Improved method for the determination of zinc pyrithione in environmental water samples incorporating on-line extraction and preconcentration coupled with liquid chromatography atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry

Environmental occurrence, biological effects, and health implications of zinc pyrithione: A review

Due to the detrimental effects on aquatic organisms and ecosystem, tributyltin as a antifouling agent have been banned worldwide since 1990s. As a replacement for tributyltin, zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) has emerged as a new environmentally friendly antifouling agent. However, the widespread use of ZnPT unavoidably leads to the occurrence and accumulation in aquatic environments, especially in waters with limited sunlight. Despite empirical evidence demonstrating the ecotoxicity and health risks of ZnPT to different organisms, there has been no attempt to compile and interpret this data. The present review revealed that over the past 50 years, numerous studies have documented the toxicity of ZnPT in various organisms, both in vitro and in vivo. However, long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of ZnPT on biota, particularly at environmentally realistic exposure levels, remain largely unexplored. In-depth studies are thus necessary to generate detailed ecotoxicological information of ZnPT for environmental risk assessment and management.

Toxic effects and potential mechanisms of zinc pyrithione (ZPT) exposure on sperm and testicular injury in zebrafish

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) is widely recognized for its beneficial properties as an antifouling, antibacterial, and antifungal agent. Despite its positive industrial contributions, ZPT has been proven to exhibit toxicity towards various ecosystems, particularly affecting marine life. However, there is still a dearth of comprehensive research on ZPT toxicity and its toxicological mechanism in reproductive systems of aquatic organisms. In our study, we conducted a thorough analysis and unveiled a multitude of abnormalities in zebrafish sperm and testicular tissue caused by ZPT exposure, including a dose-dependent diminishing of testosterone levels, various sperm deformities, decreased sperm concentration and motility, and ROS-induced testicular tissue DNA damage. In addition, our study suggested that ZPT-induced testicular damage is associated with heightened oxidative stress, apoptosis, and possible hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. Through RNA-seq analysis, a total of 409 DEGs associated with ZPT-induced testicular injury were identified, and the hub gene was determined using a protein-protein interaction network (PPI). The genes and pathways uncovered in this study point to potential mechanisms of ZPT exposure on sperm and testicular injury in zebrafish.

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) -induced embryonic toxicogenomic responses reveal involvement of oxidative damage, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) is a frequently used organometallic biocide, carrying potentially adverse consequences to multiple species in the environment. Previously we have demonstrated its embryonic, organ developmental and liver metabolic toxicity of zebrafish. However, details of ZPT toxicity during embryogenesis are still limited. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects and possible mechanisms of ZPT-induced embryonic toxicogenomic responses by morphological investigations, transcriptome and gene quantitative analysis, as well as biochemical assays. The results revealed that treatment with ZPT caused embryogenesis toxicity, specifically in irregular cell division and rearrangement, delayed differentiations of eyes and notochords, the epiboly and germ ring formation and somite segmentation defects. In addition, ZPT exposure altered gene expression during early embryonic development, especially related with morphological abnormities and metabolic dysfunctions including reduction of oxidoreductase activity. Activities of antioxidants and caspases examinations showed inductions of oxidative stress and apoptosis by ZPT and quantitative analysis of marker genes further indicated that ZPT also triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy. Thus, we deduce here that ZPT-induced embryonic toxicogenomic responses reveal involvement of oxidative damage, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy.

Zinc pyrithione exposure compromises oocyte maturation through involving in spindle assembly and zinc accumulation

Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT), a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved chemical, is widely used for topical antimicrobials and cosmetic consumer products, including anti-dandruff shampoos. ZPT and its degraded byproducts have detected in large quantities in the environment, and identified to pose healthy risks on aquatic organisms and human. However, so far, knowledge about ZPT effects on female reproduction, particularly oocyte maturation and quality, is limited. Herein, we investigated the adverse impact of ZPT on mouse oocyte maturation and quality in vitro and found exposure to ZPT significantly compromises oocyte maturation. The results revealed that ZPT disturbed the meiotic cell cycle by impairing cytoskeletal dynamics, kinetochore-microtubule attachment (K-MT), and causing spindle assembly checkpoints (SAC) continuous activation. Further, we observed the microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) associated proteins p-MAPK and Aurora-A were disrupted in ZPT-treated oocytes, signified by decreased expression and abnormal localization, responsible for the severe cytoskeletal defects. In addition, ZPT exposure induced a significant increase in the levels of H3K9me2, H3K9me3, H3K27me1, and H3K27me3, suggesting the alterations of epigenetic modifications. Moreover, the accumulation of zinc ions (Zn2+) was observed in ZPT-treated oocytes, which was detrimental because overmuch intracellular Zn2+ disrupted oocyte meiosis. Finally, these above alterations impaired spindle organization and chromosome alignment in metaphase-II (MII) oocytes, indicative of damaged oocytes quality. In conclusion, ZPT exposure influenced oocyte maturation and quality via involvement in MTOCs-associated proteins mediated spindle defects, altered epigenetic modifications and zinc accumulation.

