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Saifulina E, Janabayev D, Kashkinbayev Y, Shokabaeva A, Ibrayeva D, Aumalikova M, Kazymbet P, Bakhtin M. Epidemiology of Somatic Diseases and Risk Factors in the Population Living in the Zone of Influence of Uranium Mining Enterprises of Kazakhstan: A Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060804. [PMID: 36981460 PMCID: PMC10048745 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The increase in uranium mining in Kazakhstan has brought with it a number of problems. Reducing the negative impact of radiation-toxic factors on the health of workers and the population in uranium mining regions is one of them. This article presents a pilot population health study in which we developed approaches to support residents living near an operating uranium mining enterprise. The purpose of the current study was to assess the impact of technogenic factors on the health of those living near the Syrdarya uranium ore province. Data collected from 5605 residents from the village of Bidaykol (the main group)—which is located 4 km from the uranium mining enterprise—and the village of Sunakata (the control group), which is located in the Kyzylorda region, were analyzed. A bidirectional cohort study was conducted. The prevalence of acute and chronic diseases among the residents of Bidaykol was 1.3 times higher than that in the control group. The structure of morbidity was dominated by pathologies of the genitourinary system (27%), the circulatory system (14.4%), and the respiratory system (11.9%). Relative risks (RR > 1) were identified for most classes of diseases, the highest being for diseases of the blood (RR = 2.6), skin (RR = 2.3), and genitourinary system (RR = 1.9). In the main group, renal pathologies were the most frequent class in the age group of 30–40 years, occurring mainly in women. In addition, they had a direct dependence on the duration of residence in the territory of the uranium ore province. Further studies into the interaction between the technogenic factors associated with uranium mining enterprises and the development of diseases of the urinary system are needed. This will make it possible to determine ways to prevent these pathologies in the population.
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Byrnes I, Rossbach LM, Jaroszewicz J, Grolimund D, Ferreira Sanchez D, Gomez-Gonzalez MA, Nuyts G, Reinoso-Maset E, Janssens K, Salbu B, Brede DA, Lind OC. Synchrotron XRF and Histological Analyses Identify Damage to Digestive Tract of Uranium NP-Exposed Daphnia magna. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1071-1079. [PMID: 36598768 PMCID: PMC9850915 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoscopic X-ray techniques were used to investigate the relationship between uranium (U) tissue distributions and adverse effects to the digestive tract of aquatic model organism Daphnia magna following uranium nanoparticle (UNP) exposure. X-ray absorption computed tomography measurements of intact daphnids exposed to sublethal concentrations of UNPs or a U reference solution (URef) showed adverse morphological changes to the midgut and the hepatic ceca. Histological analyses of exposed organisms revealed a high proportion of abnormal and irregularly shaped intestinal epithelial cells. Disruption of the hepatic ceca and midgut epithelial tissues implied digestive functions and intestinal barriers were compromised. Synchrotron-based micro X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental mapping identified U co-localized with morphological changes, with substantial accumulation of U in the lumen as well as in the epithelial tissues. Utilizing high-resolution nano-XRF, 400-1000 nm sized U particulates could be identified throughout the midgut and within hepatic ceca cells, coinciding with tissue damages. The results highlight disruption of intestinal function as an important mode of action of acute U toxicity in D. magna and that midgut epithelial cells as well as the hepatic ceca are key target organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Byrnes
- Faculty
of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Center for
Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Lisa Magdalena Rossbach
- Faculty
of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Center for
Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Jakub Jaroszewicz
- Faculty
of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw
University of Technology, Woloska Street 141, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daniel Grolimund
- Swiss
Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | | | - Miguel A. Gomez-Gonzalez
- Diamond
Light Source Ltd., Harwell
Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Gert Nuyts
- AXIS
Group, NANOlab Center of Excellence, Department of Physics, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Estela Reinoso-Maset
- Faculty
of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Center for
Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Koen Janssens
- AXIS
Group, NANOlab Center of Excellence, Department of Physics, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Brit Salbu
- Faculty
of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Center for
Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Dag Anders Brede
- Faculty
of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Center for
Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Ole Christian Lind
- Faculty
of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Center for
Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway
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Mertens A, Horemans N, Saenen E, Nauts R, Cuypers A. Calcium affects uranium responses in Arabidopsis thaliana: From distribution to toxicity. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2022; 185:101-111. [PMID: 35667317 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.05.020] [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: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Uranium, a heavy metal and primordial radionuclide, is present in surface waters and soils both naturally and due to industrial activities. Uranium is known to be toxic to plants and its uptake and toxicity can be influenced by multiple factors such as pH and the presence of different ions. However, the precise role of the different ions in uranium uptake is not yet known. Here we investigated whether calcium influences uranium uptake and toxicity in the terrestrial plant Arabidopsis thaliana. To this end, A. thaliana plants were exposed to different calcium and uranium concentrations and furthermore, calcium channels were blocked using the calcium channel blocker lanthanum chloride (LaCl3). Fresh weight, relative growth rate, concentration of nutrients and uranium and gene expression of oxidative stress-related genes and calcium transporters were determined in roots and shoots. Calcium affected plant growth and oxidative stress in both control (no uranium) and uranium-exposed plants. In shoots, this was influenced by the total calcium concentration, but not by the different tested uranium concentrations. Uranium in turn did influence calcium uptake and distribution. Uranium-exposed plants grown in a medium with a higher calcium concentration showed an increase in gene expression of NADPH oxidases RBOHC and RBOHE and calcium transporter CAX7 after uranium exposure. In roots, these calcium-dependent responses in gene expression were not observed. This indicates that calcium indeed affects uranium toxicity, but only in shoots. In addition, a clear influence of uranium and LaCl3 (separately and combined) on the expression of calcium transporters was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Mertens
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK), Hasselt University, Agoralaan D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Nele Horemans
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK), Hasselt University, Agoralaan D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Eline Saenen
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium.
| | - Robin Nauts
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium.
