Geological context and human exposures to element mixtures in mining and agricultural settings in Colombia.

Anthropogenic and natural sources contribute to chemical mixtures in air, water, and soil, posing potential risks to the environment and human health. To understand the interplay between element profiles in the human body, geographical location, and associated economic activities, we carried out an observational analytic cross-sectional study. The study recruited 199 participants from three municipalities, two of which had gold-mining as their primary economic activity, while the other was dedicated to agricultural and other local activities not related to mining. The concentrations of a total of 30 elements in human hair samples and 21 elements in environmental soil samples were measured using various spectrometry techniques. Unsupervised clustering analysis using Self-Organizing Maps was applied to human hair samples to analyze element concentrations. Distinct clusters of individuals were identified based on their hair element profiles, which were mapped to geographical location and economic activities. While higher levels of heavy metals (Ag, As, Hg, and Pb) were observed in individuals engaged in mining activities in certain clusters, individuals in agricultural areas show higher concentrations of elements found in pesticides (Ba and Sr). However, the elemental composition of hair is influenced not only by the anthropogenic activities but also by the inherent geological context where people live. Our findings highlight the significance of accounting for environmental factors when evaluating human health risks, as the intricate mixture of elements can yield valuable insights for targeted health interventions.

Exploring fungal diversity in Antarctic wildlife: isolation and molecular identification of culturable fungi from penguins and pinnipeds.

AIMS: To survey the diversity of fungal species that may be cultured from Antarctic penguins and pinnipeds, and to test the in vitro susceptibility to triazole drugs of any medically important Aspergillus spp. isolates. METHODS: During an expedition to Argentinean Antarctic research stations at Potter Peninsula (South Shetland Islands) and Primavera Cape (Antarctic Peninsula) in February 2019, samples (n = 212) were collected from fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella), elephant seals (Mirounga leonine), leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx), Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) and crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) and gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua). Oral, nasal and rectal swabs and skin/hair brushings were collected from pinnipeds, and skin/feather brushings, cloacal swabs and moulted feathers from penguins. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and/or potato dextrose agar plates and fungal isolates identified by morphological criteria followed by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility of Aspergillus spp. isolates to triazoles was tested. RESULTS: Fungi from 21 genera were isolated from 121/212 (57.1%) samples obtained from pinnipeds and penguins. Among pinnipeds from Potter Peninsula (fur seals and elephant seals), the most frequent fungal species were Debaryomyces hansenii and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, isolated from the oral, nasal and/or rectal mucosa, and Antarctomyces psychrotrophicus isolated from the skin/hair of all sampled individuals. Among pinnipeds from Primavera Cape (leopard seals, Weddell seals and crabeater seals), the most frequent fungal species were Naganishia adeliensis and Cryptococcus neoformans var. uniguttulatus, isolated from the nasal/oral mucosa of 4/33 (15.2%) and 5/33 (12.1%) animals, respectively. The most frequently isolated fungal species from gentoo penguins (Potter Peninsula), were Pseudogymnoascus pannorum and A. pyschrotrophicus, which both were isolated from skin/feathers of 7/15 (46.7%) birds, and Thelebolus microsporus, isolated from the cloacal mucosa and skin/feathers of 5/15 (33.3%) and 2/15 (13.3%) birds, respectively. Fungi that are potentially pathogenic to both humans and animals (Aspergillus fumigatus, Asp. flavus, Asp. versicolor, Candida parapsilosis and Microsporum canis) were isolated from 4/38 (10.5%), 1/38 (2.6%), 2/38 (5.3%), 4/38 (10.5%) and 2/38 (5.3%) sampled pinnipeds, respectively. Only non-azole-resistant isolates of Asp. fumigatus and Asp. flavus were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The fungal biodiversity in Antarctic pinnipeds and gentoo penguins was explored using standard mycological culture followed by PCR and DNA sequencing. The frequency of fungal carriage varied among animal species, sample type and location. This study constitutes an epidemiologic approach to monitoring of these marine animals for emerging fungal pathogens.

Endocrine disruption in the sub Antarctic fish Patagonotothen tessellata (Perciformes, Notothenidae) from Beagle Channel associated to anthropogenic impact.

