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Zhu C, Lv W, Hong S, Han M, Song W, Liu C, Yao C, Jiang Q. Gradual effects of gradient concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate on the antioxidant ability and gut microbiota of red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172962. [PMID: 38705306 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a typical persistent organic pollutant that is characterized by environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. In this study, we investigated the gut microbial response of the red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus after 28 days of exposure to 0 ng/L, 1 ng/L, 10 μg/L, or 10 mg/L of PFOS as a stressor. We measured oxidative stress-related enzyme activities and expression of molecules related to detoxification mechanisms to evaluate the toxic effects of PFOS. We found that PFOS disturbed microbial homeostasis in the gut of C. quadricarinatus, resulting in increased abundance of the pathogen Shewanella and decreased abundance of the beneficial bacterium Lactobacillus. The latter especially disturbed amino acid transport and carbohydrate transport. We also found that the activities of glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase were positively correlated with the expression levels of cytochrome P450 genes (GST1-1, GSTP, GSTK1, HPGDS, UGT5), which are products of PFOS-induced oxidative stress and play an antioxidant role in the body. The results of this study provided valuable ecotoxicological data to better understand the biological fate and effects of PFOS in C. quadricarinatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Zhu
- Geography, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Weiwei Lv
- Eco-environmental Protection Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China
| | - Shuang Hong
- Institute for Agri-food Standards and Testing Technology, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean university, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Mingming Han
- Geography, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Weiguo Song
- Institute for Agri-food Standards and Testing Technology, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China
| | - Chengbin Liu
- Institute for Agri-food Standards and Testing Technology, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China
| | - Chunxia Yao
- Institute for Agri-food Standards and Testing Technology, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China.
| | - Qichen Jiang
- Geography, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia; Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, 79 Chating East Street, Nanjing 210017, China.
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Byns C, Groffen T, Bervoets L. Aquatic macroinvertebrate community responses to pollution of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Can we define threshold body burdens? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170611. [PMID: 38309351 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The pollution of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in aquatic environments is a worldwide concern of which the ecological impact is still not well understood. Especially field-based effect studies in aquatic ecosystems are generally lacking, creating a knowledge gap that goes along with monitoring and regulatory challenges. Therefore, this study examined if bioaccumulated PFAS concentrations could be related to ecological responses assessed by changes in the macroinvertebrate community structure. In addition, threshold body burdens that are protective of ecological damage were estimated. Aquatic macroinvertebrates were sampled in 30 streams across Flanders (Belgium) and 28 PFAS target analytes were measured in three resident taxa (Gammarus sp., Asellus sp. and Chironomus sp.) and translocated zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). The macroinvertebrate community structure was assessed by calculating the Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders (MMIF). Primarily long-chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were detected in both resident taxa (passive biomonitoring) and zebra mussels (active biomonitoring). Based on a 90th quantile regression model, safe threshold body burdens could be calculated for PFTeDA (7.1 ng/g ww) and ΣPFAS (2264 ng/g ww) in Gammarus sp. and for PFOA (5.5 ng/g ww), PFDoDA (1.7 ng/g ww), PFTrDA (0.51 ng/g ww), PFTeDA (2.4 ng/g ww), PFOS (644 ng/g ww) and ΣPFAS (133 ng/g ww) in zebra mussel. An additional threshold value was calculated for most compounds and species using the 95th percentile method. However, although these estimated thresholds are pertinent and indicative, regulatory applicability requires further lines of evidence and validation. Nevertheless, this study offers first-time evidence of associations between accumulated PFAS concentrations in invertebrates and a reduced ecological water quality in terms of macroinvertebrate community structure and highlights the potential of Gammarus sp. and zebra mussels to serve as reliable PFAS biomonitoring species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Byns
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Thimo Groffen
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.
