Metals and Metalloid Concentrations in Fish, Its Spatial Distribution in PPC, Philippines and the Attributable Risks

The fatty acid contents of marine, brackish and fresh water fishes were identified and quantified by gas chromatography. It was found that marine fishes were better sources of n-3 fatty acids, whereas fresh and brackish water fishes were better sources of n-6 fatty acids. Marine fish had the highest amount of PUFA. Among PUFAs, docosadienoic acid (C22:2n6) and adrenic acid (C22:4n6) were identified in 20 fishes. EPA and DHA was significantly higher in marine fishes (p less gthan 0.01), particularly, Dussumieria acuta, the rainbow sardine (24.80 mg g-1). Gerres abbreviates, the silver belly (20.16 mg g-1) and Tricusurus savala, the wolf herring (23.34 mg g-1). The n-3: n-6 ratio was significantly higher in marine fishes (p less gthan 0.05) than in the brackish and fresh water fishes studied. Atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity(TI) values were significantly higher in both fresh and brackish water fishes and significantly lower (p less gthan 0.01) in marine fishes.

This study investigates some biological characters (oocyte diameter, fecundity, histological and ultra structural features) of female Mugil cephalus ovaries collected from three different natural habitats: marine (MW), brackish (BW) and fresh (FW) water. Monthly gonadosomatic index (GSI) values clearly showed that the time period of reproductive activity in female M. cephalus from marine and brackish water habitats was from early September to late November. No peak value of GSI in females collected from freshwater was observed throughout the year. Analysis of ovum diameter for M. cephalus in the two habitats revealed that, there are small diameter ova (less than 0.3 mm) and large ova (larger than 0.35 mm). The percentage of small ova diameter was 5±1% in marine habitat, while 27±3% for brackish water habitat. The mean oocyte diameters in fresh water fish were less than 350 µm. The oocytes did not develop enough to be differentiated into small and large diameter ova. The total number of ripe ova in marine fish varied between 0.84 ± 0.05 to 4.14±1.01 x106 for a total length ranging between 35 and 52 cm, respectively; whereas, the total number of ripe ova in brackish water fish ranged from 0.57±0.14 to 3.81±0.59 x106 for the same length groups. There was highly significant correlation (p>0.01) between the number and length of ripe ova in 37 and 50 cm length group from the two habitats. Yolky nucleus or Balbiani’s body and interstitial epithelial cells are a characteristic feature of oocytes at maturing stage, which is clearly detected in marine water fish with isolated follicular and active organelles. In brackish and fresh water fish ovary, the cytoplasm was compacted without accumulation of active organelles. Ultra structurally vacuolized oocyte wall in marine fish showed the presence of the fifth layer (cortical alveoli) while no cortical alveoli formation was observed in oocyte of brackish or fresh water females. The percentage of atretic oocytes in late vitellogenic ovary of marine water fish was about 2.5%, while in brackish water fish it was about 92±2%. In both brackish and fresh water fishes the initial stage of oocytes atresia degeneration was observed. In conclusion, the comparative study shows that ovary of marine and brackish M. cephalus morphologically overlaps from ripening to re-sorption stages. With the histological and fine structure characteristics, it was possible to understand the functional relationship between oocyte size and stage of fish maturation. This knowledge is of huge importance in establishing the reproductive status of the fish which is related to the functional expression of the folliculogenesis in female individuals.   Key words: Ova, Mugil cephalus, marine, brackish and fresh water fish. &nbsp