Situated in the sub-Antarctic region, Beagle Channel represents a unique marine ecosystem due to the connection between the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans, and its proximity to the Antarctic Peninsula. Ushuaia city, the biggest settlement on the channel, exerts an increasing anthropogenic pressure by discharges of urban and industrial effluents. In the present work, we use Patagonotothen tessellata, one of the most abundant and widespread species in the channel, as a bioindicator species in order to evidence anthropic impact from Ushuaia Bay and surrounding areas. We first analyzed and characterized real time gene expression of androgen receptor, estrogen receptor and different forms of vitellogenin (VTG), under laboratory conditions. This was achieved by induction with estradiol of P. tessellata males. Then, the selected genes were used as biomarkers for an environmental biomonitoring study. Morphometric indices and circulating sex steroids (estradiol and testosterone) were also quantified in male fish collected from different sites. The qPCR analysis showed that vtgAb form is more inducible than vtgAa or vtgC forms after estrogen induction. The field survey revealed the up-regulation of vtgAb and the androgen receptor in fish from sites with higher anthropogenic influence. Sex steroids followed seasonal variations according to their reproductive cycle, with higher levels of estradiol and testosterone in winter and summer seasons. The use of biomarkers such as gene expression of VTG demonstrates that fish from Ushuaia Bay are likely to be exposed to endocrine disrupting compounds. To our knowledge, this research is the first attempt to assess the endocrine disruption associated to anthropic impact in a widespread fish of the Beagle Channel and contributes to a better understanding of the reproductive physiology of sub Antarctic ichthyofauna.

Trace metal dynamics in an industrialized Brazilian river: A combined application of Zn isotopes, geochemical partitioning, and multivariate statistics.

The Paraiba do Sul (PSR) and Guandu Rivers (GR) water diversion system (120 km long) is located in the main industrial pole of Brazil and supplies drinking water for 9.4 million people in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. This study aims to discern the trace metals dynamics in this complex aquatic system. We used a combined approach of geochemical tools such as geochemical partitioning, Zn isotopes signatures, and multivariate statistics. Zinc and Pb concentrations in Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and sediments were considerably higher in some sites. The sediment partition of As, Cr, and Cu revealed the residual fraction (F4) as the main fraction for these elements, indicating low mobility. Zinc and Pb were mostly associated with the exchangeable/carbonate (F1) and the reducible (F2) fractions, respectively, implying a higher susceptibility of these elements to being released from sediments. Zinc isotopic compositions of sediments and SPM fell in a binary mixing source process between lithogenic (δ66/64ZnJMC ≈ + 0.30‰) and anthropogenic (δ66/64ZnJMC ≈ + 0.15‰) end members. The lighter δ66/64ZnJMC values accompanied by high Zn concentrations in exchangeable/carbonate fraction (ZnF1) enable the tracking of Zn anthropogenic sources in the studied rivers. Overall, the results indicated that Hg, Pb, and Zn had a dominant anthropogenic origin linked to the industrial activities, while As, Cr, and Cu were mainly associated with lithogenic sources. This work demonstrates how integrating geochemical tools is valuable for assessing geochemical processes and mixing source effects in anthropized river watersheds.

Risk assessment of trace elements pollution of Manaus urban rivers.

Manaus is the Capital City of Amazonas State, Brazil, in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Its metropolitan area has a huge hydrographic basin where the disorganized urbanization has caused adverse effects in the urban rivers and creeks water quality. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the contents of Ba, Cr, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, the physicochemical parameters and their respective health risks in water samples from rivers and creeks located in urban areas with different degrees of urbanization in two different seasons. The determination of the physicochemical parameters showed the samples collected in areas with riparian vegetation presented mean values of temperature, pH, total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity lower than samples collected in urban environment. The hotspots of trace elements content were associated to the presence of industrial and domestic effluents as the main pollution source. The Water Quality Index results denoted a low water quality in four sampling sites, one during the rainy season and three others during the dry season. The overall non-carcinogenic health in the urban rivers was considered high in regions with huge population and intense anthropogenic activity. The results showed the potential risk of some of the trace elements on human beings, especially on children. The main element contributor to non-carcinogenic risk was Cr, although Mn and Ni also contributed to non-carcinogenic risk in a few areas, mainly for children during the dry season.

