Toxicity of metal pyrithione photodegradation products to marine organisms with indirect evidence for their presence in seawater

Male Reproductive Toxicity of Antifouling Chemicals: Insights into Oxidative Stress-Induced Infertility and Molecular Mechanisms of Zinc Pyrithione (ZPT)

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT), a widely utilized industrial chemical, is recognized for its versatile properties, including antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antifouling activities. Despite its widespread use, recent research has shed light on its toxicity, particularly towards the male reproductive system. While investigations into ZPT's impact on male reproduction have been conducted, most of the attention has been directed towards marine organisms. Notably, ZPT has been identified as a catalyst for oxidative stress, contributing to various indicators of male infertility, such as a reduced sperm count, impaired sperm motility, diminished testosterone levels, apoptosis, and degenerative changes in the testicular tissue. Furthermore, discussions surrounding ZPT's effects on DNA and cellular structures have emerged. Despite the abundance of information regarding reproductive toxicity, the molecular mechanisms underlying ZPT's detrimental effects on the male reproductive system remain poorly understood. This review focuses specifically on ZPT, delving into its reported toxicity on male reproduction, while also addressing the broader context by discussing other antifouling chemicals, and emphasizing the need for further exploration into its molecular mechanisms.

Toxicity and Environmental Risk Assessment of Polycarbamate and Its Main Components to Marine Algae and Crustaceans

Polycarbamate is commonly used as an antifoulant coating on fishing nets in Japan. Although its toxicity to freshwater organisms has been reported, its toxicity to marine organisms is currently unknown. We conducted algal growth inhibition and crustacean immobilization tests to assess the effects of polycarbamate on marine organisms. We also evaluated the acute toxicity of the main components of polycarbamate, namely, dimethyldithiocarbamate and ethylenebisdithiocarbamate, to algae, which are the most sensitive tested organisms to polycarbamate. The toxicities of dimethyldithiocarbamate and ethylenebisdithiocarbamate partially explain that of polycarbamate. To assess the primary risk, we derived the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) for polycarbamate in a probabilistic manner using species sensitivity distributions. The 72 h no observed effect concentration (NOEC) of polycarbamate to the alga Skeletonema marinoi-dohrnii complex was 0.45 μg/L. The toxicity of dimethyldithiocarbamate may have contributed up to 72% of the toxicity observed for polycarbamate. The fifth percentile of hazardous concentration (HC₅) derived from the acute toxicity values was 0.48 μg/L. Comparison of previously reported environmental polycarbamate concentrations in Hiroshima Bay, Japan, to the PNEC estimated using the minimum NOEC and HC₅ suggest that polycarbamate currently poses a high ecological risk. Therefore, reducing the risk by restricting polycarbamate use is necessary.

Effects of currently used marine antifouling paint biocides on green fluorescent proteins in Anemonia viridis

Some of the antifouling booster biocides affects the marine ecosystem negatively. The booster biocides that are resistant to degradation are accumulated in the sediment of the oceans. One of the sedentary organisms in the Mediterranean Sea is Anemonia viridis. This study aims at showing the toxicities of common biocides such as irgarol, seanine-211, zinc omadine, and acticide on the fluorescence by GFPs of A. viridis. The decreases in the fluorescence intensities of the GFP were measured within different booster biocide concentrations. The results show that fluorescent intensities of GFP proteins decrease more than 50% when they are exposed to different concentrations of irgarol, zinc omadine, acticide. In conclusion, ecosystem health should be prioritized when new antifouling paint compositions are proposed. From the results, it seems that A. viridis can be considered as a vulnerable organism and it is sensitive to booster biocides within self-polishing antifouling paint formulations.

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) -induced embryonic toxicogenomic responses reveal involvement of oxidative damage, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) is a frequently used organometallic biocide, carrying potentially adverse consequences to multiple species in the environment. Previously we have demonstrated its embryonic, organ developmental and liver metabolic toxicity of zebrafish. However, details of ZPT toxicity during embryogenesis are still limited. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects and possible mechanisms of ZPT-induced embryonic toxicogenomic responses by morphological investigations, transcriptome and gene quantitative analysis, as well as biochemical assays. The results revealed that treatment with ZPT caused embryogenesis toxicity, specifically in irregular cell division and rearrangement, delayed differentiations of eyes and notochords, the epiboly and germ ring formation and somite segmentation defects. In addition, ZPT exposure altered gene expression during early embryonic development, especially related with morphological abnormities and metabolic dysfunctions including reduction of oxidoreductase activity. Activities of antioxidants and caspases examinations showed inductions of oxidative stress and apoptosis by ZPT and quantitative analysis of marker genes further indicated that ZPT also triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy. Thus, we deduce here that ZPT-induced embryonic toxicogenomic responses reveal involvement of oxidative damage, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy.

mRNA-miRNA sequencing reveals mechanisms of 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide-induced thyroid disruption in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

