Metal/metalloid bioconcentration dynamics in fish and the risk to human health due to water contamination with atmospheric particulate matter from a metallurgical industrial area

Author(s)

Fortes, William Manuel Pereira Antunes ; Souza, Iara da Costa ; Azevedo, Vinicius Cavicchioli ; Griboff, Julieta ; Monferran, Magdalena Victoria ; Wunderlin, Daniel Alberto ; Matsumoto, Silvia Tamie ; Fernandes, Marisa Narciso

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Science of The Total Environment; v. 902, p. 13-pg., 2023-12-01.

Abstract

Settleable atmospheric particulate matter (SeAPM) containing a mixture of metals, including metallic nano-particles, has increased throughout the world, and caused environmental and biota contamination. The metal bioconcentration pattern in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was evaluated during a 30-day exposure to 1 g L-1 SeAPM and assessed the human health risk from consuming fish fillets (muscle) based on the estimated daily intake (EDI). SeAPM was collected surrounding an iron ore processing and steel industrial complex in Vit'oria city (Esp & iacute;rito Santo, Brazil) area. Water samples were collected daily for physicochemical analyses, and every 3 days for multi-elemental analyses. Metal bioconcentrations were determined in the viscera and fillet of fish every 3 days. The elements B, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Pb, Hg, Ba, Bi, W, Ti, Zr, Y, La, Nb, and Ce were analyzed in SeAPM, water, and fish using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The metal concentration in SeAPM-contaminated water was higher than in control water. Most metals bioconcentrated preferentially in the fish viscera, except for the Hg and Rb, which bioconcentrated mostly in the fillet. The bioconcentration pattern was Fe > Al > Mn > Pb > V > La > Ce > Y > Ni > Se > As > W > Bi in the viscera; it was higher than the controls throughout the 30-day exposure. Ti, Zr, Nb, Rb, Cd, Hg, B, and Cr showed different bioconcentration patterns. The Zn, Cu, Sr, Sn, Ag, and Ta did not differ from controls. The differences in metal bioconcentration were attributed to diverse metal bioavailability in water and the dissimilar ways fish can cope with each metal, including inefficient excretion mechanisms. The EDI calculation indicated that the consumption of the studied fish is not safe for children, because the concentrations of As, La, Zr, and Hg exceed the World Health Organization's acceptable daily intake for these elements. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/08491-0 - Atmospheric particulate material and environmental contamination. Impact assessment in the aquatic biota in an integrated ecophysiotoxicological approach
• Grantee: Marisa Narciso Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants