51
|
Malev O, Lovrić M, Stipaničev D, Repec S, Martinović-Weigelt D, Zanella D, Ivanković T, Sindičić Đuretec V, Barišić J, Li M, Klobučar G. Toxicity prediction and effect characterization of 90 pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs measured in plasma of fish from a major European river (Sava, Croatia). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115162. [PMID: 32771868 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Chemical analysis of plasma samples of wild fish from the Sava River (Croatia) revealed the presence of 90 different pharmaceuticals/illicit drugs and their metabolites (PhACs/IDrgs). The concentrations of these PhACs/IDrgs in plasma were 10 to 1000 times higher than their concentrations in river water. Antibiotics, allergy/cold medications and analgesics were categories with the highest plasma concentrations. Fifty PhACs/IDrgs were identified as chemicals of concern based on the fish plasma model (FPM) effect ratios (ER) and their potential to activate evolutionary conserved biological targets. Chemicals of concern were also prioritized by calculating exposure-activity ratios (EARs) where plasma concentrations of chemicals were compared to their bioactivities in comprehensive ToxCast suite of in vitro assays. Overall, the applied prioritization methods indicated stimulants (nicotine, cotinine) and allergy/cold medications (prednisolone, dexamethasone) as having the highest potential biological impact on fish. The FPM model pointed to psychoactive substances (hallucinogens/stimulants and opioids) and psychotropic substances in the cannabinoids category (i.e. CBD and THC). EAR confirmed above and singled out additional chemicals of concern - anticholesteremic simvastatin and antiepileptic haloperidol. Present study demonstrates how the use of a combination of chemical analyses, and bio-effects based risk predictions with multiple criteria can help identify priority contaminants in freshwaters. The results reveal a widespread exposure of fish to complex mixtures of PhACs/IDrgs, which may target common molecular targets. While many of the prioritized chemicals occurred at low concentrations, their adverse effect on aquatic communities, due to continuous chronic exposure and additive effects, should not be neglected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Malev
- Department for Translational Medicine, Srebrnjak Children's Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Mario Lovrić
- Know-Center, Inffeldgasse 13/6, A-8010, Graz, Austria; NMR Centre, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Draženka Stipaničev
- Croatian Waters, Central Water Management Laboratory, Ulica grada Vukovara 220, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Siniša Repec
- Croatian Waters, Central Water Management Laboratory, Ulica grada Vukovara 220, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Dalma Martinović-Weigelt
- University of St. Thomas, Department of Biology, Mail OWS 390, 2115 Summit Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55105, USA.
| | - Davor Zanella
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Tomislav Ivanković
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | | | - Josip Barišić
- Laboratory for Biotechnology in Aquaculture, Division of Materials Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Göran Klobučar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, Zagreb, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Custer CM, Custer TW, Dummer PM, Schultz S, Tseng CY, Karouna-Renier N, Matson CW. Legacy and Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Tree Swallows Along an Agricultural to Industrial Gradient: Maumee River, Ohio. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:1936-1952. [PMID: 32495340 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to multiple classes of contaminants, both legacy and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), were assessed in tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) tissue and diet samples from 6 sites along the Maumee River, Ohio, USA, to understand both exposure and possible effects of exposure to those CECs for which there are little avian data. The 6 sites represented a gradient from intensive agriculture upstream to highly urbanized and industrial landscapes downstream; 1 or 2 remote Wisconsin lakes were assessed for comparative purposes. Cytochrome P450 induction, DNA damage, and thyroid function were also assessed relative to contaminant exposure. Bioaccumulative CECs, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and perfluorinated substances, did not follow any upstream to downstream gradient; but both had significantly greater concentrations along the Maumee River than at the remote lake sites. Greater exposure to PBDEs was apparent in swallows at or near wastewater-treatment facilities than at other sites. Total polychlorinated biphenyl and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations were greater in swallows at downstream locations compared to upstream sites and were associated with higher ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase activity. Few herbicides or nonorganochlorine insecticides were detected in swallow tissues or their food, except for atrazine and its metabolite desethylatrazine. Few pharmaceuticals and personal care products were detected except for DEET and iopamidol. Both were detected in most liver samples but not in eggs, as well as detected at the remote lake sites. This is one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of exposure and effects of a wide variety of CECs in birds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1936-1952. © 2020 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Custer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin
| | - Thomas W Custer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin
| | - Paul M Dummer
- Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, US Geological Survey, La Crosse, Wisconsin
| | - Sandra Schultz
- Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, US Geological Survey, Beltsville, Maryland
| | - Chi Yen Tseng
- Department of Environmental Science and Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | | | - Cole W Matson
- Department of Environmental Science and Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Battaglin W, Duncker J, Terrio P, Bradley P, Barber L, DeCicco L. Evaluating the potential role of bioactive chemicals on the distribution of invasive Asian carp upstream and downstream from river mile 278 in the Illinois waterway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 735:139458. [PMID: 32470670 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Two non-native carp species have invaded the Illinois Waterway and are a threat to Great Lakes ecosystems. Poor water quality in the upper Illinois Waterway may be a factor contributing to the stalling of the carp population front near river mile 278. In 2015, the U.S. Geological Survey collected 4 sets of water samples from two sites upstream and 4 sites downstream from river mile 278, and one tributary. Each sample was analyzed for up to 649 unique constituents of which 287 were detected including 96 pesticides, 62 pharmaceuticals, 39 wastewater indicator chemicals, 29 metals, 19 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 6 disinfection by-products (DBPs), 5 hormones, and 5 carboxylic acids. Potential for bioactivity was estimated by comparing chemical concentrations to aquatic life or human health criteria and to in-vitro bioactivity screening results in the U.S Environmental Protection Agency ToxCast™ database. The resulting hazard quotients and exposure-activity ratios (EARs) are toxicity indexes that can be used to rank potential bioactivity of individual chemicals and chemical mixtures. This analysis indicates that several bioactive chemicals (BCs) including: carbendazim, 2,4-D, metolachlor, terbuthylazine, and acetochlor (pesticides); 1,4-dioxane (VOC); metformin, diphenhydramine, sulfamethoxazole, tramadol, fexofenadine, and the anti-depressants (pharmaceuticals); bisphenol A, 4-nonylphenol, galaxolide, 4-tert-octylphenol (wastewater indicator chemical); lead and boron (metals); and estrone (hormone) all occur in the upper Illinois Waterway at concentrations that produce elevated EARs values and may be adversely affecting carp reproduction and health. The clear differences in water quality upstream and downstream from river mile 278 with higher contaminant concentrations and potential bioactivity upstream could represent a barrier to carp range expansion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Battaglin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Water Science Center, Lakewood, CO, United States of America.
