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Kumar V, Ameen F, Verma P. Unraveling the shift in bacterial communities profile grown in sediments co-contaminated with chlorolignin waste of pulp-paper mill by metagenomics approach. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1350164. [PMID: 38529176 PMCID: PMC10961449 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1350164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulp-paper mills (PPMs) are known for consistently generating a wide variety of pollutants, that are often unidentified and highly resistant to environmental degradation. The current study aims to investigate the changes in the indigenous bacterial communities profile grown in the sediment co-contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants discharged from the PPMs. The two sediment samples, designated PPS-1 and PPS-2, were collected from two different sites. Physico-chemical characterization of PPS-1 and PPS-2 revealed the presence of heavy metals (mg kg-1) like Cu (0.009-0.01), Ni (0.005-0.002), Mn (0.078-0.056), Cr (0.015-0.009), Pb (0.008-0.006), Zn (0.225-0.086), Fe (2.124-0.764), Al (3.477-22.277), and Ti (99.792-45.012) along with high content of chlorophenol, and lignin. The comparative analysis of organic pollutants in sediment samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed the presence of major highly refractory compounds, such as stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid; 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol; heptacosane; dimethyl phthalate; hexachlorobenzene; 1-decanol,2-hexyl; furane 2,5-dimethyl, etc in sediment samples which are reported as a potential toxic compounds. Simultaneously, high-throughput sequencing targeting the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA genes, resulted in the identification of 1,249 and 1,345 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) derived from a total of 115,665 and 119,386 sequences read, in PPS-1 and PPS-2, respectively. Analysis of rarefaction curves indicated a diversity in OTU abundance between PPS-1 (1,249 OTUs) and PPS-2 (1,345 OTUs). Furthermore, taxonomic assignment of metagenomics sequence data showed that Proteobacteria (55.40%; 56.30%), Bacteoidetes (11.30%; 12.20%), and Planctomycetes (5.40%; 4.70%) were the most abundant phyla; Alphproteobacteria (20.50%; 23.50%), Betaproteobacteria (16.00%; 12.30%), and Gammaproteobacteria were the most recorded classes in PPS-1 and PPS-2, respectively. At the genus level, Thiobacillus (7.60%; 4.50%) was the most abundant genera grown in sediment samples. The results indicate significant differences in both the diversity and relative abundance of taxa in the bacterial communities associated with PPS-2 when compared to PPS-1. This study unveils key insights into contaminant characteristics and shifts in bacterial communities within contaminated environments. It highlights the potential for developing efficient bioremediation techniques to restore ecological balance in pulp-paper mill waste-polluted areas, stressing the importance of identifying a significant percentage of unclassified genera and species to explore novel genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Kumar
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Fuad Ameen
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pradeep Verma
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
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Bertolatus DW, Barber LB, Martyniuk CJ, Zhen H, Collette TW, Ekman DR, Jastrow A, Rapp JL, Vajda AM. Multi-omic responses of fish exposed to complex chemical mixtures in the Shenandoah River watershed. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:165975. [PMID: 37536598 PMCID: PMC10592118 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate relationships between different anthropogenic impacts, contaminant occurrence, and fish health, we conducted in situ fish exposures across the Shenandoah River watershed at five sites with different land use. Exposure water was analyzed for over 500 chemical constituents, and organismal, metabolomic, and transcriptomic endpoints were measured in fathead minnows. Adverse reproductive outcomes were observed in fish exposed in the upper watershed at both wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent- and agriculture-impacted sites, including decreased gonadosomatic index and altered secondary sex characteristics. This was accompanied with increased mortality at the site most impacted by agricultural activities. Molecular biomarkers of estrogen exposure were unchanged and consistent with low or non-detectable concentrations of common estrogens, indicating that alternative mechanisms were involved in organismal adverse outcomes. Hepatic metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles were altered in a site-specific manner, consistent with variation in land use and contaminant profiles. Integrated biomarker response data were useful for evaluating mechanistic linkages between contaminants and adverse outcomes, suggesting that reproductive endocrine disruption, altered lipid processes, and immunosuppression may have been involved in these organismal impacts. This study demonstrated linkages between human-impact, contaminant occurrence, and exposure effects in the Shenandoah River watershed and showed increased risk of adverse outcomes in fathead minnows exposed to complex mixtures at sites impacted by municipal wastewater discharges and agricultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Bertolatus
- Adams State University, School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, 208 Edgemont Blvd, Alamosa, CO 81101, USA.
| | - Larry B Barber
- U.S. Geological Survey, 3215 Marine Street, Boulder, CO 80303, USA.
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida Genetics Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Huajun Zhen
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Athens, GA 30605, USA
| | - Timothy W Collette
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Athens, GA 30605, USA.
| | - Drew R Ekman
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Athens, GA 30605, USA.
| | - Aaron Jastrow
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5 Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division, Chicago, IL, 60605 USA.
| | - Jennifer L Rapp
- U.S. Geological Survey, Integrated Information Dissemination Division, Decision Support Branch, 1730 East Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228, USA.
| | - Alan M Vajda
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Integrative Biology, CB 171, Denver, CO 80217, USA.
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Kumar V, Verma P. A critical review on environmental risk and toxic hazards of refractory pollutants discharged in chlorolignin waste of pulp and paper mills and their remediation approaches for environmental safety. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116728. [PMID: 37495063 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Agro-based pulp and paper mills (PPMs) inevitably produce numerous refractory pollutants in their wastewater, including chlorolignin, chlorophenols, chlorocatechols, chloroguaiacol, cyanide, furan, dioxins, and other organic compounds, as well as various heavy metals, such as nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), etc. These pollutants pose significant threats to aquatic and terrestrial life due to their cytogenotoxicity, mutagenicity, impact on sexual organs, hormonal interference, endocrine disruption, and allergenic response. Consequently, it is crucial to reclaim pulp paper mill wastewater (PPMW) with high loads of refractory pollutants through effective and environmentally sustainable practices to minimize the presence of these chemicals and ensure environmental safety. However, there is currently no comprehensive published review providing up-to-date knowledge on the fate of refractory pollutants from PPMW in soil and aquatic environments, along with valuable insights into the associated health hazards and remediation methods. This critical review aims to shed light on the potential adverse effects of refractory pollutants from PPMW on natural ecosystems and living organisms. It explores existing effective treatment technologies for remediating these pollutants from wastewater, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, all in pursuit of environmental safety. Special emphasis is placed on emerging technologies used to decontaminate wastewater discharged from PPMs, ensuring the preservation of the environment. Additionally, this review addresses the major challenges and proposes future research directions for the proper disposal of PPMW. It serves as a comprehensive source of knowledge on the environmental toxicity and risks associated with refractory pollutants in PPMW, making it a valuable reference for policymakers and researchers when selecting appropriate technologies for remediation. The scientific community, concerned with mitigating the widespread risks posed by refractory pollutants from PPMs, is expected to take a keen interest in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Kumar
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, 305817, Rajasthan, India
| | - Pradeep Verma
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, 305817, Rajasthan, India.
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4
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See MJ, Bencic DC, Flick RW, Lazorchak J, Biales AD. Characterization of vitellogenin concentration in male fathead minnow mucus compared to plasma, and liver mRNA. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 236:113428. [PMID: 35366562 PMCID: PMC9109421 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize vitellogenin (VTG) protein in male fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) mucus compared with more conventional measures in plasma and mRNA isolated from liver. To assess the intensity and duration of changes in mucus VTG concentrations, male fathead minnows were exposed to 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) for 7 days with a subsequent depuration period of 14 days. The experiment was conducted in a flow-through system to maintain a consistent concentration of EE2 at a nominal EC50 concentration of 2.5 ng/L and high concentration of 10 ng/L as a positive control. Mucus, plasma and liver were sampled at regular intervals throughout the study. Relative abundance of vtg mRNA increased after 2 days of exposure and returned to control levels after 4 days of depuration. VTG protein concentration displayed similar induction kinetics in both mucus and plasma, however, it was found to be significantly increased after 2 days of exposure using the mucus-based assays and 7 days with the plasma-based assay. Significantly elevated levels of VTG were detected by both assays throughout the 14-day depuration period. The elimination of the laborious plasma collection step in the mucus-based workflow allowed sampling of smaller organisms where blood volume is limiting. It also resulted in significant gains in workflow efficiency, decreasing sampling time without loss of performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Jean See
- US EPA Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - David C Bencic
- US EPA Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Robert W Flick
- US EPA Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jim Lazorchak
- US EPA Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Adam D Biales
- US EPA Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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5
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Holmgren SD, Boyles RR, Cronk RD, Duncan CG, Kwok RK, Lunn RM, Osborn KC, Thessen AE, Schmitt CP. Catalyzing Knowledge-Driven Discovery in Environmental Health Sciences through a Community-Driven Harmonized Language. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8985. [PMID: 34501574 PMCID: PMC8430534 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18178985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Harmonized language is critical for helping researchers to find data, collecting scientific data to facilitate comparison, and performing pooled and meta-analyses. Using standard terms to link data to knowledge systems facilitates knowledge-driven analysis, allows for the use of biomedical knowledge bases for scientific interpretation and hypothesis generation, and increasingly supports artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Due to the breadth of environmental health sciences (EHS) research and the continuous evolution in scientific methods, the gaps in standard terminologies, vocabularies, ontologies, and related tools hamper the capabilities to address large-scale, complex EHS research questions that require the integration of disparate data and knowledge sources. The results of prior workshops to advance a harmonized environmental health language demonstrate that future efforts should be sustained and grounded in scientific need. We describe a community initiative whose mission was to advance integrative environmental health sciences research via the development and adoption of a harmonized language. The products, outcomes, and recommendations developed and endorsed by this community are expected to enhance data collection and management efforts for NIEHS and the EHS community, making data more findable and interoperable. This initiative will provide a community of practice space to exchange information and expertise, be a coordination hub for identifying and prioritizing activities, and a collaboration platform for the development and adoption of semantic solutions. We encourage anyone interested in advancing this mission to engage in this community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D. Holmgren
- Office of Data Science, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Durham, NC 27709, USA;
| | | | | | - Christopher G. Duncan
- Genes, Environment, and Health Branch, Division of Extramural Research and Training, NIEHS, Durham, NC 27709, USA;
| | - Richard K. Kwok
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, NIEHS, Durham, NC 27709, USA;
- Office of the Director, NIEHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ruth M. Lunn
- Integrative Health Assessment Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, NIEHS, Durham, NC 27709, USA;
| | | | - Anne E. Thessen
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Department, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;
| | - Charles P. Schmitt
- Office of Data Science, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Durham, NC 27709, USA;
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6
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Groundwater contamination and health risk posed by industrial effluent in NCR region. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2021.02.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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7
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Ussery EJ, McMaster ME, Servos MR, Miller DH, Munkittrick KR. A 30-Year Study of Impacts, Recovery, and Development of Critical Effect Sizes for Endocrine Disruption in White Sucker ( Catostomus commersonii) Exposed to Bleached-Kraft Pulp Mill Effluent at Jackfish Bay, Ontario, Canada. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:664157. [PMID: 33967964 PMCID: PMC8101260 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.664157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Jackfish Bay is an isolated bay on the north shore of Lake Superior, Canada that has received effluent from a large bleached-kraft pulp mill since the 1940s. Studies conducted in the late 1980s found evidence of reductions in sex steroid hormone levels in multiple fish species living in the Bay, and increased growth, condition and relative liver weights, with a reduction in internal fat storage, reduced gonadal sizes, delayed sexual maturation, and altered levels of circulating sex steroid hormones in white sucker (Catostomus commersonii). These early studies provided some of the first pieces of evidence of endocrine disruption in wild animals. Studies on white sucker have continued at Jackfish Bay, monitoring fish health after the installation of secondary waste treatment (1989), changes in the pulp bleaching process (1990s), during facility maintenance shutdowns and during a series of facility closures associated with changing ownership (2000s), and were carried through to 2019 resulting in a 30-year study of fish health impacts, endocrine disruption, chemical exposure, and ecosystem recovery. The objective of the present study was to summarize and understand more than 75 physiological, endocrine, chemical and whole organism endpoints that have been studied providing important context for the complexity of endocrine responses, species differences, and challenges with extrapolation. Differences in body size, liver size, gonad size and condition persist, although changes in liver and gonad indices are much smaller than in the early years. Population modeling of the initial reproductive alterations predicted a 30% reduction in the population size, however with improvements over the last couple of decades those population impacts improved considerably. Reflection on these 30 years of detailed studies, on environmental conditions, physiological, and whole organism endpoints, gives insight into the complexity of endocrine responses to environmental change and mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin J. Ussery
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Erin J. Ussery,
| | - Mark E. McMaster
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Mark R. Servos
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - David H. Miller
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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8
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Krämer S, Busch W, Schüttler A. A Self-Organizing Map of the Fathead Minnow Liver Transcriptome to Identify Consistent Toxicogenomic Patterns across Chemical Fingerprints. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:526-537. [PMID: 31820487 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lack of consistent findings in different experimental settings remains a major challenge in toxicogenomics. The present study investigated whether consistency between findings of different microarray experiments can be improved when the analysis is based on a common reference frame ("toxicogenomic universe"), which can be generated using the machine learning algorithm of the self-organizing map (SOM). This algorithm arranges and clusters genes on a 2-dimensional grid according to their similarity in expression across all considered data. In the present study, 19 data sets, comprising of 54 different adult fathead minnow liver exposure experiments, were retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus and used to train a SOM. The resulting toxicogenomic universe aggregates 58 872 probes to 2500 nodes and was used to project, visualize, and compare the fingerprints of these 54 different experiments. For example, we could identify a common pattern, with 14% of significantly regulated nodes in common, in the data sets of an interlaboratory study of ethinylestradiol exposures. Consistency could be improved compared with the 5% total overlap in regulated genes reported before. Furthermore, we could determine a specific and consistent estrogen-related pattern of differentially expressed nodes and clusters in the toxicogenomic universe by applying additional clustering steps and comparing all obtained fingerprints. Our study shows that the SOM-based approach is useful for generating comparable toxicogenomic fingerprints and improving consistency between results of different experiments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:526-537. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Krämer
- Helmholtz-Center for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science and Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wibke Busch
- Helmholtz-Center for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Schüttler
- Helmholtz-Center for Environmental Research - UFZ GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
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9
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Transcriptomic Profiles in Zebrafish Liver Permit the Discrimination of Surface Water with Pollution Gradient and Different Discharges. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15081648. [PMID: 30081495 PMCID: PMC6122030 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to evaluate the potential of transcriptomic profiles in evaluating the impacts of complex mixtures of pollutants at environmentally relevant concentrations on aquatic vertebrates. The changes in gene expression were determined using microarray in the liver of male zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to surface water collected from selected locations on the Hun River, China. The numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in each treatment ranged from 728 to 3292, which were positively correlated with chemical oxygen demand (COD). Predominant transcriptomic responses included peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling and steroid biosynthesis. Key pathways in immune system were also affected. Notably, two human diseases related pathways, insulin resistance and Salmonella infection were enriched. Clustering analysis and principle component analysis with DEGs differentiated the upstream and downstream site of Shenyang City, and the mainstream and the tributary sites near the junction. Comparison the gene expression profiles of zebrafish exposed to river surface water with those to individual chemicals found higher similarity of the river water with estradiol than several other organic pollutants and metals. Results suggested that the transcriptomic profiles of zebrafish is promising in differentiating surface water with pollution gradient and different discharges and in providing valuable information to support discharge management.
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10
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Castro AJG, Baptista IE, de Moura KRS, Padilha F, Tonietto J, de Souza AZP, Soares CHL, Silva FRMB, Van Der Kraak G. Exposure to a Brazilian pulp mill effluent impacts the testis and liver in the zebrafish. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 206-207:41-47. [PMID: 29499384 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While many studies have shown that pulp mill effluents can affect ovarian physiology in fish, far fewer studies have considered the effects in males. We conducted a lab study to examine the effects of effluent from a Brazilian pulp and paper mill on hepatic and testicular morphology and various aspects of testicular physiology in the zebrafish Danio rerio. Males were exposed to lab water (control) or 4% effluent for 14 days. Effluent exposure did not affect testis size as measured by the gonadosomatic index, but contributed to morphological changes in the seminiferous tubules. The number of cysts with histopathological changes was elevated in effluent-exposed fish and the number of cysts containing spermatids was significantly reduced. The testis of effluent exposed fish had reduced levels of lactate, elevated lactate dehydrogenase activity, increased levels of reactive oxygen species and reduced levels of phosphorylated P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (pP38 MAPK). Separate studies showed that the addition of lactate to testicular tissue incubated in vitro increased the activation of P38 MAPK. Effluent exposure also increased vacuolization, necrosis, apoptosis, hyperemia, and fat infiltration of the hepatocytes. Collectively, we provide evidence of short term effects of pulp mill effluent on testicular and hepatic physiology and biochemistry in the zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivana Eunice Baptista
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Padilha
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Juliana Tonietto
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Glen Van Der Kraak
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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11
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Brockmeier EK, Scott PD, Denslow ND, Leusch FDL. Transcriptomic and physiological changes in Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) after exposure to progestins and anti-progestagens. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 179:8-17. [PMID: 27541482 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine active compounds (EACs) remain an important group of chemicals that require additional evaluation to determine their environmental impacts. While estrogens and androgens were previously demonstrated to impact organisms during environmental exposures, progestagens have recently been shown to have strong impacts on aquatic organisms. To gain an understanding of the impacts of these types of chemicals on aquatic species, experiments evaluating the mechanisms of action of progestagen exposure were conducted with the Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). The objective of this study was to conduct hepatic microarray analysis of male and female G. holbrooki exposed to progestins and anti-progestagens. In addition, we evaluated the ability of levonorgestrel, a synthetic progesterone (progestin), to induce anal fin elongation and to determine how anal fin growth is modulated during co-exposures with progesterone and androgen receptor antagonists. Gene expression analyses were conducted on male and female G. holbrooki exposed for 48h to the agonist levonorgestrel, the antagonist mifepristone, or a mixture of the two chemicals. Microarray analysis revealed that mifepristone does not act as an anti-progestagen in G. holbrooki in liver tissues, and that levonorgestrel elicits strong effects on the processes of embryo development and lipid transport. Levonorgestrel was also demonstrated to induce male secondary sexual characteristic formation in females, and co-exposure of either an androgen or levonorgestrel in the presence of the anti-androgen flutamide prevented anal fin elongation. These results provide indications as to the potential impacts of progestins, including non-target effects such as secondary sexual characteristic formation, and demonstrate the importance of this class of chemicals on aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica K Brockmeier
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, PO Box 110885, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Philip D Scott
- Smart Water Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia
| | - Nancy D Denslow
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, PO Box 110885, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Smart Water Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia
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12
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Chiang G, Barra R, Díaz-Jaramillo M, Rivas M, Bahamonde P, Munkittrick KR. Estrogenicity and intersex in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to Pine/Eucalyptus pulp and paper production effluent in Chile. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2015; 164:126-134. [PMID: 25956323 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pulp and paper mill effluents (PPMEs) have been shown to increase gonad size, cause early maturation, and disrupt hormone functions in native and non-native Chilean fish. In this study, we assessed reproductive (plasma vitellogenin; VTG, gonad development) and metabolic (ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity; EROD) end points, relative liver size (LSI) and condition factor (K) of juvenile female and male rainbow trout exposed to effluents. Unlike previous studies, which have focus either on the specific effects of effluent on fish in laboratory exposures or biotic population statuses downstream of discharge sites, we simultaneously assessed the impacts of PPMES on trout using two approaches: (1) laboratory exposures of tertiary treated PPME produced from processing Eucalyptus globulus or Pinus radiata; and (2) in situ bioassay downstream of the combined discharge of the same pulp mill. Despite an increase in the average gonadosomatic index (GSI) in exposed fish, no statistical differences in gonad size between exposed and unexposed individuals was detected. However, both female and male fish exposed to effluents showed significantly higher concentrations of plasma VTG, so more in fish exposed to Eucalyptus-based effluent when compared to Pinus PPME. In addition, male fish showed intersex characteristics in all exposure assays (Eucaliptus and Pinus) and, despite the low concentration of effluent in the river (<1% [v/v]), similar responses were observed in the caged fish. Finally, EROD activity was induced in both in situ exposures and laboratory assays at the higher PPME concentration (60-85% PPME). This study confirms estrogenic effects in Chilean fish exposed to PPME and the necessity for biological effects monitoring in addition to the assessment of physical-chemical endpoints as required in current government regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Chiang
- Canadian Rivers Institute and Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada.
