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Boaretto FBM, da Silva J, Scotti A, Torres JS, Garcia ALH, Rodrigues GZP, Gehlen G, Rodrigues VB, Charão MF, Soares GM, Dias JF, Picada JN. Comparative toxicity of coal and coal ash: Assessing biological impacts and potential mechanisms through in vitro and in vivo testing. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 81:127343. [PMID: 38035449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coal and coal ash present inorganic elements associated with negative impacts on environment and human health. The objective of this study was to compare the toxicity of coal and coal ash from a power plant, assess their inorganic components, and investigate the biological impacts and potential mechanisms through in vitro and in vivo testing. METHODS Particle-Induced X-ray Emission method was used to quantify inorganic elements and the toxicity was evaluated in Caenorhabditis elegans and Daphnia magna in acute and chronic procedures. The genotoxic potential was assessed using alkaline and FPG-modified Comet assay in HepG2 cells and mutagenicity was evaluated using Salmonella/microsome assay in TA97a, TA100, and TA102 strains. RESULTS Inorganic elements such as aluminum (Al) and chromium (Cr) were detected at higher concentrations in coal ash compared to coal. These elements were found to be associated with increased toxicity of coal ash in both Caenorhabditis elegans and Daphnia magna. Coal and coal ash did not induce gene mutations, but showed genotoxic effects in HepG2 cells, which were increased using the FPG enzyme, indicating DNA oxidative damage. CONCLUSIONS The combined findings from bioassays using C. elegans and D. magna support the higher toxicity of coal ash, which can be attributed to its elevated levels of inorganic elements. The genotoxicity observed in HepG2 cells confirms these results. This study highlights the need for continuous monitoring in areas affected by environmental degradation caused by coal power plants. Additionally, the analysis reveals significantly higher concentrations of various inorganic elements in coal ash compared to coal, providing insight into the specific elemental composition contributing to its increased toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda B M Boaretto
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Av. Farroupilha 8001, 92425-900 Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliana da Silva
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Av. Farroupilha 8001, 92425-900 Canoas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Scotti
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Av. Farroupilha 8001, 92425-900 Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Jayne S Torres
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Av. Farroupilha 8001, 92425-900 Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana L H Garcia
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Av. Farroupilha 8001, 92425-900 Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Z P Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Posgraduate Program in Environmental Quality, University Feevale, ERS-239, 2755, 93525-075 Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
| | - Günther Gehlen
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Posgraduate Program in Environmental Quality, University Feevale, ERS-239, 2755, 93525-075 Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
| | - Vinícios B Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Bioanalyses, Posgraduate Program in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, University Feevale, ERS-239, 2755, 93525-075 Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariele F Charão
- Laboratory of Bioanalyses, Posgraduate Program in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, University Feevale, ERS-239, 2755, 93525-075 Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme M Soares
- Ion Implantation Laboratory, Institute of Physics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Johnny F Dias
- Ion Implantation Laboratory, Institute of Physics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline N Picada
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Av. Farroupilha 8001, 92425-900 Canoas, RS, Brazil.
