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Rasmussen SB, Bosker T, Ramanand GG, Vijver MG. Participatory hackathon to determine ecological relevant endpoints for a neurotoxin to aquatic and benthic invertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:22885-22899. [PMID: 38418784 PMCID: PMC10997722 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32566-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study is twofold: i) to determine innovative yet sensitive endpoints for sulfoxaflor and ii) to develop best practices for innovative teaching in ecotoxicology. To this end, a group of 52 MSc students participated in an environmental hackathon, during which they did creative toxicity testing on 5 freshwater invertebrate species: Daphnia magna, Chironomus riparius, Asellus aquaticus, Lymnaea stagnalis, and Anisus vortex. Involving the students in an active learning environment stimulated increased creativity and productivity. In total, 28 endpoints were investigated, including standard endpoints (e.g., mortality) as well as biomechanistic and energy-related endpoints. Despite high variances in the results, likely linked to the limited lab experience of the students and interpersonal differences, a promising set of endpoints was selected for further investigation. A more targeted follow-up experiment focused on the most promising organism and set of endpoints: biomechanistic endpoints of C. riparius larvae. Larvae were exposed to a range of sulfoxaflor concentrations (0.90-67.2 μg/L) for 21 days. Video tracking showed that undulation and swimming were significantly reduced at 11.1 μg sulfoxaflor/L after 9 days of exposure, and an EC50 = 10.6 μg/L for mean velocities of the larvae in the water phase was found. Biomechanistic endpoints proved much more sensitive than mortality, for which an LC50 value of 116 μg/L was found on Day 9. Our results show that performing a hackathon with students has excellent potential to find sensitive endpoints that can subsequently be verified using more targeted and professional follow-up experiments. Furthermore, utilising hackathon events in teaching can increase students' enthusiasm about ecotoxicology, driving better learning experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie B Rasmussen
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300, RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Thijs Bosker
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300, RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden University College, Leiden University, P.O. Box 13228, 2501, EE, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Giovani G Ramanand
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300, RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martina G Vijver
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300, RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Petersen E, Barrios AC, Bjorkland R, Goodwin DG, Li J, Waissi G, Henry T. Evaluation of bioaccumulation of nanoplastics, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and graphene family materials. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 173:107650. [PMID: 36848829 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bioaccumulation is a key factor in understanding the potential ecotoxicity of substances. While there are well-developed models and methods to evaluate bioaccumulation of dissolved organic and inorganic substances, it is substantially more challenging to assess bioaccumulation of particulate contaminants such as engineered carbon nanomaterials (CNMs; carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene family nanomaterials (GFNs), and fullerenes) and nanoplastics. In this study, the methods used to evaluate bioaccumulation of different CNMs and nanoplastics are critically reviewed. In plant studies, uptake of CNMs and nanoplastics into the roots and stems was observed. For multicellular organisms other than plants, absorbance across epithelial surfaces was typically limited. Biomagnification was not observed for CNTs and GFNs but were observed for nanoplastics in some studies. However, the reported absorption in many nanoplastic studies may be a consequence of an experimental artifact, namely release of the fluorescent probe from the plastic particles and subsequent uptake. We identify that additional work is needed to develop analytical methods to provide robust, orthogonal methods that can measure unlabeled (e.g., without isotopic or fluorescent labels) CNMs and nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah Petersen
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, United States.
| | - Ana C Barrios
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, United States
| | | | - David G Goodwin
- Engineering Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD 20899, United States
| | - Jennifer Li
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, United States
| | - Greta Waissi
- University of Eastern Finland, School of Pharmacy, POB 1627 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Theodore Henry
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
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Hendricks N, Olatunji OS, Gumbi BP. Occurrence and risk assessment of fullerene colloidal nanoparticles by ultrasonic-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography in surface waters. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11454. [PMID: 36406672 PMCID: PMC9672311 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents a developed analytical technique for risk assessment of colloidal fullerene in surface waters by ultrasonic-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid extraction (UADLLE) and high-performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet-visible detector (HPLC-UV). Fullerene colloidal nanoparticles were synthesised and characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Ultrasonication step, disperser solvent, and sodium chloride salt enhance the surface area of fullerene derivative aggregates for better contact and lowers the solubility of fullerene derivative to the aqueous solution, respectively promoting mass transfer of fullerene from aqueous into the organic phase. Several extraction parameters were optimized, and the optimal conditions were established: 5 mL toluene as extraction solvent (2 cycles); 200 mL water sample; 1% sodium chloride salt; 15 min ultrasonication, and 400 μL methanol as disperser solvent. The mean absolute recoveries established in drinking water, wastewater, and river water were 117%, 103%, and 93%, respectively. The proposed analytical technique was linear in the ranges between 0.25 μg L−1 – 250 μg L−1 with an r-squared of 0.9958. The limit of detection (LOD) determined from the signal-to-noise ratio of 3 was 0.11 μg L−1 and the limit of quantification (LOQ) from a signal-to-noise ratio of 10 was 0.38 μg L−1. The precision ranges from 2% to 11% and accuracy percent error ranged from 7%–14% for spiked concentration levels of 0.25 μg L−1, 50 μg L−1, and 250 μg L−1. The measured environmental concentration (MECs) for the fullerene in water samples ranged from not detected to 10.54 μg L−1 and ecological assessment showed the concentration level of the fullerene can pose risk. Overall, according to the author's knowledge, this is the earlier work on the occurrence and risk assessment of fullerene colloidal nanoparticles (C61-PCBM) in potable and wastewater on the African continent.
