Mercury Residues Research Articles

Effects of Mercury on the Growth and Development of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)

Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal and a serious source of environmental pollutants. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of mercury on some life history parameters of Musca domestica Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae). Forty larvae of M. domestica were placed on rearing media with three different concentrations of mercury (1.5 µg/g, 2 µg/g, 2.5 µg/g), and some life history parameters recorded (larval and pupal periods, larval, pupal and adult weights, larval and pupal survival rate). The development of M. domestica was studied at 30°C, 50% RH, and a photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D) h. In the present study, larval and pupal survival decreased as mercury concentrations increased and mercury decreased the pupal weight compared to the control. It has been demonstrated that the life-history parameters of M. domestica are sensitive to mercury residue and mercury changes in the environment. This study provides basic knowledge about the biology of this species, suggesting that the effect of the presence of mercury on larval development in corpses found in industrialized areas with high heavy metal pollution should be kept in mind in criminal investigations.

Notes on Distribution and Biology of <i>Ceratopteris thalictroides</i> (L.) Brongn. (Parkeriaceae) Wlth Special Reference to Spore Production and Fertility under Pollution Stress

Present paper deals with 8 samples of water fern-Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn. growing in the fresh water lakes of Indian Botanic Garden, Shibpur, Howrah and in nearby areas inundated by different factory wastes containing hydrocarbons, saponins, mercury residues and various heavy metals in addition to acidic and alkaline residues.Biology of the water fern including spore production, fertility, germination etc. have been studied under control (IBG lakes) and field stress conditions. It is observed that environmental and pollution stress cause severe alteration in the life cycle of this aquatic fern affecting spore production rate, fertility percentage and germination. It is also observed that presence of humus in the soil, salinity and pH of the water also affect the biology and phenotypic plasticity of this water fern. Present observation will be very much helpful in further studies on the biology of the aquatic plants.

Post-Synthetic Modification of an Amino-Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework for Highly In Situ Luminescent Detection of Mercury (II).

A sulfur-containing metal-organic framework, donated as UiO-66-NSMe, was prepared by the post-synthetic modification (PSM) of UiO-66-NH2 with 2-(Methylthio)benzaldehyde, and the successful synthesis of PSM was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), FT-IR and 1H NMR studies. According to the characteristics of mercury thiophilic, UiO-66-NSMe could be used as a luminescent sensor for Hg2+ detection with a high selectivity and sensitivity (Ksv = 2.5 × 104 M-1; LOD = 20 nM), which could be attributed to the coordination between sulfur sites and Hg2+ based on XPS results. In practical applications, UiO-66-NSMe yielded satisfactory recovery rates (ranging from 96.1% to 99.5%) when it was employed for detecting Hg2+ in spiked environmental samples. Furthermore, UiO-66-NSMe was successfully employed to detect mercury (II) residues with the in situ rapid nondestructive imaging in simulated fresh agricultural products. Thus, this PSM strategy could provide good guidance for environmental protection methodologies in the future.

Development of sensitive and portable immunosensors based on signal amplification probes for monitoring the mercury(II) ions

Mercury ion (Hg2+) as a major environmental pollutant threatens human health even at very low concentrations, so it is essential to monitor mercury residues in food. In this study, Hg2+ was conjugated with protein carrier using 1-(4-Isothiocyanobenzyl) ethylenediamine N, N, N′, N′-tetraacetic acid (ITCBE) as a bifunctional chelator. 7A1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) against Hg2+-ITCBE with high affinity (7.3 × 109 L/moL) and good specificity was obtained by cell fusion technology and performed to establish immunosensors. Immunochromatographic test strip using colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNP with an average diameter of 18 nm) as signal reporter showed low sensitivity. Signal amplification probes including larger multi-branched gold nanoflowers (AuNF) and latex microspheres (LM) were employed to enhance the sensitivity of immunosensors. The visible limit of detection (vLOD) of the AuNF- and LM-based strip were determined to be 50 ng/mL and 25 ng/mL respectively, showing more sensitive than that of AuNP-based strip (200 ng/mL). Quantitative analysis showed that AuNF-based strip exhibited lower quantitative limit of detection (qLOD) (0.44 ng/mL) which was 20-fold lower than that of AuNP-based strip (8.92 ng/mL) for determination of Hg2+, and LM-based strip (0.49 ng/mL) was 18 times as sensitive as AuNP-based strip. In summary, the developed immunosensors using AuNF and LM as signal amplification probes exhibited excellent sensitivity and provided portable, on-site detection for Hg2+.

