Halogenated indigo dyes: a likely source of 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole and some other halogenated carbazoles in the environment

Long term substantial impacts of historic Chlor-Alkali production as a newly recognized source of polyhalogenated carbazoles in aquatic environments

Bottom sediments of the North American Great Lakes are characterized by a high loading (over 3,000 tonnes) of polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs). The origin of this environmental contaminant loading is unclear. Here, we first examined PHCZs levels and profiles in sediment, lotus, and fish from the Ya-Er Lake (China) that has been under the influence of an obsolete chlor-alkali facility for forty years and discovered substantial PHCZs contamination. Among the PHCZs determined, 3,6-dichlorocarbazole (36-CCZ) and 3-chlorocarbazole (3-CCZ) were the most frequently detected. Sediments from backfilled land exhibited Σ11PHCZs at median concentration of 973 ng/g (dry weight), suggesting the chlor-alkali industry as an important source. Even after 20 years of dredging treatment, the concentration of Σ11PHCZs in the sediment of the oxidation ponds (median = 41.1 ng/g) remained substantially higher than in other areas globally. Furthermore, the concentration of Σ11PHCZs was found to be higher in surface sediments (median) at 66.7 ng/g if compared to middle (14.1 ng/g) and lower layers (18.2 ng/g), indicating the potential availability of PHCZs from surface sediments to aquatic plants and animals. Notably, this study detected PHCZs in both fish (26.3 ng/g lipid weight) and lotus (14.5 ng/g dry weight), with significant enrichment of 3-monobromocarbazole (3-BCZ) observed in both lotus root systems (bio-soil accumulation factor, BSAFroot = 5.04) and fish muscle (BSAFfish = 3.04).

Dioxin-like effects of an emerging contaminant 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole on the myogenic differentiation of mouse C2C12 cells

1,3,6,8-Tetrabromocarbazole (1368-BCZ) has been proposed as an emerging environmental contaminant which has aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activating properties analogous to those of dioxins. Skeletal muscle development is a critical target of dioxin toxicity. However, the impact of 1368-BCZ on muscle development is inadequately understood. The C2C12 mouse myoblast cell is extensively utilized as an in vitro model for studying myogenesis. In the present study, we observed that treatment with 1368-BCZ inhibited myogenic myoblast differentiation in a concentration-dependent manner, without inducing cytotoxicity. Using flow cytometry analysis and a wound healing assay, we found that the cell cycle exit and migratory activity were blocked in 1368-BCZ-treated cells at the early stage of C2C12 differentiation. In line with this alteration, 1368-BCZ significantly upregulated the expression of cell cycle regulators and migration-related genes, whereas it suppressed the expression of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) and skeletal muscle myosin isoforms (MYH3 and MYH4), marker genes for myogenesis. Furthermore, treatment with 1368-BCZ activated the AhR signaling pathway, leading to the transcriptional upregulation of AhR-target genes, CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. Silencing AhR mitigated the inhibitory effects of 1368-BCZ on C2C12 differentiation and significantly enhanced the formation of multi-nucleated myotubes through the upregulation of MRFs expression. Taken together, our study suggests that 1368-BCZ exerts an inhibitory effect on myogenesis in C2C12 cells through an AhR-dependent regulatory mechanism, which is highly similar to the observed dioxin effect.

Polyhalogenated carbazoles in the environment: Analysis, origins, occurrence, and toxicity

Polyhalogenated carbazoles are a class of emerging organic compounds characterized by the substitution of one to eight hydrogen atoms in the carbazole structure with halogen atoms. Polyhalogenated carbazoles originate from natural and anthropogenic sources and are widely distributed in the environment. They are persistent in the environment and present a range of toxic effects, notably dioxin-like activity. This review focused on recent progress in determining their distribution, analytical methodologies, toxicity, origins, and transformation in the environment, highlighting their potential ecological and health risks. It confirmed the critical need for ongoing research regarding their environmental behavior and fate, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the resulting environmental risks. This review also identified future research needs regarding these compounds.

Polyhalogenated carbazoles contamination in East China Sea sediments: Spatial distribution, source apportionment, and ecological risk assessment

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), an emerging class of halogenated organic pollutants, have been widely detected in various environmental media, including sediments, soil, air, and organisms. The East China Sea (ECS) is a vital region for marine and fishery resource development in China, yet research on the pollution levels and sources of PHCZs in its sediments remains limited. This study reports the occurrence of seven PHCZs in the surface sediments of the ECS, with detection rates exceeding 90%. The concentrations of Σ7PHCZs ranged from 3.5 to 27 ng/g, with an average of 9.9 ng/g. The predominant congeners were 1368-BCZ and 3-ICZ. The sources of PHCZs included a non-specific source transported via terrestrial runoff (39%), industrial wastewater discharge (35%), and optoelectronic material pollution (26%), as identified by the positive matrix factorization model. The ecological risk assessment, based on TEQ, indicated a range of 0.18-5.0 pg TEQ/g across the study area. These findings highlight the potential ecological concerns associated with PHCZs in the ECS and emphasize the need for enhanced environmental monitoring and source mitigation efforts to reduce their potential environmental impacts.

