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Sumpter JP, Johnson AC, Runnalls TJ. Pharmaceuticals in the Aquatic Environment: No Answers Yet to the Major Questions. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024; 43:589-594. [PMID: 35770719 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment, especially the aquatic environment, has received a lot of attention in the last 20 plus years. Despite that attention, the two most important questions regarding pharmaceuticals in the environment still cannot be answered. It is not possible to put the threat posed by pharmaceuticals into perspective with the many other threats (stressors) facing aquatic organisms, such as low flows due to over-abstraction of water, inhibited passage of migratory species due to dams and weirs, diseases, algal blooms causing low oxygen levels and releasing toxins, eutrophication, climate change, and so on. Nor is it possible to identify which pharmaceuticals are of concern and which are not. Not only can these key questions not be answered presently, they have received extremely little attention, despite being identified 10 years ago as the two most important questions to answer. That situation must change if resources and expertise are to be effectively used to protect the environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:589-594. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Sumpter
- Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew C Johnson
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, United Kingdom
| | - Tamsin J Runnalls
- Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
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2
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Leung KM, Yeung KW, You J, Choi K, Zhang X, Smith R, Zhou G, Yung MM, Arias‐Barreiro C, An Y, Burket SR, Dwyer R, Goodkin N, Hii YS, Hoang T, Humphrey C, Iwai CB, Jeong S, Juhel G, Karami A, Kyriazi‐Huber K, Lee K, Lin B, Lu B, Martin P, Nillos MG, Oginawati K, Rathnayake I, Risjani Y, Shoeb M, Tan CH, Tsuchiya MC, Ankley GT, Boxall AB, Rudd MA, Brooks BW. Toward Sustainable Environmental Quality: Priority Research Questions for Asia. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:1485-1505. [PMID: 32474951 PMCID: PMC7496081 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and human health challenges are pronounced in Asia, an exceptionally diverse and complex region where influences of global megatrends are extensive and numerous stresses to environmental quality exist. Identifying priorities necessary to engage grand challenges can be facilitated through horizon scanning exercises, and to this end we identified and examined 23 priority research questions needed to advance toward more sustainable environmental quality in Asia, as part of the Global Horizon Scanning Project. Advances in environmental toxicology, environmental chemistry, biological monitoring, and risk-assessment methodologies are necessary to address the adverse impacts of environmental stressors on ecosystem services and biodiversity, with Asia being home to numerous biodiversity hotspots. Intersections of the food-energy-water nexus are profound in Asia; innovative and aggressive technologies are necessary to provide clean water, ensure food safety, and stimulate energy efficiency, while improving ecological integrity and addressing legacy and emerging threats to public health and the environment, particularly with increased aquaculture production. Asia is the largest chemical-producing continent globally. Accordingly, sustainable and green chemistry and engineering present decided opportunities to stimulate innovation and realize a number of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Engaging the priority research questions identified herein will require transdisciplinary coordination through existing and nontraditional partnerships within and among countries and sectors. Answering these questions will not be easy but is necessary to achieve more sustainable environmental quality in Asia. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1485-1505. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth M.Y. Leung
- Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Hong KongPokfulamHong KongChina
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of ChemistryCity University of Hong KongKowloonHong KongChina
| | - Katie W.Y. Yeung
- Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Hong KongPokfulamHong KongChina
| | - Jing You
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and HealthJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | | | - Xiaowei Zhang
- School of the EnvironmentNanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | | | - Guang‐Jie Zhou
- Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Hong KongPokfulamHong KongChina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chris Humphrey
- Supervising Scientist BranchCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bin‐Le Lin
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyTokyoJapan
| | - Ben Lu
- International Copper Association–AsiaShanghaiChina
| | | | - Mae Grace Nillos
- College of Fisheries and Ocean SciencesUniversity of the Philippines VisayasIloilo CityPhilippines
| | | | - I.V.N. Rathnayake
- Department of MicrobiologyFaculty of Science, University of KelaniyaKelaniyaSri Lanka
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bryan W. Brooks
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and HealthJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Baylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
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3
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Gaw S, Harford A, Pettigrove V, Sevicke‐Jones G, Manning T, Ataria J, Cresswell T, Dafforn KA, Leusch FDL, Moggridge B, Cameron M, Chapman J, Coates G, Colville A, Death C, Hageman K, Hassell K, Hoak M, Gadd J, Jolley DF, Karami A, Kotzakoulakis K, Lim R, McRae N, Metzeling L, Mooney T, Myers J, Pearson A, Saaristo M, Sharley D, Stuthe J, Sutherland O, Thomas O, Tremblay L, Wood W, Boxall ABA, Rudd MA, Brooks BW. Towards Sustainable Environmental Quality: Priority Research Questions for the Australasian Region of Oceania. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2019; 15:917-935. [PMID: 31273905 PMCID: PMC6899907 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Environmental challenges persist across the world, including the Australasian region of Oceania, where biodiversity hotspots and unique ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef are common. These systems are routinely affected by multiple stressors from anthropogenic activities, and increasingly influenced by global megatrends (e.g., the food-energy-water nexus, demographic transitions to cities) and climate change. Here we report priority research questions from the Global Horizon Scanning Project, which aimed to identify, prioritize, and advance environmental quality research needs from an Australasian perspective, within a global context. We employed a transparent and inclusive process of soliciting key questions from Australasian members of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. Following submission of 78 questions, 20 priority research questions were identified during an expert workshop in Nelson, New Zealand. These research questions covered a range of issues of global relevance, including research needed to more closely integrate ecotoxicology and ecology for the protection of ecosystems, increase flexibility for prioritizing chemical substances currently in commerce, understand the impacts of complex mixtures and multiple stressors, and define environmental quality and ecosystem integrity of temporary waters. Some questions have specific relevance to Australasia, particularly the uncertainties associated with using toxicity data from exotic species to protect unique indigenous species. Several related priority questions deal with the theme of how widely international ecotoxicological data and databases can be applied to regional ecosystems. Other timely questions, which focus on improving predictive chemistry and toxicology tools and techniques, will be important to answer several of the priority questions identified here. Another important question raised was how to protect local cultural and social values and maintain indigenous engagement during problem formulation and identification of ecosystem protection goals. Addressing these questions will be challenging, but doing so promises to advance environmental sustainability in Oceania and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Gaw
- School of Physical and Chemical SciencesUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Andrew Harford
- Department of the Environment and EnergyAustralian Government, DarwinAustralia
| | - Vincent Pettigrove
- Aquatic Environmental Stress Research CentreRMIT University, BundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | | | | | | | - Tom Cresswell
- Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology OrganisationLucas HeightsAustralia
| | | | - Frederic DL Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute and School of Environment and ScienceGriffith UniversityBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Bradley Moggridge
- Institute for Applied EcologyUniversity of CanberraCanberraAustralia
| | | | - John Chapman
- Office of Environment and HeritageNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Gary Coates
- Te Rūnanga o Ngāi TahuChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Anne Colville
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Claire Death
- Faculty of Veterinary ScienceUniversity of MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Kimberly Hageman
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUtah State University, LoganUtahUSA
| | - Kathryn Hassell
- Aquatic Environmental Stress Research CentreRMIT University, BundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Molly Hoak
- School of BiosciencesThe University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jennifer Gadd
- National Institute of Atmospheric and Water ResearchAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Dianne F Jolley
- Faculty of Science, University of Technology SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Ali Karami
- Environmental Futures Research InstituteGriffith UniversityBrisbaneAustralia
| | | | - Richard Lim
- Faculty of Science, University of Technology SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Nicole McRae
- School of Physical and Chemical SciencesUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
| | | | - Thomas Mooney
- Department of the Environment and EnergyAustralian Government, DarwinAustralia
| | - Jackie Myers
- Aquatic Environmental Stress Research CentreRMIT University, BundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Minna Saaristo
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Dave Sharley
- Bio2Lab, Melbourne Innovation CentreGreensboroughAustralia
| | | | | | - Oliver Thomas
- School of Applied Chemistry and Environmental ScienceRMIT University, MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Louis Tremblay
- Cawthron InstituteNelsonNew Zealand
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
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4