Counseling on the Impact of Mercury on ASGM Workers in Padesa Village, Lantung District as a Form of Support for the Implementation of RAD-PPM

Gold mining activities in Padesa Village are carried out traditionally, namely with simple and relatively inexpensive techniques using traditional tools and the process of binding gold from the ground using mercury. The mercury residue in the waters of the village of Padesa is 0,002 mg/L anda the average mercury content in yhe waste reservoir is 0,0695 mg/L, which means that is hhas passed the Permenkes Standard No. 32 of 2017. The strategy for implementing mercury-free alternative technology requires very large costs. This causes people to continue to choose to use coils and mercury. The urgency of this community service activity, the low knowledge and awareness of the Padesa Village community about the dangers of mercury and the management of waste water from logs. It is hoped that this service avtivity aims: (1) Increase the knowledge of the Padesa Village community, Lantung Sub-District on the impact of mercury on health and the environment, (2) Encourage the Padesa Village community, Lantung sub-district to change their behavior in managing waste water from logs, (3)Encouraging the community of Padesa Village, Lantung sub-district to take part in controlling environmental pollution caused by mercury waste, (4)Avoiding the negative impact of mercury pollution on health for workers and residents of Padesa Village. The method used is the provision of education to the community through socialization and counseling activities. The result of this activity was that the average target knowledge before being given counseling (Pretest) was 33,89% and increased to 77,22% after being is an increase (Posttest). The impact of this activity is an increase in target knowledge by 43,33% and a change in the behavior of waste water management.

Mercury prediction in groundwater of Naameh Landfill using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model

Mercury is a highly poisonous metal which is mostly found in environment. It is considered at the top of the parameters of water quality that requires investigations for planning and management. To understand the status of mercury in the groundwater of Naameh Landfill, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were used as indicators of water quality and for the prediction of Mercury. Two types of feed forward networks have been used including multilayer perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF). A number of different MLP neural networks algorithms and RBF networks trained and developed with reference to pH, EC, TDS, TON, calcium and magnesium to predict Mercury concentration in groundwater. Six scenarios were used to train MLP and RBF networks for choosing the best-fit model for predicting water quality parameters in groundwater of Naameh Landfill. The performances of MLP and RBF models were evaluated by utilizing the coefficient of determination (R2). The results showed that the computed values of R2 for MLP and RBF were 0.791 and 0.881respectively. In addition, the prediction results showed that both types of networks are very good for predicting Mercury concentration in the ground water of our study area. Moreover, the results showed that there are mercury residues for 2 years ahead even if there is no discharge in this place. As a matter of fact, there are no studies that encompass status of heavy metals in municipal solid waste landfills in Lebanon or neighboring countries using ANN models. Thus, this study can be described as unique as it demonstrated a 9 year groundwater data (2011-2019), presented data and projected data for two upcoming years. This is crucial especially in the continual waste crisis that Lebanon is facing and the absence of sustainable disposal practices. This data is a rigid base and a solid reference for developing adequate solutions to prevent future contamination of groundwater with its associated negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of individuals.