| | - Ann Cuypers
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK), Hasselt University, Agoralaan D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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Goulet RR, Newsome L, Vandenhove H, Keum DK, Horyna J, Kamboj S, Brown J, Johansen MP, Twining J, Wood MD, Černe M, Beaugelin-Seiller K, Beresford NA. Best practices for predictions of radionuclide activity concentrations and total absorbed dose rates to freshwater organisms exposed to uranium mining/milling. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 244-245:106826. [PMID: 35134696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106826] [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: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Predictions of radionuclide dose rates to freshwater organisms can be used to evaluate the radiological environmental impacts of releases from uranium mining and milling projects. These predictions help inform decisions on the implementation of mitigation measures. The objective of this study was to identify how dose rate modelling could be improved to reduce uncertainty in predictions to non-human biota. For this purpose, we modelled the activity concentrations of 210Pb, 210Po, 226Ra, 230Th, and 238U downstream of uranium mines and mills in northern Saskatchewan, Canada, together with associated weighted absorbed dose rates for a freshwater food chain using measured activity concentrations in water and sediments. Differences in predictions of radionuclide activity concentrations occurred mainly from the different default partition coefficient and concentration ratio values from one model to another and including all or only some 238U decay daughters in the dose rate assessments. Consequently, we recommend a standardized best-practice approach to calculate weighted absorbed dose rates to freshwater biota whether a facility is at the planning, operating or decommissioned stage. At the initial planning stage, the best-practice approach recommend using conservative site-specific baseline activity concentrations in water, sediments and organisms and predict conservative incremental activity concentrations in these media by selecting concentration ratios based on species similarity and similar water quality conditions to reduce the uncertainty in dose rate calculations. At the operating and decommissioned stages, the best-practice approach recommends relying on measured activity concentrations in water, sediment, fish tissue and whole-body of small organisms to further reduce uncertainty in dose rate estimates. This approach would allow for more realistic but still conservative dose assessments when evaluating impacts from uranium mining projects and making decision on adequate controls of releases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard R Goulet
- CanmetMINING, Natural Resources Canada, Canada; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Laura Newsome
- Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dong-Kwon Keum
- Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Republic of Korea
| | - Jan Horyna
- State Office for Nuclear Safety, Czech Republic; Moskevska 74, 10100, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | | | - Justin Brown
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Norway
| | | | - John Twining
- Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organization, Australia
| | | | - Marko Černe
- Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Poreč, Croatia; Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Nicholas A Beresford
- University of Salford, United Kingdom; UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, United Kingdom
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Simon O, Coppin F, Micozzi N, Beaugelin-Seiller K, Février L, Henner P, Della-Vedova C, Camilleri V, Gilbin R. Chronic toxicity of uranium to three benthic organisms in laboratory spiked sediment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 241:106776. [PMID: 34823202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to mining activities, concentration of uranium (U) in the environment nearby former and operating sites can be higher than in other areas. The derivation of quality criteria for U in freshwater ecosystems, rivers and lakes includes the consideration of contaminated sediments and the associated risk to the benthic life. Therefore, the derivation of a quality criteria for sediment has been viewed as a logical and necessary extension of the work already done to establish water quality criteria. In order to contribute to the determination of a Quality Standard for sediment (QSsediment) according to the European recommendations, this study focuses on the acquisition of a new toxicity dataset, to enrich the few rare existing data, most often unsuitable. A basic set of organisms, including three complementary benthic organisms (Chironomus riparius, Hyalella azteca, Myriophyllum aquaticum), was chronically exposed to U spiked to a standard laboratory-formulated sediment, according to the related bioassay guidelines (ISO/FDIS16303, OECD 218/9, ISO/DIS 16191). We looked to determine when possible both NOEC and EC10 values for each organism. For C. riparius, a NOEC (emergence rate) value was estimated at 62 mgU, kg-1, dm and the EC10 value reached 188 mgU, kg-1, dm (CI95% 40-885 mgU kg-1, dm). For H. azteca, a NOEC (survival rate) value of 40 mgU kg-1, dm was observed while the EC10 value at 296 mgU kg-1, dm (CI95% = 155-436 mgU kg-1, dm) was slightly higher than for growth at 199 mgU kg-1, dm (CI95% = 107-291 mgU kg-1 dm). Finally, the less sensitive organism seemed to be the plant, M. aquaticum, for which we determined a NOEC value of 100 mgU kg-1, dm. Results obtained regarding the toxicity of U made it possible to suggest a preliminary QSsediment value of 4 mgU kg-1, dry mass. This value was shown conservative compared to U sediment quality criteria derived by other jurisdictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Simon
- IRSN - Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Laboratoire de recherche sur les effets des radionucléides sur les écosystèmes (IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO), Bdg 183, BP 3, St-Paul-lez-Durance Cedex, France.
| | - Frederic Coppin
- IRSN-Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire Cadarache, Laboratoire de recherche sur les transferts des radionucléides dans les écosystèmes terrestres (IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE/L2RT), Bdg 183, BP 3, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance Cedex, France.
| | - Nadine Micozzi
- IRSN - Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Laboratoire de recherche sur les effets des radionucléides sur les écosystèmes (IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO), Bdg 183, BP 3, St-Paul-lez-Durance Cedex, France.
| | - Karine Beaugelin-Seiller
- IRSN - Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Laboratoire de recherche sur les effets des radionucléides sur les écosystèmes (IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO), Bdg 183, BP 3, St-Paul-lez-Durance Cedex, France.
| | - Laureline Février
- IRSN-Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire Cadarache, Laboratoire de recherche sur les transferts des radionucléides dans les écosystèmes terrestres (IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE/L2RT), Bdg 183, BP 3, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance Cedex, France.
| | - Pascale Henner
- IRSN-Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire Cadarache, Laboratoire de recherche sur les transferts des radionucléides dans les écosystèmes terrestres (IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE/L2RT), Bdg 183, BP 3, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance Cedex, France.
| | - Claire Della-Vedova
- IRSN-Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire Cadarache, Laboratoire de recherche sur les transferts des radionucléides dans l'écosystème aquatique (IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE/LRTA), Bdg 159, BP 3, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France.
| | - Virginie Camilleri
- IRSN - Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Laboratoire de recherche sur les effets des radionucléides sur les écosystèmes (IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO), Bdg 183, BP 3, St-Paul-lez-Durance Cedex, France.
| | - Rodolphe Gilbin
- IRSN-Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire Cadarache, Service de recherche sur les transferts et les effets des radionucléides sur les écosystèmes (IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE), Bdg 183, BP 3, Saint-Paul-lez-Durance Cedex, France.
