A Novel Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Assay for Assessing Musk Ambrette-Induced Toxicity

Global distribution and ecological risk assessment of synthetic musks in the environment

Synthetic musks, as an alternative product of natural musks, are widely used in almost all fragrances of consumer products, such as perfumes, cosmetics and detergents. During the past few decades, the production of synthetic musks has been increasing year by year, subsequently followed by large concern about their adverse effects on ecosystems and human beings. Until now, several studies have reviewed the latest development of analytical methods of synthetic musks in biological samples and cosmetics products, while there is still lack of a systematic analysis of their global distribution in different environmental media. Thus, this review summarizes the occurrence of synthetic musks in the environment including biota around the world and explores their global distribution patterns. The results show that galaxolide (HHCB), tonalide (AHTN), musk xylene (MX) and musk ketone (MK) are generally the most frequently detected synthetic musks in different samples with HHCB and AHTN being predominant. Higher concentrations of HHCB and AHTN are normally found in western countries compared to Asian countries, indicating more consumptions of these musks in western countries. The persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity (PBT) of synthetic musks (mainly for polycyclic musks and nitro musks) are also discussed. The risk quotients (RQs) of HHCB, AHTN, MX and MK in most waters and sediments are below 0.1, reflecting a low risk to aqueous and sediment-dwelling species. In some sites, e.g., close to STPs, high risks (RQs>1) are characterized. Currently, limited data are available for macrocyclic musks and alicyclic musks in terms of either occurrence or PBT properties. More studies with an expanded scope of chemical type, geographical distribution and (synergic) toxicological effects especially from a long-term point of view are needed.

Does aquatic sediment pollution result in contaminated food sources?

The sediment pollution of the aquatic environment by waste due to anthropogenic activity is of an increasing concern. The contaminants coming from the aquatic environment can enter the aquatic food chain and accumulate in the tissues of fish and shellfish used for human consumption. The aim of this study was to sum up the current level of knowledge concerning the pollution of aquatic sediments and its transfer to aquatic foods as well as to indicate whether such contamination has the potential to affect the health and welfare of aquatic organisms as well as the quality and safety of the species intended for human consumption. Based on the results of scientific studies, the European Food Safety Authority, and the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, contamination of fish and seafood occurs predominantly through their diet and the levels of bioaccumulative contaminants are higher in fish which rank higher in the food chain. Contamination of aquatic habitats can not only significantly affect behavior, development, and welfare of aquatic organisms, but it can also affect the safety of fish and seafood for human consumption.