Pansusceptible Escherichia coli isolates obtained from faeces of free-ranging Baird's tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) suggests a low selective pressure for resistance determinants in the northwestern region of the Talamanca Mountain Range, Costa Rica.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to analyse the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Escherichia coli isolates obtained from faecal samples of free-ranging Baird's tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) in the northwestern region of the Talamanca Mountain Range, Costa Rica. METHODS: Faecal samples were collected by opportunistic search of the study area from February-September 2017 during seven field expeditions. Escherichia coli isolates were recovered using selective and differential MacConkey agar medium and were subjected to biochemical identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using a VITEK®2 Compact automated system and the AST-N279 card. RESULTS: A total of 60 E. coli isolates were obtained from 63 faecal samples. Following evaluation of nine different antimicrobial classes, 98% (59/60) of the isolates were characterised as pansusceptible; only 1 isolate presented resistance to nalidixic acid. CONCLUSION: We propose that the commensal intestinal microbiota of free-ranging Baird's tapirs in this area remains isolated from antibiotic selective pressure, probably because seven different protected areas converge, thus giving a possible low anthropogenic activity to the region.

Ambient noise and temporal patterns of boat activity in the US Virgin Islands National Park.

Human activity is contributing increasing noise to marine ecosystems. Recent studies have examined the effects of boat noise on marine fishes, but there is limited understanding of the prevalence of this type of sound source. This investigation tracks vessel noise on three reefs in the US Virgin Islands National Park over four months in 2013. Ambient noise levels ranged from 106 to 129dBrms re 1µPa (100Hz-20kHz). Boat noise occurred in 6-12% of samples. In the presence of boat noise, ambient noise in a low-frequency band (100-1000Hz) increased by >7dB above baseline levels and sound levels were significantly higher. The frequency with the most acoustic energy shifted to a significantly lower frequency when boat noise was present during the day. These results indicate the abundance of boat noise and its overlap with reef organism sound production, raising concern for the communication abilities of these animals.

Avaliação da qualidade da água em bacias hidrográficas com diferentes impactos antrópicos / Water quality assessment in watersheds with different anthropogenic impacts

A ocupação desordenada do solo sem os devidos tratos conservacionistas e as ações antrópicas indevidas provocam alterações na qualidade da água local e induzem a poluição dos recursos hídricos. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade da água em bacias hidrográficas do Rio Vacacaí-Mirim com uso e ocupação do solo distintos, no município de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. Os parâmetros de qualidade da água foram analisados estatisticamente em períodos de tempo seco e avaliados segundo o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. A bacia hidrográfica Alto da Colina, de menor área (2 km2), maior percentual de urbanização e maior número de habitantes apresentou piores resultados de degradação ambiental. Isto se deve à influência do efluente doméstico como fonte potencial de contaminação do sistema fluvial e também à contribuição elevada de matéria orgânica, agentes patógenos e nutrientes. Os diferentes usos do solo provocaram alterações nas relações entre os parâmetros de qualidade da água analisados. Nas bacias onde predominam áreas agrícolas, a influência da turbidez e sólidos suspensos foi significativa devido à ocorrência de processos erosivos.

The unbalanced use of soil without a proper conservationist treatment as well as the improper anthropogenic actions may cause alterations in the local water quality and can induce the pollution of water resources. This study aimed to evaluate the water quality in watersheds with distinct use and occupation of the soil of the Vacacaí-Mirim River in the municipality of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Water quality parameters were statistically analyzed in periods of dry weather and assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Alto da Colina watershed, with the smallest area (2 km2), presented the highest percentage of urbanization and the largest population; however, it showed the worst results regarding environmental degradation when compared to the other watersheds studied. This result is due to the influence of the domestic effluent as a potential source of contamination of the water system and due to the high contribution of organic matter, pathogenic agents, and nutrients. The different uses of soil have caused alterations in the relations between the water quality parameters analyzed. In watersheds where agricultural areas are predominant, the influence of turbidity and suspended solids was significant due to the occurrence of erosive processes.