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Liu S, Zhan Z, Zhang X, Chen X, Xu J, Wang Q, Zhang M, Liu Y. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) mixtures induce gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic disruption in silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169782. [PMID: 38176555 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169782] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Mixed legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are commonly found in soil and dust; however, the potential toxicity of PFAS mixtures (mPFASs) in insects is unknown. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), we evaluated the adverse effects of mPFASs on silkworms, a typical lepidopteran insect. After exposure to mPFASs, the silkworm midgut was enriched with high levels of PFASs, which induced histopathological changes. The composition of the midgut microbiota was significantly affected by mPFAS exposure, and functional predictions revealed significant disruption of some metabolic pathways. RNA-seq analysis revealed that mPFASs significantly changed the transcription profiles. Functional enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes also revealed that biological processes related to metabolic pathways and the digestive system were significantly affected, similar to the results of the gut microbiota analysis, suggesting that mPFAS exposure had an adverse effect on the metabolic function of silkworms and may further affect their normal growth. Finally, the significant correlation between abundance changes in the gut microbiota and metabolism/digestion-related genes further highlighted the role of the gut microbiota in mPFAS-related processes affecting the metabolic functions of silkworms. To our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the toxic effects of mPFASs in insects and provide basic data for further PFAS toxicity investigations in insects and comprehensive ecological risk assessments of mPFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Zhigao Zhan
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Xinghui Zhang
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China; College of Life Science, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Jiaojiao Xu
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Qiyu Wang
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330096, China.
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4
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Wang N, Jagani R, Nwobodo N, Ma J. Toxicity of environmentally relevant concentration of PFAS chemicals in Lumbriculus variegatus (Oligochaeta, Lumbriculidae) - A multi-bioindicator study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 268:115722. [PMID: 37992644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115722] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of man-made chemicals found in a variety of products from non-stick cookware and food wrappers to firefighting foams. PFAS are persistent and widely distributed in the environment, including aquatic environments. In this study we examined the impact of PFAS chemicals on the physiological and behavioral endpoints of Lumbriculus variegatus (i.e., blackworms). Lumbriculus variegatus is a species of freshwater annelid worm that plays key roles in shallow freshwater ecosystems. At an environmentally relevant concentration of 1 μg/L, 12-day aqueous exposure to long chain PFAS, including PFOA, PFOS and PFDA, each markedly slowed the pulse rate of the dorsal blood vessel in L. variegatus, indicating a suppressive effect on blood circulation. The mean pulse rate was reduced from 9.6 beats/minute to 6.2 and 7.0 beats/min in PFOA and PFOS, respectively (P < 0.0001). Further, PFOA, PFOS and PFDA reduced the escape responsiveness of L. variegatus to physical stimulation. The percentage of worms showing normal escape behavior was reduced from 99.0% in control to 90.6% in the PFOS exposed group (P < 0.01). In a chronic (4 week) growth study, exposure to overlying water and sediment spiked with PFOA, PFOS or PFDA reduced the total biomass and the number of worms, indicating a suppressive effect on worm population growth. For instance, PFOA and PFDA reduced the total dry biomass by 26.3% and 28.5%, respectively, compared to the control (P < 0.05). The impact of PFAS on blackworm physiology is accompanied by an increase in lipid peroxidation. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of lipid peroxidation, and catalase, a major antioxidant enzyme, were markedly increased in PFOA, PFOS and PFDA exposed groups. Interestingly, exposure to PFHxA, a short chain PFAS, had no detectable effect on any of the measured endpoints. Our results demonstrate that L. variegatus is highly sensitive to the toxic impact of long chain PFAS chemicals as measured by multiple endpoints including blood circulation, behavior, and population growth. Such toxicity may have a detrimental impact on L. variegatus and the freshwater ecosystems where it resides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ravikumar Jagani
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,USA
| | - Nigel Nwobodo
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jianyong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Kumar R, Whelan A, Cannon P, Sheehan M, Reeves L, Antunes E. Occurrence of emerging contaminants in biosolids in northern Queensland, Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 330:121786. [PMID: 37156436 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to identify and quantify different classes of emerging contaminants (ECs), such as pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals (HMs), polycyclic musks (PMs) in biosolids from different sewage treatment plants (STPs) from regional councils across Northern Queensland, Australia. Biosolids samples were named BS1 to BS7 for each council. The results revealed significant variations in the concentrations of different ECs in biosolids which could be explained in some instances by the characteristics of the upstream sewage network. For instance, BS4-biosolids from a small agricultural shire (largely sugarcane) showed the highest concentration of zinc and copper, which were 2430 and 1050 mg/kg, respectively. Among