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Monteil-Rivera F, Locke S, Ye M, Smyth SA, Sullivan K, Okonski A, Jagla M, Gutzman D. Quantification of quaternary ammonium compounds by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry: Minimizing losses from the field to the laboratory. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1723:464905. [PMID: 38640882 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464905] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) are widely used in household, medical and industrial settings. As a consequence, they are ubiquitously found in the environment. Although significant efforts have been put into the development of sensitive and reproducible analytical methods, much less effort has been dedicated to the monitoring of QACs upon sample storage and sample preparation. Here we studied the effect of storage, concentration, and extraction procedures on the concentrations of QACs in samples. Thirteen QACs selected amongst benzalkonium compounds (BACs), dialkyldimethylammonium compounds (DADMACs) and alkyltrimethylammonium compounds (ATMACs) were quantified in aqueous and solid samples using LC-MS/MS. Most QACs adsorbed on container walls could be recovered using a short washing step with MeOH containing 2 % v/v formic acid. Concentrations of QACs from aqueous solutions using solid phase extraction (SPE) with Strata-X cartridges and elution with acidified MeOH utilized to wash the emptied containers gave highly satisfactory recoveries (101-111 %). Good recoveries (89-116 %) were also obtained when extracting a spiked organic-rich synthetic soil using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) with acidified MeOH at low solid/solvent ratio (0.4 g/20 mL). Applying the recommended methodologies to real samples collected from a Canadian wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) gave QAC concentrations in the ranges of 0.01-30 µg/L, < 1.2 µg/L, and 0.05-27 mg/kg for the influent, effluent and biosolids samples, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Monteil-Rivera
- National Research Council of Canada, Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Center, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada.
| | - Steven Locke
- National Research Council of Canada, Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Center, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Mengwei Ye
- National Research Council of Canada, Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Center, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Shirley Anne Smyth
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Regulatory Operations, Policy and Emerging Science Division, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Katrina Sullivan
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Substance Prioritization, Assessment and Coordination Division, 351St. Joseph Blvd., Gatineau, QC, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Alexander Okonski
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Substance Prioritization, Assessment and Coordination Division, 351St. Joseph Blvd., Gatineau, QC, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Magdalena Jagla
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Substance Prioritization, Assessment and Coordination Division, 351St. Joseph Blvd., Gatineau, QC, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Don Gutzman
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Substance Prioritization, Assessment and Coordination Division, 351St. Joseph Blvd., Gatineau, QC, K1A 0H3, Canada
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2
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Fedorowicz J, Sączewski J. Advances in the Synthesis of Biologically Active Quaternary Ammonium Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4649. [PMID: 38731869 PMCID: PMC11083083 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094649] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the design and synthesis of biologically active quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). The covered scope extends beyond commonly reviewed antimicrobial derivatives to include synthetic agents with antifungal, anticancer, and antiviral properties. Additionally, this review highlights examples of quaternary ammonium compounds exhibiting activity against protozoa and herbicidal effects, as well as analgesic and anesthetic derivatives. The article also embraces the quaternary-ammonium-containing cholinesterase inhibitors and muscle relaxants. QACs, marked by their inherent permanent charge, also find widespread usage across diverse domains such as fabric softeners, hair conditioners, detergents, and disinfectants. The effectiveness of QACs hinges greatly on finding the right equilibrium between hydrophilicity and lipophilicity. The ideal length of the alkyl chain varies according to the unique structure of each QAC and its biological settings. It is expected that this review will provide comprehensive data for medicinal and industrial chemists to design and develop novel QAC-based products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Fedorowicz
- Department of Chemical Technology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jarosław Sączewski
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland;
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3
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Nguyen R, Seguin RP, Ross DH, Chen P, Richardson S, Liem J, Lin YS, Xu L. Development and Application of a Multidimensional Database for the Detection of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds and Their Phase I Hepatic Metabolites in Humans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6236-6249. [PMID: 38534032 PMCID: PMC11008582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significantly increased human exposure to the widely used disinfectants quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). Xenobiotic metabolism serves a critical role in the clearance of environmental molecules, yet limited data are available on the routes of QAC metabolism or metabolite levels in humans. To address this gap and to advance QAC biomonitoring capabilities, we analyzed 19 commonly used QACs and their phase I metabolites by liquid chromatography-ion mobility-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-IM-MS/MS). In vitro generation of QAC metabolites by human liver microsomes produced a series of oxidized metabolites, with metabolism generally occurring on the alkyl chain group, as supported by MS/MS fragmentation. Discernible trends were observed in the gas-phase IM behavior of QAC metabolites, which, despite their increased mass, displayed smaller collision cross-section (CCS) values than those of their respective parent compounds. We then constructed a multidimensional reference SQLite database consisting of m/z, CCS, retention time (rt), and MS/MS spectra for 19 parent QACs and 81 QAC metabolites. Using this database, we confidently identified 13 parent QACs and 35 metabolites in de-identified human fecal samples. This is the first study to integrate in vitro metabolite biosynthesis with LC-IM-MS/MS for the simultaneous monitoring of parent QACs and their metabolites in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Nguyen
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Ryan P. Seguin
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Dylan H. Ross
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Sean Richardson
- Department
of Mathematics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Jennifer Liem
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Yvonne S. Lin
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Libin Xu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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4
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Ni B, Zhang TL, Cai TG, Xiang Q, Zhu D. Effects of heavy metal and disinfectant on antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factor genes in the plastisphere from diverse soil ecosystems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133335. [PMID: 38142651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133335] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) are world-wide contaminants posing potential health risks. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and heavy metals can apply selective pressure on antibiotic resistance. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding their coupled effect on changes in ARGs and virulence factor genes (VFGs) in various soil types and their plastispheres. Herein, we conducted a microcosm experiment to explore the abundances and profiles of ARGs and VFGs in soil plastispheres from three distinct types of soils amended with Cu and disinfectants. The plastispheres enriched the ARGs' abundance compared to soils and stimulated the coupling effect of combined pollutants on promoting the abundances of ARGs and VFGs. Horizontal gene transfer inevitably accelerates the propagation of ARGs and VFGs in plastispheres under pollutant stress. In plastispheres, combined exposure to disinfectants and Cu increased some potential pathogens' relative abundances. Moreover, the combined effect of disinfectants and Cu on ARGs and VFGs changed with soil type in plastispheres, emphasising the necessity to incorporate soil type considerations into health risk assessments for ARGs and VFGs. Overall, this study highlights the high health risks of ARGs under the selective pressure of combined pollutants in plastispheres and provides valuable insights for future risk assessments related to antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang Ni
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Lun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Gui Cai
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Larsson Y, Mongelli A, Kisielius V, Bester K. Microbial biofilm metabolization of benzalkonium compounds (benzyl dimethyl dodecyl ammonium & benzyl dimethyl tetradecyl ammonium chloride). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132834. [PMID: 37918070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132834] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) are quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATs) that are used as biocides. The degradation of these compounds in wastewater treatment plants is essential to reduce their spread into the environment and thus prevent the development of QUAT-resistant genes. The biodegradation of two BACs (BAC-12 and BAC-14) was investigated in moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs). Degradation half-lives of 12 and 20 h for BAC-12 and - 14, respectively, were detected as well as the formation of 42 metabolites. Two new degradation pathways for the BACs were identified in this study: 1) one involving an ω-oxidation, followed by β-oxidation and 2) one via an ω-oxidation followed by an α-oxidation that was succeeded by β-oxidation. Similar metabolites were detected for both BAC-12 and BAC-14. Additional metabolites were detected in the study, that could not be assigned to the above-mentioned pathways, revealing even more metabolic pathways in the MBBR which is probably due to the complexity of the microbial community in the biofilm. Interestingly, both TP194 (Benzyl-(carboxymethyl)-dimethylazanium) and TP208B (Benzyl-(2-carboxyethyl)-dimethylazanium) were identified as end products of the ω/β-pathway and the α/β-pathway. TP208B, TP152 and TP250 that were identified in this study, as well as the known BDMA were discovered in the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yrsa Larsson
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Andrea Mongelli
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Vaidotas Kisielius
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Kai Bester
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark.
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6
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Li ZM, Lee C, Kannan K. An exposure assessment of 27 quaternary ammonium compounds in pet dogs and cats from New York State, USA. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 184:108446. [PMID: 38252984 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Benzylalkyldimethylammonium (BACs), dialkyldimethylammonium (DDACs), and alkyltrimethylammonium compounds (ATMACs) are quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) used widely as biocides, disinfectants, and sanitizers. Owing to their toxicity, human exposure to this class of chemicals is a concern. Pet animals are sentinels of human exposure to several indoor environmental chemicals. For the first time, we measured 7 BACs, 6 DDACs, 6 ATMACs, and 8 metabolites of BACs in urine and feces of pet dogs and cats from New York State, USA. We found widespread occurrence of QACs in feces, with median concentration of ∑All (sum concentration of all 27 QAC analytes) at 9680 and 1260 ng/g dry weight (dw) in dog and cat feces, respectively. BACs were the most abundant compounds among the four types of QACs, accounting for 64 % and 57 % of ∑All in dog and cat feces, respectively, followed by DDACs (33 % and 34 %, respectively), ATMACs (4 % and 9 %, respectively), and BAC metabolites (0.2 % and 0.3 %, respectively). However, in urine, only ω-carboxylic acid metabolites of BACs were found at median concentrations at 2.08 and 0.28 ng/mL in dogs and cats, respectively. Samples collected from animal shelters contained elevated levels of QACs than those from homes of pet owners. A significant positive correlation was found among the four types of QACs analyzed, which suggested usage of these chemicals in combination as mixtures. Based on the concentrations measured in feces, and through a reverse dosimetry approach, the median cumulative daily intakes (CDIs) of QACs were estimated to be 49.4 and 4.75 µg/kg body weight (BW)/day for dogs and cats, respectively. This study provides first evidence that pet dogs and cats are exposed to QACs at significant levels that warrant further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Min Li
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12237, United States
| | - Conner Lee
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12237, United States
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12237, United States; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY 12237, United States.
