Biomonitoring Of Heavy Metal Pollution Research Articles

Metal bioaccumulation in some Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera) species in apple orchards

Traffic is an important pollution factor causing environmental damages such as soil, water and atmospheric pollution, greenhouse effect, and climate change. Effects of traffic pollution on various organisms enlightened with various studies. In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of traffic-based pollution on Auchenorrhyncha (Insecta: Hemiptera) species in apple orchards and their potential as biomonitor for heavy metal pollution. The Auchenorrhyncha specimens were collected from the apple orchards near the Amasya-Samsun motorway in Türkiye. The heavy metal concentrations were determined by ICP-OES. Five Auchenorrhyncha species were determined from three sites from each of three different distance. Empoasca decipiens specimens were collected only from 0 m while others found in all localities. Heavy metal concentrations in insect specimens tended to decrease with the increasing distance from the motorway. These differences were clearly indicated in Psammotettix provincialis and Phlepsius intricatus, which were found in all localities. Except for Ni, Fe and Mn for Phlepsius intricatus, all examined heavy metals significantly varied in both species. Results showed that heavy metals tended to accumulate in the body of Auchenorrhyncha specimens and because of this they may be evaluated as a biomonitor for heavy metal pollution.

Metal toxicity in Bryum coronatum Schwaegrichen: impact on chlorophyll content, lamina cell structure, and metal accumulation

This research examined the impact of heavy metals, including Cd, Pb, and Zn, on chlorophyll content and lamina cell structure in Bryum coronatum. After exposure to varying metal concentrations (0.015, 0.065, 0.250, 1, and 4 mg/L), chlorophyll content, chloroplast numbers, lamina cell change, and metal accumulation were investigated. Chlorophyll content was assessed using spectrophotometry, whereas chloroplast numbers and lamina cell changes were examined under a light microscope. Metal accumulation was quantified through ICP-MS. The findings revealed that Cd notably reduced chlorophyll a content, while Pb and Zn showed minimal influence. Cd and Pb exposure decreased the number of chloroplasts in lamina cells, with no impact from Zn. The moss’s capacity to absorb metals increased with higher exposure levels, indicating its potential as a biomonitor for heavy metal pollution. Cell mortality occurred in response to Cd and Pb, primarily in the median and apical lamina regions, while Zn had no effect. This study sheds light on heavy metal toxicity in B. coronatum, underscoring its significance for environmental monitoring. Further research on the mechanisms and consequences of heavy metal toxicity in bryophytes is essential for a comprehensive understanding of this critical issue.

The significance of heterophasic ion exchange in active biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution of surface waters

We have carried out studies to examine the possibility of using biosorbents: the epigeic mosses Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. ex Brid.) Mitt., and the epiphytic lichens Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. in active biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution of surface waters. The dried sea algae Palmaria palmata (L.) Weber & Mohr were used as the third biosorbent. The studies were conducted in the waters of the Turawa Reservoir, a dam reservoir with a significant level of eutrophication in south-western Poland. Incremental concentrations of Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb were determined in the exposed samples. It was shown that a 2-h exposure period increases the concentration of some metals in the exposed samples, even by as much as several hundred percent. High increments of nickel concentrations in the algae Palmaria palmata (mean: 0.0040 mg/g, with the initial concentration of c0 < 0.0016 in the algae) were noted, with negligible increments in concentrations of this metal in mosses and lichens. In contrast, mosses and lichens accumulated relatively high amounts of Cd (mean: 0.0033 mg/g, c0 = 0.00043 mg/g) and Pb (mean: 0.0243 mg/g, c0 = 0.0103 mg/g), respectively.