Functional Hyperbranched Polythioamides Synthesized from Catalyst‐free Multicomponent Polymerization of Elemental Sulfur†

Comprehensive SummaryHyperbranched polymers with unique topological structures, large number of branching sites and terminal groups have attracted much attention, and are expected to possess advanced functionalities compared with their linear polymer counterparts. The development of hyperbranched polymers is hence highly desired but challenging, especially for sulfur‐containing polymers which are attractive metal absorbents, optical materials, dielectric materials, and self‐healing materials. In this work, six hyperbranched polythioamides with various topological structures, well‐defined repeating units, satisfying yields (up to 99%), and high molecular weights (up to 101400 g/mol) were successfully designed and synthesized from the catalyst‐free multicomponent polymerization of elemental sulfur, aromatic alkynes and aliphatic amines, through different monomer combination strategies based on the designed three‐ or four‐functional alkyne and amine monomers. The hyperbranched polythioamides possess unique luminescence property, and strong affinity toward Hg2+, which can be utilized in the fluorescence detection of Hg2+, as well as mercury removal from aqueous solutions with high efficiency of 99.99% and low mercury residue of 0.1 ppb. Hyperbranched polythioamides with unique structures may be developed to a group of fascinating materials and find their potential applications as metal absorbents and optoelectronic materials.

Validation of Determination by Icp-Oes Method of Mercury Residual Levels in Meat of Canned Fish Sold in Turkey

This study describes the residual mercury levels in canned fish marketed in Turkey. In total, 375 fish samples were analyzed by Inductive Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP OES) for mercury residues. The quantification limit (LOQ) from the validation data ranged from 0.008 to 0.043 mg kg-1. Accuracy and precision were evaluated by means of recovery experiments at two concentration levels (30, and 50 μg L−1), obtaining recoveries between 87.5% and 109.3% and coefficient of variation below 10%. Also, the relative standard deviation (RSD) ranged from 0.2% to 9%. The expanded measurement uncertainty for mercury ranged from 11.1% to 19.2%. In investigated samples, 4.8% were detected at a detectable level of mercury, but these levels were below the legal limits. With regard to hg level were no significant correlations (p < 0.05) between species. According to Turkey's legislation, none of for example the maximum limit of 1.0 mg g-1 did not exceed the level, but 1.3% exceeded the limit recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (0.5 ug g-1). The reproducibility limits obtained as a result of the validation study were found to be appropriate in accordance with both the NMKL 170 method and the Turkish Food Codex (Communiqué No: 2014/2), as well as the EU Commission Decision 2002/657/EC.

Endophytic bacteria promote biomass production and mercury-bioaccumulation of Bermuda grass and Indian goosegrass

Plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria can potentially improve the biomass production of Hg-accumulating grasses, resulting in improved Hg extraction from contaminated soils. This study aimed to analyze the effect of inoculation of Hg-resistant endophytic bacteria (i) Jeotgalicoccus huakuii (B1) and (ii) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (B2), as single and consortium inoculant, on biomass production and Hg bioaccumulation of Bermuda grass (R1) and Indian goosegrass (R2) planted as monoculture and mixed cropping. The grass seeds were surface-sterilized before the inoculation. Both inoculated seeds with B1 and B2 (treatments) and uninoculated seeds were sown separately in sterilized sand. Grass seedlings of both treatments and control were replanted in the washed and sterilized sand medium, spiked with HgCl2 (100 mg kg−1). A subset of grass was harvested at 0, 4, 6, and 10 weeks after planting to measure biomass production and Hg bioaccumulation. The results showed that bacterial inoculation enhanced the grass biomass by 52.68% and Hg bioaccumulation by 47.76%. Mercury residue of Hg-spiked sand treated with the bacterial consortium was reduced by 80%. This suggests that endophytic bacteria can improve grass biomass production and enhance Hg bioaccumulation in grass biomass.

