Abstract
Studies show that some regions of the Amazon region suffer mercury (Hg) impacts as a direct result of both natural and anthropogenic processes. Jau National Park (PNJ) is the only National Park in Brazil that protects an entire black water basin (Jau River), flood land and tropical reserve. These conditions favor Hg methylation in the aquatic biota. This in turn, exposes living on the river populations to Hg contamination as well as the adjacent regions. Preliminary studies of pre-school children diets from PNJ communities have shown that these diets have a worrisome high Hg content. The present study assessed total Hg content, micro nutrients (Ca, Fe, K, Na, Se and Zn) and macro nutrients (proteins, lipids, ash, energy, carbohydrate) in pre-school diets in the PNJ and surrounding communities. Furthermore, total and Me Hg levels were also determined in hair samples of these children as well as those living in several neighborhoods of the city of Manaus. Included in this determination were the fish most consumed by these populations. From these results it was possible to evaluate the nutritional content of the diets and the exposure of the children to Hg and Se Hg. Cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry was used
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Citation Formats
Farias, Luciana Aparecida.
Assessment of the content of mercury, methylmercury and other elements of interest in fish, hair and diets of pre-school children of the Amazon region; Avaliacao do conteudo de mercurio, metilmercurio e outros elementos de interesse em peixes e em amostras de cabelos e dietas de pre-escolares da regiao Amazonica.
Brazil: N. p.,
2006.
Web.
Farias, Luciana Aparecida.
Assessment of the content of mercury, methylmercury and other elements of interest in fish, hair and diets of pre-school children of the Amazon region; Avaliacao do conteudo de mercurio, metilmercurio e outros elementos de interesse em peixes e em amostras de cabelos e dietas de pre-escolares da regiao Amazonica.
Brazil.
Farias, Luciana Aparecida.
2006.
"Assessment of the content of mercury, methylmercury and other elements of interest in fish, hair and diets of pre-school children of the Amazon region; Avaliacao do conteudo de mercurio, metilmercurio e outros elementos de interesse em peixes e em amostras de cabelos e dietas de pre-escolares da regiao Amazonica."
Brazil.
@misc{etde_21076485,
title = {Assessment of the content of mercury, methylmercury and other elements of interest in fish, hair and diets of pre-school children of the Amazon region; Avaliacao do conteudo de mercurio, metilmercurio e outros elementos de interesse em peixes e em amostras de cabelos e dietas de pre-escolares da regiao Amazonica}
author = {Farias, Luciana Aparecida}
abstractNote = {Studies show that some regions of the Amazon region suffer mercury (Hg) impacts as a direct result of both natural and anthropogenic processes. Jau National Park (PNJ) is the only National Park in Brazil that protects an entire black water basin (Jau River), flood land and tropical reserve. These conditions favor Hg methylation in the aquatic biota. This in turn, exposes living on the river populations to Hg contamination as well as the adjacent regions. Preliminary studies of pre-school children diets from PNJ communities have shown that these diets have a worrisome high Hg content. The present study assessed total Hg content, micro nutrients (Ca, Fe, K, Na, Se and Zn) and macro nutrients (proteins, lipids, ash, energy, carbohydrate) in pre-school diets in the PNJ and surrounding communities. Furthermore, total and Me Hg levels were also determined in hair samples of these children as well as those living in several neighborhoods of the city of Manaus. Included in this determination were the fish most consumed by these populations. From these results it was possible to evaluate the nutritional content of the diets and the exposure of the children to Hg and Se Hg. Cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry was used to quantify total and Me Hg. Micro nutrient determination was performed using neutron activation analysis technique (NAA) and Macro nutrient through AOAC methodologies (USA). All analytical methods were developed and validated for precision and accuracy by means of reference materials analyses with certified values for the determined elements. Furthermore, the uncertainty sources for Hg and Me Hg determination were assessed and the expanded uncertainties were calculated. Total Hg levels in diets and total and Me Hg levels for hair samples, were well above those values found in different localities of the Amazon region. This also holds true for those surrounding areas of the JNP. For many children Hg intake values passed the 5 mug Hg/body weigh/week (PTWI). Children of the city of Manaus presented much lower Hg levels in hair samples in contrast to those of the PNJ even though both groups shared the same ecosystem. It can thus be concluded that populations that have a wider choice of food products for protein, have a lesser intake of fish and as a consequence less Hg intake. Obtained NAA results furnished reliable concentration values for important nutritional elements, mainly Ca, Fe, K, Na, Se and Zn. From these values the daily intake was calculated and compared to the DRIs (Dietary reference intakes). In general, the diets analysed in this study presented inadequate and deficient protein-caloric levels, confirming these populations high risk and vulnerability to nutritional deficiencies and to Hg exposure. Several external factors can obviously influence the