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7
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Cheng Y, Liu C, Lv Z, Liang Y, Xie Y, Wang C, Wan S, Leng X, Hu M, Zheng G. High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Screening of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) in Dust from Homes and Various Microenvironments in South China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38276914 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Despite their ubiquitous use, information regarding the presence of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in various microenvironments remains scarce and only a small subset of QACs has been monitored using targeted chemical analysis. In this study, a total of 111 dust samples were collected from homes and various public settings in South China during the COVID-19 pandemic and were analyzed for traditional and emerging QACs using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The total traditional QAC concentrations in residential dust (∑traditional QAC, sum of 18 traditional QACs) ranged from 13.8 to 150 μg/g with a median concentration of 42.2 μg/g. Twenty-eight emerging QACs were identified in these samples, and the composition of ∑emerging QAC (sum of emerging QACs) to ∑QAC (sum of traditional and emerging QACs) ranged from 19 to 42% across various microenvironments, indicating the widespread existence of emerging QACs in indoor environments. Additionally, dust samples from cinemas exhibited higher ∑QAC concentrations compared to homes (medians 65.9 μg/g vs 58.3 μg/g, respectively), indicating heavier emission sources of QACs in these places. Interestingly, significantly higher ∑QAC concentrations were observed in dust from the rooms with carpets than those without (medians 65.6 μg/g vs 32.6 μg/g, p < 0.05, respectively). Overall, this study sheds light on the ubiquitous occurrence of QACs in indoor environments in South China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Cheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chenglin Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhong Lv
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuge Liang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yichun Xie
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Sheng Wan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xinrui Leng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Min Hu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Guomao Zheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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8
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Jia Y, Huang Y, Ma J, Zhang S, Liu J, Li T, Song L. Toxicity of the disinfectant benzalkonium chloride (C 14) towards cyanobacterium Microcystis results from its impact on the photosynthetic apparatus and cell metabolism. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 135:198-209. [PMID: 37778795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are commonly used in a variety of consumer and commercial products, typically as a component of disinfectants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, QACs became one of the primary agents utilized to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus on surfaces. However, the ecotoxicological effects of QACs upon aquatic organisms have not been fully assessed. In this study, we examined the effects of a widely used QAC (benzalkonium chloride-C14, BAC-14) on two toxigenic Microcystis strains and one non-toxigenic freshwater Microcystis strain and carried out an analysis focused on primary, adaptive and compensatory stress responses at apical (growth and photosynthesis) and metabolic levels. This analysis revealed that the two toxic Microcystis strains were more tolerant than the non-toxic strain, with 96 hr-EC50 values of 0.70, 0.76, and 0.38 mg/L BAC-14 for toxigenic M. aeruginosa FACHB-905, toxigenic M. aeruginosa FACHB-469, and non-toxigenic M. wesenbergii FACHB-908, respectively. The photosynthetic activities of the Microcystis, assessed via Fv/Fm values, were significantly suppressed under 0.4 mg/L BAC-14. Furthermore, this analysis revealed that BAC-14 altered 14, 12, and 8 metabolic pathways in M. aeruginosa FACHB-905, M. aeruginosa FACHB-469, and M. wesenbergii FACHB-908, respectively. It is noteworthy that BAC-14 enhanced the level of extracellular microcystin production in the toxigenic Microcystis strains, although cell growth was not significantly affected. Collectively, these data show that BAC-14 disrupted the physiological and metabolic status of Microcystis cells and stimulated the production and release of microcystin, which could result in damage to aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlu Jia
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Yi Huang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jin Ma
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shangwei Zhang
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Tianli Li
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Lirong Song
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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9
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Mahony AK, McNamara PJ, Arnold WA. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) in Wastewater Influent and Effluent Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20148-20158. [PMID: 37934083 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are used in consumer and industrial products, including disinfectants. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, disinfectant use has increased, purportedly increasing loads to wastewater treatment plants and the environment. To understand how the increased usage has affected QAC loadings to treatment plants and to determine how effectively plants remove QACs from liquid effluent that is discharged to surface and groundwaters, influent and effluent wastewater samples were collected from four treatment plants (treatment capacities < 5 MGD to > 100 MGD) for 21 months beginning in May 2020. Influent QAC concentrations were hundreds of μg/L and effluent QAC concentrations were < 1 μg/L, corresponding to an average removal of 98% from all four plants. The most prevalent QACs in influent were those used most commonly in disinfectants, specifically benzylalkyldimethylammonium compounds (BACs) and short-chain dialkyldimethylammonium compounds (DADMACs), and influent levels of these compounds were correlated with QAC sales. Prior to this study, ethylbenzylalkyldimethylammonium compounds (EtBACs) had not been studied, and they comprised 13 ± 6% of QACs in influent. While removal was high at all plants, low μg/L concentrations were still continuously discharged into the environment. For QACs with equivalent alkyl chain lengths, those with aromatic substituents (BACs and EtBACs) appear to be removed more effectively than those with only alkyl chains (DADMACs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Mahony
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Patrick J McNamara
- Department of Civil, Construction, Environmental Engineering, Marquette University, 1515 West Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233 United States
| | - William A Arnold
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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10
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Liao M, Wei S, Zhao J, Wang J, Fan G. Risks of benzalkonium chlorides as emerging contaminants in the environment and possible control strategies from the perspective of ecopharmacovigilance. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 266:115613. [PMID: 37862750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
An unprecedented increase in the use of disinfection products triggered by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is resulting in aggravating environmental loads of disinfectants as emerging contaminants, which has been considered a cause for worldwide secondary disasters. This review analyzed the literature published in the last decade about occurrence, bioaccumulation, and possible environmental risks of benzalkonium chlorides (BKCs) as emerging contaminants. Results indicated that BKCs globally occurred in municipal wastewater, surface water, groundwater, reclaimed water, sludge, sediment, soil, roof runoff, and residential dust samples across 13 countries. The maximum residual levels of 30 mg/L and 421 μg/g were reported in water and solid environmental samples, respectively. Emerging evidences suggested possible bioaccumulation of BKCs in plants, even perhaps humans. Environmentally relevant concentrations of BKCs exert potential adverse impacts on aquatic and terrestrial species, including genotoxicity, respiratory toxicity, behavioural effects and neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption and reproductive impairment, phytotoxicity, etc. Given the intrinsic biocidal and preservative properties of disinfectants, the inductive effects of residual BKCs in environment in terms of resistance and imbalance of microorganisms have been paid special attention. Considering the similarities of disinfectants to pharmaceuticals, from the perspective of ecopharmacovigilance (EPV), a well-established strategy for pharmaceutical emerging contaminants, we use the control of BKC pollution as a case, and provide some recommendations for employing the EPV measures to manage environmental risks posed by disinfectant emerging contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfan Liao
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Songyi Wei
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Jinru Zhao
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China.
| | - Guangquan Fan
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
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11
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Ruan T, Li P, Wang H, Li T, Jiang G. Identification and Prioritization of Environmental Organic Pollutants: From an Analytical and Toxicological Perspective. Chem Rev 2023; 123:10584-10640. [PMID: 37531601 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental organic pollutants has triggered significant ecological impacts and adverse health outcomes, which have been received substantial and increasing attention. The contribution of unidentified chemical components is considered as the most significant knowledge gap in understanding the combined effects of pollutant mixtures. To address this issue, remarkable analytical breakthroughs have recently been made. In this review, the basic principles on recognition of environmental organic pollutants are overviewed. Complementary analytical methodologies (i.e., quantitative structure-activity relationship prediction, mass spectrometric nontarget screening, and effect-directed analysis) and experimental platforms are briefly described. The stages of technique development and/or essential parts of the analytical workflow for each of the methodologies are then reviewed. Finally, plausible technique paths and applications of the future nontarget screening methods, interdisciplinary techniques for achieving toxicant identification, and burgeoning strategies on risk assessment of chemical cocktails are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pengyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haotian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tingyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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12
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Shu M, Ding D, Asihaer Y, Xu Z, Dou Y, Guo L, Dan M, Wang Y, Hu Y. Determination of 25 quaternary ammonium compounds in sludge by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. ANAL SCI 2023; 39:1435-1444. [PMID: 37204629 PMCID: PMC10197025 DOI: 10.1007/s44211-023-00354-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
With the pandemic of COVID-19, the application of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), which can be used in SARS-CoV-2 disinfection products, has increased substantially. QACs cumulated in sewer system are ultimately deposited and enriched in sludge. QACs in the environment can adversely affect human health and the environment. In this study, a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method was established for the simultaneous determination of 25 QACs in sludge samples. Ultrasonic extraction and filtration of the samples was performed using a 50 mM hydrochloric acid-methanol solution. The samples were separated by liquid chromatography and detected in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The matrix effects of the sludge on the 25 QACs ranged from - 25.5% to 7.2%. All substances showed good linearity in the range of 0.5-100 ng/mL, with all determination coefficients (R2) greater than 0.999. The method detection limits (MDLs) were 9.0 ng/g for alkyltrimethylammonium chloride (ATMAC), 3.0 ng/g for benzylalkyldimethylammonium chloride (BAC), and 3.0 ng/g for dialkyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC). The spiked recovery rates were in the range of 74-107%, while the relative standard deviations were in the range of 0.8-20.6%. Considering its sensitivity, accuracy, and easy operation, the proposed method in this study was used to determine 22 sludge samples collected from a comprehensive wastewater treatment plant. The results showed that the concentrations of ΣATMACs, ΣBACs, and ΣDADMACs were 19.684, 3.199, and 8.344 μg/g, respectively. The main components included ATMAC-C16, ATMAC-C18, ATMAC-C20, ATMAC-C22, BAC-C12, and DADMAC-C18:C18, with concentrations exceeding 1.0 μg/g. The concentration relationships of different components in the congeners showed that some components were of similar origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mushui Shu
- Institute of Urban Safety and Environmental Science, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100054, China
| | - Ding Ding
- Institute of Urban Safety and Environmental Science, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100054, China
| | - Yeerlin Asihaer
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zhizhen Xu
- Institute of Urban Safety and Environmental Science, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100054, China
| | - Yan Dou
- Institute of Urban Safety and Environmental Science, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100054, China
| | - Ling Guo
- Institute of Urban Safety and Environmental Science, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100054, China
| | - Mo Dan
- Institute of Urban Safety and Environmental Science, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100054, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Urban Safety and Environmental Science, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100054, China.