Evaluation of olive stone biochar as valuable and inexpensive agro‐waste adsorbent for the adsorption and removal of inorganic mercury from Nile tilapia aquaculture systems

The study's objective was to evaluate using olive stone biochar (OSB), an inexpensive agro-waste product, to adsorb and remove inorganic mercury from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) aquaculture systems. First, the OSB's adsorption capacity was evaluated by testing different concentrations: 1, 2 and 3 g L−1 for 0, 24, 48, 72 and 120 h. The concentration of Hg decreased with increasing OSB concentration up to 48 h, with the highest Hg adsorption rate observed at 2 g OSB L−1. An experimental study assessed the OSB's impact on Nile tilapia immune status and growth efficiency. The experiment used 180 Nile tilapia divided into four treatment groups (CONT, OSB, Hg and Hg +OSB), with three replicates per treatment. Fish were fed a normal basal diet twice daily for 60 d. The CONT group served as a control without any treatment. The OSB group was exposed to 2 g OSB L−1 of water, the Hg group was exposed to 0.084 mg Hg L−1, and the Hg +OSB group was exposed to 0.084 mg Hg L−1 with 2 g OSB L−1. Hg exposure caused liver and renal dysfunction and reduced growth performance, haematological indices, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and non-specific immune parameters. Adding OSB to the pond water reduced these effects. In conclusion, adding 2 g OSB L−1 to aquarium water and changing it every 48 h mitigates the immunosuppressive effects of sub-chronic mercury toxicity and lowers mercury residues in fish muscle.

Ultrasensitive determination of mercury by ICP-OES coupled with a vapor generation approach based on solution cathode glow discharge

We herein proposed a sample introduction technique based on solution cathode glow discharge (SCGD) of a portable design for inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and its application in sensitive determination of mercury. The products from SCGD containing mercury vapor, were transported by an Ar flow to ICP spectrometer for detection. A gas liquid separator (GLS) and a dryer were used to condense and remove most of the accompanying moisture, which greatly improved both the stability and sensitivity of the signal. The detection limit (DL) acquired by this developed method was 0.22 µg/L (194.1 nm), which was nearly 82 times lower than that obtained by pneumatic nebulization (PN). The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 1.4% (n = 14) for a 50 µg/L standard. Blank solution (HNO3, pH 1) can effectively elute mercury residue. Its accuracy and practicality were also demonstrated by the determination of GBW10029 (fish) certified reference material, shrimp, crawfish, soil and human hair samples. The results showed good consistency with the certified values and the values obtained using inductively coupled plasma−mass spectrometry.

Kestane Balı Tıbbi Bir Baldır: Yalova Balının Antibakteriyel etkinliği, ağır metal profilive sağlık riski

In this study, residue levels for heavy metal content and antimicrobial effects of 30 chestnut honey samples obtained from member beekeepers of Yalova Bee Association are examined. After 30 honey samples are digested under high temperature and pressure in a microwave oven, their Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg) limits are determined by using ICP-OES. By using Agar gel diffusion method, 19 of the honey samples’ antibacterial activity is tested on strains of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), E. coli O 157: H7, B.cereus (ATCC 6633), S.typhimirium (NCTC 12416) and L.monocytogenes (ATCC 7644). Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium and Mercury residue levels in all honey samples are determined to be below the designated limits by Turkish Food Codex Regulation (2011). The non-carcinogenic health risk associated with heavy metal contamination in honey is found to be very low. None of the 19 honey samples show antibacterial effect on strains of L.monocytogenes. However, at 100% honey concentration, in all 19 honey samples antibacterial effect is observed on strains of S.typhimirium, E. coli O 157: H7, except for only one honey sample; Escherichia coli and B cereus. The antibacterial activity on these bacteria is recorded to be maintained at 50% honey concentration. At 25% honey concentration, the antibacterial effect show a decline in most of the honey samples.

Assessment of Pb, Cd, As and Hg concentration in edible parts of broiler in major metropolitan cities of Tamil Nadu, India.

