Concentrations of contaminants in muscle of the American alligator in Florida

Samples of tail muscle from 32 American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in Florida were analyzed for contaminant concentrations to provide preliminary information on the potential public health hazard of meat consumption. Detectable levels were found for eight metals; copper, zinc, iron, chromium, mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic. Mean residue was highest for mercury (geometric mean = 0.61 ppm). DDE, DDD, DDT, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, lindane, and PCB's were found. Mean residue concentrations were compared by lake. Alligators appeared to be suitable monitors of environmental pollution. Concentrations of contaminants found in these animals probably pose little threat to public health. However, recommendations must await analysis of larger sample sizes and information on amount and frequency of meat consumption. Alligators killed for human consumption should continue to be monitored for contaminant residues.     

Naturally high heavy metal concentrations in feathers of the flightless Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus

We assessed heavy metal concentrations in feathers of 38 Kagus Rhynochetos jubatus living on ultramafic soils in New Caledonia. Concentrations of heavy metals in down feathers were similar to concentrations in shafts of primary or secondary feathers, whereas the concentrations in vanes were much higher, indicating that concentrations in down feathers were not due to external contamination but rather to ingestion. Although there was no anthropogenic pollution in our study area, concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr) and cobalt (Co) in feathers were 1.2–21 times higher in Kagu than the average in other bird species studied, the majority of those from polluted environments. Kagus may have specific adaptations that enable them to live in environments with naturally high heavy metal concentrations.     

Biomonitoring Heavy Metal Pollution Using an Aquatic Apex Predator,the American Alligator,and Its Parasites

Monitoring the bioaccumulation of chemical elements within various organismal tissues has become a useful tool to survey current or chronic levels of heavy metal exposure within an environment. In this study, we compared the bioaccumulations of As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Se, and Zn between the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, and its parasites in order to establish their use as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution. Concomitant with these results, we were interested to determine if parasites were more sensitive bioindicators of heavy metals relative to alligators. We found parasites collectively accumulated higher levels of As, Cu, Se, and Zn in comparison to their alligator hosts, whereas Fe, Cd, and Pb concentrations were higher in alligators. Interestingly, Fe levels were significantly greater in intestinal trematodes than their alligator hosts when analyzed independently from other parasitic taxa. Further analyses showed alligator intestinal trematodes concentrated As, Cu, Fe, Se, and Zn at significantly higher levels than intestinal nematodes and parasites from other organs. However, pentastomids also employed the role as a good biomagnifier of As. Interestingly, parasitic abundance decreased as levels of As increased. Stomach and intestinal nematodes were the poorest bioaccumulators of metals, yet stomach nematodes showed their ability to concentrate Pb at orders of magnitude higher in comparison to other parasites. Conclusively, we suggest that parasites, particularly intestinal trematodes, are superior biomagnifiers of As, Cu, Se, and Zn, whereas alligators are likely good biological indicators of Fe, Cd, and Pb levels within the environment.     

Exploring the structural basis for selenium/mercury antagonism in Allium fistulosum

While continuing efforts are devoted to studying the mutually protective effect of mercury and selenium in mammals, few studies have investigated the mercury-selenium antagonism in plants. In this study, we report the metabolic fate of mercury and selenium in Allium fistulosum (green onion) after supplementation with sodium selenite and mercuric chloride. Analysis of homogenized root extracts via capillary reversed phase chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (capRPLC-ICP-MS) suggests the formation of a mercury-selenium containing compound. Micro-focused synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mapping of freshly excised roots show Hg sequestered on the root surface and outlining individual root cells, while Se is more evenly distributed throughout the root. There are also discrete Hg-only, Se-only regions and an overall strong correlation between Hg and Se throughout the root. Analysis of the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra show a "background" of methylselenocysteine within the root with discrete spots of SeO(3)(2-), Se(0) and solid HgSe on the root surface. Mercury outlining individual root cells is possibly binding to sulfhydryl groups or plasma membrane or cell wall proteins, and in some places reacting with reduced selenium in the rhizosphere to form a mercury(ii) selenide species. Together with the formation of the root-bound mercury(ii) selenide species, we also report on the formation of cinnabar (HgS) and Hg(0) in the rhizosphere. The results presented herein shed light on the intricate chemical and biological processes occurring within the rhizosphere that influence Hg and Se bioavailability and will be instrumental in predicting the fate and assisting in the remediation of these metals in the environment and informing whether or not fruit and vegetable food selection from aerial plant compartments or roots from plants grown in Hg contaminated soils, are safe for consumption.     

