Hg and Se in Muscle and Liver of Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) from the Entrance of the Gulf of California: An Insight to the Potential Risk to Human Health.

The blue shark (Prionace glauca) is the most commonly caught species of Elasmobranchii at the entrance to the Gulf of California. Although fins are the primary target commodity, the entire organism is consumed. This study examined the concentration of Hg and Se in muscle and liver to understand the antagonistic process that occurs between these two elements within the organism. Twenty-two individuals were captured at the Gulf of California inlet between September 2019 and March 2021. Hg was measured by cold vapor atomic absorption, and Se by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in a graphite furnace. All individuals studied showed higher concentrations (µg g-1 wet weight) of Hg (0.69) and Se (2.49) in liver than in muscle (Hg 0.63 and Se 0.08). Although the mean Hg values were below the maximum allowable limits (Hg 1.0 µg g-1 wet weight), the molar ratio (< 1.0) and the negative health benefit value of selenium (HBVSe) in muscle show that additional caution should be taken when consuming this species. We recommend a more thorough study of the antagonistic interaction between Hg and Se to accurately assess the health risk for consumers of blue shark.

Metal(loid)s (As, Cd, Cu, and Zn) in three fish species from a dam after a mine-tailing spill: differential bioaccumulation and potential health risk.

The failure of a tailings dam occurred in January 2013 at the Santa María de Otáez mining region (Mexico) released a spill (~ 300,000 m3) on Los Remedios River, which was transported through the San Lorenzo River, and finally to El Comedero (EC) dam. The concentrations of metal(loid)s in the muscle, liver, gills, and guts of three fish species (Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis aureus, Micropterus salmoides) collected from EC dam were examined twenty months later to assess the performance of the cleaning operations. The bioaccumulation patterns of the metal(loid)s in the tissues were different in the three fish species. Tilapia had the highest Cd (11.23 ± 8.53 µg g-1) and Cu (871 ± 1261 µg g-1) concentrations in the liver, as well as As concentration (83.6 ± 61.7 µg g-1) in the gut, while the highest Zn concentration (745 ± 356 µg g-1) was measured in the gills of the carp. Such variability can be caused by the variant bioavailability of the metal(loid)s and by the feeding habits of each species; and also by the fact that some metals are essential and better regulated by organisms than other non-essential. Compared to a study of tilapia carried out 90 days after mine spill, a decrease was evident in the liver for As, Cd, Cu, and Zn by 129, 5, 10, and 1.7 times, respectively. This revealed that cleaning operations were more efficient for As. The target hazard quotient and the hazard index were < 1, which indicates there will be no risk of consuming muscle in moderated rations of the three fish species.

High accumulation of metals and metalloids in the liver of the blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) during a massive mortality event induced by a mine tailing spill.

In this study, the concentration of six metal(loid)s was examined in the fish Oreochromis aureus collected from El Comedero dam during a massive mortality event induced by a mine tailing spill. A major spill (~ 300,000 m3) of waste was released into the San Lorenzo River System following a rupture in the tailing dam of a mining plant in NW Mexico; consequently, the discharged material flowed into El Comedero dam. The accumulation of metal(oid)s in the tissues of O. aureus showed higher levels in the liver than in the guts and muscle. Concentrations in the liver were high (As, 1.1-1063; Cd, 8.9-392; Cu, 372-59,129; Hg, 0.46-19.79; Se, 8.7-748; and Zn, 116-820 µg g-1), revealing that these fish were exposed to high concentrations of these elements. The mortality of fish could have resulted from the combined effect of the six analyzed metal(loid)s, as well as other residues present in mine tailings.

Assessment of nutrient contamination in the waters of the El Fuerte River, southern Gulf of California, Mexico.

