Joanna Podlasińska

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in wild-growing edible mushrooms from Lubuskie voivodeship, Poland

Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn contents were quantified for three wild-growing edible species of macrofungi (Boletus edulis, Macrolepiota procera and Cantharellus cibarius) and underlying soil samples collected at forest sites in Lubuskie voivodeship, Poland. The total concentration of the analysed elements was determined using an ASA iCE 3000 series atomic absorption spectrometer. The analysis found significant differences in bioaccumulation between species and differing distributions of trace elements in the caps and stalks of fruiting bodies. Bioaccumulation factors revealed that Zn and Cu are the most bioaccumulated elements, whereas Cr and Mn are excluded from bioaccumulation. Macrolepiota procera showed the highest bioaccumulation of Cu, and Zn is accumulated to the greatest extent by Boletus edulis. A few significant differences (p≤0.05) between the examined species were observed.

Muscle mercury and selenium in fishes and semiaquatic mammals from a selenium-deficient area.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare total mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), and Se:Hg molar ratios in fish muscles (phytophages n=3; benthophages n=32; predators n=5) and semiaquatic carnivores, including piscivores (the European otter n=8, the feral American mink n=7) and the omnivorous raccoon (n=37) from a riverine European ecosystem in a Se-deficient area. The Hg concentration in fish reached 0.337μg/g dry weight, dw (0.084μg/g wet weight, ww). We found significant differences among Hg levels in tested vertebrate groups (predators vs benthophages: 0.893 vs 0.281μg/g; piscivores vs omnivores: 6.085 vs 0.566μg/g dw). Fish groups did not differ in Se concentrations, with a mean value of 0.653μg/g dw. Significant differences were revealed between Se levels in piscivorous and omnivorous carnivores (0.360 vs 0.786μg/g dw, respectively). Fish Se:Hg molar ratio values were >2.2. Benthophages had higher the ratio than predators but similar to phytophages. Among carnivores, piscivores had much lower the ratio than raccoon (0.14 vs 3.75) but raccoon and fish medians did not significantly differ. We found almost two times higher Se levels in fish and raccoons compared to piscivores, possibly resulting from lower fish Se digestibility by piscivores in contrast to higher absorption of plant Se by many fish and omnivorous raccoons. Considering that a tissue Se:Hg molar ratio <1 may be connected with a Hg toxicity potential increase, we assume that piscivores in Se-deficient area are in worse situation and more exposed to Hg than fish and omnivores.

The Effect of Risk Factors on the Levels of Chemical Elements in the Tibial Plateau of Patients with Osteoarthritis following Knee Surgery

The aim of this study was to evaluate the aforementioned chemical elements in tibial plateau samples obtained during knee arthroplasty. The gender-specific analysis of chemical element levels in the bone samples revealed that there were statistically significant differences in the concentration of Pb and Se/Pb ratio. The contents of elements in the tibial plateau in the patients with osteoarthritis (OA) can be arranged in the following descending order: F− > K > Zn > Fe > Sr > Pb > Mn > Se > Cd > THg. We observed statistical significant effects of environmental factors including smoking, seafood diet, and geographical distribution on the levels of the elements in tibial bone. Significant positive correlation coefficients were found for the relationships K-Cd, Zn-Sr, Zn-F−, THg-Pb, Pb-Cd, Se-Se/Pb, Se-Se/Cd, Se/Pb-Se/Cd, Pb-Cd/Ca, Cd-Cd/Ca, and F−-F−/Ca·1000. Significant negative correlations were found for the relationships THg-Se/Pb, Pb-Se/Pb, Cd-Se/Pb, K-Se/Cd, Pb-Se/Cd, Cd-Se/Cd, THg-Se/THg, Pb-Se/THg, Se-Pb/Cd, Zn-Cd/Ca, and Se/Cd-Cd/Ca. The results reported here may provide a basis for establishing reference values for the tibial plateau in patients with OA who had undergone knee replacement surgery. The concentrations of elements in the bone with OA were determined by age, presence of implants, smoking, fish and seafood diet, and sport activity.

Brains of Native and Alien Mesocarnivores in Biomonitoring of Toxic Metals in Europe.

Mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are involved in mammalian brain damage. However, little is known about Pb and Cd brain levels in wildlife that reflect the geochemical background. The aims of the study include the estimation of Hg, Pb and Cd concentrations, and the determination of relationships between these elements in the brains of 94 mesocarnivores. Road-killed or hunted animals were obtained from north-western Poland near the Polish-German border. The investigation covered the native Eurasian otter Lutra lutra, badger Meles meles, pine marten Martes martes, beech marten M. foina, European polecat Mustela putorius, red fox Vulpes vulpes, and alien species: feral and ranch American mink Neovison vison, raccoon Procyon lotor and raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides. Depending on the diet and environmental pollution, the carnivore brains accumulated toxic metals in varying amounts. The highest median Hg levels (in mg/kg dry weight, dw) were found in the piscivorous Eurasian otter and feral mink (2.44 and 3.96), Pb in the omnivorous raccoon (0.47), while Cd in minks (~0.06). We indicated that Pb-based ammunition is a significant source of the element in scavengers from hunting area, and we also found a significant correlation between Pb and Cd levels in the fox brain. Finally, this study is the first to suggest background levels for brain Pb and Cd in mesocarnivores (<0.50 and <0.04 mg/kg dw, respectively).