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6
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Scheibener S, Song Y, Tollefsen KE, Salbu B, Teien HC. Uranium accumulation and toxicokinetics in the crustacean Daphnia magna provide perspective to toxicodynamic responses. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 235:105836. [PMID: 33932687 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The importance of incorporating kinetic approaches in order to gain information on underlying physiological processes explaining species sensitivity to environmental stressors has been highlighted in recent years. Uranium is present in the aquatic environment worldwide due to naturally occurring and anthropogenic sources, posing a potential risk to freshwater taxa in contaminated areas. Although literature shows that organisms vary widely with respect to susceptibility to U, information on toxicokinetics that may explain the variation in toxicodynamic responses is scarce. In the present work, Daphnia magna were exposed to a range of environmentally relevant U concentrations (0 - 200 µg L-1) followed by a 48 h depuration phase to obtain information on toxicokinetic parameters and toxic responses. Results showed time-dependent and concentration-dependent uptake of U in daphnia (ku = 1.2 - 3.8 L g-1 day-1) with bioconcentration factors (BCFs) ranging from 1,641 - 5,204 (L kg-1), a high depuration rate constant (ke = 0.75 day-1), the majority of U tightly bound to the exoskeleton (~ 50 - 60%) and maternal transfer of U (1 - 7%). Effects on growth, survivorship and major ion homeostasis strongly correlated with exposure (external or internal) and toxicokinetic parameters (uptake rates, ku, BCF), indicating that uptake and internalization drives U toxicity responses in D. magna. Interference from U with ion uptake pathways and homeostasis was highlighted by the alteration in whole-body ion concentrations, their ionic ratios (e.g., Ca:Mg and Na:K) and the increased expression in some ion regulating genes. Together, this work adds to the limited data examining U kinetics in freshwater taxa and, in addition, provides perspective on factors influencing stress, toxicity and adaptive response to environmental contaminants such as uranium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Scheibener
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway.
| | - You Song
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalleen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Knut Erik Tollefsen
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalleen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Brit Salbu
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Hans-Christian Teien
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås, Norway
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7
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Pedroso da Fontoura L, Puntel R, Pinton S, Silva de Ávila D, Teixeira da Rocha JB, Onofre de Souza D, Roos DH. A toxicological comparison between two uranium compounds in Artemia salina: Artificial seawater containing CaCO 3. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 163:105221. [PMID: 33341237 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105221] [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: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) mining is an aquatic environmental concern because most of these harmful compounds are discharged into freshwater, reaching the saline environment as the final destination of this contaminated water. Carbonates are present in ocean waters and are essential for benthic organisms, however they may influence the U-induced toxicity. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the toxicity of uranium nitrate (UN) and uranium acetate (UA) in Artemia salina (AS), which is one of the leading representatives of the marine biota. The cultures of AS (instar II) maintained in artificial seawater containing CaCO3 were exposed for 24 h to different concentrations of U compounds. The results showed that AS were more sensitive to UN (LC50 ≈ 15 μM) when compared with UA (LC50 ≈ 245 μM) indicating higher toxicity of this U compound. Calculated U speciation indicated that Ca2UO2(CO3)3 and (UO2)2CO3(OH)3- complexes predominated under our experimental conditions. The immobilization/lethality was observed after 9 h of exposure for both U compounds. However, only UN caused a significant decrease (≈40%) in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity when compared with control. In order to observe preliminary toxicity effects, we evaluated oxidative stress parameters, such as catalase (CAT) activity, TBARS formation, radical species (RS) generation and cell membrane injury and/or apoptosis (CMI). In this study, we demonstrate that U compounds caused a significant decrease in CAT activity. Similarly, we also observed that UN increased TBARS levels in AS at concentrations 5 times lower than AU (10 μM and 50 μM, respectively). Furthermore, RS generation and CMI were enhanced only on AS treated with UN. Overall, the effects observed here were remarkably significant in AS exposed to UN when compared with AU. In this study, we showed different profiles of toxicity for both U compounds, contributing significantly to the current and scarce understanding of the aquatic ecotoxicity of this heavy metal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Pedroso da Fontoura
- Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, BR-472 Km 592, ZIP code: 97500-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Robson Puntel
- Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, BR-472 Km 592, ZIP code: 97500-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Simone Pinton
- Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, BR-472 Km 592, ZIP code: 97500-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Daiana Silva de Ávila
- Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, BR-472 Km 592, ZIP code: 97500-970, RS, Brazil
| | - João Batista Teixeira da Rocha
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Departamento de bioquímica e biologia celular/CCNE/UFSM, Laboratório de Bioquímica Toxicológica, Farmacologia e Organocalcogênios, ZIP code: 97105900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Diogo Onofre de Souza
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Departamento de Bioquímica. Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2.600 - Anexo Laboratorio 28 Santana, ZIP code: 90035003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Daniel Henrique Roos
- Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, BR-472 Km 592, ZIP code: 97500-970, RS, Brazil.
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Muscatello J, Flather D, Gjertsen J. Survival and Reproductive Effects in the Aquatic Invertebrate Ceriodaphnia dubia Exposed to Uranium Spiked Site Water Collected from Two Creeks in the Yukon, Canada. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 79:80-88. [PMID: 32388663 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-020-00740-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates aqueous uranium (U) toxicity in Ceriodaphnia dubia exposed to surface water collected from two creeks located in U-rich areas of Yukon, Canada. Water for toxicity testing was collected at two times of the year to represent water quality characteristics generally observed during open-water (high flows) and winter baseflow water (low flows) seasons. Collected water was transferred to the toxicological laboratory and spiked with U to achieve nominal concentrations of 50, 150, 350, 500, 650, 800, and 1000 µg U/L. Toxicity endpoints included lethal concentrations (LC50) for survival, in addition to no observed effect concentration (NOEC) and lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) for reproduction. All derived toxicity endpoints were significantly higher than applicable Canadian water-quality guidelines for U (15 μg/L [Chronic] and 33 μg/L [Acute]). No effects on C. dubia survival were observed at LC50 concentrations > 799 μg U/L. Derived NOEC (381 μg U/L) and LOEC (524 μg U/L) values also were significantly above chronic water quality guidelines. The differences noted in the toxicity response between seasons were mainly due to the presence of toxicity ameliorating factors for U (i.e., dissolved organic carbon). These results highlight the high conservatism in applicable water-quality guidelines and the crucial need to consider site-specific water characteristics when deriving environmentally relevant, yet protective thresholds for uranium in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorgelina Muscatello
- Lorax Environmental Services Ltd., 2289 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J 3H9, Canada.
| | - David Flather
- Lorax Environmental Services Ltd., 2289 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J 3H9, Canada
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9
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Baselga-Cervera B, García-Balboa C, Díaz-Alejo HM, Costas E, López-Rodas V. Rapid Colonization of Uranium Mining-Impacted Waters, the Biodiversity of Successful Lineages of Phytoplankton Extremophiles. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2020; 79:576-587. [PMID: 31463663 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-019-01431-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic extreme environments are emphasized as interesting sites for the study of evolutionary pathways, biodiversity, and extremophile bioprospection. Organisms that grow under these conditions are usually regarded as extremophiles; however, the extreme novelty of these environments may have favor adaptive radiations of facultative extremophiles. At the Iberian Peninsula, uranium mining operations have rendered highly polluted extreme environments in multiple locations. In this study, we examined the phytoplankton diversity, community structure, and possible determining factors in separate uranium mining-impacted waters. Some of these human-induced extreme environments may be able to sustain indigenous facultative extremophile phytoplankton species, as well as alleged obligate extremophiles. Therefore, we investigated the adaptation capacity of three laboratory strains, two Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and a Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides, to uranium-polluted waters. The biodiversity among the sampled waters was very low, and despite presenting unique taxonomic records, ecological patterns can be identified. The microalgae adaptation experiments indicated a gradient of ecological novelty and different phenomena of adaptation, from acclimation in some waters to non-adaptation in the harshest anthropogenic environment. Certainly, phytoplankton extremophiles might have been often overlooked, and the ability to flourish in extreme environments might be a functional feature in some neutrophilic species. Evolutionary biology and microbial biodiversity can benefit the study of recently evolved systems such as uranium-polluted waters. Moreover, anthropogenic extremophiles can be harnessed for industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Baselga-Cervera
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Department, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Camino García-Balboa
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Héctor M Díaz-Alejo
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Costas
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria López-Rodas
- Animal Science (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Chen X, Zheng W, Anbar AD. Uranium Isotope Fractionation ( 238U/ 235U) during U(VI) Uptake by Freshwater Plankton. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:2744-2752. [PMID: 31995356 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Uranium contamination in the environment is a serious public health concern. Biotic U(VI) reduction and nonreductive U(VI) uptake by microorganisms (e.g., U(VI) biosorption by cyanobacteria) are effective U remediation techniques. Variations of 238U/235U have been extensively explored to track biotic U(VI) reduction in laboratory experiments and field applications. However, U isotope fractionation during nonreductive U(VI) uptake by microorganisms is poorly constrained. To investigate U isotope fractionation in this process, we cultured freshwater plankton in the presence of U(VI) and measured 238U/235U in the culture media and biomass. We found that nonreductive U(VI) uptake by freshwater plankton fractionated U isotopes in the opposite direction compared to biotic U(VI) reduction. δ238U values in freshwater plankton were consistently ∼0.23 ± 0.06‰ lighter than those in dissolved U in the culture medium at various fractions of U removal (12-30%), consistent with equilibrium isotope fractionation in a closed system. The equilibrium isotope fractionation observed in our experiments possibly results from changes in coordination geometry between dissolved U(VI) in the culture media and adsorbed U(VI) on cell surfaces. Our experimental results highlight the need to consider U isotope fractionation during nonredox U(VI) uptake by microorganisms and organic matter when applying variations of 238U/235U to track biogeochemical processes and evaluate U remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinming Chen
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - Wang Zheng
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ariel D Anbar
- School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
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11
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Gao N, Huang Z, Liu H, Hou J, Liu X. Advances on the toxicity of uranium to different organisms. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 237:124548. [PMID: 31549660 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The extensive application of radioactive element uranium (U) and its compounds in the nuclear industry has significantly increased the risk of exposure to the environment. Therefore, research on the safety risks and toxicity mechanisms of U exposure has received increasing attention. This paper reviews the toxic effects of U on different species under different conditions, and summarizes the potential toxicity mechanisms. Under the exposure of U, reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in cells will damage membrane structure in cells, and inhibit respiratory chain reaction by reducing the production of NADH and ATP. It also induce the expression of apoptosis factors such as Bcl-2, Bid, Bax, and caspase family to cause apoptosis cascade reaction, leading to DNA degradation and cell death. We innovatively list some methods to reduce the toxicity of U because some microorganisms can precipitate uranyl ions through biomineralization or reduction processes. Our work provides a solid foundation for further risk assessment of U.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Zhihui Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Haiqiang Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jing Hou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, 523808, Guangdong Province, China
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12
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Mounicou S, Frelon S, Le Guernic A, Eb-Levadoux Y, Camilleri V, Février L, Pierrisnard S, Carasco L, Gilbin R, Mahé K, Tabouret H, Bareille G, Simon O. Use of fish otoliths as a temporal biomarker of field uranium exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 690:511-521. [PMID: 31301492 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.534] [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: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine uranium (U) pollution over time using otoliths as a marker of fish U contamination. Experiments were performed in field contamination (~20 μg L-1: encaged fish: 15d, 50d and collected wild fish) and in laboratory exposure conditions (20 and 250 μg L-1, 20d). We reported the U seasonal concentrations in field waterborne exposed roach fish (Rutilus rutilus), in organs and otoliths. Otoliths were analyzed by ICPMS and LA-ICP SF MS of the entire growth zone. Concentrations were measured on transects from nucleus to the edge of otoliths to characterize environmental variations of metal accumulation. Results showed a spatial and temporal variation of U contamination in water (from 51 to 9.4 μg L-1 at the surface of the water column), a high and seasonal accumulation in fish organs, mainly the digestive tract (from 1000 to 30,000 ng g-1, fw), the gills (from 1600 to 3200 ng g-1, fw) and the muscle (from 144 to 1054 ng g-1, fw). U was detected throughout the otolith and accumulation varied over the season from 70 to 350 ng g-1, close to the values measured (310 ng g-1) after high exposure levels in laboratory conditions. U in otoliths of encaged fish showed rapid and high U accumulation from 20 to 150 ng g-1. The U accumulation signal was mainly detected on the edge of the otolith, showing two U accumulation peaks, probably correlated to fish age, i.e. 2 years old. Surprisingly, elemental U and Zn signatures followed the same pattern therefore using the same uptake pathways. Laboratory, caging and field experiments indicated that otoliths were able to quickly accumulate U on the surface even for low levels and to store high levels of U. This study is an encouraging first step in using otoliths as a marker of U exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mounicou
- CNRS/Univ Pau & Pays Adour/E2S UPPA, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, UMR5254, 64000 Pau, France
| | - S Frelon
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance 13115, France
| | - A Le Guernic
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance 13115, France
| | - Y Eb-Levadoux
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance 13115, France
| | - V Camilleri
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance 13115, France
| | - L Février
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LR2T, Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance 13115, France
| | - S Pierrisnard
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LR2T, Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance 13115, France
| | - L Carasco
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LR2T, Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance 13115, France
| | - R Gilbin
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance 13115, France
| | - K Mahé
- IFREMER, Centre Manche Mer du Nord, Laboratoire Ressources Halieutiques, BP 699, 62321 Boulogne-sur-mer, France
| | - H Tabouret
- CNRS/Univ Pau & Pays Adour/E2S UPPA, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, UMR5254, 64000 Pau, France
| | - G Bareille
- CNRS/Univ Pau & Pays Adour/E2S UPPA, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, UMR5254, 64000 Pau, France
| | - O Simon
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance 13115, France.