This study assessed the spatial and temporal nutrient variability in the El Fuerte River basin in northwestern Mexico, considering its effects on the water trophic status as well as the nutrient loading to the Gulf of California. Physicochemical parameters, inorganic species of nitrogen, phosphate, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a (chl-a) were quantified at 16 selected sites along the river in April (dry season) and October (rainy season) 2017. Mean concentrations of nutrients during dry and rainy seasons were 36.3 ± 24.1 and 55.1 ± 74.6 µg L-1 of total ammonia nitrogen, 3.4 ± 3.6 and 4.5 ± 3.5 µg L-1 of NO2--N, 190.8 ± 256.0 and 163.6 ± 261.0 µg L-1 of NO3--N, 42.4 ± 44.2 and 104.9 ± 76.2 µg L-1 of PO43--P, 1.0 ± 1.3 and 691 ± 2242 mg L-1 of TN, 0.06 ± 0.06 and 0.08 ± 0.09 mg L-1 of TP, and 0.9 ± 0.6 and 2.0 ± 0.9 µg L-1 of chl-a with significant differences (p < 0.05) between sites and seasons. When waters are transported downstream, nutrient levels are enriched by 4 to 35 times compared to those upstream due to increased population and agriculture downstream, confirming the hypothesis of the study. The calculated TN and TP fluxes were 1.23 × 104 and 3.57 × 101 ton year-1, respectively. Factor analysis indicated that inorganic nitrogen species and phosphorus are the main factors affecting the river water quality. Despite N excess during the rainy season, the river reached mesotrophic waters due to phosphorus limitation. This suggests the need to establish a water quality monitoring program to understand the vulnerability of the river course to changes in its trophic state.

Mercury in sediment cores from the southern Gulf of Mexico: Preindustrial levels and temporal enrichment trends.

Spatial and temporal variability of mercury concentrations in sediments was evaluated in 210Pb-dated sediment cores from offshore and intertidal areas in the southern Gulf of Mexico. In offshore cores, mercury concentrations were comparable (11.2-69.2 ng g-1), and intermediate between concentrations in intertidal cores from the eastern (6.0-34.4 ng g-1) and the western (34.9-137.7 ng g-1) inlets of Términos Lagoon. The enrichment factor (EF) indicated minimal contamination (EF < 2) in most offshore cores, whereas in some intertidal cores steadily increasing mercury enrichment and fluxes were observed along the past century. No evidence of oil industry related mercury contamination was found, as the minor but increasing enrichment in intertidal cores is most likely related to land-derived sources such as catchment eroded soils and waste water runoff. Results highlight the importance to control catchment erosion and untreated sewage releases to reduce mercury loadings to the coastal zone.

Trace Elements in Tissues of Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) Stranded in the Gulf of California, Mexico.

Concentration of essential (Se, Zn and Cu) and non-essential (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) trace elements were measured in selected tissues of two dead whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) stranded in the Gulf of California (GC) in 2017 and 2018. Concentrations of Cd and Pb in the skeletal muscle of the whale shark from La Paz Bay, GC were higher compared to a previous study on whale shark from China. The shark from La Paz Bay also presented higher concentration of Pb in the epidermis, compared to the same tissue of the other whale shark stranded in Punta Bufeo, GC. The Hg in all analysed tissues was lower than those documented in carnivorous sharks. Molar ratio Se:Hg shows an excess of Se over Hg in all the tissues sampled in both sharks.

Monitoring of inland waters for culturing shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei: application of a method based on survival and chemical composition.

This study evaluated the suitability of 21 inland waters (16 well waters and 5 surface waters) from Northwest Mexico via short- (48 h) and medium-term (28 days) tests using postlarvae (PL18) of Litopenaeus vannamei. In the short test, survival was assessed at 48 h after shrimp were placed in groups of 10 postlarvae into 2-L containers of inland water, to which they had been previously acclimated. The second, medium-term test consisted of four replicates with 10 postlarvae, and each group was placed in 15-L containers with the treatment water. Weights (initial and final) and survival were evaluated weekly for 28 days. In those waters for which the short test was positive and the medium-term test was negative and which also had a deficiency of potassium and/or magnesium, a third test was conducted. These last waters were supplemented with salts, and the shrimp survival and weights (initial and final) were recorded for 28 days. The water samples from San Jose, Mochicahui, Sinaloa River, Caimanero inner Lagoon, La Pipima, Campo Santa Fe, Escopama, and Fitmar had >60% survival in the short test. The Caimanero inner Lagoon water had the highest survival (87.5 ± 9.6%) and final mean weight (201.3 ± 86.2 mg). In the third test, it was found that shrimp in the water from La Pipima, Campo Santa Fe, and Fitmar exhibited 100% survival for 2 weeks. Finally, in this work, a decision tree to evaluate the suitability of low-salinity water for shrimp farming was proposed, which can be applied in other regions.

Assessment of environmental loads of Cu and Zn from intensive inland shrimp aquaculture.