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Fairbrother A, Muir D, Solomon KR, Ankley GT, Rudd MA, Boxall AB, Apell JN, Armbrust KL, Blalock BJ, Bowman SR, Campbell LM, Cobb GP, Connors KA, Dreier DA, Evans MS, Henry CJ, Hoke RA, Houde M, Klaine SJ, Klaper RD, Kullik SA, Lanno RP, Meyer C, Ottinger MA, Oziolor E, Petersen EJ, Poynton HC, Rice PJ, Rodriguez‐Fuentes G, Samel A, Shaw JR, Steevens JA, Verslycke TA, Vidal‐Dorsch DE, Weir SM, Wilson P, Brooks BW. Toward Sustainable Environmental Quality: Priority Research Questions for North America. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2019; 38:1606-1624. [PMID: 31361364 PMCID: PMC6852658 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Anticipating, identifying, and prioritizing strategic needs represent essential activities by research organizations. Decided benefits emerge when these pursuits engage globally important environment and health goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To this end, horizon scanning efforts can facilitate identification of specific research needs to address grand challenges. We report and discuss 40 priority research questions following engagement of scientists and engineers in North America. These timely questions identify the importance of stimulating innovation and developing new methods, tools, and concepts in environmental chemistry and toxicology to improve assessment and management of chemical contaminants and other diverse environmental stressors. Grand challenges to achieving sustainable management of the environment are becoming increasingly complex and structured by global megatrends, which collectively challenge existing sustainable environmental quality efforts. Transdisciplinary, systems-based approaches will be required to define and avoid adverse biological effects across temporal and spatial gradients. Similarly, coordinated research activities among organizations within and among countries are necessary to address the priority research needs reported here. Acquiring answers to these 40 research questions will not be trivial, but doing so promises to advance sustainable environmental quality in the 21st century. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1606-1624. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Derek Muir
- Aquatic Contaminants Research DivisionEnvironment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington ONCanada
| | - Keith R. Solomon
- School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of Guelph, GuelphOntarioCanada
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer N. Apell
- Department of Civil & Environmental EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CambridgeMAUSA
| | - Kevin L. Armbrust
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of the Coast and EnvironmentLouisiana State University, Baton RougeLouisianaUSA
| | - Bonnie J. Blalock
- School for the EnvironmentUniversity of Massachusetts BostonBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sarah R. Bowman
- Michigan Department of Environmental QualityDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Linda M. Campbell
- Environmental Science, Saint Mary's University, HalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - George P. Cobb
- Department of Environmental ScienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | | | - David A. Dreier
- Center for Environmental & Human ToxicologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Marlene S. Evans
- Aquatic Contaminants Research DivisionEnvironment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington ONCanada
| | | | | | - Magali Houde
- Aquatic Contaminants Research DivisionEnvironment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington ONCanada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary Ann Ottinger
- Department of Biology and BiochemistryUniversity of HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Elias Oziolor
- Department of Environmental ScienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Elijah J. Petersen
- Material Measurement LaboratoryNational Institute of Standards and TechnologyGaithersburgMarylandUSA
| | - Helen C. Poynton
- School for the EnvironmentUniversity of Massachusetts BostonBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Pamela J. Rice
- US Department of AgricultureAgricultural Research ServiceWashington, DC
| | | | | | - Joseph R. Shaw
- School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | | | | | | | - Scott M. Weir
- Queen's University of CharlotteCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Bryan W. Brooks
- Procter and GambleCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
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5
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Furley TH, Brodeur J, Silva de Assis HC, Carriquiriborde P, Chagas KR, Corrales J, Denadai M, Fuchs J, Mascarenhas R, Miglioranza KSB, Miguez Caramés DM, Navas JM, Nugegoda D, Planes E, Rodriguez‐Jorquera IA, Orozco‐Medina M, Boxall ABA, Rudd MA, Brooks BW. Toward sustainable environmental quality: Identifying priority research questions for Latin America. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2018; 14:344-357. [PMID: 29469193 PMCID: PMC5947661 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The Global Horizon Scanning Project (GHSP) is an innovative initiative that aims to identify important global environmental quality research needs. Here we report 20 key research questions from Latin America (LA). Members of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) LA and other scientists from LA were asked to submit research questions that would represent priority needs to address in the region. One hundred questions were received, then partitioned among categories, examined, and some rearranged during a workshop in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Twenty priority research questions were subsequently identified. These research questions included developing, improving, and harmonizing across LA countries methods for 1) identifying contaminants and degradation products in complex matrices (including biota); 2) advancing prediction of contaminant risks and effects in ecosystems, addressing lab-to-field extrapolation challenges, and understanding complexities of multiple stressors (including chemicals and climate change); and 3) improving management and regulatory tools toward achieving sustainable development. Whereas environmental contaminants frequently identified in these key questions were pesticides, pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors or modulators, plastics, and nanomaterials, commonly identified environmental challenges were related to agriculture, urban effluents, solid wastes, pulp and paper mills, and natural extraction activities. Several interesting research topics included assessing and preventing pollution impacts on conservation protected areas, integrating environment and health assessments, and developing strategies for identification, substitution, and design of less hazardous chemicals (e.g., green chemistry). Finally, a recurrent research need included developing an understanding of differential sensitivity of regional species and ecosystems to environmental contaminants and other stressors. Addressing these critical questions will support development of long-term strategic research efforts to advance more sustainable environmental quality and protect public health and the environment in LA. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:344-357. © 2018 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Brodeur
