, and As) were determined for the first time in seawater, sediment, and Manila clam from Deer Island, Liaoning Province, China. The seawater, sediment, and clam samples were collected seasonally at three clam farming sites around Deer Island during 2010–2011. The average concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Hg, and As in the seawater samples were 4.16, 0.72, 5.88, 0.45, 2.51, 0.03, and 1.02 μg/l, respectively. The seasonal variations of trace metals in seawater showed a significant difference in the concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Hg, and As among seasons. The average concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Hg, and As in the sediment samples were 6.43, 13.80, 53.08, 1.10, 36.40, 0.05, and 4.78 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. Trace metal concentrations in sediment seasonally varied significantly except for Cd and Hg. The average concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Hg, and As in the clam samples were 11.28, 0.61, 92.50, 0.58, 3.98, 0.03, and 1.98 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, and As in Manila clam showed marked seasonal fluctuations with significant difference. Cu and Zn were the metals with the highest mean biosediment accumulation factor values in Manila clam. Besides, significant correlations for the concentrations of Cu and Zn relative to their concentrations in sediment were also found. Such differences in regression analyzes may be explained by differential bioaccumulation of essential and xenobiotic metals. Concentrations of trace metals in Manila clam did not exceed the maximum established regulatory concentrations for human consumption. Moreover, the calculations revealed that the estimated daily intake values for the examined clam samples were below the internationally accepted dietary guidelines and the calculated hazard quotient values were well less than 1, thus strongly indicating that health risk associated with the intake studied metals through the consumption of Manila clam from Deer Island was absent.     

Mercury Contamination and Dynamics in the Sediment of the Second Songhua River,China

The Second Songhua River (SSR) was subjected to a large amount of mercury discharge from petrochemical industries in Jilin City from the 1960s to 1980s. The objectives of this study were to investigate the spatial and temporal change of mercury concentration in the sediments of the river and to assess Hg pollution in sediment employing enrichment ratio. Bottom sediments sampled in 2005 were digested with various acids followed by analysis by atomic fluorescence spectrometry for Hg, ICP-MS for Cd, Pb and Sc, and ICP-OES for Co, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Ti, V, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, and K, in order to measure the total concentrations of these elements in the sediments. Results indicated that mercury concentrations in the sediments were strongly related with distance from the historic industrial point source, decreasing at an exponential rate from 1.27 mg kg^?1 at Jilin City to 0.01 mg kg^?1 at downstream Haerbin City. In addition, mercury concentration decreased from 16.8 mg kg^{? 1} y^?1 in 1974 to 0.09 mg kg^?1 y^?1 in 2005 in the sediments at effluent discharge site, and from 0.006 mg kg^?1 y^?1in 1974 to 0.004 mg kg^?1 y^?1 in 2005 at Songyuan City 257 km downstream. In the sedimentary sections of the river, deeper sediments contained higher concentrations of mercury as compared to the surface sediments, suggesting discharges of higher levels of mercury in the past and its subsequent burial over the years by less polluted sediments. Background concentrations of mercury in the surface sediments, reconstructed by tracer Sc, were 0.011 to 0.018 mg kg^?1. Enrichment ratios of Hg in the sediments of SSR was 5 to 75, indicating moderate to extreme pollution, while the sediment of Songhua River is less contaminated, with enrichment ratios of 0.9 to 1.5. At present, the previously accumulated and buried mercury in sediments may not significantly affect water quality of the SSR, but might pose a potential ecological risk to aquatic and amphibian animals. Natural attenuation seems to be an economic remedial choice for these sediments.     