| | - Yifei Hu
- Department of Child, Adolescent Health and Maternal Care, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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13
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Obeng B, Potts CM, West BE, Burnell JE, Fleming PJ, Shim JK, Kinney MS, Ledue EL, Sangroula S, Baez Vazquez AY, Gosse JA. Pharmaceutical agent cetylpyridinium chloride inhibits immune mast cell function by interfering with calcium mobilization. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 179:113980. [PMID: 37549805 PMCID: PMC10529140 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is an antimicrobial used in numerous personal care and janitorial products and food for human consumption at millimolar concentrations. Minimal information exists on the eukaryotic toxicology of CPC. We have investigated the effects of CPC on signal transduction of the immune cell type mast cells. Here, we show that CPC inhibits the mast cell function degranulation with antigen dose-dependence and at non-cytotoxic doses ∼1000-fold lower than concentrations in consumer products. Previously we showed that CPC disrupts phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, a signaling lipid critical for store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), which mediates degranulation. Our results indicate that CPC inhibits antigen-stimulated SOCE: CPC restricts Ca2+ efflux from endoplasmic reticulum, reduces Ca2+ uptake into mitochondria, and dampens Ca2+ flow through plasma membrane channels. While inhibition of Ca2+ channel function can be caused by alteration of plasma membrane potential (PMP) and cytosolic pH, CPC does not affect PMP or pH. Inhibition of SOCE is known to depress microtubule polymerization, and here we show that CPC indeed dose-dependently shuts down formation of microtubule tracks. In vitro data reveal that CPC inhibition of microtubules is not due to direct CPC interference with tubulin. In summary, CPC is a signaling toxicant that targets Ca2+ mobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bright Obeng
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Christian M Potts
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Bailey E West
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - John E Burnell
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Patrick J Fleming
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Juyoung K Shim
- Department of Biology, University of Maine Augusta, Augusta, ME, USA
| | - Marissa S Kinney
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Emily L Ledue
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Suraj Sangroula
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Alan Y Baez Vazquez
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Julie A Gosse
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA.
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14
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Wei S, Hu X, Hu X, Wan Y, Fan G, Wang J. In vitro evaluation for estrogenic mechanisms of the disinfectant benzalkonium chloride as an emerging contaminant. Braz J Med Biol Res 2023; 56:e12784. [PMID: 37493774 PMCID: PMC10361637 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2023e12784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the possible mechanisms underlying the estrogenic potential of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) as a disinfectant emerging contaminant. Effects of BAC at the environmentally-relevant concentrations on estrogen synthesis and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling were assessed using the H295R steroidogenesis assay and the MCF-7 proliferation assay, respectively. Results showed that exposure to BAC at concentrations of 1.0-1.5 mg/L for 48 h significantly increased estradiol production of H295R cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcription of steroidogenic genes 3β-HSD2, 17β-HSD1, 17β-HSD4, and CYP19A were significantly enhanced by BAC. In ER-positive MCF-7 cells, exposure to 0.5-1.5 mg/L BAC for 48 h significantly promoted cell proliferation and increased the expressions of ERα and G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1. Flow cytometry analysis showed that 0.5-1.5 mg/L BAC significantly decreased the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase, increased the percentage in S phase, and BAC at concentrations of 1.0 and 1.5 mg/L increased the G2/M phase cells. Findings of the study suggested that BAC at environmentally-relevant concentrations might act as a xenoestrogen through its inhibitory effect on steroidogenesis and ER-mediated mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyi Wei
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xianmin Hu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyi Hu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yisheng Wan
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guangquan Fan
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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15
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Belova L, Poma G, Roggeman M, Jeong Y, Kim DH, Berghmans P, Peters J, Salamova A, van Nuijs ALN, Covaci A. Identification and characterization of quaternary ammonium compounds in Flemish indoor dust by ion-mobility high-resolution mass spectrometry. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:108021. [PMID: 37307605 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are a class of surfactants commonly used in disinfecting and cleaning products. Their use has substantially increased during the COVID-19 pandemic leading to increasing human exposure. QACs have been associated with hypersensitivity reactions and an increased risk of asthma. This study introduces the first identification, characterization and semi-quantification of QACs in European indoor dust using ion-mobility high-resolution mass spectrometry (IM-HRMS), including the acquisition of collision cross section values (DTCCSN2) for targeted and suspect QACs. A total of 46 indoor dust samples collected in Belgium were analyzed using target and suspect screening. Targeted QACs (n = 21) were detected with detection frequencies ranging between 4.2 and 100 %, while 15 QACs showed detection frequencies > 90 %. Semi-quantified concentrations of individual QACs showed a maximum of 32.23 µg/g with a median ∑QAC concentration of 13.05 µg/g and allowed the calculation of Estimated Daily Intakes for adults and toddlers. Most abundant QACs matched the patterns reported in indoor dust collected in the United States. Suspect screening allowed the identification of 17 additional QACs. A dialkyl dimethyl ammonium compound with mixed chain lengths (C16:C18) was characterized as a major QAC homologue with a maximum semi-quantified concentration of 24.90 µg/g. The high detection frequencies and structural variabilities observed call for more European studies on potential human exposure to these compounds. For all targeted QACs, drift tube IM-HRMS derived collision cross section values (DTCCSN2) are reported. Reference DTCCSN2 values allowed the characterization of CCS-m/z trendlines for each of the targeted QAC classes. Experimental CCS-m/z ratios of suspect QACs were compared with the CCS-m/z trendlines. The alignment between the two datasets served as an additional confirmation of the assigned suspect QACs. The use of the 4bit multiplexing acquisition mode with consecutive high-resolution demultiplexing confirmed the presence of isomers for two of the suspect QACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Belova
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Yunsun Jeong
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Division for Environmental Health, Korea Environment Institute (KEI), Sicheong-daero 370, Sejong 30147, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Hye Kim
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Patrick Berghmans
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Jan Peters
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Amina Salamova
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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16
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Arnold W, Blum A, Branyan J, Bruton TA, Carignan CC, Cortopassi G, Datta S, DeWitt J, Doherty AC, Halden RU, Harari H, Hartmann EM, Hrubec TC, Iyer S, Kwiatkowski CF, LaPier J, Li D, Li L, Muñiz Ortiz JG, Salamova A, Schettler T, Seguin RP, Soehl A, Sutton R, Xu L, Zheng G. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: A Chemical Class of Emerging Concern. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7645-7665. [PMID: 37157132 PMCID: PMC10210541 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), a large class of chemicals that includes high production volume substances, have been used for decades as antimicrobials, preservatives, and antistatic agents and for other functions in cleaning, disinfecting, personal care products, and durable consumer goods. QAC use has accelerated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the banning of 19 antimicrobials from several personal care products by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2016. Studies conducted before and after the onset of the pandemic indicate increased human exposure to QACs. Environmental releases of these chemicals have also increased. Emerging information on adverse environmental and human health impacts of QACs is motivating a reconsideration of the risks and benefits across the life cycle of their production, use, and disposal. This work presents a critical review of the literature and scientific perspective developed by a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team of authors from academia, governmental, and nonprofit organizations. The review evaluates currently available information on the ecological and human health profile of QACs and identifies multiple areas of potential concern. Adverse ecological effects include acute and chronic toxicity to susceptible aquatic organisms, with concentrations of some QACs approaching levels of concern. Suspected or known adverse health outcomes include dermal and respiratory effects, developmental and reproductive toxicity, disruption of metabolic function such as lipid homeostasis, and impairment of mitochondrial function. QACs' role in antimicrobial resistance has also been demonstrated. In the US regulatory system, how a QAC is managed depends on how it is used, for example in pesticides or personal care products. This can result in the same QACs receiving different degrees of scrutiny depending on the use and the agency regulating it. Further, the US Environmental Protection Agency's current method of grouping QACs based on structure, first proposed in 1988, is insufficient to address the wide range of QAC chemistries, potential toxicities, and exposure scenarios. Consequently, exposures to common mixtures of QACs and from multiple sources remain largely unassessed. Some restrictions on the use of QACs have been implemented in the US and elsewhere, primarily focused on personal care products. Assessing the risks posed by QACs is hampered by their vast structural diversity and a lack of quantitative data on exposure and toxicity for the majority of these compounds. This review identifies important data gaps and provides research and policy recommendations for preserving the utility of QAC chemistries while also seeking to limit adverse environmental and human health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- William
A. Arnold
- University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Arlene Blum
- Green
Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
- University
of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Jennifer Branyan
- California
Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | - Thomas A. Bruton
- California
Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | | | - Gino Cortopassi
- University
of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Sandipan Datta
- University
of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Jamie DeWitt
- East
Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, United States
| | - Anne-Cooper Doherty
- California
Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | - Rolf U. Halden
- Arizona
State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Homero Harari
- Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | | | - Terry C. Hrubec
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
| | - Shoba Iyer
- California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Oakland, California 94612, United States
| | - Carol F. Kwiatkowski
- Green
Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695 United States
| | - Jonas LaPier
- Green
Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
| | - Dingsheng Li
- University
of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
| | - Li Li
- University
of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
| | | | - Amina Salamova
- Indiana University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Ted Schettler
- Science and Environmental Health Network, Bolinas, California 94924, United States
| | - Ryan P. Seguin
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Anna Soehl
- Green
Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
| | - Rebecca Sutton
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, Richmond, California 94804, United States
| | - Libin Xu
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Guomao Zheng
- Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
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17
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Yang K, Chen ML, Zhu D. Exposure to benzalkonium chloride disinfectants promotes antibiotic resistance in sewage sludge microbiomes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161527. [PMID: 36638983 PMCID: PMC9830840 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Disinfectants are routinely used in human environments to control and prevent the transmission of microbial disease, and this is particularly true during the current COVID-19 crisis. However, it remains unclear whether the increased disinfectant loadings to wastewater treatment plants facilitate the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in sewage sludge microbiomes. Here, we investigated the impacts of benzalkonium chlorides (BACs), widely used disinfectants, on ARGs profiles and microbial community structures in sewage sludge by using high-throughput quantitative PCR and Illumina sequencing. A total of 147 unique ARGs and 39 mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were detected in all sewage sludge samples. Our results show that exposure to BACs disinfectants at environmentally relevant concentrations significantly promotes both the diversity and absolute abundance of ARGs in sludge microbiomes, indicating the co-selection of ARGs by BACs disinfectants. The enrichment of ARGs abundance varied from 2.15-fold to 3.63-fold compared to controls. In addition, BACs exposure significantly alters bacterial and protistan communities, resulting in dysbiosis of the sludge microbiota. The Mantel test and Procrustes analysis confirm that bacterial communities are significantly correlated with ARGs profiles under BACs treatments. The structural equation model explains 83.8 % of the total ARGs variation and further illustrates that the absolute abundance of MGEs exerts greater impacts on the variation of absolute abundance of ARGs than microbial communities under BACs exposure, suggesting BACs may promote antibiotic resistance by enhancing the horizontal gene transfer of ARGs across sludge microbiomes. Collectively, our results provide new insights into the proliferation of antibiotic resistance through disinfectant usage during the pandemic and highlight the necessity to minimize the environmental release of disinfectants into the non-target environment for combating antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Mo-Lian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315800, China
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18
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Mohapatra S, Yutao L, Goh SG, Ng C, Luhua Y, Tran NH, Gin KYH. Quaternary ammonium compounds of emerging concern: Classification, occurrence, fate, toxicity and antimicrobial resistance. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130393. [PMID: 36455328 PMCID: PMC9663149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Amplified hygiene and precautionary measures are of utmost importance to control the spread of COVID-19 and future infection; however, these changes in practice are projected to trigger a rise in the purchase, utilisation and hence, discharge of many disinfectants into the environment. While alcohol-based, hydrogen peroxide-based, and chlorine-based compounds have been used widely, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) based disinfectants are of significant concern due to their overuse during this pandemic. This review presents the classification of disinfectants and their mechanism of action, focusing on QACs. Most importantly, the occurrence, fate, toxicity and antimicrobial resistance due to QACs are covered in this paper. Here we collated evidence from multiple studies and found rising trends of concern, including an increase in the mass load of QACs at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) by 331% compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as an increases in the concentration of 62% in residential dust, resulting in high concentrations of QACs in human blood and breast milk and suggesting that these could be potential sources of persistent QACs in infants. In addition to increased toxicity to human and aquatic life, increased use of QACs and accelerated use of antibiotics and antimicrobials during the COVID-19 pandemic could multiply the threat to antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeeb Mohapatra
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 Create Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Lin Yutao
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Shin Giek Goh
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 Create Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Charmaine Ng
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 Create Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - You Luhua
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 Create Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Ngoc Han Tran
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 Create Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Karina Yew-Hoong Gin
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability for Megacities (E2S2) Phase II, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), 1 Create Way, Singapore 138602, Singapore; Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore.