Enhancing environmental monitoring: utilizing plant and soil assays to track pollution in a Turkish organized industrial zone

The aim of the current investigation was to determine the concentration of different metals in Mentha spicata L. subsp. tomentosa plants and soils in order to highlight the pollution level in a Turkish Organized Industrial Zone in Dilovasi District, in Kocaeli City. The concentration of metals in plant and soil samples were examined. When the soil values were examined, the highest cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, nickel, and lead levels were collected from the location which is hosting numerous industrial facilities. All elements except boron and copper, exceeded normal limits in the leaf samples while cadmium, chromium, iron, nickel, lead, and zinc reached “toxic levels” in leaf samples. Heavy metals were accumulated in leaves more than rhizomes. Mineral element uptake and accumulation were affected from heavy metal amounts, especially in rhizomes. Although washing procedure notably reduced the concentration of some heavy metals in leaves samples, the reduced values were higher than acceptable levels in some locations of the district. According to the data, it may be said that the region, especially its industrialized parts are heavily polluted by heavy metals. Moreover, in the accordance with the fact that, the highest values of elements were determined in regions having considerable industrial activity such as metal and plastic processing facilities. Additionally, Mentha spicata plants exhibited higher heavy metal values in areas with high heavy metal content in the soil, and lower heavy metal values in areas with low heavy metal concentration. These findings indicate that Mentha spicata, a plant known for its medicinal and culinary uses, can be considered as an effective biomonitor for heavy metal pollution in the region. Consequently, constant inspection is required to prevent the excessive buildup of metals in the region and similar areas with comparable characteristics in terms of human life.

Stress induced by soil contamination with heavy metals and their effects on some biomarkers and DNA damage in maize plants at the vicinity of Ferronikel smelter in Drenas, Kosovo

The Ferronikel smelter in Drenas is one of the main industrial areas in the Kosovo and pollution by heavy metals causes serious threat for all living organisms on this area. The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of some heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb) in agricultural soils and in maize plants, and their potential toxic effects on this plant through some sensitive biochemical and molecular markers. Maize seedlings growth in nine soil samples from different locations of this area. The highest concentrations of heavy metals in soils and maize leaves were conducted close to the Ferronikel smelter, and in some locations, the nickel and chromium concertation in soils exceeded 800 mg kg−1. A significant effects of heavy metals induced toxicity resulted in the, build-up aminolevulinic acid and reduced activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, and chlorophyll content in the maize leaves. In general, maize seedlings growth in polluted locations showed an increase in nuclear DNA content and in G2M phase. We concluded that locations close to the smelter are affected by soil heavy metals pollution and these biochemical and molecular analysis would be a powerful ecotoxicological tool in biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution.

Epiphytic and epigeal lichens as bioindicators of air pollution in the Burabay National Park, Kazakhstan

Abstract. Bukabayeva Z, Abiyev S, Silybayeva B, Assanova U, Sharipkhanova A, Sagdatkyzy B. 2023. Epiphytic and epigeal lichens as bioindicators of air pollution in the Burabay National Park, Kazakhstan. Biodiversitas 24: 2701-2709. Lichens are recognized as a symbiotic association between a fungus (mycobiont) and a chlorophyll-containing partner (photobiont). Because lichens receive all their nutrients from the atmosphere, they are very sensitive to air quality and can be used as bioindicators of pollution by heavy metals, organic compounds and radioactive elements in the air. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of lichens as bioindicators of the heavy metal content in the air in the Burabay National Park, northern Kazakhstan. In the period from 2018 to 2022, we studied the floristic composition of lichens in the national park. To inform air pollution level, we determined the quantitative characteristics and projective cover of an epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. at different heights above ground level, and the heavy-metal content in an epigeal lichen Cladonia alpestris (L.) Rabenh (Syn. Cladonia stellaris (Opiz) Pouzar &amp; V?zda) at different distances from the road edge. We identified 56 species of lichen belonging to 23 genera and 16 families on the roadsides or in the nearby forest. We found that the average number of individuals of E. prunastri decreased as the tree trunk height increased. The largest number of individuals (11.3) was observed at a height of 60 cm, and the smallest (2.5), at a height of 150 cm. The analysis of C. alpestris samples taken at different distances (50, 100, 150, 200 m) from the roadside showed that the concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cd, As, Ga, V, and ?s were high, and for all the elements studied, except for Mn and Be, exceeded Maximum Allowable Concentration. Our study demonstrates that E. prunastri and C. alpestris are sensitive to air pollution from road traffic and can be used as biomonitors of heavy metal pollution in the study area. Because of the ever-increasing anthropogenic pressure on the vegetation of the Burabay National Park, we recommend further research and monitoring of its lichen biota.

