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Damasceno ÉP, Ribeiro F, Costa-Lotufo LV, Soares AMVM, Pavlaki MD, Loureiro S. Assessing the impact of antineoplastic drugs in the aquatic environment: State of the art and future perspective for freshwater organisms. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 99:104109. [PMID: 36921700 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Since the late 70s, the continuous pharmaceuticals` input into the environment has raised concerns regarding the eventual risk posed by such compounds to human and environmental health. A major group of pharmaceuticals in terms of environmental impact are the antineoplastic agents (AAs). Herein, we followed a systematic review method to retrieve antineoplastic agents (AAs') ecotoxicological information regarding freshwater species. In this analysis, data from diverse taxonomic groups, from microorganisms to vertebrate species, looked at different levels of biological organization, including cell lines. Furthermore, this review gathers ecotoxicological parameters (EC50 and LC50) for imatinib (IM), cisplatin (CisPt), and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curves and estimates the hazard concentration (HC5) considering the protection of 95% of the ecological community. Lastly, we suggest how we can improve AAs' Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA), considering potential adoptable toxicity endpoints, test duration, AAs metabolites testing, and AAs mixture exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Évila Pinheiro Damasceno
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Fabianne Ribeiro
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Leticia V Costa-Lotufo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maria D Pavlaki
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Susana Loureiro
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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2
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Venâncio C, Monteiro B, Lopes I, Sousa ACA. Assessing the risks of capecitabine and its active metabolite 5-fluorouracil to freshwater biota. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:58841-58854. [PMID: 36997780 PMCID: PMC10163094 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26505-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Capecitabine (CAP, prodrug) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, its active metabolite) are two of the most prominent cytostatics, for which no clear picture can be drawn regarding potential concentrations of effect for freshwater biota, with CAP being grouped in the least studied cytostatic, whereas 5-FU has been classified as of no and of high environmental risk. Accordingly, the present work aimed to assess the ecotoxicity of CAP and 5-FU in three freshwater species, which included a 72-h assay with the producer Raphidocelis subcapitata; a 96-h assay with the invertebrate secondary consumer Hydra viridissima; and a 96-h assay with embryos of the vertebrate secondary consumer Danio rerio. The following endpoints were monitored: yield and population growth rate for the algae; mortality, morphological alterations, and post-exposure feeding rates for the cnidarian; and mortality, hatching, and malformations for the fish. Overall, organisms' sensitivity to CAP decreased in the following order: R. subcapitata > H. viridissima > D. rerio, whereas for 5-FU, it decreased in the following order: H. viridissima > D. rerio > R. subcapitata. For CAP, no median lethal effective concentrations (LC/EC50) were possible to compute for D. rerio, with no significant mortality or malformations registered in embryos exposed at concentrations up to 800 mg L-1. For R. subcapitata, the EC50s were 0.077 and 0.63 mg L-1 for yield and growth rate, respectively, and for H. viridissima, the EC50,30 min for feeding was 22.0 mg L-1. For 5-FU, no EC50s could be computed for R. subcapitata, whilst the EC50s for H. viridissima mortality and feeding were 55.4 and 67.9 mg L-1, respectively, and for D. rerio, the LC50,96 h and EC50,96 h (hatching and abnormalities) were 4546, 4100, and 2459 mg L-1, respectively. Assuming similar modes of action for both compounds and their co-occurrence, the combined risk quotient of the two chemicals was determined to be 7.97, which represents a risk for freshwater biota. Anticipating the increased consumption of these compounds and cancer development trends worldwide, these impacts may be further aggravated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Venâncio
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, P-3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruna Monteiro
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, P-3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Ana C A Sousa
- Department of Biology and Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
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3
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Ivantsova E, Huang M, Wengrovitz AS, Souders CL, Martyniuk CJ. Molecular and behavioral assessment in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) following exposure to environmentally relevant levels of the antineoplastic cyclophosphamide. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 90:103809. [PMID: 35033682 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Antineoplastics treat cancers and enter aquatic ecosystems through wastewater and hospital effluent. Risks associated with antineoplastics are not well characterized in aquatic organisms. We conducted zebrafish embryo/larvae toxicity assays to evaluate responses to cyclophosphamide (0.01-50 µM). Zebrafish survival was affected by 5 µM cyclophosphamide and deformities were noted at > 1 µM. Oxidative respiration remained unchanged in embryos with exposure up to 200 µM. Reactive oxygen species were not increased by 50 µM cyclophosphamide exposure. More than 15 oxidative stress and immune-related transcripts were measured. Superoxide dismutase 2 and heat shock protein 70 and 90a were induced in larvae by cyclophosphamide. Immune-related transcripts were assessed due to immunosuppressive properties of cyclophosphamide, and mmp9 and myd88 levels were altered in expression. Hyperactivity of larvae was noted following 5 µM cyclophosphamide exposure. There was no change in anxiety-related endpoints (light-dark preference). Risks for larval fish exposed to cyclophosphamide in the environment may be low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Ivantsova
