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Gomarasca S, Stefani F, Fasola E, La Porta CA, Bocchi S. Regional evaluation of glyphosate pollution in the minor irrigation network. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141679. [PMID: 38527632 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141679] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Due to its low cost, its ease of use and to the "mild action" declared for long time by the Control and Approval Agencies towards it, the herbicide Glyphosate, is one of the currently best-selling and most-used agricultural products worldwide. In this work, we evaluated the presence and spread of Glyphosate in the Po River Basin (Northern Italy), one of the regions with the most intensified agriculture in Europe and where, by now for decades, a strong and general loss of aquatic biodiversity is observed. In order to carry out a more precise study of the real presence of this herbicide in the waters, samples were collected from the minor water network for two consecutive years, starting in 2022, at an interval time coinciding with those of the spring and summer crop treatments. In contrast to the sampling strategies generally adopted by Environmental Protection Agencies, a more focused sampling strategy was adopted to highlight the possible high concentrations in minor watercourses in direct contact with cultivated fields. Finally, we investigated the possible consequences that the higher amounts of Glyphosate found in our monitoring activities can have on stress reactions in plant (Groenlandia densa) and animal (Daphnia magna) In all the monitoring campaigns we detected exceeding European Environmental Quality Standard - EQS limits (0.1 μg/L) values. Furthermore, in some intensively agricultural areas, concentrations reached hundreds of μg/L, with the highest peaks during spring. In G. densa and D. magna, the exposition to increasing doses of herbicide showed a clear response linked to metabolic stress. Overall, our results highlight how, after several decades of its use, the Glyphosate use efficiency is still too low, leading to economic losses for the farm and to strong impacts on ecosystem health. Current EU policy indications call for an agroecological approach necessary to find alternatives to chemical weed control, which farms can develop in different contexts in order to achieve the sustainability goals set by the Farm to Fork strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gomarasca
- Dep. of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Stefani
- Water Research Institute-National Research Council (IRSA-CNR), Via del Mulino 19, 20861, Brugherio, MB, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Fasola
- Water Research Institute-National Research Council (IRSA-CNR), Via del Mulino 19, 20861, Brugherio, MB, Italy.
| | - Caterina Am La Porta
- Dep. of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Stefano Bocchi
- Dep. of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milano, Italy.
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Raja A, Costa P, Blum JL, Doherty-Lyons S, Igbo JK, Meltzer G, Orem W, McCawley M, Zelikoff JT. In vivo exposure to electronic waste (e-waste) leachate and hydraulic fracturing fluid adversely impacts the male reproductive system. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 124:108533. [PMID: 38160783 PMCID: PMC10922462 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108533] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Human health effects can arise from unregulated manual disassembly of electronic waste (e-waste) and/or hydraulic fracturing fluid spills. There is limited literature on the effects of e-waste and hydraulic fracturing wastewater exposure on the male reproductive system. Thus, this proof-of-concept study begins to address the question of how wastewater from two potentially hazardous environmental processes could affect sperm quality. Therefore, three groups of eight-week-old adult mice were exposed (5 d/wk for 6 wks) via a mealworm (Tenebrio molitor and Zophabas morio) feeding route to either: (1) e-waste leachate (50% dilution) from the Alaba Market (Lagos, Nigeria); (2) West Virginia hydraulic fracturing flowback (HFF) fluid (50% dilution); or, (3) deionized water (control). At 24-hours (hr), 3 weeks (wk), or 9-wk following the 6-wk exposure period, cohorts of mice were necropsied and adverse effects/persistence on the male reproductive system were examined. Ingestion of e-waste leachate or HFF fluid decreased number and concentration of sperm and increased both chromatin damage and numbers of morphological abnormalities in the sperm when compared to control mice. Levels of serum testosterone were reduced post-exposure (3- and 9-wk) in mice exposed to e-waste leachate and HFF when compared to time-matched controls, indicating the long-term persistence of adverse effects, well after the end of exposure. These data suggest that men living around or working in vicinity of either e-waste or hydraulic fracturing could face harmful effects to their reproductive health. From both a human health and economic standpoint, development of prevention and intervention strategies that are culturally relevant and economically sensitive are critically needed to reduce exposure to e-waste and HFF-associated toxic contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Raja
- Division of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patricia Costa
- Division of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason L Blum
- Division of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Product Safety Labs, Dayton, NJ, USA
| | - Shannon Doherty-Lyons
- Division of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juliet K Igbo
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Gabriella Meltzer
- Departments of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - William Orem
- United States Geological Survey, Reston, VA, USA
| | - Michael McCawley
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, South Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Judith T Zelikoff
- Division of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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3
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Kashani M, Engle MA, Kent DB, Gregston T, Cozzarelli IM, Mumford AC, Varonka MS, Harris CR, Akob DM. Illegal dumping of oil and gas wastewater alters arid soil microbial communities. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0149023. [PMID: 38294246 PMCID: PMC10880632 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01490-23] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The Permian Basin, underlying southeast New Mexico and west Texas, is one of the most productive oil and gas (OG) provinces in the United States. Oil and gas production yields large volumes of wastewater with complex chemistries, and the environmental health risks posed by these OG wastewaters on sensitive desert ecosystems are poorly understood. Starting in November 2017, 39 illegal dumps, as defined by federal and state regulations, of OG wastewater were identified in southeastern New Mexico, releasing ~600,000 L of fluid onto dryland soils. To evaluate the impacts of these releases, we analyzed changes in soil geochemistry and microbial community composition by comparing soils from within OG wastewater dump-affected samples to unaffected zones. We observed significant changes in soil geochemistry for all dump-affected compared with control samples, reflecting the residual salts and hydrocarbons from the OG-wastewater release (e.g., enriched in sodium, chloride, and bromide). Microbial community structure significantly (P < 0.01) differed between dump and control zones, with soils from dump areas having significantly (P < 0.01) lower alpha diversity and differences in phylogenetic composition. Dump-affected soil samples showed an increase in halophilic and halotolerant taxa, including members of the Marinobacteraceae, Halomonadaceae, and Halobacteroidaceae, suggesting that the high salinity of the dumped OG wastewater was exerting a strong selective pressure on microbial community structure. Taxa with high similarity to known hydrocarbon-degrading organisms were also detected in the dump-affected soil samples. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential for OG wastewater exposure to change the geochemistry and microbial community dynamics of arid soils.IMPORTANCEThe long-term environmental health impacts resulting from releases of oil and gas (OG) wastewater, typically brines with varying compositions of ions, hydrocarbons, and other constituents, are understudied. This is especially true for sensitive desert ecosystems, where soil microbes are key primary producers and drivers of nutrient cycling. We found that releases of OG wastewater can lead to shifts in microbial community composition and function toward salt- and hydrocarbon-tolerant taxa that are not typically found in desert soils, thus altering the impacted dryland soil ecosystem. Loss of key microbial taxa, such as those that catalyze organic carbon cycling, increase arid soil fertility, promote plant health, and affect soil moisture retention, could result in cascading effects across the sensitive desert ecosystem. By characterizing environmental changes due to releases of OG wastewater to soils overlying the Permian Basin, we gain further insights into how OG wastewater may alter dryland soil microbial functions and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Kashani
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark A Engle
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Douglas B Kent
- U.S. Geological Survey, Earth Systems Processes Division, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | | | - Isabelle M Cozzarelli
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, Virginia, USA
| | - Adam C Mumford
- U.S. Geological Survey, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew S Varonka
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, Virginia, USA
| | - Cassandra R Harris
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, Virginia, USA
| | - Denise M Akob
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, Virginia, USA
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4
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Yang R, Hou B, Zhang L. Dissolved organic compounds in shale gas extraction flowback water as principal disturbance factors of soil nitrogen dynamics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168197. [PMID: 37914118 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Flowback water, a by-product of shale gas extraction, represents an extremely complex industrial wastewater characterized by high organic compounds content and high salinity. The prospect of flowback water entering the soil through various approaches concerns regarding its ecological risk. Nitrogen mineralization (Nmin), a key rate-limiting step in the soil N cycle, might be adversely affected by flowback water. Nonetheless, no previous studies have examined the effects of flowback water on soil Nmin rates, let alone quantified the relative contributions of the major components of flowback water to changes in Nmin rates. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of flowback water and sterile flowback water at two different concentrations on the Nmin rates of three distinct soil types. This study aimed to elucidate the predominant influence of the key constituents within flowback water on the changes in soil Nmin rates. The results showed that soil soluble salt content, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved nitrogen (DN) content significantly increased by 8.37 times, 9.5 % and 26.4 %, respectively, in soils contaminated by flowback water. In comparison with the control group, the introduction of flowback water resulted in a significant 25.9 % reduction in Nmin rate in sandy soils. Conversely, in clay and loam soils, there was a significant increase in Nmin rates by 44.9 % and 131.8 % respectively. Throughout the incubation period, leucine-aminopeptidase activity exhibited irregular fluctuations. Analysis of microbial communities demonstrated that flowback water only significant impacted soil rare microbial taxa, inducing a significant increase in alpha diversity for sandy, clay, and loamy soils by -16.9 %, 10.12 %, and 1.63 %, respectively. Linear regression and random forest analyses indicated that alterations in soil DOC:DN ratio and salt content were responsible for changes in soil Nmin rates within flowback water-contaminated soils. In contrast, only salt content significantly contributed to shifts in alpha diversity among soil rare microbial taxa. Structural equation modeling highlighted that the total effect of dissolved organic compounds (DOC and DN, λ = 0.64) from flowback water was greater than the total effect of salinity (λ = 0.24) on soil Nmin rates. In conclusion, our findings imply that dissolved organic compounds within flowback water play pivotal roles in determining soil Nmin rates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to reveal the effects of major components in the flowback water on soil N mineralization rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China; State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Bowen Hou
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China; State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Lilan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China; State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
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5
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Stewart CB, Lowes HM, Mehler WT, Snihur KN, Flynn SL, Alessi DS, Blewett TA. Spatial and temporal variation in toxicity and inorganic composition of hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132490. [PMID: 37703728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132490] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas extraction produces large volumes of wastewater, termed flowback and produced water (FPW), that are highly saline and contain a variety of organic and inorganic contaminants. In the present study, FPW samples from ten hydraulically fractured wells, across two geologic formations were collected at various timepoints. Samples were analyzed to determine spatial and temporal variation in their inorganic composition. Results indicate that FPW composition varied both between formations and within a single formation, with large compositional changes occurring over short distances. Temporally, all wells showed a time-dependent increase in inorganic elements, with total dissolved solids increasing by up to 200,000 mg/L over time, primarily due to elements associated with salinity (Cl, Na, Ca, Mg, K). Toxicological analysis of a subset of the FPW samples showed median lethal concentrations (LC50) of FPW to the aquatic invertebrate Daphnia magna were highly variable, with the LC50 values ranging from 1.16% to 13.7% FPW. Acute toxicity of FPW significantly correlated with salinity, indicating salinity is a primary driver of FPW toxicity, however organic components also contributed to toxicity. This study provides insight into spatiotemporal variability of FPW composition and illustrates the difficulty in predicting aquatic risk associated with FPW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor B Stewart