| | - James Duncker
- U.S. Geological Survey, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Paul Terrio
- U.S. Geological Survey, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Paul Bradley
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Larry Barber
- U.S. Geological Survey, Water Mission Area, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Laura DeCicco
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Science Center, Middleton, WI, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Ochiai M, Kurihara N, Hirano M, Nakata A, Iwata H. In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Risk Assessments of Environmental Pollutants Using Fibroblasts of a Stranded Finless Porpoise ( Neophocaena asiaeorientalis). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:6832-6841. [PMID: 32337981 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b07471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cetaceans accumulate high levels of environmental pollutants, yet their toxicological studies have been difficult due to technical and ethical issues. It is essential to identify and fill the current knowledge gaps in the in vitro assays available for cetaceans. The present study establishes a novel in vitro assay that uses the fibroblasts of a finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) (FF) stranded in the Seto Inland Sea (SIS) to answer questions about the cytotoxicity and risks of environmental pollutants. FF were treated with 17 compounds including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and their metabolites (DDTs) and evaluated for cytotoxicity, viability, and apoptosis. The results of FF were compared with those of human fibroblasts (HF). The relative potencies of the test compounds were comparable between the two species, as EC50 of these compounds significantly correlated for FF and HF. Exposure-activity ratios (EARs) revealed that accumulation of PCBs and DDTs are likely to pose adverse effects at the cellular level in the SIS finless porpoises, as their tissue concentrations exceeded EC50 values obtained in this study. This study successfully evaluated the risks of environmental pollutants using cetacean fibroblasts isolated by a non-invasive method that may be applied to various cetacean species and compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mari Ochiai
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime 790-8577 Japan
| | - Nozomi Kurihara
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1, Yoshida, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Masashi Hirano
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime 790-8577 Japan
| | - Akifumi Nakata
- Hokkaido University of Science, 7-Jo 15-4-1 Maeda, Teine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 006-8585, Japan
| | - Hisato Iwata
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama City, Ehime 790-8577 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Bradley PM, Argos M, Kolpin DW, Meppelink SM, Romanok KM, Smalling KL, Focazio MJ, Allen JM, Dietze JE, Devito MJ, Donovan AR, Evans N, Givens CE, Gray JL, Higgins CP, Hladik ML, Iwanowicz LR, Journey CA, Lane RF, Laughrey ZR, Loftin KA, McCleskey RB, McDonough CA, Medlock-Kakaley E, Meyer MT, Putz AR, Richardson SD, Stark AE, Weis CP, Wilson VS, Zehraoui A. Mixed organic and inorganic tapwater exposures and potential effects in greater Chicago area, USA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020. [PMID: 32126404 DOI: 10.5066/p9voobwt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Safe drinking water at the point of use (tapwater, TW) is a public-health priority. TW exposures and potential human-health concerns of 540 organics and 35 inorganics were assessed in 45 Chicago-area United States (US) homes in 2017. No US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level(s) (MCL) were exceeded in any residential or water treatment plant (WTP) pre-distribution TW sample. Ninety percent (90%) of organic analytes were not detected in treated TW, emphasizing the high quality of the Lake Michigan drinking-water source and the efficacy of the drinking-water treatment and monitoring. Sixteen (16) organics were detected in >25% of TW samples, with about 50 detected at least once. Low-level TW exposures to unregulated disinfection byproducts (DBP) of emerging concern, per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and three pesticides were ubiquitous. Common exceedances of non-enforceable EPA MCL Goal(s) (MCLG) of zero for arsenic [As], lead [Pb], uranium [U], bromodichloromethane, and tribromomethane suggest potential human-health concerns and emphasize the continuing need for improved understanding of cumulative effects of low-concentration mixtures on vulnerable sub-populations. Because DBP dominated TW organics, residential-TW concentrations are potentially predictable with expanded pre-distribution DBP monitoring. However, several TW chemicals, notably Pb and several infrequently detected organic compounds, were not readily explained by pre-distribution samples, illustrating the need for continued broad inorganic/organic TW characterization to support consumer assessment of acceptable risk and point-of-use treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Argos
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael J Devito
- U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Nicola Evans
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrea R Putz
- City of Chicago, Department of Water Management, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Alan E Stark
- City of Chicago, Department of Water Management, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christopher P Weis
- U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
56
|
Bradley PM, Argos M, Kolpin DW, Meppelink SM, Romanok KM, Smalling KL, Focazio MJ, Allen JM, Dietze JE, Devito MJ, Donovan AR, Evans N, Givens CE, Gray JL, Higgins CP, Hladik ML, Iwanowicz LR, Journey CA, Lane RF, Laughrey ZR, Loftin KA, McCleskey RB, McDonough CA, Medlock-Kakaley E, Meyer MT, Putz AR, Richardson SD, Stark AE, Weis CP, Wilson VS, Zehraoui A. Mixed organic and inorganic tapwater exposures and potential effects in greater Chicago area, USA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 719:137236. [PMID: 32126404 PMCID: PMC9140060 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Safe drinking water at the point of use (tapwater, TW) is a public-health priority. TW exposures and potential human-health concerns of 540 organics and 35 inorganics were assessed in 45 Chicago-area United States (US) homes in 2017. No US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level(s) (MCL) were exceeded in any residential or water treatment plant (WTP) pre-distribution TW sample. Ninety percent (90%) of organic analytes were not detected in treated TW, emphasizing the high quality of the Lake Michigan drinking-water source and the efficacy of the drinking-water treatment and monitoring. Sixteen (16) organics were detected in >25% of TW samples, with about 50 detected at least once. Low-level TW exposures to unregulated disinfection byproducts (DBP) of emerging concern, per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and three pesticides were ubiquitous. Common exceedances of non-enforceable EPA MCL Goal(s) (MCLG) of zero for arsenic [As], lead [Pb], uranium [U], bromodichloromethane, and tribromomethane suggest potential human-health concerns and emphasize the continuing need for improved understanding of cumulative effects of low-concentration mixtures on vulnerable sub-populations. Because DBP dominated TW organics, residential-TW concentrations are potentially predictable with expanded pre-distribution DBP monitoring. However, several TW chemicals, notably Pb and several infrequently detected organic compounds, were not readily explained by pre-distribution samples, illustrating the need for continued broad inorganic/organic TW characterization to support consumer assessment of acceptable risk and point-of-use treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Argos
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael J Devito
- U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Nicola Evans
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrea R Putz
- City of Chicago, Department of Water Management, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Alan E Stark
- City of Chicago, Department of Water Management, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christopher P Weis
- U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
57
|
Bradley PM, Romanok KM, Duncan JR, Battaglin WA, Clark JM, Hladik ML, Huffman BJ, Iwanowicz LR, Journey CA, Smalling KL. Exposure and potential effects of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in protected streams of the US National park Service southeast region. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 704:135431. [PMID: 31896231 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Globally, protected areas offer refugia for a broad range of taxa including threatened and endangered species. In the United States (US), the National Park Service (NPS) manages public lands to preserve biodiversity, but increasing park visitation and development of surrounding landscapes increase exposure to and effects from bioactive contaminants. The risk (exposure and hazard) to NPS protected-stream ecosystems within the highly urbanized southeast region (SER) from bioactive contaminants was assessed in five systems based on 334 pesticide and pharmaceutical analytes in water and 119 pesticides in sediment. Contaminant mixtures were common across all sampled systems, with approximately 24% of the unique analytes (80/334) detected at least once and 15% (49/334) detected in half of the surface-water samples. Pharmaceuticals were observed more frequently than pesticides, consistent with riparian buffers and concomitant spatial separation from non-point pesticide sources in four of the systems. To extrapolate exposure data to biological effects space, site-specific cumulative exposure-activity ratios (ΣEAR) were calculated for detected surface-water contaminants with available ToxCast data; common exceedances of a 0.001 ΣEAR effects-screening threshold raise concerns for molecular toxicity and possible, sub-lethal effects to non-target, aquatic vertebrates. The results illustrate the need for continued management of protected resources to reduce contaminant exposure and preserve habitat quality, including prioritization of conservation practices (riparian buffers) near stream corridors and increased engagement with upstream/up-gradient property owners and municipal wastewater facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Bradley
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center, Columbia, SC USA.