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, UF Genetics Institute, Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Michelle Huang
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, UF Genetics Institute, Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Andrew S Wengrovitz
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, UF Genetics Institute, Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Christopher L Souders
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, UF Genetics Institute, Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, UF Genetics Institute, Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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Nassour C, Nabhani-Gebara S, Barton SJ, Barker J. Aquatic ecotoxicology of anticancer drugs: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 800:149598. [PMID: 34426323 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer drugs in the aquatic environment have drawn a lot of attention in the last decade. Since wastewater treatment plants are inefficient at fully eliminating trace concentrations of anticancer drugs, these compounds are continuously discharged into the aquatic environment. Subsequently, non-target organisms such as the aquatic biota are directly exposed to a variety of anticancer drugs. To understand the potential impact on the aquatic organisms, a systematic review was conducted in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines. The results acquired from the 152 included studies were analysed and sorted into four categories: the impact of each included anticancer drug, the effect of metabolites, the effect of a mixture of drugs, and risk assessment. Findings showed that risk to the aquatic biota was unlikely to occur as the concentrations needed to induce effects were much higher than those detected in the environment. However, these data were based on acute toxicity and included only basic toxicity endpoints. The concentrations that produced significant effects were much lower when tested in the long-term or in multi-generational studies. Heterogeneity in results was also observed; this depended on the organism tested, the assessment adopted, and the endpoints selected. In this systematic review, an overall view of the research studies was generated by which all the variability factors to be considered were reported and recommendations to guide future studies were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Nassour
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK.
| | - Shereen Nabhani-Gebara
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Stephen J Barton
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - James Barker
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
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de Farias NO, de Sousa Andrade T, Santos VL, Galvino P, Suares-Rocha P, Domingues I, Grisolia CK, Oliveira R. Neuromotor activity inhibition in zebrafish early-life stages after exposure to environmental relevant concentrations of caffeine. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2021; 56:1306-1315. [PMID: 34662262 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2021.1989931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Caffeine (CAF), a neuroactive compound, has been found in surface waters at concentrations ranging from few nanograms up to micrograms and may induce adverse effects in aquatic vertebrates. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of CAF in affecting fish early-life stages in a wide concentration range, including occurring levels in surface waters. Specimens of zebrafish in early-life stages were exposed to CAF for 168 h and survival, developmental alterations, locomotor activity and acetylcholinesterase activity were evaluated. CAF induced mortality in embryos unable to hatch or in larvae after hatching (LC50 - 168 h = 283.2 mg/L). Tail deformities were observed in organisms exposed to concentrations ≥ 40 mg/L, while edemas were found at concentrations of 100 mg/L. CAF also decreased the total swimming time and distance moved of exposed organisms (LOEC = 0.0006 mg/L). Locomotor inhibition may be associated with an acetylcholinesterase inhibition observed at concentration ≥ 0.0088 mg/L. Therefore, the hazard of CAF for fish populations deserves further attention since unexpected effects on neuro-behavioral parameters occurs at concentrations often detected in natural aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Oliveira de Farias
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Departamento de Genética e Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
- Faculdade de Tecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, Limeira, São Paulo, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, IB - UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Thayres de Sousa Andrade
- Departamento de Engenharia Ambiental, Universidade Federal do Ceará, UFC, Crateús, Ceará, Brasil
| | - Viviani Lara Santos
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Departamento de Genética e Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - Pedro Galvino
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Departamento de Genética e Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - Paula Suares-Rocha
- Faculdade de Tecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, Limeira, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Inês Domingues
- Departamento de Biologia e CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cesar Koppe Grisolia
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Departamento de Genética e Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - Rhaul Oliveira
- Faculdade de Tecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, UNICAMP, Limeira, São Paulo, Brasil