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19
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Zeng L, Han X, Pang S, Ge J, Feng Z, Li J, Du B. Nationwide Occurrence and Unexpected Severe Pollution of Fluorescent Brighteners in the Sludge of China: An Emerging Anthropogenic Marker. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:3156-3165. [PMID: 36780503 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent brighteners (FBs) are a group of mass-produced dyestuff chemicals that have been extensively used for decades. However, knowledge of their occurrence in municipal wastewater treatment plants on a large geographical scale remains unknown. Herein, we implemented the first nationwide survey for wastewater-derived FBs in sludge across major cities in China. All 25 target FBs were detected in the nationwide sludge. Ionic FBs exhibited much higher concentrations than nonionic FBs. The total sludge concentrations of 25 FBs (∑25FBs) ranged from 7300 to 1,520,000 ng/g, with a median of 35,300 ng/g. A clear geographical distribution of significantly higher concentrations of FBs was found in East and Central China than in West China (p < 0.05). The sludge concentrations of ∑25FBs were correlated well with the gross domestic product (GDP) and population size at the provincial level in China (p < 0.05), demonstrating the significance of anthropogenic impacts on FB levels in urban sludge. The nationwide annual emission of total FBs into sludge in China is estimated to be 835 tons/year, of which 134 tons/year is directly released into sludge-applied soils. Our work highlights another new class of chemicals that significantly contribute to the chemical mixtures in urban sludge and thus require immediate attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixi Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Collaborative Innovation for Environmental Quality, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Xu Han
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Collaborative Innovation for Environmental Quality, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Siqin Pang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Collaborative Innovation for Environmental Quality, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Jiali Ge
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Collaborative Innovation for Environmental Quality, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Zhiqing Feng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Collaborative Innovation for Environmental Quality, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Jiehua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Collaborative Innovation for Environmental Quality, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Bibai Du
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Collaborative Innovation for Environmental Quality, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
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20
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Neblea IE, Chiriac AL, Zaharia A, Sarbu A, Teodorescu M, Miron A, Paruch L, Paruch AM, Olaru AG, Iordache TV. Introducing Semi-Interpenetrating Networks of Chitosan and Ammonium-Quaternary Polymers for the Effective Removal of Waterborne Pathogens from Wastewaters. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15051091. [PMID: 36904332 PMCID: PMC10007103 DOI: 10.3390/polym15051091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The present work aims to study the influence of ammonium-quaternary monomers and chitosan, obtained from different sources, upon the effect of semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels upon the removal of waterborne pathogens and bacteria from wastewater. To this end, the study was focused on using vinyl benzyl trimethylammonium chloride (VBTAC), a water-soluble monomer with known antibacterial properties, and mineral-enriched chitosan extracted from shrimp shells, to prepare the semi-IPNs. By using chitosan, which still contains the native minerals (mainly calcium carbonate), the study intends to justify that the stability and efficiency of the semi-IPN bactericidal devices can be modified and better improved. The new semi-IPNs were characterized for composition, thermal stability and morphology using well-known methods. Swelling degree (SD%) and the bactericidal effect assessed using molecular methods revealed that hydrogels made of chitosan derived from shrimp shell demonstrated the most competitive and promising potential for wastewater (WW) treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia E. Neblea
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anita-L. Chiriac
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anamaria Zaharia
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Sarbu
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mircea Teodorescu
- Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Miron
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lisa Paruch
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Oluf Thesens vei 43, 1433 Aas, Norway
- Correspondence: (L.P.); (A.G.O.); (T.-V.I.)
| | - Adam M. Paruch
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Oluf Thesens vei 43, 1433 Aas, Norway
| | - Andreea G. Olaru
- S.C. EDAS-EXIM S.R.L., Banat Street 23, 010933 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (L.P.); (A.G.O.); (T.-V.I.)
| | - Tanta-V. Iordache
- Advanced Polymer Materials and Polymer Recycling Group, National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry ICECHIM, Splaiul Independentei No. 202, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (L.P.); (A.G.O.); (T.-V.I.)
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21
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Li ZM, Lakuleswaran M, Kannan K. LC-MS/MS methods for the determination of 30 quaternary ammonium compounds including benzalkonium and paraquat in human serum and urine. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1214:123562. [PMID: 36495685 PMCID: PMC9839631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2022.123562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Benzalkyldimethylammonium (or benzalkonium; BACs), alkyltrimethylammonium (ATMACs), and dialkyldimethylammonium compounds (DDACs) have been widely used for over six decades as disinfectants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we describe methods for the determination of 7 BACs, 6 ATMACs, 6 DDACs, 8 BAC metabolites, and the structurally similar quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) herbicides diquat, paraquat, and difenzoquat in human serum and urine using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The methods were optimized using isotopically labelled internal standards and solid-phase extraction with weak cation-exchange cartridges. We separated diquat and paraquat chromatographically using a mixed-mode LC column, and BACs, ATMACs, DDACs, difenzoquat, and BAC metabolites using reversed-phase (C8 and C18) LC columns. Method limits of detection (MLODs) and quantification (MLOQs) were 0.002-0.42 and 0.006-1.40 ng/mL, respectively. Recoveries of all analytes fortified at 1, 5, and 20 ng/mL concentrations in serum and urine matrices were 61-129%, with standard deviations of 0-20%. Repeated analysis of similarly fortified serum and urine samples yielded intra-day and inter-day variations of 0.22-17.4% and 0.35-17.3%, respectively. Matrix effects for analytes spiked into serum and urine matrices ranged from -27% to 15.4%. Analysis of real urine and serum samples revealed the presence of several QACs in human serum. Although no parent BACs were found in urine, we detected, for the first time, several ω-hydroxy and ω-carboxylic acid metabolites of BACs at average concentrations in the range of 0.05-0.35 ng/mL. The developed method is suitable for application in large-scale biomonitoring of human exposure to QACs and their metabolites in human serum and urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Min Li
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Mathusa Lakuleswaran
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States.