PPCPs, the concentration of ciprofloxacin was found to be the highest in BS3 and BS5, two large regional council areas which are a mix of domestic and industrial (predominantly domestic) biosolids of 1010 and 1590 ng/g, respectively. In addition, the quantity of sertraline was consistently high in all biosolids except from BS7, one of the smaller regional councils, which is indicative of the domestic catchments attached. PFAS compounds were detected in all biosolids samples except in BS6, one of the small (agricultural and tourist) catchments. Two PFAS compounds emerged as the most common pollutants that were perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). The largest industrial catchment biosolids, BS2 showed the highest concentration of PFOS at 253 ng/g, while the smallest regional council, BS7 showed the maximum concentration of 7.90 ng/g of PFOA. Overall, this study concludes that certain ECs such as HMs, antibiotics, PFOS and PFOA in biosolids may pose high environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Kumar
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Anna Whelan
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Townsville City Council, Wastewater Operations, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
| | | | - Madoc Sheehan
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Louise Reeves
- Queensland Water Directorate, Brisbane, QLD, 4009, Australia
| | - Elsa Antunes
- College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
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Petre VA, Chiriac FL, Lucaciu IE, Paun I, Pirvu F, Iancu VI, Novac L, Gheorghe S. Tissue Bioconcentration Pattern and Biotransformation of Per-Fluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in Cyprinus carpio (European Carp)—An Extensive In Vivo Study. Foods 2023; 12:foods12071423. [PMID: 37048244 PMCID: PMC10093588 DOI: 10.3390/foods12071423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a persistent class of synthetic chemicals that spread in the environment as a result of industrialization. Due to their bioaccumulative and endocrine disruption implications, these chemicals can affect food quality and human health, respectively. In the present study, the bioconcentration and biotransformation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were evaluated in a biphasic system (exposure and depuration). Carp were continuously exposed, under laboratory conditions, to 10 (Experiment 1) and 100 (Experiment 2) µg/L PFOA for 14 weeks, followed by a wash out period of 3 weeks. Fish organs and tissues were collected at 8, 12, 14 weeks of exposure and at week 17, after the depuration period. The results obtained from the LC-MS/MS analysis showed the presence of PFOA in all studied organs. The highest values of PFOA were identified in the gallbladder (up to 2572 ng/g d.w.) in Experiment 1 and in the gallbladder (up to 18,640 ng/g d.w.) and kidneys (up to 13,581 ng/g d.w.) in Experiment 2. The average BCF varied between 13.4 and 158 L/Kg in Experiment 1 and between 5.97 and 80.3 L/Kg in Experiment 2. Four biotransformation products were identified and quantified in all organs, namely: PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, and PFHpA. PFBA was proven to be the dominant biotransformation product, with the highest values being determined after 8 weeks of exposure in the kidney, gallbladder, brain, liver, and gonads in both experiments. Because freshwater fish are an important food resource for the human diet, the present study showed the fishes’ capacity to accumulate perfluoroalkyl substances and their metabolites. The study revealed the necessity of monitoring and risk studies of new and modern synthetic chemicals in aquatic resources.
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Jesus F, Patrício Silva AL, Pereira JL, Ré A, Campos I, Gonçalves FJM, Nogueira AJA, Abrantes N, Serpa D. Do sediment-bound nickel and lead affect chironomids life-history? Toxicity assessment under environmentally relevant conditions. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 253:106347. [PMID: 36343614 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106347] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems translates into increased concentrations of sediment-bound metals, representing a risk for benthic species. This risk might be enhanced in soft and moderately hard waters, world widely distributed, due to the protective role of hardness against metal toxicity. As lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) are amongst the more abundant metals in aquatic systems, and since their combined effects to benthic species have been overlooked, in this study we aimed to investigate the life-cycle toxicity of Pb and Ni (using spiked sediment) to the benthic species Chironomus riparius, considering both single and mixture exposures, in moderately hard water. Environmentally relevant concentrations of each metal were used (25 and 75 mg kg-1, based on a scenario of pollution by runoff waters from burnt forests), following a full factorial design. Effects of the mixture with the highest metal concentrations (Pb 75 mg kg-1 dw + Ni 75 mg kg-1 dw) were also assessed in the second generation. In the first generation, exposure to Pb increased emergence and the weight of males, and decreased time to emergence of both males and females. Conversely, exposure to Ni delayed female emergence and decreased the weight of imagoes. Summarizing, Pb affected more endpoints but showed an apparent positive effect, whereas Ni affected less endpoints but exhibited adverse effects. Reproduction was not affected by these metals. In the second generation, the mixture Pb 75 mg kg-1 + Ni 75 mg kg-1 dw delayed emergence and reduced the emerged female fraction and their weight. These results highlight that Pb and Ni can alter the structure of C. riparius populations at environmentally relevant concentrations, which signals potential repercussions in the dynamics and functioning of freshwater ecosystems under these contamination scenarios. The findings of the present study are relevant not only for metal-polluted environments, in general, but also for fire-affected ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Jesus
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal.