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Wormington AM, De María M, Kurita HG, Bisesi JH, Denslow ND, Martyniuk CJ. Antineoplastic Agents: Environmental Prevalence and Adverse Outcomes in Aquatic Organisms. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:967-985. [PMID: 32266737 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with 9.6 million cancer-related deaths in 2018. Cancer incidence has increased over time, and so has the prescription rate of chemotherapeutic drugs. These pharmaceuticals, known as antineoplastic agents, enter the aquatic environment via human excretion and wastewater. The objectives of the present critical review were to investigate the risk of antineoplastics to aquatic species and to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding their levels in the environment, because many antineoplastics are not adequately removed during wastewater treatment. We conducted 2 separate literature reviews to synthesize data on the global environmental prevalence and toxicity of antineoplastics. The antineoplastics most frequently detected in the environment included cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, tamoxifen, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil; all were detectable in multiple water sources, including effluent and surface waters. These antineoplastics span 3 different mechanistic classes, with cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide classified as alkylating agents, tamoxifen as a hormonal agent, and methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil as antimetabolites. Studies that characterize the risk of antineoplastics released into aquatic environments are scarce. We summarize the biological impacts of the most environmentally prevalent antineoplastics on aquatic organisms and propose an adverse outcome pathway for cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, 2 widely prescribed drugs with a similar immunotoxic mode of action. Acute and chronic ecotoxicity studies using aquatic models are needed for risk characterization of antineoplastics. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:967-985. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis M Wormington
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Maite De María
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Hajime G Kurita
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Joseph H Bisesi
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Nancy D Denslow
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- University of Florida Genetics Institute, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- University of Florida Genetics Institute, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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7
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Lomba L, Lapeña D, Ros N, Aso E, Cannavò M, Errazquin D, Giner B. Ecotoxicological study of six drugs in Aliivibrio fischeri, Daphnia magna and Raphidocelis subcapitata. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:9891-9900. [PMID: 31925696 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07592-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The presence of drugs in the environment is an emerging issue in the scientific community. It has been shown that these substances are active chemicals that consequently affect aquatic organisms and, finally, humans as end users. To evaluate the toxicity of these compounds and how they affect the environment, it is important to perform systematic ecotoxicological and physicochemical studies. The best way to address this problem is to conduct studies on different aquatic trophic levels. In this work, an ecotoxicological study of six drugs (anhydrous caffeine, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, gentamicin sulphate, lidocaine hydrochloride, tobramycin sulphate and enalapril maleate) that used three aquatic biological models (Raphidocelis subcapitata, Aliivibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna) was performed. Additionally, the concentration of chlorophyll in the algae R. subcapitata was measured. Furthermore, EC50 values were analysed using the Passino and Smith classification (PSC) method, which categorized the compounds as toxic or relatively toxic. All of the studied drugs showed clear concentration-dependent toxic effects. The toxicity of the chemicals depended on the biological model studied, with Raphidocelis subcapitata being the most sensitive species and Aliivibrio fischeri being the least sensitive. The results indicate that the most toxic compound, for all the studied biological models, was diphenhydramine hydrochloride. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lomba
- Universidad San Jorge, Campus Universitario, Autovia A23 km 299, 50830, Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - David Lapeña
- Universidad San Jorge, Campus Universitario, Autovia A23 km 299, 50830, Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Natalia Ros
- Universidad San Jorge, Campus Universitario, Autovia A23 km 299, 50830, Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Elena Aso
- Universidad San Jorge, Campus Universitario, Autovia A23 km 299, 50830, Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mariachiara Cannavò
- Dipartimento di scienze chimeche biologiche farmaceutiche ed ambientali, Università degli studi di Messina, viale F. Stagno D' alcontres 31, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Diego Errazquin
- Universidad San Jorge, Campus Universitario, Autovia A23 km 299, 50830, Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Beatriz Giner
- Universidad San Jorge, Campus Universitario, Autovia A23 km 299, 50830, Villanueva de Gállego, Zaragoza, Spain
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Di Lorenzo T, Castaño-Sánchez A, Di Marzio WD, García-Doncel P, Nozal Martínez L, Galassi DMP, Iepure S. The role of freshwater copepods in the environmental risk assessment of caffeine and propranolol mixtures in the surface water bodies of Spain. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 220:227-236. [PMID: 30583214 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.12.