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22
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Wang G, Yang L, Jiang L, Chen J, Jing Q, Mai Y, Deng L, Lin Y, Chen L, Chen Z, Xu P, Jiang L, Yuan C, Huang M. A new class of quaternary ammonium compounds as potent and environmental friendly disinfectants. JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION 2022; 379:134632. [PMID: 36246409 PMCID: PMC9552062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are inexpensive and readily available disinfectants, and have been widely used, especially since the COVID-19 outbreak. The toxicity of QACs to humans has raised increasing concerns in recent years. Here, a new type of QACs was synthesized by replacing the alkyl chain with zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc), which consists of a large aromatic ring and is hydrophobic in nature, similar to the alkyl chain of QACs. Three ZnPc-containing disinfectants were synthesized and fully characterized. These compounds showed 15-16 fold higher antimicrobial effect against Gram-negative bacteria than the well-known QACs with half-maximal inhibitory (IC50) values of 1.43 μM, 2.70 μM, and 1.31 μM, respectively. With the assistance of 680 nm light, compounds 4 and 6 had much higher bactericidal toxicities at nanomolar concentrations. Compound 6 had a bactericidal efficacy of close to 6 logs (99.9999% kill rate) at 1 μM to Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA, under light illumination. Besides, these compounds were safe for mammalian cells. In a mouse model, compound 6 was effective in healing wound infection. Importantly, compound 6 was easily degraded at working concentrations under sunlight illumination, and is environmentally friendly. Thus, compound 6 is a novel and promising disinfectant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Wang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Ling Yang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Libin Jiang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Jingyi Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Qian Jing
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Yuhan Mai
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Lina Deng
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Yuxin Lin
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Liyun Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Peng Xu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Longguang Jiang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Cai Yuan
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Mingdong Huang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fujian, 350108, China
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23
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Godfrey AR, Dunscombe J, Gravell A, Hunter A, Barrow MP, van Keulen G, Desbrow C, Townsend R. Use of QuEChERS as a manual and automated high-throughput protocol for investigating environmental matrices. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136313. [PMID: 36067814 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution has strong links to adverse human health outcomes with risks of pollution through production, use, ineffective wastewater (WW) remediation, and/or leachate from landfill. 'Fit-for-purpose' monitoring approaches are critical for better pollution control and mitigation of harm, with current sample preparation methods for complex environmental matrices typically time-consuming and labour intensive, unsuitable for high-throughput screening. This study has shown that a modified 'Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe' (QuEChERS) sample preparation is a viable alternative for selected environmental matrices required for pollution monitoring (e.g. WW effluent, treated sludge cake and homogenised biota tissue). As a manual approach, reduced extraction times (hours to ∼20 min/sample) with largely reproducible (albeit lower) recoveries of a range of pharmaceuticals and biocidal surfactants have been reported. Its application has shown clear differentiation of matrices via chemometrics, and the measurement of pollutants of interest to the UK WW industry at concentrations significantly above suggested instrument detection limits (IDL) for sludge, indicating insufficient removal and/or bioaccumulation during WW treatment. Furthermore, new pollutant candidates of emerging concern were identified - these included detergents, polymers and pharmaceuticals, with quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) biocides observed at 2.3-70.4 mg/kg, and above levels associated with priority substances for environmental quality regulation (EQSD). Finally, the QuEChERS protocol was adapted to function as a fully automated workflow, further reducing the resource to complete both the preparation and analysis to <40 min. This operated with improved recovery for soil and biota (>62%), and when applied to a largely un-investigated clay matrix, acceptable recovery (88.0-131.1%) and precision (≤10.3% RSD) for the tested pharmaceuticals and biocides was maintained. Therefore, this preliminary study has shown the successful application of a high-throughput QuEChERS protocol across a range of environmental solids for potential deployment in a regulated laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ruth Godfrey
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
| | | | - Anthony Gravell
- Natural Resources Wales Analytical Services, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Ann Hunter
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Mark P Barrow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | | | - Claire Desbrow
- Biotage GB Limited, Dyffryn Business Park, Hengoed, CF82 7TS, UK
| | - Rachel Townsend
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
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24
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Yang CX, He ZW, Liu WZ, Wang AJ, Wang L, Liu J, Liu BL, Ren NQ, Yu SP, Guo ZC. Chronic effects of benzalkonium chlorides on short chain fatty acids and methane production in semi-continuous anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157619. [PMID: 35901877 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As an emerging pollutant, benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) potentially enriched in waste activated sludge (WAS). However, the microbial response mechanism under chronic effects of BACs on acidogenesis and methanogenesis in anaerobic digestion (AD) has not been clearly disclosed. This study investigated the AD (by-)products and microbial evolution under low to high BACs concentrations from bioreactor startup to steady running. It was found that BACs can lead to an increase of WAS hydrolysis and fermentation, but a disturbance to acidogenic bacteria also occurred at low BACs concentration. A noticeable inhibition to methanogenesis occurred when BAC concentration was up to 15 mg/g TSS. Metagenomic analysis revealed the key genes involved in acetic acid (HAc) biosynthesis (i.e. phosphate acetyltransferase, PTA), β-oxidation pathway (acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase) and propionic acid (HPr) conversion was slightly promoted compared with control. Furthermore, BACs inhibited the acetotrophic methanogenesis (i.e. acetyl-CoA synthetase), especially BAC concentration was up to 15 mg/g TSS, thereby enhanced short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) accumulation. Overall, chronic stimulation of functional microorganisms with increasing concentrations of BACs impact WAS fermentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Xue Yang
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Cold Region Wetland Ecology and Environment Research, School of Geography and Tourism, Harbin University, Harbin, 150086, China; National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Zhang-Wei He
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China
| | - Wen-Zong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Ai-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Environmental & Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Cold Region Wetland Ecology and Environment Research, School of Geography and Tourism, Harbin University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Bao-Ling Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Cold Region Wetland Ecology and Environment Research, School of Geography and Tourism, Harbin University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Nan-Qi Ren
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Shao-Peng Yu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Cold Region Wetland Ecology and Environment Research, School of Geography and Tourism, Harbin University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ze-Chong Guo
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
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25
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Zeng J, Li Y, Jin G, Su JQ, Yao H. Short-Term Benzalkonium Chloride (C 12) Exposure Induced the Occurrence of Wide-Spectrum Antibiotic Resistance in Agricultural Soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15054-15063. [PMID: 36069710 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are global pollutants that pose a potential risk to human health. Benzalkonium chloride (C12) (BC) disinfectants are thought to exert selection pressure on antibiotic resistance. However, evidence of BC-induced changes in antibiotic resistance in the soil environment is lacking. Here, we established short-term soil microcosms to investigate ARG profile dynamics in agricultural soils amended with sulfamethazine (SMZ, 10 mg kg-1) and gradient concentrations of BC (0-100 mg kg-1), using high-throughput quantitative PCR and Illumina sequencing. With the increase in BC concentration, the number of ARGs detected in the soil increased, but the normalized ARG abundance decreased. The added SMZ had a limited impact on ARG profiles. Compared to broad-spectrum fungicidal BC, the specificity of SMZ significantly affected the microbial community. Network analysis found that low-medium BC exposure concentrations resulted in the formation of small but strong ARG co-occurrence clusters in the soil, while high BC exposure concentration led to a higher incidence of ARGs. Variation partitioning analysis suggested that BC stress was the major driver shaping the ARG profile. Overall, this study highlighted the emergence and spread of BC-induced ARGs, potentially leading to the antimicrobial resistance problem in agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieyi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaying Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoping Jin
- Ningbo No. 9 Hospital, Ningbo 315020, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Qiang Su
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaiying Yao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
- Research Center for Environmental Ecology and Engineering, School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, People's Republic of China
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26
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Maculewicz J, Świacka K, Stepnowski P, Dołżonek J, Białk-Bielińska A. Ionic liquids as potentially hazardous pollutants: Evidences of their presence in the environment and recent analytical developments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 437:129353. [PMID: 35738170 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ionic liquids (ILs) are considered to be very promising group of chemicals and the number of their potential applications is growing rapidly. However, while these compounds were originally proposed as a green alternative to classical solvents, there are certain doubts as to whether this classification is correct. Although in recent years there have been first reports published proving the presence of some ILs in the environment and even in human blood, at this point the scale of this possible problem is not yet fully understood. However, there is no doubt that as the number of ILs applications increases, analytical capabilities for rapid detection of possible environmental contamination should be also considered. Therefore, in this review paper, recent evidences for the ILs environmental contamination as well as analytical achievements related to the extraction of ILs from various environmental matrices have been summarized and important gaps and future perspectives have been pointed out. Based on the presented data it might be concluded that there is the urgent need for further development towards risk assessment of these potential environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Maculewicz
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Klaudia Świacka
- Department of Marine Ecosystems Functioning, Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Av. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Piotr Stepnowski
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Joanna Dołżonek
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Białk-Bielińska
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
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27
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Chemical modifications in the structure of seaweed polysaccharides as a viable antimicrobial application: A current overview and future perspectives. ALGAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2022.102796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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28
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Arora J, Ranjan A, Chauhan A, Biswas R, Rajput VD, Sushkova S, Mandzhieva S, Minkina T, Jindal T. Surfactant Pollution, an Emerging Threat to Ecosystem: Approaches for Effective Bacterial Degradation. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:1229-1244. [PMID: 35598183 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
The use of surfactants in households and industries is inevitable and so is their discharge into the environment, especially into the water bodies as effluents. Being surface-active agents, their utilization is mostly seen in soaps, detergents, personal care products, emulsifiers, wetting agents, etc. Anionic surfactants are the most used class. These surfactants are responsible for the foam and froth in the water bodies and cause potential adverse effects to both biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem. Surfactants are capable of penetrating the cell membrane and thus cause toxicity to living organisms. Accumulation of these compounds has been known to cause significant gill damage and loss of sight in fish. Alteration of physiological and biochemical parameters of water decreases the amount of dissolved oxygen and thus affecting the entire ecosystem. Microbes utilizing surfactants as substrates for energy form the basis of the biodegradation of these compounds. The main organisms for surfactant biodegradation, both in sewage and natural waters, are bacteria. Several Pseudomonas and Bacillus spp. have shown efficient degradation of anionic surfactants namely: sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS), sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate (SDBS). Also, several microbial consortia constituting Alcaligenes spp., Citrobacter spp., etc. have shown efficacy in the degradation of surfactants. The biodegradation efficiency studies of these microbes/microbial consortia would be of immense help in formulating better solutions for the bioremediation of surfactants and help to reduce their potential environmental hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayati Arora
- Amity Institute of Environmental Science, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anuj Ranjan
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Abhishek Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rima Biswas
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vishnu D Rajput
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Svetlana Sushkova
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Saglara Mandzhieva
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Tatiana Minkina
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Tanu Jindal
- Amity Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Safety and Management, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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29
