Mercury pollution in Brazil

Nriagu, Jerome O.; Pfeiffer, Wolfgang C.; Malm, Olaf; Souza, Cristina Maria Magalhães de; Mierle, Greg

doi:10.1038/356389a0

Cited by 113 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…Minamata disease, which appeared among inhabitants of Minamata Bay, Japan, was caused by the consumption of fish and shellfish containing high concentrations of MeHg (Tsubaki & Irukayama 1977), and in Iraq 459 people died following their consumption of Hg-contaminated bread (Bakir et al 1973). Mercury pollution has also been reported in Quebec, Canada (Eyssen & Ruedy 1983), the Amazon in Brazil (Nriagu et al 1992), and many other areas of the world (Michael 2003).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Methylmercury, total mercury and total selenium in four common freshwater fish species from Ya-Er Lake, China

Jin

Liang

Jiang

et al. 2006

Environ Geochem Health

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Snakehead fish (Ophiocephalus argus cantor), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrtix), crucian carp (Carassius carassius), and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) are four common freshwater fish species in China. In this study, the level of methylmercury (MeHg), total mercury (T-Hg), and total selenium (T-Se) in muscle samples of these four fish species from Ya-Er Lake, China, were analyzed using atomic fluorescence spectrometry coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The concentrations of MeHg in all the fish species were significantly correlated with those of T-Hg. Higher T-Hg and MeHg concentrations had accumulated in the snakehead fish, which is a strongly predatory fish, than in the other three species. The concentration ratios of MeHg and T-Hg in the muscles of these four fish species were almost equal. Conversely, there was negative correlation between the concentrations of T-Hg and T-Se, which implies that there is a competition between these two elements with respect to bioaccumulation. It is noteworthy that of all the muscle samples tested, the level of T-Hg exceeded the maximum allowable limit in fish [0.4 mg kg )1 (w/w) recommended by the World Health Organization] in 38.46% of those of the silver carp, 18.18% of those of the crucian carp, and 100% of those of snakehead fish. These results show that the consumption of contaminated fish is a potential threat to human health and that necessary preventive measures to safeguard public health should be emphasized.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Methylmercury, total mercury and total selenium in four common freshwater fish species from Ya-Er Lake, China

Jin

Liang

Jiang

et al. 2006

Environ Geochem Health

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“…Studies on mercury contamination and health effects in the Amazon have been carried out (Pfeiffer and Larceda 1988;Larceda and Salomons 1991;Nriagu et al 1992;Akagi and Nishimura 1991). However, in Ghana studies on assessment of mercury levels in water, sediments, soil, food crops, fish and some human tissues have been carried out in different areas (Amonoo-Neizer et al 1996;Adimado and Baah 2002;Golow and Adzei 2002;Bannerman et al 2003;Bonzongo et al 2003;Babut et al 2003;Golow and Mingle 2002;Donkor et al 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of mining related activities on levels of mercury in water, sediment and fish from the Ankobra and Tano River basins in South Western Ghana

Asare-Donkor

Adimado

2016

Environ Syst Res

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Background: Mercury (Hg) used in gold amalgamation is a major source of contamination in developing countries. The present study evaluates the concentrations of total mercury in water, sediment and fish from the Ankobra and Tano Rivers, which drain the major gold mining areas in Ghana. Total mercury (T-Hg) analysis was carried out using an atomic absorption spectroscopy (Perkin Elmer model 5100PC) equipped with a flow injection analysis system (FIAS, AS-90). Results:Water, sediment and fish T-Hg concentrations were 0.145-1.078 μg/L, 23.39-73.31, and 0.03-0.443 μg/g dw, respectively in Ankobra basin, while in Tano basin levels of 0.214-0.250 μg/L, 14.43-21.51, 0.068-0.413 μg/g were found for water, sediment and fish, respectively. The T-Hg concentration in water from both basins were within the World Health Organization threshold limits for drinking water except at River Asuo Kofi. Concentration of T-Hg in the sediment exceeded Environmental Protection Agency ecotoxicological threshold in some sampling stations, suggesting potential adverse ecological effects. T-Hg levels in fish from both basins were lower than the WHO value (<0.500 μg/g (wet wt). The target hazard quotient values, suggest that human should minimizing meals/week of the analyzed species to avoid deleterious effect during lifetime. Conclusions:The results suggested that mining activities significantly contribute to the considerable environmental Hg contamination in both Ankobra and Tano River basins. Therefore Hg levels should carefully monitored and controlled to reduce its inputs and mitigate potential health consequences of Hg accumulation in the environment.