The risk of heavy metals contamination in meat and meat products is of great concern for both food safety and from human health point of view. The present study was carried out to assess the heavy metal residues such as Pb, Cd, As and Hg in broiler chicken meat, neck and edible organs (liver and kidney). In the present study, 150 samples were randomly collected from major cities (Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, and Salem) of Tamil Nadu state, India and analyzed for Pb, Cd, As and Hg residues (mg/kg) using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique. The results revealed that lead (Pb) concentration was higher in meat and liver samples of all cities and the highest concentration was detected in Chennai followed by Coimbatore, whereas in kidney and neck samples, Chennai metropolitan alone exceeded the MRL value of 0.5 and 0.1 mg/kg respectively. The residues of cadmium and mercury in meat and meat samples were within the permissible limit in all the metropolitans. Arsenic was found exceeding the MRL of 0.1 mg/kg in the breast samples of all the metropolitans (0.2141-2.2285 mg/kg, the highest being in Trichy), except for Madurai, which recorded very low value (0.0239 mg/kg). Arsenic was found in the range of 0.1110-1.0850 mg/kg in liver samples thus exceeding MRL value. Neck and kidney samples did not contain any Arsenic. Thus it can be concluded that the lead concentration in meat and edible organ samples collected from all the metropolitans exceeded the MRL values and is an indication of contamination. Appropriate precautions are warranted to minimize the heavy metal consumption contamination especially of Pb and As.

Chemical residues in ready to eat fish products

A total of one hundred random samples of ready to eat (RTE) fish products represented by fried Oreochromis niloticus, grilled Oreochromis niloticus, smoked Herring and salted Sardine (25 of each) were collected from different fish markets and restaurants in Menofia governorate, Egypt. The aim of this study was to estimate the concentration levels of chemical residues such as heavy metals residues (mercury, lead and cadmium) and pesticides residues (aldrin and malathion) through subjection the examined samples to atomic absorption spectrophotometer for detecting the residues of mercury, lead and cadmium and gas chromatography for the residues of aldrin and malathion. The mean values of mercury (mg/Kg) in fried O. niloticus, grilled O. niloticus, smoked herring and salted sardine were 0.43±0.01, 0.59±0.01, 0.70±0.01 and 0.94±0.02, respectively. The mean values of lead (mg/Kg) in fried O. niloticus, grilled O. niloticus, smoked herring and salted sardine were 0.27±0.01, 0.33±0.01, 0.45±0.01 and 0.61±0.01, respectively. The mean values of cadmium (mg/Kg) in fried O. niloticus, grilled O. niloticus, smoked herring and salted sardine were 0.11±0.01, 0.14±0.01, 0.20±0.01 and 0.29±0.01, respectively. The mean values of aldrin (ppb) only detected in fried O. niloticus, grilled O. niloticus and salted sardine were 82.95±4.19, 151.26±7.40 and 193.02±8.81, respectively. The mean values of malathion (ppb) only detected in grilled O. niloticus and salted sardine were 96.57 and 248.19±10.32, respectively. As conclusion, chemical examination of RTE fish products is a sensitive indicator verifying the quality and good hygienic status of RTE fish products. Keywords: Mercury; Lead; Cadmium; Aldrin; Malathion

ДО ПИТАННЯ ПРАВОВОЇ ОХОРОНИ ДОВКІЛЛЯ ВІД ЗАБРУДНЕННЯ РТУТТЮ

У статті розглянуто аспекти правової охорони довкілля від забруднення ртуттю, що здійснюється на міжнародному та національному рівнях. Досліджено проблему правового регулювання переробки ртутьвмісних відходів в Україні й утилізації забруднених ртуттю ґрунтів.Встановлено, що позитивною стороною євроінтеграційних процесів є внесення змін до законодавства, яке регламентує поводження із ртуттю. Так, з метою вдосконалення системи моніторингу якості атмосферного повітря в Україні затверджено Порядок здійснення моніторингу за вмістом миш’яку, кадмію, ртуті, нікелю та поліциклічних ароматичних вуглеводнів в атмосферному повітрі.
 Висвітлено зміни нормативно-правового характеру щодо оподаткування підприємств за розміщення відходів у спеціально відведених для цього місцях чи на об’єктах. Так, збільшення ставки податку за розміщення окремих видів надзвичайно небезпечних відходів, а саме обладнання та приладів, що містять ртуть, елементи з іонізуючим випромінюванням, суттєво збільшено, що дасть у подальшому позитивний ефект щодо збереження довкілля. Досліджено позитивну динаміку щодо збільшення ставки податку за викиди в атмосферне повітря забруднюючих речовин стаціонарними джерелами забруднення, а саме ртуті та її сполук.Доведено позитивні зміни в законодавстві, що регулюють поводження з токсичними відходами. Так, Загальнодержавною програмою поводження із токсичними відходами визначено два пілотні проєкти, пов’язані з очищенням від залишків ртуті промислових об’єктів: проведення заходів щодо рекультивації забруднених ртуттю полів фільтрації казенного заводу «Імпульс» (м. Шостка); проведення санації забрудненої ртуттю території ВАТ «Радикал» (м. Київ). Чинним законодавством передбачається розроблення і дослідно-промислова апробація технології знешкодження й утилізації відходів, що містять ртуть.
 Запропоновано приєднання до Мінаматської кон-венції, законодавчу заборону видобутку ртуті і використання ртуті у видобутку корисних копалин в Україні. Наголошено, що приєднання до Конвенції дозволить забезпечити контроль за викидами ртуті в атмосферу від вугільних електростанцій, промислових котлів, що працюють на вугіллі, деяких видів діяльності з виробництва кольорових металів, спалювання відходів та виробництва цементу.