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Ultrasound-assisted sample preparation for simultaneous extraction of anionic, cationic and non-ionic surfactants in sediment. Talanta 2022; 241:123220. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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30
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Trajano GT, Vasconcelos OMSR, Pataca LCM, Mol MPG. Anionic surfactants monitoring in healthcare facilities - a case of Belo Horizonte City, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:248. [PMID: 35246746 PMCID: PMC8896972 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-09877-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Surfactants are substances that when in aquatic environments can cause negative impacts. Hospital effluents carry numerous chemicals daily, including surfactants, used in sanitization and disinfection procedures. These chemicals are found in the effluents and reach water bodies due to a lack of proper removal in the wastewater treatment plants. The present study investigated data about wastewater monitored from healthcare facilities located in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, focusing on anionic surfactants. The results showed 72 establishments monitoring this parameter, resulting in a median concentration of 1 mg L-1 and 2.49 mg L-1 mean value of anionic surfactants, between 2007 and 2019. It is also observed in the correlation between surfactants and oils in all healthcare establishment sizes, except for the medium-sized. Although anionic surfactants are the most used in cleaning product formulations, cationic surfactants still do not have specific legislation in the studied country that dictates a limit for discharge into sewage; consequently, they are not routinely monitored in effluents. However, these compounds are used in the formulation of routine hospital products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziela Torres Trajano
- Research and Development Department, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Conde Pereira Carneiro St, 80 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Carlos Moutinho Pataca
- Research and Development Department, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Conde Pereira Carneiro St, 80 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcos Paulo Gomes Mol
- Research and Development Department, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Conde Pereira Carneiro St, 80 Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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31
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Qian Y, He Y, Li H, Yi M, Zhang L, Zhang L, Liu L, Lu Z. Benzalkonium chlorides (C12) inhibits growth but motivates microcystins release of Microcystis aeruginosa revealed by morphological, physiological, and iTRAQ investigation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118305. [PMID: 34626715 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to the large-scale outbreak of Corona Virus Disease (2019), amounts of disinfecting agents was regularly used in public environments and their potential toxicity towards organisms needed to be appreciated. Thus, one mostly used cationic disinfectant, benzalkonium chlorides (BAC(C12)), was selected to assess its potential toxicity one common cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) in this study. The aims were to explore the toxic effect and mechanism of BAC (C12) on M. aeruginosa growth within 96 h via morphological, physiological, and the relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomics variations. The results found that BAC(C12) significantly inhibited cell density of M. aeruginosa at concentrations from 1 mg/L to 10 mg/L, and the 96-h EC50 value was identified to be 3.61 mg/L. Under EC50 concentration, BAC(C12) depressed the photosynthesis activities of M. aeruginosa exhibited by 36% decline of the maximum quantum yield for primary photochemistry (Fv/Fm) value and denaturation of photosynthetic organelle, caused oxidative stress response displayed by the increase of three indexes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and destroyed the integrity of cell membranes demonstrated by TEM images and the increase of ex-cellular substances. Then, the iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis demonstrated that BAC(C12) depressed photosynthesis activities through inhibiting the expressions of photosynthetic protein and photosynthetic electron transport related proteins. The suppression of electron transport also led to the increase of superoxide radicals and then posed oxidative stress on cell. Meantime, the 63.63% ascent of extracellular microcystin production of M. aeruginosa was observed, attributing to the high expression of microcystin synthesis proteins and the damage of cell membrane. In sum, BAC(C12) exposure inhibited the growth of M. aeruginosa mainly by depressing photosynthesis, inducing oxidative stress, and breaking the cell membrane. And, it enhanced the release of microcystin from the cyanobacterial cells via up-regulating the microcystin synthesis proteins and inducing the membrane damage, which could enlarge its toxicity to aquatic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Yixin He
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Hong Li
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Meiling Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Lilan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
| | - Linjie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Zhaohui Lu
- National Joint Local Engineering Research Center for Shale Gas Exploration and Development, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing, 401120, China
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Nordholt N, Kanaris O, Schmidt SBI, Schreiber F. Persistence against benzalkonium chloride promotes rapid evolution of tolerance during periodic disinfection. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6792. [PMID: 34815390 PMCID: PMC8611074 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biocides used as disinfectants are important to prevent the transmission of pathogens, especially during the current antibiotic resistance crisis. This crisis is exacerbated by phenotypically tolerant persister subpopulations that can survive transient antibiotic treatment and facilitate resistance evolution. Here, we show that E. coli displays persistence against a widely used disinfectant, benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Periodic, persister-mediated failure of disinfection rapidly selects for BAC tolerance, which is associated with reduced cell surface charge and mutations in the lpxM locus, encoding an enzyme for lipid A biosynthesis. Moreover, the fitness cost incurred by BAC tolerance turns into a fitness benefit in the presence of antibiotics, suggesting a selective advantage of BAC-tolerant mutants in antibiotic environments. Our findings highlight the links between persistence to disinfectants and resistance evolution to antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niclas Nordholt
- Division of Biodeterioration and Reference Organisms (4.1), Department of Materials and the Environment, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Orestis Kanaris
- Division of Biodeterioration and Reference Organisms (4.1), Department of Materials and the Environment, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Selina B I Schmidt
- Division of Biodeterioration and Reference Organisms (4.1), Department of Materials and the Environment, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Schreiber
- Division of Biodeterioration and Reference Organisms (4.1), Department of Materials and the Environment, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Berlin, Germany.
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He ZW, Liu WZ, Tang CC, Liang B, Zhou AJ, Chen F, Ren YX, Wang AJ. Responses of anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge to long-term stress of benzalkonium chlorides: Insights to extracellular polymeric substances and microbial communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148957. [PMID: 34274658 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds have gained widespread attention due to their extensive enrichment in waste activated sludge (WAS) and potentially adverse effect to anaerobes. This study selected benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) as model to reveal the responses of anaerobic digestion of WAS to long-term stress of BACs. Results showed that the solubilization enhancement of WAS contributed by BACs was the acceleration of cell lysis, rather than the disruption of extracellular polymeric substances, and the accumulation improvement of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) attributed to hydrolysis improvement and methanogenesis inhibition at either medium -or high level of BACs. In addition, a low level had no significant effect on the production of methane compared to control, with averages of 0.059 and 0.055 m3/(m3·d), respectively, whereas a medium level reduced methane production to 20% of control, and a high level almost completely inhibited methanogenesis. Correspondingly, BACs could shift microbial communities related to SCFAs and methane productions. For the bacterial community, a high level of BACs led to abundance reductions of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi, but Synergistetes was increased to 10.5%, which was almost not detected either in control or at a low level of BACs. And for dominant archaeal community, they tended to be shifted from acetotrophic to hydrogenotrophic methanogens with BACs increasing from low to high level. These findings provided some new insights for the role of BACs in anaerobic digestion, as well as resource recovery from WAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang-Wei He
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Wen-Zong Liu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Cong-Cong Tang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China.
| | - Bin Liang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ai-Juan Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Fan Chen
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710129, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Ren
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China
| | - Ai-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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Zheng G, Webster TF, Salamova A. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: Bioaccumulation Potentials in Humans and Levels in Blood before and during the Covid-19 Pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:14689-14698. [PMID: 34662096 PMCID: PMC8547165 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are commonly used in a variety of consumer, pharmaceutical, and medical products. In this study, bioaccumulation potentials of 18 QACs with alkyl chain lengths of C8-C18 were determined in the in vitro-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) model using the results of human hepatic metabolism and serum protein binding experiments. The slowest in vivo clearance rates were estimated for C12-QACs, suggesting that these compounds may preferentially build up in blood. The bioaccumulation of QACs was further confirmed by the analysis of human blood (sera) samples (n = 222). Fifteen out of the 18 targeted QACs were detected in blood with the ΣQAC concentrations reaching up to 68.6 ng/mL. The blood samples were collected during two distinct time periods: before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic (2019; n = 111) and during the pandemic (2020, n = 111). The ΣQAC concentrations were significantly higher in samples collected during the pandemic (median 6.04 ng/mL) than in those collected before (median 3.41 ng/mL). This is the first comprehensive study on the bioaccumulation and biomonitoring of the three major QAC groups and our results provide valuable information for future epidemiological, toxicological, and risk assessment studies targeting these chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guomao Zheng
- O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405, United States
| | - Thomas F. Webster
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, United States
| | - Amina Salamova
- O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405, United States
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Quiroga JM, Sibila MÁ, Egea-Corbacho Á. Biodegradability and toxicity of dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride in sea water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:53239-53248. [PMID: 34024032 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14443-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Studies were conducted to assess the biodegradability and toxicity of the cationic surfactant dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DTMAC) in sea water samples collected from the Gulf of Cadiz (Spain). Ultimate biodegradation was studied following the guideline proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Growth inhibition tests on five marine microalgae species and mortality tests on a marine crustacean (Artemia franciscana) were carried out. Biodegradation process was modelled according to a logistic kinetic model. Lag time and half-life were 15.17 and 26.95 days, respectively. Depending on the microalgae, 96-h EC50 values ranged from 0.69 to 6.34 mg L-1 DTMAC, respectively. 48-h and 72-h LC50 to A. franciscana were 46.74 and 34.19 mg L-1 DTMAC, respectively. The results indicate that DTMAC can be mineralised in sea water. Marine crustacean was more resistant than the microalgae. Surfactant tolerance on microalgae followed this order: T. chuii > N. gaditana > C. gracilis ≈ I. galbana ≈ D. salina, being the Green microalgae T. chuii the most tolerant.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Quiroga
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Sibila
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Ágata Egea-Corbacho
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
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Amelin VG, Shogah ZAC, Bol’shakov DS. Identification of Cationic and Anionic Surfactants by Chromatography–Mass-Spectrometry in the Microextraction–Fluorimetry Screening of Water and Food Products. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s106193482105004x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abbott T, Kor-Bicakci G, Islam MS, Eskicioglu C. A Review on the Fate of Legacy and Alternative Antimicrobials and Their Metabolites during Wastewater and Sludge Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239241. [PMID: 33287448 PMCID: PMC7729486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial compounds are used in a broad range of personal care, consumer and healthcare products and are frequently encountered in modern life. The use of these compounds is being reexamined as their safety, effectiveness and necessity are increasingly being questioned by regulators and consumers alike. Wastewater often contains significant amounts of these chemicals, much of which ends up being released into the environment as existing wastewater and sludge treatment processes are simply not designed to treat many of these contaminants. Furthermore, many biotic and abiotic processes during wastewater treatment can generate significant quantities of potentially toxic and persistent antimicrobial metabolites and byproducts, many of which may be even more concerning than their parent antimicrobials. This review article explores the occurrence and fate of two of the most common legacy antimicrobials, triclosan and triclocarban, their metabolites/byproducts during wastewater and sludge treatment and their potential impacts on the environment. This article also explores the fate and transformation of emerging alternative antimicrobials and addresses some of the growing concerns regarding these compounds. This is becoming increasingly important as consumers and regulators alike shift away from legacy antimicrobials to alternative chemicals which may have similar environmental and human health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Abbott
- UBC Bioreactor Technology Group, School of Engineering, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; (T.A.); (G.K.-B.); (M.S.I.)
| | - Gokce Kor-Bicakci
- UBC Bioreactor Technology Group, School of Engineering, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; (T.A.); (G.K.-B.); (M.S.I.)