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Paquet N, Indiketi N, Dalencourt C, Larivière D, Roberge S, Gruyer N, Triffault-Bouchet G, Fortin C. Toxicity of tailing leachates from a niobium mine toward three aquatic organisms. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 176:355-363. [PMID: 30954621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.03.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this research was to assess the ecotoxicity of leachates originating from a niobium mine located in Canada. These tailings contain considerable amounts of carbonates and phosphates and could potentially be used as fertilizer for agriculture. However, the presence of different contaminants linked with the ores mined, including rare earth elements and daughter elements of the uranium disintegration chain is of concern. Bioassays have been used to determine if the tailings leachates could be harmful. The assessment of the toxicity of progressive dilutions of five tailing leachates (808, 809, 810, 811 and 897) was performed on different organisms: phytoplankton Raphidocelis subcapitata and duckweed Lemna minor, based on their growth and chlorophyll a content, and water flea Daphnia magna based on their mobility, mortality and reproduction. Overall, the leachates showed higher toxicity to Raphidocelis subcapitata and Lemna minor, than toward Daphnia magna. Leachate 808 showed no toxicity to all organisms while leachate 810 showed significant effects to all species. The results can be explained by the leachate dissolved metal or nutrient concentrations, but also by the metal bioavailability which depends on pH and hardness. Generally, toxicity was observed in undiluted samples tested, which is not representative of the conditions that could occur in the environment. This supports the idea that these tailings could be used as fertilizer albeit more studies may be required, particularly to assess the toxicity of the tailings leachate for benthic organisms, the toxicity of the tailings for terrestrial organisms and the variations of soil and sediment physicochemical properties after tailing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Paquet
- Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec, Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, 2700 rue Einstein, G1P 3W8, Québec, Canada.
| | - Nishodi Indiketi
- Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec, Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, 2700 rue Einstein, G1P 3W8, Québec, Canada; Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Eau Terre Environnement (INRS-ETE), 490 de la Couronne, G1K 9A9, Québec, Canada
| | - Claire Dalencourt
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, 1045, avenue de la Médecine, Pavillon Alexandre-Vachon, G1V 0A6, Québec, Canada
| | - Dominic Larivière
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, 1045, avenue de la Médecine, Pavillon Alexandre-Vachon, G1V 0A6, Québec, Canada
| | - Steeve Roberge
- Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec, Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, 2700 rue Einstein, G1P 3W8, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Gruyer
- Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec, Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, 2700 rue Einstein, G1P 3W8, Québec, Canada
| | - Gaëlle Triffault-Bouchet
- Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec, Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, 2700 rue Einstein, G1P 3W8, Québec, Canada
| | - Claude Fortin
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Eau Terre Environnement (INRS-ETE), 490 de la Couronne, G1K 9A9, Québec, Canada
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Ghanem H, Haddad A, Baydoun S, Abou Hamdan H, Korfali S, Chalak L. In vitro proliferation of Lebanese Lemna minor and Lemna gibba on different nutrient media. JOURNAL OF TAIBAH UNIVERSITY FOR SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/16583655.2019.1597450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. Ghanem
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Debbieh, Lebanon
- Plant Production Department, Faculty of Agronomy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - A. Haddad
- Plant Production Department, Faculty of Agronomy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - S. Baydoun
- Research Center for Environment and Development, Beirut Arab University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - H. Abou Hamdan
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - S. Korfali
- Natural Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - L. Chalak
- Plant Production Department, Faculty of Agronomy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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15
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Simon O, Gagnaire B, Sommard V, Pierrisnard S, Camilleri V, Carasco L, Gilbin R, Frelon S. Uranium transfer and accumulation in organs of Danio rerio after waterborne exposure alone or combined with diet-borne exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2019; 38:90-98. [PMID: 30284317 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4283] [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: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) toxicity patterns for fish have been mainly determined under laboratory-controlled waterborne exposure conditions. Because fish can take up metals from water and diet under in situ exposure conditions, a waterborne U exposure experiment (20 μg L-1 , 20 d) was conducted in the laboratory to investigate transfer efficiency and target organ distribution in zebrafish Danio rerio compared with combined waterborne exposure (20 μg L-1 ) and diet-borne exposure (10.7 μg g-1 ). 233 Uranium was used as a specific U isotope tracer for diet-borne exposure. Bioaccumulation was examined in the gills, liver, kidneys, intestine, and gonads of D. rerio. Concentrations in the organs after waterborne exposure were approximately 500 ng g-1 fresh weight, except in the intestine (> 10 μg g-1 fresh wt) and the kidneys (200 ng g-1 fresh wt). No significant difference was observed between waterborne and diet-borne conditions. Trophic U transfer in organs was found but at a low level (< 10 ng g-1 fresh wt). Surprisingly, the intestine appeared to be the main target organ after both tested exposure modalities. The gonads (57% at 20 d) and the liver (41% at 20 d) showed the highest accumulated relative U burdens. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:90-98. © 2018 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Simon
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Centre de Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Béatrice Gagnaire
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Centre de Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Vivien Sommard
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Centre de Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Sylvie Pierrisnard
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LR2T, Centre de Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Virginie Camilleri
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Centre de Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Loic Carasco
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LR2T, Centre de Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Rodolphe Gilbin
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE, Centre de Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Sandrine Frelon
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO, Centre de Cadarache, Saint Paul-lez-Durance, France
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16
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Hayek EE, Torres C, Rodriguez-Freire L, Blake JM, De Vore CL, Brearley AJ, Spilde MN, Cabaniss S, Ali AMS, Cerrato J. Effect of Calcium on the Bioavailability of Dissolved Uranium(VI) in Plant Roots under Circumneutral pH. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:13089-13098. [PMID: 30412391 PMCID: PMC6341987 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b02724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
We integrated field measurements, hydroponic experiments, microscopy, and spectroscopy to investigate the effect of Ca(II) on dissolved U(VI) uptake by plants in 1 mM HCO3- solutions at circumneutral pH. The accumulation of U in plants (3.1-21.3 mg kg-1) from the stream bank of the Rio Paguate, Jackpile Mine, New Mexico served as a motivation for this study. Brassica juncea was the model plant used for the laboratory experiments conducted over a range of U (30-700 μg L-1) and Ca (0-240 mg L-1) concentrations. The initial U uptake followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The initial U uptake rate ( V0) ranged from 4.4 to 62 μg g-1 h-1 in experiments with no added Ca and from 0.73 to 2.07 μg g-1 h-1 in experiments with 12 mg L-1 Ca. No measurable U uptake over time was detected for experiments with 240 mg L-1 Ca. Ternary Ca-U-CO3 complexes may affect the decrease in U bioavailability observed in this study. Elemental X-ray mapping using scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectrometry detected U-P-bearing precipitates within root cell walls in water free of Ca. These results suggest that root interactions with Ca and carbonate in solution affect the bioavailability of U in plants. This study contributes relevant information to applications related to U transport and remediation of contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, MSC03 2060, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Phone: (001) (505) 582-1362,