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Hannah M Lowes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - W Tyler Mehler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Katherine N Snihur
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shannon L Flynn
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tamzin A Blewett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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6
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Viana TS, Campos D, Bartilotti M, Leite FG, Zanoni MVB, Dorta DJ, Oliveira DP, Pestana JLT. Magnetized vermiculite as a tool for the treatment of produced water generated by oil companies: Effects on aquatic organisms before and after treatment. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:1393-1405. [PMID: 37055923 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Produced water (PW) generated by oil companies is a highly impacting waste that contains chemicals such as metals and organic and inorganic compounds. Given its polluting potential, PW requires effective treatment before being discharged into the environment. Conventional treatments have limited efficiency in removing PW toxicity, so alternative approaches must be developed and standardized. In this context, treatment with adsorbent materials like magnetized vermiculite (VMT-mag) is highlighted. This work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of treatment with VMT-mag in reducing PW toxicity to aquatic biota. For this purpose, three aquatic species (the midge Chironomus riparius, the planarian Girardia tigrina, and the crustacean Daphnia magna) were exposed to untreated PW and to PW treated with VMT-mag at laboratory conditions. The assessed endpoints included mortality, growth, emergence, and developmental time of C. riparius; mortality, locomotion, feeding, and head regeneration of G. tigrina; and intrinsic population growth rate (r) and reproductive output of D. magna. The results showed that all the species exposed to raw PW were impaired: C. riparius had delayed development, G. tigrina had reduced locomotor activity and delayed head regeneration, and D. magna had reduced reproduction and delayed intrinsic population growth rate (r). Most of the analyzed parameters showed that treatment with VMT-mag diminished PW toxicity. Therefore, using VMT-mag to treat PW may be the key to reducing the PW effects on aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tais S Viana
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diana Campos
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mariana Bartilotti
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda G Leite
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Valnice Boldrin Zanoni
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactive Substances (INCT-DATREM), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel J Dorta
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactive Substances (INCT-DATREM), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle P Oliveira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactive Substances (INCT-DATREM), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João L T Pestana
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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7
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Zhuang Y, Ji Y, Kuang Q, Zhang Z, Li P, Song J, He N. Oxidation treatment of shale gas produced water: Molecular changes in dissolved organic matter composition and toxicity evaluation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131266. [PMID: 36996539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Produced water (PW) is the largest waste stream generated by hydraulic fracturing in an unconventional shale gas reservoir. Oxidation processes (OPs) are frequently used as advanced treatment method in highly complicated water matrix treatments. However, the degradation efficiency is the main focus of research, organic compounds and their toxicity have not been properly explored. Here, we obtained the characterization and transformation of dissolved organic matters of PW samples from the first shale gas field of China by two selected OPs using FT-ICR MS. CHO, CHON, CHOS, and CHONS heterocyclic compounds associated with lignins/CRAM-like, aliphatic/proteins, and carbohydrates compounds were the major organic compounds identified. Electrochemical Fe2+/HClO oxidation preferentially removed aromatic structures, unsaturated hydrocarbons, and tannin compounds with a double-bond equivalence (DBE) value below 7 to more saturated compounds. Nevertheless, Fe (VI) degradation manifested in CHOS compounds with low DBE values, especially single bond compounds. Oxygen- and Sulfur-containing substances, primarily O4-11, S1O3-S1O12, N1S1O4, and N2S1O10 classes, were the main recalcitrant components in OPs. The toxicity assessment showed that the free-radical-formed Fe2+/HClO oxidation could cause significant DNA damage. Therefore, the toxicity response byproducts need spcial attention when conducting OPs. Our results led to discussions on designing appropriate treatment strategies and the development of PW discharge or reuse standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China; Department of Geosciences, Environmental Mineralogy and Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yufei Ji
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China
| | - Qiyue Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China
| | - Zhaoji Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, PR China.
| | - Peng Li
- Sinopec Chongqing Fuling Shale Gas Exploration & Development Co.Ltd., Chongqing 408014, PR China
| | - Junbei Song
- Sinopec Chongqing Fuling Shale Gas Exploration & Development Co.Ltd., Chongqing 408014, PR China
| | - Niqian He
- Sinopec Chongqing Fuling Shale Gas Exploration & Development Co.Ltd., Chongqing 408014, PR China
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Wu F, Zhou Z, Zhang S, Cheng F, Tong Y, Li L, Zhang B, Zeng X, Li H, Wang D, Yu Z, You J. Toxicity identification evaluation for hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water during shale gas exploitation in China: Evidence from tissue residues and gene expression. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 241:120170. [PMID: 37290192 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (HF-FPW) from shale gas extraction processes is a highly complex medium with potential threats to the environment. Current research on ecological risks of FPW in China is limited, and the link between major components of FPW and their toxicological effects on freshwater organisms is largely unknown. By integrating chemical and biological analyses, toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) was used to reveal causality between toxicity and contaminants, potentially disentangling the complex toxicological nature of FPW. Here, FPW from different shale gas wells, treated FPW effluent, and a leachate from HF sludge were collected from southwest China, and TIE was applied to obtain a comprehensive toxicity evaluation in freshwater organisms. Our results showed that FPW from the same geographic zone could cause significantly different toxicity. Salinity, solid phase particulates, and organic contaminants were identified as the main contributors to the toxicity of FPW. In addition to water chemistry, internal alkanes, PAHs, and HF additives (e.g., biocides and surfactants) were quantified in exposed embryonic fish by target and non-target tissue analyses. The treated FPW failed to mitigate the toxicity associated with organic contaminants. Transcriptomic results illustrated that organic compounds induced toxicity pathways in FPW-exposed embryonic zebrafish. Similar zebrafish gene ontologies were affected between treated and untreated FPW, again confirming that sewage treatment did not effectively remove organic chemicals from FPW. Thus, zebrafish transcriptome analyses revealed organic toxicant-induced adverse outcome pathways and served as evidence for TIE confirmation in complex mixtures under data-poor scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Zhimin Zhou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Shaoqiong Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Fei Cheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Yujun Tong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Liang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xiangying Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Huizhen Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Dali Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Jing You
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China.
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9
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Liao H, Gao D, Junaid M, Liu S, Kong C, Chen X, Pan T, Zheng Q, Ai W, Chen G, Wang J. Parental exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces transgenerational growth and reproductive impairments through bioaccumulation in Daphnia magna. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163657. [PMID: 37084918 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in the aquatic environment may cause unpredictable negative effects on aquatic organisms and even continue to the offspring. This study assessed the transgenerational impacts of parental exposure to PSNPs and DEHP over four generations (F0-F3) of Daphnia magna. A total of 480 D. magna larvae (F0, 24 h old) were divided into four groups with six replicates (each of them contains 20 D. magna) and exposed with dechlorinated tap water (control), 1 mg/L PSNPs, 1 μg/L DEHP, and 1 mg/L PSNPs + 1 μg/L DEHP (PSNPs-DEHP) until spawning begins. Subsequent to exposure, all the surviving F1 offspring were transferred to new water and continued to be cultured until the end of F3 generation births in all groups. The results showed that the PSNPs accumulated in F0 generation and were inherited into F1 and F2 generations, and disappeared in F3 generation in PSNPs and PSNPs-DEHP groups. However, the accumulation of DEHP lasted from F0 generation to F3 generation, despite a significant decline in F2 and F3 generations in DEHP and PSNPs-DEHP groups. The accumulation of PSNPs and DEHP caused overproduction of reactive oxygen species in F0-F2 generations and fat deposition in F0-F3 generations. Additionally, single and in combination parental exposure to PSNPs and DEHP induced regulation of growth-related genes (cyp18a1, cut, sod and cht3) and reproduction-related genes (hr3, ftz-f1, vtg and ecr) in F0-F3 generations. Survival rates were decreased in F0-F1 generations and recovered in F2 generation in all treatment groups. Furthermore, the spawning time was prolonged and the average number of offspring was increased in F1-F2 generaions as a defense mechanism against population mortality. This study fosters a greater comprehension of the transgenerational and reproductive effects and associated molecular mechanisms in D. magna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongping Liao
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Dandan Gao
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shulin Liu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chunmiao Kong
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xikun Chen
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ting Pan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qingzhi Zheng
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wenjie Ai
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Guanglong Chen
- Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Natural Products and Combinatorial Biosynthesis Chemistry, Biophysical and Environmental Science Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Natural Products and Combinatorial Biosynthesis Chemistry, Biophysical and Environmental Science Research Center, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 528478, China.
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10
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Zhang Y, Liu J, Jing C, Lu G, Jiang R, Zheng X, He C, Ji W. Life history traits of low-toxicity alternative bisphenol S on Daphnia magna with short breeding cycles: A multigenerational study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 253:114682. [PMID: 36842276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114682] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Due to relatively lower toxicity, bisphenol S (BPS) has become an alternative to previously used bisphenol A. Nevertheless, the occurrence of BPS and its ecological impact have recently attracted increasing attentions because the toxicology effect of BPS with life cycle or multigenerational exposure on aquatic organisms remains questionable. Herein, Daphnia magna (D. magna) multigenerational bioassays spanning four generations (F0-F3) and single-generation recovery (F1 and F3) in clean water were used to investigate the ecotoxicology of variable chronic BPS exposure. For both assays, four kinds of life-history traits (i.e., survival, reproduction, growth and ecological behavior) were examined for each generation. After an 18-day exposure under concentration of 200 μg/L, the survival rate of D. magna was less than 15 % for the F2 generation, whereas all died for the F3 generation. With continuous exposure of four generations of D. magna at environmentally relevant concentrations of BPS (2 μg/L), inhibition of growth and development, prolonged sexual maturity, decreased offspring production and decreased swimming activity were observed for the F3 generation. In particular, it is difficult for D. magna to return to its normal level through a single-generation recovery in clean water in terms of reproductive function, ecological behavior and population health. Hence, multi-generational exposure to low concentrations of BPS can have adverse effects on population health of aquatic organisms with short breeding cycles, highlighting the necessity to assess the ecotoxicology of chronic BPS exposure for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Jianchao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Chenyang Jing
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Guanghua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Runren Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Xiqiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; Anhui Academy of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Key Laboratory of Wastewater Treatment Technology in Anhui Province, Hefei 230061, China
| | - Chao He
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Wenliang Ji
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, China.