| | - Kristin M Romanok
- U.S. Geological Survey, New Jersey Water Science Center, Lawrenceville, NJ USA
| | | | | | - Jimmy M Clark
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Michelle L Hladik
- U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Bradley J Huffman
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Luke R Iwanowicz
- U.S. Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center , Kearneysville, WV USA
| | - Celeste A Journey
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Kelly L Smalling
- U.S. Geological Survey, New Jersey Water Science Center, Lawrenceville, NJ USA
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Chen L, Li S, Zhou Y, Zhou X, Jiang H, Liu X, Yuan S. Risk assessment for pesticide mixtures on aquatic ecosystems in China: a proposed framework. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:444-453. [PMID: 31228309 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With over 12 000 registered mixture formulations in China, environmental risk assessment of co-formulated pesticide mixtures to aquatic ecosystems is of increasing interest to scientists, risk assessors, and risk managers. This study proposed a pragmatic approach based on widely accepted scientific concepts and strategies. RESULTS The proposed approach has three tiers, a preliminary Tier 0 stage, a Tier 1 stage, and a refinement stage as Tier 2, which are demonstrated with one case study. Because of the large number of co-formulated pesticide mixtures available in China, a unique Tier 0 stage is proposed with practicable criteria to identify mixtures requiring further evaluation. For Tier-1 assessment, exposure is assessed based on the application scheme and local scenarios in China. Hazard is evaluated using the concentration addition model as the default approach, which was developed a century ago and was adopted by the majority of the regulators globally. Given the unique characteristics of mixtures in the environment, data variability and ratio changes of active ingredients are also evaluated for hazard assessment. More accurate assessments with decreased uncertainties can be achieved by higher tier refinements in Tier-2, such as alternative models, consideration of co-formulants, and higher tier effect and exposure analyses. CONCLUSION Widely accepted concepts, methodologies, and criteria should be used for aquatic risk assessment for pesticide mixtures in China. To avoid unnecessary workload and a more accurate assessment, unique perspectives such as local agricultural practice, local scenarios and a preliminary screening stage (Tier 0) should be implemented. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lang Chen
- Pesticide Science Division, State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shibin Li
- Environmental Safety Division, Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Yanming Zhou
- Environment Division, Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxin Zhou
- Environment Division, Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Environment Division, Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Xingang Liu
- Pesticide Science Division, State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shankui Yuan
- Environment Division, Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Bradley PM, Journey CA, Button DT, Carlisle DM, Huffman BJ, Qi SL, Romanok KM, Van Metre PC. Multi-region assessment of pharmaceutical exposures and predicted effects in USA wadeable urban-gradient streams. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228214. [PMID: 31999738 PMCID: PMC6992211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-use pharmaceuticals in urban streams link aquatic-ecosystem health to human health. Pharmaceutical mixtures have been widely reported in larger streams due to historical emphasis on wastewater-treatment plant (WWTP) sources, with limited investigation of pharmaceutical exposures and potential effects in smaller headwater streams. In 2014-2017, the United States Geological Survey measured 111 pharmaceutical compounds in 308 headwater streams (261 urban-gradient sites sampled 3-5 times, 47 putative low-impact sites sampled once) in 4 regions across the US. Simultaneous exposures to multiple pharmaceutical compounds (pharmaceutical mixtures) were observed in 91% of streams (248 urban-gradient, 32 low-impact), with 88 analytes detected across all sites and cumulative maximum concentrations up to 36,142 ng/L per site. Cumulative detections and concentrations correlated to urban land use and presence/absence of permitted WWTP discharges, but pharmaceutical mixtures also were common in the 75% of sampled streams without WWTP. Cumulative exposure-activity ratios (EAR) indicated widespread transient exposures with high probability of molecular effects to vertebrates. Considering the potential individual and interactive effects of the detected pharmaceuticals and the recognized analytical underestimation of the pharmaceutical-contaminant (unassessed parent compounds, metabolites, degradates) space, these results demonstrate a nation-wide environmental concern and the need for watershed-scale mitigation of in-stream pharmaceutical contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Bradley
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Celeste A. Journey
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Daniel T. Button
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - Bradley J. Huffman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sharon L. Qi
- U.S. Geological Survey, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Kristin M. Romanok
- U.S. Geological Survey, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
60
|
Nyffeler J, Willis C, Lougee R, Richard A, Paul-Friedman K, Harrill JA. Bioactivity screening of environmental chemicals using imaging-based high-throughput phenotypic profiling. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 389:114876. [PMID: 31899216 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.114876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study adapted an existing high content imaging-based high-throughput phenotypic profiling (HTPP) assay known as "Cell Painting" for bioactivity screening of environmental chemicals. This assay uses a combination of fluorescent probes to label a variety of organelles and measures a large number of phenotypic features at the single cell level in order to detect chemical-induced changes in cell morphology. First, a small set of candidate phenotypic reference chemicals (n = 14) known to produce changes in the cellular morphology of U-2 OS cells were identified and screened at multiple time points in concentration-response format. Many of these chemicals produced distinct cellular phenotypes that were qualitatively similar to those previously described in the literature. A novel workflow for phenotypic feature extraction, concentration-response modeling and determination of in vitro thresholds for chemical bioactivity was developed. Subsequently, a set of 462 chemicals from the ToxCast library were screened in concentration-response mode. Bioactivity thresholds were calculated and converted to administered equivalent doses (AEDs) using reverse dosimetry. AEDs were then compared to effect values from mammalian toxicity studies. In many instances (68%), the HTPP-derived AEDs were either more conservative than or comparable to the in vivo effect values. Overall, we conclude that the HTPP assay can be used as an efficient, cost-effective and reproducible screening method for characterizing the biological activity and potency of environmental chemicals for potential use in in vitro-based safety assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Nyffeler
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC 27711, United States of America; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States of America
| | - Clinton Willis
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC 27711, United States of America; Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Student Services Contractor, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States of America
| | - Ryan Lougee
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC 27711, United States of America; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States of America
| | - Ann Richard
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC 27711, United States of America
| | - Katie Paul-Friedman
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC 27711, United States of America
| | - Joshua A Harrill
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC 27711, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
de Baat ML, Wieringa N, Droge STJ, van Hall BG, van der Meer F, Kraak MHS. Smarter Sediment Screening: Effect-Based Quality Assessment, Chemical Profiling, and Risk Identification. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:14479-14488. [PMID: 31714076 PMCID: PMC6921687 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b02732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Sediments play an essential role in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems but simultaneously retain harmful compounds. However, sediment quality assessment methods that consider the risks caused by the combined action of all sediment-associated contaminants to benthic biota are still underrepresented in water quality assessment strategies. Significant advancements have been made in the application of effect-based methods, but methodological improvements can still advance sediment risk assessment. The present study aimed to explore such improvements by integrating effect-monitoring and chemical profiling of sediment contamination. To this end, 28 day life cycle bioassays with Chironomus riparius using intact whole sediment cores from contaminated sites were performed in tandem with explorative chemical profiling of bioavailable concentrations of groups of legacy and emerging sediment contaminants to investigate ecotoxicological risks to benthic biota. All contaminated sediments caused effects on the resilient midge C. riparius, stressing that sediment contamination is ubiquitous and potentially harmful to aquatic ecosystems. However, bioassay responses were not in line with any of the calculated toxicity indices, suggesting that toxicity was caused by unmeasured compounds. Hence, this study underlines the relevance of effect-based sediment quality assessment and provides smarter ways to do so.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milo L. de Baat