This study was conducted to evaluate the thyroid-disrupting effects of 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide using Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) as an animal model and to reveal the underlying mechanisms from the perspective of miRNA-mRNA interactions. The results indicated that 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide exposure decelerated the metamorphic progress of P. olivaceus, suggesting its thyroid-disrupting property as an antagonist. Furthermore, radioimmunoassays, thyroid histological observation, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and mRNA sequencing showed that 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide exposure exerted its thyroid-disrupting effects on larval and juvenile P. olivaceus by targeting multiple processes and pathways involved in the thyroid system, including peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones, the thyroid hormone synthesis pathway, and the thyroid hormone/thyroid hormone receptor signaling pathway. In particular, global upregulation of the gene expression of three deiodinases caused decreases in thyroid hormone levels after 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide exposure that are believed to be responsible for the inhibition of metamorphosis in P. olivaceus. Finally, miRNA sequencing suggested that several evolutionarily conserved miRNAs play important roles in the mechanism of 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide-induced thyroid disruption. Specifically, overexpression of pny-miR-723a and pny-miR-216a resulted in upregulation of deiodinase 1 mRNA levels in the 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide exposure group. This study provides the first evidence that 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide has thyroid-disrupting properties and is also the first study remarking on the roles of miRNA-mRNA interactions in the action mechanisms of thyroid disruptors.

Mechanistic revealing of reproductive behavior impairment in male guppy (Poecilia reticulata) induced by environmentally realistic 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine exposure

Although (PS)₂, the primary degradation product of emerging antifouling biocides metal pyrithiones (MePTs), can disrupt the reproductive behavior of fish at an environmentally relevant ng/L level, the underlying mechanism is still largely unknown. This study exposed sexually mature male guppy (Poecilia reticulata) to 20, 200, and 2000 ng/L (PS)₂ to explore the compromised effect of (PS)₂ on reproductive behavior through a realistic competing scenario. The results showed that (PS)₂ suppressed male guppies' sexual interest to stimulus females, reduced their competitive behavior frequencies toward rival males, and decreased their mating time and frequency. (PS)₂ exposure did not affect male guppies' secondary sexual characteristics or induce estrogenic activity. Whole-brain transcriptome sequencing identified 1070 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 872 up-regulated genes, which were functionally enriched into Gene Ontology terms pertaining to extracellular matrix (ECM) and extracellular region. KEGG enrichment for the DEGs uncovered that the activations of ECM-receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathways could be the underlying molecular mechanism implicated in the (PS)₂ induced reproductive behavior impairment. This work would deliver a substantial contribution to the understanding of the ecological safety of MePTs biocides.

Combined exposure to environmentally relevant copper and 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine induces significant reproductive toxicity in male guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Metal pyrithiones (MePTs), the most widely used biocides in antifouling paints (AFs) coated on the hulls, are usually used in combination with Cu-containing substances. In the aquatic environment, 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine ((PS)₂), the main degradation product of MePTs, and Cu usually coexist. However, their combined impacts on aquatic organisms are unclear. This study exposed male guppy (Poecilia reticulata) to an environmentally realistic concentration of Cu (10 μg/L) alone or Cu (10 μg/L) combined with 20, 200, and 2000 ng/L (PS)₂ to explore their combined reproductive toxicity. The results showed that co-exposure to Cu and (PS)₂ increased Cu accumulation in the fish body in a dose-dependent manner and induced obvious spermatozoon apoptosis and necrosis, which was mediated by the peroxidation and caspase activation. Compared to Cu alone, co-exposure to Cu and 200, 2000 ng/L (PS)₂ significantly decreased the testosterone level and collapsed spermatogenesis, and depressed male's sexual interest and mating behavior were observed in three co-exposure groups. Moreover, co-exposure to Cu and (PS)₂ increased the disturbance on cyp19a and cyp19b transcription and suppressed the "display" reproductive behavior. Eventually, co-exposure to Cu and (PS)₂ caused male reproductive failure. Therefore, the concurrence of Cu and (PS)₂ induced significant reproductive toxicity in male guppies and would threaten the sustainability of fish populations. Considering the extensive usage of MePTs products in the AFs, their ecological risk warrants more evaluation.

Natural Antioxidants, Health Effects and Bioactive Properties of Wild Allium Species

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing interest from the pharmaceutical and food industry in natural antioxidant and bioactive compounds derived from plants as substitutes for synthetic compounds. The genus Allium is one of the largest genera, with more than 900 species, including important cultivated and wild species, having beneficial health effects.

OBJECTIVE

The present review aims to unravel the chemical composition of wild Allium species and their healthrelated effects, focusing on the main antioxidant compounds. For this purpose, a thorough study of the literature was carried out to compile reports related to health effects and the principal bioactive compounds. Considering the vast number of species, this review is divided into subsections where the most studied species are presented, namely Allium ampeloprasum, A. flavum, A. hookeri, A. jesdianum, A. neapolitanum, A. roseum, A. stipitatum, A. tricoccum, and A. ursinum, with an additional composite section for less studied species.

METHODS

The information presented in this review was obtained from worldwide accepted databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar and Researchgate, using as keywords the respective names of the studied species (both common and Latin names) and the additional terms of"antioxidants" "health effects" and "bioactive properties".