Effect of soil mercury pollution on ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): Growth, product quality, health risks and silicon mitigation.

The mercury residue in soil not only poisons plants, but also bioaccumulates and biomagnifies through the food chain, causing a significant risk to human health. As an essential condiment on the table, the food safety of ginger should be focused on. Using soil culture experiments, this study aimed to identify the response of ginger growth to mercury pollution, assess the transmission and residue of mercury in different product organs and explore the mitigation mechanism of silicon on mercury toxicity. Effects of soil mercury pollution on ginger growth showed hormesis and time effect. Long-term mercury pollution led to growth inhibition and quality degradation of ginger, eventually reducing its yield by 25.96% (mercury=9mgkg-1). Contents of mercury and silicon in different organs both were the highest in root, followed by rhizome, less in stem and leaf, especially the mercury residue in rhizome manifested as Mother-ginger>Son-ginger>Grandson-ginger. At 6mgkg-1 soil mercury level, the mercury residue of Mother-ginger exceeds the edible pollutant limit standard (China) by 10.7 times, which makes no obvious risk after being consumed by adults, but poses a potential health threat to children. Notably, it is safer to consume the newly sprouted and inflated tender ginger. Application of silicon fertilizer could alleviate mercury toxicity, mainly by promoting ginger root growth and leaf pigment synthesis, stimulating water-gas exchange system, fluorescence system and antioxidant system to make an anti-stress response. 2mgkg-1 silicon fertilizer had the most significant mitigation effect on mercury stress, which increased the yield of ginger by 24.85% and reduced the mercury residue of ginger block by 44.44%-60.17%.

Dietary intake of heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Pb) through consumption of fish and fishery products in Cairo and Giza Cites

Forty eight samples of fish (fresh and frozen), and fish products (Salted and smoked fish) 14 each, were collected from seven regions in Cairo and Giza governments. Samples were directly transferred to the lab and stored at refrigeration temperature till examination. Cadmium, Lead and Mercury residues in fish and fishery product were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES). The estimated daily intakes (EDI) for Cd, Pb and Hg were calculated by multiplying the metal concentration (mean value) of the determined fish samples by the weight of fish consumed per capita in Egypt. Significantly higher Cd concentration in salted sardine (0.37±.297mg/kg) than all other examined samples is recorded. Moreover, the lowest concentration is noticed in basa fillets (0.012±.011 mg/kg). In general, the result revealed that lead contributed the lowest dietary intake (12.85%) followed by mercury (73.97%) while cadmium contributed the highest (142.97%) dietary intake from fish and fishery products. The estimated values of all metals in examined samples in this study were below the established values; except for Cd in samples exceed the permissible limit. Therefore, Cd may constitute health hazard and health problems for consumers.