- Department
of Freshwater and Marine Ecology (FAME), Institute for Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University
of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke Wieringa
- Department
of Freshwater and Marine Ecology (FAME), Institute for Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University
of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven T. J. Droge
- Department
of Freshwater and Marine Ecology (FAME), Institute for Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University
of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart G. van Hall
- Department
of Freshwater and Marine Ecology (FAME), Institute for Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University
of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Michiel H. S. Kraak
- Department
of Freshwater and Marine Ecology (FAME), Institute for Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University
of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Gaw S, Harford A, Pettigrove V, Sevicke‐Jones G, Manning T, Ataria J, Cresswell T, Dafforn KA, Leusch FDL, Moggridge B, Cameron M, Chapman J, Coates G, Colville A, Death C, Hageman K, Hassell K, Hoak M, Gadd J, Jolley DF, Karami A, Kotzakoulakis K, Lim R, McRae N, Metzeling L, Mooney T, Myers J, Pearson A, Saaristo M, Sharley D, Stuthe J, Sutherland O, Thomas O, Tremblay L, Wood W, Boxall ABA, Rudd MA, Brooks BW. Towards Sustainable Environmental Quality: Priority Research Questions for the Australasian Region of Oceania. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2019; 15:917-935. [PMID: 31273905 PMCID: PMC6899907 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Environmental challenges persist across the world, including the Australasian region of Oceania, where biodiversity hotspots and unique ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef are common. These systems are routinely affected by multiple stressors from anthropogenic activities, and increasingly influenced by global megatrends (e.g., the food-energy-water nexus, demographic transitions to cities) and climate change. Here we report priority research questions from the Global Horizon Scanning Project, which aimed to identify, prioritize, and advance environmental quality research needs from an Australasian perspective, within a global context. We employed a transparent and inclusive process of soliciting key questions from Australasian members of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. Following submission of 78 questions, 20 priority research questions were identified during an expert workshop in Nelson, New Zealand. These research questions covered a range of issues of global relevance, including research needed to more closely integrate ecotoxicology and ecology for the protection of ecosystems, increase flexibility for prioritizing chemical substances currently in commerce, understand the impacts of complex mixtures and multiple stressors, and define environmental quality and ecosystem integrity of temporary waters. Some questions have specific relevance to Australasia, particularly the uncertainties associated with using toxicity data from exotic species to protect unique indigenous species. Several related priority questions deal with the theme of how widely international ecotoxicological data and databases can be applied to regional ecosystems. Other timely questions, which focus on improving predictive chemistry and toxicology tools and techniques, will be important to answer several of the priority questions identified here. Another important question raised was how to protect local cultural and social values and maintain indigenous engagement during problem formulation and identification of ecosystem protection goals. Addressing these questions will be challenging, but doing so promises to advance environmental sustainability in Oceania and globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Gaw
- School of Physical and Chemical SciencesUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Andrew Harford
- Department of the Environment and EnergyAustralian Government, DarwinAustralia
| | - Vincent Pettigrove
- Aquatic Environmental Stress Research CentreRMIT University, BundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | | | | | | | - Tom Cresswell
- Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology OrganisationLucas HeightsAustralia
| | | | - Frederic DL Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute and School of Environment and ScienceGriffith UniversityBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Bradley Moggridge
- Institute for Applied EcologyUniversity of CanberraCanberraAustralia
| | | | - John Chapman
- Office of Environment and HeritageNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Gary Coates
- Te Rūnanga o Ngāi TahuChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Anne Colville
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Claire Death
- Faculty of Veterinary ScienceUniversity of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Kimberly Hageman
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUtah State University, LoganUtahUSA
| | - Kathryn Hassell
- Aquatic Environmental Stress Research CentreRMIT University, BundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Molly Hoak
- School of BiosciencesThe University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jennifer Gadd
- National Institute of Atmospheric and Water ResearchAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Dianne F Jolley
- Faculty of Science, University of Technology SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Ali Karami
- Environmental Futures Research InstituteGriffith UniversityBrisbaneAustralia
| | | | - Richard Lim
- Faculty of Science, University of Technology SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Nicole McRae
- School of Physical and Chemical SciencesUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
| | | | - Thomas Mooney
- Department of the Environment and EnergyAustralian Government, DarwinAustralia
| | - Jackie Myers
- Aquatic Environmental Stress Research CentreRMIT University, BundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Minna Saaristo
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Dave Sharley
- Bio2Lab, Melbourne Innovation CentreGreensboroughAustralia
| | | | | | - Oliver Thomas
- School of Applied Chemistry and Environmental ScienceRMIT University, MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Louis Tremblay
- Cawthron InstituteNelsonNew Zealand
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
63
|
Corsi SR, De Cicco LA, Villeneuve DL, Blackwell BR, Fay KA, Ankley GT, Baldwin AK. Prioritizing chemicals of ecological concern in Great Lakes tributaries using high-throughput screening data and adverse outcome pathways. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 686:995-1009. [PMID: 31412529 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Chemical monitoring data were collected in surface waters from 57 Great Lakes tributaries from 2010 to 13 to identify chemicals of potential biological relevance and sites at which these chemicals occur. Traditional water-quality benchmarks for aquatic life based on in vivo toxicity data were available for 34 of 67 evaluated chemicals. To expand evaluation of potential biological effects, measured chemical concentrations were compared to chemical-specific biological activities determined in high-throughput (ToxCast) in vitro assays. Resulting exposure-activity ratios (EARs) were used to prioritize the chemicals of greatest potential concern: 4‑nonylphenol, bisphenol A, metolachlor, atrazine, DEET, caffeine, tris(2‑butoxyethyl) phosphate, tributyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, benzo(a)pyrene, fluoranthene, and benzophenone. Water-quality benchmarks were unavailable for five of these chemicals, but for the remaining seven, EAR-based prioritization was consistent with that based on toxicity quotients calculated from benchmarks. Water-quality benchmarks identified three additional PAHs (anthracene, phenanthrene, and pyrene) not prioritized using EARs. Through this analysis, an EAR of 10-3 was identified as a reasonable threshold above which a chemical might be of potential concern. To better understand apical hazards potentially associated with biological activities captured in ToxCast assays, in vitro bioactivity data were matched with available adverse outcome pathway (AOP) information. The 49 ToxCast assays prioritized via EAR analysis aligned with 23 potentially-relevant AOPs present in the AOP-Wiki. Mixture effects at monitored sites were estimated by summation of EAR values for multiple chemicals by individual assay or individual AOP. Commonly predicted adverse outcomes included impacts on reproduction and mitochondrial function. The EAR approach provided a screening-level assessment for evidence-based prioritization of chemicals and sites with potential for adverse biological effects. The approach aids prioritization of future monitoring activities and provides testable hypotheses to help focus those efforts. This also expands the fraction of detected chemicals for which biologically-based benchmark concentrations are available to help contextualize chemical monitoring results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Corsi
- U.S. Geological Survey, Middleton, WI 53562, United States.