| | - Ana Luísa Patrício Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Joana L Pereira
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Ana Ré
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Isabel Campos
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Fernando J M Gonçalves
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - António J A Nogueira
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Nelson Abrantes
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Dalila Serpa
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
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Lim J. Broad toxicological effects of per-/poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on the unicellular eukaryote, Tetrahymena pyriformis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 95:103954. [PMID: 35948183 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103954] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per-/Poly- fluoroalkyl substances represent emerging persistent organic pollutants. Their toxic effects can be broad, yet little attention has been given to organisms at the microscale. To address this knowledge shortfall, the unicellular eukaryote Tetrahymena pyriformis was exposed to increasing concentrations (0-5000 μM) of PFOA/PFOS and monitored for cellular motility, division and function (i.e., phagocytosis), reactive oxygen species generation and total protein levels. Both PFOA/PFOS exposure had negative impacts on T. pyriformis, including reduced motility, delayed cell division and oxidative imbalance, with each chemical having distinct toxicological profiles. T. pyriformis represents a promising candidate for assessing the biological effects these emerging anthropogenically-derived contaminants in a freshwater setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenson Lim
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK.
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Multi- and Transgenerational Effects of Developmental Exposure to Environmental Levels of PFAS and PFAS Mixture in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10060334. [PMID: 35736942 PMCID: PMC9228135 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10060334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are ubiquitous in the environment and are tied to myriad health effects. Despite the phasing out of the manufacturing of two types of PFASs (perfluorosulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)), chemical composition renders them effectively indestructible by ambient environmental processes, where they thus remain in water. Exposure via water can affect both human and aquatic wildlife. PFASs easily cross the placenta, exposing the fetus at critical windows of development. Little is known about the effects of low-level exposure during this period; even less is known about the potential for multi- and transgenerational effects. We examined the effects of ultra-low, very low, and low-level PFAS exposure (7, 70, and 700 ng/L PFOA; 24, 240, 2400 ng/L PFOS; and stepwise mixtures) from 0–5 days post-fertilization (dpf) on larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) mortality, morphology, behavior and gene expression and fecundity in adult F0 and F1 fish. As expected, environmentally relevant PFAS levels did not affect survival. Morphological abnormalities were not observed until the F1 and F2 generations. Behavior was affected differentially by each chemical and generation. Gene expression was increasingly perturbed in each generation but consistently showed lipid pathway disruption across all generations. Dysregulation of behavior and gene expression is heritable, even in larvae with no direct or indirect exposure. This is the first report of the transgenerational effects of PFOA, PFOS, and their mixture in terms of zebrafish behavior and untargeted gene expression.
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McCarthy CJ, Roark SA, Wright D, O'Neal K, Muckey B, Stanaway M, Rewerts JN, Field JA, Anderson TA, Salice CJ. Toxicological Response of Chironomus dilutus in Single-Chemical and Binary Mixture Exposure Experiments with 6 Perfluoralkyl Substances. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:2319-2333. [PMID: 33835531 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have determined the toxicity of perfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) to aquatic invertebrates. We exposed Chironomus dilutus to 6 different PFAS to assess single-chemical toxicity and relative or proportional toxicity among substances. A 10-d range-finding test was conducted to inform 20-d assays for the following PFAS: perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA). A 20-d binary mixture study of PFOS+PFHxS followed the single-chemical tests. Measurement endpoints for 20-d tests included larval survival and biomass. Log-logistic concentration response models were used to estimate 10, 20, and 50% effect concentrations (EC20, EC50) for PFOS, PFHxS, and PFOA. Survival EC50s for PFOS, PFHxS, and PFOA were 2.49, 3860, and 192 000 µg/L, respectively, whereas survival EC20s were 1.70, 913, and 119 000 µg/L for PFOS, PFHxS, and PFOA, respectively. Biomass as a combined survival and growth endpoint resulted in EC20s of 1.89, 896, and 137 000 µg/L for PFOS, PFHxS, and PFOA, respectively. Maximum concentrations tested (no-observed-effect concentrations) for PFNA, PFBS, and PFHpA were 2 to 3 orders of magnitude greater than the PFOS EC50s and showed no toxicity to C. dilutus, even at exposure concentrations well above what would be considered environmentally relevant. The binary mixture of 2.5 µg/L PFOS+1000 µg/L PFHxS showed reduced survival compared to controls and some indication of potential additive or synergistic interaction between PFOS and PFHxS. Overall, the present study supports previous studies showing PFOS to be the most toxic PFAS to aquatic life and suggests that PFOS could be more toxic to the freshwater midge than previously reported. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2319-2333. © 2021 SETAC.