Biomonitoring of Heavy Metals Pollution in Lakes of Kyiv (Ukraine) Using Submerged Macrophytes and Assessment of Their Phytoremediative Potential

The possibility to use the submerged aquatic plants (macrophytes) &lt;i&gt;Cera-tophyllum demersum&lt;/i&gt; L., &lt;i&gt;Myriophyllum spicatum&lt;/i&gt; L. and &lt;i&gt;Potamogeton perfoliatus &lt;/i&gt;L. for biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution of the water bodies in urbanized areas was considered. The degree of the metals' (Mn, Pb, Ni, Cd) accumulation by the considered plants was determined and correlation with their concentration in water of the lakes of Kyiv (Ukraine) was established. The coefficients of the metals' biological accumulation by the submerged macrophytes were calculated. It was established that maximal amount of heavy metals was accumulated by the aquatic macrophytes in the lakes Minske, Luhove, Bohatyrske, Kyrylivske and Yordanske (Opechen lake system). The minimal content of heavy metals was in the aquatic macrophytes in the lakes Redchyne, Verbne, Synie, Tyagle and Telbin. The use of &lt;i&gt;C. demersum, M. spicatum&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;P. perfoliatus&lt;/i&gt; for phytoremediation and restoration of ecological state of the water bodies contaminated by heavy metals is recommended.

Comparative Toxicity of Heavy Metals Cd, Zn, and Pb to Three Acrocarpous Moss Species using Chlorophyll Contents

Mosses have often been used for biomonitoring because of their diversity of habitats, structural simplicity, and rapid multiplication rate. This research aimed to study the tolerance of heavy metal in 3 species of terricolous mosses i.e., Barbula consanguinea, Hyophila apiculata, and H. involuta. The gametophores of mosses were immersed at 4 concentrations of each of the heavy metals Cd, Pb, and Zn as well as in controls with no heavy metal. After 10, 20, and 30 days of exposure, mosses were extracted for chlorophyll-a in ethanol. The extracted chlorophyll-a was analyzed by spectrophotometer at 664 nm. The results revealed that the amount of chlorophyll-a in all species decreased with increasing concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn. The degree of metal toxicity for all species was Cd &gt; Pb &gt; Zn. By comparing the ratio of extracted chlorophyll-a in heavy metal-treated mosses to chlorophyll-a extracted in control mosses, the tolerance against 3 heavy metals in 3 mosses was H. involuta ≥ H. apiculata &gt; B. consanguinea. Possibly, H. involuta can be used for biomonitoring of heavy metals in contaminated environments in the future. HIGHLIGHTS Mosses are often used for biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution because of their habitat diversity, structural simplicity, and rapid growth Three Thai mosses treated with Cd, Pb, and Zn showed a trend of a decrease in chlorophyll-a content with increasing concentrations of the metals The degree of metal toxicity for the mosses was Cd &gt; Pb &gt; Zn Among the three moss species, Hyophila involuta may be used for biomonitoring of heavy metals in contaminated environments in the future GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Moss biomonitors for heavy metal pollution in soils of Manganese Carbonate Mine across ecological succession stages

Moss biomonitors for heavy metal pollution in soils of Manganese Carbonate Mine across ecological succession stages

Long-Term Biomonitoring of Heavy Metal Pollution of Ussuri Bay, Sea of Japan

Long-Term Biomonitoring of Heavy Metal Pollution of Ussuri Bay, Sea of Japan

Assessment of Lichens as Biomonitors of Heavy Metal Pollution in Selected Mining Area, Slovakia