Gender-differentiated metabolic abnormalities of adult zebrafish with zinc pyrithione (ZPT) -induced hepatotoxicity

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) is an extensively used microbicidal agent and its toxicity to multiple organs has been gradually recognized. However, details of the mechanism of ZPT toxicity are lacking and profile studies at metabolic level are still greatly limited. In this work we investigated the effects of ZPT on metabolic pathways of zebrafish liver after twenty-one days of exposure. Our integrated approach was underpinned by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and liver function analysis. Metabolomic profiles were generated from the livers of ZPT-treated zebrafish and 172 significantly altered metabolite peaks were detected. As a result, ZPT caused altered perturbation of metabolic pathways in male and female zebrafish liver. Moreover, ZPT induced the liver injury with the changes of the metabolites 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (2,4-DABA) with significant distinction between male and female zebrafish. ZPT caused gender-differentiated liver metabolic changes associated with the disruption of glycogenolysis and glycolysis metabolism, purine and pyrimidine metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, arginine biosynthesis, and amino acid metabolism. Conclusively, exposure of ZPT may result in gender-differentiated metabolic abnormalities of adult zebrafish with induced hepatotoxicity.

Method development for on-line species-specific sulfur isotopic analysis by means of capillary electrophoresis/multicollector ICP-mass spectrometry

In this work, a method for species-specific isotopic analysis of sulfur via capillary electrophoresis hyphenated on-line with multicollector ICP-MS (CE/MC-ICP-MS) was developed. Correction for the mass bias caused by instrumental mass discrimination was realized via external correction with multiple-injection sample-standard bracketing. By comparing the isotope ratio measurement results obtained using the newly developed on-line CE/MC-ICP-MS method with those obtained via traditional MC-ICP-MS measurement after analyte/matrix separation by anion exchange chromatography for isotopic reference materials and an in-house bracketing standard, the most suitable data evaluation method could be identified. The repeatability for the sulfate-δ³⁴S value (calculated from 18 measurements of a standard conducted over seven measurement sessions) was 0.57‰ (2SD) and thereby only twice that obtained with off-line measurements (0.30‰, n = 68). As a proof of concept for analysis of samples with a real matrix, the determination of the sulfur isotopic composition of naturally present sulfate was performed for different river systems. The CE/MC-ICP-MS results thus obtained agreed with the corresponding off-line MC-ICP-MS results within the 2SD ranges, and the repeatability of consecutive δ³⁴S measurements (n = 3) was between 0.3‰ and 1.3‰ (2SD). Finally, the isotopic analysis of two different S-species in a river water sample spiked with 2-pyridinesulfonic acid (PSA) was also accomplished. Graphical abstract The CE/MC-ICP-MS method developed allows for species-specific S isotopic analysis in samples containing multiple species. Mass bias is corrected for by multiple-injection sample-standard bracketing, while the repeatability (2SD) of the resulting ³⁴δ-values is <1‰.

Biocide emissions from building materials during wet weather: identification of substances, mechanism of release and transfer to the aquatic environment

Biocides are added to or applied on building materials to prevent microorganisms from growing on their surface or to treat them. They are leached into building runoff and contribute to diffuse contamination of receiving waters. This review aimed at summarizing the current state of knowledge concerning the impact of biocides from buildings on the aquatic environment. The objectives were (i) to assess the key parameters influencing the leaching of biocides and to quantify their emission from buildings, (ii) to determine the different pathways from urban sources into receiving waters and (iii) to assess the associated environmental risk. Based on consumption data and leaching studies, a list of substances to monitor in receiving water was established. Literature review of their concentrations in the urban water cycle showed evidences of contamination and risk for aquatic life, which should put them into consideration for inclusion to European or international monitoring programs. However, some biocide concentration data in urban and receiving waters is still missing to fully assess their environmental risk, especially for isothiazolinones, iodopropynyl carbamate, zinc pyrithione and quaternary ammonium compounds, and little is known about their transformation products. Although some models supported by actual data were developed to extrapolate emissions on larger scales (watershed or city scales), they are not sufficient to prioritize the pathways of biocides from urban sources into receiving waters during both dry and wet weathers. Our review highlights the need to reduce emissions and limit their transfer into rivers and reports several solutions to address these issues.

