Linking Trace Metal Mobility in Water, Sediment, and Edible Aquatic Species to Human Health Risks
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Huan Feng
Access Type
Event
Start Date
26-4-2024 11:15 AM
End Date
26-4-2024 12:15 PM
Description
The Lower Passaic River (LPR) is historically polluted, posing significant environmental challenges partially due to high levels of trace metals in both water and sediment. Despite this, a notable gap exists in recent studies investigating metal concentrations in aquatic species within this highly contaminated river system. This study addresses this gap by assessing the mobility of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in water, sediment, and seven major commercial edible aquatic species endemic to the LPR. Our analysis reveals species-specific concentrations of trace metals, influenced by ecological behaviors such as habitat preference and dietary habits. For example, Callinectes sapidus exhibits the highest Cu concentration with its bottom-dwelling habitat and omnivorous diet. In contrast, species like Anguilla rostrata, Micropterus salmoides, and Ictalurus punctatus, with bottom habitats and carnivorous diets, display elevated Hg concentrations. Mercury demonstrates a higher bioaccumulation factor compared to Cu and Pb, with the notable exception of Callinectes sapidus, where Cu exhibits a higher bioaccumulation factor. Assessment of non-carcinogenic human health risks from metal consumption in fish indicates that THQ values decrease in the order of Hg > Pb > Cu. Importantly, THQ values for both children and adults are below 1, suggesting minimal non-carcinogenic health risks associated with fish consumption. However, carcinogenic risk assessment based on Cu TR values indicates a very low potential risk across all species. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and management efforts to mitigate metal contamination in the LPR, safeguarding both aquatic ecosystems and human health.
Linking Trace Metal Mobility in Water, Sediment, and Edible Aquatic Species to Human Health Risks
The Lower Passaic River (LPR) is historically polluted, posing significant environmental challenges partially due to high levels of trace metals in both water and sediment. Despite this, a notable gap exists in recent studies investigating metal concentrations in aquatic species within this highly contaminated river system. This study addresses this gap by assessing the mobility of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in water, sediment, and seven major commercial edible aquatic species endemic to the LPR. Our analysis reveals species-specific concentrations of trace metals, influenced by ecological behaviors such as habitat preference and dietary habits. For example, Callinectes sapidus exhibits the highest Cu concentration with its bottom-dwelling habitat and omnivorous diet. In contrast, species like Anguilla rostrata, Micropterus salmoides, and Ictalurus punctatus, with bottom habitats and carnivorous diets, display elevated Hg concentrations. Mercury demonstrates a higher bioaccumulation factor compared to Cu and Pb, with the notable exception of Callinectes sapidus, where Cu exhibits a higher bioaccumulation factor. Assessment of non-carcinogenic human health risks from metal consumption in fish indicates that THQ values decrease in the order of Hg > Pb > Cu. Importantly, THQ values for both children and adults are below 1, suggesting minimal non-carcinogenic health risks associated with fish consumption. However, carcinogenic risk assessment based on Cu TR values indicates a very low potential risk across all species. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and management efforts to mitigate metal contamination in the LPR, safeguarding both aquatic ecosystems and human health.