| | - Chris Torres
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Lucia Rodriguez-Freire
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
| | - Johanna M. Blake
- U.S. Geological Survey, 6700 Edith Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113, United States
| | - Cherie L. De Vore
- Department of Civil Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Adrian J. Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Michael N. Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Stephen Cabaniss
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, MSC03 2060, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S. Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - JoséM. Cerrato
- Department of Civil Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Corresponding Authors Phone: (001) (505) 277-0870; fax: (001) (505) 277-1918;
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Reis P, Pereira R, Carvalho FP, Oliveira J, Malta M, Mendo S, Lourenço J. Life history traits and genotoxic effects on Daphnia magna exposed to waterborne uranium and to a uranium mine effluent - A transgenerational study. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2018; 202:16-25. [PMID: 29966909 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the impact of uranium mining industry on aquatic ecosystems near mining areas is critical to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of ecosystem services. As so, a transgenerational study with Daphnia magna has been conducted to perceive to what extent intermittent discharges of uranium mine effluents into watercourses may impact the DNA integrity and life history traits of cladocerans. Organisms were exposed for 48 h to a 2% dilution of an uranium mine effluent (UME) and to a corresponding dose of waterborne uranium (WU) that, according to our preliminary studies, induces significant DNA damage in daphnids. After exposure, organisms were transferred to clean medium, where three successive generations were monitored for genotoxicity and other effects at the individual and population level. Despite some differences between WU and UME data, our results revealed that the negative impacts of the short-term exposure gradually disappeared after placing the organisms in clean medium. These results suggest that, under intermittent stress, daphnids are able to recover, since after the 3rd brood release, DNA damage (measured as DNA strand breaks) is no longer observed and has no significant impact on the detectable life traits of offspring. Although our results indicate that populations of D. magna are not affected by intermittent and highly diluted discharges from uranium mining, aquatic systems under this kind of pressure should not be seen as hazardous-free. Future studies in this field are recommended and these should consider radionuclides in the water column, their accumulation in the sediments and also multiple life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Reis
- Department of Biology & GreenUPorto - Research Center on Sustainable Agrifood Production, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ruth Pereira
- Department of Biology & GreenUPorto - Research Center on Sustainable Agrifood Production, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiro de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Porto, Portugal.
| | - F P Carvalho
- Instituto Superior Técnico/Laboratório de Proteção e Segurança Radiológica, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - J Oliveira
- Instituto Superior Técnico/Laboratório de Proteção e Segurança Radiológica, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - M Malta
- Instituto Superior Técnico/Laboratório de Proteção e Segurança Radiológica, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139, 2695-066, Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Sónia Mendo
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Lourenço
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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Goulet RR, Thompson P. Bioaccumulation and toxicity of uranium, arsenic, and nickel to juvenile and adult Hyalella azteca in spiked sediment bioassays. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2018; 37:2340-2349. [PMID: 29802730 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) mining and milling release arsenic (As), nickel (Ni) and U to receiving waters, which accumulate in sediments. The objective of the present study was to investigate if As, Ni, and U concentrations in tissue residue of Hyalella azteca, overlying water, sediment porewater, and solids could predict juvenile and adult survival and growth in conditions similar to lake sediments downstream of U mines and mills. We conducted 14-d static sediment toxicity tests spiked with U, As, and Ni salts. For U, we spiked uranyl nitrate with sodium bicarbonate to limit U precipitation once in contact with circumneutral sediment. The median lethal concentrations for As, Ni, and U of juveniles and adults based on measured concentrations in sediments were 134 and 165 μg/g, 370 and 787 μg/g, and 48 and 214 μg/g, respectively. Adult survival and growth linearly decreased with increasing bioaccumulation. For juveniles, metal accumulation linearly predicted survival. We calculated median lethal body concentrations for juveniles and adults of 5 and 36 μg As/g, 14 and 49 μg Ni/g, and 0.4 and 1.0 μg U/g. The concentrations of As, Ni, and U in tissue residue leading to a 20% decrease in adult growth were 32 μg As/g, 44 μg Ni/g, and 1 μg U/g. Overall, the present study showed that U was the most toxic element, followed by As and Ni; that juveniles were more sensitive to the 3 metals tested than adults; and that threshold body concentrations can support assessment of benthic invertebrate community impairment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2340-2349. © 2018 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard R Goulet
- Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, 280 Slater, Ottawa Ontario, Canada, K1A0H3
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Ottawa, 140 Louis Pasteur, Ottawa Ontario, Canada, K1S5N6
| | - Patsy Thompson
- Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, 280 Slater, Ottawa Ontario, Canada, K1A0H3
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Bergmann M, Sobral O, Pratas J, Graça MAS. Uranium toxicity to aquatic invertebrates: A laboratory assay. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 239:359-366. [PMID: 29674214 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Uranium mining is an environmental concern because of runoff and the potential for toxic effects on the biota. To investigate uranium toxicity to freshwater invertebrates, we conducted a 96-h acute toxicity test to determine lethal concentrations (testing concentrations up to 262 mg L-1) for three stream invertebrates: a shredder caddisfly, Schizopelex festiva Rambur (Trichoptera, Sericostomatidae); a detritivorous isopod, Proasellus sp. (Isopoda, Asellidae); and a scraper gastropod, Theodoxus fluviatilis (Gastropoda, Neritidae). Next, we ran a chronic-toxicity test with the most tolerant species (S. festiva) to assess if uranium concentrations found in some local streams (up to 25 μg L-1) affect feeding, growth and respiration rates. Finally, we investigated whether S. festiva takes up uranium from the water and/or from ingested food. In the acute test, S. festiva survived in all uranium concentrations tested. LC50-96-h for Proasellus sp and T. fluviatilis were 142 mg L-1 and 24 mg L-1, respectively. Specimens of S. festiva exposed to 25 μg L-1 had 47% reduced growth compared with specimens under control conditions (21.5 ± 2.9 vs. 40.6 ± 4.9 μg of mass increase animal-1·day-1). Respiration rates (0.40 ± 0.03 μg O2·h-1·mg animal-1) and consumption rates (0.54 ± 0.05 μg μg animal-1·day-1; means ± SE) did not differ between treatments. Under laboratory conditions S. festiva accumulated uranium from both the water and the ingested food. Our results indicate that uranium can be less toxic than other metals or metalloids produced by mining activities. However, even at the low concentrations observed in streams affected by abandoned mines, uranium can impair physiological processes, is bioaccumulated, and is potentially transferred through food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bergmann
- MARE, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Olimpia Sobral
- MARE, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Pratas
- MARE, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel A S Graça
- MARE, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
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20