CONCLUSION

The genus Allium includes several wild species, many of which are commonly used in traditional and folklore medicine while others are lesser known or are of regional interest. These species can be used as sources of natural bioactive compounds with remarkable health benefits. Several studies have reported these effects and confirmed the mechanisms of action in several cases, although more research is needed in this field. Moreover, considering that most of the studies refer to the results obtained from species collected in the wild under uncontrolled conditions, further research is needed to elucidate the effects of growing conditions on bioactive compounds and to promote the exploitation of this invaluable genetic material.

Ecological risk assessment of an antifouling biocide triphenyl (octadecylamine) boron in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan

In this study, we derived the predicted no-effect concentrations (PNEC) for triphenyl (octadecylamine) boron (TPB-18) and investigated the occurrence of triphenylboranes (TPBs), including TPB-18, for ecological risk assessment in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. We tested algal growth inhibition, crustacean immobilization, and reproductive toxicity and performed toxicity tests in fish to assess acute and chronic toxicity and generate the PNEC for TPB-18. The minimum toxicity value was 0.30 μg/L, as determined by the 72-h no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) for the alga Chaetoceros gracilis. The 5th-percentile of hazardous concentration (HC₅), derived from NOECs using the species sensitivity distributions approach, was 0.059 μg/L, which indicated the PNEC of 0.0059 μg/L. In comparison, the highest concentration in seawater sampled from the Seto Inland Sea was 0.00034 μg/L, suggesting that the ecological risks posed by TPB-18 are currently low.

Development of complementary CE-MS methods for speciation analysis of pyrithione-based antifouling agents

In the recent decade, metal pyrithione complexes have become important biocides for antifouling purposes in shipping. The analysis of metal pyrithione complexes and their degradation products/species in environmental samples is challenging because they exhibit fast UV degradation, transmetalation, and ligand substitution and are known to be prone to spontaneous species transformation within a chromatographic system. The environmental properties of the pyrithione species, e.g., toxicity to target and non-target organisms, are differing strongly, and it is therefore inevitable to identify as well as quantify all species separately. To cope with the separation of metal pyrithione species with minimum species transformation during analysis, a capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based method was developed. The hyphenation of CE with selective electrospray ionization- and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ESI-, ICP-MS) provided complementary molecular and elemental information for the identification and quantification of pyrithione species. To study speciation of pyrithiones, a leaching experiment of several commercial antifouling paints containing zinc pyrithione in ultrapure and river water was conducted. Only the two species pyrithione (HPT) and dipyrithione ((PT)₂) were found in the leaching media, in concentrations between 0.086 and 2.4 μM (HPT) and between 0.062 and 0.59 μM ((PT)₂), depending on the paint and leaching medium. The limits of detection were 20 nM (HPT) and 10 nM ((PT)₂). The results show that complementary CE-MS is a suitable tool for mechanistical studies concerning species transformation (e.g., degradation) and the identification of target species of metal pyrithione complexes in real surface water matrices, laying the ground for future environmental studies. Graphical abstract Hyphenation of CE with ESI- and ICP-MS provided complementary molecular and elemental information. Metal pyrithione species released from commercial antifouling paints could be identified and quantified in ultrapure and river water matrices.

Waterborne zinc pyrithione modulates immunity, biochemical, and antioxidant parameters in the blood of olive flounder

In this study, potential immunological and hematological effects of different concentrations (0, 1, 10, and 50 μg L^-l) of waterborne zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) were studied in the blood of the olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus over 30 days. Reduced alternative complement activity (ACH50) and lysozyme activity were measured in fish exposed to 10 and/or 50 μg L^-l of ZnPT for 20 days. Decreased levels of total Ig were also observed in response to 10 and/or 50 μg L^-l ZnPT during the exposure period. Levels of cortisol, a marker of stress, were significantly increased by 10 and 50 μg L^-l ZnPT from day 10, and by 1 μg L^-l exposure on day 30. The levels of red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) decreased following exposure to 10 and/or 50 μg L^-l ZnPT, while no significant change was observed in hemoglobin level. Concentrations of total protein and albumin were significantly reduced with 50 μg L^-l ZnPT at day 20. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly increased following exposure to 10 and/or 50 μg L^-l ZnPT. Lipid peroxidation was induced by ZnPT, and higher concentrations (10 and 50 μg L^-l) significantly increased intracellular malondialdehyde levels during exposure. Regarding the subsequent antioxidant response, intracellular glutathione levels increased significantly in response to 10 and 50 μg L^-l ZnPT on days 20 and 30. Similarly, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity was significantly increased in response to 10 and 50 μg L^-l ZnPT after day 10. Taken together, changes in the studied parameters suggested the immunotoxicity of ZnPT, with modulations observed in hematological homeostasis and oxidative stress induction in the blood of olive flounder.