Ionic composition of terrestrial surface waters in Maritime Antarctic and the processes involved in formation

Abstract The qualitative and quantitative composition of major ions and nutrient compounds in surface waters and soils of the west coast of Admiralty Bay (King George Island, West Antarctica) was investigated together with the effect of soil-forming processes and atmospheric precipitation on the ionic composition of surface waters. In the water bodies studied, Cl- and Na+ were dominant major ions (average concentrations: 1102.2 and 930.9 μM, respectively). Average concentrations of the other major anions ranged from 2.80 μM (F-) to 81.64 μM (SO4 2-) and major cations ranged from 12.46 μM (K+) to 130.76 μM (Mg2+). Average concentrations of total reactive phosphorus, N-NO2 -, N-NO3 - and N-NH4 + amounted to 1.374, 0.410, 6.299 and 1.490 μM, respectively. Average concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, K, N and P in the surface layer of the soil equalled 16.8, 15.9, 6.4, 3.6, 0.646 and 0.744 g kg-1, respectively. The calculated Na+/Cl-, Ca2+/Mg2+, Ca2+/Na+ and HCO3 -/Cl- ratios revealed that atmospheric precipitation was the main source of major ions. We conclude that the ionic composition of the waters of the western coast of Admiralty Bay differ from surface waters of Continental Antarctica.

Effects of biological factors and health condition on mercury and selenium concentrations in the cartilage, meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament

Due the long-term nature of joint tissue remodeling processes, knee structures including meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be a model for studying the bioaccumulation of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se). The accumulation and retention of Hg in human tissues can have a negative effect on the proper functioning of homeostasis-affecting organisms. A factor of chronic poisoning with Hg forms is probably the Se:Hg ratio in tissues. Se:Hg molar ratios below one may increase Hg toxicity potentials, while molar ratios that approach or exceed one effectively may protect against Hg toxicity. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine total mercury (THg), Se, and Se:THg molar ratios in the cartilage, meniscus and ACL of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) from northwestern Poland. In all studied samples (n=95), we observed higher Se than THg concentration. Taking into consideration the biological factors, we found significantly higher THg levels in the cartilage of women, patients under 65 years of age, patients without hypertension and in the ACL of patients with spinal degenerative disease. We found higher Se levels in the meniscus in women than in men. In all studied parts of the knee joint, we found the Se:THg molar ratio higher than one, which suggests that the joint forming structures are not much exposed to THg. Moreover the results reported here may provide a basis for establishing reference values for the meniscus and ACL in patients with OA who had undergone knee replacement surgery.

QUALITY OF BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF MIDFIELD PONDS AND THEIR EVALUATION FOR THE POTENTIAL THREAT OF THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT

The study aimed at the evaluation of the quality of bottom sediments and evaluation of potential threat to the aquatic environment. Cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, zinc and mercury concentration in the separate layers of the sediments in the pond at Żelisławiec decreased with the depth of bottom sediments. On the other hand, the highest concentrations of the studied elements occurred in the deepest layer of sediments in the pond at Stare Czarnowo. The level of the potential ecological risk (PER) for the sediments of the Żelisławiec pond classifies them as sediments with low quality of the potential ecological risk, whereas the sediments from the pond at Stare Czarnowo are classified as moderate level of the potential ecological risk. In both ponds, the highest Igeo values were reported for zinc and lead.

INFLUENCE OF ILLEGAL WASTE DUMPING SITES OF NORTH-WEST PART OF BARLINEK COMMUNITY ON HEAVY METALS CONTENT IN SOILS

The in-depth analysis of the soil samples study included 6 from 17 catalogued illegal waste dumps localized in the Barlinek Commune (Gmina Barlinek) area. The samples were taken from the middle part of each waste dump and at 5 meter distance toward north and south directions. In the collected material the pH values and concentration of lead, zinc, cadmium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, chromium, iron, copper and mercury were determined. The results of laboratory analysis were compared with current standards (Regulation of the Minister of Environment from 9th September 2002 on soil quality standards and quality standards of soil – Journal of Laws 2002 No 165, item 1359) and with the soils classification by the content of trace elements, according to Kabata-Pendias et al. The reason of diversified content of heavy metals in the collected soils samples from different waste dumps is various morphological composition of deposited waste. Nonetheless, waste landfilled on illegal dumps were not significantly influencing the levels of soil contamination with heavy metals. The concentration of Hg, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe qualifies those soils to geochemical natural levels of heavy metals content. Nevertheless, cadmium was the element, which concentration were most often (21 times) exceeded.