Lichens have widely been used as bioindicators to reflect the quality of the environment. The present study was conducted to investigate the lichens diversity that grows on the surface of waste heaps from an abandoned old copper mine in Mlynky, Slovakia. In spite of the heavy metalcontaminated environment, we documented twenty species of lichens in the selected site. Taxonomically the most numerous group were represented by Cladonia with seven species, as well other species; namely, Acarospora fuscata, Cetraria islandica, Dermatocarpon miniatum, Hypogymnia physodes, Hypogymnia tubulosa, Lecanora subaurea, Lepraria incana, Physcia aipolia, Porpidia macrocarpa, Pseudevernia furfuracea, Rhizocarpon geographicum and Xanthoria parietina. The content of selected heavy metals (Cu, Fe, and Zn) in the predominant lichens Cetraria islandica, Cladonia digitata, Cladonia pyxidata, Hypogymnia physodes and Pseudevernia furfuracea were analyzed. The highest content of Cu, Fe, and Zn was found in Cladonia pyxidata collected from mine-spoil heaps with concentration 46 ± 4.4, 82.5 ± 22.6, 4.8 ± 1.6 mg/kg, respectively. Interestingly, Cladonia pyxidata collected from the forest surrounding the location showed 15 times lower concentration for Cu. Additionally, similar results were found for Fe and Zn.

A Commentary on the Use of Bivalve Mollusks in Monitoring Metal Pollution Levels.

The objective of this commentary is to promote the use of bivalves as biomonitors, which is a part of the continual efforts of the International Mussel Watch. This commentary is an additional discussion on “Bivalve mollusks in metal pollution studies: From bioaccumulation to biomonitoring” by Zuykov et al., published in Chemosphere 93, 201–208. The present discussion can serve as a platform for further insights to provide new thoughts and novel ideas on how to make better use of bivalves in biomonitoring studies. The certainty of better and more extensive applications of mollusks in environmental monitoring in the future is almost confirmed but more studies are urgently needed. With all the reported studies using bivalves as biomonitors of heavy metal pollution, the effectiveness of using Mussel Watch is beyond any reasonable doubts. The challenge is the development of more accurate methodologies for of heavy metal data interpretation, and the precision of the biomonitoring studies using bivalves as biomonitors, whether in coastal or freshwater ecosystems. Lastly, inclusion of human health risk assessment of heavy metals in commercial bivalves would make the research papers of high public interest.

Integrative assessment of the ecological risk of heavy metals in a South American estuary under human pressures

Biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution through the use of biomarkers could be a difficult task since the organisms' physiological changes could shift regarding natural factors (i.e., the season of the year) and due to the anthropogenic pressures of the environment. In the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, where most industrial and developing countries are settled, it is essential to address these concerns to generate information for the stakeholders and monitoring programs that aim to use biochemical biomarkers as early warning signals to detect heavy metal pollution. The present study intended to determinate the heavy metal concentrations in sediments and the hepatopancreas of the crab species Neohelice granulata as well as the ecological risk through the use of biomarkers and geochemical indices in sites with different anthropogenic pressures of the Bahía Blanca estuary (SW Atlantic Ocean) during the warm and cold season. The results showed low to moderate heavy metal pollution in the sediments by Cu with possible effects on the biota in a site with sewage waters’ discharges. Except for GST that was explained by Cd, the biomarkers employed were not useful to assess spatial heavy metal pollution, and they might be ruled out by physiological seasonal variations rather than anthropogenic constraints, or another type of pollutants in the area.

Naturally growing grimmiaceae family mosses as passive biomonitors of heavy metals pollution in urban-industrial atmospheres from the Bilbao Metropolitan area