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Crawford SE, Lofts S, Liber K. Predicting the bioavailability of sediment-bound uranium to the freshwater midge (Chironomus dilutus) using physicochemical properties. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2018; 37:1146-1157. [PMID: 29236329 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4057] [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: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of uranium (U)-contaminated sediment is often hindered by the inability to accurately account for the physicochemical properties of sediment that modify U bioavailability. The present goal was to determine whether sediment-associated U bioavailability could be predicted over a wide range of conditions and sediment properties using simple regressions and a geochemical speciation model, the Windermere Humic Aqueous Model (WHAM7). Data from a U-contaminated field sediment bioaccumulation test, along with previously published bioaccumulation studies with U-spiked field and formulated sediments, were used to examine the models. Observed U concentrations in Chironomus dilutus larvae exposed to U-spiked and U-contaminated sediments correlated well (r2 > 0.74, p < 0.001) with the WHAM-calculated concentration of U bound to humic acid, indicating that humic acid may be a suitable surrogate for U binding sites (biotic ligands) in C. dilutus larvae. Subsequently, the concentration of U in C. dilutus was predicted with WHAM7 by numerically optimizing the equivalent mass of humic acid per gram of organism. The predicted concentrations of U in C. dilutus larvae exposed to U-spiked and U-contaminated field sediment compared well with the observed values, where one of the regression models provided a slightly better fit (mean absolute error = 18.1 mg U/kg dry wt) than WHAM7 (mean absolute error = 34.2 mg U/kg dry wt). The regression model provides a predictive capacity with a minimal number of variables, whereas WHAM7 provides additional complementary insight into the chemical variables influencing the speciation, sorption, and bioavailability of U in sediment. The present results indicate that physicochemical properties of sediment can be used to account for variability in U bioavailability as measured through bioaccumulation in chironomids exposed to U-contaminated sediments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1146-1157. © 2017 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Crawford
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Stephen Lofts
- Natural Environment Research Council, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bailrigg, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Karsten Liber
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Institute of Loess Plateau, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
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Simon O, Gagnaire B, Camilleri V, Cavalié I, Floriani M, Adam-Guillermin C. Toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic of depleted uranium in the zebrafish, Danio rerio. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2018; 197:9-18. [PMID: 29425915 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the accumulation pattern and biological effects (genotoxicity and histopathology) to adult zebrafish (male and female) exposed to a nominal waterborne concentration of 20 μg L-1 of depleted uranium (DU) for 28 days followed by 27 days of depuration. Accumulation pattern showed that (i) DU accumulated in brain, (ii) levels in digestive tract were higher than those measured in gills and (iii) levels remained high in kidney, brain and ovary despite the 27 days of depuration period. Genotoxicity, assessed by comet assay, was significant not only during DU exposure, but also during depuration phase. Gonads, in particular the testes, were more sensitive than gills. The histology of gonads indicated severe biological damages in males. This study improved knowledge of ecotoxic profile of uranium, for which a large range of biological effects has already been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Simon
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PRP-ENV, SERIS, LECO, Cadarache, St-Paul-lez-Durance, France.
| | - Béatrice Gagnaire
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PRP-ENV, SERIS, LECO, Cadarache, St-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Virginie Camilleri
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PRP-ENV, SERIS, LECO, Cadarache, St-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Isabelle Cavalié
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PRP-ENV, SERIS, LECO, Cadarache, St-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Magali Floriani
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PRP-ENV, SERIS, LECO, Cadarache, St-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Christelle Adam-Guillermin
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PRP-ENV, SERIS, LECO, Cadarache, St-Paul-lez-Durance, France
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22
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Baselga-Cervera B, Romero-López J, García-Balboa C, Costas E, López-Rodas V. Improvement of the Uranium Sequestration Ability of a Chlamydomonas sp. (ChlSP Strain) Isolated From Extreme Uranium Mine Tailings Through Selection for Potential Bioremediation Application. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:523. [PMID: 29662476 PMCID: PMC5890155 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The extraction and processing of uranium (U) have polluted large areas worldwide, rendering anthropogenic extreme environments inhospitable to most species. Noticeably, these sites are of great interest for taxonomical and applied bioprospection of extremotolerant species successfully adapted to U tailings contamination. As an example, in this work we have studied a microalgae species that inhabits extreme U tailings ponds at the Saelices mining site (Salamanca, Spain), characterized as acidic (pH between 3 and 4), radioactive (around 4 μSv h−1) and contaminated with metals, mainly U (from 25 to 48 mg L−1) and zinc (from 17 to 87 mg L−1). After isolation of the extremotolerant ChlSP strain, morphological characterization and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-5.8S gene sequences placed it in the Chlamydomonadaceae, but BLAST analyses identity values, against the nucleotide datasets at the NCBI database, were very low (<92%). We subjected the ChlSP strain to an artificial selection protocol to increase the U uptake and investigated its response to selection. The ancestral strain ChlSP showed a U-uptake capacity of ≈4.30 mg U g−1 of dry biomass (DB). However, the artificially selected strain ChlSG was able to take up a total of ≈6.34 mg U g−1 DB, close to the theoretical maximum response (≈7.9 mg U g−1 DB). The selected ChlSG strain showed two possible U-uptake mechanisms: the greatest proportion by biosorption onto cell walls (ca. 90%), and only a very small quantity, ~0.46 mg g−1 DB, irreversibly bound by bioaccumulation. Additionally, the kinetics of the U-uptake process were characterized during a microalgae growth curve; ChlSG cells removed close to 4 mg L−1 of U in 24 days. These findings open up promising prospects for sustainable management of U tailings waters based on newly evolved extremotolerants and outline the potential of artificial selection in the improvement of desired features in microalgae by experimental adaptation and selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Baselga-Cervera
- Department of Animal Production (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julia Romero-López
- Department of Animal Production (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Camino García-Balboa
- Department of Animal Production (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Costas
- Department of Animal Production (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria López-Rodas
- Department of Animal Production (Genetics), School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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23
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Ferrari CR, do Nascimento HDAF, Rodgher S, Almeida T, Bruschi AL, Nascimento MRLD, Bonifácio RL. Effects of the discharge of uranium mining effluents on the water quality of the reservoir: an integrative chemical and ecotoxicological assessment. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13919. [PMID: 29066833 PMCID: PMC5655341 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14100-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The water quality of the Antas reservoir, under the influence of treated effluents from a uranium mining area Ore Treatment Unit (UTM) with acid mine drainage, was investigated. Samples were collected every 3 months from the Antas reservoir (CAB, P41-E and P14) and from the UTM (P41-S). Chemical and acute 48 h toxicity tests using Ceriodaphnia silvestrii and Daphnia magna analyses were carried out to determine the potential environmental risks due to discharging the uranium mine effluents into this reservoir. All the water samples taken from the treated effluent (P41-S) were positively correlated with elevated concentrations of uranium, manganese, aluminum, zinc and fluoride and with high electrical conductivity and pH values, being considered toxic. In November 2014 water samples taken from the reservoir showed chemical concentrations above the legislation limits for fluoride (4.5 mg L-1) uranium (0.082 mg L-1), sulfate (662.4 mg L-1), manganese (1.125 mg L-1) and aluminum (1.55 mg L-1), and in July 2015 for fluoride (2.55 mg L-1), uranium (0.01 mg L-1) and manganese (0.36 mg L-1). The extremely high average value for hardness (543.55 mg L-1) possibly reduced the toxicity potential of this chemical species mixture with respect to the bioindicators. The influence of the variation in water hardness on the toxicity of the cladocerans was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Rolim Ferrari
- Radioecology Laboratory, Poços de Caldas Laboratory, ‖ Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Rodovia Poços de Caldas/Andradas km 13, Poços de Caldas, MG, 37719-005, Brazil.