Distribution of periphytic algae in wetlands (Palm swamps, Cerrado), Brazil / Distribuicao de algas perifiticas em areas umidas (Veredas, Cerrado), Brasil

The distribution of periphytic algae communities depends on various factors such as type of substrate, level of disturbance, nutrient availability and light. According to the prediction that impacts of anthropogenic activity provide changes in environmental characteristics, making impacted Palm swamps related to environmental changes such as deforestation and higher loads of nutrients via allochthonous, the hypothesis tested was: impacted Palm swamps have higher richness, density, biomass and biovolume of epiphytic algae. We evaluated the distribution and structure of epiphytic algae communities in 23 Palm swamps of Goiás State under different environmental impacts. The community structure attributes here analyzed were composition, richness, density, biomass and biovolume. This study revealed the importance of the environment on the distribution and structuration of algal communities, relating the higher values of richness, biomass and biovolume with impacted environments. Acidic waters and high concentration of silica were important factors in this study. Altogether 200 taxa were identified, and the zygnemaphycea was the group most representative in richness and biovolume, whereas the diatoms, in density of studied epiphyton. Impacted Palm swamps in agricultural area presented two indicator species, Gomphonema lagenula Kützing and Oedogonium sp, both related to mesotrophic to eutrophic conditions for total nitrogen concentrations of these environments.

A distribuição de comunidades de algas perifíticas depende de vários fatores, como tipo de substrato, nível de distúrbio, disponibilidade de nutrientes e luz. De acordo com a predição de que impactos de ação antrópica proporcionam alterações nas características ambientais – tornando Veredas impactadas relacionadas a alterações ambientais, como desmatamentos e maiores cargas de nutrientes via alóctone –, a hipótese testada foi: Veredas impactadas apresentam maiores riqueza, densidade, biomassa e biovolume de algas epifíticas. Avaliaram-se a distribuição e a estruturação de comunidades de algas epifíticas em 23 Veredas do Estado de Goiás sob diferentes impactos ambientais. Os atributos da estrutura de comunidade avaliados foram composição, riqueza, densidade, biomassa e biovolume. Este estudo revelou a importância das características ambientais na distribuição e na estruturação das comunidades de algas, relacionando os maiores valores de riqueza, biomassa e biovolume dos organismos aos ambientes impactados. Águas ácidas e altas concentrações de sílica foram fatores importantes no estudo. Ao todo, foram identificados 200 táxons, sendo as zignemafíceas o grupo mais representativo em riqueza e biovolume, enquanto as diatomáceas, as mais representativas em densidade do epifíton estudado. Veredas impactadas em área de agropecuária apresentaram duas espécies indicadoras, Gomphonema lagenula e Oedogonium sp., ambas relacionadas com condições mesotróficas a eutróficas, para concentrações de nitrogênio total desses ambientes.

Distribution of periphytic algae in wetlands (Palm swamps, Cerrado), Brazil / Distribuição de algas perifíticas em áreas úmidas (Veredas, Cerrado), Brasil

The distribution of periphytic algae communities depends on various factors such as type of substrate, level of disturbance, nutrient availability and light. According to the prediction that impacts of anthropogenic activity provide changes in environmental characteristics, making impacted Palm swamps related to environmental changes such as deforestation and higher loads of nutrients via allochthonous, the hypothesis tested was: impacted Palm swamps have higher richness, density, biomass and biovolume of epiphytic algae. We evaluated the distribution and structure of epiphytic algae communities in 23 Palm swamps of Goiás State under different environmental impacts. The community structure attributes here analyzed were composition, richness, density, biomass and biovolume. This study revealed the importance of the environment on the distribution and structuration of algal communities, relating the higher values of richness, biomass and biovolume with impacted environments. Acidic waters and high concentration of silica were important factors in this study. Altogether 200 taxa were identified, and the zygnemaphycea was the group most representative in richness and biovolume, whereas the diatoms, in density of studied epiphyton. Impacted Palm swamps in agricultural area presented two indicator species, Gomphonema lagenula Kützing and Oedogonium sp, both related to mesotrophic to eutrophic conditions for total nitrogen concentrations of these environments.(AU)