An Evaluation of a Point Source Brine Discharge into a Riverine System and Implications for TDS Limitations

The North Fork Holston River (NFHR) below Saltville, Virginia, has been the subject of many studies due to years of contamination from a closed chloroalkali plant. In addition, a point source brine discharge high in total dissolved solids (TDS) may also be adversely affecting aquatic biota. This study assessed the toxicity of the brine discharge to selected test organisms, including two freshwater mussel species and also discusses implications for development of a TDS limit based on brine toxicity. Ceriodaphnia dubia was the most sensitive organism in acute and chronic brine toxicity tests. Bivariate analysis of the brine conductivity and C. dubia LC₅₀ values showed no relationship (p = .1756); however, LC₅₀ values were strongly related (r² = 0.8818) to sodium concentrations in the brine discharge. A comparison of the results from acute tests with the brine effluent and the reference toxicant sodium chloride (NaCl) demonstrated that organisms were more sensitive to NaCl. Brine discharge toxicity to C. dubia was variable during the study duration with toxicity determined to be dependent on specific TDS constituents rather than conductivity or TDS. These results suggest the need for site-specific development of TDS criteria that are based on the specific constituents in a discharge.     

Anthropogenic impact of mercury accumulation in fish from the Rio Madeira and Rio Negro rivers (Amazonia)

Fish is an important concentrator of mono-methyl mercury and the main route to human contamination. We compared fish Hg bioaccumulation (within similar weight ranges) in two Amazonian river habitats during high-water seasons. The Rio Madeira has been greatly impacted by agriculture, alluvial gold extraction, and a hydroelectric reservoir, whereas the Rio Negro is much less affected by these human activities. The species at the top of the food web, Hoplias malabaricus (piscivorous; 80-668 ng Hg/g) and Cichla spp. (piscivorous; 42–747 ng Hg/g) showed the highest range of Hg concentrations. Nonpiscivorous species with comparable weight range, such as Potamorhina latior (detritivorous; 20–157 ng Hg/g) and Myleus torquatus (herbivorous; 2–182 ng Hg/g), had lower Hg concentrations. Triportheus elongatus (omnivorous; 5–350 ng Hg/g), with the lowest weight range, also showed a low range of Hg concentrations. Despite the Rio Madeira's higher sediment load as well as environmental impacts (deforestation, agriculture, hydroelectric reservoir, and alluvial gold mining) on natural Hg release, fish Hg bioaccumulation was no different between the two river habitats for nonpiscivorous species. In this small observational study only the species at the top of the food web (M. torquatus, Cichla spp, T. elongatus) showed higher mean Hg concentrations in the Rio Madeira than the dominantly wilderness habitat of the Rio Negro.     

Red Fox <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vulpes vulpes</Emphasis> (L., 1758) as a Bioindicator of Mercury Contamination in Terrestrial Ecosystems of North-Western Poland

In this study, we determined the concentrations of total mercury (Hg) in samples of liver, kidney and skeletal muscle of 27 red foxes Vulpes vulpes (L., 1758) from north-western Poland, and examined the morphometric characteristics of the collected specimens. The analysis also included the relationship between Hg concentration and the fox size, and the suitability of individual organs as bioindicators in indirect evaluation of environmental mercury contamination. Determination of Hg concentration was performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. In the analysed samples, the Hg concentration was low and the maximum value did not exceed 0.85 mgHg/kg dry weight (dw). There were no significant differences in Hg concentrations in the analysed material between males and females or between immature and adult groups. The median concentrations of Hg in the liver, kidney and skeletal muscle were 0.22, 0.11 and 0.05 mgHg/kg dw, respectively. The correlation coefficients were significant between the concentrations of mercury in the liver, kidney and skeletal muscle (positive) and between the kidney Hg concentration and kidney mass (negative). Taking into account our results and findings of other authors, it may be argued that the red fox exhibits a measurable response to mercury environmental pollution and meets the requirements of a bioindicator.     