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Bogazici University, Bebek, 34342 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mohammad S. Islam
- UBC Bioreactor Technology Group, School of Engineering, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; (T.A.); (G.K.-B.); (M.S.I.)
| | - Cigdem Eskicioglu
- UBC Bioreactor Technology Group, School of Engineering, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; (T.A.); (G.K.-B.); (M.S.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-250-807-8544 (C.E)
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38
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Kim S, Ji K, Shin H, Park S, Kho Y, Park K, Kim K, Choi K. Occurrences of benzalkonium chloride in streams near a pharmaceutical manufacturing complex in Korea and associated ecological risk. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 256:127084. [PMID: 32460158 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127084] [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: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Benzalkonium chloride (BKC) is a commonly used preservative in personal care products and pharmaceutical preparations. However, its ecological risks are not well understood because of lack of monitoring data and ecotoxicological information. In the present study, occurrence of BKC was investigated in the waters near a pharmaceutical manufacturing complex of South Korea and its acute and chronic ecotoxicities were evaluated using Daphnia magna and Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). Associated ecological risks were estimated by calculating hazard quotients (HQs). In addition, endocrine disruption potency of BKC was compared with those of other frequently used preservatives using human adrenal (H295R) and rat pituitary (GH3) cells. High concentration of BKC was detected at locations near the pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, i.e., 35.8 μg/L for dodecyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (BKC-C12), and 21.6 μg/L tetradecyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (BKC-C14). In Daphnia, 48 h immobilization EC50 and 21 d reproduction NOEC were determined at 41.1 μg/L and ≥10.8 μg/L, respectively. For O. latipes, 96 h LC50 was determined at 246 μg/L while the growth inhibition NOEC was ≥113.4 μg/L following early life stage exposure. BKC significantly up-regulated vitellogenin gene of juvenile fish, indicating its endocrine disrupting potential in fish. Exposure to BKC increased steroid hormone level in H295R cells, and induced cytotoxicity in GH3 cells. HQ values of BKC were determined at greater than one in the ambient water near pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. Considering high ecological risk and endocrine disrupting potential, long-term consequences of BKC contamination in aquatic ecosystem need to be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Kim
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76706, USA
| | - Kyunghee Ji
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Yongin University, Yongin, 17092, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesoo Shin
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyun Park
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea; Institute of Natural Sciences, Yongin University, Yongin, 17092, Republic of Korea
| | - Younglim Kho
- Department of Health, Environment and Safety, Eulji University, Seongnam, 13135, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunghwa Park
- National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungtae Kim
- National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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Godfrey AR, Townsend R, Desbrow C, Felion C. QuEChERS: a simple extraction for monitoring quaternary ammonium biocide pollution in soils and antimicrobial resistance. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2020; 12:4387-4393. [PMID: 32940267 DOI: 10.1039/d0ay01324b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are broad-spectrum disinfectants used in a range of everyday materials. Their high usage rates, limited regulation and reporting has meant their environmental release is largely uncontrolled and impact unknown. With links to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and adsorption to wastewater solids (that are recycled), there is a need for more controlled disposal measures and monitoring. These environmental matrices are highly complex requiring methods that are often laborious and costly to undertake. Using a robust quantitative reversed-phase LC-MS/MS method, we have shown that an 'off the shelf' QuEChERS product can reliably extract (<10% RSD) aromatic and aliphatic QACs anticipated within municipal, industrial and agricultural waste from water and soil, with reduced matrix effects of 95.7-104.4% for recoveries of up to 53% from soil when combined with extract dilution. Therefore, unlike current literature, this work has shown that, with minimal development, the QuEChERS product can provide a rapid, effective and low cost preparation for quantifying QAC pollution and monitoring AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ruth Godfrey
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, SA2 8PP, UK.
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40
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Hora PI, Pati SG, McNamara PJ, Arnold WA. Increased Use of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and Beyond: Consideration of Environmental Implications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2020; 7:622-631. [PMID: 37566314 PMCID: PMC7341688 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are active ingredients in over 200 disinfectants currently recommended by the U.S. EPA for use to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus. The amounts of these compounds used in household, workplace, and industry settings has very likely increased, and usage will continue to be elevated given the scope of the pandemic. QACs have been previously detected in wastewater, surface waters, and sediments, and effects on antibiotic resistance have been explored. Thus, it is important to assess potential environmental and engineering impacts of elevated QAC usage, which may include disruption of wastewater treatment unit operations, proliferation of antibiotic resistance, formation of nitrosamine disinfection byproducts, and impacts on biota in surface waters. The threat caused by COVID-19 is clear, and a reasonable response is elevated use of QACs to mitigate spread of infection. Exploration of potential effects, environmental fate, and technologies to minimize environmental releases of QACs, however, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya I. Hora
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-
Engineering, University of Minnesota − Twin Cities, 500
Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sarah G. Pati
- Department of Environmental Sciences,
University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 30, 4056 Basel,
Switzerland
| | - Patrick J. McNamara
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental
Engineering, Marquette University, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53233, United States
| | - William A. Arnold
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-
Engineering, University of Minnesota − Twin Cities, 500
Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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Heyde BJ, Barthel A, Siemens J, Mulder I. A fast and robust method for the extraction and analysis of quaternary alkyl ammonium compounds from soil and sewage sludge. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237020. [PMID: 32750078 PMCID: PMC7402506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alkyltrimethylammonium compounds (ATMACs), dialkyldimethylammonium compounds (DADMACs) and benzylalkyldimethylethylammonium compounds (BACs) are quaternary alkylammonium compounds (QAAC), which are released into the environment in large quantities after their use in cleaning agents and disinfectants. Despite their potential role as selective agents promoting resistance against QAACs as well as antibiotics, there is a lack of data for QAACs in soil due to the lack of sensitive analytical methods. Therefore, we present a robust and fast method for the extraction and quantification of concentrations of these compounds in soil and sewage sludge. The method is based on ultrasonic extraction (USE) with a mixture of acetonitrile and HCl followed by a solid phase extraction (SPE) cleaning step and a subsequent quantification of concentrations with high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) in multi mass reaction mode (MRM). The proposed method is suitable for the quantification of ATMACs (chain length C-8 to C-16), BACs (C-8 to C-18) and DADMACs (C-8 to C-16). The achieved limits of quantification (LOQ) range from 0.1 μg kg-1 to 2.1 μg kg-1. The recovery rates of spiked soil samples for non-deuterated homologues were between 47% and 57%. The analysis of sewage sludge samples and soil samples revealed that BAC-C12 was the most abundant QAAC with concentrations up to 38600 μg kg-1 in sewage sludge and up to 81 μg kg-1 in a Mexican soil that was irrigated with wastewater. Overall, the presented methods open perspectives for effectively studying fate and effects of QAACs in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Justus Heyde
- Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation, iFZ Research Center for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Anne Barthel
- Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation, iFZ Research Center for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jan Siemens
- Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation, iFZ Research Center for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ines Mulder
- Institute of Soil Science and Soil Conservation, iFZ Research Center for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Hora PI, Arnold WA. Photochemical fate of quaternary ammonium compounds in river water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:1368-1381. [PMID: 32406464 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00086h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are not completely removed during wastewater treatment and are frequently detected in surface waters and sediments. The photochemical transformation of QACs has not been thoroughly investigated as a potential degradation pathway affecting their fate in the environment. Kinetic studies of common QACs with and without aromatic groups under simulated and natural sunlight conditions were performed with model sensitizers and dissolved organic matter to estimate photochemical half-lives in the aquatic environment. All QACs investigated react with hydroxyl radicals at diffusion-controlled rates (∼2.9 × 109 to 1.2 × 1010 M-1 s-1). Benzethonium reacted via direct photolysis (ΦBZT,outdoor = 1.7 × 10-2 (mol Ei-1)). Benzethonium also reacted with the triplet excited state model sensitizer 2-acetylnaphthalene, but evidence suggests this reaction pathway is unimportant in natural waters due to faster quenching of the triplet 2-acetylnapthalene by oxygen. Reactivity with singlet oxygen for the QACs was minimal. Overall, reactions with hydroxyl radicals will dominate over direct photolysis due to limited spectral overlap of sunlight emission and QAC absorbance. Photolysis half-lives are predicted to be 12 to 94 days, indicating slow abiotic degradation in surface water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya I Hora
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
| | - William A Arnold
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
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Lee ST, Kim H, Kwon JH, Oh HB. Abnormal behaviors in the calibration curves of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry occurring in the quantitative analysis of surfactants near critical micelle concentrations. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2020; 56:e4599. [PMID: 32677769 DOI: 10.1002/jms.4599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Surfactants, including quaternary ammonium compounds, are widely used in daily life as part of consumer chemical products and, more recently, in the shale oil industry. Because of their unique amphiphilic properties, surfactants form micelles at concentrations above a certain threshold known as the critical micelle concentration (CMC). A previous electrospray ionization mass spectrometry studies conducted by Siuzdak et al. and others presented indirect evidence regarding micelle formation. Herein, we have used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to explore how such micelle formations affect the quantitative analysis of surfactants. Results reveal abnormal behaviors in the calibration plots of a few selected anionic and cationic surfactants, such as sodium decyl sulfate (SDeS), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), myristyltrimethylammonium bromide (MTAB), and benzyldimethyloctadecylammonium chloride (BAC-18). At concentrations close to the respective CMCs of these surfactants, the calibration plot for MTAB flattened, whereas the slopes of the calibration plots for SDeS, SDS, and BAC-18 suddenly changed. These abnormal behaviors can be related to micelle formation. From a practical perspective, the above observations suggest that in the quantitative analysis of surfactants, high micelle concentrations close to the CMC should be avoided to obtain accurate surfactant measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Tak Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeri Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Bin Oh
- Department of Chemistry, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