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In this study we aimed at assessing: (i) the environmental risk posed by mixtures of caffeine and propranolol to the freshwater ecosystems of Spain; (ii) the sensitivity of freshwater copepod species to the two compounds; (iii) if the toxicity of caffeine and propranolol to freshwater copepods contributes to the environmental risk posed by the two compounds in the freshwater bodies of Spain. The environmental risk was computed as the ratio of MECs (i.e. the measured environmental concentrations) to PNECs (i.e. the respective predicted no-effect concentrations). The effects of caffeine and propranolol on the freshwater cyclopoid Diacyclops crassicaudis crassicaudis were tested both individually and in binary mixtures. Propranolol posed an environmental risk in some but not in all the surface water ecosystems of Spain investigated in this study, while caffeine posed an environmental risk to all the investigated freshwater bodies, both as single compound and in the mixture with propranolol. Propranolol was the most toxic compound to D. crassicaudis crassicaudis, while caffeine was non-toxic to this species. The CA model predicted the toxicity of the propranolol and caffeine mixture for this species. D. crassicaudis crassicaudis was much less sensitive than several other aquatic species to both compounds. The sensitivity of D. crassicaudis crassicaudis does not increase the environmental risk posed by the two compounds in the freshwater bodies of Spain, however, further testing is recommended since the effect of toxicants on freshwater copepods can be more pronounced under multiple stressors and temperature increasing due to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Di Lorenzo
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET-CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
| | - Andrea Castaño-Sánchez
- IMDEA Water Institute, Calle Punto Com 2, Edificio ZYE 2, Parque Científico Tecnológico de la Universidad de Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Walter Darío Di Marzio
- Programa de Investigación en Ecotoxicología, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján - Comisión Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas CONICET, Argentina
| | - Patricia García-Doncel
- IMDEA Water Institute, Calle Punto Com 2, Edificio ZYE 2, Parque Científico Tecnológico de la Universidad de Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Leonor Nozal Martínez
- IMDEA Water Institute, Calle Punto Com 2, Edificio ZYE 2, Parque Científico Tecnológico de la Universidad de Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Diana Maria Paola Galassi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Sanda Iepure
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, José Beltrán Martínez, 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain; University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Biology, Department of Genetics and Biosystematics, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
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9
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Johnson MS, Aubee C, Salice CJ, Leigh KB, Liu E, Pott U, Pillard D. A review of ecological risk assessment methods for amphibians: Comparative assessment of testing methodologies and available data. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2017; 13:601-613. [PMID: 27943571 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Historically, ecological risk assessments have rarely included amphibian species, focusing preferentially on other aquatic (fish, invertebrates, algae) and terrestrial wildlife (birds and mammal) species. Often this lack of consideration is due to a paucity of toxicity data, significant variation in study design, uncertainty with regard to exposure, or a combination of all three. Productive risk assessments for amphibians are particularly challenging, given variations in complex life history strategies. Further consideration is needed for the development of useful laboratory animal models and appropriate experimental test procedures that can be effectively applied to the examination of biological response patterns. Using these standardized techniques, risk estimates can be more accurately defined to ensure adequate protection of amphibians from a variety of stress agents. Patterns in toxicity may help to ascertain whether test results from 1 amphibian group (e.g., Urodela) could be sufficiently protective of another (e.g., Anura) and/or whether some nonamphibian aquatic taxonomic groups (e.g., fish or aquatic invertebrates) may be representative of aquatic amphibian life stages. This scope is intended to be a guide in the development of methods that would yield data appropriate for ecological risk decisions applicable to amphibians. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:601-613. © 2016 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Johnson
- US Army Public Health Center, Toxicology Directorate, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
| | - Catherine Aubee
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Fate and Effects Division, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Christopher J Salice
- Environmental Science and Studies and Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Elissa Liu
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Ute Pott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia
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10
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Kovács R, Csenki Z, Bakos K, Urbányi B, Horváth Á, Garaj-Vrhovac V, Gajski G, Gerić M, Negreira N, López de Alda M, Barceló D, Heath E, Kosjek T, Žegura B, Novak M, Zajc I, Baebler Š, Rotter A, Ramšak Ž, Filipič M. Assessment of toxicity and genotoxicity of low doses of 5-fluorouracil in zebrafish (Danio rerio) two-generation study. WATER RESEARCH 2015; 77:201-212. [PMID: 25889180 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 02/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Residues of anti-neoplastic drugs represent new and emerging pollutants in aquatic environments. Many of these drugs are genotoxic, and it has been postulated that they can cause adverse effects in aquatic ecosystems. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most extensively used anti-neoplastic drugs in cancer therapy, and this article describes the results of the first investigation using a two-generation toxicity study design with zebrafish (Danio rerio). Exposure of zebrafish to 5-FU (0.01, 1.0 and 100 μg/L) was initiated with adult zebrafish (F0 generation) and continued through the hatchings and adults of the F1 generation, and the hatchings of the F2 generation, to day 33 post-fertilisation. The exposure did not affect survival, growth and reproduction of the zebrafish; however, histopathological changes were observed in the liver and kidney, along with genotoxic effects, at all 5-FU concentrations. Increases in DNA damage determined using the comet assay were significant in the liver and blood cells, but not in the gills and gonads. In erythrocytes, a significant, dose-dependent increase in frequency of micronuclei was observed at all 5-FU concentrations. Whole genome transcriptomic analysis of liver samples of F1 generation zebrafish exposed to 0.01 μg/L and 1 μg/L 5-FU revealed dose-dependent increases in the number of differentially expressed genes, including up-regulation of several DNA-damage-responsive genes and oncogenes (i.e., jun, myca). Although this chronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of 5-FU did not affect the reproduction of the exposed zebrafish, it cannot be excluded that 5-FU can lead to degenerative changes, including cancers, which over long-term exposure of several generations might affect fish populations. The data from this study contribute to a better understanding of the potential consequences of chronic exposure of fish to low concentrations of anti-neoplastic drugs, and they demonstrate that further studies into multi-generation toxicity are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Róbert Kovács
- Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Szent István University, 1. Pater Károly St., H-2100 Gödöllo, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Csenki
- Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Szent István University, 1. Pater Károly St., H-2100 Gödöllo, Hungary
| | - Katalin Bakos
- Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Szent István University, 1. Pater Károly St., H-2100 Gödöllo, Hungary
| | - Béla Urbányi
- Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Szent István University, 1. Pater Károly St., H-2100 Gödöllo, Hungary
| | - Ákos Horváth
- Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Szent István University, 1. Pater Károly St., H-2100 Gödöllo, Hungary
| | - Vera Garaj-Vrhovac
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Goran Gajski
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Gerić
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Noelia Negreira
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miren López de Alda
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Damià Barceló
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), H(2)O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Ester Heath
- Institute Jožef Stefan, Jadranska 29, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Kosjek
- Institute Jožef Stefan, Jadranska 29, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojana Žegura
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Novak
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Ecological Engineering Institute, Ljubljanska 9, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zajc
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Špela Baebler
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Rotter
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Živa Ramšak
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Metka Filipič
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Frédéric O, Yves P. Pharmaceuticals in hospital wastewater: their ecotoxicity and contribution to the environmental hazard of the effluent. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 115:31-9. [PMID: 24502927 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, pharmaceuticals are found in every compartment of the environment. Hospitals are one of the main sources of these pollutant emissions sent to wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) that are poorly equipped to treat these types of compounds efficiently. In this work, for each pharmaceutical compound found in hospital wastewater (HWW), we have calculated a hazard quotient (HQ) corresponding to the highest concentration measured in HWW divided by its predicted no effect concentration (PNEC). Thus we have assessed the contribution of each compound to the ecotoxicological threat of HWW taken as a whole. Fifteen compounds are identified as particularly hazardous in HWW. In future more attention should be given to their analysis and replacement in hospitals, and to their elimination in WWTPs. This work also highlights the lack of knowledge of the ecotoxicity of certain pharmaceutical compounds found in HWW at high concentrations (mgL(-1)). In order to extend this study, it is now necessary to investigate ecotoxic risks linked to various emission scenarios, focusing in particular on dilution in the aquatic environment and the production of metabolites, especially during transit inside WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orias Frédéric
- University of Lyon, ENTPE, CNRS, UMR 5023 LEHNA, 2 Rue Maurice Audin, 69518 Vaulx-en-Velin, France.
| | - Perrodin Yves
- University of Lyon, ENTPE, CNRS, UMR 5023 LEHNA, 2 Rue Maurice Audin, 69518 Vaulx-en-Velin, France
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12
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Lin AYC, Lin YC, Lee WN. Prevalence and sunlight photolysis of controlled and chemotherapeutic drugs in aqueous environments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 187:170-181. [PMID: 24508644 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study addresses the occurrences and natural fates of chemotherapeutics and controlled drugs when found together in hospital effluents and surface waters. The results revealed the presence of 11 out of 16 drugs in hospital effluents, and the maximum detected concentrations were at the μg L(-1) level in the hospital effluents and the ng L(-1) level in surface waters. The highest concentrations corresponded to meperidine, morphine, 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide. The sunlight photolysis of the target compounds was investigated, and the results indicated that morphine and codeine can be significantly attenuated, with half-lives of 0.27 and 2.5 h, respectively, in natural waters. Photolysis can lower the detected environmental concentrations, also lowering the estimated environmental risks of the target drugs to human health. Nevertheless, 5-fluorouracil and codeine were found to have a high risk quotient (RQ), demonstrating the high risks of directly releasing hospital wastewater into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Yu-Chen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71, Chou-Shan Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan.