Assessment of heavy metal in the water,sediment, and two edible fish species of Jamshedpur Urban Agglomeration,India with special emphasis on human health risk

The city of Jamshedpur, nicknamed the “industrial capital of Jharkhand,” is one of the oldest industrial settlements in India, nestled amidst the mineral-rich Chota Nagpur plateau, with its diverse tribal population. Heavy metal contamination from industrialization and urbanization can pose a serious health risk to the resident population of the city. Metal concentrations in water and sediment of various water bodies (rivers, canals, and lakes) were determined using ICP-MS. Pollution indices indicate heavy metal contamination at Jamshedpur Urban Agglomeration, mainly because of Cr (23–1111.6 mg/kg), Hg (0.08–4.11 mg/kg), and Pb (5.2–248 mg/kg). Labeo rohita and Punitus sarara, the two popular edible fishes, also have high concentration of Cr, Hg, and Pb. Health risk to human population due to consumption of metal contaminated edible fishes (L. rohita and P. sarara) was determined by target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI). THQ value of fish consumption (most popular protein supplement in the area) was found higher for Cr and Pb when compared with previous literature on fish consumption. Also, HI value ranged from 1.4 to 3.9, suggesting that the children have higher health risks than adults, due to consumption of metal contaminated fishes (especially L. rohita).     

Metal Contamination in Sediment of One of the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River: Mianyuan River in Longmenshan Region,Southwest of China

Metal contamination in sediment of the Mianyuan River (one of the major upper reaches of the Yangtze River) in Longmenshan Region (China) was investigated in 2012. Means of metal concentrations in sediment (<74μm) were Cr: 59.93 ± 19.8% mg/kg; As: 7.21 ± 50.2% mg/kg; Se: 0.45 ± 66.3% mg/kg; Pb: 19.89 ± 29.3% mg/kg; Zn: 78.98 ± 31.9% mg/kg; Cd: 0.69 ± 28.3% mg/kg; Ba: 0.71 ± 34.0% g/kg; Mn: 0.55 ± 62.2% g/kg. This study suggested: (1) concentrations of Cd, As, Cr, and Pb in Mianyuan River sediment were lower than those of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River; (2) the increase of metals during the period from 2006 to 2009 was probably related to the destruction of tailings piles by the Wen Chun earthquake in 2008; (3) organic materials decided the distribution of Cd, Se, As, Ba, and Mn in the upstream sediment, while the iron and manganese minerals controlled the distribution of Ba, Cr, and Zn in the downstream sediment; (4) sources of Cd, Se, and As were geogenic, while sources of Cr, Zn, Ba, and Mn were anthropogenic; (5) the source of Pb in the upstream sediment was probably automobile exhaust, but that of Pb in the downstream sediment was geogenic.     

Mercury distribution in two commercial fish species (Pimelodus maculatus and Calophysus macropterus) - Case study of river Acre (Acre state,Brazilian Amazon)

Abstract

Total mercury (Hg) concentrations were assessed during July 2017 in two commercial fish species Pimelodus maculatus and Calophysus macropterus from two locations of Acre river (Acre State, Brazilian Amazon) - Iñapari (undeveloped areas) and Assis Brazil (urban areas). The current study aimed to assess: (i) Hg spatial variations; (ii) the assimilation efficiencies in different tissues and (iii) the ecological quality of these ecosystems based on tissue Hg concentrations. Both species showed significantly (p?<?.05) different Hg concentrations between tissues. Hg concentrations were significantly higher than those previously reported for these Amazon regions. Hg concentrations in Assis Brazil were significantly higher (p?<?.05) than in Iñapari, indicating an anthropogenic influence. Bioaccumulation factors indicated that kidney and liver are the main Hg retention tissues. Considering European and Brazilian mercury guidelines in foodstuff, Iñapari and Assis Brazil are “Unpolluted” during July 2017, although hepatic Hg concentrations in C. macropterus from Assis Brazil showed evidences of anthropogenic contamination.     

Distribution and partitioning of mercury in a river catchment impacted by former mercury mining activity