海南稻田土壤硒与重金属的含量、分布及其安全性

采集了海南省18个市(县)代表性的稻田土壤耕作层(0—20cm)样品280个,研究了硒(Se)和5种有毒重金属元素(Hg、Cd、Cr、Pb和As)的含量、分布及其相关关系,并对Se和重金属的安全性进行评价,可为合理区划清洁且富Se稻田提供理论依据。结果表明:海南稻田土壤中Hg、Cd、Cr、Pb和As平均含量均低于国家土壤环境质量一级标准值和全国土壤背景值,以绿色食品产地环境技术条件限量标准为标准,用单项污染指数法和内梅罗综合污染指数法评价海南稻田土壤重金属的污染状况,结果都是清洁的。但以海南省土壤背景值做参比值,Hakanson潜在生态危害指数达到211.54,属于强生态危害,从潜在生态危害系数来看,Hg(102.61)和Cd(98.89)达到强生态危害,分别比海南省土壤背景值增加1.56和2.3倍,今后应注意控制Hg和Cd污染源。稻田土壤Se含量从痕量到1.532mg/kg之间,平均值为0.211mg/kg,占47.5%的稻田土壤Se含量处于中等及以上水平(>0.175mg/kg)。Se含量高的稻田土壤主要集中在东北部的海口及其周边的澄迈、定安、文昌和琼海,还有东南部的万宁和保亭。由于重金属平均含量还比较低,可暂时忽略重金属污染,故可在上述Se含量高的稻田土壤上种植富Se水稻。稻田土壤Se含量与Hg、Cd和As含量呈极显著或显著正相关,因此今后应加强研究稻田土壤Se与Hg、Cd和As的有效性及其相互作用,以便生产出绿色的富Se优质大米。     

Interactions between tellurium and mercury in murine lung and other organs after metallic mercury inhalation: a comparison with selenium

Selenium is known to form complexes with heavy metals in the blood and thus increase the retention time of the metals in several organs, especially in the reticulo-endothelial system. Selenium may similarly cause retention of mercury in the lung after metallic mercury (Hg0) inhalation. This study, comparing the effects of tellurium with those of selenium (both in group '6b' of the periodical system), showed that Te(IV) was as effective as Se(IV) and Se(VI) (all given in a dose of 10 mumol/kg body wt.) in retaining inhaled 203Hg0 (1.5 mumol/kg body wt.) in the lung (presumably 203Hg2+ after oxidation). Te(VI) had to be given in a dose of 100 mumol/kg body wt to produce the same effect. As in the lung, also in other organs tellurium caused a dose-dependent increase in mercury retention. At a dose level of 10 mumol Te(IV) per kg body wt. the mercury retention ratios (treated/control) were 140 for the lung and 8.6 for the whole body. The corresponding figures for Te(VI) (10, 30 and 100 mumol/kg body wt.) were 10, 73 and 120 and 3.7, 3.9 and 4.3, respectively. Retention of i.v. injected 203HgCl2 was increased by pre-administration of tellurium, again in a dose-dependent manner and Te(IV) being 3-10 times more effective than Te(VI). The kidney and the spleen were the dominant organs, as is the case after Se pretreatment. Anions of other elements, arsenite, arsenate, chromate, molybdate and wolframate (30 mumol/kg body wt.), did not affect the retention of 203Hg in lung or any other organ, or in the whole body after inhalation of 203Hg0. It is suggested that Te(IV) may easily be reduced to Te2- (in analogy with selenium) which may complex with Hg2+. The liability for Te(VI) to be reduced to Te2- appears to be approx. 10 times lower.     

Trace elements in agroecosystems and impacts on the environment.

