Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology最新文献

Ingestion of lead (Pb) derived from ammunition used in the hunting of game animals is recognised as a significant potential source of Pb exposure in wild birds globally. While Pb poisoning in wild birds has been studied extensively in North America and Europe, the prevalence of Pb exposure in bird populations elsewhere, particularly in Africa, remains understudied. To address this gap in knowledge, we examined Pb concentrations in the feathers and bones of four waterfowl species (n = 37) from a region in South Africa where recreational hunting regularly occurs. Lead was detected in all feather and bone samples. While most birds had bone Pb concentrations consistent with low-level exposure (< 10 mg kg⁻¹), three individuals displayed concentrations (maximum = 63.5 mg kg⁻¹) associated with lethal Pb poisoning. Lead isotopic ratios in bone samples suggested that Pb shot was the most probable source of Pb in birds with high exposure. These findings align with recent studies on vultures, suggesting that Pb poisoning is more widespread in southern Africa than is currently recognised, affecting not only scavenging species but also waterfowl. The prevalence of elevated bone Pb concentrations compatible with lethal poisoning (8.1%) indicates that Pb exposure could have significant implications for waterfowl populations in the region. Furthermore, substantial indirect risks exist for scavenging and predatory species, as well as for humans consuming meat contaminated with Pb shot. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing the unregulated use of Pb-ammunition across southern Africa, particularly given the large hunting industry the region supports.

Soil contaminated with trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺) induced manganese (Mn) mobilization potentially leading to increased ecological toxicity. Although Cr³⁺ is relatively immobile in soil, its interaction with soil minerals indirectly increases Mn bioavailability, which poses risks to soil organisms. The objective of this study was to assess the bioavailability and potential ecological toxicity of Mn and Cr in Cr³⁺ contaminated soil using chemical extractions, earthworm (Eisenia fetida) toxicity tests, and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) as bioindicators. The mitigation of Mn toxicity in Cr contaminated soil was evaluated following amendments with biochar and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). Both amendments increased soil pH and reduced bioavailable Mn concentrations by 44–100% through sorption and pH induced immobilization. While bioavailable Cr concentrations also decreased, the effect was less significant because Cr was originally immobile in the soil. Earthworm survival and loss in biomass was not significantly affected by biochar treatment. Dehydrogenase activity was enhanced in biochar and CaCO₃ amended soils, indicating improved microbial activity. Principal component analysis confirmed that biochar and CaCO₃ amendments reduced bioavailability and metal toxicity to levels comparable to uncontaminated soils. The assessment of bioavailability through chemical extraction and toxicity using earthworm and DHA showed similar trends in this experiment. However, high amounts of biochar may negatively affect earthworms, and a holistic approach is required to effectively evaluate amendments for mitigating metal toxicity in soils.

This study investigated ontogenetic growth changes in total mercury (THg) concentrations, δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, and δ¹⁸O values of harbour porpoises stranded along the coast of Hokkaido, Japan, focusing on differences between males and females. Body length (BL) of the studied harbour porpoises was greater in females than in males. THg preferentially accumulated in the livers rather than in the muscles. The THg concentrations in male and female livers increased sharply and moderately when the BLs exceeded approximately 1.5 m and 1.6 m, respectively, at which BL the harbour porpoises reached sexual maturity. Significant positive correlations were found between the BL and the log Hg concentrations in the livers and muscles of both males and females. δ¹⁵N levels in muscles were higher in calves than in weaned porpoises, likely due to the consumption of ¹⁵N-enriched milk. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values in immature males and females varied considerably, probably due to the variety of prey species at low THg concentrations. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values in mature males and females increased with increasing BL, suggesting an increase in the trophic level of preys and a possible association with increases in the THg concentrations in their muscles and livers. A significant positive correlation was found between the BLs and the δ¹⁸O values in the muscles from both males and females. A significant correlation was also found between the log THg concentrations and the δ¹⁸O values but not with the δ¹³C values and δ¹⁵N values. These correlations suggest feeding shifts towards deep benthic waters with growth.

