Mercury in contaminated coastal environments; a case study: the Gulf of Trieste

Horvat, Milena; Covelli, Stefano; Faganeli, Jadran; Logar, M.; Mandic, V.; Rajar, Rudi; Širca, Andrej; Žagar, Dušan

doi:10.1016/s0048-9697(99)00123-0

Cited by 189 publications

(93 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…6A and B), and tended to increase with distance to metal source. Dissolved mercury in estuarine waters occurs mainly in the inorganic form (Coquery et al, 1997;Horvat et al, 1999), but our results ranged from 22% (in the upper, low salinity area) to 60% (downstream areas) of total dissolved mercury (total minus reactive mercury). Organic mercury content may result both from direct uptake of organic mercury forms or from methylation by the algae (Pongratz and Heumann (1998) have reported Hg methylation by Fucus distichus in polar conditions), and thus be dependent on the metabolism of each algae.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 59%

Macroalgae response to a mercury contamination gradient in a temperate coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal)

Coelho

Pereira

Duarte

et al. 2005

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

114

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Primary producers represent an important pathway for mercury incorporation in aquatic food webs. With eutrophication processes occurring worldwide, macroalgae may represent a substantial pool of mercury, as a result of its high growth rate and capacity to bind trace metals. The main aim of this work was to evaluate the response of the macroalgae to a human-induced environmental mercury gradient in a temperate coastal lagoon, by assessing the total and organic mercury contamination levels of the dominant species (Enteromorpha, Fucus and Gracilaria). Total mercury in the plant tissues ranged from 0.02 to 2.1 mg g ÿ1 dwt. Fucus was the most contaminated algae, followed by Gracilaria and Enteromorpha. As a whole, organic mercury never exceeded 15% of total mercury content, but tended to increase with distance to metal source on all macroalgae indicating complex physiological responses from these primary producers in areas of high and low mercury concentrations. Sessile macroalgae may be important mercury immobilisation agents, while free-floating algae (Enteromorpha) play an important role in mercury transport from contaminated areas (G10 g ha ÿ1 ) to other areas of the lagoon and even to coastal waters. Based on the present results the use of macroalgal biomass from contaminated areas for direct or indirect human use (e.g. agricultural, industrial and food purposes) may result in health risks, due to the high bioaccumulation capacity (as high as 10 4 the dissolved mercury concentrations).

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 59%

Macroalgae response to a mercury contamination gradient in a temperate coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal)

Coelho

Pereira

Duarte

et al. 2005

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

114

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“…The THQ was calculated for all the studied species in the Augusta Bay using the US-EPA's reference dose (THQa) and the acceptable daily intake determined by the WHO (THQb). In particular, we assumed that the measured mercury is integrally in its methylated form (Winfrey and Rudd, 1990;Fitzgerald, 1990, 1991;Gilmour and Henry, 1991;Horvat et al, 1999;Carbonell et al, 2009).…”

Section: Thq and Ewi Calculationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Methylmercury (MeHg) is the most toxic form, able to interfere with thiol metabolism, causing inhibition or inactivation of proteins containing thiol ligands and ultimately leading to mitotic disturbances (Das et al, 1982;Elhassani, 1983). Numerous recent studies indeed have concluded that the majority, if not all, of the Hg that is bioaccumulated through the food chain is as MeHg (Winfrey and Rudd, 1990;Fitzgerald, 1990, 1991;Gilmour and Henry, 1991;Horvat et al, 1999;Carbonell et al, 2009). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mercury in fishes from Augusta Bay (southern Italy): Risk assessment and health implication

Manta

Oliveri

et al. 2013

Food and Chemical Toxicology

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a b s t r a c tOur study reports on the total mercury (HgT) concentrations measured in the muscles and livers of several benthic, demersal and pelagic fish species caught inside and outside of Augusta Bay (southern Italy), a semi-enclosed marine area, highly contaminated by the uncontrolled (since the 1950s to 1978s) discharge of the largest European petrochemical plant. Mercury levels in fish tissues are discussed with regard to specific habitat, size and/or age of the specimens and HgT distribution in the bottom sediments. Results suggest a still active Hg release mechanism from the polluted sediments to the marine environment. Also, the high HgT concentrations measured in fishes caught in the external area of the bay imply a potential role of Augusta Bay as a pollutant source for the Mediterranean ecosystem. Finally, values of hazard target quotient (THQ) and estimated weekly intake (EWI) demonstrate that consumption of fishes caught inside the bay represents a serious risk for human health. Also, data indicate that intake of fishes caught from the external area of the bay, especially for that concern demersal and benthic species, could be represent a significant component of risk for the local population.

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“…The biogeochemistry of mercury (Hg) in coastal and estuarial environments has been widely studied because of the high toxicity and biomagnification of this chemical element in the aquatic system (Mason et al, 1996;Horvat et al, 1999;Hines et al, 2000;Conaway et al, 2003;García-Rico et al, 2006). However, the biogeochemical cycles of Hg in different estuaries are variable and complicated due to the diverse input, physical, chemical, and hydrological conditions of Hg.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the biogeochemical cycles of Hg in different estuaries are variable and complicated due to the diverse input, physical, chemical, and hydrological conditions of Hg. As a result, the behavior of Hg may differ from one estuary to another (Horvat et al, 1999;Conaway et al, 2003).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mercury profiles in sediments of the Pearl River Estuary and the surrounding coastal area of South China

Shi

Zhang

et al. 2010

Environmental Pollution

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The spatial and historical changes of Hg in sediment reflect the industrial development and urbanization of the region in south China. a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c tThe spatial and temporal variations of mercury (Hg) in sediments of the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) and the surrounding coastal area (South China Sea) were studied. In surface sediments, the concentrations of Hg ranged from 1.5 to 201 ng/g, with an average of 54.4 ng/g, displaying a decreasing trend with the distance from the estuary to the open sea. This pattern indicates that the anthropogenic emissions from the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region are probably the main sources of Hg in this coastal region. Using the 210 Pb dating technique, the historical changes in the concentrations and influxes of Hg in the last 100 years were also investigated. The variations in Hg influxes in sediment cores obviously correlate with the economic development and urbanization that has occurred the PRD region, especially in the last three decades.

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Mercury in contaminated coastal environments; a case study: the Gulf of Trieste

Cited by 189 publications

References 33 publications

Macroalgae response to a mercury contamination gradient in a temperate coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal)

Macroalgae response to a mercury contamination gradient in a temperate coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal)

Mercury in fishes from Augusta Bay (southern Italy): Risk assessment and health implication

Mercury profiles in sediments of the Pearl River Estuary and the surrounding coastal area of South China

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