Behavioral and biochemical effects of the antifouler and antidandruff zinc pyrithione on the freshwater fish Gambusia holbrooki

The presence of pharmaceutical residues in the aquatic environment is receiving great attention since the levels of these substances have significantly increased in this compartment, potentially leading to adverse ecological effects. Zinc pyrithione (ZnPt) is a widely used organometallic biocide, which is incorporated into antifouling formulas, such as paints, to prevent the establishment of biofilms on surfaces exposed to the aquatic environment. It is also used in cosmetics, such as antidandruff shampoos and soaps. Considering this wide use, and the absence of a significant amount of data on the toxicity of ZnPt especially towards non-target organisms, the objective of this study was to characterize the toxicity of ZnPt, on several ecological relevant endpoints assessed in the fish Gambusia holbrooki. For this purpose, we measured traits related to feeding and aggressive behavior, as well as indicators of oxidative stress (CAT and GSTs), neurotoxicity (AChE), and anaerobic metabolism (LDH), after acute and chronic exposures to ZnPt. In terms of behavioral features, the feeding test showed the occurrence of significant differences between the control animals and those exposed to a concentration of ZnPt of 45 μg/L. In addition, ZnPt caused changes in terms of oxidative stress biomarkers (CAT and GSTs), for both exposure periods. ZnPt was also capable of causing changes in the cholinergic neurotransmission functioning and anaerobic metabolism, but only following the chronic exposure.

Toxicity of engineered micro- and nanomaterials with antifouling properties to the brine shrimp Artemia salina and embryonic stages of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus

Antifouling booster biocides are chemicals used in protective paints to tackle the adhesion of fouling organisms to maritime artificial structures. However, they are also known to exert toxic effects on non-target organisms. Recent research developments have highlighted the potential use of engineered micro/nanomaterials (EMNMs) as carriers of antifouling booster biocides in order to control their release and to reduce the harmful effects on living biota. In the present study, we sought to assess the toxicity of two commercially-available booster biocides: (zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) and copper pyrithione (CuPT)); three unloaded engineered micro/nanomaterials (EMNMs); layered double hydroxides (LDH), silica nanocapsules (SiNC), polyurea microcapsules (PU); , and six novel EMNMs (loaded with each of the two biocides). The exposure tests were conducted on the larval stage (nauplii) of the brine shrimp Artemia salina and on two embryonic developmental stages of the European purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. The findings indicate that the unloaded LDH and PU (i.e. both biocide-free EMNMs) have non/low toxic effects on both species. The unloaded SiNC, in contrast, exerted a mild toxic effect on the A. salina nauplii and P. lividus embryos. The free biocides presented different toxicity values, with ZnPT being more toxic than CuPT in the P. lividus assays. LDH-based pyrithiones demonstrated lower toxicity compared to the free forms of the state-of-the-art compounds, and constitute good candidates in terms of their antifouling efficacy.

Effect of Combined Exposure to EDTA and Zinc Pyrithione on Pyrithione Absorption in Rats

Zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) is a coordination complex of zinc and has been used widely as an anti-dandruff agent in shampoos. Many shampoos contain both ZnPT and EDTA, a chelating agent speculated to increase ZnPT absorption, thereby raising concerns about neurotoxicity. Here, we investigated the effect of EDTA on ZnPT absorption by direct comparison of ZnPT and pyrithione (PT) concentrations in shampoo formulations, and by pharmacokinetic analysis of ZnPT, PT, and 2-methanesulfonylpyridine (MSP), the main ZnPT metabolite, in rat plasma or urine following exposure to shampoo containing ZnPT alone or a combination of ZnPT and EDTA. Approximately 17.3% of ZnPT was converted to PT by the addition of EDTA in the shampoo formulation. Plasma ZnPT and PT concentrations were not measured up to 24 hr after treatment with shampoo containing 1% ZnPT or 1% ZnPT + 2% EDTA in all rats. However, PT amount in 24-hr urine sample, MSP concentration in plasma, and MSP amount in 24-hr urine sample were approximately 4-, 2.6-, and 2.7-fold higher, respectively, in the 1% ZnPT + 2% EDTA shampoo group than in the 1% ZnPT shampoo group. As confirmed by the formulation analysis and in vivo pharmacokinetic analysis, the exposure of ZnPT could be increased by the absorption of PT due to partial dissociation of ZnPT into PT.

2,2'-Dithiobis-pyridine induced reproductive toxicity in male guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Metal pyrithiones (MePTs) are frequently used antifouling biocides in marine coatings. Their main degradation product, 2,2'-dithiobis-pyridine ((PS)₂), has been widely detected in seawater and may pose potential ecological risks. In the present study, sexually mature guppies (Poecilia reticulata) were exposed to (PS)₂ at concentrations of 0, 20, 200, and 2000 ng/L for 28 days to investigate its reproductive toxicity. The results showed that (PS)₂ significantly reduced testosterone (T) levels, spermatogenic cyst number and sperm motility, impeded spermatogenic cell differentiation in male guppies and delayed embryo development in females. These results indicated that (PS)₂ could cause reproductive toxicity in guppies. We also examined mRNA expression of indices involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and reproductive behaviors. We found that 200 and 2000 ng/L (PS)₂ decreased T synthesis by downregulating 17βHSD and CYP17 mRNA levels, and upregulating the mRNA level of CYP19a1a, which converted T to 17β-estradiol. (PS)₂ also upregulated GnRH1, FSHβ, LHβ, and LHR mRNA levels, a positive feedback regulation due to the decrease of T levels in male guppies. Furthermore, (PS)₂ significantly decreased CYP19a1b mRNA levels in all three exposure groups and thus reduced the display frequency of male guppies. This study was the first to report that (PS)₂ could induce reproductive toxicity, which would provide a basis for future assessment of its ecological risk.