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11
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Boyd A, Luu I, Mehta D, Myers SP, Stewart CB, Shivakumar KR, Snihur KN, Alessi DS, Rodriguez Gallo MC, Veilleux H, Wiltse ME, Borch T, Uhrig RG, Blewett TA. Persisting Effects in Daphnia magna Following an Acute Exposure to Flowback and Produced Waters from the Montney Formation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:2380-2392. [PMID: 36724135 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing extracts oil and gas through the injection of water and proppants into subterranean formations. These injected fluids mix with the host rock formation and return to the surface as a complex wastewater containing salts, metals, and organic compounds, termed flowback and produced water (FPW). Previous research indicates that FPW is toxic to Daphnia magna (D. magna), impairing reproduction, molting, and maturation time; however, recovery from FPW has not been extensively studied. Species unable to recover have drastic impacts on populations on the ecological scale; thus, this study sought to understand if recovery from an acute 48 h FPW exposure was possible in the freshwater invertebrate, D. magna by using a combination of physiological and molecular analyses. FPW (0.75%) reduced reproduction by 30% and survivorship to 32% compared to controls. System-level quantitative proteomic analyses demonstrate extensive perturbation of metabolism and protein transport in both 0.25 and 0.75% FPW treatments after a 48 h FPW exposure. Collectively, our data indicate that D. magna are unable to recover from acute 48 h exposures to ≥0.25% FPW, as evidence of toxicity persists for at least 19 days post-exposure. This study highlights the importance of considering persisting effects following FPW remediation when modeling potential spill scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Boyd
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Ivy Luu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Devang Mehta
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Sunil P Myers
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Connor B Stewart
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Karthik R Shivakumar
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Katherine N Snihur
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3, Canada
| | | | - Heather Veilleux
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Marin E Wiltse
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Thomas Borch
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences and Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - R Glen Uhrig
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Tamzin A Blewett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
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12
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Luo M, Yang H, Wang K, Song F, He Y, Zhang Y, Zhong C. Coupling iron-carbon micro-electrolysis with persulfate advanced oxidation for hydraulic fracturing return fluid treatment. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137415. [PMID: 36464016 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137415] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Improving the sustainability of the hydraulic fracturing water cycle of unconventional oil and gas development needs an advanced water treatment that can efferently treat flowback and produced water (FPW). In this study, we developed a robust two-stage process that combines flocculation, and iron-carbon micro-electrolysis plus sodium persulfate (ICEPS) advanced oxidation to treat field-based FPW from the Sulige tight gas field, China. Influencing factors and optimal conditions of the flocculation-ICEPS process were investigated. The flocculation-ICEPS system at optimal conditions sufficiently removed the total organic contents (95.71%), suspended solids (92.4%), and chroma (97.5%), but the reaction stoichiometric efficiency (RSE) value was generally less than 5%. The particles and chroma were effectively removed by flocculation, and the organic contents was mainly removed by the ICEPS system. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was performed to track the changes in FPW chemical compositions through the oxidation of the ICEPS process. Multiple analyses demonstrated that PS was involved in the activation of Fe oxides and hydroxides accreted on the surface of the ICE system for FPW treatment, which led to increasing organics removal rate of the ICEPS system compared to the conventional ICE system. Our study suggests that the flocculation-ICEPS system is a promising FPW treatment process, which provides technical and mechanistic foundations for further field application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Luo
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Hanchao Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kuntai Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Song
- Chengdu Xiyouhuawei Science & Technology Co., Ltd. Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Yuhe He
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Cheng Zhong
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
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13
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Willems DJ, Kumar A, Nugegoda D. The Acute Toxicity of Salinity in Onshore Unconventional Gas Waters to Freshwater Invertebrates in Receiving Environments: A Systematic Review. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:2928-2949. [PMID: 36193756 PMCID: PMC9828407 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Industries such as unconventional natural gas have seen increased global expansion to meet the increasing energy needs of our increasing global population. Unconventional gas uses hydraulic fracturing that produces significant volumes of produced waters, which can be highly saline and pose a toxic threat to freshwater invertebrates if exposure via discharges, spills, leaks, or runoff were to occur. The primary aim of the present review was to determine the sodium (Na+ ) and chloride (Cl- ) content of these waters as an approximate measure of salinity and how these values compare to the NaCl or synthetic marine salt acute toxicity values of freshwater invertebrate taxa. Shale gas produced waters are much more saline with 78 900 ± 10 200 NaCl mg/L and total dissolved solids (TDS) of 83 200 ± 12 200 mg/L compared to coal bed methane (CBM) produced waters with 4300 ± 1100 NaCl mg/L and TDS of 5900 ± 1300 mg/L and pose a far greater toxicity risk from NaCl to freshwater invertebrates. In addition, the toxicity of other major ions (Ca2+ , K+ , Mg2+ , CO 3 2 - , HCO3 - , and SO 4 2 - ) and their influence on the toxicity of Na+ and Cl- were evaluated. Exposure of untreated and undiluted shale gas produced waters to freshwater invertebrates is likely to result in significant or complete mortality. Shale gas produced waters have higher concentrations of various metals compared with CBM produced waters and are more acidic. We recommend future research to increase the reporting and consistency of water quality parameters, metals, and particularly organics of produced waters to provide a better baseline and help in further investigations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2928-2949. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Willems
- Ecotoxicology Research Group, School of ScienceRMIT UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
- CSIRO Land and WaterUrrbraeSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | | | - Dayanthi Nugegoda
- Ecotoxicology Research Group, School of ScienceRMIT UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
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14
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Developmental and Reproductive Impacts of Four Bisphenols in Daphnia magna. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314561. [PMID: 36498889 PMCID: PMC9738221 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314561] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a typical endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) used worldwide. Considering its adverse effects, BPA has been banned or strictly restricted in some nations, and many analogs have been introduced to the market. In this study, we selected three representative substitutes, BPS, BPF, and BPAF, along with BPA, to assess the developmental and reproductive effects on Daphnia magna. The F0 generation was exposed to bisphenols (BPs) at an environmentally relevant concentration (100 μg/L) for 21 d; then the embryo spawn at day 21 was collected. Behavior traits, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and gene transcription were evaluated at three developmental stages (days 7, 14, and 21). Notably, body length, heart rate, and thoracic limb beating were significantly decreased, and D. magna behaved more sluggishly in the exposed group. Moreover, exposure to BPs significantly increased the antioxidant enzymatic activities, which indicated that BPs activated the antioxidant defense system. Additionally, gene expression indicated intergenerational effects in larvae, particularly in the BPAF group. In conclusion, BPA analogs such as BPF and BPAF showed similar or stronger reproductive and developmental toxicity than BPA in D. magna. These findings collectively deepen our understanding of the toxicity of BPA analogs and provide empirical evidence for screening safe alternatives to BPA.
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15
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Içoglu Aksakal F, Yilmaz A, Koc K, Özdemir S. A comparative study on aquatic toxicity of chemically-synthesized and green synthesis silver nanoparticles on daphnia magna. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:2149-2159. [PMID: 34191661 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1947991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The steady increase in the employment of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products entails the determination of the aquatic toxicity of AgNPs. Various AgNP characteristics including particle size, and shape, surface charge, and material have prominent effects on ecotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated the aquatic toxicity of chemically-synthesized AgNPs (Che-AgNPs) and green synthesis AgNPs (Gr-AgNPs) to Daphnia magna as a model organism. In each case, Che-AgNPs and Gr-AgNPs showed dose-dependent toxicity in the range of 5-50 ppb. It was also detected that the size and surface coverage material of AgNPs has a significant impact on the survival rate of D. magna. We also analyzed the expression of some genes related to detoxification and the reproductive system. These observations presented that in both NP types the significant alterations were detected in genes of the model organism in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feyza Içoglu Aksakal
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Asli Yilmaz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Kubra Koc
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ataturk University, Erzurum, TURKEY
| | - Selçuk Özdemir
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Atatürk University, Yakutiye, Erzurum, Turkey
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16
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Folkerts EJ, Snihur KN, Zhang Y, Martin JW, Alessi DS, Goss GG. Embryonic cardio-respiratory impairments in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following exposure to hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 310:119886. [PMID: 35934150 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119886] [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: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
During hydraulic fracturing, wastewaters - termed flowback and produced water (FPW) - are created as a by-product during hydrocarbon extraction. Given the large volumes of FPW that a single well can produce, and the history of FPW release to surface water bodies, it is imperative to understand the hazards that hydraulic fracturing and FPW pose to aquatic biota. Using rainbow trout embryos as model organisms, we investigated impacts to cardio-respiratory system development and function following acute (48 h) and sub-chronic (28-day) FPW exposure by examining occurrences of developmental deformities, rates of embryonic respiration (MO2), and changes in expression of critical cardiac-specific genes. FPW-exposed embryos had significantly increased rates of pericardial edema, yolk-sac edema, and tail/trunk curvatures at hatch. Furthermore, when exposed at three days post-fertilization (dpf), acute 5% FPW exposures significantly increased embryonic MO2 through development until 15 dpf, where a switch to significantly reduced MO2 rates was subsequently recorded. A similar trend was observed during sub-chronic 1% FPW exposures. Interestingly, at certain specific developmental timepoints, previous salinity exposure seemed to affect embryonic MO2; a result not previously observed. Following acute FPW exposures, embryonic genes for cardiac development and function were significantly altered, although at termination of sub-chronic exposures, significant changes to these same genes were not found. Together, our evidence of induced developmental deformities, modified embryonic MO2, and altered cardiac transcript expression suggest that cardio-respiratory tissues are toxicologically targeted following FPW exposure in developing rainbow trout. These results may be helpful to regulatory bodies when developing hazard identification and risk management protocols concerning hydraulic fracturing activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Folkerts
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Katherine N Snihur
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2G3, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2G3, Alberta, Canada; Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada; NRC- University of Alberta Nanotechnology Initiative, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2M9, Canada
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17
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Nkoom M, Lu G, Liu J. Chronic toxicity of diclofenac, carbamazepine and their mixture to Daphnia magna: a comparative two-generational study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:58963-58979. [PMID: 35378650 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19463-w] [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: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The chronic toxicity of diclofenac (DCF) and carbamazepine (CBZ) as separate substances and in conjunction with their mixture on Daphnia magna was assessed in the parental (F0) and first filial (F1) generations. The second (F1-B2) and fifth (F1-B5) broods of F1 offspring were investigated and compared. Both drugs and their mixture were exposed to each generation of Daphnia magna for 21 days with life history, behavioural and gene expressions as measured endpoints. After the parental exposure, offspring from these two broods were transferred to a clean medium for a 21-day recovery. Exposure to diclofenac, carbamazepine and their mixture significantly inhibited growth, reproduction, swimming activities, heart rate, thoracic limb activities, reproductive and antioxidant-related genes in the parental as well as the first filial generations. These effects were relatively greater in the F1 generation. This indicates that Daphnia magna's sensitivity improved while its fitness declined over the two generations, which is an indicator of greater energy requirements for maintenance. Besides, the significant inhibition in the antioxidant-related genes implies that oxidative stress occurred in Daphnia magna under the exposure to these drugs. The significant reduction in the reproductive output, moulting frequency and cyp314 gene expression as a result of exposure to CBZ simultaneously obtained herein may indicate that this drug could act as an endocrine disruptor. Most of these significant effects were not recoverable after the 21-day recovery period. The findings reported herein highlight the necessity to include maternal effects in environmental risk assessment processes, considering that pollutant effects are underestimated during single-generational exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Nkoom
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources, Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, People's Republic of China
- Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Guanghua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources, Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianchao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources, Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, People's Republic of China
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18
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MALDI mass spectrometry imaging workflow for the aquatic model organisms Danio rerio and Daphnia magna. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7288. [PMID: 35508492 PMCID: PMC9068711 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09659-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipids play various essential roles in the physiology of animals. They are also highly dependent on cellular metabolism or status. It is therefore crucial to understand to which extent animals can stabilize their lipid composition in the presence of external stressors, such as chemicals that are released into the environment. We developed a MALDI MS imaging workflow for two important aquatic model organisms, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) and water flea (Daphnia magna). Owing to the heterogeneous structure of these organisms, developing a suitable sample preparation workflow is a highly non-trivial but crucial part of this work and needs to be established first. Relevant parameters and practical considerations in order to preserve tissue structure and composition in tissue sections are discussed for each application. All measurements were based on high mass accuracy enabling reliable identification of imaged compounds. In zebrafish we demonstrate that a detailed mapping between histology and simultaneously determined lipid composition is possible at various scales, from extended structures such as the brain or gills down to subcellular structures such as a single axon in the central nervous system. For D. magna we present for the first time a MALDI MSI workflow, that demonstrably maintains tissue integrity during cryosectioning of non-preserved samples, and allows the mapping of lipids in the entire body and the brood chamber inside the carapace. In conclusion, the lipid signatures that we were able to detect with our method provide an ideal basis to analyze changes caused by pollutants in two key aquatic model organisms.