In analytical chemistry, biomonitoring is known as the methodology, which consider the use of living organisms to monitor and assess the impact of different contaminants in a known area. This type of monitoring is a relatively inexpensive method and easy to implement, being a viable alternative to be developed in sites where there is no infrastructure/instruments for a convenctional air quality monitoring. These organisms, having the capability to monitor the pollution, are also known as passive biomonitors (PBs), since they are able to identify possible contamination sources without the need of any additional tool. In this work, a multianalytical methodology was applied to verify the usefulness of naturally growing Grimmia genus mosses as PBs of atmospheric heavy metals pollution. Once mosses were identified according to their morphology and taxonomy, thei ability to accumulate particulate matter (PM) was determined by SEM. EDS coupled to SEM also allowed to identify the main metallic particles deposited and finally, an acid digestion of the mosses and a subsequent ICP-MS study define more precisely the levels of metals accumulated on each collected moss. The study was focused on six sampling locations from the Bilbao Metropolitan area (Biscay, Basque Country, north of Spain). The experimental evidences obtained allowed to propose naturally growing Grimmia genus as PB of atmospheric heavy metals pollution and to identify the anthropogenic sources that contribute to the emission of the airborne particulate matter rich in metals, evaluating in this sense the atmospheric heavy metals pollution of the selected locations.

Potential bioremediation effects of seaweed Gracilaria lemaneiformis on heavy metals in coastal sediment from a typical mariculture zone.

Seaweeds are good bio-monitors of heavy metals pollution in coastal seawater. In the present study, the potential bioremediation effects of cultivated Gracilaria lemaneiformis on heavy metals in Nan'ao coastal sediment from a typical mariculture zone, South China were evaluated. Sediment samples were collected from five different zones (Gracilaria cultivation zone, G; Fish culture zone, F; Shellfish culture zone, S; Transition zone, T; Control zone, C) from December 2014 to July 2015. The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn in the sediments were significantly different among the various types of mariculture areas. The concentrations varied widely: Cd (0.04-1.02) μg g-1; Cu (1.19-37.70) μg g-1; Pb (8.45-74.45) μg g-1; Zn (36.80-201.24) μg g-1. The lowest heavy metal concentrations in the sediment were occurred at Gracilaria cultivation zone, while higher concentrations occurred at control zones and fish culture zones. The pollution load index, principal components and cluster analysis showed that heavy metal concentrations were the highest at fish culture zone, while the concentrations were the lowest at Gracilaria cultivation zone, and Gracilaria cultivation affects the heavy metals in the sediments. Gracilaria had strong adsorption capacities for heavy metals from seawater, showing the highest heavy metal Bioconcentration Factors in May (higher seaweed biomass period). Consequently, the results suggested that Gracilaria cultivation influences the heavy metal concentrations in sediments from the typical coastal mariculture zone. Gracilaria cultivation has the potential to bioremediate heavy metals in the coastal sediments. Therefore, Gracilaria cultivation can add environmental advantages and ecological values to coastal mariculture zones.

Assessment of the possibility of using deciduous tree bark as a biomonitor of heavy metal pollution of atmospheric aerosol.

The aim of the research was to assess the possibility to use deciduous tree bark in the biomonitoring of urban areas. The tree bark taken from various deciduous tree species growing in the Opole Province (south-western Poland) was used for the research. The bark was collected from tree trunks in the period of June 2-26, 2017. Concentrations of the heavy metals were determined in the barks by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). On the basis of the research, it was determined that type of tree, distance from pollution source, elevation off the ground and the side of trunk from which bark was sampled all influence the research results. A comparison of the values of coefficient of variation CV demonstrated that the bark Quercus robur and Betula pendula is more heterogeneous, e.g. for Fe CVQuercus robur is 48.0 % and CVBetula pendula = 42.3 %, compared to Fagus sylvatica (CVFe = 22.6%). In order to limit the influence of environmental factors (e.g. air movement caused by vehicles and pedestrians) on the samples pollution level with analytes, it seems that the optimum level for collecting the samples is 1.5-2.0 m. It was demonstrated that deciduous tree bark can be used as bioindicator in assessing the pollution of atmospheric aerosol by heavy metals, due to its occurrence in urban areas. However, it is important to validate all stages of the analysis procedure that uses deciduous tree bark.