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Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang A, Li J, Yu J, Dou Y, He J, Kong D. Perfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water sources along the Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province, China: Human health and ecological risk assessment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 218:112289. [PMID: 33940442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in source water is of growing concern for its adverse effects on human health and wildlife as well. The Yangtze River is the vital drinking water source in Jiangsu Province of China, but little attention has been paid on PFASs. The occurrence, spatial distribution and temporal trend of PFASs in 21 water sources along the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River was investigated with sampling from 2018 to 2020. Moreover, health risk of PFASs was assessed by estimated intake dose and derived tolerable intake dose, while ecological risk was assessed by selected effect concentration and environmental exposure. PFASs concentrations in source water ranged from 12.0 to 128 ng/L, with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as the dominated congener. Fluorine chemical industry lead to a great increase of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in its nearest water source. The estimated daily intake of PFASs through drinking was 0.54 and 0.82 ng/kg bw/day for adults and children. The major health risk was from perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and PFOA for their toxicity on liver, reproduction, development and immunity, with the maximum hazard quotient of 0.029 and 0.043 for adults and children in the worst scenario. The ecological risks from PFASs on nine species groups ranged from 2.7 × 10-10 to 5.2. PFOA and Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) were causing significant risk on wildlife, particularly on worms, mussels, and fish, which may further influence the structure and processes in the foodweb. Overall, PFASs, especially PFOS, PFOA and PFBS, induced considerable risk on human health and aquatic species in some hotspot area. It would be necessary to include them into monitoring in China and develop standards for different protection purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqing Zhang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yunqiao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Aiguo Zhang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Juying Li
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yezhi Dou
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Jian He
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Deyang Kong
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China.
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Ankley GT, Cureton P, Hoke RA, Houde M, Kumar A, Kurias J, Lanno R, McCarthy C, Newsted J, Salice CJ, Sample BE, Sepúlveda MS, Steevens J, Valsecchi S. Assessing the Ecological Risks of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Current State-of-the Science and a Proposed Path Forward. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:564-605. [PMID: 32897586 PMCID: PMC7984443 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) encompass a large, heterogenous group of chemicals of potential concern to human health and the environment. Based on information for a few relatively well-understood PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate, there is ample basis to suspect that at least a subset can be considered persistent, bioaccumulative, and/or toxic. However, data suitable for determining risks in either prospective or retrospective assessments are lacking for the majority of PFAS. In August 2019, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry sponsored a workshop that focused on the state-of-the-science supporting risk assessment of PFAS. The present review summarizes discussions concerning the ecotoxicology and ecological risks of PFAS. First, we summarize currently available information relevant to problem formulation/prioritization, exposure, and hazard/effects of PFAS in the context of regulatory and ecological risk assessment activities from around the world. We then describe critical gaps and uncertainties relative to ecological risk assessments for PFAS and propose approaches to address these needs. Recommendations include the development of more comprehensive monitoring programs to support exposure assessment, an emphasis on research to support the formulation of predictive models for bioaccumulation, and the development of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods to efficiently assess biological effects for potentially sensitive species/endpoints. Addressing needs associated with assessing the ecological risk of PFAS will require cross-disciplinary approaches that employ both conventional and new methods in an integrated, resource-effective manner. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:564-605. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald T. Ankley
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection AgencyDuluthMinnesotaUSA
| | - Philippa Cureton
- Science and Risk Assessment Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, GatineauQuebecCanada
| | | | - Magali Houde
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, MontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Anupama Kumar
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation UrrbraeSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jessy Kurias
- Science and Risk Assessment Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, GatineauQuebecCanada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria S. Sepúlveda
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue UniversityWest LayetteIndianaUSA
| | - Jeffery Steevens
- US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research CenterColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Sara Valsecchi
- Water Research Institute, National Research CouncilBrugherioMonza and BrianzaItaly