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“…However, after mercurials were replaced with more specific treatments, signs of mercury intoxication have become rare (10). However, in the past decade, mercury intoxication and poisoning attained high levels (9,16,17) as a result of environmental pollution. The Minamata Bay episode resulting from industrial plastic disposal, the ingestion of contaminated wheat seeds in Guatemala, Iraq and Pakistan, and contamination from metallic mercury used in gold mining in Brazil are examples of this problem (1,17).…”

Section: Mercurymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, in the past decade, mercury intoxication and poisoning attained high levels (9,16,17) as a result of environmental pollution. The Minamata Bay episode resulting from industrial plastic disposal, the ingestion of contaminated wheat seeds in Guatemala, Iraq and Pakistan, and contamination from metallic mercury used in gold mining in Brazil are examples of this problem (1,17). Human toxicological data about methylmercury poisoning show that symptoms of toxic effects appear at a concentration of mercury in blood of 0.1 µg/mL and death occurs at concentrations above 3 µg/mL (9).…”

Section: Mercurymentioning

confidence: 99%

Toxic effects of mercury, lead and gadolinium on vascular reactivity

Vassallo

Simões

Furieri

et al. 2011

Braz J Med Biol Res

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Heavy metals have been used in a wide variety of human activities that have significantly increased both professional and environmental exposure. Unfortunately, disasters have highlighted the toxic effects of metals on different organs and systems. Over the last 50 years, the adverse effects of chronic lead, mercury and gadolinium exposure have been underscored. Mercury and lead induce hypertension in humans and animals, affecting endothelial function in addition to their other effects. Increased cardiovascular risk after exposure to metals has been reported, but the underlying mechanisms, mainly for short periods of time and at low concentrations, have not been well explored. The presence of other metals such as gadolinium has raised concerns about contrast-induced nephropathy and, interestingly, despite this negative action, gadolinium has not been defined as a toxic agent. The main actions of these metals, demonstrated in animal and human studies, are an increase of free radical production and oxidative stress and stimulation of angiotensin I-converting enzyme activity, among others. Increased vascular reactivity, highlighted in the present review, resulting from these actions might be an important mechanism underlying increased cardiovascular risk. Finally, the results described in this review suggest that mercury, lead and gadolinium, even at low doses or concentrations, affect vascular reactivity. Acting via the endothelium, by continuous exposure followed by their absorption, they can increase the production of free radicals and of angiotensin II, representing a hazard for cardiovascular function. In addition, the actual reference values, considered to pose no risk, need to be reducedResearch supported by CAPES and CNPq/FAPES/ FUNCITEC (#39767531/07), Brazil, and MCINN (#SAF 2009-07201) and ISCIII (Red RECAVA, #RD06/0014/0011), Spai

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Mercury pollution in Brazil

Cited by 113 publications

References 3 publications

Methylmercury, total mercury and total selenium in four common freshwater fish species from Ya-Er Lake, China

Methylmercury, total mercury and total selenium in four common freshwater fish species from Ya-Er Lake, China

Influence of mining related activities on levels of mercury in water, sediment and fish from the Ankobra and Tano River basins in South Western Ghana

Toxic effects of mercury, lead and gadolinium on vascular reactivity

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