Mercury distribution and partitioning was studied in the River Idrijca system, draining the area of the former Idrija mercury mine, Slovenia. Mercury dynamics were assessed by speciation analysis of mercury in water and river bed sediment samples during a 2-year study at locations on the River Idrijca and its major tributaries. Simultaneously, the influence of some major physico-chemical parameters that influence the fate of mercury in the aquatic environment was investigated. The distribution of mercury species in the River Idrijca catchment indicated contamination from mine tailings distributed in the town of Idrija and erosion of contaminated soils. The partitioning between dissolved and particulate mercury phases in river water was found to be mostly controlled by the variable content of suspended solids resulting from changing hydrological conditions and complexation with various ligands present in river water, among which dissolved organic carbon (DOC) seems to be the most important. Overall results indicate that mercury is transported downstream from the mining area mainly as finely suspended material including colloids rather than in the dissolved phase. This riverine transport occurs mostly during short, but extreme hydro-meteorological conditions when remobilization of mercury from the river bed sediments occurs. A significant part of the mercury particulate phase in water corresponds to cinnabar particles. During its transport, important Hg transformation mechanisms that increase the risk of mercury uptake by biota take place, evidenced by the increase in the relative contribution of reactive mercury (Hg_R), dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) and monomethylmercury (MeHg) downstream from the Idrija mine. However, our data revealed relatively low methylation efficiency in this contaminated river system. We attribute this to the site specific physico-chemical conditions responsible for making inorganic mercury unavailable and limiting the capacity of methylating bacteria.     

Small-scale Gold Mining in the Puyango River Basin,Southern Ecuador: A Study of Environmental Impacts andHuman Exposures

This study addresses the impact of small-scale gold mining on the environment and communities of the Puyango River basin in the southwest of Ecuador between 1999 and 2001. Our primary objectives were to measure mercury, manganese, and lead in the river, to identify pathways of population exposure, and biological indicators of human exposure. A multi-method design at the catchment scale was applied to the analysis of water, sediments, and particulate matter for mercury, lead, and manganese over two different seasons. A household survey was undertaken, and individuals were assessed for lead (blood samples), and for mercury (urine and hair samples). River water samples had high concentrations of particulate matter (700 mg/L). Mercury and lead levels in water at the gold processing plants were very high in both seasons (250 ng Hg/L and 160 μg Pb/L). Mercury and lead, there was a downstream gradient with the areas adjacent to the gold processing plants having the highest levels. In Portovelo, the Upper Basin city, 14% of the population reported occupational exposure to inorganic mercury. Although no one in Portovelo consumes water from the river, 10% of the population consume local fish. This contrasts the Lower Basin where 98% of the population consume fish, and 100% use river water for drinking and cooking. Lead blood levels over 20 μg/dl were found in 39.4% of the study population and blood mercury over 10 μg/L only in 10.0%. Urinary mercury over 4 μg/L was found in 66.5% of the examined persons. Hair methylmercury did not exceed the safe limit of 2 μg/g, the mean concentration was 1.2 μg/g. Mining activity and erosion contributes to heavy-metal contamination (mercury, lead, and manganese) throughout the Puyango Basin. The relation between environmental contamination is complex and further research is being conducted to understand these relations.     

Pollution characteristics of mercury (Hg) in surface sediments of major basins,China

To investigate the pollution status and potential pollution risk of mercury (Hg) in China, surface sediment samples were collected from eight hundred and eighty-one sites, including ten major basins (Songhua River Basin (SRB), Liao River Basin (LRB), Hai River Basin (HRB), Yellow River Basin (YRB), Huai River Basin (HuRB), Yangtze River Basin (YtRB), Pearl River Basin (PRB), Southeastern River Basin (SeRB), Southwestern River Basin (SwRB) and Northwestern River Basin (NwRB)). Results showed that Hg concentrations in sediments of ten basins in China ranged from 0.001 to 8.800 mg/kg, with average ± S.D. value of 0.274 ± 0.675 mg/kg, which was obviously higher than Chinese soil background value (0.038 mg/kg) and Chinese sediment background value (0.040 mg/kg). The mean Hg concentration of ten basins decreased in the order of HRB > YtRB > SRB > PRB > HuRB > SwRB > YRB > SeRB > LRB > NwRB. Moreover, it was found that the Hg concentrations in the sediments of LRB, YtRB, PRB, SeRB and SwRB were partly driven by their total organic carbon (TOC) contents, while the effect of pH on the distribution of Hg was not obvious. The Hg concentration data were also compared with those got in other periods (1994–2015) to obtain the general variation tendency of Hg level. It was recorded that Hg concentrations in HRB have remained on high levels for a long history, while Hg contamination situation in YRB after 2004 has potentially turned to be better. The results of pollution assessment by sediment quality assessment guidelines (SQGs), contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (I_geo) and potential ecological risk (E_i) suggested that YRB and HRB were the most seriously polluted river basins among the ten basins. It is urgent of constructing SQGs in China to scientifically evaluate the Hg pollution in the future.     