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19
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Golding LA, Kumar A, Adams MS, Binet MT, Gregg A, King J, McKnight KS, Nidumolu B, Spadaro DA, Kirby JK. The influence of salinity on the chronic toxicity of shale gas flowback wastewater to freshwater organisms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 428:128219. [PMID: 35114525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128219] [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: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The potential environmental risk associated with flowback waters generated during hydraulic fracturing of target shale gas formations needs to be assessed to enable management decisions and actions that prevent adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Using direct toxicity assessment (DTA), we determined that the shale gas flowback wastewater (FWW) from two exploration wells (Tanumbirini-1 and Kyalla 117 N2) in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, Northern Territory, Australia were chronically toxic to eight freshwater biota. Salinity in the respective FWWs contributed 16% and 55% of the chronic toxicity at the 50% effect level. The remaining toxicity was attributed to unidentified chemicals and interactive effects from the mixture of identified organics, inorganics and radionuclides. The most sensitive chronic endpoints were the snail (Physa acuta) embryo development (0.08-1.1% EC10), microalga (Chlorella sp. 12) growth rate inhibition (0.23-3.7% EC10) and water flea (Ceriodaphnia cf. dubia) reproduction (0.38-4.9% EC10). No effect and 10% effect concentrations from the DTA were used in a species sensitivity distribution to derive "safe" dilutions of 1 in 300 and 1 in 1140 for the two FWWs. These dilutions would provide site-specific long-term protection to 95% of aquatic biota in the unlikely event of an accidental spill or seepage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Golding
- CSIRO, Land and Water, Tharawal Country, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Anupama Kumar
- CSIRO, Land and Water, Kaurna Country, Waite Road, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia
| | - Merrin S Adams
- CSIRO, Land and Water, Tharawal Country, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Monique T Binet
- CSIRO, Land and Water, Tharawal Country, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adrienne Gregg
- CSIRO, Land and Water, Kaurna Country, Waite Road, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia
| | - Josh King
- CSIRO, Land and Water, Tharawal Country, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kitty S McKnight
- CSIRO, Land and Water, Tharawal Country, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bhanu Nidumolu
- CSIRO, Land and Water, Kaurna Country, Waite Road, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia
| | - David A Spadaro
- CSIRO, Land and Water, Tharawal Country, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason K Kirby
- CSIRO, Land and Water, Kaurna Country, Waite Road, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia
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20
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Zhong C, Nesbø CL, von Gunten K, Zhang Y, Shao X, Jin R, Konhauser KO, Goss GG, Martin JW, He Y, Qian PY, Lanoil BD, Alessi DS. Complex impacts of hydraulic fracturing return fluids on soil microbial community respiration, structure, and functional potentials. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:4108-4123. [PMID: 35416402 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The consequences of soils exposed to hydraulic fracturing (HF) return fluid, often collectively termed flowback and produced water (FPW), are poorly understood, even though soils are a common receptor of FPW spills. Here, we investigate the impacts on soil microbiota exposed to FPW collected from the Montney Formation of western Canada. We measured soil respiration, microbial community structure, and functional potentials under FPW exposure across a range of concentrations, exposure time, and soil types (luvisol and chernozem). We find that soil type governs microbial community response upon FPW exposure. Within each soil, FPW exposure led to reduced biotic soil respiration, and shifted microbial community structure and functional potentials. We detect substantially higher species richness and more unique functional genes in FPW-exposed soils than in FPW-unexposed soils, with metagenome-assembled genomes (e.g., Marinobacter persicus) from luvisol soil exposed to concentrated FPW being most similar to genomes from HF/FPW sites. Our data demonstrate the complex impacts of microbial communities following FPW exposure, and highlight the site-specific effects in evaluation of spills and agricultural reuse of FPW on the normal soil functions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhong
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada.,Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Camilla L Nesbø
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Konstantin von Gunten
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Xiaoqing Shao
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Rong Jin
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Kurt O Konhauser
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Yuhe He
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pei-Yuan Qian
- Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Brian D Lanoil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada
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21
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Hu L, Jiang W, Xu X, Wang H, Carroll KC, Xu P, Zhang Y. Toxicological characterization of produced water from the Permian Basin. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 815:152943. [PMID: 35007582 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.152943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Produced water (PW) is a hypersaline waste stream generated from the shale oil and gas industry, consisting of numerous anthropogenic and geogenic compounds. Despite prior geochemical characterization, the comprehensive toxicity assessment is lacking for evaluating treatment technologies and the beneficial use of PW. In this study, a suite of in vitro toxicity assays using various aquatic organisms (luminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri, fish gill cell line RTgill-W1, and microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus) were developed to investigate the toxicological characterizations of PW from the Permian Basin. The exposure to PW, PW inorganic fraction (PW-IF), and PW salt control (PW-SC) at 30-50% dilutions caused significant toxicological effects in all model species, revealing the high salinity was the foremost toxicological driver in PW. In addition, the toxicity level of PW was usually higher than that of PW-IF, suggesting that organic contaminants might also play a critical role in PW toxicity. When comparing the observed toxicity with associated chemical characterizations in different PW samples, strong correlations were found between them since higher concentrations of contaminants could generally result in higher toxicity towards exposed organisms. Furthermore, the toxicity results from the pretreated PW indicated that those in vitro toxicity assays had different sensitives to the chemical components present in PW. As expected, the combination of multiple pretreatments could lead to a more significant decrease in toxicity compared to the single pretreatment since the mixture of contaminants in PW might exhibit synergistic toxicity. Overall, the current work is expected to enhance our understanding of the potential toxicological impacts of PW to aquatic ecosystems and the relationships between the chemical profiles and observed toxicity in PW, which might be conducive to the establishment of monitoring, remediation, treatment, and reuse protocols for PW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Hu
- Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Wenbin Jiang
- Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Xuesong Xu
- Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Huiyao Wang
- Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Kenneth C Carroll
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Pei Xu
- Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.
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22
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Boyd A, Myers SP, Luu I, Snihur K, Alessi DS, Freitag K, Blewett TA. A common well pad does not imply common toxicity: Assessing the acute and chronic toxicity of flowback and produced waters from four Montney Formation wells on the same well pad to the freshwater invertebrate Daphnia magna. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 807:150986. [PMID: 34662612 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150986] [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: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Large stores of previously inaccessible hydrocarbons have become available due to the development of hydraulic fracturing technologies. During the hydraulic fracturing process, a mixture of water and proprietary additives is injected into geologic formations to release trapped hydrocarbons. After fracturing, injected water and fluid from the target formation return to the surface as flowback and produced water (FPW), a potentially toxic byproduct of hydraulic fracturing activities. FPW is a complex mixture that contains chemical additives present in the initial injection fluid as well as salts, metals, and a variety of organic compounds. As a result, FPW composition can be highly variable across wells from different geological formations, methods of fracturing and well development, and well age. The present study sought to determine if FPW sourced from four wells (O, P, U, V) located on the same well pad within the Montney Formation have similar levels of acute and chronic toxicity to the freshwater invertebrate, Daphnia magna. Minimal differences in the estimated 48 h LC50 concentrations were observed among the studied wells. Long-term, 21 d exposures to ≤2% FPW revealed differences in the level of lethality between wells, including complete mortality in daphnids exposed to 2% well O by day 9. No sublethal effects were observed as a result of exposure to FPW from wells P, U or V; however, a large impairment of reproductive traits and molting behaviour were detected after exposure to 0.75% well O FPW. These results indicate that FPW sourced from wells on the same well pad cannot be considered the same in terms of chemical composition or toxicity, an important distinction to make for risk assessment practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Boyd
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sunil P Myers
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ivy Luu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Katherine Snihur
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kelsey Freitag
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tamzin A Blewett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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23
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Viana TS, Rialto TCR, Brito JFD, Micas AFD, Abe FR, Savazzi EA, Boldrin Zanoni MVB, de Oliveira DP. Effects of water produced by oil segment on aquatic organisms after treatment using advanced oxidative processes. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2021; 84:901-913. [PMID: 34259612 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2021.1951910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The water produced (PW) by the petroleum industry is a potential contaminant to aquatic biota, due to its complex mixture that may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organic chemical compounds, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX), metals and other components that are known to be toxic. The aim of this investigation was to examine the acute toxicity produced by a PW sample in aquatic organisms Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia similis prior to and after 4 treatments using advanced oxidative processes such as photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, ozonation and photoelectrocatalytic ozonation. Data demonstrated that exposure to PW was toxic to both organisms, as evidenced by reduced luminescence in bacterium Vibrio fischeri and induced immobility in Daphnia similis. After treatment of PW with 4 different techniques, the PW remained toxic for both tested organisms. However, photoelectrocatalysis was more efficient in decreasing toxicity attributed to PW sample. Therefore, data demonstrate the importance of treating PW for later disposal in the environment in order to mitigate ecotoxicological impacts. Further photoelectrocatalysis appeared to be a promising tool for treating PW samples prior to disposal and exposure of aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Viana
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Science, University of São Paulo (USP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - T C R Rialto
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Science, University of São Paulo (USP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - J F D Brito
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Chemistry Institute, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - A F D Micas
- Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB), Divisão de Laboratório de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - F R Abe
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Science, University of São Paulo (USP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - E A Savazzi
- Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB), Divisão de Laboratório de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - M V B Boldrin Zanoni
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Chemistry Institute, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactivies (INCT-DATREM), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - D P de Oliveira
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Science, University of São Paulo (USP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactivies (INCT-DATREM), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
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24
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Lu Y, Zhang Y, Zhong C, Martin JW, Alessi DS, Goss GG, Ren Y, He Y. Suspended solids-associated toxicity of hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water on early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 287:117614. [PMID: 34171731 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (HF-FPW), which contains polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and numerous other potential contaminants, is a complex wastewater produced during the recovery of tight hydrocarbon resources. Previous studies on HF-FPW have demonstrated various toxicological responses of aquatic organisms as consequences of combined exposure to high salinity, dissolved organic compounds and particle/suspended solids-bound pollutants. Noteworthy is the lack of studies illustrating the potentially toxic effects of the FPW suspended solids (FPW-SS). In this study, we investigated the acute and sublethal toxicity of suspended solids filtered from six authentic FPW sample collected from two fracturing wells, using a sediment contact assay based on early-life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio). PAHs profiles and acute toxicity tests provided initial information on the toxic potency of the six samples. Upon exposure to sediment mixture at two selected doses (1.6 and 3.1 mg/mL), results showed adverse effects in larval zebrafish, as revealed by increased Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity. Transcriptional alterations were also observed in xenobiotic biotransformation (ahr, pxr, cyp1a, cyp1b1, cyp1c1, cyp1c2, cyp3a65, udpgt1a1, udpgt5g1), antioxidant response (sod1, sod2, gpx1a, gpx1b) and hormone receptor signaling (esr1, esr2a, cyp19a1a, vtg1) genes. The results demonstrated that even separated from the complex aqueous FPW mixture, FPW-SS can induce toxicological responses in aquatic organisms' early life stages. Since FPW-SS could sediment to the bottom of natural wetland acting as a continuous source of contaminants, the current findings imply the likelihood of long-term environmental risks of polluted sediments on aquatic ecosystems due to FPW spills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichun Lu
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Cheng Zhong
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G3, Canada; Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 10691, Sweden
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Yuan Ren
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuhe He
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada; Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Hong Kong, China.