Use of green alga Ulva lactuca (L.) as an indicator to heavy metal pollution at intertidal waters in Suez Gulf, Aqaba Gulf and Suez Canal, Egypt

Metal pollution in the marine coastal line environment is an important topical issue in the context of ecological disturbance. The concentration of nine trace elements: Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Fe was determined in water, sediments and the green alga Ulva lactuca (L.), which collected from several sites at three main area (Suez Gulf, Aqaba Gulf and Suez Canal). The abundance of metal concentrations in algae samples was in the following order: Fe> Zn> Mn> Pb> Cu> Ni> Co> Cr> Cd, Fe> Mn>Zn> Pb> Cu> Ni> Co> Cr> Cd, and Fe> Mn>Zn> Cu> Pb> Ni> Co> Cr> Cd in Suez Gulf, Aqaba Gulf, and Suez Canal respectively. The variations at this order of abundance were according to the different in activities and metal sources in these different areas. The high uptake of metals in green alga Ulva lactuca suggested that this alga may be used as potential biomonitors for heavy metal pollution. The BCF value of metals in the algae/waterwas significantly higher than those of algae /sediments. The pollution indicator of Contamination Factor (BCF) was calculated to determine the degree of metal pollution in the marine coastline and the contribution of anthropogenic influence. Significant (p≤0.05) inter-elemental positive-correlations were observed between most studied metals, as well as negative-correlations between a few of them. Overall, the comparison of heavy metal contents with seawater and sediment samples in the Ulva species showed that U. lactuca is a suitable plant for biomonitoring studies.

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Onchidium reevesii Central Nervous System in Response to Cadmium

Shellfish are widely used in coastal environments for biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution. Research on the sea slug Onchidium reevesii, an economically important benthic gastropod, is limited due to a lack of genomic resources. This study, based on Illumina sequencing, compared the transcriptomes of O. reevesii before and after cadmium exposure, and used time-series expression analysis. The molecular level stress response mechanism operating in this organism in environmental stress conditions was investigated. De novo assembly of the O. reevesii transcriptome yielded 51,007 unigenes, of which 14,774 were annotated. Time-series expression analyses resulted in clustering of most responsive transcripts into 16 statistically significant expression profiles. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis based on time-series expression identified metal ion binding, synaptic transmission, and oxidative stress as important biological processes, and expression analysis identified genes related to invertebrate responses to environmental stress. Furthermore, we have generated the first transcriptome of O. reevesii, and the extensive sequence data produced will provide valuable molecular resources for study of the response of O. reevesii to cadmium exposure.

Baluchistan Gerbil hepatotoxicity as a new biomonitor of heavy metal pollution

Hepatotoxicity was targeted in Baluchistan Gerbil (Gerbillus nanus) as a biomonitor of pollution with heavy metals near Al-Asfar lake in Al-Ahsa province, KSA. The study showed as compared to reference animals that polluted gerbil’s liver recorded significant increase of lead and copper and significant decrease of zinc contents. In addition to significant decrease in RBC count, hemoglobin content, hematocrit percentage, MCH, MCV and MCHC. Also, significant increase in serum liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) activity was observed. Liver oxidative stress (OS) was evidenced by significant increase in, malondialdehyde level and significant decrease of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities. Light and ultra-histopathological results assessed the liver tissue impairment. In conclusion, the present study suggested that lead and copper could be the major heavy metals serving hepatotoxicity in gerbils. This study present Gerbillus nanus as the first bio monitor in native wild mammal in Al-Ahsa.

Ranked effects of heavy metals on marine bivalves in laboratory mesocosms: A meta-analysis

Bivalves are commonly used as biomonitors for heavy metal pollution in marine environments because they accumulate heavy metal ions quickly, are sessile, abundant, and widely dispersed, and adult mortality from contamination is rare. However, the breadth of experiments used to measure the effect of heavy metal contamination can obscure general trends. It is unclear which heavy metals cause the most severe effects, how severity varies with exposure concentration and duration, and whether effects vary with level of biological organization. I conducted a meta-analysis of 48 mesocosm studies on the effects of heavy metal ions – silver, cadmium, copper, mercury, lead, and zinc – on marine bivalves. The ordering of effect sizes was Pb > Hg > Cu > Zn > Cd > Ag. The significance and direction of concentration and duration as moderators depended on the metal and the biological level. Future studies should consider non-linear effects over time and concentration, and measure both bioaccumulation and effect of the metals being studies.