| | | | - Daniel L Villeneuve
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MN 55804, United States
| | - Brett R Blackwell
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MN 55804, United States
| | - Kellie A Fay
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Duluth, MN 55804, United States
| | - Gerald T Ankley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MN 55804, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
64
|
Rose LD, Akob DM, Tuberty SR, Corsi SR, DeCicco LA, Colby JD, Martin DJ. Use of high-throughput screening results to prioritize chemicals for potential adverse biological effects within a West Virginia watershed. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 677:362-372. [PMID: 31059879 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Organic chemicals from industrial, agricultural, and residential activities can enter surface waters through regulated and unregulated discharges, combined sewer overflows, stormwater runoff, accidental spills, and leaking septic-conveyance systems on a daily basis. The impact of point and nonpoint contaminant sources can result in adverse biological effects for organisms living in or near surface waters. Assessing the adverse or toxic effects that may result when exposure occurs is complicated by the fact that many commonly used chemicals lack toxicity information or water quality standards. To address these challenges, an exposure-activity ratio (EAR) screening approach was used to prioritize environmental chemistry data in a West Virginia watershed (Wolf Creek). Wolf Creek is a drinking water source and recreation resource with documented water quality impacts from point and nonpoint sources. The EAR screening approach uses high-throughput screening (HTS) data from ToxCast as a method of integrating environmental chemical occurrence and biological effects data. Using water quality schedule 4433, which targets 69 organic waste compounds typically found in domestic and industrial wastewater, chemicals were screened for potential adverse biological affects at multiple sites in the Wolf Creek watershed. Cumulative EAR mixture values were greatest at Sites 2 and 3, where bisphenol A (BPA) and pentachlorophenol exhibited maximum EAR values of 0.05 and 0.002, respectively. Site 2 is downstream of an unconventional oil and gas (UOG) wastewater disposal facility with documented water quality impacts. Low-level organic contaminants were found at all sample sites in Wolf Creek, except Site 10, where Wolf Creek enters the New River. The application of an EAR screening approach allowed our study to extend beyond traditional environmental monitoring methods to identify multiple sites and chemicals that warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Levi D Rose
- Appalachian State University, Department of Geography and Planning, NC 28607, USA.
| | | | - Shea R Tuberty
- Appalachian State University, Department of Biology, NC 28607, USA
| | | | | | - Jeffrey D Colby
- Appalachian State University, Department of Geography and Planning, NC 28607, USA
| | - Derek J Martin
- Appalachian State University, Department of Geography and Planning, NC 28607, USA
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Carpenter CMG, Wong LYJ, Gutema DL, Helbling DE. Fall Creek Monitoring Station: Using Environmental Covariates To Predict Micropollutant Dynamics and Peak Events in Surface Water Systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:8599-8610. [PMID: 31280559 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b02665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This research aimed to further our understanding of how environmental processes control micropollutant dynamics in surface water systems as a means to predict peak concentration events and inform intermittent sampling strategies. We characterized micropollutant concentrations in daily composite samples from the Fall Creek Monitoring Station over 18 months. These data were compiled alongside environmental covariates, including daily measurements of weather, hydrology, and water quality parameters, to generate a novel data set with high temporal resolution. We evaluated the temporal trends of several representative micropollutants, along with cumulative metrics of overall micropollutant contamination, by means of multivariable analyses to determine which combination of covariates best predicts micropollutant dynamics and peak events. Peak events of agriculture-derived micropollutants were best predicted by positive associations with turbidity and UV254 absorbance and negative associations with baseflow index. Peak events of wastewater-derived micropollutants were best predicted by positive associations with alkalinity and negative associations with streamflow rate. We demonstrate that these predictors can be used to inform intermittent sampling strategies aimed at capturing peak events, and we generalize the approach so that it could be applied in other watersheds. Finally, we demonstrate how our approach can be used to contextualize micropollutant data derived from infrequent grab samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corey M G Carpenter
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York 14853 , United States
| | - Lok Yee J Wong
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York 14853 , United States
| | - Danyeh L Gutema
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York 14853 , United States
| | - Damian E Helbling
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York 14853 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Thomas RS, Bahadori T, Buckley TJ, Cowden J, Deisenroth C, Dionisio KL, Frithsen JB, Grulke CM, Gwinn MR, Harrill JA, Higuchi M, Houck KA, Hughes MF, Hunter ES, Isaacs KK, Judson RS, Knudsen TB, Lambert JC, Linnenbrink M, Martin TM, Newton SR, Padilla S, Patlewicz G, Paul-Friedman K, Phillips KA, Richard AM, Sams R, Shafer TJ, Setzer RW, Shah I, Simmons JE, Simmons SO, Singh A, Sobus JR, Strynar M, Swank A, Tornero-Valez R, Ulrich EM, Villeneuve DL, Wambaugh JF, Wetmore BA, Williams AJ. The Next Generation Blueprint of Computational Toxicology at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Toxicol Sci 2019; 169:317-332. [PMID: 30835285 PMCID: PMC6542711 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is faced with the challenge of efficiently and credibly evaluating chemical safety often with limited or no available toxicity data. The expanding number of chemicals found in commerce and the environment, coupled with time and resource requirements for traditional toxicity testing and exposure characterization, continue to underscore the need for new approaches. In 2005, EPA charted a new course to address this challenge by embracing computational toxicology (CompTox) and investing in the technologies and capabilities to push the field forward. The return on this investment has been demonstrated through results and applications across a range of human and environmental health problems, as well as initial application to regulatory decision-making within programs such as the EPA's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program. The CompTox initiative at EPA is more than a decade old. This manuscript presents a blueprint to guide the strategic and operational direction over the next 5 years. The primary goal is to obtain broader acceptance of the CompTox approaches for application to higher tier regulatory decisions, such as chemical assessments. To achieve this goal, the blueprint expands and refines the use of high-throughput and computational modeling approaches to transform the components in chemical risk assessment, while systematically addressing key challenges that have hindered progress. In addition, the blueprint outlines additional investments in cross-cutting efforts to characterize uncertainty and variability, develop software and information technology tools, provide outreach and training, and establish scientific confidence for application to different public health and environmental regulatory decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Russell S. Thomas
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Tina Bahadori
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Timothy J. Buckley
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - John Cowden
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Chad Deisenroth
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Kathie L. Dionisio
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Jeffrey B. Frithsen
- Chemical Safety for Sustainability National Research Program, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Christopher M. Grulke
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Maureen R. Gwinn
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Joshua A. Harrill
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Mark Higuchi
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Keith A. Houck
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Michael F. Hughes
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - E. Sidney Hunter
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Kristin K. Isaacs
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Richard S. Judson
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Thomas B. Knudsen
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Jason C. Lambert
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Monica Linnenbrink
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Todd M. Martin
- National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Seth R. Newton
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Grace Patlewicz