- Instituto de Recursos Biológicos, Centro de Investigaciones de Recursos Naturales (CIRN)Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)Buenos AiresArgentina
| | | | | | | | - Jone Corrales
- Department of Environmental ScienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
| | - Marina Denadai
- Department of ChemistryFederal University of São CarlosSão CarlosBrazil
| | - Julio Fuchs
- IQUIBICEN‐CONICETUniversidad de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | | | | | - Diana Margarita Miguez Caramés
- Laboratorio Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, IIMyC, CONICET‐UNMDPArgentina
- Laboratorio Tecnológico del Uruguay (LATU)MontevideoUruguay
| | | | | | - Estela Planes
- National Institute of Industrial TechnologyChemistry CenterBuenos AiresArgentina
| | | | | | | | - Murray A Rudd
- Department of Environmental SciencesEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Bryan W Brooks
- Department of Environmental ScienceBaylor UniversityWacoTexasUSA
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6
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Brooks BW. Urbanization, environment and pharmaceuticals: advancing comparative physiology, pharmacology and toxicology. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:cox079. [PMID: 30364343 PMCID: PMC6194206 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cox079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are routinely reported in the environment, which indicates an increasingly urban water cycle and highlights a global megatrend. Physicochemical properties and intrinsic biological activity of medicines routinely differ from conventional organic contaminants; thus, diverging applicability domains often challenge environmental chemistry and toxicology computational tools and biological assays originally developed to address historical chemical stressors. Because pharmacology and toxicology information is more readily available for these contaminants of emerging concern than other chemicals in the environment, and many drug targets are conserved across species, leveraging mammalian drug discovery, safety testing and clinical pharmacology information appears useful to define environmental risks and to design less hazardous industrial chemicals. Research is needed to advance biological read across, which promises to reduce uncertainties during chemical assessment aimed at protecting public health and the environment. Whereas such comparative information has been critical to advance an understanding of pharmaceutical hazards and risks in urban ecosystems, studies of medicines with fish and other ecotoxicological models are reciprocally benefiting basic and translational efforts, advancing comparative mechanistic toxicology, and providing robust comparative bridges for integrating conservation and toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan W Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Biomedical Studies, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
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7
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Johnson AC, Donnachie RL, Sumpter JP, Jürgens MD, Moeckel C, Pereira MG. An alternative approach to risk rank chemicals on the threat they pose to the aquatic environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 599-600:1372-1381. [PMID: 28531948 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This work presents a new and unbiased method of risk ranking chemicals based on the threat they pose to the aquatic environment. The study ranked 12 metals, 23 pesticides, 11 other persistent organic pollutants (POPs), 13 pharmaceuticals, 10 surfactants and similar compounds and 2 nanoparticles (total of 71) of concern against one another by comparing their median UK river water and median ecotoxicity effect concentrations. To complement this, by giving an assessment on potential wildlife impacts, risk ranking was also carried out by comparing the lowest 10th percentile of the effects data with the highest 90th percentile of the exposure data. In other words, risk was pared down to just toxicity versus exposure. Further modifications included incorporating bioconcentration factors, using only recent water measurements and excluding either lethal or sub-lethal effects. The top ten chemicals, based on the medians, which emerged as having the highest risk to organisms in UK surface waters using all the ecotoxicity data were copper, aluminium, zinc, ethinylestradiol (EE2), linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), triclosan, manganese, iron, methomyl and chlorpyrifos. By way of contrast, using current UK environmental quality standards as the comparator to median UK river water concentrations would have selected 6 different chemicals in the top ten. This approach revealed big differences in relative risk; for example, zinc presented a million times greater risk then metoprolol and LAS 550 times greater risk than nanosilver. With the exception of EE2, most pharmaceuticals were ranked as having a relatively low risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Johnson
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK.