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25
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Zhou H, Chen C, Zhou S, Bu K, Li P, Lin X, Jiang L, Zhang C. Performance and microbial community analysis of a bio-contact oxidation reactor during the treatment of low-COD and high-salinity oilfield produced water. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 335:125267. [PMID: 33992912 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The multistage bio-contact oxidation reactor (BCOR) is a widely used biological strategy to treat wastewater, however, little is known about the performance and microbial community information of BCOR during the treatment of low-COD and high-salinity oilfield produced water. In this study, the performance of a multistage BCOR in treating produced water was investigated. The result suggested the BCOR could efficiently remove COD, BOD5, NH4+-N, and oil pollutants. Besides, high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that oil content was the main variable in shaping the community structure. The highest total relative abundance of potential pollutants degraders in first BCOR stage suggested significant role of this stage in pollutants removal. In addition, the correlation analysis disclosed the key functional genera during the degradation process, including Rhodobacter, Citreibacter, and Roseovarius. Moreover, network analysis revealed that the microbial taxa within same module had strong ecological linkages and specific functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanghai Zhou
- Institute of Marine Biology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunlei Chen
- Institute of Marine Biology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shaoxiong Zhou
- Xinjiang Keli New Technology Development Co., Ltd., Karamay 834000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Kuiyong Bu
- Xinjiang Keli New Technology Development Co., Ltd., Karamay 834000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Pingyuan Li
- Xinjiang Keli New Technology Development Co., Ltd., Karamay 834000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiaoyun Lin
- Institute of Marine Biology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijia Jiang
- Institute of Marine Biology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunfang Zhang
- Institute of Marine Biology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, Zhejiang, China.
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26
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Worrall F, Davies RJ, Hart A. Dynamic baselines for the detection of water quality impacts - the case of shale gas development. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:1116-1129. [PMID: 34190221 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00440e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There is a need for the development of effective baselines against which the water quality impacts of new developments can be assessed. The specific conductance of flowback water from shale gas operations is typically many times the specific conductance of surface water and near-surface groundwater. This contrast in specific conductance means that specific conductance could be the ideal determinand for detecting water quality impacts from shale gas extraction. If specific conductance is to be used for detecting the impacts of shale gas operations, then a baseline of specific conductance in water bodies is required. Here, Bayesian hierarchical modelling of specific conductance was applied across English groundwater. The modelling used existing, spot-sampled data from the years 2000 to 2018 from 537 unique borehole locations. When the differences between boreholes was considered, then the approach was sufficiently sensitive to detect 1% mixing of fracking fluid in groundwater at a 95% confidence interval. The Bayesian hierarchical modelling maximises the return on public investment and provides a means by which future observations can be judged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Worrall
- Department of Earth Sciences, Science Labs, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
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27
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Mehler WT, Snihur KN, Zhang Y, Li H, Alessi DS, Goss GG. A complex bioaccumulation story in flowback and produced water from hydraulic fracturing: The role of organic compounds in inorganic accumulation in Lumbriculus variegatus. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 414:125525. [PMID: 33677315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing creates large volumes of flowback and produced water (FPW). The waste is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic constituents. Although the acute toxicity of FPW to freshwater organisms has been studied, few have attempted to discern the interaction between organic and inorganic constituents within this matrix and its role in toxicity. In the present study, bioaccumulation assays (7-d uptake and 7-d elimination period) with FPW (1% dilution) were conducted with the freshwater oligochaete, Lumbriculus variegatus, to evaluate the toxicokinetics of inorganic elements. To evaluate the interacting role of organics, bioaccumulation of elements in unmodified FPW was compared to activated carbon treated FPW (AC-modified). Differences in uptake and elimination rates as well as elimination steady state concentrations between unmodified and AC-modified treatments indicated that the organics play an important role in the uptake and depuration of inorganic elements in FPW. These differences in toxicokinetics between treatments aligned with observed growth rates in the worms which were higher in the AC-modified treatment. Whether growth differences resulted from increased accumulation and changes in toxicokinetic rates of inorganics or caused by direct toxicity from the organic fraction of FPW itself is still unknown and requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Tyler Mehler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Katherine N Snihur
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E3, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2G3, Alberta, Canada
| | - Huizhen Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China.
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E3, Alberta, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E9, Alberta, Canada; National Research Council of Canada Nanotechnology Initiative, Edmonton T6G 2M9, Alberta, Canada
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28
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Zhong C, Zolfaghari A, Hou D, Goss GG, Lanoil BD, Gehman J, Tsang DCW, He Y, Alessi DS. Comparison of the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle in China and North America: A Critical Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:7167-7185. [PMID: 33970611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable debate about the sustainability of the hydraulic fracturing (HF) water cycle in North America. Recently, this debate has expanded to China, where HF activities continue to grow. Here, we provide a critical review of the HF water cycle in China, including water withdrawal practices and flowback and produced water (FPW) management and their environmental impacts, with a comprehensive comparison to the U.S. and Canada (North America). Water stress in arid regions, as well as water management challenges, FPW contamination of aquatic and soil systems, and induced seismicity are all impacts of the HF water cycle in China, the U.S., and Canada. In light of experience gained in North America, standardized practices for analyzing and reporting FPW chemistry and microbiology in China are needed to inform its efficient and safe treatment, discharge and reuse, and identification of potential contaminants. Additionally, conducting ecotoxicological studies is an essential next step to fully reveal the impacts of accidental FPW releases into aquatic and soil ecosystems in China. From a policy perspective, the development of China's unconventional resources lags behind North America's in terms of overall regulation, especially with regard to water withdrawal, FPW management, and routine monitoring. Our study suggests that common environmental risks exist within the world's two largest HF regions, and practices used in North America may help prevent or mitigate adverse effects in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhong
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ashkan Zolfaghari
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brian D Lanoil
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joel Gehman
- Department of Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Management, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuhe He
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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29
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Shao B, Tan X, Li JL, He M, Tian L, Chen WJ, Lin Y. Enhanced treatment of shale gas fracturing waste fluid through plant-microbial synergism. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:29919-29930. [PMID: 33576958 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12830-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cost-efficient and environmentally friendly treatment of hydraulic fracturing effluents is of great significance for the sustainable development of shale gas exploration. We investigated the synergistic effects of plant-microbial treatment of shale gas fracturing waste fluid. The results showed that illumination wavelength and temperature are direct drivers for microbial treatment effects of CODCr and BOD5, while exhibit little effects on nitrogen compounds, TDS, EC, and SS removals as well as microbial species and composition. Plant-microbial synergism could significantly enhance the removal of pollutants compared with removal efficiency without plant enhancement. Additionally, the relative abundance and structure of microorganisms in the hydraulic fracturing effluents greatly varied with the illumination wavelength and temperature under plant-microbial synergism. 201.24 g water dropwort and 435 mg/L activated sludge with illumination of 450-495 nm (blue) at 25 °C was proved as the best treatment condition for shale gas fracturing waste fluid samples, which showed the highest removal efficiency of pollutants and the lowest algal toxicity in treated hydraulic fracturing effluents. The microbial community composition (36.73% Flavobacteriia, 25.01% Gammaproteobacteria, 18.55% Bacteroidia, 9.3% Alphaproteobacteria, 4.1% Cytophagia, and 2.83% Clostridia) was also significantly different from other treatments. The results provide a potential technical solution for improved treatment of shale gas hydraulic fracturing effluents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shao
- School of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, China
| | - Xu Tan
- School of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, China
| | - Ju-Long Li
- School of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, China
| | - Mei He
- School of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, China.
- Key Laboratory of Exploration Technologies for Oil and Gas Resources, Ministry of Education, Yangtze University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Lei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Exploration Technologies for Oil and Gas Resources, Ministry of Education, Yangtze University, Wuhan, China
- School of Petroleum Engineering, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, China
| | - Wen-Jie Chen
- School of Resources and Environment, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway.
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30
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Chen S, Li X, Li H, Yuan S, Li J, Liu C. Greater toxic potency of bisphenol AF than bisphenol A in growth, reproduction, and transcription of genes in Daphnia magna. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:25218-25227. [PMID: 33452643 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-12153-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Limited studies were performed to evaluate the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol AF (BPAF) in low-trophic-level animals, such as Daphnia magna (D. magna). In this study, a 21-day standard reproductive toxicity test was carried out to assess the effects of the 2 bisphenols on development, reproduction, and transcription of genes in D. magna. The results demonstrated that only exposure to 5000 nM BPA significantly decreased the survival rate, while significant alternations were observed after exposure to 50, 500, or 5000 nM BPAF. Both the molting numbers of per female and body length of F0 generation were decreased after exposure to 500 nM BPAF, while no obvious effects were observed after treatment with lower concentrations of BPAF and BPA. Increased fecundity but decreased body length and swimming speed of F1 generation were observed after exposure to 5000 nM BPA or 500 nM BPAF. In addition, the results of the qRT-PCR showed the expressions of cyp314, ecra, ecrb, usp, vtg1, and vtg2 were significantly inhibited after exposure to 5000 nM BPA, while the expressions of cyp18a1 and vmo1 were obviously upregulated after exposure to 500 nM BPAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Chen
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Han Li
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Siliang Yuan
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jun Li
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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Aghababaei M, Luek JL, Ziemkiewicz PF, Mouser PJ. Toxicity of hydraulic fracturing wastewater from black shale natural-gas wells influenced by well maturity and chemical additives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:621-632. [PMID: 33908986 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00023c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing of deep shale formations generates large volumes of wastewater that must be managed through treatment, reuse, or disposal. Produced wastewater liberates formation-derived radionuclides and contains previously uncharacterized organohalides thought to be generated within the shale well, both posing unknown toxicity to human and ecological health. Here, we assess the toxicity of 42 input media and produced fluid samples collected from four wells in the Utica formation and Marcellus Shale using two distinct endpoint screening assays. Broad spectrum acute toxicity was assessed using a bioluminescence inhibition assay employing the halotolerant bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri, while predictive mammalian cytotoxicity was evaluated using a N-acetylcysteine (NAC) thiol reactivity assay. The acute toxicity and thiol reactivity of early-stage flowback was higher than later produced fluids, with levels diminishing through time as the natural gas wells matured. Acute toxicity of early stage flowback and drilling muds were on par with the positive control, 3,5-dichlorophenol (6.8 mg L-1). Differences in both acute toxicity and thiol reactivity between paired natural gas well samples were associated with specific chemical additives. Samples from wells containing a larger diversity and concentration of organic additives resulted in higher acute toxicity, while samples from a well applying a higher composition of ammonium persulfate, a strong oxidizer, showed greater thiol reactivity, predictive of higher mammalian toxicity. Both acute toxicity and thiol reactivity are consistently detected in produced waters, in some cases present up to nine months after hydraulic fracturing. These results support that specific chemical additives, the reactions generated by the additives, or the constituents liberated from the formation by the additives contribute to the toxicity of hydraulic fracturing produced waters and reinforces the need for careful consideration of early produced fluid management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Aghababaei
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, USA.
| | - Jenna L Luek
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, USA.
| | - Paul F Ziemkiewicz
- West Virginia Water Research Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Paula J Mouser
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New Hampshire, USA.