Trace elements mean elements present at low concentrations (mg kg-1 or less) in agroecosystems. Some trace elements, including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), and boron (B) are essential to plant growth and are called micronutrients. Except for B, these elements are also heavy metals, and are toxic to plants at high concentrations. Some trace elements, such as cobalt (Co) and selenium (Se), are not essential to plant growth but are required by animals and human beings. Other trace elements such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) have toxic effects on living organisms and are often considered as contaminants. Trace elements in an agroecosystem are either inherited from soil parent materials or inputs through human activities. Soil contamination with heavy metals and toxic elements due to parent materials or point sources often occurs in a limited area and is easy to identify. Repeated use of metal-enriched chemicals, fertilizers, and organic amendments such as sewage sludge as well as wastewater may cause contamination at a large scale. A good example is the increased concentration of Cu and Zn in soils under long-term production of citrus and other fruit crops. Many chemical processes are involved in the transformation of trace elements in soils, but precipitation-dissolution, adsorption-desorption, and complexation are the most important processes controlling bioavailability and mobility of trace elements in soils. Both deficiency and toxicity of trace elements occur in agroecosystems. Application of trace elements in fertilizers is effective in correcting micronutrient deficiencies for crop production, whereas remediation of soils contaminated with metals is still costly and difficult although phytoremediation appears promising as a cost-effective approach. Soil microorganisms are the first living organisms subjected to the impacts of metal contamination. Being responsive and sensitive, changes in microbial biomass, activity, and community structure as a result of increased metal concentration in soil may be used as indicators of soil contamination or soil environmental quality. Future research needs to focus on the balance of trace elements in an agroecosystem, elaboration of soil chemical and biochemical parameters that can be used to diagnose soil contamination with or deficiency in trace elements, and quantification of trace metal transport from an agroecosystem to the environment.     

Mercury-selenium relationships in liver of Guiana dolphin: the possible role of kupffer cells in the detoxification process by tiemannite formation

Top marine predators present high mercury concentrations in their tissues as consequence of biomagnification of the most toxic form of this metal, methylmercury (MeHg). The present study concerns mercury accumulation by Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis), highlighting the selenium-mediated methylmercury detoxification process. Liver samples from 19 dolphins incidentally captured within Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil) from 1994 to 2006 were analyzed for total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), total organic mercury (TOrgHg) and selenium (Se). X-ray microanalyses were also performed. The specimens, including from fetuses to 30-year-old dolphins, comprising 8 females and 11 males, presented high THg (0.53-132 μg/g wet wt.) and Se concentrations (0.17-74.8 μg/g wet wt.). Correlations between THg, MeHg, TOrgHg and Se were verified with age (p<0.05), as well as a high and positive correlation was observed between molar concentrations of Hg and Se (p<0.05). Negative correlations were observed between THg and the percentage of MeHg contribution to THg (p<0.05), which represents a consequence of the selenium-mediated methylmercury detoxification process. Accumulation of Se-Hg amorphous crystals in Kupffer Cells was demonstrated through ultra-structural analysis, which shows that Guiana dolphin is capable of carrying out the demethylation process via mercury selenide formation.     

The metal distribution and the change of physiological and biochemical process in soybean and mung bean plants under heavy metal stress

Soybean [Glycine max (Linn.) Merrill] and mung bean [Vigna radiate (Linn.) Wilczek] plants were challenged with 5 kinds of heavy metals [cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg)] in a hydroponic system. We applied 4 different metal treatments to study the effects of heavy metals on several physiological and biochemical parameters in these species, including root length, heavy metal concentrations and allocation in different organs, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activities, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein and chlorophyll. The data showed that the growth of the roots of soybean and mung bean was equally sensitive to external Hg concentrations. Soybean was more sensitive to external Cd concentrations, and mung bean was more sensitive to external Cr, Cu and Pb concentrations. Normal concentrations of heavy metal would not cause visible toxic symptoms, and a low level of heavy metal even slightly stimulated the growth of plants. With the rise of heavy metal concentration, heavy metal stress induces an oxidative stress response in soybean and mung bean plants, characterized by an accumulation of MDA and the alternation pattern of antioxidative enzymes. Meanwhile, the growth of plants was suppressed, the content of chlorophyll decreased and leaves showed chlorosis symptoms at high metal concentrations.     

