Biomonitoring of metals in the biological media of the inhabitants of the Arctic macroregion (literature review)

Abstract

This literature review summarises the basic principles of biomonitoring of lead, mercury and nickel, the most common metallic pollutants in the Arctic. Various countries have developed recommendations for threshold values of these metals in the biological media of humans depending upon age and other personal characteristics. The most informative biological media are blood and hair for lead; blood, hair and urine for mercury; blood for a nickel. Biological monitoring of these metals is particularly needed in the settlements near the metal plants of Kola Peninsula, in the Norilsk industrial area and the gold-mining districts of Yakutia. High levels of lead in fish have become a paramount public health concern in the Arctic because fish is typical food for local populations of the coastal areas, especially for the indigenous minorities of the North. Lead concentrations in the tissues of freshwater fish caught in many rivers of the Murmansk region, Republic Sakha (Yakutia) and other northern regions frequently exceeded the threshold values. Health risks arising from the consumption of contaminated fish have not been assessed in the Arctic, but the studies conducted elsewhere indicated considerable risks. Some biologists have proposed establishing maximum permissible levels of lead in fish muscles relative to its fat content, which could be necessary for the health of those who depend upon this source of food. Several countries have issued recommendations for maximum monthly consumption of certain species of fish harvested in specific water reservoirs.