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Weinrauch AM, Folkerts EJ, Alessi DS, Goss GG, Blewett TA. Changes to hepatic nutrient dynamics and energetics in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following exposure to and recovery from hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 764:142893. [PMID: 33127144 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (FPW) is a highly complex and heterogenous wastewater by-product of hydraulic fracturing practices. To date, no research has examined how FPW exposure to freshwater biota may affect energetic homeostasis following subsequent induction of detoxification processes. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were acutely exposed for 48 h to either 2.5% or 7.5% FPW, and hepatic metabolism was assessed either immediately or following a 3-week recovery period. Induction of xenobiotic metabolism was observed with an 8.8-fold increase in ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity after 48 h exposure to 7.5% FPW, alongside a 10.3-fold increase in the mRNA abundance of cyp1a, both of which returned to basal level after three weeks. Glucose uptake capacity was elevated by 6.8- and 12.9-fold following 2.5% and 7.5% FPW exposure, respectively, while alanine uptake was variable. Activity measurements and mRNA abundance of key enzymes involved in hepatic metabolism indicated that aerobic metabolism was maintained with exposure, as was glycolysis. Gluconeogenesis, as measured by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activity, decreased by ~30% 48 h following 2.5% FPW exposure and ~20% 3 weeks after 7.5% FPW exposure. The abundance of pepck mRNA activity followed similar, yet non-significant, trends. Finally, a delayed increase in amino acid catabolism was observed, as glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity was increased 2-fold in 7.5% FPW exposed fish when compared to saline control fish at the 3-week time point. We provide evidence to suggest that although hepatic metabolism is altered following acute FPW exposure, metabolic homeostasis generally returns 3-weeks post-exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M Weinrauch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Erik J Folkerts
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; NRC-University of Alberta Nanotechnology Initiative, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada
| | - Tamzin A Blewett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
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Blewett TA, Boyd A, Folkerts EJ, Snihur KN, Alessi DS, Goss G. Effect of temperature on phenanthrene accumulation from hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 272:116411. [PMID: 33486299 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116411] [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: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing has become widely used in recent years to access vast global unconventional sources of oil and gas. This process involves the injection of proprietary mixtures of water and chemicals to fracture shale formations and extract the hydrocarbons trapped within. These injection fluids, along with minerals, hydrocarbons, and saline waters present within the formations being drilled into, return to the surface as flowback and produced water (FPW). FPW is a highly complex mixture, containing metals, salts and clay, as well as many organic chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as phenanthrene. The present study sought to determine the effects of temperature on the accumulation of phenanthrene in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). This model organism resides in rivers overlapping the Montney and Duvernay formations, both highly developed formations for hydraulic fracturing. Rainbow trout acclimated to temperatures of 4, 13 and 17 °C were exposed to either 5% or 20% FPW, as well as saline mixtures representing the exact ionic content of FPW to determine the accumulation of radiolabelled 14C phenanthrene within the gill, gut, liver and gallbladder. FPW exposure reduced the overall accumulation of phenanthrene in a manner most often similar to high salinity exposure, indicating that the high ionic strength of FPW is the primary factor affecting accumulation. Accumulation was different at the temperature extremes (4 and 17 °C), although no consistent relationship was observed between temperature and accumulation across the observed tissues. These results indicate that several physiological responses occur as a result of FPW exposure and water temperature change which dictate phenanthrene uptake, particularly in the gills. Temperature (and seasonality) alone cannot be used to model the potential accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons after FPW spills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamzin A Blewett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Aaron Boyd
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Erik J Folkerts
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Katherine N Snihur
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Greg Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; NRC-University of Alberta Nanotechnology Initiative, Nanotechnology Research Centre, Edmonton, Canada
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He Y, Patterson-Fortin L, Boutros J, Smith R, Goss GG. Removal of biological effects of organic pollutants in municipal wastewater by a novel advanced oxidation system. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 280:111855. [PMID: 33352381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Advanced Oxidation System (AOS) is a novel electrochemical advanced oxidation process that effectively removes bacterial and organic contaminants from wastewater. However, potential formation of secondary oxidative species may pose additional hazards to aquatic organisms living in the receiving water affected by the post-treatment effluent. The effect of exposure to AOS treated water, especially the potential long-term effects on aquatic organisms, requires further investigation to demonstrate both efficacy and safety of this process. To examine the potential adverse effects of AOS treated water, three aquatic species, including daphnia, zebrafish, and rainbow trout, were exposed to treated and untreated municipal wastewater effluent (MWE) spiked with one of two model organic contaminants, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and 17β-estradiol (E2). The results indicated AOS treatment significantly reduced the adverse effects caused by exposure to MWE and model organic contaminants to baseline levels in daphnia (reduced fecundity), zebrafish embryo (elevated EROD activity), and rainbow trout (elevated plasma vitellogenin). The Ames test was also conducted to confirm the removal efficacy of carcinogenicity of BaP spiked in MWE. Overall, this study demonstrated that AOS treatment is a promising and environmentally friendly technology for wastewater treatment, remediation, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe He
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | | | | | | | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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35
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Folkerts EJ, Goss GG, Blewett TA. Investigating the Potential Toxicity of Hydraulic Fracturing Flowback and Produced Water Spills to Aquatic Animals in Freshwater Environments: A North American Perspective. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 254:1-56. [PMID: 32318824 DOI: 10.1007/398_2020_43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional methods of oil and natural gas extraction have been a growing part of North America's energy sector for the past 20-30 years. Technologies such as horizontal hydraulic fracturing have facilitated the exploitation of geologic reserves that were previously resistant to standard drilling approaches. However, the environmental risks associated with hydraulic fracturing are relatively understudied. One such hazard is the wastewater by-product of hydraulic fracturing processes: flowback and produced water (FPW). During FPW production, transport, and storage, there are many potential pathways for environmental exposure. In the current review, toxicological hazards associated with FPW surface water contamination events and potential effects on freshwater biota are assessed. This review contains an extensive survey of chemicals commonly associated with FPW samples from shale formations across North America and median 50% lethal concentration values (LC50) of corresponding chemicals for many freshwater organisms. We identify the characteristics of FPW which may have the greatest potential to be drivers of toxicity to freshwater organisms. Notably, components associated with salinity, the organic fraction, and metal species are reviewed. Additionally, we examine the current state of FPW production in North America and identify the most significant obstacles impeding proper risk assessment development when environmental contamination events of this wastewater occur. Findings within this study will serve to catalyze further work on areas currently lacking in FPW research, including expanded whole effluent testing, repeated and chronic FPW exposure studies, and toxicity identification evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Folkerts
- University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Greg G Goss
- University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tamzin A Blewett
- University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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36
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Boyd A, Stewart CB, Philibert DA, How ZT, El-Din MG, Tierney KB, Blewett TA. A burning issue: The effect of organic ultraviolet filter exposure on the behaviour and physiology of Daphnia magna. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:141707. [PMID: 33182172 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) filters are compounds utilized in many manufacturing processes and personal care products such as sunscreen to protect against UV-radiation. These highly lipophilic compounds are emerging contaminants of concern in aquatic environments due to their previously observed potential to bioaccumulate and exert toxic effects in marine ecosystems. Currently, research into the toxic effects of UV filter contamination of freshwater ecosystems is lacking, thus the present study sought to model the effects of acute and chronic developmental exposures to UV filters avobenzone, oxybenzone and octocrylene as well as a mixture of these substances in the freshwater invertebrate, Daphnia magna, at environmentally realistic concentrations. Median 48-hour effect and lethal concentrations were determined to be in the low mg/L range, with the exception of octocrylene causing 50% immobilization near environmental concentrations. 48-hour acute developmental exposures proved to behaviourally impair daphnid phototactic response; however, recovery was observed following a 19-day post-exposure period. Although no physiological disruptions were detected in acutely exposed daphnids, delayed mortality was observed up to seven days post-exposure at 200 μg/L of avobenzone and octocrylene. 21-day chronic exposure to 7.5 μg/L octocrylene yielded complete mortality within 7 days, while sublethal chronic exposure to avobenzone increased Daphnia reproductive output and decreased metabolic rate. 2 μg/L oxybenzone induced a 25% increase in metabolic rate of adult daphnids, and otherwise caused no toxic effects at this dose. These data indicate that UV filters can exert toxic effects in freshwater invertebrates, therefore further study is required. It is clear that the most well-studied UV filter, oxybenzone, may not be the most toxic to Daphnia, as both avobenzone and octocrylene induced behavioural and physiological disruption at environmentally realistic concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Boyd
- University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences, Edmonton T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Connor B Stewart
- University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences, Edmonton T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Danielle A Philibert
- University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences, Edmonton T6G 2E9, Canada; Huntsman Marine Science Centre, St. Andrews E5B 2L7, Canada
| | - Zuo Tong How
- University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H, Canada
| | - Mohamed Gamal El-Din
- University of Alberta, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H, Canada
| | - Keith B Tierney
- University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences, Edmonton T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Tamzin A Blewett
- University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences, Edmonton T6G 2E9, Canada
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37
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Kassotis CD, Harkness JS, Vo PH, Vu DC, Hoffman K, Cinnamon KM, Cornelius-Green JN, Vengosh A, Lin CH, Tillitt DE, Kruse RL, McElroy JA, Nagel SC. Endocrine disrupting activities and geochemistry of water resources associated with unconventional oil and gas activity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 748:142236. [PMID: 33039138 PMCID: PMC7772064 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The rise of hydraulic fracturing and unconventional oil and gas (UOG) exploration in the United States has increased public concerns for water contamination induced from hydraulic fracturing fluids and associated wastewater spills. Herein, we collected surface and groundwater samples across Garfield County, Colorado, a drilling-dense region, and measured endocrine bioactivities, geochemical tracers of UOG wastewater, UOG-related organic contaminants in surface water, and evaluated UOG drilling production (weighted well scores, nearby well count, reported spills) surrounding sites. Elevated antagonist activities for the estrogen, androgen, progesterone, and glucocorticoid receptors were detected in surface water and associated with nearby shale gas well counts and density. The elevated endocrine activities were observed in surface water associated with medium and high UOG production (weighted UOG well score-based groups). These bioactivities were generally not associated with reported spills nearby, and often did not exhibit geochemical profiles associated with UOG wastewater from this region. Our results suggest the potential for releases of low-saline hydraulic fracturing fluids or chemicals used in other aspects of UOG production, similar to the chemistry of the local water, and dissimilar from defined spills of post-injection wastewater. Notably, water collected from certain medium and high UOG production sites exhibited bioactivities well above the levels known to impact the health of aquatic organisms, suggesting that further research to assess potential endocrine activities of UOG operations is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer S Harkness
- U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, 6000 J Street, Placer Hall, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA
| | - Phuc H Vo
- Center for Agroforestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Danh C Vu
- Center for Agroforestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Faculty of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Katelyn M Cinnamon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jennifer N Cornelius-Green
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Chung-Ho Lin
- Center for Agroforestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Donald E Tillitt
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Robin L Kruse
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jane A McElroy
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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38
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Review on the Evaluation of the Impacts of Wastewater Disposal in Hydraulic Fracturing Industry in the United States. TECHNOLOGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/technologies8040067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This paper scrutinized hydraulic fracturing applications mainly in the United States with regard to both groundwater and surface water contamination with the purpose of bringing forth objective analysis of research findings. Results from previous studies are often unconvincing due to the incomplete database of chemical additives; after and before well-founded water samples to define the change in parameters; and specific sources of water pollution in a particular region. Nonetheless, there is a superior chance of both surface and groundwater contamination induced by improper and less monitored wastewater disposal and management practices. This report has documented systematic evidence for total dissolved solids, salinity, and methane contamination regarding drinking water correlated with hydraulic fracturing. Methane concentrations were found on an average rate of 19.2 mg/L, which is 17 times higher than the acceptance rate and the maximum value was recorded as 64.2 mg/L near the active hydraulic fracturing drilling and extraction zones than that of the nonactive sites (1.1 mg/L). The concentration of total dissolved solids (350 g/L) was characterized as a voluminous amount of saline wastewater, which was quite unexpectedly high. The paper concludes with plausible solutions that should be implemented to avoid further contamination.
