1
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Heß S, Hof D, Oetken M, Sundermann A. Macroinvertebrate communities respond strongly but non-specifically to a toxicity gradient derived by effect-based methods. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124330. [PMID: 38848961 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Chemical pollution is one of the most important threats to freshwater ecosystems. The plethora of potentially occurring chemicals and their effects in complex mixtures challenge standard monitoring methods. Effect-based methods (EBMs) are proposed as complementary tools for the assessment of chemical pollution and toxic effects. To investigate the effects of chemical pollution, the ecological relevance of EBMs and the potential of macroinvertebrates as toxicity-specific bioindicators, ecological and ecotoxicological data were linked. Baseline toxicity, mutagenicity, dioxin-like and estrogenic activity of water and sediment samples from 30 river sites in central Germany were quantified with four in vitro bioassays. The responses of macroinvertebrate communities at these sites were assessed by calculating 16 taxonomic and functional metrics and by investigating changes in the taxonomic and trait composition. Principal component analysis revealed an increase in toxicity along a joint gradient of chemicals with different modes of action. This toxicity gradient was associated with a decrease in biodiversity and ecological quality, as well as significant changes in taxonomic and functional composition. The strength of the effects suggested a strong impact of chemical pollution and underlined the suitability of EBMs in detecting ecological relevant effects. However, the metrics, taxa, and traits associated with vulnerability or tolerance to toxicity were found to also respond to other stressors in previous studies and thus may have only a low potential as toxicity-specific bioindicators. Because macroinvertebrates respond integratively to all present stressors, linking both ecological and environmental monitoring is necessary to investigate the overall effects but also isolate individual stressors. EBMs have a high potential to separate the toxicity of chemical mixtures from other stressors in a multiple stressor scenario, as well as identifying the presence of chemical groups with specific modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Heß
- Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Department of River Ecology and Conservation, Clamecystr. 12, 63571, Gelnhausen, Germany; Goethe University Frankfurt, Faculty Biological Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Delia Hof
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Faculty Biological Sciences, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Matthias Oetken
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Faculty Biological Sciences, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Hessen, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andrea Sundermann
- Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Department of River Ecology and Conservation, Clamecystr. 12, 63571, Gelnhausen, Germany; Goethe University Frankfurt, Faculty Biological Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Hessen, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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2
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Keshavarz MH, Shirazi Z, Jafari M, Oliaeei A. Toxicity of individual and mixture of organic compounds to P. Phosphoreum and S. Capricornutum using interpretable simple structural parameters. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 357:142046. [PMID: 38636913 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Human and environmental ecosystem beings are exposed to multicomponent compound mixtures but the toxicity nature of compound mixtures is not alike to the individual chemicals. This work introduces four models for the prediction of the negative logarithm of median effective concentration (pEC50) of individual chemicals to marine bacteria Photobacterium Phosphoreum (P. Phosphoreum) and algal test species Selenastrum Capricornutum (S. Capricornutum) as well as their mixtures to P. Phosphoreum, and S. Capricornutum. These models provide the simplest approaches for the forecast of pEC50 of some classes of organic compounds from their interpretable structural parameters. Due to the lack of adequate toxicity data for chemical mixtures, the largest available experimental data of individual chemicals (55 data) and their mixtures (99 data) are used to derive the new correlations. The models of individual chemicals are based on two simple structural parameters but chemical mixture models require further interaction terms. The new model's results are compared with the outputs of the best accessible quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) models. Various statistical parameters are done on the new and comparative complex QSAR models, which confirm the higher reliability and simplicity of the new correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zeinab Shirazi
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Iran
| | - Mohammad Jafari
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Oliaeei
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Iran
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3
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Weichert FG, Brack W, Brauns M, Fink P, Johann S, Krauss M, Hollert H. Dataset on target chemical and bioassay analysis-Exploring contaminants of emerging concern in a low mountain river of central Germany. Data Brief 2024; 54:110510. [PMID: 38799712 PMCID: PMC11127143 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2024.110510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical pollution of the aquatic environment is nowadays characterised by increasing levels of anthropogenic organic compounds at low concentrations and is recognised as one of the main drivers of the deteriorated ecological state of European waterbodies. To improve the understanding of the impact of chemical pollution in surface waters, a combined approach of chemical and bioanalytical testing is considered necessary for effective ecologically oriented water management. For this dataset, six 25-L water samples were collected at six sampling sites along the Holtemme River in Central Germany using large-volume solid phase extraction. All samples were analysed by targeted high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and a selected bioanalytical test battery using effect-based methods. These methods included cytotoxicity assessment, several mechanism-specific CALUXⓇ tests to identify endocrine and oxidative stress-related effects and the fish embryo acute toxicity test to investigate (sub)lethal effects in the model species Danio rerio. This approach provided a dataset that offers a longitudinal characterisation of the chemical pollution and ecotoxicological impacts. The combination of chemical analysis and effect-based analysis is valuable for future studies as it will help researchers, risk assessors and authorities to identify hot spots of chemical pollution, monitor environmental quality standards and recommend mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian G. Weichert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences – Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Werner Brack
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences – Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Exposure Science, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mario Brauns
- Department of River Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Fink
- Department of River Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis and Management, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Johann
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences – Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Krauss
- Department of Exposure Science, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences – Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department Environmental Media Related Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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4
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Cardenas Perez AS, Challis JK, Alcaraz AJ, Ji X, Ramirez AVV, Hecker M, Brinkmann M. Developing an Approach for Integrating Chemical Analysis and Transcriptional Changes to Assess Contaminants in Water, Sediment, and Fish. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38801401 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments pose threats to aquatic organisms because of their continuous release and potential accumulation. Monitoring methods for these contaminants are inadequate, with targeted analyses falling short in assessing water quality's impact on biota. The present study advocates for integrated strategies combining suspect and targeted chemical analyses with molecular biomarker approaches to better understand the risks posed by complex chemical mixtures to nontarget organisms. The research aimed to integrate chemical analysis and transcriptome changes in fathead minnows to prioritize contaminants, assess their effects, and apply this strategy in Wascana Creek, Canada. Analysis revealed higher pharmaceutical concentrations downstream of a wastewater-treatment plant, with clozapine being the most abundant in fathead minnows, showing notable bioavailability from water and sediment sources. Considering the importance of bioaccumulation factor and biota-sediment accumulation factor in risk assessment, these coefficients were calculated based on field data collected during spring, summer, and fall seasons in 2021. Bioaccumulation was classified as very bioaccumulative with values >5000 L kg-1, suggesting the ability of pharmaceuticals to accumulate in aquatic organisms. The study highlighted the intricate relationship between nutrient availability, water quality, and key pathways affected by pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and rubber components. Prioritization of these chemicals was done through suspect analysis, supported by identifying perturbed pathways (specifically signaling and cellular processes) using transcriptomic analysis in exposed fish. This strategy not only aids in environmental risk assessment but also serves as a practical model for other watersheds, streamlining risk-assessment processes to identify environmental hazards and work toward reducing risks from contaminants of emerging concern. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-22. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sharelys Cardenas Perez
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Global Institute for Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Jonathan K Challis
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Alper James Alcaraz
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Xiaowen Ji
- Division of Environmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexis Valerio Valery Ramirez
- Grupo de investigación Agrícola y Ambiental, Universidad Nacional Experimental del Táchira, San Cristóbal, Venezuela
| | - Markus Hecker
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Global Institute for Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Markus Brinkmann
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Global Institute for Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Centre for Hydrology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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5
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Vidaurre R, Bramke I, Puhlmann N, Owen SF, Angst D, Moermond C, Venhuis B, Lombardo A, Kümmerer K, Sikanen T, Ryan J, Häner A, Janer G, Roggo S, Perkins AN. Design of greener drugs: aligning parameters in pharmaceutical R&D and drivers for environmental impact. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104022. [PMID: 38750927 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the environment, primarily resulting from patient excretion, are of concern because of potential risks to wildlife. This has led to more restrictive regulatory policies. Here, we discuss the 'benign-by-design' approach, which encourages the development of environmentally friendly APIs that are also safe and efficacious for patients. We explore the challenges and opportunities associated with identifying chemical properties that influence the environmental impact of APIs. Although a straightforward application of greener properties could hinder the development of new drugs, more nuanced approaches could lead to drugs that benefit both patients and the environment. We advocate for an enhanced dialogue between research and development (R&D) and environmental scientists and development of a toolbox to incorporate environmental sustainability in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Neele Puhlmann
- Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Lüneburg, Germany
| | | | - Daniela Angst
- Novartis Pharma AG, Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Moermond
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan Venhuis
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Lombardo
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCSS, Milano, Italy
| | - Klaus Kümmerer
- Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Tiina Sikanen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jim Ryan
- EHSS Shared Services, GSK, Stevenage, UK
| | - Andreas Häner
- Group Safety, Security, Health & Environmental Protection (SHE), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gemma Janer
- Novartis Pharma, Global HSE, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvio Roggo
- Novartis Pharma AG, Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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6
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Sandré F, Moilleron R, Morin C, Garrigue-Antar L. Comprehensive analysis of a widely pharmaceutical, furosemide, and its degradation products in aquatic systems: Occurrence, fate, and ecotoxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123799. [PMID: 38527585 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Many pharmaceutical compounds end up in the environment due to incomplete removal by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Some compounds are sometimes present in significant concentrations and therefore represent a risk to the aquatic environment. Furosemide is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. Considered as an essential drug by the World Health Organization, this powerful loop diuretic is used extensively to treat hypertension, heart and kidney failure and many other purposes. However, this important consumption also results in a significant release of furosemide in wastewater and in the receiving environment where concentrations of a few hundred ng/L to several thousand have been found in the literature, making furosemide a compound of great concern. Also, during its transport in wastewater systems and WWTPs, furosemide can be degraded by various processes resulting in the production of more than 74 by-products. Furosemide may therefore present a significant risk to ecosystem health due not only to its direct cytotoxic, genotoxic and hepatotoxic effects in animals, but also indirectly through its transformation products, which are poorly characterized. Many articles classify furosemide as a priority pollutant according to its occurrence in the environment, its persistence, its elimination by WWTPs, its toxicity and ecotoxicity. Here, we present a state-of-the-art review of this emerging pollutant of interest, tracking it, from its consumption to its fate in the aquatic environment. Discussion points include the occurrence of furosemide in various matrices, the efficiency of many processes for the degradation of furosemide, the subsequent production of degradation products following these treatments, as well as their toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fidji Sandré
- Leesu, Univ Paris Est Creteil, Ecole des Ponts, Creteil, F-94010, France
| | - Régis Moilleron
- Leesu, Univ Paris Est Creteil, Ecole des Ponts, Creteil, F-94010, France
| | - Christophe Morin
- Leesu, Univ Paris Est Creteil, Ecole des Ponts, Creteil, F-94010, France; IUT - Sénart Fontainebleau, 36 Rue Georges Charpak, 77567, Lieusaint, France
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7
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Puhlmann N, Olsson O, Kümmerer K. How data on transformation products can support the redesign of sulfonamides towards better biodegradability in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171027. [PMID: 38378053 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Sulfonamide antibiotics (SUAs) released into the environment can affect environmental und human health, e.g., by accelerating the development and selection of antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Benign by Design (BbD) of SUAs is an effective risk prevention approach. BbD principles aim for fast and complete mineralization or at least deactivation of the SUA after release into the aquatic environment. Main objective was to test if mixtures of transformation products (TPs) generated via photolysis of SUAs can be used as an efficient way to screen for similarly effective but better biodegradable SUA alternatives. Six SUAs were photolyzed (Hg ultraviolet (UV) light), and generated UV-mixtures analysed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to an UV and tandem mass spectrometry detector. UV-mixtures were screened for antibiotic activity (luminescence bacteria test, LBT, on luminescence and growth inhibition of Aliivibrio Fischeri) and environmental biodegradability (manometric respirometry test, MRT, OECD 301F) using untreated parent SUAs in comparison. Additionally, ready environmental biodegradability of three commercially available hydroxylated sulfanilamide derivatives was investigated. SUA-TPs contributed to acute and chronic bacterial luminescence inhibition by UV-mixtures. LBT's third endpoint, growth inhibition, was not significant for UV-mixtures. However, it cannot be excluded for tested TPs as concentrations were lower than parents' concentrations and inhibition by most parental concentrations tested was also not significant. HPLC analysis of MRT samples revealed that one third of SUA-TPs was reduced during incubation. Three of these TPs, likely OH-SIX, OH-SMX and OH-STZ, were of interest for BbD because the sulfonamide moiety is still present. However, hydroxylated sulfanilamide derivatives, tested to investigate the effect of hydroxylation on biodegradability, were not readily biodegraded. Thus, improving mineralization through hydroxylation as a general rule couldn't be confirmed, and no BbD candidate could be identified. This study fills data gaps on bioactivity and environmental biodegradability of SUAs' TP-mixtures. Findings may support new redesign approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neele Puhlmann
- Institute of Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Olsson
- Institute of Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany.
| | - Klaus Kümmerer
- Institute of Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany; Research and Education Hub, International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre ISC(3), Germany.
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8
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Inostroza PA, Elgueta S, Krauss M, Brack W, Backhaus T. A multi-scenario risk assessment strategy applied to mixtures of chemicals of emerging concern in the River Aconcagua basin in Central Chile. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171054. [PMID: 38378069 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Environmental risk assessments strategies that account for the complexity of exposures are needed in order to evaluate the toxic pressure of emerging chemicals, which also provide suggestions for risk mitigation and management, if necessary. Currently, most studies on the co-occurrence and environmental impacts of chemicals of emerging concern (CECs) are conducted in countries of the Global North, leaving massive knowledge gaps in countries of the Global South. In this study, we implement a multi-scenario risk assessment strategy to improve the assessment of both the exposure and hazard components in the chemical risk assessment process. Our strategy incorporates a systematic consideration and weighting of CECs that were not detected, as well as an evaluation of the uncertainties associated with Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSARs) predictions for chronic ecotoxicity. Furthermore, we present a novel approach to identifying mixture risk drivers. To expand our knowledge beyond well-studied aquatic ecosystems, we applied this multi-scenario strategy to the River Aconcagua basin of Central Chile. The analysis revealed that the concentrations of CECs exceeded acceptable risk thresholds for selected organism groups and the most vulnerable taxonomic groups. Streams flowing through agricultural areas and sites near the river mouth exhibited the highest risks. Notably, the eight risk drivers among the 153 co-occurring chemicals accounted for 66-92 % of the observed risks in the river basin. Six of them are pesticides and pharmaceuticals, chemical classes known for their high biological activity in specific target organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A Inostroza
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Elgueta
- Núcleo en Ciencias Ambientales y Alimentarias (NCAA), Universidad de las Américas, Santiago, Chile; Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de las Américas, Sede Providencia, Chile
| | - Martin Krauss
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Werner Brack
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Backhaus
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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9
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Li Y, Wang J, Lin C, Lian M, He M, Liu X, Ouyang W. Occurrence, removal efficiency, and emission of antibiotics in the sewage treatment plants of a low-urbanized basin in China and their impact on the receiving water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171134. [PMID: 38401720 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are primary sources of antibiotics in aquatic environments. However, limited research has been conducted on antibiotic attenuation in STPs and their downstream waters in low-urbanized areas. This study analyzed 15 antibiotics in the STP sewage and river water in the Zijiang River basin to quantify antibiotic transport and attenuation in the STPs and downstream. The results showed that 14 target antibiotics, except leucomycin, were detected in the STP sewage, dominated by amoxicillin (AMOX), ofloxacin, and roxithromycin. The total antibiotic concentration in the influent and effluent ranged from 158 to 1025 ng/L and 99.9 to 411 ng/L, respectively. The removal efficiency of total antibiotics ranged from 54.7 % to 75.7 % and was significantly correlated with total antibiotic concentration in the influent. The antibiotic emission from STPs into rivers was 78 kg/yr and 4.6 g/km2yr in the Zijiang River basin. The total antibiotic concentration downstream of the STP downstream was 23.6 to 213 ng/L and was significantly negatively correlated with the transport distance away from the STP outlets. Antibiotics may pose a high ecological risk to algae and low ecological risk to fish in the basin. The risk of AMOX and ciprofloxacin resistance for organisms in the basin was estimated to be moderate. This study established antibiotic removal and attenuation models in STPs and their downstream regions in a low-urbanized basin, which is important for simulating antibiotic transport in STPs and rivers worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Li
- Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Chunye Lin
- Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Maoshan Lian
- Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Mengchang He
- Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xitao Liu
- Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wei Ouyang
- Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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10
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Ilbeigi K, Barata C, Barbosa J, Bertram MG, Caljon G, Costi MP, Kroll A, Margiotta-Casaluci L, Thoré ES, Bundschuh M. Assessing Environmental Risks during the Drug Development Process for Parasitic Vector-Borne Diseases: A Critical Reflection. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1026-1033. [PMID: 38533709 PMCID: PMC11019539 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Parasitic vector-borne diseases (VBDs) represent nearly 20% of the global burden of infectious diseases. Moreover, the spread of VBDs is enhanced by global travel, urbanization, and climate change. Treatment of VBDs faces challenges due to limitations of existing drugs, as the potential for side effects in nontarget species raises significant environmental concerns. Consequently, considering environmental risks early in drug development processes is critically important. Here, we examine the environmental risk assessment process for veterinary medicinal products in the European Union and identify major gaps in the ecotoxicity data of these drugs. By highlighting the scarcity of ecotoxicological data for commonly used antiparasitic drugs, we stress the urgent need for considering the One Health concept. We advocate for employing predictive tools and nonanimal methodologies such as New Approach Methodologies at early stages of antiparasitic drug research and development. Furthermore, adopting progressive approaches to mitigate ecological risks requires the integration of nonstandard tests that account for real-world complexities and use environmentally relevant exposure scenarios. Such a strategy is vital for a sustainable drug development process as it adheres to the principles of One Health, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayhan Ilbeigi
- Laboratory
of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Carlos Barata
- Institute
of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - João Barbosa
- Blue
Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Michael G. Bertram
- Department
of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
- Department
of Zoology, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 18b, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden
- School of
Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, 3800 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory
of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Maria Paola Costi
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Modena and
Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Alexandra Kroll
- Swiss
Centre for Applied Ecotoxicology, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Margiotta-Casaluci
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, WC2R 2LS London, United Kingdom
| | - Eli S.J. Thoré
- Department
of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 90187 Umeå, Sweden
- Department
of Zoology, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 18b, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden
- TRANSfarm - Science, Engineering,
& Technology Group, KU
Leuven, 3360 Lovenjoel, Belgium
| | - Mirco Bundschuh
- iES
Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences,
RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
- Department
of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish
University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms väg 9, SWE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden
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11
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Lee J, König M, Braun G, Escher BI. Water Quality Monitoring with the Multiplexed Assay MitoOxTox for Mitochondrial Toxicity, Oxidative Stress Response, and Cytotoxicity in AREc32 Cells. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5716-5726. [PMID: 38503264 PMCID: PMC10993414 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria play a key role in the energy production of cells, but their function can be disturbed by environmental toxicants. We developed a cell-based mitochondrial toxicity assay for environmental chemicals and their mixtures extracted from water samples. The reporter gene cell line AREc32, which is frequently used to quantify the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress response of water samples, was multiplexed with an endpoint of mitochondrial toxicity. The disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was quantified by high-content imaging and compared to measured cytotoxicity, predicted baseline toxicity, and activation of the oxidative stress response. Mitochondrial complex I inhibitors showed highly specific effects on the MMP, with minor effects on cell viability. Uncouplers showed a wide distribution of specificity on the MMP, often accompanied by specific cytotoxicity (enhanced over baseline toxicity). Mitochondrial toxicity and the oxidative stress response were not directly associated. The multiplexed assay was applied to water samples ranging from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent and effluent and surface water to drinking and bottled water from various European countries. Specific effects on MMP were observed for the WWTP influent and effluent. This new MitoOxTox assay is an important complement for existing in vitro test batteries for water quality testing and has potential for applications in human biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungeun Lee
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria König
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Georg Braun
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Beate I. Escher
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental
Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard
Karls University, Schnarrenbergstr.
94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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12
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Perkins R, Barron L, Glauser G, Whitehead M, Woodward G, Goulson D. Down-the-drain pathways for fipronil and imidacloprid applied as spot-on parasiticides to dogs: Estimating aquatic pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170175. [PMID: 38244617 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Fipronil and imidacloprid have been widely detected in UK surface waters in recent years, often at concentrations that ecotoxicological studies have shown can harm aquatic life. Down-the-drain (DTD) passage of pet flea and tick treatments are being implicated as an important source, with many of the UK's 22 million cats and dogs receiving routine, year-round preventative doses containing these parasiticides. The UK Water Industry's 3rd Chemical Investigation Programme (UKWIR CIP3) has confirmed wastewater as a major entry pathway for these chemicals into surface waters, but the routes by which they enter the wastewater system remain unclear. We addressed this knowledge gap by conducting the first quantification of DTD emissions from 98 dogs treated with spot-on ectoparasiticides containing fipronil or imidacloprid, through bathing, bed washing and washing of owners' hands. Both chemicals were detected in 100 % of washoff samples, with bathing accounting for the largest emissions per event (up to 16.8 % of applied imidacloprid and 24.5 % of applied fipronil). Modelled to account for the frequency of emitting activities, owner handwashing was identified as the largest source of DTD emissions from the population overall, with handwash emissions occurring for at least 28 days following product application and an estimated 4.9 % of imidacloprid and 3.1 % of fipronil applied in dog spot-ons passing down-the-drain via this route. The normalised daily per capita emissions for all routes combined were 8.7 μg/person/day for imidacloprid and 2.1 μg/person/day for fipronil, equivalent to 20-40 % of the daily per capita load in wastewater, as estimated from UKWIR CIP3 data. Within the current international regulatory framework adhered to by the UK, the environmental exposure of veterinary medicines intended for use in small companion animals is assumed to be low, and DTD pathways are not considered. We recommend a systematic review of regulations and practices to address this overlooked pollution pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Perkins
- University of Sussex, School of Life Sciences, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom.
| | - Leon Barron
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Gaëtan Glauser
- Neuchâtel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, University of Neuchâtel, Av. de Bellevaux 51, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Whitehead
- Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire OX7 5SY, United Kingdom
| | - Guy Woodward
- The Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
| | - Dave Goulson
- University of Sussex, School of Life Sciences, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
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13
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Oldenkamp R, Hamers T, Wilkinson J, Slootweg J, Posthuma L. Regulatory Risk Assessment of Pharmaceuticals in the Environment: Current Practice and Future Priorities. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:611-622. [PMID: 36484757 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
How can data on the occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the environment and the quality of ecosystems exposed to PPCPs be used to determine whether current regulatory risk assessment schemes are effective? This is one of 20 "big questions" concerning PPCPs in the environment posed in a landmark review paper in 2012. Ten years later, we review the developments around this question, focusing on the first P in PPCPs, that is, pharmaceuticals, or more specifically the active ingredients included in them (active pharmaceutical ingredients, APIs). We illustrate how extensive data on both the occurrence of APIs and the ecotoxicological sensitivity of aquatic species to them can be used in a retrospective risk assessment. In the Netherlands, current regulatory risk assessment schemes offer insufficient protection against direct ecotoxicological effects from APIs: the toxic pressure exerted by the 39 APIs included in our study exceeds the policy-related protective threshold of 0.05 (the "95%-protection level") in at least 13% of sampled surface waters. In general, anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic products (e.g., diclofenac, ibuprofen) contributed most to the overall toxic pressure, followed by sex hormones and modulators of the genital system (e.g., ethinylestradiol) and psychoanaleptics (e.g., caffeine). We formulated three open questions for future research. The first relates to improving the availability and accessibility of good-quality ecotoxicity data on pharmaceuticals for the global scientific, regulatory, and general public. The second relates to the adaptation of regulatory risk assessment frameworks for developing regions of the world. The third relates to the integration of effect-based and ecological approaches into regulatory risk assessment practice. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:611-622. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rik Oldenkamp
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Timo Hamers
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John Wilkinson
- Environment and Geography Department, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jaap Slootweg
- RIVM, Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Leo Posthuma
- RIVM, Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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14
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Noventa S, Pace E, Esposito D, Libralato G, Manfra L. Handling concentration data below the analytical limit in environmental mixture risk assessment: A case-study on pesticide river monitoring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167670. [PMID: 37852501 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic organisms are exposed to ever-changing complex mixtures of chemicals throughout their lifetime. Component-Based Mixture Risk Assessment (CBMRA) is a well-established methodology for water contaminant-mixture management, the use of which is growing due to improved access to reference ecotoxicity data and extensive monitoring datasets. It enables the translation of measured exposure concentrations of chemicals into biological effect values, and thus to quantitatively estimate the risk of the whole water sample (i.e., as a mixture). However, many factors can bias the final risk decision by impacting the risk metric components; thus, a careful design of the CBMRA is needed, taking into primary consideration the specific features of the dataset and mixture risk assessment assignments. This study systematically addressed the effects of the most common approaches used for handling the concentrations of chemicals below the limit of detection/quantification (LOD/LOQ) in CBMRA. The main results included: i) an informed CBMRA procedure that enables the tracking of the risk decisions triggered by substances below LOD/LOQ, ii) a conceptual map and guidance criteria to support the selection of the most suitable approach for specific scenarios and related interpretation; iii) a guided implementation of the informed CBMRA on dataset of pesticide concentrations in Italian rivers in 2020 (702,097 records).
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Affiliation(s)
- Seta Noventa
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), 30015 Chioggia, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Pace
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Roma, Italy
| | - Dania Esposito
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Vicinale Cupa Cintia 26, 80126 Napoli, Italy; Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Loredana Manfra
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Roma, Italy; Department of Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
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15
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Kramer L, Schulze T, Klüver N, Altenburger R, Hackermüller J, Krauss M, Busch W. Curated mode-of-action data and effect concentrations for chemicals relevant for the aquatic environment. Sci Data 2024; 11:60. [PMID: 38200014 PMCID: PMC10781676 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02904-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemicals in the aquatic environment can be harmful to organisms and ecosystems. Knowledge on effect concentrations as well as on mechanisms and modes of interaction with biological molecules and signaling pathways is necessary to perform chemical risk assessment and identify toxic compounds. To this end, we developed criteria and a pipeline for harvesting and summarizing effect concentrations from the US ECOTOX database for the three aquatic species groups algae, crustaceans, and fish and researched the modes of action of more than 3,300 environmentally relevant chemicals in literature and databases. We provide a curated dataset ready to be used for risk assessment based on monitoring data and the first comprehensive collection and categorization of modes of action of environmental chemicals. Authorities, regulators, and scientists can use this data for the grouping of chemicals, the establishment of meaningful assessment groups, and the development of in vitro and in silico approaches for chemical testing and assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Kramer
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Schulze
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Nils Klüver
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rolf Altenburger
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Environmental Research, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jörg Hackermüller
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
- University of Leipzig, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Ritterstr. 26, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Krauss
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wibke Busch
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
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16
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Maddalon A, Pierzchalski A, Krause JL, Bauer M, Finckh S, Brack W, Zenclussen AC, Marinovich M, Corsini E, Krauss M, Herberth G. Impact of chemical mixtures from wastewater treatment plant effluents on human immune cell activation: An effect-based analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167495. [PMID: 37804965 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humans are exposed to many different chemicals on a daily basis, mostly as chemical mixtures, usually from food, consumer products and the environment. Wastewater treatment plant effluent contains mixtures of chemicals that have been discarded or excreted by humans and not removed by water treatment. These effluents contribute directly to water pollution, they are used in agriculture and may affect human health. The possible effect of such chemical mixtures on the immune system has not been characterized. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extracts obtained from four European wastewater treatment plant effluents on human primary immune cell activation. METHODS Immune cells were exposed to the effluent extracts and modulation of cell activation was performed by multi-parameter flow cytometry. Messenger-RNA (mRNA) expression of genes related to immune system and hormone receptors was measured by RT-PCR. RESULTS The exposure of immune cells to these extracts, containing 339 detected chemicals, significantly reduced the activation of human lymphocytes, mainly affecting T helper and mucosal-associated invariant T cells. In addition, basophil activation was also altered upon mixture exposure. Concerning mRNA expression, we observed that 12 transcripts were down-regulated by at least one extract while 11 were up-regulated. Correlation analyses between the analyzed immune parameters and the concentration of chemicals in the WWTP extracts, highlighted the most immunomodulatory chemicals. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that the mixture of chemicals present in the effluents of wastewater treatment plants could be considered as immunosuppressive, due to their ability to interfere with the activation of immune cells, a process of utmost importance for the functionality of the immune system. The combined approach of immune effect-based analysis and chemical content analysis used in our study provides a useful tool for investigating the effect of environmental mixtures on the human immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Maddalon
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Arkadiusz Pierzchalski
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jannike Lea Krause
- Schwiete Laboratory for Microbiota and Inflammation, German Rheumatism Research (DRFZ), Centre-a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mario Bauer
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Saskia Finckh
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Werner Brack
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Ana C Zenclussen
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany; Perinatal Immunology Research Group, Medical Faculty, Saxonian Incubator for Clinical Translation (SIKT), University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Martin Krauss
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gunda Herberth
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany.
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17
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Spilsbury F, Kisielius V, Bester K, Backhaus T. Ecotoxicological mixture risk assessment of 35 pharmaceuticals in wastewater effluents following post-treatment with ozone and/or granulated activated carbon. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167440. [PMID: 37774874 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Reducing the risk posed by mixtures of pharmaceuticals is a goal of current initiatives such as the European Green Deal to reduce anthropological environmental impacts. Wastewater effluent typically contains large numbers of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). For some APIs, existing technology such as conventional activated sludge (CAS) wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have removal rates below 20 %, thus the WWTP discharges are adding to the toxic burden of receiving waters. We present an environmental risk assessment of mixtures of 35 APIs in effluent samples from 82 Northern European WWTPs using the concentration addition model, and identify the respective risk-driving APIs. This is then compared to a corresponding mixture risk assessment of effluent samples from the Danish Hillerød WWTP subjected to post-treatment with varying specific ozone doses (0.15-1.05 mgO3/mgDOC) and/or granulated activated carbon (GAC). All 82 WWTP effluent samples exceeded risk thresholds by at least a factor of 30, with a median RQSUM of 92.9, highlighting the need for effluent post-treatment and/or a substantial dilution in the recipient waters. Antibiotics, analgesics and anti-depressants were among the top risk drivers with 99 % of the average mixture risk attributable to azithromycin, diclofenac, venlafaxine, clarithromycin and mycophenolic acid. Effluent mixture risk was reduced by ozonation in a concentration-dependent manner, decreasing below threshold levels to a median RQSUM of 0.83 following treatment with 0.65 mgO3/mg DOC. Fresh GAC was also effective at reducing the mixture risk both alone and with ozone treatment, with median RQSUM of 0.04 and 0.07 respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first study to present a risk assessment of pharmaceutical mixtures in effluent comparing "conventional" WWTP processes with additional post-treatment with ozone and/or GAC for reducing the joint risks of pharmaceutical mixtures for recipient waters. We demonstrate the need for additional WWTP treatment technologies, and the efficacy of GAC and ozonation in decreasing the risk to the aquatic environment from pharmaceutical mixtures to below acceptable threshold limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Spilsbury
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden.
| | - Vaidotas Kisielius
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Kai Bester
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Thomas Backhaus
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden; Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
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18
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Finckh S, Carmona E, Borchardt D, Büttner O, Krauss M, Schulze T, Yang S, Brack W. Mapping chemical footprints of organic micropollutants in European streams. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108371. [PMID: 38103345 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing awareness that chemical pollution of freshwater systems with complex mixtures of chemicals from domestic sources, agriculture and industry may cause a substantial chemical footprint on water organisms, pushing aquatic ecosystems outside the safe operating space. The present study defines chemical footprints as the risk that chemicals or chemical mixtures will have adverse effects on a specific group of organisms. The aim is to characterise these chemical footprints in European streams based on a unique and uniform screening of more than 600 chemicals in 445 surface water samples, and to derive site- and compound-specific information for management prioritisation purposes. In total, 504 pesticides, biocides, pharmaceuticals and other compounds have been detected, including frequently occurring and site-specific compounds with concentrations up to 74 µg/L. Key finding is that three-quarter of the investigated sites in 22 European river basins exceed established thresholds for chemical footprints in freshwater, leading to expected acute or chronic impacts on aquatic organisms. The largest footprints were recorded on invertebrates, followed by algae and fish. More than 70 chemicals exceed thresholds of chronic impacts on invertebrates. For all organism groups, pesticides and biocides were the main drivers of chemical footprints, while mixture impacts were particularly relevant for invertebrates. No clear significant correlation was found between chemical footprints and the urban discharge fractions, suggesting that effluent-specific quality rather than the total load of treated wastewater in the aquatic environment and the contribution of diffuse sources, e.g. from agriculture, determine chemical footprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Finckh
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Eric Carmona
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Dietrich Borchardt
- Department of Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis and Management, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Büttner
- Department of Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis and Management, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Martin Krauss
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Schulze
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Soohyun Yang
- Department of Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis and Management, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Magdeburg, Germany; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Werner Brack
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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19
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Hua X, Wang D. Tire-rubber related pollutant 6-PPD quinone: A review of its transformation, environmental distribution, bioavailability, and toxicity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132265. [PMID: 37595463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The antioxidant 6-PPD has been widely used to prevent cracking and thermal oxidative degradation and to extend the service life of tire rubber. 6-PPD quinone (6-PPDQ) is formed via the reaction of 6-PPD with O3. Due to its acute lethality in coho salmon, 6-PPDQ has become an emerging pollutant of increasing concern. In this review, we provide a critical overview of the generation, environmental distribution, bioavailability, and potential toxicity of 6-PPDQ. The transformation pathways from 6-PPD to 6-PPDQ include the N-1,3-dimethylbutyl-N-phenyl quinone diamine (QDI), intermediate phenol, and semiquinone radical pathways. 6-PPDQ has been frequently detected in water, dust, air particles, soil, and sediments, indicating its large-scale and potentially global pollution trend. 6-PPDQ is bioavailable to both aquatic animals and mammals and acute exposure to 6-PPDQ can be lethal to some organisms. Exposure to 6-PPDQ at environmentally relevant concentrations could induce several types of toxicity, including neurotoxicity, intestinal toxicity, and reproductive toxicity. This review also identifies and discusses knowledge gaps and research needs for the study of 6-PPDQ. This review facilitates a better understanding of the environmental occurrence and exposure risk of 6-PPDQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hua
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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20
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Beckers LM, Altenburger R, Brack W, Escher BI, Hackermüller J, Hassold E, Illing G, Krauss M, Krüger J, Michaelis P, Schüttler A, Stevens S, Busch W. A data-derived reference mixture representative of European wastewater treatment plant effluents to complement mixture assessment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108155. [PMID: 37688808 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic environments are polluted with a multitude of organic micropollutants, which challenges risk assessment due the complexity and diversity of pollutant mixtures. The recognition that certain source-specific background pollution occurs ubiquitously in the aquatic environment might be one way forward to approach mixture risk assessment. To investigate this hypothesis, we prepared one typical and representative WWTP effluent mixture of organic micropollutants (EWERBmix) comprised of 81 compounds selected according to their high frequency of occurrence and toxic potential. Toxicological relevant effects of this reference mixture were measured in eight organism- and cell-based bioassays and compared with predicted mixture effects, which were calculated based on effect data of single chemicals retrieved from literature or different databases, and via quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs). The results show that the EWERBmix supports the identification of substances which should be considered in future monitoring efforts. It provides measures to estimate wastewater background concentrations in rivers under consideration of respective dilution factors, and to assess the extent of mixture risks to be expected from European WWTP effluents. The EWERBmix presents a reasonable proxy for regulatory authorities to develop and implement assessment approaches and regulatory measures to address mixture risks. The highlighted data gaps should be considered for prioritization of effect testing of most prevalent and relevant individual organic micropollutants of WWTP effluent background pollution. The here provided approach and EWERBmix are available for authorities and scientists for further investigations. The approach presented can furthermore serve as a roadmap guiding the development of archetypic background mixtures for other sources, geographical settings and chemical compounds, e.g. inorganic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rolf Altenburger
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Werner Brack
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany; Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Beate I Escher
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg Hackermüller
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Computer Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Enken Hassold
- German Environment Agency - UBA, Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| | - Gianina Illing
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Krauss
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Janet Krüger
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paul Michaelis
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Sarah Stevens
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Wibke Busch
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany.
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21
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Eddaoukhi A, Berradi M, El Rhayam Y, Rissouli L, El Yacoubi A, Eddaoukhi A, Berradi O, Sallek B, El Bachiri A, Nassali H. Aerated lagoon/adsorption combination method for the treatment of olive mill wastewater: optimizing parameters using study design. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1111. [PMID: 37646839 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11726-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The current study focuses on investigating how to improve the efficacy of the combined process of aerated lagooning and adsorption for the treatment of olive mill wastewater (OMWW) from the olive industries in the Loukkos region using the design of experiments approach. The latter made it possible to optimize the experimental conditions, such as the mass concentration of lime, the mass concentration of powdered activated carbon (AC), and the speed of agitation (Va), which are required for the envisaged treatment, in order to control the results after the evaluation of the necessary physicochemical parameters, namely pH, total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), rate of discoloration, and content of polyphenols. The experimental conditions necessary to carry out this study were between 1.4 and 1.75 g/l for AC, between 23 and 32 rpm for the stirring speed, and between 0.88 and 1.3 g/l for the mass concentration of lime. The results of this experiment showed that treating OMWW with the prototype II after adding lime to the mixture resulted in an estimated 85% reduction in the analyzed parameters. The pH, TSS, COD, discoloration rate, and polyphenol content were all reduced from initial values of 4.87, 0.63 (g/l), 80.3 (g (O2/l)), 0.8%, and 1.45 (g/l), respectively, to final values of 6.92, 0.12 (g/l), 12, 0.16%, and 0.25 (g/l). These results are highly significant when compared to those obtained during the treatment of prototype I using only powdered activated carbon, which showed a reduction rate of around 70%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdesselam Eddaoukhi
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Process Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofaïl University, P.O. Box 14000, Kenitra, Morocco.
| | - Mohamed Berradi
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Catalysis and Environment, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofaïl University, P.O. Box 14000, Kenitra, Morocco.
| | - Youssef El Rhayam
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Catalysis and Environment, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofaïl University, P.O. Box 14000, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Lama Rissouli
- Laboratory of Physico-Chemistry Materials, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Natural Substances and Environment, Abdel Malek University Essaadi, P.O. Box 416, Tangier, 9000, Morocco
- Laboratory of Pesticide Residues, Unit of Research On Nuclear Techniques, Environment and Quality, Regional Center for Agronomic Research of National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA), P.O. Box 9010, Tangier, Morocco
| | - Ahmed El Yacoubi
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Process Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofaïl University, P.O. Box 14000, Kenitra, Morocco.
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Environment, Chemistry of Solid Minerals, Faculty of Sciences, Mohamed First University, P.O. Box 524, Oujda, 60000, Morocco.
| | - Abdessamad Eddaoukhi
- Laboratory of Research in Informatics, Department of Informatics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofaïl University, P.O. Box 14000, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Omar Berradi
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Catalysis and Environment, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofaïl University, P.O. Box 14000, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Brahim Sallek
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Process Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofaïl University, P.O. Box 14000, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Abderrahim El Bachiri
- University Department, Royal Naval School of Marine Engineering, Boulevard Sour-Jdid, P.O. Box 16314, Casablanca, 20052, Morocco
| | - Hakima Nassali
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Process Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofaïl University, P.O. Box 14000, Kenitra, Morocco
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22
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Šauer P, Vrana B, Escher BI, Grabic R, Toušová Z, Krauss M, von der Ohe PC, König M, Grabicová K, Mikušová P, Prokeš R, Sobotka J, Fialová P, Novák J, Brack W, Hilscherová K. Bioanalytical and chemical characterization of organic micropollutant mixtures in long-term exposed passive samplers from the Joint Danube Survey 4: Setting a baseline for water quality monitoring. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:107957. [PMID: 37406370 PMCID: PMC10445204 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring methodologies reflecting the long-term quality and contamination of surface waters are needed to obtain a representative picture of pollution and identify risk drivers. This study sets a baseline for characterizing chemical pollution in the Danube River using an innovative approach, combining continuous three-months use of passive sampling technology with comprehensive chemical (747 chemicals) and bioanalytical (seven in vitro bioassays) assessment during the Joint Danube Survey (JDS4). This is one of the world's largest investigative surface-water monitoring efforts in the longest river in the European Union, which water after riverbank filtration is broadly used for drinking water production. Two types of passive samplers, silicone rubber (SR) sheets for hydrophobic compounds and AttractSPETM HLB disks for hydrophilic compounds, were deployed at nine sites for approximately 100 days. The Danube River pollution was dominated by industrial compounds in SR samplers and by industrial compounds together with pharmaceuticals and personal care products in HLB samplers. Comparison of the Estimated Environmental Concentrations with Predicted No-Effect Concentrations revealed that at the studied sites, at least one (SR) and 4-7 (HLB) compound(s) exceeded the risk quotient of 1. We also detected AhR-mediated activity, oxidative stress response, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-mediated activity, estrogenic, androgenic, and anti-androgenic activities using in vitro bioassays. A significant portion of the AhR-mediated and estrogenic activities could be explained by detected analytes at several sites, while for the other bioassays and other sites, much of the activity remained unexplained. The effect-based trigger values for estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities were exceeded at some sites. The identified drivers of mixture in vitro effects deserve further attention in ecotoxicological and environmental pollution research. This novel approach using long-term passive sampling provides a representative benchmark of pollution and effect potentials of chemical mixtures for future water quality monitoring of the Danube River and other large water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Šauer
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Branislav Vrana
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Beate I Escher
- UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Cell Toxicology, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Environmental Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Roman Grabic
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Toušová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Krauss
- UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter C von der Ohe
- UBA - German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Wörlitzer Platz 1, D-06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Maria König
- UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Cell Toxicology, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kateřina Grabicová
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Mikušová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Prokeš
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic; Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Belidla 986/4a, 60300 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jaromír Sobotka
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Fialová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Novák
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Werner Brack
- UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Goethe University Frankfurt, Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Klára Hilscherová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic.
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23
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Nighojkar A, Nagpal J, Soboyejo W, Plappally A, Pandey S. Prediction of organophosphorus pesticide adsorption by biochar using ensemble learning algorithms. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:984. [PMID: 37486547 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11599-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Machine learning (ML) models have become a potent tool for advancing environmentally conscious research in materials science, allowing the prediction of wastewater treatment efficacy using eco-materials. In this study, we showcase the potential of an advanced decision tree-based ensemble learning algorithm to model the eviction of emerging organophosphate-based pesticidal pollutants in aqueous systems. The model is trained using laboratory-based biochar adsorption data, and it establishes the relationship between independent experimental factors and the % organophosphate pesticide adsorption efficiency as the output parameter. We classified the experimental dataset into input and output parameters to build the model. The input parameters included pyrolysis temperature, solution pH, surface area, pore volume, and initial pesticide concentration. Grid search optimization in Python was employed to train the model using sets of input-output patterns. The results indicated that the XGBoost-based ensemble ML framework provides the best forecast for pesticide adsorption on the biochar matrix, achieving high scores for the regularization coefficient (R2train = 0.998, R2test = 0.981). The concentration of the organophosphorus compound and the morphology of biochar significantly influenced the pesticide adsorption behavior. These findings demonstrate the potential of using ensemble learning algorithms for the balanced design of carbon-enriched biomaterials to remove emerging micropollutants from water effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Nighojkar
- Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DU), Pune, India.
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, India.
| | - Jyoti Nagpal
- Computer Science and Engineering Department, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, Jaipur, India
| | - Winston Soboyejo
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anand Plappally
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, India
| | - Shilpa Pandey
- Computer Science Department, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
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24
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Bertrand L, Iturburu FG, Valdés ME, Menone ML, Amé MV. Risk evaluation and prioritization of contaminants of emerging concern and other organic micropollutants in two river basins of central Argentina. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163029. [PMID: 36990232 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A research gap exists in baseline concentrations of organic micropollutants in South American rivers. Identification of areas with different degrees of contamination and risk to the inhabitant biota is needed to improve management of freshwater resources. Here we inform the incidence and ecological risk assessment (ERA) of current used pesticides (CUPs), pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) and cyanotoxins (CTX) measured in two river basins from central Argentina (South America). Risk Quotients approach was used for ERA differentiating wet and dry seasons. High risk was associated to CUPs in both basins (45 % and 30 % of sites from Suquía and Ctalamochita rivers, respectively), mostly in the basins extremes. Main contributors to risk in water were insecticides and herbicides in Suquía river and insecticides and fungicides in Ctalamochita river. In Suquía river sediments, a very high risk was observed in the lower basin, mainly from AMPA contribution. Additionally, 36 % of the sites showed very high risk of PCPPs in Suquía river water, with the highest risk downstream the wastewater treatment plant of Córdoba city. Main contribution was from a psychiatric drug and analgesics. In sediments medium risk was observed at the same places with antibiotics and psychiatrics as main contributors. Few data of PPCPs are available in the Ctalamochita river. The risk in water was low, with one site (downstream Santa Rosa de Calamuchita town) presenting moderated risk caused by an antibiotic. CTX represented in general medium risk in San Roque reservoir, with San Antonio river mouth and the dam exit showing high risk during the wet season. The main contributor was microcystin-LR. Priority chemicals for monitoring or further management include two CUPs, two PPCPs, and one CTX, demonstrating a significant input of pollutants to water ecosystems from different sources and the need to include organic micropollutants in current and future monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidwina Bertrand
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET) and Dpto. Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Medina Allende esq. Haya de la Torre, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Fernando Gastón Iturburu
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMYC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Dean Funes 3350, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - María Eugenia Valdés
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba (ICYTAC-CONICET) and Dpto. de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Av. Juan Filloy s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Mirta Luján Menone
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMYC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Dean Funes 3350, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - María Valeria Amé
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET) and Dpto. Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Medina Allende esq. Haya de la Torre, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina.
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25
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Lopez-Herguedas N, Irazola M, Alvarez-Mora I, Orive G, Lertxundi U, Olivares M, Zuloaga O, Prieto A. Comprehensive micropollutant characterization of wastewater during Covid-19 crisis in 2020: Suspect screening and environmental risk prioritization strategy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 873:162281. [PMID: 36822422 PMCID: PMC9943555 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Micropollutants monitoring in wastewater can serve as a picture of what is consuming society and how it can impact the aquatic environment. In this work, a suspect screening approach was used to detect the known and unknown contaminants in wastewater samples collected from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in the Basque Country (Crispijana in Alava, and Galindo in Vizcaya) during two weekly sampling campaigns, which included the months from April to July 2020, part of the confinement period caused by COVID-19. To that aim, high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to collect full-scan data-dependent tandem mass spectra from the water samples using a suspect database containing >40,000 chemical substances. The presence of > 80 contaminants was confirmed (level 1) and quantified in both WWTP samples, while at least 47 compounds were tentatively identified (2a). Among the contaminants of concern, an increase in the occurrence of some compounds used for COVID-19 disease treatment, such as lopinavir and hydroxychloroquine, was observed during the lockdown. A prioritization strategy for environmental risk assessment was carried out considering only the compounds quantified in the effluents of Crispijana and Galindo WWTPs. The compounds were scored based on the removal efficiency, estimated persistency, bioconcentration factor, mobility, toxicity potential and frequency of detection in the samples. With this approach, 33 compounds (e.g. amantadine, clozapine or lopinavir) were found to be considered key contaminants in the analyzed samples based on their concentration, occurrence and potential toxicity. Additionally, antimicrobial (RQ-AR) and antiviral (EDRP) risk of certain compounds was evaluated, where ciprofloxacin and fluconazole represented medium risk for antibiotic resistance (1 > RQ-AR > 0.1) in the aquatic ecosystems. Regarding mixture toxicity, the computed sum of toxic unit values of the different effluents (> 1) suggest that interactions between the compounds need to be considered for future environmental risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Lopez-Herguedas
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain.
| | - M Irazola
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - I Alvarez-Mora
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - G Orive
- NanoBioCel Group, Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo de la Universidad 7, Vitoria-Gasteiz 01006, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - U Lertxundi
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba Health Research Institute; Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Araba Mental Health Network, Araba Psychiatric Hospital, Pharmacy Service, c/Alava 43, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alava, Spain
| | - M Olivares
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - O Zuloaga
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - A Prieto
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
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26
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Ding TT, Liu SS, Wang ZJ, Huang P, Gu ZW, Tao MT. A novel equal frequency sampling of factor levels (EFSFL) method is applied to identify the dominant factor inducing the combined toxicities of 13 factors. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 175:107940. [PMID: 37119652 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The research framework combining global sensitivity analysis (GSA) with quantitative high-throughput screening (qHTS), called GSA-qHTS, provides a potentially feasible way to screen for important factors that induce toxicities of complex mixtures. Despite its value, the mixture samples designed using the GSA-qHTS technique still have a shortage of unequal factor levels, which leads to an asymmetry in the importance of elementary effects (EEs). In this study, we developed a novel method for mixture design that enables equal frequency sampling of factor levels (called EFSFL) by optimizing both the trajectory number and the design and expansion of the starting points for the trajectory. The EFSFL has been successfully employed to design 168 mixtures of 13 factors (12 chemicals and time) that each have three levels. By means of high-throughput microplate toxicity analysis, the toxicity change rules of the mixtures are revealed. Based on EE analysis, the important factors affecting the toxicities of the mixtures are screened. It was found that erythromycin is the dominant factor and time is an important non-chemical factor in mixture toxicities. The mixtures can be classified into types A, B, and C mixtures according to their toxicities at 12 h, and all the types B and C mixtures contain erythromycin at the maximum concentration. The toxicities of the type B mixtures increase firstly over time (0.25 ∼ 9 h) and then decrease (12 h), while those of the type C mixtures consistently increase over time. Some type A mixtures produce stimulation that increases with time. With the present new approach to mixture design, the frequency of factor levels in mixture samples is equal. Consequently, the accuracy of screening important factors is improved based on the EE method, providing a new method for the study of mixture toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Ding
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Shu-Shen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Ze-Jun Wang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Municipal Sewage Resource Utilization Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, PR China
| | - Peng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Zhong-Wei Gu
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Meng-Ting Tao
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China
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27
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Park J, Shin K, Lee H, Choi S, Kim G, Depuydt S, De Saeger J, Heynderickx PM, Wu D, Asselman J, Janssen C, Han T. Evaluating ecotoxicological assays for comprehensive risk assessment of toxic metals present in industrial wastewaters in the Republic of Korea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161536. [PMID: 36638998 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxicity tests represent a rapid, user-friendly and cost-effective means to assess the impact of wastewater quality on aquatic ecosystems. There are not many cases where wastewater management standards are set based on various bio-based ecotoxicity values. Here, we tested a novel multitaxon approach to compare standard water quality indices to toxicity metrics obtained from ecotoxicity tests, conducted using aquatic organisms representing several trophic levels (Aliivibrio, Ulva, Daphnia, and Lemna), for 99 industrial wastewater samples from South Korea. For five wastewater samples, the concentrations of Se, Zn, or Ni exceeded the permissible limits (1, 5, and 3 mg L-1, respectively). All the four physiochemical water quality indices tested were positively correlated with Se and Pb concentrations. The toxicity unit (TU) scores indicated a declining sensitivity to pollutants, in the order Lemna (2.87) >Daphnia (2.24) >Aliivibrio (1.78) >Ulva (1.42). Significant correlations were observed between (1) Cd and Ni, and Aliivibrio, (2) Cu and Daphnia, (3) Cd, Cu, Zn, and Cr and Lemna, and (4) Cu, Zn, and Ni and Ulva. Daphnia-Lemna and Lemna-Ulva were found to be good indicators of ecologically harmful Se and Ni contents in wastewater, respectively. We suggest that regulatory thresholds based on these bioassays should be set at TU = 1 for all the species or at TU = 1 for Aliivibrio and Ulva and TU = 2 for Daphnia and Lemna, if the number of companies whose wastewater discharge exceeds the allowable TU levels is <1 % or 5 % of the total number of industries, respectively. Taken together, these findings could help in establishing a rapid, ecologically relevant wastewater quality assessment system that would be useful for developing strategies to protect aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihae Park
- Center for Environmental and Energy Research, Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea; Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653-Block F, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Kisik Shin
- Water Environmental Engineering Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), 42, Hwangyeong-ro, Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Hojun Lee
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyeon Choi
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
| | - Geonhee Kim
- Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
| | - Stephen Depuydt
- Laboratory of Plant Growth Analysis, Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonas De Saeger
- Laboratory of Plant Growth Analysis, Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea
| | - Philippe M Heynderickx
- Center for Environmental and Energy Research, Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea; Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Di Wu
- Center for Environmental and Energy Research, Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea; Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Jana Asselman
- Department of Applied Ecology and Environmental Biology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653-Block F, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Colin Janssen
- Department of Applied Ecology and Environmental Biology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653-Block F, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Taejun Han
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653-Block F, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; Bio Environmental Science and Technology (BEST) Lab, Ghent University Global Campus, 119-5, Songdomunhwa-ro, Incheon 21985, Republic of Korea.
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Maurer L, Carmona E, Machate O, Schulze T, Krauss M, Brack W. Contamination Pattern and Risk Assessment of Polar Compounds in Snow Melt: An Integrative Proxy of Road Runoffs. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:4143-4152. [PMID: 36862848 PMCID: PMC10018729 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
To assess the contamination and potential risk of snow melt with polar compounds, road and background snow was sampled during a melting event at 23 sites at the city of Leipzig and screened for 489 chemicals using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry with target screening. Additionally, six 24 h composite samples were taken from the influent and effluent of the Leipzig wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) during the snow melt event. 207 compounds were at least detected once (concentrations between 0.80 ng/L and 75 μg/L). Consistent patterns of traffic-related compounds dominated the chemical profile (58 compounds in concentrations from 1.3 ng/L to 75 μg/L) and among them were 2-benzothiazole sulfonic acid and 1-cyclohexyl-3-phenylurea from tire wear and denatonium used as a bittern in vehicle fluids. Besides, the analysis unveiled the presence of the rubber additive 6-PPD and its transformation product N-(1.3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine quinone (6-PPDQ) at concentrations known to cause acute toxicity in sensitive fish species. The analysis also detected 149 other compounds such as food additives, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Several biocides were identified as major risk contributors, with a more site-specific occurrence, to acute toxic risks to algae (five samples) and invertebrates (six samples). Ametryn, flumioxazin, and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester are the main compounds contributing to toxic risk for algae, while etofenprox and bendiocarb are found as the main contributors for crustacean risk. Correlations between concentrations in the WWTP influent and flow rate allowed us to discriminate compounds with snow melt and urban runoff as major sources from other compounds with other dominant sources. Removal rates in the WWTP showed that some traffic-related compounds were largely eliminated (removal rate higher than 80%) during wastewater treatment and among them was 6-PPDQ, while others persisted in the WWTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Maurer
- Department
of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eric Carmona
- Department
of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Oliver Machate
- Department
of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Schulze
- Department
of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Krauss
- Department
of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Werner Brack
- Department
of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute
of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe
University, Max-von-Laue-Str.
13, 60438 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
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29
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Towards a harmonized identification scoring system in LC-HRMS/MS based non-target screening (NTS) of emerging contaminants. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.116944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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30
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Wang J, Smit MGD, Verhaegen Y, Nolte TM, Redman AD, Hendriks AJ, Hjort M. Petroleum refinery effluent contribution to chemical mixture toxic pressure in the environment. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 311:137127. [PMID: 36334744 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Petroleum refinery effluents (PRE) are wastewaters from industries associated with oil refining. Within Europe, PREs are regulated through local discharge permits and receive substantial treatment before emission. After treatment, PREs can still contain low levels of various pollutants potentially toxic to organisms. Earlier work, including whole-effluent toxicity assessments, has shown that the toxicity of permitted PREs is often limited. However, the extent to which PREs contribute to chemical pollution already present in the receiving environment is unknown. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the contribution of PREs to mixture toxic pressure in the environment, using the multi-substance potentially affected fraction of species (msPAF) as an indicator. Based on measured chemical concentrations, compiled species sensitivity distributions (SSD) and a mechanistic solubility model, msPAF levels were estimated for undiluted effluents at discharge points and diluted effluents downstream in receiving waters. Median msPAF-chronic and msPAF-acute levels of PREs at discharge points were 74% (P50) and 40% (P95), respectively. The calculated msPAF levels were reduced substantially to <5% downstream for most effluents (82%), indicating low to negligible toxicity of PREs in receiving environments beyond the initial mixing zone. Regardless of differences in endpoints and locations, hydrocarbons (mainly total petroleum hydrocarbons) and inorganics (mainly ammonia) explained at least 85% of the mixture toxic pressure. The msPAF levels of PREs were on average 2.5-4.5 orders of magnitude lower than msPAF levels derived from background pollution levels, suggesting that PREs were minor contributors to the toxic pressure in the environment. This study presents a generic methodology for quantifying the potential toxic pressure of PREs in the environment, identifying hotspots where more effective wastewater treatment could be needed. We explicitly discuss the uncertainties for further refinement and development of the method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Wang
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Mathijs G D Smit
- Shell Global Solutions International BV, The Hague, the Netherlands; Concawe, Boulevard du Souverain 165, 1160, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yves Verhaegen
- Concawe, Boulevard du Souverain 165, 1160, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tom M Nolte
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Aaron D Redman
- Concawe, Boulevard du Souverain 165, 1160, Brussels, Belgium; ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc, Annandale, NJ, United States
| | - A Jan Hendriks
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Markus Hjort
- Concawe, Boulevard du Souverain 165, 1160, Brussels, Belgium.
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31
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Finckh S, Buchinger S, Escher BI, Hollert H, König M, Krauss M, Leekitratanapisan W, Schiwy S, Schlichting R, Shuliakevich A, Brack W. Endocrine disrupting chemicals entering European rivers: Occurrence and adverse mixture effects in treated wastewater. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107608. [PMID: 36343551 PMCID: PMC9720157 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the present study on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in treated wastewater, we used chemical and effect-based tools to analyse 56 wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents from 15 European countries. The main objectives were (i) to compare three different receptor-based estrogenicity assays (ERα-GeneBLAzer, p-YES, ERα-CALUX®), and (ii) to investigate a combined approach of chemical target analysis and receptor-based testing for estrogenicity, glucocorticogenic activity, androgenicity and progestagenic activity (ERα-, GR-, AR- and PR-GeneBLAzer assays, respectively) in treated wastewater. A total of 56 steroids and phenols were detected at concentrations ranging from 25 pg/L (estriol, E3) up to 2.4 μg/L (cortisone). WWTP effluents, which passed an advanced treatment via ozonation or via activated carbon, were found to be less contaminated, in terms of lower or no detection of steroids and phenols, as well as hormone receptor-mediated effects. This result was confirmed by the effect screening, including the three ERα-bioassays. In the GeneBLAzer assays, ERα-activity was detected in 82 %, and GR-activity in 73 % of the samples, while AR- and PR-activity were only measured in 14 % and 21 % of the samples, respectively. 17β-estradiol was confirmed as the estrogen dominating the observed estrogenic mixture effect and triamcinolone acetonide was the dominant driver of glucocorticogenic activity. The comparison of bioanalytical equivalent concentrations (BEQ) predicted from the detected concentrations and the relative effect potency (BEQchem) with measured BEQ (BEQbio) demonstrated good correlations of chemical target analysis and receptor-based testing results with deviations mostly within a factor of 10. Bioassay-specific effect-based trigger values (EBTs) from the literature, but also newly calculated EBTs based on previously proposed derivation options, were applied and allowed a preliminary assessment of the water quality of the tested WWTP effluent samples. Overall, this study demonstrates the high potential of linking chemical with effect-based analysis in water quality assessment with regard to EDC contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Finckh
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Buchinger
- Department of Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute for Hydrology - BfG, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Beate I Escher
- Department of Cell Toxicology, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany; Environmental Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Maria König
- Department of Cell Toxicology, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Krauss
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Warich Leekitratanapisan
- Environmental Toxicology Unit - GhEnToxLab, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Schiwy
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rita Schlichting
- Department of Cell Toxicology, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aliaksandra Shuliakevich
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Werner Brack
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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32
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Pistocchi A, Alygizakis NA, Brack W, Boxall A, Cousins IT, Drewes JE, Finckh S, Gallé T, Launay MA, McLachlan MS, Petrovic M, Schulze T, Slobodnik J, Ternes T, Van Wezel A, Verlicchi P, Whalley C. European scale assessment of the potential of ozonation and activated carbon treatment to reduce micropollutant emissions with wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157124. [PMID: 35792263 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Micropollutants (MPs) in wastewater pose a growing concern for their potential adverse effects on the receiving aquatic environment, and some countries have started requiring that wastewater treatment plants remove them to a certain extent. Broad spectrum advanced treatment processes, such as ozonation, activated carbon or their combination, are expected to yield a significant reduction in the toxicity of effluents. Here we quantify the reduction of effluent toxicity potentially achieved by implementing these advanced treatment solutions in a selection of European wastewater treatment plants. To this end, we refer to a list of "total pollution proxy substances" (TPPS) composed of 1337 chemicals commonly found in wastewater effluents according to a compilation of datasets of measured concentrations. We consider these substances as an approximation of the "chemical universe" impinging on the European wastewater system. We evaluate the fate of the TPPS in conventional and advanced treatment plants using a compilation of experimental physicochemical properties that describe their sorption, volatilization and biodegradation during activated sludge treatment, as well as known removal efficiency in ozonation and activated carbon treatment, while filling the gaps through in silico prediction models. We estimate that the discharge of micropollutants with wastewater effluents in the European Union has a cumulative MP toxicity to the environment equal to the discharge of untreated wastewater of ca. 160 million population equivalents (PE), i.e. about 30 % of the generated wastewater in the EU. If all plants above a capacity of 100,000 PE were equipped with advanced treatment, we show that this load would be reduced to about 95 million PE. In addition, implementing advanced treatment in wastewater plants above 10,000 PE discharging to water bodies with an average dilution ratio smaller than 10 would yield a widespread improvement in terms of exposure of freshwater ecosystems to micropollutants, almost halving the part of the stream network exposed to the highest toxic risks. Our analysis provides background for a cost-effectiveness appraisal of advanced treatment "at the end of the pipe", which could lead to optimized interventions. This should not be regarded as a stand-alone solution, but as a complement to policies for the control of emissions at the source for the most problematic MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Werner Brack
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Alistair Boxall
- Environment and Geography Department, University of York, Heslington York YO10 5NG, UK
| | - Ian T Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jörg E Drewes
- Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, D-85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Saskia Finckh
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tom Gallé
- LIST, Environmental Research and Innovation Dept., 41 rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Marie A Launay
- Micropollutants Competence Centre Baden-Württemberg, Institute of Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management, University of Stuttgart, Bandtaele 2, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Michael S McLachlan
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mira Petrovic
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Girona, and Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tobias Schulze
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Annemarie Van Wezel
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paola Verlicchi
- Department of Engineering, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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33
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Zillien C, Posthuma L, Roex E, Ragas A. The role of the sewer system in estimating urban emissions of chemicals of emerging concern. RE/VIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO/TECHNOLOGY 2022; 21:957-991. [PMID: 36311376 PMCID: PMC9589831 DOI: 10.1007/s11157-022-09638-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The use of chemicals by society has resulted in calls for more effective control of their emissions. Many of these chemicals are poorly characterized because of lacking data on their use, environmental fate and toxicity, as well as lacking detection techniques. These compounds are sometimes referred to as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Urban areas are an important source of CECs, where these are typically first collected in sewer systems and then discharged into the environment after being treated in a wastewater treatment plant. A combination of emission estimation techniques and environmental fate models can support the early identification and management of CEC-related environmental problems. However, scientific insight in the processes driving the fate of CECs in sewer systems is limited and scattered. Biotransformation, sorption and ion-trapping can decrease CEC loads, whereas enzymatic deconjugation of conjugated metabolites can increase CEC loads as metabolites are back-transformed into their parent respective compounds. These fate processes need to be considered when estimating CEC emissions. This literature review collates the fragmented knowledge and data on in-sewer fate of CECs to develop practical guidelines for water managers on how to deal with in-sewer fate of CECs and highlights future research needs. It was assessed to what extent empirical data is in-line with text-book knowledge and integrated sewer modelling approaches. Experimental half-lives (n = 277) of 96 organic CECs were collected from literature. The findings of this literature review can be used to support environmental modelling efforts and to optimize monitoring campaigns, including field studies in the context of wastewater-based epidemiology. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11157-022-09638-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Zillien
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Leo Posthuma
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Roex
- Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ad Ragas
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Lee J, Schlichting R, König M, Scholz S, Krauss M, Escher BI. Monitoring Mixture Effects of Neurotoxicants in Surface Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluents with Neurite Outgrowth Inhibition in SH-SY5Y Cells. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2022; 2:523-535. [PMID: 37101724 PMCID: PMC10125335 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.2c00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based assays covering environmentally relevant modes of action are widely used for water quality monitoring. However, no high-throughput assays are available for testing developmental neurotoxicity of water samples. We implemented an assay that quantifies neurite outgrowth, which is one of the neurodevelopmental key events, and cell viability in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells using imaging techniques. We used this assay for testing of extracts of surface water collected in agricultural areas during rain events and effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), where more than 200 chemicals had been quantified. Forty-one chemicals were tested individually that were suspected to contribute to the mixture effects among the detected chemicals in environmental samples. Sample sensitivity distributions indicated higher neurotoxicity for surface water samples than for effluents, and the endpoint of neurite outgrowth inhibition was six times more sensitive than cytotoxicity in the surface water samples and only three times more sensitive in the effluent samples. Eight environmental pollutants showed high specificity, and those ranged from pharmaceuticals (mebendazole and verapamil) to pesticides (methiocarb and clomazone), biocides (1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one), and industrial chemicals (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 7-diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin, and 2-(4-morpholinyl)benzothiazole). Although neurotoxic effects were newly detected for some of our test chemicals, less than 1% of the measured effects were explained by the detected and toxicologically characterized chemicals. The neurotoxicity assay was benchmarked against other bioassays: activations of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor were similar in sensitivity, highly sensitive and did not differ much between the two water types, with surface water having slightly higher effects than the WWTP effluent. Oxidative stress response mirrored neurotoxicity quite well but was caused by different chemicals in the two water types. Overall, the new cell-based neurotoxicity assay is a valuable complement to the existing battery of effect-based monitoring tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungeun Lee
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research−UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rita Schlichting
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research−UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria König
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research−UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Scholz
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research−UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Krauss
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research−UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Beate I. Escher
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research−UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental Toxicology, Center for Applied Geoscience, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, DE-72076 Tübingen, Germany
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