Development of complementary CE-MS methods for speciation analysis of pyrithione-based antifouling agents

In the recent decade, metal pyrithione complexes have become important biocides for antifouling purposes in shipping. The analysis of metal pyrithione complexes and their degradation products/species in environmental samples is challenging because they exhibit fast UV degradation, transmetalation, and ligand substitution and are known to be prone to spontaneous species transformation within a chromatographic system. The environmental properties of the pyrithione species, e.g., toxicity to target and non-target organisms, are differing strongly, and it is therefore inevitable to identify as well as quantify all species separately. To cope with the separation of metal pyrithione species with minimum species transformation during analysis, a capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based method was developed. The hyphenation of CE with selective electrospray ionization- and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ESI-, ICP-MS) provided complementary molecular and elemental information for the identification and quantification of pyrithione species. To study speciation of pyrithiones, a leaching experiment of several commercial antifouling paints containing zinc pyrithione in ultrapure and river water was conducted. Only the two species pyrithione (HPT) and dipyrithione ((PT)₂) were found in the leaching media, in concentrations between 0.086 and 2.4 μM (HPT) and between 0.062 and 0.59 μM ((PT)₂), depending on the paint and leaching medium. The limits of detection were 20 nM (HPT) and 10 nM ((PT)₂). The results show that complementary CE-MS is a suitable tool for mechanistical studies concerning species transformation (e.g., degradation) and the identification of target species of metal pyrithione complexes in real surface water matrices, laying the ground for future environmental studies. Graphical abstract Hyphenation of CE with ESI- and ICP-MS provided complementary molecular and elemental information. Metal pyrithione species released from commercial antifouling paints could be identified and quantified in ultrapure and river water matrices.

Acute toxic responses of embryo-larval zebrafish to zinc pyrithione (ZPT) reveal embryological and developmental toxicity

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) is widely used in industrial and human daily life, due to its broad antimicrobial spectrum activity. Persistent accumulation of ZTP in the aquatic environment and bioaccumulation in the living organisms attracts more and more attention. However, only very limited information is available so far for the evaluation of systematic toxicity effects of ZPT on multiple organs development. This study intends to deepen our knowledge about the potential toxicity elicited by ZPT by assessing its acute effects on zebrafish (Danio rerio) through morphological, histological and molecular investigations. It has been verified that ZPT exhibits a broad spectrum of toxicity which causes growth retardation and tissue pathological and physiology alternations in heart, liver, eye, notochord, kidney and other organisms of zebrafish. The acute toxicity values of LC50 (95% CI) 96-h is calculated as 0.073 μM. Furthermore, the organ toxicity was verified due to up-regulation of expression of biomarker genes related to organ function and development. In sum, this study demonstrats systematic acute embryological and developmental toxicity of the ZPT on zebrafish embryos/larvae.

An integrated approach to assess the impacts of zinc pyrithione at different levels of biological organization in marine mussels

The mechanisms of sublethal toxicity of the antifouling biocide, zinc pyrithione (ZnPT), have not been well-studied. This investigation demonstrates that 14-d sublethal exposure to ZnPT (0.2 or 2 μM, alongside inorganic Zn and sea water controls) is genotoxic to mussel haemocytes but suggests that this is not caused by oxidative DNA damage as no significant induction of oxidised purines was detected by Fpg-modified comet assay. More ecologically relevant endpoints, including decreased clearance rate (CR), cessation of attachment and decreased tolerance of stress on stress (SoS), also showed significant response to ZnPT exposure. Our integrated approach was underpinned by molecular analyses (qRT-PCR of stress-related genes, 2D gel electrophoresis of proteins) that indicated ZnPT causes a decrease in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) expression in mussel digestive glands, and that metallothionein genes are upregulated; PEPCK downregulation suggests that altered energy metabolism may also be related to the effects of ZnPT. Significant relationships were found between % tail DNA (comet assay) and all higher level responses (CR, attachment, SoS) in addition to PEPCK expression. Principal component analyses suggested that expression of selected genes described more variability within groups whereas % tail DNA reflected different ZnPT concentrations.

Copper-related toxicity in replicating and dormantMycobacterium tuberculosiscaused by 1-hydroxy-5-R-pyridine-2(1H)-thiones

1-Hydroxy-5-R-pyridine-2(1H)-thiones are novel copper-dependentM. tuberculosisinhibitors that provide intracellular accumulation of toxic concentrations of copper.

Toxicity and accumulation of zinc pyrithione in the liver and kidneys of Carassius auratus gibelio: association with P-glycoprotein expression

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal agent; therefore, it is widely used in industry and civilian life. It is discharged into the aquatic environment with industrial and civilian waste water. Carassius sp. is one of the most widely distributed and farmed fish in China. The effects of aquatic ZPT on Carassius sp. remain unknown. In this study, we determined the acute toxicity of ZPT on Carassius sp. The results showed that the median lethal concentration (LC50 96 h) of ZPT on Carassius sp. cultivated in freshwater or water with 1.5 or 3 ‰ salinity was 0.163, 0.126, and 0.113 mg/L, respectively. ZPT has a higher affinity to the liver than the kidney, with a prolonged tissue residual time. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ATP-binding cassette transporter, was found to be induced in the liver and kidney tissues of these Carassius spp. after ZPT treatment, based on the determination of its mRNA and protein levels by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The ZPT accumulation and magnitude of P-gp induction were also affected by the salinity of the cultivation water. These results suggest that aquatic ZPT is potentially toxic to Carassius sp. We speculate that P-gp induction may play a protective role for Carassius sp. Our findings provide a basis for assessing the potential risk of ZPT to aquatic animals including Carassius sp.

Effects of seven antifouling compounds on photosynthesis and inorganic carbon use in sugar kelp Saccharina latissima (Linnaeus)

Macroalgae depend on carbon-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) to maintain a high photosynthetic activity under conditions of low carbon dioxide (CO(2)) availability. Because such conditions are prevalent in marine environments, CCMs are important for upholding the macroalgal primary productivity in coastal zones. This study evaluated the effects of seven antifouling compounds-chlorothalonil, DCOIT, dichlofluanid, diuron, irgarol, tolylfluanid, and zinc pyrithione (ZnTP)-on the photosynthesis and CCM of sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima (L.)). Concentration-response curves of these toxicants were established using inhibition of carbon incorporation, whereas their effects over time and their inhibition of the CCM were studied using inhibition of O(2) evolution. We demonstrate that exposure to all compounds except ZnTP (< 1000 nM) resulted in toxicity to photosynthesis of S. latissima. However, carbon incorporation and O(2) evolution differed in their ability to detect toxicity from some of the compounds. Diuron, irgarol, DCOIT, tolylfluanid, and, to some extent, dichlofluanid inhibited carbon incorporation. Chlorothalonil did not inhibit carbon incorporation but clearly inhibited oxygen (O(2)) evolution. Photosynthesis showed only little recovery during the 2-h postexposure period. Inhibition of photosynthesis even increased after the end of exposure to chlorothalonil and tolylfluanid. Through changes in pH of the medium, toxic effects on the CCM could be studied isolated from photosynthesis effects. The CCM of S. latissima was inhibited by chlorothalonil, DCOIT, dichlofluanid, and tolylfluanid. Such inhibition of the CCM, or the absence thereof, deepens the understanding the mechanism of action of the studied compounds.

Novel antifouling agent zinc pyrithione: determination, acute toxicity, and bioaccumulation in marine mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

Antifouling biocide zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) and its biological fate have received little attention because this compound was assumed not to be persistent in marine ecosystems. An analytical procedure was developed that has proved to be efficient and very sensitive in extracting ZnPT and its main secondary products, Zn and ionized pyrithione (PT(-)), from both seawater and biological samples, namely in the gills and digestive gland of the bioindicator species Mytilus galloprovincialis. Short-term experiments were carried out to investigate ZnPT toxicity and bioaccumulation. The effects on survival and tissue bioaccumulation of ZnPT and its secondary products were studied on adult mussels from a natural population, collected in the harbor area of Porto Santo Stefano (Italy) and exposed to sublethal doses of the biocide for up to 7 d. Zinc pyrithione was shown to be persistent in the experimental seawater in the short term. A basal level of ZnPT and ionized PT(-) was detected in the mussels, indicating that ZnPT availability in the sampling site is already high enough to induce a detectable accumulation in individuals of the native population. Zinc pyrithione rapidly accumulated in the tissues of the exposed mussels, proportionately to both exposure concentration and time, identifying the gills and digestive gland as important targets in the biological pathway of the contaminants. Even though the 7-d median lethal concentration (LC50) = 8.27 µM established here appears high with respect to reported ZnPT environmental concentrations, the results indicate that this biocide could represent a threat for marine organisms in coastal environments and that further investigations on its biological effects at sublethal doses are needed.