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Folkerts EJ, Heuer RM, Flynn S, Stieglitz JD, Benetti DD, Alessi DS, Goss GG, Grosell M. Exposure to Hydraulic Fracturing Flowback Water Impairs Mahi-Mahi ( Coryphaena hippurus) Cardiomyocyte Contractile Function and Swimming Performance. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:13579-13589. [PMID: 33138383 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Publicly available toxicological studies on wastewaters associated with unconventional oil and gas (UOG) activities in offshore regions are nonexistent. The current study investigated the impact of hydraulic fracturing-generated flowback water (HF-FW) on whole organism swimming performance/respiration and cardiomyocyte contractility dynamics in mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus-hereafter referred to as "mahi"), an organism which inhabits marine ecosystems where offshore hydraulic fracturing activity is intensifying. Following exposure to 2.75% HF-FW for 24 h, mahi displayed significantly reduced critical swimming speeds (Ucrit) and aerobic scopes (reductions of ∼40 and 61%, respectively) compared to control fish. Additionally, cardiomyocyte exposures to the same HF-FW sample at 2% dilutions reduced a multitude of mahi sarcomere contraction properties at various stimulation frequencies compared to all other treatment groups, including an approximate 40% decrease in sarcomere contraction size and a nearly 50% reduction in sarcomere relaxation velocity compared to controls. An approximate 8-fold change in expression of the cardiac contractile regulatory gene cmlc2 was also seen in ventricles from 2.75% HF-FW-exposed mahi. These results collectively identify cardiac function as a target for HF-FW toxicity and provide some of the first published data on UOG toxicity in a marine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Folkerts
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Rachael M Heuer
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149, United States
| | - Shannon Flynn
- School of Natural and Environmental Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - John D Stieglitz
- Department of Marine Ecosystems and Society, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149, United States
| | - Daniel D Benetti
- Department of Marine Ecosystems and Society, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149, United States
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
- National Research Council Nanotechnology Initiative, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2M9, Canada
| | - Martin Grosell
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149, United States
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40
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Aksakal FI. Evaluation of boscalid toxicity on Daphnia magna by using antioxidant enzyme activities, the expression of genes related to antioxidant and detoxification systems, and life-history parameters. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 237:108830. [PMID: 32535132 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Boscalid is a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor fungicide commonly used to control a range of plant pathogens. Although it is one of the most common fungicides in the aquatic environment, the potential adverse effects of boscalid on freshwater invertebrates still remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of boscalid on Daphnia magna (D. magna) and provide new information to assess the eco-toxicity of the boscalid on aquatic invertebrates. The effects of boscalid on malondialdehyde (MDA) level, activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the mRNA level of genes associated with antioxidant system (sod, cat, and gst) and detoxification (cytochrome P450 4 (cyp4) and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (nrf1)) were determined after 48 h treatment. The effect of boscalid on reproduction and development of D. magna was evaluated by a 21-d-chronic toxicity test. Boscalid dose-dependently altered activities of SOD, CAT, and GST and led to lipid peroxidation during acute exposure in D. magna. Exposure to 5 and 10 mg/L boscalid also significantly decreased gene expression of sod, gst, cyp4 and nrf1 but increased cat gene expression. Furthermore, chronic toxicity results showed that exposure to boscalid decreased molting frequency, number of neonates per Daphnia, and the number of broods per female as compared to the control groups. The above results indicated that boscalid had significant negative impacts on D. magna, and information present here helps to evaluate the eco-toxicity caused by boscalid on aquatic invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feyza Icoglu Aksakal
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Atatürk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey.
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41
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Piotrowski PK, Tasker TL, Geeza TJ, McDevitt B, Gillikin DP, Warner NR, Dorman FL. Forensic tracers of exposure to produced water in freshwater mussels: a preliminary assessment of Ba, Sr, and cyclic hydrocarbons. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15416. [PMID: 32963276 PMCID: PMC7508860 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72014-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing is often criticized due in part to the potential degradation of ground and surface water quality by high-salinity produced water generated during well stimulation and production. This preliminary study evaluated the response of the freshwater mussel, Elliptio complanata, after exposure to produced water. A limited number of adult mussels were grown over an 8-week period in tanks dosed with produced water collected from a hydraulically fractured well. The fatty tissue and carbonate shells were assessed for accumulation of both inorganic and organic pollutants. Ba, Sr, and cyclic hydrocarbons indicated the potential to accumulate in the soft tissue of freshwater mussels following exposure to diluted oil and gas produced water. Exposed mussels showed accumulation of Ba in the soft tissue several hundred times above background water concentrations and increased concentrations of Sr. Cyclic hydrocarbons were detected in dosed mussels and principle component analysis of gas chromatograph time-of-flight mass spectrometer results could be a novel tool to help identify areas where aquatic organisms are impacted by oil and gas produced water, but larger studies with greater replication are necessary to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina K Piotrowski
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Travis L Tasker
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.,Environmental Engineering, Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA, USA
| | - Thomas J Geeza
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.,EES-14, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA
| | - Bonnie McDevitt
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - David P Gillikin
- Department of Geology, Union College, 807 Union St, Schenectady, NY, 12308, USA
| | - Nathaniel R Warner
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Frank L Dorman
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 107 Althouse Lab, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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42
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Zhong C, Nesbø CL, Goss GG, Lanoil BD, Alessi DS. Response of aquatic microbial communities and bioindicator modelling of hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2020; 96:5819956. [PMID: 32286608 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiaa068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The response of microbial communities to releases of hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (PW) may influence ecosystem functions. However, knowledge of the effects of PW spills on freshwater microbiota is limited. Here, we conducted two separate experiments: 16S rRNA gene sequencing combined with random forests modelling was used to assess freshwater community changes in simulated PW spills by volume from 0.05% to 50%. In a separate experiment, live/dead cell viability in a freshwater community was tested during exposure to 10% PW by volume. Three distinct patterns of microbial community shifts were identified: (i) indigenous freshwater genera remained dominant in <2.5% PW, (ii) from 2.5% to 5% PW, potential PW organic degraders such as Pseudomonas, Rheinheimera and Brevundimonas became dominant, and (iii) no significant change in the relative abundance of taxa was observed in >5% PW. Microbial taxa including less abundant genera such as Cellvibrio were potential bioindicators for the degree of contamination with PW. Additionally, live cells were quickly damaged by adding 10% PW, but cell counts recovered in the following days. Our study shows that the responses of freshwater microbiota vary by spill size, and these responses show promise as effective fingerprints for PW spills in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhong
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Camilla L Nesbø
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Brian D Lanoil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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43
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Mehler WT, Nagel A, Flynn S, Zhang Y, Sun C, Martin J, Alessi D, Goss GG. Understanding the effects of hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (FPW) to the aquatic invertebrate, Lumbriculus variegatus under various exposure regimes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 259:113889. [PMID: 31927274 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing of horizontal wells is a cost effective means for extracting oil and gas from low permeability formations. Hydraulic fracturing often produces considerable volumes of flowback and produced water (FPW). FPW associated with hydraulic fracturing has been shown to be a complex, often brackish mixture containing a variety of anthropogenic and geogenic compounds. In the present study, the risk of FPW releases to aquatic systems was studied using the model benthic invertebrate, Lumbriculus variegatus and field-collected FPW from a fractured well in Alberta. Acute, chronic, and pulse toxicity were evaluated to better understand the implications of accidental FPW releases to aquatic environments. Although L.variegatus is thought to have a high tolerance to many stressors, acute toxicity was significant at low concentrations (i.e. high dilutions) of FPW (48 h LC50: 4-5%). Chronic toxicity (28 d)of FPW in this species was even more pronounced with LC50s (survival/reproduction) and EC50s (total mass) at dilutions as low as 0.22% FPW. Investigations evaluating pulse toxicity (6 h and 48 h exposure) showed a significant amount of latent mortality occurring when compared to the acute results. Additionally, causality in acute and chronic bioassays differed as acute toxicity appeared to be primarily driven by salinity, which was not the case for chronic toxicity, as other stressors appear to be important as well. The findings of this study show the importance of evaluating multiple exposure regimes, the complexity of FPW, and also shows the potential aquatic risk posed by FPW releases.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Tyler Mehler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Andrew Nagel
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shannon Flynn
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, T6G 2G3, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chenxing Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, T6G 2G3, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, T6G 2G3, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9, Alberta, Canada; National Institute for Nanotechnology, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2M9, Canada
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Liu J, Shen J, Lu G, Xu X, Yang H, Yan Z, Chen W. Multilevel ecotoxicity assessment of environmentally relevant bisphenol F concentrations in Daphnia magna. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 240:124917. [PMID: 31726617 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
With the pressure to ban or limit the use of Bisphenol A (BPA), substitutes such as bisphenol F (BPF) are applied to various commodities and generally detected in aquatic systems worldwide. To understand the potential ecological risk of BPF, the acute toxicity as well as behavioural, physiological and biochemical parameters of the water flea Daphnia magna were assessed. Following BPF exposure at concentrations ranging from 0.1 μg L-1 to 100 μg L-1, phenotypic traits including growth development, fecundity and swimming activity were significantly inhibited in response to exposure to sublethal concentrations (1-100 μg L-1) of BPF, which had a positive relationship with the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, which was strictly associated with the behavioural changes, was clearly inhibited, which was also obviously related to the heart rate and thoracic limb activity. Compared to the toxicity of BPA, BPF induces similar toxic effects, and the health concerns regarding the use of these alternatives should be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Guanghua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Hydraulic and Civil Engineering, XiZang Agricultural and Animal Husbandry College, Linzhi, China.