An experiment was developed to simulate inland shrimp farming using diluted seawater (1.9 g L-1) containing 75 shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei) per square meter during a growth cycle of 120 days. In this study, the environmental loads of copper and zinc were estimated and compared to anthropogenic sources and shrimp aquacultures in other locations. Both metals resulted primarily from feeding, which accounted for 91.8% of Cu and 97.0% of Zn. Concentrations of Cu (110.8 ± 11.8 µg g-1) and Zn (69.0 ± 0.7 µg g-1) measured in the harvested shrimp had higher Cu and lower Zn concentrations compared to those reported for farmed shrimp from Brazil and Mexico. Clearly, organic sludge was the main route of removal for both metals (Cu 46.2%; Zn 92.6%). The annual environmental loads estimated for inland shrimp aquaculture were 598 ± 74 g Cu ha-1 and 5080 ± 328 g Zn ha-1.

Differential Tissue Accumulation of Copper, Iron, and Zinc in Bycatch Fish from the Mexican Pacific.

In order to ascertain if Cu, Fe, and Zn are differentially accumulated in fish tissues, metal concentrations were measured in the muscle and liver of bycatch fish from the states of Sinaloa (189 specimens, 7 species) and Guerrero (152 individuals, 8 species) in the Mexican Pacific Coast during March and November 2011. Additionally, metal levels were compared with the maximum allowable limits set by international legislation and contrasted with similar ichthyofauna from other regions. Liver had more elevated concentrations of Cu (Sinaloa 28.3, Guerrero 16.3 µg g-1), Fe (Sinaloa 1098, Guerrero 636 µg g-1), and Zn (Sinaloa 226, Guerrero 186 µg g-1) than the muscle in fish from both studied areas. The relative abundances of analyzed metals in both tissues was Fe > Zn > Cu. As far as limits set by international legislation (Australia, India, New Zealand, Zambia), measured concentrations of Cu in the edible portion of fish were not found to be above the set values. In the case of Zn, the maximum allowable limits set by international legislation were exceeded by the Peruvian mojarra Diapterus peruvianus from Guerrero state (Mexican Pacific). No limits exist for Fe in the edible portion of fishery products in the national and international legislations.

Combined environmental stress from shrimp farm and dredging releases in a subtropical coastal lagoon (SE Gulf of California).

Nutrient pollution causes environmental damages on aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Eutrophication produces impacts in coastal ecosystems, affecting biota and ecosystem services. The Urias coastal lagoon (SE Gulf of California) is a sub-tropical estuary under several environmental pressures such as nutrient inputs from shrimp farm effluents and dredging related to port operations, which can release substances accumulated in sediments. We assessed the water quality impacts caused by these activities and results showed that i) nitrogen was the limiting nutrient, ii) shrimp farm effluents increased particulate organic matter and chlorophyll a in the receiving stations, and iii) dredging activities increased nitrite and reduced dissolved oxygen concentrations. The co-occurrence of the shrimp farm releases and dredging activities was likely the cause of a negative synergistic effect on water quality which mainly decreases dissolved oxygen and increases nitrite concentrations. Coastal zone management should avoid the co-occurrence of these, and likely others, stressors in coastal ecosystems.

Heavy metals in waters and suspended sediments affected by a mine tailing spill in the upper San Lorenzo River, Northwestern México.

Concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), silver (Ag) and zinc (Zn) were evaluated in water and suspended sediments of the upper waters of San Lorenzo River in NW Mexico following a mine tailing spill. Except As (6.64-35.9 µg L(-1)), dissolved metal concentrations were low (Ag <0.06-0.22; Cd 0.01-0.34; Cu 4.71-10.2; Hg 0.02-0.24; Pb <0.15-0.65; Zn 86-1,080 µg L(-1)) and were less than the upper limits established by UNEP (Water quality for ecosystem and human health, 2nd edn. United Nations Environment Programme Global Environment Monitoring System/Water Programme, Burlington, 2008), EPA (2014) and the Mexican regulation (NOM 1994). In contrast, the suspended metal concentrations were high (As 91.4-130; Ag 22.1-531; Cd 3.14-6.30; Cu 65-123; Hg 0.47-1.09; Pb 260-818; Zn 742-1,810 mg kg(-1)) and most of samples exceeded the probable effect level of the Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life.

²¹°Po, Cd and Pb distribution and biomagnification in the yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares and skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis from the Eastern Pacific.

