Journal of trace elements and minerals最新文献

Introduction

Metal contamination in surface water in urban cities has become a common scenario in underdeveloped and developing countries. Nowadays, the extent of this contamination is suspected to be traced in remote islands due to the transportation of metals with downward water flow. Unfortunately, we found a dearth of research on our remote island, where thousands of people live and use surface water for their daily needs.

Objectives

The current study aims to investigate the status of heavy metals in surface water from a remote island, Hatiya Coast, to determine the existence of heavy metals and their risks to human health. Ten surface water samples were collected, and their concentrations were measured using AAS. Later, various pollution indices were analyzed to understand their pollution level.

Results

The mean metal concentrations were ranked in descending order of Mg (65.44 mg.L⁻¹)> Fe (0.375 mg.L⁻¹)> Zn (0.139 mg.L⁻¹)>Mn (0.016 mg.L⁻¹)> and Cu was below the detection limit (BDL). According to different metal pollution indexes, the surface water of the Hatiya coast is low to moderately polluted. The standard HEI value was 1.58, and the range was 1.29–2.25, indicating that all sampling stations had a low level of metal contamination. The mean and range of HPI values were found at 44.58 and 34.33–69.33, respectively. All of the sampling stations indicated low pollution levels except sampling station 6. NPI values revealed moderate contamination in stations 2, 3, and 7. According to the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) for adults and children, heavy metals were found to have no carcinogenic risks for children and adults through dermal exposure.

Conclusion

Along with the metals coming from upstream, several local sources of heavy metals were identified during fieldwork, including metallurgical businesses, oil spills from the ship, and some trawlers associated with fishing activities. Overall, these findings would be valuable for aquaculture sectors and future researchers to compare, correlate, and understand the pollution level of the island and serve as a foundation for conducting further investigations in similar island environments, both locally and globally.

This article delves into the intricate dynamics of metals and metalloids (MEs and MLOIDs) bioaccumulation in seafood, with a focus on mobilization processes and interactive effects in eutrophic environments. It unveils critical insights into the mechanisms influencing contaminant concentration in marine organisms, and thoroughly examines the implications for public health risks. The study emphasizes the multifaceted challenges posed by MEs and MLOIDs bioaccumulation in seafood, highlighting the necessity of understanding these complexities to develop effective strategies for mitigating environmental impact and safeguarding public health. The overview comprehensively explores the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of MEs and MLOIDs within aquatic ecosystems, covering sources, entry mechanisms, speciation, and transformation. It investigates the gradual buildup of substances in marine species tissue, emphasizing the use of environmental biomonitoring for metal pollution and assessing risks associated with consuming contaminated seafood. Key considerations include dietary exposure, the effects of processing on toxic MEs and MLOIDs contents, and the bioavailability of these elements in seafood products. The study examines constructive biomarkers as crucial indicators of MEs and MLOIDs contamination, ranging from metallothioneins (MTs) to DNA damage biomarkers. It evaluates their role in environmental monitoring, risk assessment, and regulatory measures, emphasizing the integration of exposure and effect biomarkers for a comprehensive approach to ensuring the quality and safety of seafood products. The article advocates ongoing research for refining biomarkers, exploring isotopic ratios, and understanding the effects of processing methods. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among scientists, regulatory bodies, and the seafood industry to tailor measures to regional contexts. The study envisions a proactive and informed strategy to foster environmental conservation and public well-being in response to MEs and MLOIDs contamination in seafood.