In Vivo Formation and Binding of SeHg Complexes to the Erythrocyte Surface

The in vivo dynamics of selenium (Se) and mercury (Hg) interaction was studied in mouse tissues using direct visualization of individual Se, Hg, and SeHg particles on the surface of circulating erythrocytes. This high-resolution detection of Se and Hg was obtained by scanning electron microscopy coupled to X-ray microanalysis. BALB/c mice were injected in the peritoneal cavity with Se and Hg salts, and the animals were sacrificed 3 min after the Hg injection. Only a minority (9%) of the metal dots seen on mouse liver erythrocytes were SeHg complexes when Se and Hg salts were mixed together before injection. In contrast, the majority (73%) of metal dots on liver erythrocytes were SeHg complexes if Se was injected at least 5 min before Hg injection. All metal dots on liver erythrocytes were of SeHg complexes if Se was injected 9 or 12 min before the Hg injection. We conclude that the formation of stable in vivo SeHg complexes requires preliminary interaction of Se with a putative serum factor before complexes between Se and Hg are formed and are bound to the erythrocyte cell surface.     

Selenium–Mercury Interactions in Man and Animals

Selenium–mercury interactions were most extensively studied in relation to alleviation of Hg toxicity by added selenium. This presentation considers the influence of mercury on endogenous selenium, on its tissue and cellular “status” after lifelong or acute exposure to mercury vapor (Hg^o). Discussed are data obtained from (1) humans living near or working in a mercury mine, and (2) rats experimentally exposed in the mine. Mercury vapor is unique—or similar to methylmercury—because of its ability to penetrate cell membranes and so invade all cells, where it is oxidized in the biologically active form (Hg⁺⁺) by catalase. Such in situ-generated ions can react with endogenously generated highly reactive Se metabolites, like HSe−, and render a part of the selenium unavailable for selenoprotein synthesis. Data on human populations indicate that in moderate Hg exposure combined with an adequate selenium supply through diet, Se bioavailability can be preserved. On the other hand, the results of an acute exposure study emphasize the dual role of selenium in mercury detoxification. Besides the well-known Se coaccumulation through formation of nontoxic Hg–Se complexes, we observed noticeable Se (co)excretion, at least at the beginning of exposure. The higher Hg accumulation rate in the group of animals with lower basal selenium levels can also point to selenium involvement in mercury excretion. In such conditions there is a higher probability for decreased selenoprotein levels (synthesis) in some tissues or organs, depending on the synthesis hierarchy.     

VETIVER GRASS,VETIVERIA ZIZANIOIDES: A CHOICE PLANT FOR PHYTOREMEDIATION OF HEAVY METALS AND ORGANIC WASTES

Glasshouse and field studies showed that Vetiver grass can produce high biomass (>100t/tha^?1 year^?1) and highly tolerate extreme climatic variation such as prolonged drought, flood, submergence and temperatures (?15°–55°C), soils high in acidity and alkalinity (pH 3.3–9.5), high levels of Al (85% saturation percentage), Mn (578 mg kg^?1), soil salinity (ECse 47.5 dS m^?1), sodicity (ESP 48%), and a wide range of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn). Vetiver can accumulate heavy metals, particularly lead (shoot 0.4% and root 1%) and zinc (shoot and root 1%). The majority of heavy metals are accumulated in roots thus suitable for phytostabilization, and for phytoextraction with addition of chelating agents. Vetiver can also absorb and promote biodegradation of organic wastes (2,4,6-trinitroluene, phenol, ethidium bromide, benzo[a]pyrene, atrazine). Although Vetiver is not as effective as some other species in heavy metal accumulation, very few plants in the literature have a wide range of tolerance to extremely adverse conditions of climate and growing medium (soil, sand, and tailings) combined into one plant as vetiver. All these special characteristics make vetiver a choice plant for phytoremediation of heavy metals and organic wastes.     

Interaction Between Essential Elements Selenium and Zinc with Cadmium and Mercury in Samples from Hypertensive Patients

The abnormal metabolism of metal ions plays an important role in health and disease conditions; hence, the studies about them have received much interest. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between trace and toxic elements zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), and mercury (Hg) in biological samples (scalp hair, blood, and urine) of hypertensive patients (n?=?257), residents of Hyderabad, Pakistan. For comparison purpose, the biological samples of age-matched healthy controls were selected as referents. The concentrations of trace and toxic elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology was checked using certified reference materials and by the conventional wet acid digestion method. The recovery of all studied elements was found in the range of 96.4–99.1 % in certified reference materials. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cd and Hg were significantly higher in scalp hair, blood, and urine samples of hypertensive patients than in referents (P?<?0.001), whilst the concentrations of Zn and Se were lower in the scalp hair and blood, but higher in the urine samples of hypertensive patients. The deficiency of Zn and Se and the high exposure of toxic metals may be synergistic with risk factors associated with hypertension.     

TRACE METALS AND METHYL MERCURY: ASSOCIATIONS AND TRANSFER IN HARP SEAL (PHOCA GROENLANDICA) MOTHERS AND THEIR PUPS

Milk samples from the stomachs of harp seal pups were analysed for Cu, Zn, Se, Cd and Hg, as were liver, kidney, and muscle from mother-pup pairs. Tissues were also analysed for MeHg. Milk contained, in addition to essential trace metals, Cd and Hg (57 ng/g and 6.5 ng/g respectively).
Pups had mercury in all three tissues. The percent methyl mercury in liver of pups was higher than in liver of mothers. Mercury in muscle was mostly methyl mercury in both mothers and pups. Total mercury in liver of mothers but not pups was correlated positively with selenium. Estimates of ingested mercury by pups indicated they had acquired most of their mercury during gestation.
Although mothers had cadmium in liver and kidney, it was not detected in tissues of pups. Cadmium did not transfer across the placenta, while mercury did. Tissue concentrations of Cu and Zn were higher in pups than mothers. The presence of metallothionein in pup tissues was postulated.
A strong positive correlation of copper and selenium between mothers and pups indicated transfer of these elements from mother to pup in direct proportion to their concentrations in maternal liver and kidney.     

Distribution and enrichment of heavy metals among sediments,water body and plants in Hengshuihu Wetland of Northern China

In this study, a survey for the spatial distribution of heavy metals in Hengshuihu Wetland of China was conducted. Samples were collected from three compartments, water, sediment, and reed (Phragmites communis Trin), at different sites, and their contents of heavy metals, including mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd), were analyzed. The results showed heavy metals in the sediments distributed in the Buffer Zone and Wangkou Sluice area at concentrations relatively higher than those in other areas, while concentrations in the Core Zone were lower. The heavy metal concentrations of water bodies in all areas, except those for Hg and Pb, were lower than the cutoff values for the first-grade water quality that was set as the highest standard to protect the national nature reserves. The heavy metal distributions among the three compartments were significantly different, with the following order: sediment > plant > water. In the reeds, accumulated amounts of different heavy metals varied in the following order: Hg > Zn > As > Cu > Cr. Concentrations of heavy metals only showed weak correlations between the water bodies and the sediments. Concentrations of heavy metals (except Hg and Cr) had no corrections between the sediments and the reeds. The distribution of mercury indicated that it enters the lake mainly from the atmosphere and outside water bodies. The concentrations of As, Hg, Cr, Cu and Zn in different parts of the reeds were detected and their abundances were ranked in the following order: root > leaf > stem.     

Detoxification of Toxic Heavy Metals by Marine Bacteria Highly Resistant to Mercury

Pollution in industrial areas is a serious environmental concern, and interest in bacterial resistance to heavy metals is of practical significance. Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) are known to cause damage to living organisms, including human beings. Several marine bacteria highly resistant to mercury (BHRM) capable of growing at 25 ppm (mg L(-1)) or higher concentrations of mercury were tested during this study to evaluate their potential to detoxify Cd and Pb. Results indicate their potential of detoxification not only of Hg, but also Cd and Pb. Through biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, these bacteria were identified to belong to Alcaligenes faecalis (seven isolates), Bacillus pumilus (three isolates), Bacillus sp. (one isolate), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (one isolate), and Brevibacterium iodinium (one isolate). The mechanisms of heavy metal detoxification were through volatilization (for Hg), putative entrapment in the extracellular polymeric substance (for Hg, Cd and Pb) as revealed by the scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and/or precipitation as sulfide (for Pb). These bacteria removed more than 70% of Cd and 98% of Pb within 72 and 96 h, respectively, from growth medium that had initial metal concentrations of 100 ppm. Their detoxification efficiency for Hg, Cd and Pb indicates good potential for application in bioremediation of toxic heavy metals.     