| | - Yen-Ching Lin
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71, Chou-Shan Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ning Lee
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 71, Chou-Shan Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan
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13
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Weltje L, Simpson P, Gross M, Crane M, Wheeler JR. Comparative acute and chronic sensitivity of fish and amphibians: a critical review of data. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2013; 32:984-94. [PMID: 23381988 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 07/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The relative sensitivity of amphibians to chemicals in the environment, including plant protection product active substances, is the subject of ongoing scientific debate. The objective of this study was to compare systematically the relative sensitivity of amphibians and fish to chemicals. Acute and chronic toxicity data were obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) ECOTOX database and were supplemented with data from the scientific and regulatory literature. The overall outcome is that fish and amphibian toxicity data are highly correlated and that fish are more sensitive (both acute and chronic) than amphibians. In terms of acute sensitivity, amphibians were between 10- and 100-fold more sensitive than fish for only four of 55 chemicals and more than 100-fold more sensitive for only two chemicals. However, a detailed inspection of these cases showed a similar acute sensitivity of fish and amphibians. Chronic toxicity data for fish were available for 52 chemicals. Amphibians were between 10- and 100-fold more sensitive than fish for only two substances (carbaryl and dexamethasone) and greater than 100-fold more sensitive for only a single chemical (sodium perchlorate). The comparison for carbaryl was subsequently determined to be unreliable and that for sodium perchlorate is a potential artifact of the exposure medium. Only a substance such as dexamethasone, which interferes with a specific aspect of amphibian metamorphosis, might not be detected using fish tests. However, several other compounds known to influence amphibian metamorphosis were included in the analysis, and these did not affect amphibians disproportionately. These analyses suggest that additional amphibian testing is not necessary during chemical risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Weltje
- BASF SE, Crop Protection-Ecotoxicology, Limburgerhof, Germany
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14
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Stasiūnaitė P. Long-Term Heavy Metal Mixture Toxicity to Embryos and Alevins of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/13921657.1999.10512286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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15
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Besse JP, Latour JF, Garric J. Anticancer drugs in surface waters: what can we say about the occurrence and environmental significance of cytotoxic, cytostatic and endocrine therapy drugs? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 39:73-86. [PMID: 22208745 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2011.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Revised: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study considers the implications and research needs arising from anticancer (also referred to as antineoplastic) drugs being released into the aquatic environment, for the entire therapeutic classes used: cytotoxic, cytostatic and endocrine therapy drugs. A categorization approach, based on French consumption amounts, allowed to highlight parent molecules and several metabolites on which further occurrence and ecotoxicological studies should be conducted. Investigations of consumption trends at a national and a local scale show an increase in the use of anticancer drugs between 2004 and 2008, thus leading to increased levels released in the environment. It therefore appears necessary to continue surveying their presence in surface waters and in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents. Furthermore, due to the rise of anticancer home treatments, most of the prescribed molecules are now available in town pharmacies. Consequently, hospital effluents are no longer the main expected entry route of anticancer drugs into the aquatic environment. Concerning ecotoxicological risks, current knowledge remains insufficient to support a definitive conclusion. Risk posed by cytotoxic molecules is still not well documented and it is not possible to conclude on their long-term effects on non-target organisms. To date, ecotoxicological effects have been assessed using standardized or in vitro assays. Such tests however may not be suitable for anticancer drugs, and further work should focus on full-life cycle or even multigenerational tests. Environmental significance (i.e. occurrence and effects) of cytostatics (protein kinases inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies), if any, is not documented. Protein kinases inhibitors, in particular, deserve further investigation due to their universal mode of action. Finally, concerning endocrine therapy drugs, molecules such as antiestrogen Tamoxifen and its active metabolites, could be of concern. Overall, to accurately assess the ecotoxicological risk of anticancer drugs, we discuss the need to break away from tests on isolated molecules and to test effects of mixtures at the low ng.l(-1) range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Besse
- Cemagref, UR Milieux Aquatiques Ecologie et Pollution (MAEP), Laboratoire d'écotoxicologie/Laboratoire d'analyses physico-chimiques des milieux aquatiques, 3 bis quai Chauveau, CP 220, F-69226 Lyon, France.
