Factors influencing concentrations of hg, as, and se in fish muscle from the allegheny and monongahela rivers, and potential risk of consumption

Fish Consumption is the main source of public exposure to mercury, arsenic, and selenium and research has shown that the main source of mercury, selenium, and arsenic in aquatic environments is coal-fired energy production. Exposures to mercury can result in reduced reproductive success, hormonal changes, neurochemical inhibition, behavioral and motor skill impairment, and massive deaths and sickness after industrial accidents. Environmental arsenic can cause manifestations of the skin, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and skin, bladder, liver, and lung cancers. Selenium is an essential dietary element in humans, but toxic at high concentrations, especially to fish and wildlife. Epidemiological studies of chronic exposures have reported discoloration of the skin, pathological deformations, loss of nails, loss of hair, excessive tooth decay and discoloration, lack of mental alertness, and listlessness. Bioaccumulation of these elements in fish is controlled by a number of factors. This research by the Center for Healthy Environments and Communities sampled fish muscle from 455 fish including 20 species from 4 locations on the Allegheny River and 7 locations on the Monongahela River, including the Pittsburgh (Highland Park) pool. Anatomical fish measurements including age were recorded, and water and sediment samples were collected from the Allegheny River fishing locations. Analytes mercury, arsenic, and selenium were measured using atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Risk from the consumption of fish in Southwestern Pennsylvania was evaluated and compared between locations. Species specific bioaccumulation factors were derived. Results showed a number of factors influenced fish tissue concentrations. Several recommendations can be made to reduce the risk associated with fish consumption from these waterways.