成都平原北部水稻土重金属含量状况及其潜在生态风险评价

为了解成都平原水稻土重金属含量状况和潜在的生态风险,选取成都平原北部水稻土典型区域为研究对象,采集了158个表层土壤样品,分析了土壤中pH值和Cd、Cu、As、Hg、Pb、Cr、Ni 7种重金属元素含量,以20世纪80年代测定的成都平原土壤重金属元素背景值为评价标准,采用Hakanson潜在生态危害指数法对研究区域的重金属潜在生态风险进行了评价。结果表明:研究区域水稻土Cd、Hg、Ni、Cu、Pb、Cr和As平均含量分别为0.709、0.187、32.08、34.12、31.52、82.13 mg/kg和7.25 mg/kg;Cd、Ni、Cu和Hg 4种重金属超过《土壤环境质量标准》(GB15618-1995) Ⅱ级标准值样本比例分别为87.34%、8.23%、3.80%和3.80%,Cd含量超标严重。7种重金属元素变异系数幅度为18.35%-49.03%,由大到小依次为Cd、Hg、Cu、As、Ni、Cr、Pb。75.32%的样本达到中度或较强重金属潜在生态风险,区域整体表现为中度潜在生态风险(RI平均值为198.65),Cd和Hg为高生态风险元素,对潜在生态风险贡献率分别为62.27%和20.78%,As、Pb、Cu、Ni、Cr为低生态风险元素;风险概率图显示城区周边和绵远河沿线的潜在生态风险等级较高。因此,成都平原水稻土农业生产中应采取一定的措施防控农产品Cd和Hg污染。     

Selenium:mercury molar ratio in eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) as a possible biomarker of exposure

Mercury and selenium have adverse effects on health, and in the past their individual levels in tissues have been used as biomarkers of environmental contamination. These selenium:mercury molar ratios has been proposed as an alternative way to anticipate possible health risks to organisms. We examine selenium and mercury levels, their molar ratios, and variability in the ratios in the brain, liver, muscle, and feathers of a common waterbird, the eared grebe (Podiceps nigricollis), at several locations and phases of their annual cycle. We found: (1) Mean total mercury, for any site or tissue, ranged from 0.15 ppm in the brain to 29.2 ppm in breast feathers; (2) In any tissue, mean mercury levels varied by as much as 10-fold while selenium varied by 3-fold; (3) Mercury and selenium levels were correlated only in liver; (4) Selenium:mercury molar ratios varied significantly in regular patterns among tissues (less than 1 in feathers, up to 23 in brain), sites, and stages of annual cycle; (5) Molar ratios were affected by body weight (but not age), and the heaviest birds had the lowest ratios; and (6) Molar ratios varied more for brain than in other tissues. Low molar ratios are generally considered harmful, although no threshold ratio has been identified. Despite wide variation of molar ratios, field studies of eared grebes have not detected overt adverse effects. Before being adopted as a biomarkers, we suggest that selenium:mercury molar ratios be used in conjunction with studies of individual metal levels, and in accordance with detailed studies of selected species, to provide a baseline of variation in different organisms and tissues.     

Detection and Analysis of 12 Heavy Metals in Blood and Hair Sample from a General Population of Pearl River Delta Area

To detect the content of 12 heavy metals in blood and hair sample from a general population of Pearl River Delta area, and to analyze the influence of duration of residence, gender, age, smoking and drinking on the heavy metal content. Use inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to detect the content of 12 heavy metals lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), chrome (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn) and antimony (Sb) in blood and hair samples of a total of 50 subjects from a general population, collected by multistage stratified cluster random sampling method. The geometric mean of heavy metal content in blood samples of general population (μg/L): blood aluminum 214.00; blood chrome 92.82; blood manganese 21.43; blood nickel 20.59; blood copper 0.67; blood zinc 11.50; blood arsenic 0.55; blood cadmium 2.45; blood tin 0.00; blood antimony 1.92; blood lead 158.84; and blood mercury 1.19. The geometric mean of heavy metal content in hair samples of general population (μg/g): hair aluminum is 84.65; hair chrome 0.00; hair manganese 2.44; hair nickel 0.61; hair copper 28.49; hair zinc 136.65; hair arsenic 0.75; hair cadmium 0.46; hair tin 1.04; hair antimony 0.05; hair lead 8.97; and hair mercury 0.69. Some heavy metals were correlated with duration of residence, gender, age, smoking and drinking. This was the first time that simultaneously detecting heavy metal content in blood and hair was used to analyze the internal heavy metal burden in resident population of Pearl River Delta area. These data can serve as reference for further research.