Heavy metal residues (Cadmium, Lead and Mercury) in fish and fishery products

Fish is a healthy and high nutritive food. Residues of Cd, Hg, Pb in fish and fishery products can constitute a significant hazard that can’t be removed once it’s formed, in addition to their cumulative effect. Therefor the present study aims to evaluate level of heavy metal residues (Cd, Hg, Pb) in fish and fishery product. Eighty four samples from fresh cat fish (Clariaz gariepines), frozen basa (Pangasius species), Fiesekh, muloha, salted sardine and smoked herring were purchased from different markets in Cairo and Giza governorates and examined for heavy metal residues (Cd, Hg, Pb) by using Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES). The obtained results revealed that all fresh and frozen fish samples contain heavy metal residues within permissible limit of EOS (2010), FAO/WHO 2018 and (EC) No 1881/2006 (2012), while salted sardine showed high level residue for Cd (72%) that exceed the permissible limit for Cadmium(Cd) followed by muloha (36%). The lowest cadmium residue was found in smoked herring and Fiesekh with percentage of 8%. The highest level of Pb residue was detected in Fiesekh and muloha with percentage of 15% followed by smoked herring that exceed the permissible limit stated by EOS (2010), FAO/WHO 2018 and (EC) No 1881/2006 (2012).all examined samples of fish and fishery products showed Mercury (Hg) residues lower than permissible limit stated by EOS (2010), FAO/WHO 2018 and (EC) No 1881/2006 (2012) (0.5mg/kg). Consumption of salted fish with Low heavy metals residues may constitute health hazard to human.

Investigating spatial patterns of mercury and rodenticide residues in raptors collected near the Charlotte, NC, USA, metropolitan area.

Raptor population growth is dynamic and trends vary across species and by location in the United States. For those species that are declining, it is important to identify potential causes including chemical contaminants. Sampling wild raptors is problematic due to their small population sizes and role as a top predator. Therefore, we obtained liver samples (n = 56) from carcasses of several raptor species, including common species like red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, barred owls, great horned owls, and osprey that arrived dead or were euthanized from a non-profit rehabilitation center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Raptors were found or collected in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, but most samples were located near the metropolitan region of Charlotte, NC. We analyzed livers for total mercury residue (mg/kg, dry weight) and five anti-coagulant rodenticides (μg/kg wet weight). Mercury was analyzed using a direct mercury analyzer approach and rodenticides were quantified by LC-MS. Mercury residues were high in piscivorous birds (15.09mg/kg for osprey and 6.93mg/kg for great blue herons, dry weight) and relatively high in red-shouldered hawks and one eastern screech owl tested. Six of our samples exceeded a health threshold of 1mg/kg (wet weight) including three osprey and one each of great blue heron, red-shouldered hawk, and eastern screech owl. Brodifacoum was the only rodenticide consistently detected in our samples. Brodifacoum detections exceeded 75% in barred owls, great horned owls, and red-shouldered hawks. Sixty-nine percent of owl samples were within (or exceeded) a threshold of brodifacoum residue associated with a 10-20% risk of acute toxicity. Correlations between residues and human population density were not significant for either mercury or brodifacoum. Our data suggest that mercury residues for most raptors were not of significant concern with the exception of osprey and possibly red-shouldered hawks. Rodenticide exposures associated with a risk of acute toxicity appear to be common and warrant further investigation.

Evaluating Total Mercury and Methyl Mercury Contents in Canned Tuna Fish of the Persian Gulf.

Due to hygienic risks of mercury residues in food and marine originated supplements, measuring total mercury and methyl mercury contents of canned tuna as a highly consumable marine food product is essential. In this study, 40 canned Tuna fish (from Persian Gulf) were collected in 2015 and then flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS) and thermo gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry were used to measure total mercury and methyl mercury, respectively. The results indicated that the average contents of total mercury and methyl mercury of the canned tunas, with 34.2 and 29.5 ppb decrements compared with 2009's measurement, were 177.4 and 143.7 ppb respectively. The highest concentration of the total mercury was 315.2 while it was 267.9 ppb for methyl mercury. This study showed that the content of the mercury in canned tunas of the Persian Gulf was less than the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL).