Occurrence of alkylphenols and bisphenol A in wild mussel samples from the Spanish Atlantic coast and Bay of Biscay

Pressurized Liquid Extraction: A Powerful Tool to Implement Extraction and Purification of Food Contaminants

Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) is considered an advanced extraction technique developed in the mid-1990s with the aim of saving time and reducing solvent with respect to traditional extraction processes. It is commonly used with solid and semi-solid samples and employs solvent extraction at elevated temperatures and pressures, always below the respective critical points, to maintain the solvent in a liquid state throughout the extraction procedure. The use of these particular pressure and temperature conditions changes the physicochemical properties of the extraction solvent, allowing easier and deeper penetration into the matrix to be extracted. Furthermore, the possibility to combine the extraction and clean-up steps by including a layer of an adsorbent retaining interfering compounds directly in the PLE extraction cells makes this technique extremely versatile and selective. After providing a background on the PLE technique and parameters to be optimized, the present review focuses on recent applications (published in the past 10 years) in the field of food contaminants. In particular, applications related to the extraction of environmental and processing contaminants, pesticides, residues of veterinary drugs, mycotoxins, parabens, ethyl carbamate, and fatty acid esters of 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol and 2-monochloro-1,3-propanediol from different food matrices were considered.

Filtration of biopolymer PHB particles loaded with synthetic musks does not cause significant bioaccumulation in marine mussels

The role of the biopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB, <250 µm) as a vehicle of a synthetic musks mixture (celestolide, galaxolide, tonalide, musk xylene, musk moskene and musk ketone) to Mytilus galloprovincialis was investigated. For 30 days, virgin PHB, virgin PHB+musks (6.82 µg g-1) and weathered PHB+musks, were daily spiked into tanks containing mussels, followed by a 10-day depuration period. Water and tissues samples were collected to measure exposure concentrations and accumulation in tissues. Mussels were able to actively filter microplastics in suspension but the concentration of the musks found in tissues (celestolide, galaxolide, tonalide) were markedly lower than the spiked concentration. Estimated Trophic Transfer Factors suggest that PHB will only play a minor role on musks accumulation in marine mussels, even if our results suggest a slightly extended persistence in tissues of musks loaded to weathered PHB.

Occurrence and seasonal variation of plasticizers in sediments and biota from the coast of Mahdia, Tunisia

Plasticizers are compounds often involved in the manufacturing of plastic products. Nevertheless, the ageing of the latter generates plasticizers that generally end up in the marine environment. In fact, marine pollution by phthalate acid esters (PAEs) and their alternatives has become an environmental and health issue of serious concern, as they are largely and ubiquitously present in the environment and aquatic organisms. In the present study, four PAEs, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and one non-phthalate plasticizer (NPP), namely di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate (DEHT), are wanted in different marine compartments from the coast of Mahdia in Tunisia such as sediment, seagrass, and mussel. The most abundant and frequently detected congener was DEHT at the concentrations reached 1.181 mg/kg in the sediment, 1.121 mg/kg in the seagrass, and 1.86 mg/kg in the mussel. This result indicates that the DEHT could emerge through the food chain and therefore bioaccumulate in marine compartments. In addition, we noticed that the seasonal variations of plasticizers were seriously affected by environmental factors including industrial and urban discharges.

Biomarker-Determined Nonylphenol Exposure and Associated Risks in Children of Thailand, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia

Nonylphenol (NP) is an endocrine disruptor and environmental contaminant. Yet, data on individual body burdens and potential health risks in humans, especially among children, are scarce. We analyzed two specific urinary NP metabolites, hydroxy-NP (OH-NP) and oxo-NP. In contrast to parent NP, OH-NP has a much higher urinary excretion fraction (F_ue), and both are insusceptible to external contamination. We investigated spot urine samples from school children of Thailand (n = 104), Indonesia (n = 89), and Saudi Arabia (n = 108) and could quantify OH-NP in 100% of Indonesian and Saudi children (median concentrations: 8.12 and 8.57 μg/L) and in 76% of Thai children (1.07 μg/L). Median oxo-NP concentrations were 0.95, 1.10, and <0.25 μg/L, respectively, in line with its lower F_ue. Median daily NP intakes (DIs), back-calculated from urinary OH-NP concentrations, were significantly higher in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia [0.47 and 0.36 μg/(kg bw·d), respectively] than in Thailand [0.06 μg/(kg bw·d)]. Maximum DIs were close to the preliminary tolerable DI of 5 μg/(kg bw·d) from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. Dominant sources of exposure or relevant exposure pathways could not be readily identified by questionnaire analyses and also potentially varied by region. The novel biomarkers provide long-needed support to the quantitative exposure and risk assessment of NP.

Occurrence of bisphenols and benzophenone UV filters in wild brown mussels (Perna perna) from Algoa Bay in South Africa

Bisphenols and benzophenone UV filters are contaminants present in a wide variety of plastic materials and consumer products. The scientific attention towards these contaminants has increased in recent years due to their presence in microplastics, their ubiquitous occurrence in the environment, and their known endocrine disrupting health effects. In this study, the occurrence of nine bisphenol and five benzophenone UV-filter analogues was assessed in wild brown mussels (Perna perna) collected from different sampling sites along the coast of Algoa Bay, South Africa. Eleven out of fourteen target analytes were detected, and bisphenol AP (BPAP) was detected for the first time in mussels, presenting the highest median concentration of 150 ng g^-1 dry weight (d.w.) and a detection frequency of 91%. Regarding benzophenone UV-filters, median concentrations of the analogues (across all sites) ranged from 2.01 to 10.6 ng g^-1 d.w., with benzophenone-1 (BzP-1) and benzophenone-3 (BzP-3) presenting the highest concentrations. Human exposure was assessed by estimating daily intakes (EDI) of the target analytes through mussel consumption. To our knowledge, this is the first study from the African continent on the occurrence of bisphenols and benzophenone UV-filters in a large population (n=138) of wild brown mussels.

Bisphenols' occurrence in bivalves as sentinel of environmental contamination

Bisphenols are massively used in several manufacture processes such that bisphenol A (BPA) is ubiquitous in environment worldwide. After the implementation of regulations about BPA use, manufacturers have moved their production toward alternative substances structurally similar to it. Unfortunately, BPA analogues, given their structural similarity, exert also similar adverse effects. This review aims to investigate the occurrence of bisphenols (BPs) in bivalve molluscs. In this way, valuable information on the amount of BPs released into the environment in different areas are given. The current research indicates that BPA presence in bivalve molluscs has been investigated in Asia (Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean), Europe (Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea and Atlantic Ocean) and America (Lake Mead, Nevada) with the highest amount of studies reported in bivalves harvested in Asian Coasts. BPA analogues are frequently detected in several matrices and their levels will continuously increase in the environment. Nevertheless, there is a current lack of studies analysing BPs other than BPA in bivalves. Further investigations should be conducted in this direction, in order to assess environmental distribution and the hazard for animals and human health given that seafood consumption could be an important pathway of bisphenols intake.

Occurrence of common plastic additives and contaminants in mussel samples: Validation of analytical method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion

A new matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) extraction methodology, combined with high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a diode-array detector, was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 10 compounds in mussels from Galician Rias (Spain). These pollutants are compounds commonly used for plastic production as additives, as well as common plastic contaminants. The compounds selected were bisphenol-A, bisphenol-F, bisphenol-S, nonylphenol-9, nonylphenol, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane, and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene. The parameters affecting the MSPD extraction efficiency such as the type of sorbent, mass sample-sorbent ratio, and extraction solvent were optimised. The proposed method provided satisfactory quantitative recoveries (80-100%), with relative standard deviations lower than 7%. In all cases, the matrix-matched calibration curves were linear in the concentration range of 0.32-120.00 µg/kg, with quantification limits of 0.25-16.20 µg/kg. The novel developed MSPD-high-performance liquid chromatography methodology provided good sensitivity, accuracy, and repeatability for quality control analysis in mussels.

Bioaccumulation of phenolic endocrine disruptors in the clam Rangia cuneata: Storage in shells and influence of size and sex

This study aimed to investigate the sequestration of phenolic endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) such as bisphenol A (BPA), 4-t-octylphenol (4-t-OP), and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) in the shells of the mature clam Rangia cuneata from the Vistula Lagoon (southern Baltic Sea) and to determine the influence of sex and shell length on bioaccumulation of these contaminants. Even though there is broad interest in EDCs influences on aquatic organisms, these basic parameters are poorly understood, yet necessary for assessing environmental risks for clams. Average proportions of the total body burden (ng/individual) deposited in shells of R. cuneata were more than 70% for BPA and 4-NP and up to 32% for 4-t-OP. These results indicate that shell storage can be an important route for elimination of specific EDCs. Relationships between EDCs concentrations and the size and sex of R. cuneata indicate that females and large individuals experience greater exposures to the adverse effects of these pollutants than males and smaller clams. This effect could have significant impacts on population ecology and ultimately affect the entire ecosystem, in which bivalves play an important role. In the context of using clams to assess water pollution, the co-variation of EDCs concentrations with the size and sex of bivalves could influence the quality of monitoring data, unless accounted for in sampling design and data analysis.

Alkyphenol Exposure Alters Steroidogenesis in Male Lizard Podarcis siculus

BACKGROUND

Nonylphenol (NP) and Octylphenol (OP) are persistent and non-biodegradable environmental contaminants classified as endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs). These compounds are widely used in several industrial applications and present estrogen-like properties, which have extensively been studied in aquatic organisms. The present study aimed to verify the interference of these compounds alone, and in mixture, on the reproductive cycle of the male terrestrial vertebrate Podarcis siculus, focusing mainly on the steroidogenesis process.

METHODS

Male lizards have been treated with different injections of both NP and OP alone and in mixture, and evaluation has been carried out using a histological approach.

RESULTS

Results obtained showed that both substances are able to alter both testis histology and localization of key steroidogenic enzymes, such as 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) and P450 aromatase. Moreover, OP exerts a preponderant effect, and the P450 aromatase represents the major target of both chemicals.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, NP and OP inhibit steroidogenesis, which in turn may reduce the reproductive capacity of the specimens.

Evaluating exposures of bay mussels (Mytilus trossulus) to contaminants of emerging concern through environmental sampling and hydrodynamic modeling

Bay mussels (Mytilus trossulus) were transplanted to 18 locations representing a range of potential exposures throughout Puget Sound, WA. Tissues were analyzed for over 200 organic contaminants. Results indicated the widespread exposure of marine organisms to trace levels of organic contaminants including the synthetic opioid oxycodone, present at three urban sites, and the chemotherapy drug melphalan, present at nine locations, at levels that may be of biological concern. Land-use and wastewater outfalls were evaluated as potential sources of CECs to the nearshore. Exposure to alkylphenol ethoxylates was associated with increased impervious surfaces in upland watersheds. A hydrodynamic simulation was performed using the Salish Sea Model to integrate inputs from 99 wastewater sources to Puget Sound. Predictions were consistent with concentrations of several wastewater-associated contaminants and δ¹⁵N enrichment. These results support the notion that Puget Sound nearshore biota suffer chronic exposures to a suite of contaminants from multiple sources and provide critical to focus future monitoring and management.

Polyethylene microplastics do not increase bioaccumulation or toxicity of nonylphenol and 4-MBC to marine zooplankton

Global production of synthetic polymers, led by polyethylene (PE), rose steadily in the last decades, and marine ecosystems are considered as a global sink. Although PE is not biodegradable, in coastal areas it fragments into microplastics (MP) readily taken up by biota, and have been postulated as vectors of hydrophobic chemicals to marine organisms. We have tested this hypothesis using two organisms representative of the marine plankton, the holoplanktonic copepod Acartia clausi, and the meroplanktonic larva of the Paracentrotus lividus sea-urchin, and two model chemicals with similar hydrophobic properties, the 4-n-Nonylphenol and the 4-Methylbenzylidene-camphor used as plastic additive and UV filter in cosmetics. Both test species actively ingested the MP particles. However, the presence of MP never increased the bioaccumulation of neither model chemicals, nor their toxicity to the exposed organisms. Bioaccumulation was a linear function of waterborne chemical disregarding the level of MP. Toxicity, assessed by the threshold (EC₁₀) and median (EC₅₀) effect levels, was either independent of the level of MP or even in some instances significantly decreased in the presence of MPs. These consistent results challenge the assumption that MP act as vectors of hydrophobic chemicals to planktonic marine organisms.

Species-specific accumulation and temporal trends of bisphenols and benzophenones in mollusks from the Chinese Bohai Sea during 2006-2015

Information on the occurrence and bioaccumulation of bisphenols and benzophenones in coastal marine invertebrates is limited. In this study, concentrations of eight bisphenol and five benzophenone analogues were determined in 186 mollusks collected from coastal areas of the Chinese Bohai Sea during the period 2006-2015. Total concentrations of bisphenols and benzophenones were in range of not detected (nd)-58 (geometric mean: 13.0 ng/g) and nd-59.1 (2.06 ng/g) on a dry-weight basis, respectively. BPA and BPF were the major bisphenols, collectively accounting for >90% of the total concentrations. BP-3 was the predominant benzophenone, representing 74% of the total concentrations. The mollusk species, Meretrix meretrix, accumulated high concentrations of both bisphenols and benzophenones. A steady increase in bisphenol concentrations in mollusks was observed in recent years, whereas no obvious temporal trend was found for benzophenones. The estimated daily intakes of bisphenols through consumption of mollusks were lower than the current reference dose. This study establishes a baseline concentration for bisphenols and benzophenones in mollusks in Chinese coastal waters.

Analysis and Occurrence of Bisphenol A in Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) Sampled from the Slovenian Coastal Waters of the North Adriatic Sea

During 2015, a selection of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and seawater were sampled along the Slovenian coast, which is part of the North Adriatic Sea, in order to test for the presence of bisphenol A (BPA). The concentration of the BPA in the tissues of mussels sampled from the farms and open sea was from < 0.03 to 0.55 µg kg^-1 of w.w. and from < 0.03 to 0.46 µg kg^-1 of w.w., respectively. The mussel shells from the farms and open sea contained from 0.01 to 0.3 µg BPA kg^-1 of w.w. and from 0.04 to 0.27 µg BPA kg^-1 of w.w., respectively. In a harbour, mussel tissue and shell concentration of BPA was 0.21 and 0.18 µg BPA kg^-1 of w.w., respectively. The seawater in the shellfish farms and the open sea was contaminated with an average of 0.007 µg l^-1 of BPA.

Contamination and risk implications of endocrine disrupting chemicals along the coastline of China: A systematic study using mussels and semipermeable membrane devices

A systematic study has been carried out to assess the contamination of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in five highly urbanized coastal cities spanning from temperate to subtropical environments along the coastline of China. In each of these cities, species of native mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, M. coruscus or Perna viridis) were deployed alongside with semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) for one month at a reference site and a polluted site. The level of 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), bisphenol A (BPA), 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) in SPMDs and transplanted mussels were determined and compared. The concentration of EDCs in mussels from polluted sites of Qingdao and Shenzhen ranged from 99.4±9.40 to 326.1±3.16ng/g dry wt. for 4-NP, Dalian and Shanghai from 170.3±4.00 to 437.2±36.8ng/g dry wt. for BPA, Dalian and Shenzhen from 82.9±3.03 to 315.6±6.50ng/g dry wt. for E2, and Shenzhen and Shanghai from 124.5±3.25 to 204.5±9.26ng/g dry wt. for EE2, respectively. These results demonstrate that concentrations of EDCs in mussels along the coastline of China are substantially higher than levels reported in mussels and seafood elsewhere. Despite high levels of EDCs and per capita seafood consumption in China, analysis indicated that 4-NP and BPA intake from mussels at polluted sites per se are still below the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI). In contrast, the daily intake of E2 and EE2 (6.5 and 5.5μg/person/day, respectively) from mussel consumption exceeded the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) established by the WHO, USA and Australia by large margins, suggesting significant public health risks. A strong correlation was found between EDC concentrations in SPMDs and transplanted mussels, and the advantages of using mussels and SPMDs for monitoring EDCs in the aquatic environment are discussed.

Bisphenol A and alkylphenols concentrations in selected mariculture fish species from Pulau Kukup, Johor, Malaysia

Endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) contamination in food is a global concern. Concerning potential environmental and human health exposed to EDCs via food intake, an experiment was conducted on the selected EDCs concentration in the mariculture fish, Trachinotus blochii (golden pomfret), Lutjanus campechanus (snapper), and Lates calcarifer (sea bass) at Pulau Kukup, Johor. Mariculture activity at Pulau Kukup involves active export of fishes to Singapore and Indonesia. The recovery of BPA (bisphenol A), 4OP (4-octylphenol), and 4NP (4-nonylphenol) were 61.54%-93.00%, 16.79%-17.13%, and 61.24%-71.49%, respectively. Relatively high concentration of BPA was recorded in T. blochii (0.322ng/g), followed by L. calcarifer (0.124ng/g) and L. campechanus (0.023ng/g). Furthermore, 4OP and 4NP were detected only in T. blochii at concentrations of 0.084ng/g and 0.078ng/g, respectively. The results of the present study provide insights on monitoring and managing mariculture activity in relation to environmental protection and food safety.

Endocrine disrupting compounds in drinking water supply system and human health risk implication

To date, experimental and epidemiological evidence of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) adversely affecting human and animal populations has been widely debated. Notably, human health risk assessment is required for risk mitigation. The lack of human health risk assessment and management may thus unreliably regulate the quality of water resources and efficiency of treatment processes. Therefore, drinking water supply systems (DWSSs) may be still unwarranted in assuring safe access to potable drinking water. Drinking water supply, such as tap water, is an additional and crucial route of human exposure to the health risks associated with EDCs. A holistic system, incorporating continuous research in DWSS monitoring and management using multi-barrier approach, is proposed as a preventive measure to reduce human exposure to the risks associated with EDCs through drinking water consumption. The occurrence of EDCs in DWSSs and corresponding human health risk implications are analyzed using the Needs, Approaches, Benefits, and Challenges (NABC) method. Therefore, this review may act as a supportive tool in protecting human health and environmental quality from EDCs, which is essential for decision-making regarding environmental monitoring and management purposes. Subsequently, the public could have sustainable access to safer and more reliable drinking water.