16th February 2015. Due to a number of missing tables and figures, this article (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i1.22144) was withdrawn from Vol.7(1) and has been republished with corrections in Vol.7(2) pp.177-184 (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22228).An investigation was carried out on the fish marketing system and availability of fish species at Daulatpur fish market in Khulna over 12-months from September 2012 to August 2013. Combinations of the participatory, qualitative and quantitative methods were used for questionnaire interviews for data collection. A total of 115 species of fresh water, brackish and marine water fish and crustacean species were identified during the observation period. The number of fresh water fish species was found 60 including 14 fresh water culture species and 12 SIS whereas brackish and marine water species was found 41 and crustacean species was 14 including 5 fresh water prawn, 6 marine and brackish water shrimp and 3 crabs. During the observation period, it was found that the availability of culture fish species was higher in the market and it was 55.86% including 17% catfish, 15.65 % tilapia, 15.56 % carp fishes, 4.18% koi, 2.47% punti and 1% prawn. Catfish, carps, tilapia, snakehead, baim, shing-magur, punti, koi etc were the major abundant groups among the fresh water fish species whereas ilish and some shrimp were the abundant species of marine and brackish water fish. The highest abundance (55.86%) was found the fresh water culture fish species following to marine and brackish water species (28.01%) and fresh water capture species (16.01%). The market chain from farmers/fishermen to consumers encompassed mainly primary, secondary and retail markets involving local agents (foria and bepari) suppliers, aratdars, wholesalers and retailers. During the observation, it was found that the auctioneers get 3 to 5% commission by performing their activities. Aratdars also get 4 to 5% commission due to arrange auctioning activities and providing other facilities such as clean water supply, electricity, space, communication etc which is called aratdary. In some cases farmers have to pay market tools that locally called khazna which vary from 5 to 10% depending on amount of sales. Market structure, species quality, size and weight have an influence on the price of fish and it was found that the price of fish increases per kilogram with increasing size and it varied with species to species. Every step of intermediaries of marketing channel obtained certain amount of profit and ultimately the farmers/fishermen received an average near about 60 percent of the retail price of fish in the market.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22228 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 177-184 2014

16 th February 2015. Due to a number of missing tables and figures, this article (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i1.22144 ) was withdrawn from Vol.7(1) and has been republished with corrections in Vol.7(2) pp.177-184 (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22228 ). An investigation was carried out on the fish marketing system and availability of fish species at Daulatpur fish market in Khulna over 12-months from September 2012 to August 2013. Combinations of the participatory, qualitative and quantitative methods were used for questionnaire interviews for data collection. A total of 115 species of fresh water, brackish and marine water fish and crustacean species were identified during the observation period. The number of fresh water fish species was found 60 including 14 fresh water culture species and 12 SIS whereas brackish and marine water species was found 41 and crustacean species was 14 including 5 fresh water prawn, 6 marine and brackish water shrimp and 3 crabs. During the observation period, it was found that the availability of culture fish species was higher in the market and it was 55.86% including 17% catfish, 15.65 % tilapia, 15.56 % carp fishes, 4.18% koi, 2.47% punti and 1% prawn. Catfish, carps, tilapia, snakehead, baim, shing-magur, punti, koi etc were the major abundant groups among the fresh water fish species whereas ilish and some shrimp were the abundant species of marine and brackish water fish. The highest abundance (55.86%) was found the fresh water culture fish species following to marine and brackish water species (28.01%) and fresh water capture species (16.01%). The market chain from farmers/fishermen to consumers encompassed mainly primary, secondary and retail markets involving local agents (foria and bepari) suppliers, aratdars, wholesalers and retailers. During the observation, it was found that the auctioneers get 3 to 5% commission by performing their activities. Aratdars also get 4 to 5% commission due to arrange auctioning activities and providing other facilities such as clean water supply, electricity, space, communication etc which is called aratdary. In some cases farmers have to pay market tools that locally called khazna which vary from 5 to 10% depending on amount of sales. Market structure, species quality, size and weight have an influence on the price of fish and it was found that the price of fish increases per kilogram with increasing size and it varied with species to species. Every step of intermediaries of marketing channel obtained certain amount of profit and ultimately the farmers/fishermen received an average near about 60 percent of the retail price of fish in the market. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22228 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 177-184 2014

A total number of 170 fishes (100 fresh water, 40 brackish water, and 30 marine water fishes) from different farms in Alexandria, Kafr Elsheikh, and Behira governorates were collected from different water salinities. The prevalence of A.hydrophila was 47% (38% in fresh water fish, 65% brackish water fish, 53.3% in marine water fish). A.hydrophila isolates were tested for pathogenicity by inoculation into blood agar and skimmed milk agar 1% for hemolytic and proteolytic activity. All isolates showed β hemolysis and proteolytic activity. A.hydrophila isolates were inoculated into trypticase soya broth with different NaCl concentration (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6%) and turbidity was measured by photometer at wave length 610 nm. The higher NaCl concentration, the lower turbidity was found. Moreover, reduction % of total bacterial count of A.hydrophila in relation to different concentration of NaCl in TSB after 10 fold serial dilutions by surface plating technique was calculated. Hemolysin and aerolysin genes were detected by PCR from the isolates from different sources. A.hydrophila isolates from fresh, brackish and marine fish showed high resistance to Ampicillin ﴾M10﴿, Erythromycin ﴾E15﴿ Nalidixic acid (NA30), and Spectinomycin (SPT10). On the other hand, A.hydrophila isolates from fresh, brackish and marine fish showed high sensitivity to Enrofloxacin (EF10), Ofloxacin ﴾OFX5 ﴿and Gentamicin (CN10﴿. Polymixin ﴾PB300 u ﴿showed activity against A.hydrophila from brackish and marine fishes only. Doxycycline ﴾DO30﴿ and Nitrofurantoin ﴾F300u) were highly effective against brackish water isolates than others for the field application. Isolation of A.hydrophila from different water salinities raises the public health concern and the importance to find suitable methods to control the infection.

