Spatial and temporal variations of mercury (Hg) concentrations, enrichment, and potential ecological risks were studied in a suite of lead-210 (Pb) dated sediment cores from 13 Wider Caribbean Region coastal environments. Broad variability of Hg concentrations (19-18761 ng g) was observed, encompassing even background levels (38-100 ng g). Most Hg concentration profiles exhibited a characteristic upward trend, reaching their peak values in the past two decades. Most of the sediment sections, showing from moderately to very severe Hg enrichment, were found in cores from Havana Bay and Sagua River Estuary (Cuba), Port-au-Prince Bay (Haiti), and Cartagena Bay (Colombia). These were also the most seriously contaminated sites, which can be considered regional Hg 'hotspots'. Both Havana Bay and Port-au-Prince Bay reportedly receive waste from large cities with populations exceeding 2 million inhabitants, and watersheds affected by high erosion rates. The records from the Sagua River Estuary and Cartagena Bay reflected historical Hg contamination associated with chloralkali plants, and these sites are of very high ecological risk. These results constitute a major contribution to the scarce regional data on contaminants in the Wider Caribbean Region and provide reference information to support the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170609 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Data journey map: a process for co-creating data requirements for health care artificial intelligence.
Rev Panam Salud Publica
December 2024
George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre Caribbean Institute for Health Research University of the West Indies Bridgetown Barbados George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, University of the West Indies, Bridgetown, Barbados.
The Caribbean small island developing states have limited resources for comprehensive health care provision and are facing an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases which is driven by an aging regional population. Artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies offer promise for contributing to health care efficiencies, but themselves are dependent on the availability and accessibility of accurate health care data. A regional shortfall in data professionals continues to hamper legislative recognition and promotion of increased data production in Caribbean countries.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFViral metagenomic investigation of two Caribbean echinoderms, (Echinoidea) and (Holothuria).
PeerJ
December 2024
University of the Virgin Islands, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands.
Article Synopsis
- Echinoderms play vital roles in coral reef ecosystems as detritivores and herbivores but experience boom and bust cycles due to food and predation factors, necessitating pathogen surveillance for ecological understanding.
- The study conducted viral surveillance on two common reef echinoderms using metagenomics during a mass mortality event and compared normal specimens from different locations to identify viral associations.
- Findings indicated that one echinoderm lacked common viral infections, while the other showed similarities to viruses found in other species, suggesting methods used may affect viral detection and highlighting the need for further investigation into the role of viruses in mass mortalities.
Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyles for Diabetes (HEAL-D) Online: a mixed methods evaluation exploring the feasibility of implementing a virtual culturally tailored diabetes self-management programme for African and Caribbean communities.
BMJ Open
October 2024
Health Innovation Network South London, London, UK.
Objectives: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of delivering Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyles for Diabetes (HEAL-D) Online.
Intervention: HEAL-D Online-a 7-week culturally tailored type 2 diabetes educational programme delivered using online platform.
Setting: Programme delivered by a London NHS trust, with patients referred from primary care healthcare professionals via a central booking system.
Long term mortality trends in people with severe mental illnesses and how COVID-19, ethnicity and other chronic mental health comorbidities contributed: a retrospective cohort study.
Psychol Med
October 2024
Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neurosciences, King's College London, London, UK.
Article Synopsis
- The study examines long-term mortality trends in individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum and bipolar disorders, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- It found that standardized mortality ratios for these individuals were more than double the average, increasing significantly during the pandemic, particularly for those with psychiatric comorbidities.
- Additionally, elevated mortality rates were noted among minority ethnic groups, highlighting the need for interventions addressing broader social health determinants.
Clothing design solutions for children with developmental disabilities: A scoping review protocol.
MethodsX
December 2024
Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India.
Children with Developmental Disabilities (DD) often face significant challenges in performing dressing task, fundamental activities of daily living. Inability to accomplish this task independently significantly impacts participation in social and recreational activities, affecting Quality of Life (QoL). Additionally, burden on caregivers increases which in turn leads to stress and burnout.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!