Compound-specific recording of gadolinium pollution in coastal waters by great scallops

Samuel Le Goff,Douraied Ben Salem,Bleuenn Gueguen,Yves-Marie Paulet,Laurent Chauvaud,Jean-Alix Barrat

doi:10.1038/s41598-019-44539-y

Abstract

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), routinely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), end up directly in coastal seawaters where gadolinium concentrations are now increasing. Because many aquatic species could be sensitive to this new pollution, we have evaluated the possibility of using shellfish to assess its importance. Gadolinium excesses recorded by scallop shells collected in Bay of Brest (Brittany, France) for more than 30 years do not reflect the overall consumption in GBCAs, but are largely controlled by one of them, the gadopentetate dimeglumine. Although its use has been greatly reduced in Europe over the last ten years, gadolinium excesses are still measured in shells. Thus, some gadolinium derived from other GBCAs is bioavailable and could have an impact on marine wildlife.

Highlights

For thirty years linear or macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are routinely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)[1]
As Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are not recovered during wastewater treatment, more than 200 tons of anthropogenic gadolinium are conveyed each year by rivers of developed and densely populated areas, and end up directly in coastal seawaters where gadolinium concentrations, still low, are increasing[8,9,10,11,12]
Aquatic species are sensitive to this new pollution: for example, gadolinium accumulates in the livers of fish and induces antioxidant enzyme productions[13]; in presence of gadolinium, larvae of sea urchins display abnormal shapes and growth[14]; gadolinium exposure produces mitochondrial and anti-inflammatory pathways in freshwater mussels[15]

Summary

Introduction

Linear or macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are routinely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)[1]. As GBCAs are not recovered during wastewater treatment, more than 200 tons of anthropogenic gadolinium are conveyed each year by rivers of developed and densely populated areas, and end up directly in coastal seawaters where gadolinium concentrations, still low, are increasing[8,9,10,11,12]. The incorporation of anthropogenic gadolinium by shellfish is evidenced by their Rare Earth Elements (REE) patterns.

Results

Conclusion