The effect of dissolved oxygen,sediment, and sewage treatment plant discharges upon growth,survival and density of Asiatic clams

The biology of Corbicula fluminea, the Asiatic clam, in the Vermilion River, Louisiana, as affected by sediment, dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, and sewage treatment plant (STP) effluents was investigated. A point source of high DO water to the Vermilion River established a gradient of DO that decreased as the river moved towards the Gulf of Mexico. Lowering DO levels were exacerbated by municipal sewage treatment plant discharges in the 20 km reach studied. Low dissolved oxygen was associated with reduced Corbicula density in the river and 30-day in-stream growth studies (weight and length) demonstrated that low DO inhibited growth. Generally, if DO was < 1.0 mg l^–1 in sediment pore water and/or < 3.0 mg l^–1 at the sediment-water interface, growth was significantly impaired (p < 0.05). Corbicula experienced substantial mortality near the STP discharges (up to 70% in 30 days) and laboratory toxicity tests with Ceriodaphnia dubia, a sensitive cladoceran, also strongly suggested discharges were chronically toxic at 6.25–25.0% effluent. Respiration experiments along with environmental measurements of DO, temperature, and STP discharge chemistry support a hypothesis that clam populations are adversely affected by the suite of environmental conditions present in the Vermilion River. Further, growth studies were consistent with observed population densities in situ.     

Mercury Levels in Raccoons (Procyon Lotor) from the Warta Mouth National Park,Northwestern Poland

This is the first report on mercury (Hg) levels in the liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, and brain of raccoon in Europe. It studied Hg concentration in 24 raccoons from the Warta Mouth National Park, northwestern Poland by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The highest total Hg concentrations in the raccoon were found in the liver (maximum, 18.45 mg/kg dry weight), while the lowest in the brain (maximum, 0.49 mg/kg dw). In adult raccoons, Hg concentrations in the liver, kidney, and brain were higher than in immature individuals (p?<?0.001), while similar in skeletal muscle in both age groups. Our results are consistent with studies by other authors conducted in North America in areas with similar environmental conditions.     

Interaction of lime,organic matter and fertilizer on growth and uptake of arsenic and mercury by Zorro fescue (Vulpia myuros L.)

The Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine (SBMM) is an abandoned open pit mine located on the eastern shores of Clear Lake, California. Revegetation efforts have been difficult because the mine-soils at SBMM have low pH, low fertility and elevated As and Hg concentrations. In a greenhouse study, we examined the interactions of lime, N, P and OM additions with respect to plant growth, and As and Hg uptake. Three selected acidic mine-soils from the site containing high (164 mg/kg) (S-H), medium (123 mg/kg) (S-M) and low (31 mg/kg) (S-L) total As content were planted to the Eurasian annual grass, Zorro fescue (Vulpia myuros L.). The Hg concentrations for these soils varied between 1700 and 3000 mg/kg with S-L > S-H S-M. A factorial design used 3 soils, 2 lime, 2 N, 2 P and 2 OM treatments with treatments replicated three times. Multiple regression analyses indicated a strong relationship between As plant uptake, root length density (RLD) and soluble As. A highly significant linear relationship between Hg uptake and RLD for plants growing on the three soils illustrated the importance of plant root characteristics in influencing Hg uptake. Soluble As decreased in the order S-H > S-M > S-L in positive correlation with P and DOC but in inverse relationship to oxalate extractable Fe. Lime and OM additions correlated negatively with soluble Hg and Hg tissue concentration due to either Hg adsorption to OM or to inorganic surfaces. Addition of lime increased dry matter yield and Hg uptake in all three soils.     