Combined effects of antifouling biocides on the growth of three marine microalgal species

The toxicity of the antifouling compounds diuron, irgarol, zinc pyrithione (ZnPT), copper pyrithione (CuPT) and copper was tested on the three marine microalgae Tisochrysis lutea, Skeletonema marinoi and Tetraselmis suecica. Toxicity tests based on the inhibition of growth rate after 96-h exposure were run using microplates. Chemical analyses were performed to validate the exposure concentrations and the stability of the compounds under test conditions. Single chemicals exhibited varying toxicity depending on the species, irgarol being the most toxic chemical and Cu the least toxic. Selected binary mixtures were tested and the resulting interactions were analyzed using two distinct concentration-response surface models: one using the concentration addition (CA) model as reference and two deviating isobole models implemented in R software; the other implementing concentration-response surface models in Excel^®, using both CA and independent action (IA) models as reference and three deviating models. Most mixtures of chemicals sharing the same mode of action (MoA) were correctly predicted by the CA model. For mixtures of dissimilarly acting chemicals, neither of the reference models provided better predictions than the other. Mixture of ZnPT together with Cu induced a strong synergistic effect on T. suecica while strong antagonism was observed on the two other species. The synergy was due to the transchelation of ZnPT into CuPT in the presence of Cu, CuPT being 14-fold more toxic than ZnPT for this species. The two modelling approaches are compared and the differences observed among the interaction patterns resulting from the mixtures are discussed.

Apoptosis in HepG2 cells induced by zinc pyrithione via mitochondrial dysfunction pathway: Involvement of zinc accumulation and oxidative stress

Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) is widely used as a substitute booster biocide for tributyltin and is also an additive to antidandruff shampoos and medical cosmetic products. ZPT and pyrithione have been detected in different environmental matrices and biota, suggesting that it may pose health threats to aquatic organisms and even humans. The present study used HepG2 cells, a human hepatoma cell line, to study the hepatotoxicity of ZPT (0.1-5.0 μM). ZPT treatment caused marked viability reduction and induced apoptosis depending on its dose used. ZPT-induced apoptosis involved an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release, and enhanced caspase-9/-3 activity. In addition, a significant elevation in the amount of zinc ions and oxidative stress was evident. The involvement of these in ZPT-induced apoptosis was confirmed by toxicity comparison with analogs of ZPT and the observation that pretreatment with antioxidants afforded protection. Overall, these results suggest that ZPT induces zinc accumulation, oxidative stress, and subsequent apoptosis by causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Importantly, ROS was an initial and prolonged signal in ZPT-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells.

The influence of seawater properties on toxicity of copper pyrithione and its degradation product to brine shrimp Artemia salina

Copper pyrithione (CuPT) is a biocide, used worldwide to prevent biofouling on submerged surfaces. In aquatic environments it rapidly degrades, however, one of the degradation products (HPT) is known to react with cupric ion back to its parent compound. Not much is known about the behavior and toxicity of CuPT and its degradation product HPT in different water systems. Hence, our aim was to investigate the ecotoxicity of CuPT, HPT as well as Cu²⁺ to the brine shrimp Artemia salina in natural seawater and organic matter-free artificial seawater. Moreover, in order to elucidate the influence of ionic strength of water on CuPT toxicity, tests were performed in water media with modified salinity. The results showed that CuPT was the most toxic to the exposed crustaceans in a seawater media with the highest salinity and with no organic matter content. HPT in a presence of cupric ion converted to CuPT, but the measured CuPT concentrations and the mortality of A. salina in natural water were lower than in artificial water. The toxicity of CuPT to A. salina was significantly influenced by the organic matter content, salinity, and proportions of constituent salts in water. In a combination with cupric ion, non-hazardous degradation product HPT exhibits increased toxicity due to its rapid transformation to its parent compound.

Review: ecotoxicity of organic and organo-metallic antifouling co-biocides and implications for environmental hazard and risk assessments in aquatic ecosystems

Hazard assessments of Irgarol 1051, diuron, 2-(thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole (TCMTB), dichloro-octylisothiazolin (DCOIT), chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid, thiram, zinc pyrithione, copper pyrithione, triphenylborane pyridine (TPBP), capsaicin, nonivamide, tralopyril and medetomidine were performed to establish robust environmental quality standards (EQS), based on predicted no effect concentrations (PNECs). Microalgae, zooplankton, fish and amphibians were the most sensitive ecological groups to all the antifoulants evaluated, especially in the early life stages. No differences were identified between freshwater and seawater species. The use of toxicity tests with non-standard species is encouraged because they increase the datasets, allowing EQS to be derived from probabilistic-based PNECs whilst reducing uncertainties. The global ban of tributyltin (TBT) has been heralded as a major environmental success; however, substitute antifoulants may also pose risks to aquatic ecosystems. Environmental risk assessments (ERAs) have driven decision-makings for regulating antifouling products, but in many countries there is still a lack of regulation of antifouling biocides which should be addressed.