| | - Xinlei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Haohan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Zhenhua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
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45
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Aksakal FI, Arslan H. Detoxification and reproductive system-related gene expression following exposure to Cu(OH) 2 nanopesticide in water flea (Daphnia magna Straus 1820). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:6103-6111. [PMID: 31863384 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07414-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The extensive use of copper-based nanopesticides in agriculture has led to their release into the aquatic environment and causes a potential risk to aquatic biota. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the possible toxic effect of these nanopesticides on non-target aquatic organisms including invertebrates. Therefore, in this study, effects of commonly used copper-based nanopesticide "Kocide 3000" on gene expression related to detoxification (cyp360a8, gst, P-gp, and hr96) and reproductive system (cut, cyp314, dmrt93, and vtg) in Daphnia magna was investigated through an acute toxicity test. In general, exposure to the nanopesticide caused significant down-regulation of detoxification genes after 24 h and then significant up-regulation after 48 h. Exposure to the nanopesticide, however, significantly induced cut expression after 24 h. Moreover, dmrt93 and vtg genes were up-regulated after 48 h exposure to the nanopesticide. On the other hand, the expression of dmrt93 and vtg down-regulated at high concentration of Cu(OH)2 nanopesticide (1.5 ppm) after 96 h. The results of this study provide first evidence into the crucial role of genes related to detoxification and reproductive system in response to Cu(OH)2 nanopesticide. The use of physiological, biochemical bioassays, as well as gene expression, can help explain the toxic effect of copper-based nanopesticides and provide more insight into the exact mechanism of toxicity in non-target aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feyza Icoglu Aksakal
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ataturk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey.
| | - Harun Arslan
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries, Ataturk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
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46
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Danforth C, Chiu WA, Rusyn I, Schultz K, Bolden A, Kwiatkowski C, Craft E. An integrative method for identification and prioritization of constituents of concern in produced water from onshore oil and gas extraction. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 134:105280. [PMID: 31704566 PMCID: PMC7547527 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, onshore oil and gas extraction operations generate an estimated 900 billion gallons of produced water annually, making it the largest waste stream associated with upstream development of petroleum hydrocarbons. Management and disposal practices of produced water vary from deep well injection to reuse of produced water in agricultural settings. However, there is relatively little information with regard to the chemical or toxicological characteristics of produced water. A comprehensive literature review was performed, screening nearly 16,000 published articles, and identifying 129 papers that included data on chemicals detected in produced water. Searches for information on the potential ecotoxicological or mammalian toxicity of these chemicals revealed that the majority (56%) of these compounds have not been a subject of safety evaluation or mechanistic toxicology studies and 86% lack data to be used to complete a risk assessment, which underscores the lack of toxicological information for the majority of chemical constituents in produced water. The objective of this study was to develop a framework to identify potential constituents of concern in produced water, based on available and predicted toxicological hazard data, to prioritize these chemicals for monitoring, treatment, and research. In order to integrate available evidence to address gaps in toxicological hazard on the chemicals in produced water, we have catalogued available information from ecological toxicity studies, toxicity screening databases, and predicted toxicity values. A Toxicological Priority Index (ToxPi) approach was applied to integrate these various data sources. This research will inform stakeholders and decision-makers on the potential hazards in produced water. In addition, this work presents a method to prioritize compounds that, based on hazard and potential exposure, may be considered during various produced water reuse strategies to reduce possible human health risks and environmental impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cloelle Danforth
- Environmental Defense Fund, 2060 Broadway, Suite 300, Boulder, CO 80302, USA.
| | - Weihsueh A Chiu
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Ivan Rusyn
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Kim Schultz
- The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, PO Box 54, Eckert, CO 81418, USA.
| | - Ashley Bolden
- The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, PO Box 54, Eckert, CO 81418, USA.
| | - Carol Kwiatkowski
- The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, PO Box 54, Eckert, CO 81418, USA.
| | - Elena Craft
- Environmental Defense Fund, 301 Congress Ave #1300, Austin, TX 78701, USA.
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47
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Osselin F, Saad S, Nightingale M, Hearn G, Desaulty AM, Gaucher EC, Clarkson CR, Kloppmann W, Mayer B. Geochemical and sulfate isotopic evolution of flowback and produced waters reveals water-rock interactions following hydraulic fracturing of a tight hydrocarbon reservoir. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 687:1389-1400. [PMID: 31412472 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Although multistage hydraulic fracturing is routinely performed for the extraction of hydrocarbon resources from low permeability reservoirs, the downhole geochemical processes linked to the interaction of fracturing fluids with formation brine and reservoir mineralogy remain poorly understood. We present a geochemical dataset of flowback and produced water samples from a hydraulically fractured reservoir in the Montney Formation, Canada, analyzed for major and trace elements and stable isotopes. The dataset consists in 25 samples of flowback and produced waters from a single well, as well as produced water samples from 16 other different producing wells collected in the same field. Additionally, persulfate breaker samples as well as anhydrite and pyrite from cores were also analyzed. The objectives of this study were to understand the geochemical interactions between formation and fracturing fluids and their consequences in the context of tight gas exploitation. The analysis of this dataset allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the coupled downhole geochemical processes, linked in particular to the action of the oxidative breaker. Flowback fluid chemistries were determined to be the result of mixing of formation brine with the hydraulic fracturing fluids as well as coupled geochemical reactions with the reservoir rock such as dissolution of anhydrite and dolomite; pyrite and organic matter oxidation; and calcite, barite, celestite, iron oxides and possibly calcium sulfate scaling. In particular, excess sulfate in the collected samples was found to be mainly derived from anhydrite dissolution, and not from persulfate breaker or pyrite oxidation. The release of heavy metals from the oxidation activity of the breaker was detectable but concentrations of heavy metals in produced fluids remained below the World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water and are therefore of no concern. This is due in part to the co-precipitation of heavy metals with iron oxides and possibly sulfate minerals.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Osselin
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Institut des Sciences de la Terre d'Orléans, 1A Rue de la Ferollerie, Orléans 45100, France.
| | - S Saad
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - M Nightingale
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - G Hearn
- Seven Generations Energy, 101, 9601-113 St., Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 6H2, Canada
| | - A-M Desaulty
- BRGM, French Geological Survey, 2 Avenue Claude Guillemin, BP 6009, 45060 Orléans CEDEX 2, France
| | - E C Gaucher
- Total CSTJF, Avenue Larribau, Pau F-64000, France
| | - C R Clarkson
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - W Kloppmann
- BRGM, French Geological Survey, 2 Avenue Claude Guillemin, BP 6009, 45060 Orléans CEDEX 2, France
| | - B Mayer
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
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48
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Sun C, Zhang Y, Alessi DS, Martin JW. Nontarget profiling of organic compounds in a temporal series of hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced waters. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 131:104944. [PMID: 31284105 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.104944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing (HF) flowback and produced water (FPW) can be toxic to aquatic life but its chemical content is largely unknown, variable and complex. Seven FPW samples were collected from a HF operation in the Duvernay Formation (Alberta, Canada) over 30 days of flowback and characterized by a nontarget workflow based on high performance liquid chromatography - high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). A modified Kendrick mass defect plot and MS/MS spectral interpretation revealed seven series of homologues composed of ethylene oxide (i.e. -CH2CH2O-), among which a series of aldehydes was proposed as degradation products of polyethylene glycols, and two series of alkyl ethoxylate carboxylates could be proprietary HF additives. Many other ions were confidently assigned a formula by accurate mass measurement and were subsequently prioritized for identification by matching to records in ChemSpider and the US EPA's CompTox Chemistry Dashboard. Quaternary ammonium compounds, amine oxides, organophosphorous compounds, phthalate diesters and hydroxyquinoline were identified with high confidence by MS/MS spectra (Level 3), matching to reference spectra in MassBank (Level 2) or to authentic standards (Level 1). Temporal trends showed that most of the compounds declined in abundance over the first nine days of flowback, except for phthalate diesters and hydroxyquinoline that were still observed on Day 30 and had disappearance half-lives of 61 and 91 days, respectively. All the compounds followed first-order disappearance kinetics in flowback, except for polyoxygenated acids which followed second-order kinetics. This analysis and the workflow, based largely on public on-line databases, enabled profiling of complex organic compounds in HF-FPW, and will likely be useful for further understanding the toxicity and chemical fate of HF-FPW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxing Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2G3, Canada; Department of Environmental Sciences and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm 10691, Sweden.
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49
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Folkerts EJ, Blewett TA, Delompré P, Mehler WT, Flynn SL, Sun C, Zhang Y, Martin JW, Alessi DS, Goss GG. Toxicity in aquatic model species exposed to a temporal series of three different flowback and produced water samples collected from a horizontal hydraulically fractured well. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 180:600-609. [PMID: 31132555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we compared the toxicity and associated chemical characterizations of flowback and produced water (FPW) collected from a single horizontal hydraulically fractured well at different time points during FPW production. Since few studies on whole mixture toxicity related to FPW exist, our aims were to determine both overall toxicity of the FPW mixture in a suite of organisms (Daphnia magna, Lumbriculus variegatus, Danio rerio, and Oncorhynchus mykiss) and also determine if toxicity changes depending on variation in FPW chemical properties as a function of time sampled (1.33, 72, and 228 h FPW samples collected immediately post-well production onset were analyzed in current study). FPW chemical composition was determined via quadra-pole inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS), full-scan high performance liquid chromatography/Orbitrap mass spectrometry (HPLC/Orbitrap-MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We observed that FPW sampled later in the production process contained higher ion and total dissolved solids concentrations, whereas the highest concentrations of dissolved organic compounds were observed in the earliest FPW sample analyzed. Toxicity associated with FPW exposure was deemed to be species-specific to a certain extent, but general trends revealed the earliest FPW sampled contained highest toxic potential. Accordingly, we theorize that although the saline conditions of FPW are the foremost toxicological drivers to freshwater organisms, dissolved organics associated with FPW significantly contribute to the overall toxicity of exposed organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Folkerts
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Tamzin A Blewett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Perrine Delompré
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9, Alberta, Canada
| | - W Tyler Mehler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shannon L Flynn
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Chenxing Sun
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9 Alberta, Canada
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9 Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9 Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E3, Alberta, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E9, Alberta, Canada; National Institute for Nanotechnology, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2M9, Canada
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50
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Delompré PLM, Blewett TA, Goss GG, Glover CN. Shedding light on the effects of hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water on phototactic behavior in Daphnia magna. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 174:315-323. [PMID: 30849651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.03.006] [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: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The effluent produced during hydraulic fracturing (i.e. flowback and produced water; FPW), is a complex hyper-saline solution that is known to negatively impact the survival and the fitness of the water flea Daphnia magna, but to date effects on behavior are unstudied. In the current study, the effects of FPW on phototactic behavior of D. magna were examined. Exposure of naïve animals to FPW resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the speed of appearance of daphnids in the illuminated zone of the test apparatus (i.e. a faster positive phototaxis response). A similar dose-dependent response was observed in a test solution where the salt content of FPW was recreated in the absence of other components, suggesting that the effect was largely driven by salinity. The effect of FPW was significant when the raw FPW sample was diluted to 20% of its initial strength, while the effect of salt-matched solution was significant at a 10% dilution. A distinct effect was observed following FPW pre-exposure. After a 24 h pre-exposure to 1.5% FPW, Daphnia displayed a significantly inhibited positive phototaxis response when examined in control water, relative to control animals that were not pre-exposed to FPW. This effect was not observed in salinity pre-exposed animals, however these daphnids displayed a significantly reduced phototactic response when tested in saline waters, indicating a loss of the positive phototaxis seen in naïve organisms. These data indicate that FPW can induce perturbations in the behavior of aquatic invertebrates, an effect that may influence processes such as feeding and predation rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L M Delompré
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2R3.
| | - T A Blewett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2R3
| | - G G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2R3; National Institute for Nanotechnology, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - C N Glover
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2R3; Faculty of Science and Technology and Athabasca River Basin Research Institute, Athabasca University, Athabasca, Alberta, Canada
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