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Bandarra BS, Passos H, Vidal T, Martins RC, Quina MJ, Pereira JL, Römbke J. Evaluation of a battery of biotests to improve waste ecotoxicity assessment (HP 14), using incineration bottom ash as a case study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118513. [PMID: 37418917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118513] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of waste ecotoxicity (hazardous property HP14 in the European Union) is fundamental for proper waste classification and safe application/disposal. Biotests are relevant for evaluating waste complex matrices, but their efficiency is crucial to encourage their adoption at the industrial level. This work aims at evaluating possibilities of improving the efficiency of a biotest battery previously suggested in the literature, regarding test selection, duration, and/or laboratory resources optimization. Fresh incineration bottom ash (IBA) was the case study. The test battery analysed included standard aquatic (bacteria, microalgae, macrophytes, daphnids, rotifers, fairy shrimp) and terrestrial (bacteria, plants, earthworms, collembolans) organisms. The assessment followed an Extended Limit Test design (three dilutions of eluate or solid IBA) and the Lowest Ineffective Dilution (LID-approach) for ecotoxicity classification. The results emphasize the importance of testing different species. It was also evidenced that tests with daphnids and earthworms may be shortened to 24 h; the miniaturization of tests is suitable as e.g. differential sensitivity of microalgae and macrophytes was captured with low variability; alternative testing kits can be used when methodological difficulties are found. Microalgae were more sensitive than macrophytes. Similar results were found for the Thamnotoxkit and daphnids test for eluates with natural pH, so the former may be used as an alternative. B. rapa was the most sensitive organism, suggesting that it may be tested as the only terrestrial plant species and that minimum test duration is appropriate. F. candida does not appear to add information to the battery. The differences in sensitivity of A. fischeri and E. fetida compared to the remaining species were not significant enough to exclude them from the battery. Thus, this work suggests a biotest battery to test IBA comprising aquatic tests - Aliivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata (miniaturised test), and Daphnia magna (24 h when clear deleterious effects are observed) or Thamnocephalus platyurus (toxkit) - and terrestrial tests - Arthrobacter globiformis, Brassica rapa (14 d), and Eisenia fetida (24 h). Testing waste with natural pH is also recommended. The Extended Limit Test design considering the LID-approach seems useful in waste testing, particularly for the industry, involving low effort, test material requirements, and few laboratory resources. The LID-approach allowed for differentiating ecotoxic from non-ecotoxic effects and captured different sensitivities between species. Ecotoxicological assessment of other waste may benefit from these recommendations, but caution should be taken given the properties of each waste type.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Bandarra
- CIEPQPF, Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - H Passos
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - T Vidal
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - R C Martins
- CIEPQPF, Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M J Quina
- CIEPQPF, Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J L Pereira
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - J Römbke
- RPR BgR, Platanenallee 25, 64546, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany
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Bandarra BS, Mesquita C, Passos H, Martins RC, Coelho PALF, Pereira JL, Quina MJ. An integrated characterisation of incineration bottom ashes towards sustainable application: Physicochemical, ecotoxicological, and mechanical properties. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 455:131649. [PMID: 37210879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Environmental protection is a central concern regarding municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (IBA) management, but the assessment of waste Hazardous Property HP14 (ecotoxicity) is still under debate. Civil engineering applications may be a suitable management strategy. This work aimed at evaluating IBA regarding mechanical behaviour and environmental hazardous potential, including a biotest battery for ecotoxicity assessment (comprising miniaturised tests), to explore its potential for safe utilization. Physical, chemical, ecotoxicological (Aliivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Lemna minor, Daphnia magna, Lepidium sativum), and mechanical (one-dimensional compressibility, shear strength) analyses were performed. The low leaching for potentially toxic metals and ions complied with European Union (EU) limit values for non-hazardous waste landfills. No relevant ecotoxicological effects were found. The biotest battery seems suitable for ecotoxicological assessment in the aquatic ecosystem, providing wide information on waste impact on different trophic/functional levels and chemical uptake routes, simultaneously involving short-duration tests and reduced amounts of waste. IBA presented more compressibility than sand, but its mixture with sand (30%:70%) was closer to sand compressibility. IBA (lower stresses) and the mixture (higher stresses) showed slightly higher shear strength than sand. Overall, IBA presented the potential for valorisation as loose aggregates from an environmental and mechanical viewpoint in a circular economy framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Bandarra
- CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II-Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - C Mesquita