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16
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Brausch JM, Connors KA, Brooks BW, Rand GM. Human pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment: a review of recent toxicological studies and considerations for toxicity testing. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2012; 218:1-99. [PMID: 22488604 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-3137-4_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Although an increasingly large amount of data exists on the acute and chronic aquatic toxicity of pharmaceuticals, numerous questions still remain. There remains a dearth of information pertaining to the chronic toxicity of bivalves, benthic invertebrates, fish, and endangered species, as well as study designs that examine mechanism-of-action (MOA)-based toxicity, in vitro and computational toxicity, and pharmaceutical mixtures. Studies examining acute toxicity are prolific in the published literature; therefore, we address many of the shortcomings in the literature by proposing "intelligent" well-designed aquatic toxicology studies that consider comparative pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. For example, few studies on the chronic responses of aquatic species to residues of pharmaceuticals have been performed, and very few on variables that are plausibly linked to any therapeutic MOA. Unfortunately, even less is understood about the metabolism of pharmaceuticals in aquatic organisms. Therefore, it is clear that toxicity testing at each tier of an ecological risk assessment scheme would be strengthened for some pharmaceuticals by selecting model organisms and endpoints to address ecologically problematic MOAs. We specifically recommend that future studies employ AOP approaches (Ankley et al. 2010) that leverage mammalian pharmacology information, including data on side effects and contraindications. Use of conceptual AOP models for pharmaceuticals can enhance future studies in ways that assist in the development of more definitive ecological risk assessments, identify chemical classes of concern, and help protect ecosystems that are affected by WWTP effluent discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Brausch
- Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment Laboratory, Department of Earth and Environment, Southeastern Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st St, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
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17
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Valcárcel Y, González Alonso S, Rodríguez-Gil JL, Gil A, Catalá M. Detection of pharmaceutically active compounds in the rivers and tap water of the Madrid Region (Spain) and potential ecotoxicological risk. CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 84:1336-1348. [PMID: 21641628 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2011] [Revised: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in the order of ng L(-1) to μg L(-1) have been reported worldwide in waste, fluvial and even drinking water, raising concern about the efficacy of the currently employed waste water treatments in the elimination of this kind of compounds. Despite ranking 29th in terms of population, Spain is currently the 8th country on pharmaceutical prescription with an expense of 14×10(9) euros in 2008. In this context, the aim of this study was to determine the presence of 33 pharmaceutically active compounds in specific points of the main rivers of the Madrid Region (MR) as well as tap water samples from the metropolitan area of Madrid. Additionally, a screening level risk characterization by means of the Hazard Quotient (HQ) method was applied. A total of 25 pharmaceutical compounds and metabolites were detected in the 10 sampling points downstream the outlet of the major STPs of the MR. The highest concentrations were detected for the anticonvulsant carbamazepine and the stimulant caffeine. Concentrations for most of the analyzed compounds exceed levels previously reported in the literature. Moreover, we report the highest concentration of the cytostatic ifosfamide, detected for the first time in Spain in surface water. Preliminary risk characterization shows that a total of 16 compounds represent at least a low potential hazard based on their scored HQs, with five of them present in a concentration that exceeds the predicted no effect concentration (PNEC). Toxic Units calculation indicates that for all the selected sampling points high hazard is anticipated from the presence of the analyzed compounds in the measured concentrations (TUs>10). Caffeine and cotinine were detected in all (10) the analyzed tap water samples. Carbamazepine and nicotine were detected in six and venlafaxine in two samples. No studies venlafaxine in drinking water have been reported. These results clearly pinpoint the need for water quality monitoring and research in urban rivers, as well as the need for improved water treatment techniques able to eliminate this kind of compounds from the effluent waters as well as from drinking water sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Valcárcel
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health, Immunology and Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Avda Atenas s/n, E-28922 Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
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Kerby JL, Richards-Hrdlicka KL, Storfer A, Skelly DK. An examination of amphibian sensitivity to environmental contaminants: are amphibians poor canaries? Ecol Lett 2009; 13:60-7. [PMID: 19845728 DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2009.01399.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nearly two decades ago, the global biodiversity crisis was catapulted to the front pages of newspapers with the recognition of worldwide amphibian declines. Amphibians earned their appellation, 'canaries in a coal mine', because of apparent high sensitivity to human-mediated environmental change. The most frequently cited causes for high susceptibility include permeable skin, a dual aquatic-terrestrial life cycle and a relatively rudimentary immune system. While some researchers have questioned the basis for the canary assertion, there has been no systematic evaluation of amphibian sensitivity to environmental challenges relative to other taxa. Here, we apply a database representing thousands of toxicity tests to compare the responses of amphibians relative to that of other taxonomic groups. The use of standardized methods combined with large numbers of identical challenges enables a particularly powerful test of relative effect size. Overall, we found that amphibians only exhibit moderate relative responses to water-borne toxins. Our findings imply that, as far as chemical contaminants are concerned, amphibians are not particularly sensitive and might more aptly be described as 'miners in a coal mine'. To the extent that amphibian declines have been mediated by chemical contaminants, our findings suggest that population losses and extinctions may have already occurred in a variety of taxa much more sensitive than amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob L Kerby
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA.