| | - Heliana de Azevedo Franco do Nascimento
- Radioecology Laboratory, Poços de Caldas Laboratory, ‖ Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Rodovia Poços de Caldas/Andradas km 13, Poços de Caldas, MG, 37719-005, Brazil
| | - Suzelei Rodgher
- São Paulo State University (UNESP). Institute of Science and Technology, São José dos Campos. Rodovia Presidente Dutra, Km 137, 8 Eugenio de Melo, São José dos Campos SP, 12247-004, Brazil
| | - Tito Almeida
- Community Ecology Laboratory, University of Vale do Itajaí, Rua Uruguay, 458, Itajaí, SC, 88302-202, Brazil
| | - Armando Luiz Bruschi
- Radioecology Laboratory, Poços de Caldas Laboratory, ‖ Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Rodovia Poços de Caldas/Andradas km 13, Poços de Caldas, MG, 37719-005, Brazil
| | - Marcos Roberto Lopes do Nascimento
- Chemical Analyses Laboratory, Poços de Caldas Laboratory, Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Rodovia Poços de Caldas/Andradas km 13, Poços de Caldas, MG, 37719-005, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Leandro Bonifácio
- Chemical Analyses Laboratory, Poços de Caldas Laboratory, Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Rodovia Poços de Caldas/Andradas km 13, Poços de Caldas, MG, 37719-005, Brazil
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Crawford SE, Lofts S, Liber K. The role of sediment properties and solution pH in the adsorption of uranium(VI) to freshwater sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 220:873-881. [PMID: 27825841 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) can enter aquatic environments from natural and anthropogenic processes, accumulating in sediments to concentrations that could, if bioavailable, adversely affect benthic organisms. To better predict the sorption and mobility of U in aquatic ecosystems, we investigated the sediment-solution partition coefficients (Kd) of U for nine uncontaminated freshwater sediments with a wide range of physicochemical characteristics over an environmentally relevant pH range. Test solutions were reconstituted to mimic water quality conditions and U(VI) concentrations (0.023-2.3 mg U/L) found downstream of Canadian U mines. Adsorption of U(VI) to each sediment was greatest at pH 6 and 7, and significantly reduced at pH 8. There were significant differences in pH-dependent sorption among sediments with different physicochemical properties, with sorption increasing up until thresholds of 12% total organic carbon, 37% fine fraction (≤50 μm), and 29 g/kg of iron content. The Kd values for U(VI) were predicted using the Windermere Humic Aqueous Model (WHAM) using total U(VI) concentrations, and water and sediment physicochemical parameters. Predicted Kd-U values were generally within a factor of three of the observed values. These results improve the understanding and assessment of U sorption to field sediment, and quantify the relationship with sediment properties that may influence the bioavailability and ecological risk of U-contaminated sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Crawford
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B3, Canada.
| | - Stephen Lofts
- NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, United Kingdom
| | - Karsten Liber
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B3, Canada; School of Environment and Sustainability, 117 Science Place, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5C8, Canada; Institute of Loess Plateau, 92 Wucheng Road, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, PR China.
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25
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Horemans N, Van Hees M, Saenen E, Van Hoeck A, Smolders V, Blust R, Vandenhove H. Influence of nutrient medium composition on uranium toxicity and choice of the most sensitive growth related endpoint in Lemna minor. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 151 Pt 2:427-37. [PMID: 26187266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Uranium (U) toxicity is known to be highly dependent on U speciation and bioavailability. To assess the impact of uranium on plants, a growth inhibition test was set up in the freshwater macrophyte Lemna minor. First growth media with different compositions were tested in order to find a medium fit for testing U toxicity in L. minor. Following arguments were used for medium selection: the ability to sustain L. minor growth, a high solubility of U in the medium and a high percentage of the more toxic U-species namely UO2(2+). Based on these selection criteria a with a low phosphate concentration of 0.5 mg L(-1) and supplemented with 5 mM MES (2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid) to ensure pH stability was chosen. This medium also showed highest U toxicity compared to the other tested media. Subsequently a full dose response curve for U was established by exposing L. minor plants to U concentrations ranging from 0.05 μM up to 150 μM for 7 days. Uranium was shown to adversely affect growth of L. minor in a dose dependent manner with EC10, EC30 and EC50 values ranging between 1.6 and 4.8 μM, 7.7-16.4 μM and 19.4-37.2 μM U, respectively, depending on the growth endpoint. Four different growth related endpoints were tested: frond area, frond number, fresh weight and dry weight. Although differences in relative growth rates and associated ECx-values calculated on different endpoints are small (maximal twofold difference), frond area is recommended to be used to measure U-induced growth effects as it is a sensitive growth endpoint and easy to measure in vivo allowing for measurements over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Horemans
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium; Hasselt University, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Agoralaan gebouw D, B-3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - May Van Hees
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Eline Saenen
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Arne Van Hoeck
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Valérie Smolders
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, B-2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Ronny Blust
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp (UA), Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020, Antwerp, Belgium
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