This study analyzed microplastics (MPs; target size: 0.1–5 mm) in freshwater fish and aquatic plants in an urban lake in Kumamoto, Japan. MPs were detected in 82% of the collected sample of herbivorous fish species, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Redbelly tilapia (Tilapia zillii) at mean level of 10 ± 13 items ind⁻¹, which was more than 10 times higher than the levels found in two carnivorous fish species, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and snakehead (Channa argus). Fish samples near the outlets of stormwater runoff and a wastewater treatment plant showed higher abundances of MPs than fish collected from other locations in the lake. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were dominant polymers in fish, accounting for 83%. These three polymers were also commonly detected in three species of aquatic plants, which retained MPs at 4.6–35 items g⁻¹ dry weight. A comparison of the characteristics of the MPs detected in the herbivorous fish and aquatic plant samples collected at the same station showed similar profiles in terms of polymer types, shape, and colors. This indicates that herbivorous fish are exposed to MPs adsorbed onto the surface of aquatic plants through their feeding activity. Our findings highlighted that aquatic plants act as a mediator to increase the bioavailability of MPs in freshwater fish by trapping MPs on the plant surface.

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This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the accumulation and distribution patterns of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in plankton across varying exposure durations within a simulated planktonic food chain, consisting of Tetraselmis chuii (phytoplankton), Brachionus rotundiformis (rotifers), and Apocyclops sp. (copepods) cultured in a gas purging system with a continuous supply of PAHs. The investigation revealed three distinct temporal phases of PAH accumulation: before 1 h, 1–24 h, and 24–120 h. Notably, PAH concentrations exhibited substantial fluctuations during the initial two intervals but approached a steady state after 24 h of exposure. An intriguing observation was the differential accumulation of high solubility (> 1) PAHs, which were found in higher quantities in copepods compared to rotifers and phytoplankton. Conversely, low solubility (< 1) PAHs were significantly more abundant in phytoplankton, indicating potential selectivity in PAH uptake among planktonic organisms. Principal component analysis (PCA) elucidated a clear demarcation between phytoplankton and zooplankton, suggesting distinct PAH accumulation patterns influenced by trophic levels. Linear relationship was found between the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and PAH hydrophobicity (K_ow) for all PAHs within the planktonic food chain. The varying slopes in the linear regression between log BCF and log K_ow for phytoplankton, rotifers, and copepods underscored the existence of diverse pathways for PAH accumulation among planktonic organisms. This study offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of PAH bioaccumulation, with potential implications for understanding the broader ecological impacts of PAHs.

Studies on temporal variation of metal concentrations and their relationship with metal-binding proteins in crocodilians remain scarce. This study aimed to assess interannual changes in physiological (Cu and Zn) and xenobiotic (Hg and Cd) metals, as well as metallothioneins (MTs) levels in blood plasma of 17 semicaptive Morelet’s crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii) sampled twice (n = 34 samples) in 2016 and 2018. Metal concentrations were quantified in plasma samples, and MTs were measured as biomarkers of metal exposure. Results showed a 1.4-fold increase in Hg and 3.5-fold increase in Cd concentrations over time, possibly reflecting dietary exposure or other unmonitored environmental factors. In contrast, Cu concentrations decreased, while Zn remained stable. MTs levels did not differ significantly between years; however, linear models suggested associations between MTs and both Cu and Cd, highlighting their potential role in homeostasis and detoxification. Although based on a small sample size and limited to plasma, these findings offer insights into metal dynamics under semicaptive conditions and support the value of MTs as candidate biomarkers for future monitoring. Improved temporal frameworks and direct environmental or dietary data are needed to better interpret these trends and support conservation strategies for this endangered species.