Efficacy and Ecotoxicity of Novel Anti-Fouling Nanomaterials in Target and Non-Target Marine Species

Biofouling is a global problem that affects virtually all the immersed structures. Currently, several novel environmentally friendly approaches are being tested worldwide to decrease the toxicity of biocides in non-fouling species, such as the encapsulation/immobilization of commercially available biocides, in order to achieve control over the leaching rate. The present study addresses the toxicity of two widely used booster biocides, zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) and copper pyrithione (CuPT), in its free and incorporated forms in order to assess their toxicity and anti-fouling efficacy in target and non-target species. To achieve this goal, the following marine organisms were tested; the green microalgae Tetraselmis chuii (non-target species) and both target species, the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the mussel Mytilus edulis. Organisms were exposed to both biocides, two unloaded nanostructured materials and nanomaterials loaded with biocides, from 10 μg/L to 100 mg/L total weight, following standard protocols. The most eco-friendly and simultaneously efficient anti-fouling solution against the two photosynthetic species (nanoclays loaded with ZnPT) was then tested on mussels to assess its lethal efficacy (LC₅₀ = 123 μg/L) and compared with free biocide (LC₅₀ = 211 μg/L) and unloaded material (LC₅₀ > 1000 μg/L). A second exposure test with sub-lethal concentrations (lower than 100 μg/L), using mussels, was carried out to assess biochemical changes caused by the tested compounds. Oxidative stress, detoxification and neurotransmission markers were not responsive; however, different antioxidant patterns were found with free ZnPT and loaded nanoclay exposures. Thus, the immobilization of the biocide ZnPT into nanoclays proved to be a promising efficient and eco-friendly anti-fouling strategy.

Differences in the ability of two marine annelid species, Thalassodrilides sp. and Perinereis nuntia, to detoxify 1-nitronaphthalene

Bioremediation is a promising method for remediating environmentally polluted water. We investigated the abilities of two benthic annelid species to biotransform 1-nitronaphthalene, a nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. We used an oligochaete, Thalassodrilides sp. (Naididae), collected from the sediment beneath a fish farm and a polychaete, Perinereis nuntia, which was obtained from a commercial source. Populations of both organisms were exposed to 1400 μg L(-1) of 1-nitronaphthalene in seawater for 3 days in the dark at 20 °C. The concentration of the pollutant decreased to 12 μg L(-1) in the seawater containing the Thalassodrilides sp. and to 560 μg L(-1) in the seawater containing P. nuntia. The 1-nitronaphthalene concentration in the bodies of the animals increased from 12 to 94 μg kg(-1) in Thalassodrilides sp. and from 0.90 μg kg(-1) to 38,000 μg kg(-1) in P. nuntia. After 3 days, 99% and 40% of the 1-nitronaphthalene had been biotransformed in the Thalassodrilides sp. and P. nuntia experimental groups, respectively. We then tested the acute toxicity of residual 1-nitronaphthalene from the same water using mummichog (fish) larvae. After the larvae had been exposed for 96 h, the percentage of apparently unaffected larvae remaining was 83.3% in Thalassodrilides sp. group but only 16.7% in the P. nuntia group. Clearly, of the two species we studied, Thalassodrilides sp. had a superior ability to convert 1-nitronaphthalene into substances that were nontoxic to mummichog larvae. Therefore, we recommend the use of this species for bioremediation of chemically polluted sediments.

Ecotoxicological effect of zinc pyrithione in the freshwater fish Gambusia holbrooki

Currently diverse biocidal agents can be used for distinct applications, such as personal hygiene, disinfection, antiparasitic activity, and antifouling effects. Zinc pyrithione is an organometallic biocide, with bactericidal, algicidal and fungicidal activities. It has been recently incorporated in antifouling formulas, such as paints, which prevent the establishment of a biofilm on surfaces exposed to the aquatic environment. It has also been used in cosmetics, such as anti-dandruff shampoos and soaps. Previously reported data has shown the presence of this substance in the aquatic compartment, a factor contributing to the potential exertion of toxic effects, and there is also evidence that photodegradation products of zinc pyrithione were involved in neurotoxic effects, namely by inhibiting cholinesterases in fish species. Additional evidence points to the involvement of zinc pyrithione in alterations of metal homeostasis and oxidative stress, in both aquatic organisms and human cell models. The present work assesses the potential ecotoxicity elicited by zinc pyrithione in the freshwater fish Gambusia holbrooki after an acute (96 h) exposure. The oxidative stress was assessed by the quantification of the activities of specific enzymes from the antioxidant defense system, such as catalase, and glutathione-S-transferases; and the extent of peroxidative damage was quantified by measuring the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels. Neurotoxicity was assessed through measurement of acetylcholinesterase activity; and a standardized method for the description and assessment of histological changes in liver and gills of was also used. Zinc pyrithione caused non-specific and reversible tissue alterations, both in liver and gills of exposed organisms. However, histopathological indices were not significantly different from the control group. In terms of oxidative stress biomarkers, none of the tested biomarkers indicated the occurrence of pro-oxidative effects, suggesting that the oxidative pathway is not the major toxicological outcome of exposure to zinc pyrithione.

