The objective of this commentary is to promote the use of bivalves as biomonitors, which is a part of the continual efforts of the International Mussel Watch. This commentary is an additional discussion on “Bivalve mollusks in metal pollution studies: From bioaccumulation to biomonitoring” by Zuykov et al., published in Chemosphere 93, 201–208. The present discussion can serve as a platform for further insights to provide new thoughts and novel ideas on how to make better use of bivalves in biomonitoring studies. The certainty of better and more extensive applications of mollusks in environmental monitoring in the future is almost confirmed but more studies are urgently needed. With all the reported studies using bivalves as biomonitors of heavy metal pollution, the effectiveness of using Mussel Watch is beyond any reasonable doubts. The challenge is the development of more accurate methodologies for of heavy metal data interpretation, and the precision of the biomonitoring studies using bivalves as biomonitors, whether in coastal or freshwater ecosystems. Lastly, inclusion of human health risk assessment of heavy metals in commercial bivalves would make the research papers of high public interest.
The present study aimed to assess the effects of anthropogenic activities on the heavy metal levels in the Langat River by transplantation of Corbicula javanica. In addition, potential ecological risk indexes (PERI) of heavy metals in the surface sediments of the river were also investigated. The correlation analysis revealed that eight metals (As, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in total soft tissue (TST) while five metals (As, Cd, Cr, Fe and Mn) in shell have positively and significantly correlation with respective metal concentration in sediment, indicating the clams is a good biomonitor of the metal levels. Based on clustering patterns, the discharge of dam impoundment, agricultural activities and urban domestic waste were identified as three major contributors of the metals in Pangsun, Semenyih and Dusun Tua, and Kajang, respectively. Various geochemical indexes for a single metal pollutant (geoaccumulation index (I ), enrichment factors (EF), contamination factor (C) and ecological risk (Er)) all agreed that Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn are not likely to cause adverse effect to the river ecosystem, but As and Pb could pose a potential ecological risk to the river ecosystem. All indexes (degree of contamination (C ), combined pollution index (CPI) and PERI) showed that overall metal concentrations in the tropical river are still within safe limit. River metal pollution was investigated. Anthropogenic activities were contributors of the metal pollution. Geochemical indexes showed that metals are within the safe limit.
The present study investigated the antioxidant enzyme activities (AEA) of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as biomarkers of Cu and Pb stress by using Centella asiatica grown in an experimental hydroponic condition. The results showed (i) higher accumulations of Cu and Pb in the roots of C. asiatica than those in the leaves, (ii) synergistic effects of Cu and Pb stress at higher metal-level exposures, and (iii) Cu and Pb stress triggered the increment of APX, CAT, GPX, and SOD levels in both the leaves and roots of C. asiatica. The increment of four AEA indicated that C. asiatica underwent oxidative stress caused by the production of reactive oxygen species when the plant was exposed to Cu and Pb. In order to prevent damages caused by Cu and Pb stress, the AEA system was heightened in C. asiatica, in which APX, CAT, GPX, and SOD can be used as biomarkers of Pb and Cu stress in the plant.
Haqal is a small city located in north-western part of Arabian Peninsula. The anthropogenic activities in this region are evident. This region is targeted for future development by Saudi government. In this study, the surface sediment of Haqal coastal waters were analysed for heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The total concentration (mg/kg dry weight) ranged from 0.012-0.186 for Cd, 0.582-1.13 for Cu, 0.51-2.18 for Ni, 0.68-2.64 for Pb, 1.97-4.52 for Zn while for Fe, it ranges from 0.155 to 0.254%. Based on ecological risk assessment results, the values of PERI were categorised as 'low ecological risk', thus all sampling sites were unpolluted with heavy metals. Despite that, this monitoring study had a positive result for non-heavy metal pollution, future mitigation of the heavy metal pollution in coastal areas of Tabuk should be given priority by the authorities. The present study can be considered as the first effort to monitor the pollution of heavy metals in Haqal. This provides baseline information for future ecotoxicological studies which can involve application of bioindicators to assess the quality of the marine environment in this region.
Zn is an important element in both industrial and biological sense. The great industrial importance of Zn has made this element a potential hazard to vegetable consuming humans. In this review, the important biological role of Zn and the human Zn dietary requirement as well as its toxicity are discussed. The Zn in various commonly consumed vegetables have also been reviewed. Based on a range to previous studies, it is confirmed that human activities such as metal mining and smelting as well as the application of manure fertilizer could contribute to Zn enrichment in both cultivation soil and the vegetable tissues. Zn in vegetable tissues also been discovered to have a strong and positive correlation with some element such as K, Fe, Mn and Cd. Due to Zn's industrial importance, it will always be a possibility of the occurrence of high Zn enrichment due to anthropogenic activities. Despite the biological importance, the constant monitoring of Zn in various food crops should not be neglected.due to the chelation of zinc by non-digestible plant ligands such as dietary fibers, phytates and lignin [9].The appearance of other cations could also affect zinc availability. The resorption could also be reduced by increased bivalent cations, such as iron, cadmium, nickel, calcium, magnesium and copper [9,11,12].
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.