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in local edible plants near a municipal landfill and the related human health risk assessment

ABSTRACT

The increase in municipal solid waste generation, along with high concentrations of heavy metals in environments near municipal landfill, has led to human health hazards. This study investigated heavy metal contamination in water, sediment, and edible plants near a municipal landfill, including the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and potential health risks. The heavy metal concentrations in the samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The concentrations of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in water samples were not detected (ND), ND, 0.006 ± 0.01 mg/L, and ND, respectively, and in sediment samples, the concentrations were 1.19 ± 0.44, 3.20 ± 0.62, 0.46 ± 0.21, and 6.97 ± 0.34 mg/kg, respectively. The highest concentrations of As (5.03 ± 0.38), Pb (1.81 ± 0.37), and Cd (1.93 ± 0.13) were found in Marsilea crenata, whereas that of Cr (5.68 ± 0.79) was detected in Ipomoea aquatica. The Cr concentration in all plant species exceeded the standard for vegetables. The BAF values followed the heavy metal concentrations. All plant species have a low potential for accumulating Pb and Cr. The edible plants in this study area might cause health hazards to consumers from As, Pb, and Cd contamination.     

Assessment of potential health risk of heavy metals in soils from a rapidly developing region of China

Soil heavy metal contamination is a major environmental concern, and health risk associated with heavy metals is not fully explored. A combination of spatial analysis and Monte Carlo simulation was successfully used to identify the possible sources and health risk of cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) in soils collected from a rapidly developing region of China. It was found that mean concentrations of Cd (0.17 mg/kg ), As (8.74 mg/kg ), Hg (0.15 mg/kg ), Pb (27.28 mg/kg ), and Cu (33.32 mg/kg ) were greater than the soil background values. Accumulation and spatial variability of heavy metals were significantly affected by anthropogenic activities and soil properties. The risk assessment indicated that non-carcinogenic risk was not significant. However, 95% of the total cumulative carcinogenic risk of children was greater than 1E-05, implying high potential carcinogenic risk with As and Pb representing the major contributors. Ingestion of heavy metals in the soils was the main exposure pathway compared with the inhalation and the dermal exposure. Concentration of heavy metals in the soils, particulate emission factor, and dermal exposure ratio were the major parameters affecting health risk. This study highlights the importance of assessment of soil direct exposure health risk in studying heavy metal exposures.     

Trace Metals (Cd,Co, Cr,Cu, Hg,Ni, Pb,and Zn) in Food Supplements of Marine Origin

We determined the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in dietary supplements of marine origin. Four supplement categories were studied; algae, coral, krill, and shark cartilage. A direct mercury analyzer was used for Hg determinations while acid digestions and ICP-AES were used for Cr analysis and ICP-MS for the other trace metals. Algae are the supplements showing the highest concentrations of Pb, Cr, and Ni with respective means of 1.6 mg Pb/kg dry weight (d.w.), 3.2 Cr mg/kg d.w., and 8.0 mg Ni/kg d.w. Krill supplements have the highest levels of Cd, Cu, and Zn with 0.65 mg Cd/kg d.w., 63 mg Cu/kg d.w., and 50 mg Zn/kg d.w., respectively. Shark cartilage supplements show the highest levels of Hg and Co with mean concentrations of 160 μg Hg/kg d.w. and 73 ± 51 μg Co/kg d.w., respectively. No samples in our study exceeded the provisional tolerable daily intakes set by Health Canada, the joint committee of the World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization, or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Nevertheless, Ni and Pb in algae and Hg in shark cartilage may end up contributing to a very significant portion of the allowable daily intake—leaving little room for normal intake through food consumption and other exposure pathways.     