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Katie Paul-Friedman
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Katherine A. Phillips
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Ann M. Richard
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Reeder Sams
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Timothy J. Shafer
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - R. Woodrow Setzer
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Imran Shah
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Jane E. Simmons
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Steven O. Simmons
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Amar Singh
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Jon R. Sobus
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Mark Strynar
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Adam Swank
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Rogelio Tornero-Valez
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Elin M. Ulrich
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Daniel L Villeneuve
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - John F. Wambaugh
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Barbara A. Wetmore
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| | - Antony J. Williams
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Bradley PM, Journey CA, Berninger JP, Button DT, Clark JM, Corsi SR, DeCicco LA, Hopkins KG, Huffman BJ, Nakagaki N, Norman JE, Nowell LH, Qi SL, VanMetre PC, Waite IR. Mixed-chemical exposure and predicted effects potential in wadeable southeastern USA streams. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 655:70-83. [PMID: 30469070 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Complex chemical mixtures have been widely reported in larger streams but relatively little work has been done to characterize them and assess their potential effects in headwater streams. In 2014, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) sampled 54 Piedmont streams over ten weeks and measured 475 unique organic compounds using five analytical methods. Maximum and median exposure conditions were evaluated in relation to watershed characteristics and for potential biological effects using multiple lines of evidence. Results demonstrate that mixed-contaminant exposures are ubiquitous and varied in sampled headwater streams. Approximately 56% (264) of the 475 compounds were detected at least once across all sites. Cumulative maximum concentrations ranged 1,922-162,346ngL-1 per site. Chemical occurrence significantly correlated to urban land use but was not related to presence/absence of wastewater treatment facility discharges. Designed bioactive chemicals represent about 2/3rd of chemicals detected, notably pharmaceuticals and pesticides, qualitative evidence for possible adverse biological effects. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database chemical-gene associations applied to maximum exposure conditions indicate >12,000 and 2,900 potential gene targets were predicted at least once across all sites for fish and invertebrates, respectively. Analysis of cumulative exposure-activity ratios provided additional evidence that, at a minimum, transient exposures with high probability of molecular effects to vertebrates were common. Finally, cumulative detections and concentrations correlated inversely with invertebrate metrics from in-stream surveys. The results demonstrate widespread instream exposure to extensive contaminant mixtures and compelling multiple lines of evidence for adverse effects on aquatic communities.
Collapse
|
68
|
Brunner AM, Dingemans MML, Baken KA, van Wezel AP. Prioritizing anthropogenic chemicals in drinking water and sources through combined use of mass spectrometry and ToxCast toxicity data. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 364:332-338. [PMID: 30384243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in high-resolution mass spectrometry based methods have enabled a shift from pure target analysis to target, suspect and non-target screening analyses to detect chemicals in water samples. The multitude of suspect chemicals thereby detected needs to be prioritized for further identification, prior to health risk assessment and potential inclusion into monitoring programs. Here, we compare prioritization of chemicals in Dutch water samples based on relative intensities only to prioritization including hazard information based on high-throughput in vitro toxicity data. Over 1000 suspects detected in sewage treatment plant effluent, surface water, groundwater and drinking water samples were ranked based on their relative intensities. Toxicity data availability and density in the ToxCast database were determined and visualized for these suspects, also in regard to water relevant mechanisms of toxicity. More than 500 suspects could be ranked using occurrence/hazard ratios based on more than 1000 different assay endpoints. The comparison showed that different prioritization strategies resulted in significantly different ranking, with only 2 suspects prioritized based on occurrence among the top 20 in the hazard ranking. We therefore propose a novel scheme that integrates both exposure and hazard data, and efficiently prioritizes which features need to be confidently identified first.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Brunner
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, P.O. Box 1072, 3430 BB Nieuwegein, the Netherlands.
| | - Milou M L Dingemans
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, P.O. Box 1072, 3430 BB Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Kirsten A Baken
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, P.O. Box 1072, 3430 BB Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Annemarie P van Wezel
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, P.O. Box 1072, 3430 BB Nieuwegein, the Netherlands; Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 2, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
Blackwell BR, Ankley GT, Bradley PM, Houck KA, Makarov SS, Medvedev AV, Swintek J, Villeneuve DL. Potential Toxicity of Complex Mixtures in Surface Waters from a Nationwide Survey of United States Streams: Identifying in Vitro Bioactivities and Causative Chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:973-983. [PMID: 30548063 PMCID: PMC6467772 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b05304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
While chemical analysis of contaminant mixtures remains an essential component of environmental monitoring, bioactivity-based assessments using in vitro systems increasingly are used in the detection of biological effects. Historically, in vitro assessments focused on a few biological pathways, for example, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) or estrogen receptor (ER) activities. High-throughput screening (HTS) technologies have greatly increased the number of biological targets and processes that can be rapidly assessed. Here we screened extracts of surface waters from a nationwide survey of United States streams for bioactivities associated with 69 different end points using two multiplexed HTS assays. Bioactivity of extracts from 38 streams was evaluated and compared with concentrations of over 700 analytes to identify chemicals contributing to observed effects. Eleven primary biological end points were detected. Pregnane X receptor (PXR) and AhR-mediated activities were the most commonly detected. Measured chemicals did not completely account for AhR and PXR responses. Surface waters with AhR and PXR effects were associated with low intensity, developed land cover. Likewise, elevated bioactivities frequently associated with wastewater discharges included endocrine-related end points ER and glucocorticoid receptor. These results underscore the value of bioassay-based monitoring of environmental mixtures for detecting biological effects that could not be ascertained solely through chemical analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett R. Blackwell
- US EPA, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN, USA 55804
- Corresponding author: 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804; ; T: (218) 529-5078; Fax: (218) 529-5003
| | - Gerald T. Ankley
- US EPA, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN, USA 55804
| | - Paul M. Bradley
- US Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center, 720 Gracern Rd, Columbia, SC, USA 29210
| | - Keith A. Houck
- US EPA, National Center for Computational Toxicology, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA 27711
| | | | | | - Joe Swintek
- Badger Technical Services, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN, USA 55804
| | - Daniel L. Villeneuve
- US EPA, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN, USA 55804