MERCURY CONTENT IN BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF MID-FIELD PONDS

Two mid-field ponds located in the agricultural catchment was chosen for the investigations. Total of 24 samples of bottom sediments were collected. The samples were taken from sediment layers: 0–5 (W1), 5–10 (W2), 10–20 (W3) and 20–30 (W4) cm, with three points at once during the 2014 winter period. Mercury content in the samples was determined by analyzer AMA 254. Higher pH (active acidity) was recorded in sediments in pond located in a rural park than pond located within agricultural crops. Bottom sediment in mid-field pond (No. 1) had higher values of organic carbon averaging 22.70% than in the pond located in a rural park (No. 2), where organic carbon content averaged 4.59%. The mercury content in bottom sediments ranged from 0.02 to 0.41 mg ⋅ kg-1. The examined sediments were classified (at points P1, P2, P3 and P4) as uncontaminated sediments (Class I) and at points S1 and S2 were classified as moderately polluted sediments (Class II). Bottom sediments classified as class I and II can be disposed in the aquatic and terrestrial environments. Mercury concentrations in samples collected from both banks of the pond No. 1 and 2 differ significantly (Tukey test p ≤ 0.05) than those in the samples collected from central part of the ponds. Chemical analysis of the individual layers of bottom sediments in ponds showed that the largest accumulation of mercury occurred in a layer W1 (0–5 cm) in pond No. 2 (at point S2).

The influence of Chemical Works “Police” on chemical composition of Pinus sylvestris needles, Pleurozium schreberi and soil samples

Abstract The aim of this study was an evaluation of the influence of Chemical Works “Police” (“Grupa Azoty”) on total S, N, C, Mg, K, Ca, Na Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn concentrations in II-year-old needles of Pinus sylvestris L., Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. and soil samples. The research material was collected in spring 2013 in the coniferous habitats. The total Hg content was determined by Mercury Analyzer AMA 254. The total content of S, N and C was analysed by COSTECH CHNS elementary analyser. The total content of other elements was determined using atomic absorption spectrometer ASA iCE 3000. The highest mercury content was similar in pine needles (0.06 mg • kg-1 d. w.) and in moss (0.07 mg • kg-1 d. w.). The soil samples pH value was typical for rusty soils, in which the obtained pH-KCl value was 3.13-4.39 and pH-H2O was 3.69-5.14 (extreme acid soils). The Zn, Pb, Ni, Hg, Fe, Cu and Cr concentrations were higher in moss than in needles. The content of Pb in Pleurozium schreberi (3.13 mg • kg-1 d. w.) was few times higher than in Pinus sylvestris needles (0.073- 0.817 mg • kg-1 d. w.). The soil contamination with heavy metals was not observed. There has been almost a double reduction of sulphur content in pine needles and moss over last 20 years. Streszczenie Celem pracy była ocena wpływu Zakładów Chemicznych „Police” S. A. (Grupa Azoty) na zawartość S, N, C, Mg, K, Ca, Na, Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni i Zn ogółem w drugorocznych szpilkach sosny zwyczajnej (Pinus sylvestris), w rokietniku pospolitym (Pleurozium schreberi) oraz w glebie. Próbki pozyskano wiosną 2013 roku na siedliskach borowych. Całkowitą zawartość Hg oznaczono za pomocą analizatora rtęci AMA 254. Zawartość S, N i C ogółem oznaczono analizatorem elementarnym CHNS firmy COSTECH. Zawartość pozostałych pierwiastków oznaczono spektrometrem absorpcji atomowej ASA iCE 3000. Najwyższa zawartość rtęci w szpilkach sosny (0,06 mg • kg-1 suchej masy) i w mchu (0,07 mg • kg-1 suchej masy) była podobna. Wartości pH gleby były charakterystyczne dla gleb rdzawych i wynosiły: pH-KCl 3,13-4,39; pH-H2O 3,69-5,14 (gleby silnie kwaśne). Zawartość Zn, Pb, Ni, Hg, Fe, Cu i Cr była wyższa w mchu niż w szpilkach sosny. Zawartość Pb w mchu (3,13 mg • kg-1 s. m.) była kilka razy wyższa niż w szpilkach Pinus sylvestris (0,073-0,817 mg • kg-1 s.m.). Nie stwierdzono zanieczyszczenia gleb metalami ciężkimi. Stwierdzono prawie dwukrotną redukcję w akumulacji siarki w szpilkach sosny oraz w mchu na przestrzeni ostatnich 20 lat.