We measured Cd and Pb in the muscle and stomach contents of Thunnus albacares and Katsuwonus pelamis to define the distribution of the elements in the tissues and their degrees of biomagnification. (210)Po was measured in the livers of both species and compared to the results of similar studies. The trophic position of the tuna species was determined by N isotope measurements. The average activity of (210)Po in the liver ranged from 119 to 157 (Bq kg(-1) wet weight) in K. pelamis and T. albacares. The trophic position of T. albacares (4.60) was higher than that of K. pelamis (3.94). The Cd content of the muscle increased significantly with the trophic position of the tuna. δ(13)C in T. albacares and K. pelamis varied, with values of 3.13 and 1.88‰, respectively. The δ(15)N values in yellowfin tuna were higher than in skipjack tuna. The trophic position of T. albacares (4.60 ± 0.67) was therefore more elevated than that of K. pelamis (3.94 ± 1.06). Pb was biomagnified in T. albacares (transfer factor=1.46).

Trace element fluxes and natural potential risks from 210Pb-dated sediment cores in lacustrine environments at the Central Mexican Plateau.

The accumulation, enrichment and provenance of selected trace metals (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were studied in sediment cores collected from three lakes located in the Central Mexican Plateau, selected on the basis of their contrasting degree of urbanization: Santa Elena Lake, in a rural and remote area; El Tule Lake, in a rural and slightly urbanized area; and Chapala Lake, in a highly urbanized area. Grain size, magnetic susceptibility and sedimentary constituents such as organic carbon, calcium carbonate, as well as major (Al, Fe, Mn) and minor (Ca, Li, Rb, Sr, Th) elements were analyzed to explain the concentration trends of trace metals. Factor analysis (FA) was used to assess the provenance of the trace elements. The highest metal enrichment factor (EF) above natural concentration levels was found at Chapala Lake for Ag (EF = 3.9), although other trace element EF in all lakes was <2.0, indicating slight contamination. However, the concentration levels of Cr and Ni in all lakes, Hg and Zn in Chapala Lake, Cu in El Tule Lake and As in Santa Elena Lake were above international benchmarks for which adverse effects are expected to occur frequently, even for those metals only slightly enriched (e.g. As, Cr). Through FA, the terrigenous contribution was identified as the most important source of trace metals to the three lakes, most likely related to deforestation and erosion of the surrounding areas, followed by atmospheric transport of volcanic ashes, rather than to direct sources.

Dominance patterns in macroalgal and phytoplankton biomass under different nutrient loads in subtropical coastal lagoons of the SE Gulf of California.

Nine macroalgal blooms were studied in five coastal lagoons of the SE Gulf of California. The nutrient loads from point and diffuse sources were estimated in the proximity of the macroalgal blooms. Chlorophyll a and macroalgal biomass were measured during the dry, rainy and cold seasons. Shrimp farms were the main point source of nitrogen and phosphorus loads for the lagoons. High biomasses were found during the dry season for phytoplankton at site 6 (791.7±34.6 mg m(-2)) and during the rainy season for macroalgae at site 4 (296.0±82.4 g m(-2)). Depending on the season, the phytoplankton biomass ranged between 40.0 and 791.7 mg m(-2) and the macroalgal biomass between 1 and 296.0 g m(-2). The bulk biomass (phytoplankton+macroalgal) displayed the same tendency as the nutrient loads entering the coastal lagoons. Phytoplankton and macroalgal biomass presented a significant correlation with the atomic N:P ratio.

Distribution and accumulation of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn in the surface sediments of El Tobari Lagoon, central-East Gulf of California: An ecosystem associated with agriculture and aquaculture activities.

The purpose of this research is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the concentration levels and spatial variability of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in El Tobari Lagoon in surface sediments during two seasons for several geochemical variables that could explain the observed heavy metal variability. Seventy-two surface sediments samples were collected in 12 different sites of the El Tobari Lagoon. Sediment samples were dried and subjected to acid extraction using a microwave system and five metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) were measured using atomic adsorption spectrometry. A certificate sediment material and blanks were used as quality control purposes. The enrichment factor (EF) and the index of geoaccumulation (Igeo) were calculated as index of metals contamination for the sediments, using aluminum as the conservative element. The five metals examined in sediments from El Tobari Lagoon exhibited a linear correlation with Al as result of the large specific surface areas of these sediment components and the chemical affinities between them. The metals contents in sites of the El Tobari Lagoon were variable, and Cd, Cu and Hg presented a seasonal behavior. The enrichment factor and index of geoaccumulation analysis indicated that Cd and Hg exhibited a certain extent (EF for Cd ranged from 4.10 to 10.29; EF for Hg ranged from 2.77 to 12.89) of anthropogenic pollution, while Cu showed sporadic (EF ranged from 0.43 to 2.54) anthropogenic contamination. The highest concentrations of Cd, Cu and Hg were found in the sites that regularly received discharge effluents from agriculture and aquaculture.