Leaching of hydrophobic Cu and Zn from discarded marine antifouling paint residues: evidence for transchelation of metal pyrithiones

Leaching of Cu and Zn from a composite of discarded antifouling paint residues ([Cu] = 288 mg g(-1); [Zn] = 96 mg g(-1)) into natural sea water has been studied over a period of 75 h. Total Cu and Zn were released according to a pseudo first-order reaction, with rate constants on the order of 0.3 and 2.5 (mg L(-1))(-1) h(-1), respectively, and final concentrations equivalent to the dissolution of about 8 and 2% of respective concentrations in the composite. Time-distributions of hydrophobic metals, determined by solid phase extraction-methanol elution, were more complex. Net release of hydrophobic Cu was greater in the absence of light than under a sequence of light-dark cycles; however, hydrophobic Zn release was not detected under the former conditions but contributed up to 50% of total aqueous Zn when light was present. These observations are interpreted in terms of the relative thermodynamic and photolytic stabilities of biocidal pyrithione complexes.

Geo-referenced modeling of zinc concentrations in the Ruhr river basin (Germany) using the model GREAT-ER

Zinc enters surface waters from a variety of different emission sources. The geo-referenced model GREAT-ER (Geo-referenced Regional Exposure Assessment Tool for European Rivers) was applied to simulate spatially resolved zinc concentrations in the Ruhr river basin. The model links geo-referenced emissions (loads) to concentrations at local and regional scales and allows for evaluating the relative importance of emission sources. For each emission from point sources (household, industry, urban runoff) and non-point sources (agriculture, natural background), zinc loads were independently estimated using appropriate reference parameters (number of inhabitants, surface area drained, agricultural area, zinc ore regions). For point emissions from industry and mine drainage loads were taken directly from available data compilations. Simulated total zinc concentrations agree well with monitoring data. The strength of the modeling tool became evident from the unequivocal link that could be established between observed surface water concentrations and the large zinc input from geogenic sources and abandoned mines. These emission sources are regional characteristics of the Ruhr river basin and due to the fact that some regions are relatively rich in zinc ore, which was extracted over a long period of time. Although most of these emissions occur in the upper part of the catchment, they contribute to approximately one-third to the zinc load at the confluence with the Rhine River. Urban emissions from household, traffic (road) and buildings (roof) were shown to be responsible for approximately half of the concentration in the Ruhr at the confluence with the Rhine River.

Synergistic toxic effects of zinc pyrithione and copper to three marine species: Implications on setting appropriate water quality criteria

Zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) is widely applied in conjunction with copper (Cu) in antifouling paints as a substitute for tributyltin. The combined effects of ZnPT and Cu on marine organisms, however, have not been fully investigated. This study examined the toxicities of ZnPT alone and in combination with Cu to the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana, polychaete larvae Hydroides elegans and amphipod Elasmopus rapax. Importantly, ZnPT and Cu resulted in a strong synergistic effect with isobologram interaction parameter lambda>1 for all test species. The combined toxicity of ZnPT and Cu was successfully modelled using the non-parametric response surface and its contour. Such synergistic effects may be partly due to the formation of copper pyrithione. It is, therefore, inadequate to assess the ecological risk of ZnPT to marine organisms solely based on the toxicity data generated from the biocide alone. To better protect precious marine resources, it is advocated to develop appropriate water quality criteria for ZnPT with the consideration of its compelling synergistic effects with Cu at environmentally realistic concentrations.

Aqueous phototransformation of zinc pyrithione

The photochemical behavior of the antifouling agent zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) was studied in aqueous media of different composition under simulated solar irradiation using a xenon light source. The influence of important constituents of natural water (dissolved organic matter and nitrate) was also examined using a multivariate kinetic model. It was found that photodegradation proceeds via a pseudo first-order reaction. Kinetic experiments were monitored by LC-MS and photolytic half-lives ranging between 9.2 and 15.1 min have been observed. The increasing concentration of dissolved organic matter (DOM) accelerates the photolysis reaction, while the effect of nitrate ions was also positive since it increased the degradation rate, but to a lesser extent. Irradiation of the aqueous ZnPT solutions gave rise to several transformation products that were isolated by means of solid-phase extraction using poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) extraction disks. These byproducts were identified using liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. Besides 2-pyridinesulfonic-acid, other degradation products formed included pyridine-N-oxide, 2-mercaptopyridine, 2,2'-dithiobis(pyridine-N-oxide), 2,2-dipyridyl disulfide and the pyridine/pyrithione mixed disulfide, 2,2'-dithiobispyridine mono-N-oxide (PPMD).