vulnerability of these populations to the toxic effects to Me Hg such as: age, sex, health and nutritional status, intake and dietary interaction. In order to evaluate the influence of the cooking processes (in natura, cooked, fried, baked) regarding micro nutrient and total Hg losses, in order to contribute to future nutritional studies, Hg levels and micro nutrients in fish species most consumed by Manaus residents and surrounding communities were assessed. Micro nutrients and Hg loss variability through the different cooking processes seem to be more related to fish species rather than cooking process. Furthermore, predatory species presented higher Hg and Se levels as was expected. The Hg and Se correlation in fish is also discussed. Although research shows a high Hg background in the Amazon the continuous exposure through food can in time worsen especially in communities that do not have diet diversification, have serious nutritional deficiencies and whose diets are mainly fish. It is hoped that this study can also contribute to future public political actions and policies in terms of reducing dietary hazards due to Hg and Me Hg exposure. (author)}
place = {Brazil}
year = {2006}
month = {Jul}
}
title = {Assessment of the content of mercury, methylmercury and other elements of interest in fish, hair and diets of pre-school children of the Amazon region; Avaliacao do conteudo de mercurio, metilmercurio e outros elementos de interesse em peixes e em amostras de cabelos e dietas de pre-escolares da regiao Amazonica}
author = {Farias, Luciana Aparecida}
abstractNote = {Studies show that some regions of the Amazon region suffer mercury (Hg) impacts as a direct result of both natural and anthropogenic processes. Jau National Park (PNJ) is the only National Park in Brazil that protects an entire black water basin (Jau River), flood land and tropical reserve. These conditions favor Hg methylation in the aquatic biota. This in turn, exposes living on the river populations to Hg contamination as well as the adjacent regions. Preliminary studies of pre-school children diets from PNJ communities have shown that these diets have a worrisome high Hg content. The present study assessed total Hg content, micro nutrients (Ca, Fe, K, Na, Se and Zn) and macro nutrients (proteins, lipids, ash, energy, carbohydrate) in pre-school diets in the PNJ and surrounding communities. Furthermore, total and Me Hg levels were also determined in hair samples of these children as well as those living in several neighborhoods of the city of Manaus. Included in this determination were the fish most consumed by these populations. From these results it was possible to evaluate the nutritional content of the diets and the exposure of the children to Hg and Se Hg. Cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry was used to quantify total and Me Hg. Micro nutrient determination was performed using neutron activation analysis technique (NAA) and Macro nutrient through AOAC methodologies (USA). All analytical methods were developed and validated for precision and accuracy by means of reference materials analyses with certified values for the determined elements. Furthermore, the uncertainty sources for Hg and Me Hg determination were assessed and the expanded uncertainties were calculated. Total Hg levels in diets and total and Me Hg levels for hair samples, were well above those values found in different localities of the Amazon region. This also holds true for those surrounding areas of the JNP. For many children Hg intake values passed the 5 mug Hg/body weigh/week (PTWI). Children of the city of Manaus presented much lower Hg levels in hair samples in contrast to those of the PNJ even though both groups shared the same ecosystem. It can thus be concluded that populations that have a wider choice of food products for protein, have a lesser intake of fish and as a consequence less Hg intake. Obtained NAA results furnished reliable concentration values for important nutritional elements, mainly Ca, Fe, K, Na, Se and Zn. From these values the daily intake was calculated and compared to the DRIs (Dietary reference intakes). In general, the diets analysed in this study presented inadequate and deficient protein-caloric levels, confirming these populations high risk and vulnerability to nutritional deficiencies and to Hg exposure. Several external factors can obviously influence the vulnerability of these populations to the toxic effects to Me Hg such as: age, sex, health and nutritional status, intake and dietary interaction. In order to evaluate the influence of the cooking processes (in natura, cooked, fried, baked) regarding micro nutrient and total Hg losses, in order to contribute to future nutritional studies, Hg levels and micro nutrients in fish species most consumed by Manaus residents and surrounding communities were assessed. Micro nutrients and Hg loss variability through the different cooking processes seem to be more related to fish species rather than cooking process. Furthermore, predatory species presented higher Hg and Se levels as was expected. The Hg and Se correlation in fish is also discussed. Although research shows a high Hg background in the Amazon the continuous exposure through food can in time worsen especially in communities that do not have diet diversification, have serious nutritional deficiencies and whose diets are mainly fish. It is hoped that this study can also contribute to future public political actions and policies in terms of reducing dietary hazards due to Hg and Me Hg exposure. (author)}
place = {Brazil}
year = {2006}
month = {Jul}
}