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20
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Moore MT, Greenway SL, Farris JL, Guerra B. Assessing caffeine as an emerging environmental concern using conventional approaches. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2008; 54:31-35. [PMID: 17957400 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-007-9059-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Organic wastewater contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, caffeine, and nicotine, have received increased scrutiny because of their detection in water bodies receiving wastewater discharge. Despite recent measurement in United States streams, caffeine's effect on freshwater organisms is not well documented. The present study measured caffeine's lethal and sublethal effects on the freshwater species, Ceriodaphnia dubia, Pimephales promelas, and Chironomus dilutus. These organisms, which are used in standard testing or effluent monitoring, were exposed to aqueous caffeine solutions under static exposure for 48 hours and daily renewed static exposure for 7 days. Averaged responses of 48-hour acute end points indicated that C. dubia was more sensitive to caffeine exposures (LC50 = 60 mg/L) than either P. promelas (LC50 = 100 mg/L) or C. dilutus (LC50 = 1,230 mg/L). Exposure-response slopes confirmed these findings (3% mortality/mg/L for C. dubia; 0.5% mortality/mg/L for P. promelas; and 0.07% mortality/mg/L for C. dilutus). Comparative 7-day responses between C. dubia and P. promelas (LC50 = 46 and 55 mg/L, respectively) were more similar than the broad range of acute values. Sublethal effects measured for caffeine exposure included impaired C. dubia reproduction (IC50 = 44 mg/L) and inhibited P. promelas growth (IC50 = 71 mg/L). According to the results of this study, combined with earlier studies reporting environmental concentrations and product half-lives, caffeine should pose negligible risk for most aquatic vertebrate and invertebrate organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Moore
- Agricultural Research Service, National Sedimentation Laboratory, Water Quality and Ecology, United States Department of Agriculture, PO Box 1157, Oxford, MS 38655, USA,
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Mann RM, Bidwell JR. Application of the FETAX protocol to assess the developmental toxicity of nonylphenol ethoxylate to Xenopus laevis and two Australian frogs. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2000; 51:19-29. [PMID: 10998496 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-445x(00)00106-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus (FETAX) protocol has recently been adopted as a valuable tool for evaluating the embryotoxicity of environmental contaminants in amphibians. The bioassay utilises Xenopus laevis as a test species, but there are few comparative studies to evaluate whether data collected in this species is applicable to other amphibians. In this study, the embryotoxicity of the nonionic surfactant, nonylphenol ethoxylate, was determined in X. laevis and the Australian frogs, Litoria adelaidensis and Crinia insignifera using the FETAX protocol. The 96-h LC(50), EC(50) and minimum concentration to inhibit growth (MCIG) values for X. laevis were 3.9-5.4, 2.8-4.6 and 1.0-3.0 mg/l, respectively. The 140-h LC(50), EC(50) and MCIG values for L. adelaidensis were 9.2, 8.8 and 5.1-6.0 mg/l, respectively. The 134-h LC(50), EC(50) and MCIG values for C. insignifera were 6.4, 4.5 and 4.0 mg/l, respectively. Teratogenicity indices for the three species ranged between 1.0 and 1.6, indicating either no or low teratogenicity. Growth inhibition as assessed by embryo length was the most sensitive indicator of effect in all three species. X. laevis was the more sensitive of the three species and the only species that displayed indisputable terata.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Mann
- School of Environmental Biology, Curtin University of Technology, P.O. Box U1987, WA, 6845, Perth, Australia.
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