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An Update Report on the Biosafety and Potential Toxicity of Fullerene-Based Nanomaterials toward Aquatic Animals. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:7995223. [PMID: 34336114 PMCID: PMC8313339 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7995223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fullerene molecules are composed of carbon in the form of a hollow sphere, tube, or ellipsoid. Since their discovery in 1985, they have gained a lot of attention in many science fields. The unique carbon cage structure of fullerene provides immense scope for derivatization, rendering potential for various industrial applications. Thus, the prospective applications of fullerenes have led to assorted fullerene derivatives. In addition, their unique chemical structure also eases them to be synthesized through various kinds of conjugating techniques, where fullerene can be located either on the backbone or the branch chain. In this review, we have compiled the toxicity and biosafety aspects of fullerene in aquatic organisms since the frequent use of fullerene is likely to come in contact and interact with the aquatic environment and aquatic organisms. According to the current understanding, waterborne exposure to fullerene-based nanomaterials indeed triggers toxicities at cellular, organic, molecular, and neurobehavioral levels.
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Heidari SM, Anctil A. Identifying alternative solvents for C 60 manufacturing using singular and combined toxicity assessments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 393:122337. [PMID: 32172058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Linseed oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil were selected based on green chemistry principles and C60 solubility as alternative solvents to replace 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (TMB) for C60 manufacturing. Singular acute toxicity experiments of C60 and the four solvents was performed using Daphnia magna to identify the solvent with the lowest toxicity and estimate the toxicity of C60. The EC50 for C60 was estimated to be higher than 176 ppm. The toxicity of the solvents increased from sunflower oil to olive oil, linseed oil, and TMB. Combined toxicity tests were conducted to investigate the interaction between C60 and the solvent since essential oils can be nanocarriers and facilitate the transport of C60 into the cell membranes, which would increase its toxicity. Various concentrations of C60 (0, 11, 22, 44, 88, and 176 mg/L) were mixed with solvents at their EC50 concentrations. The toxicity of linseed oil increased with increasing C60 concentrations. For olive and sunflower oil, the toxicity was lowered with low concentrations of C60. Olive oil was determined to be a suitable solvent for C60 manufacturing based on singular and combined toxicity assessments. This study showed the importance of considering combined toxicity for solvent selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed M Heidari
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States.
| | - Annick Anctil
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, United States.
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Ponte S, Moore EA, Border CT, Babbitt CW, Tyler AC. Fullerene toxicity in the benthos with implications for freshwater ecosystem services. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 687:451-459. [PMID: 31212153 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Production of engineered carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) is rising, with increased risk of release to the environment during production, use, and disposal. This trend highlights a need to understand potential impacts of CNMs on the natural environment. Fullerenes are an emerging class of CNMs that are insoluble in water, and form aggregates that settle quickly, suggesting higher relative vulnerability of aquatic benthic ecosystems. This study assessed eco-toxicity of fullerenes (C60, C70) and the functionalized derivative, phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), on functionally representative benthic organisms in traditional laboratory assays, and evaluated how the potential lethal and sub-lethal effects of fullerenes may indirectly impact benthic ecosystem function, including decomposition, primary productivity and nutrient cycling in lake microcosms with natural sediments. Standard toxicity tests indicated that population growth of Lumbriculus variegatus was reduced at 25 to 150 mg C60 kg-1, but C70 and PCBM did not affect growth or weight of organisms in artificial sediments at 25 mg kg-1. Survivorship and growth were lower in natural sediments with historic contamination, but C60 did not exacerbate this effect. C60 inhibited photosynthesis by the benthic diatom Nitzschia palea, and at high exposure chlorophyll a increased, suggesting a shading response. L. variegatus had strong effects on benthic ecosystem function, especially metabolism and nitrogen cycling, but C60 ≤ 30 mg kg-1 sediment did not influence the role of L. variegatus in driving benthic processes. These observations suggest that at moderate to high concentrations, C60 may directly impact benthic organisms. However, under natural conditions with low to moderate concentrations, C60 has little effect and does not indirectly impact the ecosystem processes maintained by such organisms. These results are a step further towards a better understanding of potential impacts of fullerenes on aquatic ecosystems, and can aid in the development of regulatory policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ponte
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A Moore
- Golisano Institute for Sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Charles T Border
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Callie W Babbitt
- Golisano Institute for Sustainability, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Anna Christina Tyler
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States of America.
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