| | | | - John P Sumpter
- Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Monika D Jürgens
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK
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8
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Prichard E, Granek EF. Effects of pharmaceuticals and personal care products on marine organisms: from single-species studies to an ecosystem-based approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:22365-22384. [PMID: 27617334 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7282-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are contaminants of emerging concern that are increasing in use and have demonstrated negative effects on aquatic organisms. There is a growing body of literature reporting the effects of PPCPs on freshwater organisms, but studies on the effects of PPCPs to marine and estuarine organisms are limited. Among effect studies, the vast majority examines subcellular or cellular effects, with far fewer studies examining organismal- and community-level effects. We reviewed the current published literature on marine and estuarine algae, invertebrates, fish, and mammals exposed to PPCPs, in order to expand upon current reviews. This paper builds on previous reviews of PPCP contamination in marine environments, filling prior literature gaps and adding consideration of ecosystem function and level of knowledge across marine habitat types. Finally, we reviewed and compiled data gaps suggested by current researchers and reviewers and propose a multi-level model to expand the focus of current PPCP research beyond laboratory studies. This model includes examination of direct ecological effects including food web and disease dynamics, biodiversity, community composition, and other ecosystem-level indicators of contaminant-driven change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Prichard
- Environmental Science & Management, Portland State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Elise F Granek
- Environmental Science & Management, Portland State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
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9
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Brooks BW, Lazorchak JM, Howard MDA, Johnson MVV, Morton SL, Perkins DAK, Reavie ED, Scott GI, Smith SA, Steevens JA. Are harmful algal blooms becoming the greatest inland water quality threat to public health and aquatic ecosystems? ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2016; 35:6-13. [PMID: 26771345 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In this Focus article, the authors ask a seemingly simple question: Are harmful algal blooms (HABs) becoming the greatest inland water quality threat to public health and aquatic ecosystems? When HAB events require restrictions on fisheries, recreation, and drinking water uses of inland water bodies significant economic consequences result. Unfortunately, the magnitude, frequency, and duration of HABs in inland waters are poorly understood across spatiotemporal scales and differentially engaged among states, tribes, and territories. Harmful algal bloom impacts are not as predictable as those from conventional chemical contaminants, for which water quality assessment and management programs were primarily developed, because interactions among multiple natural and anthropogenic factors determine the likelihood and severity to which a HAB will occur in a specific water body. These forcing factors can also affect toxin production. Beyond site-specific water quality degradation caused directly by HABs, the presence of HAB toxins can negatively influence routine surface water quality monitoring, assessment, and management practices. Harmful algal blooms present significant challenges for achieving water quality protection and restoration goals when these toxins confound interpretation of monitoring results and environmental quality standards implementation efforts for other chemicals and stressors. Whether HABs presently represent the greatest threat to inland water quality is debatable, though in inland waters of developed countries they typically cause more severe acute impacts to environmental quality than conventional chemical contamination events. The authors identify several timely research needs. Environmental toxicology, environmental chemistry, and risk-assessment expertise must interface with ecologists, engineers, and public health practitioners to engage the complexities of HAB assessment and management, to address the forcing factors for HAB formation, and to reduce the threats posed to inland surface water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan W Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - James M Lazorchak
- Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Meredith D A Howard
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Costa Mesa, California, USA
| | - Mari-Vaughn V Johnson
- Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Department of Agriculture, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Steve L Morton
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Dawn A K Perkins
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Euan D Reavie
- Natural Resources Research Institute, Center for Water and the Environment, University of Minnesota-Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Geoffrey I Scott
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Jeffery A Steevens
- US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA
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10
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Donnachie RL, Johnson AC, Moeckel C, Pereira MG, Sumpter JP. Using risk-ranking of metals to identify which poses the greatest threat to freshwater organisms in the UK. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 194:17-23. [PMID: 25084241 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater aquatic organisms face the challenge of being exposed to a multitude of chemicals discharged by the human population. The objective of this study was to rank metals according to the threat they pose to aquatic organisms. This will contribute to a wider Chemical Strategy for freshwater which will risk-rank all chemicals based on their potential risk to wildlife in a UK setting. The method involved comparing information on ecotoxicological thresholds with measured concentrations in rivers. The bioconcentration factor was also considered as a ranking method. The metals; Ag, Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, were analysed using this approach. Triclosan and lindane were used as comparative organic pollutants. Using a range of ranking techniques, Cu, Al and Zn came top of the list of concern, with Cu coming first.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Donnachie
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK.
| | - Andrew C Johnson
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK.
| | - Claudia Moeckel
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK.
| | - M Glória Pereira
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK.
| | - John P Sumpter
- Institute for the Environment, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK.
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Rudd MA, Ankley GT, Boxall ABA, Brooks BW. International scientists' priorities for research on pharmaceutical and personal care products in the environment. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2014; 10:576-87. [PMID: 24954797 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are widely discharged into the environment via diverse pathways. The effects of PPCPs in the environment have potentially important human and ecosystem health implications, so credible, salient, and legitimate scientific evidence is needed to inform regulatory and policy responses that address potential risks. A recent "big questions" exercise with participants largely from North America identified 22 important research questions around the risks of PPCP in the environment that would help address the most pressing knowledge gaps over the next decade. To expand that analysis, we developed a survey that was completed by 535 environmental scientists from 57 countries, of whom 49% identified environmental or analytical chemistry as their primary disciplinary background. They ranked the 22 original research questions and submitted 171 additional candidate research questions they felt were also of high priority. Of the original questions, the 3 perceived to be of highest importance related to: 1) the effects of long-term exposure to low concentrations of PPCP mixtures on nontarget organisms, 2) effluent treatment methods that can reduce the effects of PPCPs in the environment while not increasing the toxicity of whole effluents, and 3) the assessment of the environmental risks of metabolites and environmental transformation products of PPCPs. A question regarding the role of cultural perspectives in PPCP risk assessment was ranked as the lowest priority. There were significant differences in research orientation between scientists who completed English and Chinese language versions of the survey. We found that the Chinese respondents were strongly orientated to issues of managing risk profiles, effluent treatment, residue bioavailability, and regional assessment. Among English language respondents, further differences in research orientation were associated with respondents' level of consistency when ranking the survey's 15 comparisons. There was increasing emphasis on the role of various other stressors relative to PPCPs and on risk prioritization as internal decision making consistency increased. Respondents' consistency in their ranking choices was significantly and positively correlated with SETAC membership, authors' number of publications, and longer survey completion times. Our research highlighted international scientists' research priorities and should help inform decisions about the type of hazard and risk-based research needed to best inform decisions regarding PPCPs in the environment. Disciplinary training of a scientist or engineer appears to strongly influence preferences for research priorities to understand PPCPs in the environment. Selection of participants and the depth and breadth of research prioritization efforts thus have potential effects on the outcomes of research prioritization exercises. Further elucidation of how patterns of research priority vary between academic and government scientists and between scientists and other government and stakeholders would be useful in the future and provide information that helps focus scientific effort on socially relevant challenges relating to PPCPs in the environment. It also suggests the potential for future collaborative research between industry, government, and academia on environmental contaminants beyond PPCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray A Rudd
- Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
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