Antiinflammatory and neurological activity of pyrithione and related sulfur-containing pyridine N-oxides from Persian shallot (Allium stipitatum)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Persian shallot (Allium stipitatum) is a bulbous plant native to Turkey, Iran and Central Asia. It is frequently used in folk medicine for the treatment of a variety of disorders, including inflammation and stress. Antiinflammatory and neurological activities of pyrithione and four related sulfur-containing pyridine N-oxides which are prominent constituents of Allium stipitatum were tested.

METHODS

The antiinflammatory activity was tested by the ability of the compounds to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), whereas the neurological activities were evaluated by assessing the compounds ability to inhibit monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The compounds׳ affinity for the serotonin transport protein (SERT) and the GABAA-benzodiazepine receptor were also investigated.

RESULTS

2-[(Methylthio)methyldithio]pyridine N-oxide showed very high antiinflammatory effects which are comparable with those of common pharmaceuticals (IC₅₀ of 7.8 and 15.4 µM for COX-1 and COX-2, respectively). On the other hand, neurological activities of the compounds were rather modest. Some compounds moderately inhibited AChE (IC₅₀ of 104-1041 µM) and MAO-A (IC₅₀ of 98-241 µM) and exhibited an affinity for the SERT and GABAA-benzodiazepine receptor.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings may help to rationalize the wide use of Persian shallot for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Toxicity of degradation products of the antifouling biocide pyridine triphenylborane to marine organisms

We evaluated the acute toxicities of the main degradation products of pyridine triphenylborane (PTPB), namely, diphenylborane hydroxide (DPB), phenylborane dihydroxide (MPB), phenol, and biphenyl, to the alga Skeletonema costatum, the crustacean Tigriopus japonicus, and two teleosts, the red sea bream Pagrus major and the mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus. DPB was the most toxic of the degradation products to all four organisms. The acute toxicity values of DPB for S. costatum, T. japonicus, red sea bream, and mummichog were 55, 70, 100, and 200-310 μg/L, respectively. The degradation products were less toxic than PTPB to S. costatum and T. japonicus; however, the toxicities of DPB and PTPB to the fish species were similar. We also examined changes in the inhibition of growth rate of S. costatum as well as the percentage of immobilization of T. japonicus as end points of toxicity of PTPB after irradiation of PTPB with 432 ± 45 W/m(2) of 290-700 nm wavelength light. After 7 days of irradiation with this light, the concentration of PTPB in the test solutions decreased markedly. A decrease in toxic effects closely coincided with the decrease in the concentration of PTPB caused by the irradiation. PTPB probably accounted for most of the toxicity in the irradiation test solutions. Because the concentrations of PTPB that were acutely toxic to S. costatum and T. japonicus were <10 % of the corresponding concentrations of its degradation products, PTPB probably accounted for most of the toxicity in the irradiation test solutions.

Use of species sensitivity distributions to predict no-effect concentrations of an antifouling biocide, pyridine triphenylborane, for marine organisms

We used species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) and a Bayesian statistical model to carry out a primary risk assessment for pyridine triphenylborane (PTPB) in Hiroshima Bay, Japan. We used SSDs derived from toxicity values, such as EC₅₀ and LC₅₀, obtained from this study and previous work to calculate hazardous concentrations that should protect 95% and 99% of species (HC₅ and HC₁) and demonstrated that the medians of the HC₅ and HC₁ were 0.78 and 0.17 μg/L, respectively. We also used liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to investigate the occurrence of PTPB in seawater from several coastal sites of Hiroshima Bay and detected PTPB at concentrations of 4.8-21 pg/L. Comparison of environmental concentrations to the HC values suggests that the current ecological risk posed by PTPB in Hiroshima Bay is low. This is the first report of the detection of PTPB in the natural marine environment.

Species sensitivity distribution approach to primary risk analysis of the metal pyrithione photodegradation product, 2,2'-dipyridyldisulfide in the Inland Sea and induction of notochord undulation in fish embryos