Gadolinium (Gd) and Lanthanum (La) are rare earth elements (REEs) widely employed in contemporary technologies due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, their increasing release into aquatic environments has raised concerns about potential ecotoxicological effects. This study assessed the acute biochemical and molecular response of fourth-instar Chironomus sancticaroli larvae exposed to Gd and La at 0.03, 0.30, 3.00, and 30 μg L⁻¹. Exposure to La at 0.03 and 3.00 μg L⁻¹ induced a significant increase in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, suggesting potential neurotoxic effects that may alter synaptic transmission and behavioral responses in larvae, whereas Gd did not affect AChE activity. Furthermore, La inhibited esterase-α activity, while Gd inhibited esterase-β activity in larvae exposed to 0.30, 3.00, and 30 μg L⁻¹, suggesting specific alterations in detoxification and metabolic processing pathways. Both REEs triggered oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increase in catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities at specific concentrations, which may reflect a compensatory response to increased reactive oxygen species. Lipid peroxidation was detected only at the highest La concentration (30 μg L⁻¹), indicating membrane damage and potential impairment of cellular integrity. Gene expression analysis showed downregulation of hemoglobin D across all La concentrations and hemoglobin E across all Gd concentrations, potentially compromising oxygen transport and respiratory efficiency of larvae. These sublethal alterations suggested that C. sancticaroli larvae are sensitive to both elements, with La exerting broader physiological disruption, in addition, these findings rise concern about the ecological risk of REE contamination in freshwater ecosystems.

This study provides comprehensive information on the abundance of microplastics (MPs) in wastewater effluents, sand, and seawater samples collected from areas in Northern Greece. Sampling was conducted over a one-year period to account for seasonal variations in MP abundance. The collected samples were analyzed using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, yielding valuable insights into the physicochemical characteristics of MPs. MPs concentrations in sand samples ranged from 15.5 ± 6.2 to 174.7 ± 17.3 items kg⁻¹ of dry sand, while the highest concentrations were recorded in winter. Among aqueous matrices, the highest MP concentrations were found in wastewater effluents, ranging from 0.43 ± 0.17 to 1.72 ± 0.45 items L⁻¹, with greater loads detected during wet seasons. In seawater samples, MP abundance ranged from 0.078 ± 0.011 to 0.989 ± 0.35 items m⁻³, with the highest concentrations recorded during the summer season. Regarding polymer identification, the analysis of MPs was conducted using micro-FTIR instrumentation, and the most frequently detected polymers in the examined samples were PE (poly(ethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate)), and PA (polyamide). Morphological analysis revealed that fibers were the dominant MP shape across all matrices. Size distribution analysis indicated that most MPs particles were small-sized (< 1 mm). The morphological and chemical characteristics of MPs indicate strong links among matrices. SEM-EDX analysis revealed metals on MPs from sand samples, reinforcing these connections. This study investigates MP abundance across environments, uncovering their sources, inter-matrix relationships, and interactions with pollutants, offering insights into patterns of environmental contamination.

This study introduces a non-invasive method for monitoring environmental pollution by analysing metal(loid)s in the faeces of sentinel species. We measured the concentrations of four metal(loid)s, arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), in the droppings of four large wading bird species (Little Egret, Great Egret, Reef Heron, and Striated Heron) from 2020 to 2024 in the wetland ecosystem of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, a part of the Central Asian Flyway. Our results revealed significant level of the metal(loid)s in the bird droppings, indicating environmental pollution likely linked to industrial activities, agricultural runoff, and urban expansion. All metal(loid)s exhibited significant temporal variation, with increasing concentrations observed across species. Pb and Cd also showed rising trends but exhibited species-specific effects. While the metal(loid)s analysis confirms exposure and accumulation, it does not by itself allow definitive identification of pollutant sources. Based on previous environmental assessments and land-use data, the studied wetlands are known to be influenced by anthropogenic activities, suggesting that the metal(loid)s in bird faeces predominantly originate from local pollution. However, we acknowledge that further source-tracing analyses would strengthen this inference. This study highlights the need for continuous monitoring of metal(loid)s pollution to safeguard wildlife health and maintain ecological stability. Given the study area’s proximity to industrial zones, these findings advocate for enhanced pollution control measures and targeted management strategies to mitigate risks and conserve wetland habitats.