| | - Ricardo Barra
- Aquatic Systems Research Unit, EULA-Chile Environmental Sciences Centre, University of Concepción, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Mauricio Díaz-Jaramillo
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental (ECoA), IIMyC-CONICET-UNMdP, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Meyling Rivas
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural and Oceanographic Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Paulina Bahamonde
- Canadian Rivers Institute and Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Kelly R Munkittrick
- Canadian Rivers Institute and Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada
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13
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Kamali M, Khodaparast Z. Review on recent developments on pulp and paper mill wastewater treatment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2015; 114:326-42. [PMID: 24953005 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Economic benefits of the pulp and paper industry have led it to be one of the most important industrial sections in the world. Nevertheless, in recent years, pulp and paper mills are facing challenges with the energy efficiency mechanisms and management of the resulting pollutants, considering the environmental feedbacks and ongoing legal requirements. This study reviews and discusses the recent developments of affordable methods dealing with pulp and paper mill wastewaters. To this end, the current state of the various processes used for pulp and paper production from virgin or recovered fibers has been briefly reviewed. Also, the relevant contaminants have been investigated, considering the used raw materials and applied techniques as the subject for further discussion about the relevant suitable wastewater treatment methods. The results of the present study indicated that adopting the integrated methods, alongside a combination of biological (e.g., anaerobic digestion) and physicochemical (e.g., novel Fenton reactions) treatment methods, can be environmentally and economically preferable to minimize environmental contaminants and energy recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zahra Khodaparast
- University of Aveiro, Department of Biology, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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14
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Uren Webster TM, Perry MH, Santos EM. The herbicide linuron inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis and induces cellular stress responses in brown trout. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:3110-3118. [PMID: 25633873 DOI: 10.1021/es505498u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The herbicide linuron is used worldwide, and has been detected in surface waters as well as in food and drinking water. Toxicological studies have reported that linuron acts as an antiandrogen in vitro and in vivo and disrupts mammalian male reproductive function. However, global mechanisms of linuron toxicity are poorly documented. We used RNA-seq to characterize the hepatic transcriptional response of mature male brown trout exposed for 4 days to 1.7, 15.3, and 225.9 μg/L linuron. We identified a striking decrease in the expression of transcripts encoding the majority of enzymes forming the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. We also measured a very significant decrease in total hepatic cholesterol in fish exposed to 225.9 μg/L linuron and a negative correlation between total cholesterol and linuron treatment concentration. We hypothesize that inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis may result from the disruption of androgen signaling by linuron. Additionally, there was increased expression of a number of transcripts involved in cellular stress responses, including cyp1a (up to 560-fold), molecular chaperones, and antioxidant enzymes. We found some evidence of similar patterns of transcriptional change in fish exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration of linuron, and further research should investigate the potential for adverse effects to occur following chronic environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamsyn M Uren Webster
- Biosciences, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter , Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
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15
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Ismail N, Hossain K. Bioremediation and Detoxification of Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent: A Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.3923/rjet.2015.113.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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16
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Kanerva M, Vehmas A, Nikinmaa M, Vuori KA. Spatial variation in transcript and protein abundance of Atlantic salmon during feeding migration in the Baltic Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:13969-13977. [PMID: 25356801 DOI: 10.1021/es502956g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The fitness and reproductive output of fishes can be affected by environmental disturbances. In this study, transcriptomics and label-free proteomics were combined to investigate Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) sampled from three different field locations within the Baltic Sea (Baltic Main Basin (BMB), Gulf of Finland (GoF), and Bothnian Sea (BS)) during marine migration. The expression of several stress related mRNAs and proteins of xenobiotic metabolism, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cell death were increased in salmon from GoF compared to salmon from BMB or BS. Respiratory electron chain and ATP synthesis related gene ontology-categories were upregulated in GoF salmon, whereas those associated with RNA processing and synthesis, translation, and protein folding decreased. Differences were seen also in metabolism and immune function related gene expression. Comparisons of the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles between salmon from GoF and salmon from BMB or BS suggest environmental stressors, especially exposure to contaminants, as a main explanation for differences. Salmon feeding in GoF are thus “disturbed by hazardous substances”. The results may also be applied in evaluating the conditions of pelagic ecosystems in the different parts of Baltic Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Kanerva
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku FI-20014, Finland.