A distribuição de comunidades de algas perifíticas depende de vários fatores, como tipo de substrato, nível de distúrbio, disponibilidade de nutrientes e luz. De acordo com a predição de que impactos de ação antrópica proporcionam alterações nas características ambientais tornando Veredas impactadas relacionadas a alterações ambientais, como desmatamentos e maiores cargas de nutrientes via alóctone , a hipótese testada foi: Veredas impactadas apresentam maiores riqueza, densidade, biomassa e biovolume de algas epifíticas. Avaliaram-se a distribuição e a estruturação de comunidades de algas epifíticas em 23 Veredas do Estado de Goiás sob diferentes impactos ambientais. Os atributos da estrutura de comunidade avaliados foram composição, riqueza, densidade, biomassa e biovolume. Este estudo revelou a importância das características ambientais na distribuição e na estruturação das comunidades de algas, relacionando os maiores valores de riqueza, biomassa e biovolume dos organismos aos ambientes impactados. Águas ácidas e altas concentrações de sílica foram fatores importantes no estudo. Ao todo, foram identificados 200 táxons, sendo as zignemafíceas o grupo mais representativo em riqueza e biovolume, enquanto as diatomáceas, as mais representativas em densidade do epifíton estudado. Veredas impactadas em área de agropecuária apresentaram duas espécies indicadoras, Gomphonema lagenula e Oedogonium sp., ambas relacionadas com condições mesotróficas a eutróficas, para concentrações de nitrogênio total desses ambientes.(AU)

Harmful phytoplankton blooms and fish mortality in a eutrophicated reservoir of northeast Brazil

The aim of this work was to study the eutrophication in the tropical freshwater ecosystems and the consequent cyanobacterial bloom formation and economical damage to fisheries and harmful effects to public health. Mass fish mortality due to toxin producing cyanobacterial blooms was registered during December 2003 in Marechal Dutra Reservoir, Acari/RN, Northeast Brazil. Phytoplankton and fish samplings were carried out on alternate days during the episode of fish mortality and monthly during January to June 2004. The cyanobacterial toxin was identified and quantified from the seston samples and liver of the dead fishes using the standard HPLC method. The results indicated that the toxic blooms of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and Microcystis aeruginosa were persistent for two weeks and represented 90% of the phytoplankton species assemblages. The lethally affected fishes were Oreochromis niloticus, Plagioscion squamosissimus, Cichla monoculus, Prochilodus brevis, Hoplias malabaricus and Leporinus friderici. The microcystin levels varied from 0.07 to 8.73µg L-1 the seston samples and from 0.01 to 2.59µg g-1in the liver samples of the fishes during the bloom period.

Eutrofização em ecossistemas limnéticos tropicais e a conseqüente formação de cianobactérias causam prejuízo econômico à produção pesqueira e efeitos danosos à saúde publica. A mortalidade em massa de peixes devido à produção de cianobactérias tóxicas foi registrada em Dezembro 2003 na Barragem Marechal Dutra, Acari/RN, nordeste Brasileiro. Amostras de fitoplâncton e de peixes foram realizados em dias alternados durante o episódio de mortalidade em massa dos peixes e mensalmente durante Janeiro a Junho de 2004. A toxina das cianobactérias, presente no seston e no fígado dos peixes mortos, foi identificada e quantificada, utilizando o método HPLC padronizado. Os resultados indicaram que a produção de toxinas de Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii e Microcystis aeruginosa foram persistentes por duas semanas e representaram 90% da composição de espécies de fitoplâncton Os peixes afetados letalmente foram Oreochromis niloticus, Plagioscion squamosissimus, Cichla monoculus, Prochilodus brevis, Hoplias malabaricus e Leporinus friderici. Os níveis de microcistinas variaram entre 0,07 a 8,73µg L-1 nas amostras do seston e 0,01 a 2,59µg g-1 nas amostras no fígado dos peixes, durante o período de aflorescimento.