Accelerating recovery of the mercury-contaminated Wabigoon/English River system

Mercury levels (essentially methyl mercury — MeHg) in sportfish in a 250 km section of the Wabigoon-English River system remain seriously elevated as a result if the discharge of approximately 10 tonnes of inorganic Hg from a chlor-alkali plant at Dryden, Ontario, Canada which occurred primarily between 1962 and 1970. The discharges resulted in elevated mercury concentrations in water, sediments and biota. For example, Hg in adult Northern Pike in Clay Lake routinely exceeded 3 µg/g (ppm). Field studies in 1978–1981 suggest that partitioning of inorganic and MeHg between surface sediment, water and suspended particles occurs within days. MeHg levels in water were partitioned with total (essentially inorganic) Hg. Temperature affects both Hg and MeHg levels in water; concentrations fluctuated seasonally by an order of magnitude at some sites. Hg in contaminated surface sediments is almost certainly the primary source of the mercury now entering the water and biota in this contaminated watercourse. Mercury levels in biota decline less dramatically with distance downstream of Dryden than mercury concentrations in sediments. Natural erosion, resuspension and sedimentation processes have helped to reduce the amount of mercury in the active layer at the sediment/water interface and the most effective means of accelerating the recovery of the system will probably involve measures to accelerate these natural processes. Enclosure experiments, regional surveys and geochemical studies all provide evidence that the biological uptake of upstream anthropogenic Hg loadings at any given site would likely be reduced dramatically by the continuous addition of very modest quantities of pristine clay sediment. The quantities contemplated, when resuspended, would result in suspended solids concentrations on the order of 15–25 ppm, a value higher than for most shield waters but well within the range of many other productive watercourses in North America. The ability to mitigate local sources and ameliorate the adverse biological effects of anthropogenic loadings from upstream sources by resuspension of clean clay sediments permits targeting of sites for restoration and opens a wide array of ameliorative options. The authors believe that some of these options would be more effective and less costly than other restoration procedures commonly considered such as dredging and on land disposal of contaminated sediment.The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment or the International Joint Commission. No endorsement should be inferred.     

Relationship between genotoxicity,mutagenicity, and fish community structure in a contaminated stream

Genotoxic responses (chromosomal damage, DNA strandbreakage) of redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritis)populations exposed to industrial effluent andmutagenicity of the associated sediments weredetermined in order to compare them to changes incommunity structure. Data were collected from areference stream and East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC), afirst-order stream which originates on the grounds ofthe Department of Energy Y-12 Plant at Oak Ridge, TN. This stream is contaminated with mercury, PCBs, andnumerous other compounds. Previous studies have shownthat sediment contaminant concentrations, as well asphysiological biomarker responses of the local fishpopulations, are highest at the headwaters of EFPC anddecrease with increasing distance from the DOEfacility as contaminant loading decreases. Chromosomal damage was measured by flow cytometry – asreflected by variation in cellular DNA content – andstrand breakage was determined by agarose gelelectrophoresis using blood as the source of DNA. Mutagenicity was determined by theSalmonella/microsome assay using organic solventextracts of sediment surface samples. Community levelresponses included community diversity and percentpollution-tolerant species. Biomarker responses andmutagenicity were found to be highest at theheadwaters of EFPC, and tended to decrease withincreasing distance from the effluent. In general,biomarker responses appeared to be correlated withmutagenicity of the sediment, and both of theserelated to fish community disturbance and level ofstream contamination. Because responses at severallevels of biological organization show similarpatterns of downstream effects, this suggests thatthere may be a causal relationship betweencontamination and biological effects.     

Bioaccumulation and distribution of mercury in the hard clam,Meretrix lusoria (Bivalvia:Veneidae)

1. Total mercury concentration in whole soft parts of the hard clam, Meretrix lusoria, increased significantly with increasing exposure concentrations. It reached 4.247–7.084 and 9.956–13.643 μg T-Hg/g dry weight in 5 and 50 μg/l Hg mercury solution, respectively, against a background level of 1.824–0.577μg T-Hg/g dry weight.2. Bioconcentration factor was 4–6 times higher in 5 μg/l Hg than that of 50 μg/l Hg. An estimated biological half-life of 20.2 and 18.4 days in 5 and 50 μg/l Hg, respectively, were also obtained after 14 days uptake.3. Accumulation of mercury in tissues of the clams was greater in the gills and viscera than in the mantle, adductor, foot, or hemolymph.4. The amount of mercury present in the gills is related to be a linear relationship with the mercury content of viscera.