Marine fish from the North East Atlantic Ocean (NEAO) are nutrient rich and considered a valuable economic resource. However, marine fish are also a major dietary source of several contaminants, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals. Using one of the world's largest seafood datasets (n>25,000 individuals), comprising 12 commercially important fish species collected during 2006-2019 in the NEAO, we assessed the co-occurrence of elements and POPs, and evaluated potential risks to human consumers. Several positive correlations between concentrations of mercury (Hg), dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were observed. Concentrations of Hg, dioxins, PCBs and PBDEs increased from North to South and associations between marine sediment contamination, sea temperature, and fish Hg and POPs concentrations were identified using multi-linear regression (MLR) models. In general, Hg concentrations in fillet and liver of fish were positively associated with increases in both sediment contamination and sea temperature. POPs concentrations in both fillet and liver were positively associated with increases in sediment contamination, and only POPs concentrations in the liver of benthopelagic and demersal species were found to be positively correlated with sea temperature. Using a probabilistic approach to estimate human contaminant exposure from seafood, we showed that intake of pelagic species posed the highest risk of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) exposure, while intake of benthopelagic and demersal species posed the highest risk of Hg exposure. This study can serve as a model to further understand the distribution, co-occurrence, and trends of contaminants in seafood harvested from the NEAO and their potential risks to human consumers.

A new species of acanthocephalan infecting marine and brackish water fishes from the south-west coast of India is described. The parasite belongs to the genus Tenuiproboscis, and the fish hosts include Lutjanus argentimaculatus, L. ehrenbergii, Siganus javus, Epinephelus malabaricus, E. coioides, Scatophagus argus, Parascolopsis aspinosa, Caranx ignobilis, Gerres filamentosus and Lates calcarifer. The parasite inhabits mid- and hindgut regions and is characterised by an elongated, cylindrical, bulbous and posteriorly tapering metasoma and a claviform proboscis having 14-15 rows of 14-15 hooks each. Females larger than males, measured 3898.16-10,318.00μm (6430.00±1417.30) in length and 458.93-1435.68μm (929.81±250.39) in width. Males measured 3234.89-8644.20μm (5729.50±1176.60) in length and 388.30-1584.61μm (795.88±184.12) in width. Parasites recovered from different host species showed morphological/morphometric variations. However, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed significant overlapping of characters indicating their similarities. Proboscis profiling based on variations in size and position of hooks also yielded similar results. Further, in molecular phylogenetic analysis, parasites from different fish hosts formed a monophyletic clade with strong bootstrap support, again indicating their conspecific nature. These morphological/morphometric variations can be ascribed to differences in host species. Morphology and morphometrics in combination with PCA, proboscis profiling and molecular analysis suggest the present acanthocephalan parasite is different from other described species of Tenuiproboscis. Hence, it is considered as a new species and named T. keralensis n. sp. Prevalence, intensity and abundance of the parasite in different hosts are also discussed.

The natural mortality of exploited fish populations is often assumed to be a species‐specific constant independent of body size. This assumption has important implications for size‐based fish population models and for predicting the outcome of size‐dependent fisheries management measures such as mesh‐size regulations. To test the assumption, we critically review the empirical estimates of the natural mortality,M(year−1), of marine and brackish water fish stocks and model them as a function of von Bertalanffy growth parameters,L(cm) andK(year−1), temperature (Kelvin) and length,L(cm). Using the Arrhenius equation to describe the relationship betweenMand temperature, we findMto be significantly related to length,LandK, but not to temperature (R2 = 0.62,P < 0.0001,n = 168). Temperature andKare significantly correlated and whenKis removed from the model the temperature term becomes significant, but the resulting model explains less of the total variance (R2 = 0.42,P < 0.0001,n = 168). The relationships betweenM,L,L,Kand temperature are shown to be in general accordance with previous theoretical and empirical investigations. We conclude that natural mortality is significantly related to length and growth characteristics and recommend to use the empirical formula: ln(M) = 0.55 − 1.61ln(L) + 1.44ln(L) + ln(K), for estimating the natural mortality of marine and brackish water fish.