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17
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Brockmeier EK, Jayasinghe BS, Pine WE, Wilkinson KA, Denslow ND. Exposure to paper mill effluent at a site in North Central Florida elicits molecular-level changes in gene expression indicative of progesterone and androgen exposure. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106644. [PMID: 25198161 PMCID: PMC4157789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are chemicals that negatively impact endocrine system function, with effluent from paper mills one example of this class of chemicals. In Florida, female Eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) have been observed with male secondary sexual characteristics at three paper mill-impacted sites, indicative of EDC exposure, and are still found at one site on the Fenholloway River. The potential impacts that paper mill effluent exposure has on the G. holbrooki endocrine system and the stream ecosystem are unknown. The objective of this study was to use gene expression analysis to determine if exposure to an androgen receptor agonist was occurring and to couple this analysis with in vitro assays to evaluate the presence of androgen and progesterone receptor active chemicals in the Fenholloway River. Focused gene expression analyses of masculinized G. holbrooki from downstream of the Fenholloway River paper mill were indicative of androgen exposure, while genes related to reproduction indicated potential progesterone exposure. Hepatic microarray analysis revealed an increase in the expression of metabolic genes in Fenholloway River fish, with similarities in genes and biological processes compared to G. holbrooki exposed to androgens. Water samples collected downstream of the paper mill and at a reference site indicated that progesterone and androgen receptor active chemicals were present at both sites, which corroborates previous chemical analyses. Results indicate that G. holbrooki downstream of the Fenholloway River paper mill are impacted by a mixture of both androgens and progesterones. This research provides data on the mechanisms of how paper mill effluents in Florida are acting as endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica K. Brockmeier
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (EB); (ND)
| | - B. Sumith Jayasinghe
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - William E. Pine
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Krystan A. Wilkinson
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Nancy D. Denslow
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (EB); (ND)
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18
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Mishra M, Das MT, Thakur IS. Mammalian cell-line based toxicological evaluation of paper mill black liquor treated in a soil microcosm by indigenous alkalo-tolerant Bacillus sp. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:2966-2976. [PMID: 24170500 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2241-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Organic pollutants present in the soil of a microcosm containing pulp and paper mill black liquor were extracted with hexane/acetone (1:1 v/v) to study the biodegradation and detoxification potential of a Bacillus sp. gas chromatography-mass spectroscopic (GC-MS) analysis performed after biodegradation showed formation of simpler compounds like p-hydroxyhydrocinnamic acid (retention time [RT] 19.3 min), homovanillic acid methyl ester (RT 21.6 min) and 3,5-dimethoxy-p-coumaric alcohol (RT 24.7 min). The methyltetrazolium (MTT) assay for cytotoxicity, 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) assay for dioxin-like behavior and alkaline comet assay for genotoxicity were carried out in the human hepatocarcinoma cell line HuH-7 before and after bacterial treatment. Bioremediation for 15 days reduced toxicity, as shown by a 139-fold increase in black liquor's LC50 value, a 343-fold reduction in benzo(a)pyrene equivalent value and a 5-fold reduction in olive tail moment. The EROD assay positively correlated with both the MTT and comet assays in post biodegradation toxicity evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Mishra
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110 067, India,
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19
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Vidal-Dorsch DE, Bay SM, Ribecco C, Sprague LJ, Angert M, Ludka C, Ricciardelli E, Carnevali O, Greenstein DJ, Schlenk D, Kelley KM, Reyes JA, Snyder S, Vanderford B, Wiborg LC, Petschauer D, Sasik R, Baker M, Hardiman G. Genomic and phenotypic response of hornyhead turbot exposed to municipal wastewater effluents. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 140-141:174-184. [PMID: 23796538 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2013.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory tests with marine flatfish were conducted to investigate associations among gene expression, higher biological responses and wastewater effluent exposure. In the present study, male hornyhead turbot (Pleuronichthys verticalis) were exposed to environmentally realistic (0.5%) and higher (5%) concentrations of chemically enhanced advanced-primary (PL) and full-secondary treated (HTP) effluents from two southern California wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Hepatic gene expression was examined using a custom low-density microarray. Alterations in gene expression (vs. controls) were observed in fish exposed to both effluent types. Fish exposed to 0.5% PL effluent showed changes in genes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, steroids, and lipids, among other processes. Fish exposed to 5% PL effluent showed expression changes in genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, stress responses, xenobiotic metabolism, and steroid synthesis, among others. Exposure to 5% HTP effluent changed the expression of genes involved in lipid, glutathione and xenobiotic metabolism, as well as immune responses. Although no concentration-dependent patterns of response to effluent exposure were found, significant Spearman correlations were observed between the expression of 22 genes and molecular and/or higher biological responses. These results indicate that microarray gene expression data correspond to higher biological responses and should be incorporated in studies assessing fish health after exposure to complex environmental mixtures.
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