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Villeneuve DL, Coady K, Escher BI, Mihaich E, Murphy CA, Schlekat T, Garcia-Reyero N. High-throughput screening and environmental risk assessment: State of the science and emerging applications. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2019; 38:12-26. [PMID: 30570782 PMCID: PMC6698360 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In 2007 the United States National Research Council (NRC) published a vision for toxicity testing in the 21st century that emphasized the use of in vitro high-throughput screening (HTS) methods and predictive models as an alternative to in vivo animal testing. In the present study we examine the state of the science of HTS and the progress that has been made in implementing and expanding on the NRC vision, as well as challenges to implementation that remain. Overall, significant progress has been made with regard to the availability of HTS data, aggregation of chemical property and toxicity information into online databases, and the development of various models and frameworks to support extrapolation of HTS data. However, HTS data and associated predictive models have not yet been widely applied in risk assessment. Major barriers include the disconnect between the endpoints measured in HTS assays and the assessment endpoints considered in risk assessments as well as the rapid pace at which new tools and models are evolving in contrast with the slow pace at which regulatory structures change. Nonetheless, there are opportunities for environmental scientists and policymakers alike to take an impactful role in the ongoing development and implementation of the NRC vision. Six specific areas for scientific coordination and/or policy engagement are identified. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:12-26. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Villeneuve
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Katie Coady
- Toxicology and Environmental Research and Consulting, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, USA
| | - Beate I. Escher
- Hemholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ellen Mihaich
- Environmental and Regulatory Resources (ER), Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cheryl A. Murphy
- Michigan State University, Fisheries and Wildlife, Lymann Briggs College, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Tamar Schlekat
- Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Natàlia Garcia-Reyero
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Elliott SM, Route WT, DeCicco LA, VanderMeulen DD, Corsi SR, Blackwell BR. Contaminants in bald eagles of the upper Midwestern U.S.: A framework for prioritizing future research based on in-vitro bioassays. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 244:861-870. [PMID: 30469280 PMCID: PMC6662187 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Several organic contaminants (OCs) have been detected in bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nestling (eaglet) plasma in the upper Midwestern United States. Despite frequent and relatively high concentrations of OCs in eaglets, little is understood about potential biological effects associated with exposure. We screened an existing database of OC concentrations in eaglet plasma collected from the Midwestern United States against bioactivity information from the ToxCast database. ToxCast bioactivity information consists of concentrations expected to elicit responses across a range of biological space (e.g. cellular, developmental, etc.) obtained from a series of high throughput assays. We calculated exposure-activity ratios (EAR) by calculating the ratio of plasma concentrations to concentrations available in ToxCast. Bioactivity data were not available for all detected OCs. Therefore, our analysis provides estimates of potential bioactivity for 19 of the detected OCs in eaglet plasma. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) EAR values were consistently the highest among all study areas. Maximum EAR values were ≥1 for PFOS, perfluorononanoic acid, and bisphenol A in 99.7, 0.53 and 0.26% of samples, indicating that some plasma concentrations were greater than what may be expected to elicit biological responses. About 125 gene targets, indicative of specific biological pathways, were identified as potentially being affected. Inhibition of several CYP genes, involved in xenobiotic metabolism, were most consistently identified. Other identified biological responses have potential implications for motor coordination, cardiac functions, behavior, and blood circulation. However, it is unclear what these results mean for bald eagles, given that ToxCast data are generated using mammalian-based endpoints. Despite uncertainties and limitations, this method of screening environmental data can be useful for informing future monitoring or research focused on understanding the occurrence and effects of OCs in bald eagles and other similarly-positioned trophic species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Elliott
- U.S. Geological Survey, 2280 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, MN, 55112, United States.
| | - William T Route
- U.S. National Park Service, Great Lakes Inventory & Monitoring Network, 2800 Lake Shore Drive East, Ashland, WI, 54806, United States.
| | - Laura A DeCicco
- U.S. Geological Survey, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI, 53562, United States.
| | - David D VanderMeulen
- U.S. National Park Service, Great Lakes Inventory & Monitoring Network, 2800 Lake Shore Drive East, Ashland, WI, 54806, United States.
| | - Steven R Corsi
- U.S. Geological Survey, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI, 53562, United States.
| | - Brett R Blackwell
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 6201 Congdon Boulevard, Duluth, MN, 55804, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Bradley PM, Kolpin DW, Romanok KM, Smalling KL, Focazio MJ, Brown JB, Cardon MC, Carpenter KD, Corsi SR, DeCicco LA, Dietze JE, Evans N, Furlong ET, Givens CE, Gray JL, Griffin DW, Higgins CP, Hladik ML, Iwanowicz LR, Journey CA, Kuivila KM, Masoner JR, McDonough CA, Meyer MT, Orlando JL, Strynar MJ, Weis CP, Wilson VS. Reconnaissance of Mixed Organic and Inorganic Chemicals in Private and Public Supply Tapwaters at Selected Residential and Workplace Sites in the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:13972-13985. [PMID: 30460851 PMCID: PMC6742431 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b04622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Safe drinking water at the point-of-use (tapwater, TW) is a United States public health priority. Multiple lines of evidence were used to evaluate potential human health concerns of 482 organics and 19 inorganics in TW from 13 (7 public supply, 6 private well self-supply) home and 12 (public supply) workplace locations in 11 states. Only uranium (61.9 μg L-1, private well) exceeded a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation maximum contaminant level (MCL: 30 μg L-1). Lead was detected in 23 samples (MCL goal: zero). Seventy-five organics were detected at least once, with median detections of 5 and 17 compounds in self-supply and public supply samples, respectively (corresponding maxima: 12 and 29). Disinfection byproducts predominated in public supply samples, comprising 21% of all detected and 6 of the 10 most frequently detected. Chemicals designed to be bioactive (26 pesticides, 10 pharmaceuticals) comprised 48% of detected organics. Site-specific cumulative exposure-activity ratios (∑EAR) were calculated for the 36 detected organics with ToxCast data. Because these detections are fractional indicators of a largely uncharacterized contaminant space, ∑EAR in excess of 0.001 and 0.01 in 74 and 26% of public supply samples, respectively, provide an argument for prioritized assessment of cumulative effects to vulnerable populations from trace-level TW exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Bradley
- United States Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina 29210, United States
| | - Dana W. Kolpin
- United States Geological Survey, Iowa City, Iowa 52240, United States
| | - Kristin M. Romanok
- United States Geological Survey, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648, United States
| | - Kelly L. Smalling
- United States Geological Survey, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648, United States
| | | | | | - Mary C. Cardon
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Kurt D. Carpenter
- United States Geological Survey, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Steven R. Corsi
- United States Geological Survey, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Laura A. DeCicco
- United States Geological Survey, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562, United States
| | - Julie E. Dietze
- United States Geological Survey, Lawrence, Kansas 66049, United States
| | - Nicola Evans
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Edward T. Furlong
- United States Geological Survey, Lakewood, Colorado 80225, United States
| | - Carrie E. Givens
- United States Geological Survey, Lansing, Michigan 48911, United States
| | - James L. Gray
- United States Geological Survey, Lakewood, Colorado 80225, United States
| | - Dale W. Griffin
- United States Geological Survey, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701, United States
| | | | - Michelle L. Hladik
- United States Geological Survey, Sacramento, California 95819, United States
| | - Luke R. Iwanowicz
- United States Geological Survey, Kearneysville, West Virginia 25430, United States
| | - Celeste A. Journey
- United States Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina 29210, United States
| | | | - Jason R. Masoner
- United States Geological Survey, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73159, United States
| | | | - Michael T. Meyer
- United States Geological Survey, Lawrence, Kansas 66049, United States
| | - James L. Orlando
- United States Geological Survey, Sacramento, California 95819, United States
| | - Mark J. Strynar
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Christopher P. Weis
- United States National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Vickie S. Wilson
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