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Daniel G, Silva ARR, de Souza Abessa DM, Loureiro S. Fire Suppression Agents Combined with Gasoline in Aquatic Ecosystems: A Mixture Approach. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:767-779. [PMID: 33006788 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4889] [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: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fire suppression agents are recommended for extinguishing fires by flammable liquids and frequently end in water bodies, combined with the fuels. There is a lack of toxicity information on these commercial formulations and the effects of mixtures of fire suppression agents and fuels. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the toxic effects of different fire suppression agents, the gasoline water-soluble fraction (GWSF), and mixtures of each fire suppression agent and GWSF. Individual tests were performed with Daphnia similis and Artemia sp.; the most toxic fire suppression agents to D. similis and Artemia sp. were F-500®, Cold Fire®, Agefoam®, and Kidde Sintex® 1%; the GWSF was the least toxic. The concentration addition model was used to predict the mixture effects and evaluate synergism/antagonism, dose ratio dependence, and dose level dependence. Cold Fire with GWSF showed dose level deviation to D. similis, marked mainly by synergism; for Artemia sp., the dose ratio pattern was predicted, with a synergistic response mainly by Cold Fire. Agefoam and GWSF behaved additively for D. similis and dose ratio for Artemia sp., with synergism being caused by Agefoam. Kidde Sintex 1% with GWSF were dose ratio for both organisms, with Kidde Sintex 1% being responsible for synergism. Our results show that some mixtures of fire suppression agents and GWSF may cause toxicity to aquatic organisms, posing risk in a real environmental scenario, such as a major fire combat. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:767-779. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Daniel
- São Paulo State University, Institute of Biosciences, São Vicente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Rita R Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Susana Loureiro
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Doria HB, Pfenninger M. A multigenerational approach can detect early Cd pollution in Chironomus riparius. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 262:127815. [PMID: 32768752 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127815] [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: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential highly toxic metal and its presence in the environment has been a concern over the years. On the present study we adopt the spiked water exposure scenario to study early Cd contamination across five generations of the model organism Chironomus riparius. Animals were, at the beginning of each generation, submitted to 0, 1, 3.2, 10, 32 and 100 μg/L of Cd. Classical endpoints like total emergence, EmT50, fertility and the integrative fitness measure, population growth rate (PGR), were calculated at each generation. Results could demonstrate that exposure to brief and low Cd concentrations can affect all the measured endpoints and, therefore, initial Cd pollution in previously unpolluted sites can be detected after just five consecutive generations. Importantly, at 100 μg/L of Cd fertility was greatly impaired after three generations. Also, PGR calculation is a sensitive tool for monitoring early pollution of Cd. Yet, no adaptation to Cd over five generations could be observed on the present experimental setup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Binde Doria
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, D-60325, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.
| | - Markus Pfenninger
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, D-60325, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany; Department of Molecular Ecology, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Georg-Voigt-Str. 14-16, D-60325, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany; Institute for Molecular and Organismic Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 7, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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15
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Sinclair GM, Long SM, Jones OAH. What are the effects of PFAS exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations? CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 258:127340. [PMID: 32563917 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The group of synthetic chemicals known as poly and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are currently of high concern to environmental regulators and the public due to their widespread occurrence, resistance to degradation and reported toxicity. However, little data exists on the effects of exposure to PFAS at environmentally relevant concentrations and this hampers the effective management of these compounds. This paper reviews current research on the occurrence and ecotoxicology of PFAS at environmentally relevant doses to assess their potential biological impacts. Hazard Quotient (HQ) analysis was undertaken as part of this assessment. Most PFAS detected in the environment were found to have a HQ risk value of <1 meaning their reported concentrations are below their predicted no effect concentration. This indicates many reported toxic effects of PFAS are, theoretically, unlikely to occur outside the laboratory. However, lack of information on new PFAS as well as their precursors and degradation products, coupled with lack of knowledge of their mixture toxicity means our understanding of the risks of PFAS is incomplete, especially in regard to sub-lethal and/or chronic effects. It is proposed that the development of molecular markers for PFAS exposure are needed to aid in the development of environmental PFAS regulations that are effective in fully protecting the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia M Sinclair
- Aquatic Environmental Stress Research Group (AQUEST), School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia; Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Sara M Long
- Aquatic Environmental Stress Research Group (AQUEST), School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Oliver A H Jones
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, PO Box 71, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
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