Mercury (Hg) is a metal with toxic effects on the environment, including living organisms. Organic Hg derivatives readily penetrate biological membranes and pose a particular health risk. Food of aquatic origin is the main source of human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg). In Poland, the consumption of fishery and aquaculture products has been gradually increasing. The aim of this study was to determine the content of Hg in fish intended for human consumption and purchased in Poland. The total Hg content of the edible parts of different species of marine and freshwater fish was analysed. The range of Hg content in all fish was 0.004-0.827 mg/kg, with an arithmetic mean of 0.084 mg/kg. The concentration of Hg in marine fish (0.100 mg/kg) was higher than in freshwater fish (0.063 mg/kg). The highest concentration of Hg was found in tuna. The Estimated Hazard Quotient (EHQ) calculated for the tuna samples analysed was >1. This may represent a potential health risk for consumers. The consumption of the other fish analysed was considered safe on the basis of the EHQ. The Hg content of the analysed fish samples did not exceed the current limits for food.

Vibrio is a common bacterium found in marine fishes. Vibrio species are pathogenic to humans and cause various gastrointestinal diseases. Fish markets, fish harvesting areas, vectors like flies, seawater and sometimes fresh water bodies are the source of spread of this bacterium. Improper handling or pathogen contamination during transit has an impact not only on human health but also on the population of marine fish. Vibrio is known to be a human pathogen, the onset and spread of this bacterium causes severe diarrhoea. In this study, the presence of Vibrio species in marine water fishes was determined from fishes collected from various fish markets in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Various biochemical tests were performed to isolate and identify the Vibrio species. In the family Vibrionaceae three species such as Vibrio cholera, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus were identified. Additionally, a survey was conducted using google forms to understand the consumption rate of fish by people and also to gauge the awareness among public about the bacterial disease caused by consumption of fishes. It was observed that a large number of individuals consumed various types of fishes including marine and freshwater fishes on a regular basis. People also consume raw fish delicacies. However, very few individuals were aware of the bacteria and its related diseases, most of the participants were unaware of the presence of bacteria like Vibrio cholera and its associated diseases.

A rapid environmental assessment of the abandoned Palawan Quicksilver Mines, Inc. (PQMI) mined-out area and vicinities in Puerto Princesa City, Philippines was conducted from October 2018 to December 2019 to trace the pathways of mercury (Hg) concentration in different media, including groundwater. In this study, existing wells, drilled boreholes, and hand water pumps near the PQMI pit lake were used as sampling wells. Hg and other heavy metals – arsenic (As), barium (Ba), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) – were analyzed to determine the concentrations and compared to the international and Philippine standard for drinking water. Results showed that As, Ba, and Hg concentrations in the entire groundwater samples collected from sampling wells have concentrations that are within the international and Philippines standards for drinking water. Groundwater samples from drilled boreholes have the measured Cr, Mn, and Ni concentrations exceed the standards for drinking water. The results further suggest that there is no mixing of groundwater and surface waters within the aquifer.

A floristic study was conducted in two ultramafic formations in Palawan Island, selected for their differing land uses, to assess the role of ultramafic forests as a carbon sink based on plant diversity and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) content. A total of 17 tree species were identified inside an active mining area in Mt. Bulanjao, Rio Tuba, Bataraza, while only 15 tree species in Magarwak, Brgy. Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City. Palawan Mangkono (Xanthostemon speciosus Merr.), an island endemic species that thrives well in ultramafics, is the most dominant species in Rio Tuba, Bataraza, whereas Putian (Mastixia pentandra Blume) is the dominant species in Puerto Princesa City based on the Important Value Index (IVI). In terms of diversity, both sites exhibited low diversity index values, with Bataraza site having H'=2.232 while Magarwak, Puerto Princesa City had H'=2.286, respectively. Such data implied the alarming rate of species lost in ultramafic forest, primarily attributable to anthropogenic activities. Further analysis of SOC content indicated that Puerto Princesa City's ultramafic soils contained 99.05 t ha-1, while a much lower value of 85.68 t ha-1 at Bataraza was quantified. Considering the combined contribution of vegetation diversity and soil carbon, this study suggests that Puerto Princesa City's ultramafic formations have the potential to sequester atmospheric carbon and may act as a sink. Both the unusual characteristics of ultramafic soils and their existing vegetation contribute to the enhancement of the carbon storage potential of this forest type, although present land use serves as a crucial consideration. These findings underscore the importance of preserving and conserving native metallophytes in the area, making this research a pivotal basis for conservation efforts.