- CITTA, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Luís Reis Santos-Pólo II da Universidade, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - H Passos
- CICECO, Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - R C Martins
- CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II-Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - P A L F Coelho
- CITTA, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Luís Reis Santos-Pólo II da Universidade, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - J L Pereira
- CESAM, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - M J Quina
- CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II-Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Fulvio O, Micol B, Andrea T, Andrea P, Chiara M. An innovative methodological path to attribute the hazard property HP14 "ecotoxic" to waste using a weight of evidence approach. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 332:117208. [PMID: 36716538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The criteria for the application of hazard property code HP14 "ecotoxicity" to waste assessment have been defined by the Council Regulation (EU) 2017/997. However, on the basis of available methodologies, its application may present some issues. Those can be referred to the preparation and representativeness of the sample to be analyzed, to the chemical evaluation by the summation method (CLP Regulation), to the toxicity thresholds of ecotoxicological tests and the evaluation of the real environmental impact of waste. In this work an integrated chemical and ecotoxicological approach, that relies on modified synthetic indices previously developed for dredging sediment management is proposed. The methodological procedure, assuming that the eluate represents the most relevant carrier of contaminant into the environment, was applied on eluates extracted from samples of 3 kinds of waste categories (car-fluff, fly-ash and sludges), introducing changes starting from the sample preparation and the targeted ecotoxicological and chemical analyses. The application of this approach allowed qualifying the sludge and part of fly-ash samples as "non ecotoxic", unlike the conventional method (CLP) under which all waste categories considered were found to be "ecotoxic". The new pathway for waste qualification, abandoning the classical tabular approach based on mere chemical concentrations and/or predetermined thresholds of toxicity (principle of the worst case), showed a greater discriminatory power among samples with different characteristics, and a more realistic and quantitative assessment of the environmental impact which can be caused by leaching of the waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onorati Fulvio
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 60, 00166, Rome, Italy.
| | - Bellucci Micol
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 60, 00166, Rome, Italy
| | - Tornambè Andrea
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 60, 00166, Rome, Italy
| | - Paina Andrea
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 60, 00166, Rome, Italy
| | - Maggi Chiara
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 60, 00166, Rome, Italy
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Santos J, Cifrian E, Rodriguez-Romero A, Yoris-Nobile AI, Blanco-Fernandez E, Castro-Fresno D, Andres A. Assessment of the environmental acceptability of potential artificial reef materials using two ecotoxicity tests: Luminescent bacteria and sea urchin embryogenesis. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 310:136773. [PMID: 36220438 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ecotoxicological analysis of construction products is a relatively unexplored area at international level. Aquatic toxicity tests on construction products has been recommended recently for freshwater environment. However, the biological effects of alternative materials on marine ecosystem are still not considered. In this study, the main aim was to assess the environmental impact of alternative mortars proposed as artificial reefs (ARs) materials. The ARs specimens were developed by 3D printing, based on cement and geopolymer mortars using recycled sands of glass and seashells. For this purpose, a leaching test and two different toxicity bioassays, luminosity reduction of marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri (Microtox®) and the success of embryo-larval development of sea-urchin Paracentrotus lividus, were conducted. From the leaching results it should be noted that the mobility of all trace elements considered in both, raw materials and mortars, meet the inert landfill limits, except As, Mo, Se or Sb in the leachates geopolymer mortars. However, the results obtained from the both bioassays show low environmental acceptability for those mortars containing shell sand, probably due to the degradation of the organic matter adhered to the shells. On the other hand, cement mortars obtain better results than geopolymer mortars, regardless of the aggregate used, showing certain consistency with the leaching behaviour, since they present the lowest mobility of trace chemical elements. Therefore, the results supporting the environmental acceptability of its potential use as alternative materials in the production of ARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Santos
- Department of Chemistry and Process & Resource Engineering, ETSIIT, University of Cantabria, Cantabria, 39005, Spain
| | - Eva Cifrian
- Department of Chemistry and Process & Resource Engineering, ETSIIT, University of Cantabria, Cantabria, 39005, Spain.
| | - Araceli Rodriguez-Romero
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, Puerto Real, Cádiz, 11510, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Ana Andres
- Department of Chemistry and Process & Resource Engineering, ETSIIT, University of Cantabria, Cantabria, 39005, Spain
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