McGuire JT, Cozzarelli IM, Bekins BA, Link H, Martinović-Weigelt D. Toxicity Assessment of Groundwater Contaminated by Petroleum Hydrocarbons at a Well-Characterized, Aged, Crude Oil Release Site. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:12172-12178. [PMID: 30272965 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b03657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Management of petroleum-impacted waters by monitored natural attenuation requires an understanding of the toxicology of both the original compounds released and the transformation products formed during natural breakdown. Here, we report data from a groundwater plume consisting of a mixture of crude oil compounds and transformation products in an effort to bridge the gap between groundwater quality information and potential biological effects of human exposures. Groundwater samples were characterized for redox processes, concentrations of nonvolatile dissolved organic carbon (NVDOC) and total petroleum hydrocarbons in the diesel range, as well as for activation of human nuclear receptors (hNR) and toxicologically relevant transcriptional pathways. Results show upregulation of several biological pathways, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and alpha, estrogen receptor alpha, and pregnane X receptor (PXR) with higher levels of hNR activity observed in more contaminated samples. Our study of affected groundwater contaminated by a crude-oil release 39 years ago shows these types of waters may have the potential to cause adverse impacts on development, endocrine, and liver functioning in exposed populations. Additionally, positive trends in activation of some of the molecular targets (e.g., PXR) with increasing NVDOC concentrations (including polar transformation products) demonstrate the importance of improving our understanding of the toxicity associated with the unknown transformation products present in hydrocarbon-impacted waters. Our results begin to provide insight into the potential toxicity of petroleum-impacted waters, which is particularly timely given the ubiquitous nature of waters impacted by petroleum contamination not only recently but also in the past and the need to protect drinking-water quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer T McGuire
- Department of Biology , University of St. Thomas , St. Paul , Minnesota 55105 , United States
| | | | - Barbara A Bekins
- U.S. Geological Survey , Menlo Park , California 94025 , United States
| | - Hannah Link
- Department of Biology , University of St. Thomas , St. Paul , Minnesota 55105 , United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
74
|
Weissinger RH, Blackwell BR, Keteles K, Battaglin WA, Bradley PM. Bioactive contaminants of emerging concern in National Park waters of the northern Colorado Plateau, USA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 636:910-918. [PMID: 29729508 PMCID: PMC6794149 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), wastewater indicators (WWIs), and pesticides (herein, Contaminants of Emerging Concern [CECs]) have been documented in surface waters throughout the world and have associated risks to aquatic life. While much research has focused on temperate and urbanized watersheds, less is known about CEC presence in semi-arid landscapes, where water availability is limited and populations are low. CEC presence in water and sediment is reported for 21 sites in eight U.S. national parks in the northern Colorado Plateau region. From 2012 to 2016, at least one PPCP and/or WWI was detected at most sites on over half of sampling visits, indicating that CECs are not uncommon even in isolated areas. CEC detections were generally fewer and at lower concentrations than in urbanized or agricultural watersheds. Consistent with studies from other U.S. regions, the most frequently detected CECs in this study include DEET, caffeine, organophosphorus flame retardants, and bisphenol A in water and fecal indicators and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment. Maximum concentrations in this study were generally below available water quality benchmarks, sediment quality guidelines, and risk assessment thresholds associated with vertebrates. Additional work is needed to assess the potential activity of hormones, which had high reporting limits in our study, and potential bioactivity of environmental concentrations for invertebrates, microbial communities, and algae. Potential sources of CEC contamination include upstream wastewater effluent discharges and National Park Service invasive-plant-control herbicide applications. CEC occurrence patterns and similarities between continuous and isolated flow locations suggest that direct contamination from individual visitors may also occur. While our data indicate there is little aquatic health risk associated with CECs at our sites, our results demonstrate the ubiquity of CECs on the landscape and a continued need for public outreach concerning resource-use ethics and the potential effects of upstream development.
Collapse
|
75
|
Fay KA, Villeneuve DL, Swintek J, Edwards SW, Nelms MD, Blackwell BR, Ankley GT. Differentiating Pathway-Specific From Nonspecific Effects in High-Throughput Toxicity Data: A Foundation for Prioritizing Adverse Outcome Pathway Development. Toxicol Sci 2018; 163:500-515. [PMID: 29529260 PMCID: PMC6820004 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ToxCast program has screened thousands of chemicals for biological activity, primarily using high-throughput in vitro bioassays. Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) offer a means to link pathway-specific biological activities with potential apical effects relevant to risk assessors. Thus, efforts are underway to develop AOPs relevant to pathway-specific perturbations detected in ToxCast assays. Previous work identified a "cytotoxic burst" (CTB) phenomenon wherein large numbers of the ToxCast assays begin to respond at or near test chemical concentrations that elicit cytotoxicity, and a statistical approach to defining the bounds of the CTB was developed. To focus AOP development on the molecular targets corresponding to ToxCast assays indicating pathway-specific effects, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify which assays most frequently respond at concentrations below the CTB. A preliminary list of potentially important, target-specific assays was determined by ranking assays by the fraction of chemical hits below the CTB compared with the number of chemicals tested. Additional priority assays were identified using a diagnostic-odds-ratio approach which gives greater ranking to assays with high specificity but low responsivity. Combined, the two prioritization methods identified several novel targets (e.g., peripheral benzodiazepine and progesterone receptors) to prioritize for AOP development, and affirmed the importance of a number of existing AOPs aligned with ToxCast targets (e.g., thyroperoxidase, estrogen receptor, aromatase). The prioritization approaches did not appear to be influenced by inter-assay differences in chemical bioavailability. Furthermore, the outcomes were robust based on a variety of different parameters used to define the CTB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kellie A. Fay
- University of Minnesota-Duluth, Biology Department; 1035 Kirby Drive, Swenson Science Building 207, Duluth, MN 55812
- CSRA Inc, Science and Engineering, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804
| | - Daniel L. Villeneuve
- U.S. EPA National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804
| | - Joe Swintek
- Badger Technical Services, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804
| | - Stephen W. Edwards
- U.S. EPA National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, 109 TW Alexander Dr. (MD B105-03), RTP, NC 27711
- RTI International, Research Computing Division, 3040 E Cornwallis Rd, Durham, NC 27709
| | - Mark D. Nelms
- U.S. EPA National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, 109 TW Alexander Dr. (MD B105-03), RTP, NC 27711
| | - Brett R. Blackwell
- U.S. EPA National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804
| | - Gerald T. Ankley
- U.S. EPA National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN 55804
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Ankley GT, Edwards SW. The Adverse Outcome Pathway: A Multifaceted Framework Supporting 21 st Century Toxicology. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2018; 9:1-7. [PMID: 29682628 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework serves as a knowledge assembly, interpretation, and communication tool designed to support the translation of pathway-specific mechanistic data into responses relevant to assessing and managing risks of chemicals to human health and the environment. As such, AOPs facilitate the use of data streams often not employed by risk assessors, including information from in silico models, in vitro assays and short-term in vivo tests with molecular/biochemical endpoints. This translational capability can increase the capacity and efficiency of safety assessments both for single chemicals and chemical mixtures. Our mini-review describes the conceptual basis of the AOP framework and aspects of its current status relative to use by toxicologists and risk assessors, including four illustrative applications of the framework to diverse assessment scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald T Ankley
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Stephen W Edwards
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, RTP, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|