Background: Fish meat represents an essential source of animal protein worldwide and possesses a significant nutritive value, especially in Egypt. Anisakid nematodes are the most abundant parasites among various species of marine fishes. These worms could alter the chemical properties of fish tissue reducing their quality. Objective: The current study aimed to analyze the presence of larvae in marine fish frequently consumed in Egyptian supermarkets, and to measure the chemical traits of fish, inferring the risk of infection and its impact on the fish quality. Materials and methods: In total 435 specimens of three of the most consumed marine fish species in Alexandria, Egypt; chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus), Spanish mackerel (Scomber commerson), and Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) were examined for Anisakid nematodes. The degree of infestation was categorized into a control group (completely free from Anisakis), a mild infection group (up to 15 larvae/100 g), a medium infection group (>15-30 larvae/100 g), and the high or heavy infection group (>30-50 larvae/100 g). The larvae were isolated, counted then fish tissues were subjected to chemical and molecular analysis. Results: Analysis showed that the overall Anisakis infestation among the examined fish species was 27.1% (118/435). The Atlantic herring represented the highest parasitic infection with Anisakis larvae (37.3%), then came the chub mackerel (23.8%), and lastly the Spanish mackerel (23.5%). Regarding the chemical quality parameters of fish samples, Trimethylamine values of the heavy Anisakis-infested samples of all chub, Spanish and herring samples were higher (mean values 11.38, 10.61, and 11.52 mg/100g, respectively) than the control and other groups with different degrees of Anisakis infestation. Also, histamine values followed the same manner in the highest infection group (mean values 4.38, 3.78, and 5.73 mg/100g, respectively). Conclusion: The degree of Anisakis infestation in marine water fish should be considered by marketers and consumers, as it has a crucial impact on the quality parameters of fish flesh.

Amyloodinium ocellatum is a protozoan parasite that causes amyloodiniosis in marine and brackish water fish, threatening global aquaculture. The present study investigates the morphology and ultrastructure of the free-living stages of A. ocellatum (tomont and dinospore) using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Dinospores measured 13.03-19.66 μm in length, 12.32-18.71 μm in width, and were laterally flattened. Dinospores had a transverse flagellum for propulsion and a longitudinal flagellum for direction control. The cyst wall had three distinct layers and included cellulose. The outer wall was coated with numerous bacteria. The orange-red speckled eyespot was observed all tomont developmental stages and in the dinospore of A. ocellatum. Tomonts proliferation required successive nuclear division, the formation of new cyst walls, and cytoplasmic segregation. The cytoplasm comprises mainly the matrix, organelles, and inclusions. The matrix was grainy and evenly distributed. In addition to organelles, including mitochondria with tubular cristae, Golgi apparatus, and endoplasmic reticulum, the cytoplasm had starch grains and lipid droplets as inclusions. The A. ocellatum cells lacked chloroplasts. This study provides the first ultrastructural view of the cytoplasmic structure of the free-living stages of A. ocellatum.

The abandoned mercury (Hg) mine area in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan was included in the list of abandoned and inactive mines in the Philippines which pose a high risk to human health and the environment, and require rehabilitation. The mine site, operated by Palawan Quicksilver Mines, Inc. (PQMI) from 1953 to 1976, is located approximately 3 km inland from Honda Bay coast and within the catchment of the Tagburos River, which is a local fishery and recreational area. In this study, total Hg levels in soils and sediments were measured to assess the possible release of Hg from the site into the surrounding natural environment. Results showed that total Hg (THg) concentrations found in soils (0.04–67.5 mg kg−1), mine waste calcines (52.7–924.2 mg kg−1), river sediments (1.8–119 mg kg−1), and marine sediments (0.04–12.7 mg kg−1) were elevated compared to the global background of 0.045–0.16 mg kg−1. The high concentrations of Hg in soils and river sediments were influenced by the different pathways for the release of Hg from its mine operations; while Hg in marine sediments was caused by the erosion of mine waste calcines near the pit lake, and calcines used to construct a wharf at the nearby Honda Bay. Mine wastes represent the largest source of Hg contamination in the area, due to the low efficiency of the recovery process during calcination. This work corresponds with the Minamata Convention on Mercury on the updated environmental assessments of abandoned Hg mines as potential source sites of mercury contamination.