The use of blood in Anas clypeata as an efficient and non-lethal method for the biomonitoring of mercury.

Hg was analyzed in seven tissues of 52 common shoveler Anas clypeata collected from the coast of SE Gulf of California. Mean Hg concentrations were highest in the liver (2,885 ng g⁻¹) and lowest in the gizzard (621 ng g⁻¹); they followed the order: liver, feathers > muscle tissue and tissues of the circulatory system > digestive organs. Hg levels were similar or higher than birds of the same trophic level and feeding habits. Considering the relationships of Hg among tissues and blood we recommend the use of blood as an efficient method to monitor Hg.

Comparative bioaccumulation of trace metals using six filter feeder organisms in a coastal lagoon ecosystem (of the central-east Gulf of California).

The Tobari Lagoon, located in the central-east coast of the Gulf of California, receives effluents from the Yaqui Valley, one of the most extensive agricultural areas of México. The Tobari Lagoon also receives effluents from nearby shrimp farms and untreated municipal sewage. Surface sediment samples and six different species of filter feeders (Crassostrea corteziensis, Crassostrea gigas, Chione gnidia, Anadara tuberculosa, Chione fluctifraga, and Fistulobalanus dentivarians) were collected during the dry and the rainy seasons and analyzed to determine concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Seasonal variations in metal concentrations in sediment were evident, especially for Cd, Cu, Hg, and Zn. The total and bioavailable concentrations of the five metals are not elevated in comparison to other areas around the world. The percentages of bioavailable respect to total concentrations of the metals varied from 0.6 % in Hg to 50.2 % for Cu. In the organisms, Hg showed the lowest concentrations (ranged from 0.22 to 0.65 µg/g) while Zn showed the highest (ranged from 36.6 to 1,702 µg/g). Linear correlations between the levels of Cu, Pb, and Zn in the soft tissues of C. fluctifraga and C. gnidia, and A. tuberculosa and C. gnidia were found. Seasonal and interspecies variations in the metal levels in filter feeders were found; F. dentivarians, C. corteziensis, and C. gigas exhibited the highest levels, could be used as biomonitors of metals contamination in this area.

Mercury in blood and eggs of the sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea from a nesting colony in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Mercury concentrations were assessed in the sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea from a nesting colony of Oaxaca, Mexico; 25 female turtles were sampled, a total of 250 eggs were collected during the season 2005-2006. Higher concentrations were found in yolk fraction, while in blood and albumen mean levels were below of 0.0010µg g(-1) dry wt. On the basis of one nesting season, the maternal transfer of Hg via eggs-laying was estimated in 2.0±1.1%. According to international norms, the health of this population and its habitats is acceptable for Hg and corresponds to baseline levels of a nearly pristine environment.

Total and organic mercury in ten fish species for human consumption from the Mexican Pacific.

Total mercury and organic mercury were measured in ten fish species from the Mexican Pacific ocean to have a general view on the ratio of total mercury-organic mercury and potential implications on human health. Highest concentration of total mercury was recorded in muscle tissue of Carcharhinus leucas (0.62 µg g⁻¹ wet weight). Organic mercury was more concentrated in Haemulon sexfasciatum (0.4 µg g⁻¹ wet weight). Percentages of organic mercury ranged from 33 to 100%. Hazard indices associated to organic mercury and average fish consumption in Mexico ranged from 0.25 in Lutjanus colorado to 1.65 in Haemulon sexfasciatum.

Health risk associated to dietary intake of mercury in selected coastal areas of Mexico.

A hazard quotient (HQ) was evaluated for Mexican population considering Hg levels and consumption rates. Fish and shrimp were caught in selected coastal areas. HQ's ranged from 0.004 to 0.01 in shrimp; from 0.004 to 1.04 in fish from NW Mexico; and from 0.02 to 0.19 in fish from the Gulf of Mexico. Highest HQ in fish were found in carnivorous fish Caranx caninus (HQ = 0.71) and Sphyrna lewini (HQ = 1.04) from NW Mexico. A more accurate study should be made considering organic Hg, contribution of Hg from other sources, and consumption rates according to age, sex and economic status.