To carry out a primary risk assessment in the Inland Sea of Japan for 2,2'-dipyridyldisulfide [(PS)(2)], a metal pyrithione photodegradation product, we used a methodology based on the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) estimated with a Bayesian statistical model. We first conducted growth inhibition tests with three marine phytoplankton species, Tetraselmis tetrathele, Chaetoceros calcitrans, and Dunaliella tertiolecta. We also performed acute and early life stage toxicity (ELS) tests with a teleost fish, the mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus). The algal growth inhibition tests revealed that the 72-h EC(50) ranged from 62 to 1100 μg/L. Acute toxicity tests with larval mummichogs revealed that the 96-h LC(50) was approximately 500 μg/L based on the actual toxicant concentrations. ELS testing of (PS)(2) under continuous flow-through conditions for 50 days revealed that growth was the most sensitive endpoint, and both total length and body weight were significantly lower in the groups exposed to 27 μg/L (PS)(2) compared to the solvent control group. We determined a lowest observed effect concentration of 17 μg/L and a NOEC of 5.9 μg/L based on the actual toxicant concentrations. By using the ecotoxicity data (LC(50) and EC(50)) from this study and previous work, we calculated a hazardous concentration that should protect 95% and 99% of species (HC(5) and HC(1)) based on the SSD derived with a Bayesian statistical model. The medians with 90% confidence intervals (parentheses) of the HC(5) and HC(1) were 31.0 (3.2, 101.8) μg/L and 10.1 (0.5, 44.2) μg/L, respectively. In the ELS test, about 80% of hatched larvae exposed to 243-μg/L (PS)(2) displayed a notochord undulation. To elucidate the cause of the notochord undulation, we carried out embryo toxicity tests by exposing embryos at various developmental stages to (PS)(2). Exposure to (PS)(2) through the entire gastrulae stage was important to induction of the morphological abnormality. Lysyl oxidase activity was significantly decreased in these embryos compared to the control group, a suggestion that lysyl oxidase-mediated collagen fiber organization, which is essential for notochord formation, is disrupted because of (PS)(2) toxicity. We also investigated the occurrence of (PS)(2) in water from several coastal sites of the Inland Sea and detected (PS)(2) at concentrations of <0.1-0.4 ng/L. Comparison of environmental concentrations to the HC values suggests that the current ecological risk posed by (PS)(2) in the Inland Sea is low. This is the first report of the detection of a metal pyrithione degradation product in the natural marine environment.

Effects of metal pyrithione antifoulants on freshwater macrophyte Lemna gibba G3 determined by image analysis

Copper pyrithione (CuPT(2)) and zinc pyrithione (ZnPT(2)) are two popular antifouling agents that prevent biofouling. Research into the environmental effects of metal pyrithiones has mainly focused on aquatic animal species such as fish and crustaceans, and little attention has been paid to primary producers. There have been few reports on residues in environmental matrices because of the high photolabile characteristics of the agents. Residue analyses and ecological effects of the metabolites and metal pyrithiones are not yet fully understood. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of CuPT(2), ZnPT(2), and six metabolites (PT(2): 2,2'-dithio-bispyridine N-oxide, PS(2): 2,2'-dithio-bispyridine, PSA: pyridine-2-sulfonic acid, HPT: 2-mercaptopyridine N-oxide, HPS: 2-mercaptopyridine, and PO: pyridine N-oxide) on a freshwater macrophyte. A 7-day static bioassay using axenic duckweed Lemna gibba G3 was performed under laboratory conditions. Toxic effects of test compounds were assessed by biomass reduction and morphological changes were determined in image analysis. Concentrations of ZnPT(2) and CuPT(2) and those of PT(2) and HPT in the medium were determined by derivatizing 2,2'-dithio-bispyridine mono-N-oxide with pyridine disulfide/ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid reagent that was equimolar with pyrithione. The toxic intensity of the compounds was calculated from the measured concentrations after 7-day exposure. ZnPT(2), CuPT(2), PT(2), and HPT inhibited the growth of L. gibba with EC(50) ranging from 77 to 140 μg/l as calculated from the total frond number as the conventional index, whereas the other four metabolites had less effect even at 10 mg/l. The presence of the former four toxic derivatives resulted in abnormally shaped and unhealthily colored fronds, whose size was about 20% of the control fronds. EC(50), calculated from the healthy frond area determined in image analysis, ranged from 10 to 53 μg/l. Thus, image analysis as part of a duckweed bioassay can detect the toxic effects of pyrithione derivatives with 3-10 times higher sensitivity than the traditional index.

Precursors and formation of pyrithione and other pyridyl-containing sulfur compounds in drumstick onion, Allium stipitatum

Two novel, structurally unusual cysteine derivatives were isolated from the bulbs of Allium stipitatum (Allium subg. Melanocrommyum) and shown to be S-(2-pyridyl)cysteine N-oxide and S-(2-pyridyl)glutathione N-oxide. The former compound is the first example of a naturally occurring alliinase substrate that contains an N-oxide functionality instead of the S-oxide group. In addition, S-methylcysteine S-oxide (methiin) and S-(methylthiomethyl)cysteine 4-oxide (marasmin) were found in the bulbs. Presented data suggest that the previously reported identification of S-(2-pyridyl)cysteine S-oxide was most likely erroneous. The alliinase-mediated formation of pyridyl-containing compounds following disruption of A. stipitatum bulbs was studied by a combination of HPLC-MS, HPLC-PDA, DART-MS, and NMR techniques. It was found that no pyridyl-containing thiosulfinates are present in homogenized bulbs in detectable quantities. Instead, various pyridine N-oxide derivatives are formed, including N-hydroxypyridine-2(1H)-thione (pyrithione), 2-(methyldithio)pyridine N-oxide, 2-[(methylthio)methyldithio]pyridine N-oxide, di(2-pyridyl) disulfide N-oxide, and di(2-pyridyl) disulfide N,N'-dioxide. This represents the first report of pyrithione formation as a natural product.