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Ndabambi M, Kwon JH. Benzalkonium ion sorption to peat and clays: Relative contributions of ion exchange and van der Waals interactions. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 247:125924. [PMID: 31978661 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.125924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Due to their use in various domestic and industrial formulations, benzalkonium compounds have been isolated in many environmental matrices. Sorption to soil components has been shown to play a key role in their environmental fate. Whereas sorption of benzalkonium compounds to soils is attributed to cation exchange and van der Waals forces, the relative contributions of these two mechanisms at environmental levels have not been clearly defined. In this study a previously reported algal toxicity assay-based method was employed to determine the distribution coefficients (Kd) of benzalkonium compounds between water and soil components, at environmental concentrations. Cation exchange capacity corrected Kd values for organic matter and clays were all within one order of magnitude. This implies that ion exchange is the dominant mechanism of sorption for benzalkonium compounds. When the sorption data were used to compute sorption energies for four homologues of benzalkonium ions, the magnitude of the free energy change of sorption increased with size of the molecule. The increase in sorption energy could be partly explained by increased energy of hydration with addition of methylene groups to the alkyl chain. A model that predicts sorption coefficients of benzalkonium compounds to soils using organic carbon content and cation exchange capacity was also defined. When tested using an artificial soil, the model estimates were all within one order of magnitude of the experimental values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mlamuli Ndabambi
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, 63 Beon-gil, Busandaehak-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Pati SG, Arnold WA. Comprehensive screening of quaternary ammonium surfactants and ionic liquids in wastewater effluents and lake sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:430-441. [PMID: 32003378 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00554d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are widely applied as surfactants and biocides in cleaning and personal-care products. Because of incomplete removal during wastewater treatment, QACs are present in wastewater effluents, with which they are discharged into natural waters, where they accumulate in sediments. To assess the levels of QACs in aquatic environments, a liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry method using both target and suspect screening was developed. The water and sediment sample preparation, measurement, and data analysis workflow were optimized for 22 target compounds with a wide range of hydrophobicity, including ionic liquids that have potential use as solvents and QACs common in personal-care and sanitizing products. In wastewater effluents, average concentrations of all target and suspect QACs combined ranged from 0.4 μg L-1 to 6.6 μg L-1. Various homologs of benzylalkyldimethylammonium (BAC) and dialkyldimethylammonium (DADMAC) as well as the ionic liquid butylpyridinium and 15 suspect QACs were detected in at least one wastewater effluent sample. A spatial profile of sediment samples in a lake demonstrated potential inputs from both municipal wastewater effluent and agricultural sources for BACs. In sediment cores, two distinct trends of temporal QAC accumulation were observed. In lakes with large watersheds and mixed domestic and industrial wastewater sources (Lake Pepin and Duluth Harbor), peak concentrations of QACs were found at depths corresponding to deposition in the 1980s and decreases after this time are attributed to improved wastewater treatment and source control. In a smaller lake with predominantly domestic wastewater inputs (Lake Winona), concentrations of QACs increased slowly over time until today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G Pati
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0116, USA.
| | - William A Arnold
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0116, USA.
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Liu N, Zhang H, Zhao J, Xu Y, Ge F. Mechanisms of cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride-induced toxicity to photosystem II oxygen evolution complex of Chlorella vulgaris F1068. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 383:121063. [PMID: 31539660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae photosynthesis is sensitive to coexisted contaminates in aquatic environment, thereby causes adverse effect on algal growth and nutrients uptake. Here, we investigated the photosynthetic toxicity mechanism of cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (CTAC)-induced on a green microalga Chlorella vulgaris F1068 (C. vulgaris F1068). Results showed that CTAC reduced the algal growth rate, nutrients removal efficiency and weakened the photosynthetic performance. Meanwhile, the efficiency of oxygen evolution complex (OEC) and oxygen evolvement rates stressed by CTAC were significantly declined to 90.48% and 58.48% of the control (without CTAC), respectively. In addition, atomic force microscopy (AFM) detected the damage of PSII-OEC morphology and structure by CTAC. Furthermore, proteomic analysis showed that 41% of proteins were in the chloroplast thylakoid membranes which function in photosynthesis. The activity of oxygen-evolving enhancer protein 2 (OEE2 or PsbP) involved in electron transfer was significantly inhibited by CTAC, which down-regulated 15.14-fold in the presence of 0.6 mg/L CTAC. These results indicated that photosynthetic inhibition of CTAC mainly occurred in the PSII-OEC. This study provided a new perspective of the photosynthetic response in evaluation of environmental bioimpacts of surfactants on microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- College of Environment and Resource, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, PR China
| | - Han Zhang
- College of Environment and Resource, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, PR China
| | - Jinfeng Zhao
- College of Environment and Resource, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, PR China
| | - Yin Xu
- College of Environment and Resource, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, PR China
| | - Fei Ge
- College of Environment and Resource, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, PR China.
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Muter O, Khroustalyova G, Rimkus A, Kalderis D, Ruchala J, Sibirny A, Rapoport A. Evaluation of the enhanced resistance of Ogataea (Hansenula) polymorpha to benzalkonium chloride as a resource for bioremediation technologies. Process Biochem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2019.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Li Y, Zhou C, Wang S, Lin Q, Ni Z, Qiu H, Morel JL, Qiu R. Phytotoxicity and oxidative effects of typical quaternary ammonium compounds on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:25985-25999. [PMID: 31273661 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05822-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The large-scale use of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in medicines or disinfectants can lead to their release into the environment, posing a potential risk to organisms. This study examined the effects of three typical QACs, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC), dodecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (DBAC), and didodecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC), on hydroponically cultured wheat seedlings. After 14 days of exposure, both hormesis and phytotoxicity were observed in the wheat seedlings. The shoot and root fresh weight gradually increased as QAC concentrations rose from 0.05 to 0.8 mg L-1. However, higher QAC concentrations severely inhibited plant growth by decreasing shoot and root fresh weight, total root length, and photosynthetic pigment content. Moreover, the increase in malondialdehyde and O2.- contents, as well as root membrane permeability, reflected an oxidative burst and membrane lipid peroxidation caused by QACs. However, the effects of QACs on the levels of these oxidative stress markers were compound-specific, and the changes in superoxide dismutase, peroxidases, and catalase activity were partly related to reactive oxygen species levels. Considering the order of median effective concentration values (EC50) and the levels of oxidative stress induced by the three tested QACs, their phytotoxicities in wheat seedlings increased in the following order: DDAC < DTAC < DBAC, which mainly depended on their characteristics and applied concentrations. These results, which illustrated the complexity of QAC toxicity to plants, could potentially be used to assess the risk posed by these compounds in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Can Zhou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shizhong Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology (Sun Yat-Sen University), Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Remediation (Sun Yat-Sen University), Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqi Lin
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhuobiao Ni
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jean Louis Morel
- Laboratoire Sols et Environnement INRA, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-, Nancy Cédex, France
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology (Sun Yat-Sen University), Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Remediation (Sun Yat-Sen University), Guangzhou, China
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Han Y, Zhou ZC, Zhu L, Wei YY, Feng WQ, Xu L, Liu Y, Lin ZJ, Shuai XY, Zhang ZJ, Chen H. The impact and mechanism of quaternary ammonium compounds on the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:28352-28360. [PMID: 31372954 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05673-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in microbes can be largely attributed to the abuse and misuse of antibiotics and biocides. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) have been used worldwide as common disinfectants and detergents; however, their potential impact on the spread and diffusion of ARGs is still unknown. In this study, we detected the QAC resistance gene (qacEΔ1), the 1 integron gene (intI1), and 12 ARGs (sul1, sul2, cfr, cml, fexA, tetA, tetG, tetQ, tetX, ermB, blaTEM, and dfrA1) in 48 water samples from three watersheds by quantitative PCR (qPCR). We investigated the evolution of bacterial antibiotic resistance under QAC and antibiotic environmental pressures by long-term continuous culture. In addition, five QACs were selected to investigate the effect of QAC on the efficiency of conjugation transfer. The changes in bacterial cell membrane and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by flow cytometry, revealing the mechanism by which QAC affects the spread of antibiotic resistance. Our results showed that the QAC resistance gene was ubiquitous in watersheds and it had significant correlation with intI1 and seven ARGs (r = 0.999, p < 0.01). QACs could increase the resistance of bacteria to multiple antibiotics. Furthermore, all five QACs promoted the conjugation transfer of the RP4 plasmid; the optimal concentration of QACs was about 10-1-10-2 mg/L and their transfer efficiencies were between 1.33 × 10-6 and 8.87 × 10-5. QACs enhanced membrane permeability of bacterial cells and stimulated bacteria to produce ROS, which potentially promoted the transfer of plasmids between bacteria. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that QACs may facilitate the evolution and gene transfer of antibiotic resistance gene among microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Han
- Institute of Environmental Technology, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhen-Chao Zhou
- Institute of Environmental Technology, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Institute of Environmental Technology, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wei
- Institute of Environmental Technology, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wan-Qiu Feng
- Institute of Environmental Technology, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lan Xu
- Institute of Environmental Technology, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Environmental Technology, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ze-Jun Lin
- Institute of Environmental Technology, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xin-Yi Shuai
- Institute of Environmental Technology, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhi-Jian Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Technology, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Institute of Environmental Technology, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Benzalkonium Chlorides: Uses, Regulatory Status, and Microbial Resistance. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:AEM.00377-19. [PMID: 31028024 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00377-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) are chemicals with widespread applications due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This review provides an overview of the market for BACs, as well as regulatory measures and available data on safety, toxicity, and environmental contamination. We focus on the effect of frequent exposure of microbial communities to BACs and the potential for cross-resistant phenotypes to emerge. Toward this goal, we review BAC concentrations in consumer products, their correlation with the emergence of tolerance in microbial populations, and the associated risk potential. Our analysis suggests that the ubiquitous and frequent use of BACs in commercial products can generate selective environments that favor microbial phenotypes potentially cross-resistant to a variety of compounds. An analysis of benefits versus risks should be the guidepost for regulatory actions regarding compounds such as BACs.
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