The necessity of enhancing the human health risk assessment of 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole: Based on in vitro experiments, theoretical calculations, and model predictions

Industrial emissions have been identified as significant contributors to polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), a novel pollutant in the environment. Enhancing the health risk assessment of PHCZs is imperative, particularly for 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole (1368BCZ), the most commonly detected PHCZs in the environment. This study revealed that 1368BCZ could bind to the important transporters, human serum albumin (HSA), with high binding constant (KA: 1.02 × 105 L/mol). 1368BCZ primary bound to the HSA binding site 2, and the impact of 1368BCZ on HSA structure was minimal, indicating 1368BCZ may has strong accumulation in human. Theoretical analysis indicated that the uniformly distributed molecular surface electrostatic potential of the 1368BCZ molecule was crucial for its strong binding affinity to HSA. van der Waals forces serve as the primary interaction force stabilizing this binding. Further model predictions results showed that 1368BCZ may cause various toxic effects including hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicology, mutagenicity, etc. In summary, this study revealed the potential human health risks associated with 1368BCZ, providing an important basis for the formulation of relevant environmental control standards.

Non-negligible Polyhalogenated Carbazoles in Arctic Soils and Sediments: Occurrence, Target and Suspect Screening, and Potential Sources

The presence of polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), which are emerging as dioxin-like contaminants, in remote polar regions has not been reported. This study investigated 11 target PHCZs (Σ11PHCZs) and 25 unknown PHCZs (Σ25UNPs) in soil and sediment samples collected from Ny-Ålesund in the Arctic. The findings revealed that Σ11PHCZs concentrations reached 165.6 ng/g dry weight (dw), with 3,6-dichlorocarbazole and 3-chlorocarbazole being the predominant congeners. The Σ25UNPs concentrations ranged from 1.4 to 92.4 ng/g dw (median: 17.0 ng/g dw), primarily comprising a 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole isomer. The sediment contained ∼6 times more Σ25UNPs than Σ11PHCZs. Long-range atmospheric transport, oceanic transport, and human activity can potentially affect soils and sediments concurrently. For the first time, halogen substitution patterns in PHCZs, including ClI, ClI2, and ClI3, were detected in soil and sediment. Using the toxic equivalent (TEQ) approach, the potential toxic effects linked to the target PHCZ levels were assessed. The TEQPHCZs in Arctic soils and sediments indicated low risk, ranging from 8.0 × 10-3 to 17 pg TEQ/g dw (median: 2.8 pg TEQ/g dw) and 0.1 to 0.4 pg TEQ/g dw (median: 0.3 pg TEQ/g dw), respectively. This study marks the first report on the occurrence, composition, sources, and potential risks posed by PHCZs in the Arctic region.

Environmental behavior and risk of the emerging organic contaminants halogenated carbazoles in chemical industrial park clusters

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are emerging organic contaminants and have attracted extensive concern because of their widespread occurrence and dioxin-like toxicity. However, the distribution characteristics, environmental behavior, and fate of PHCZs are still poorly understood. In this study, 74 composite environmental samples from 21 Chinese cities were collected around industrial parks in the Yangtze River Delta. The PHCZ concentration ranges in sediment and soil samples were 12.7-5.21 × 103 and 34.6-1.81 × 103 ng/g, respectively, which is equivalent to or higher than those of well-known persistent organic pollutants in the similar areas. The dominant congeners of PHCZs in sediment and soil were 3-chlorocarbazole and 3,6-dichlorocarbazole. Industrial emissions, especially from printing and dyeing textiles, were the main contributors to the high PHCZ environmental concentrations. Potential toxic effects of the PHCZs were evaluated using the toxic equivalent (TEQ) method. The TEQs of PHCZs in sediment and soil were up to 550 and 554 pg TEQ/g dry weight, respectively. The estimated TEQ value of sediment and soil exceeded the corresponding safety guideline, which indicated that PHCZs in the Yangtze River Delta posed high health risks. This study provides an important theoretical basis for controlling and reducing the ecological risks of PHCZs in the chemical industry. At the same time, it also provides reference for the priority control and revision of discharge standards for PHCZs in sewage treatment plants in future.

Distributions and transformation of polyhalogenated carbazoles in environmental matrices contaminated by printing and dyeing plants

As emerging organic contaminants, Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) have caused wide concerns due to their wide distribution in the environment and dioxin-like toxicity. Nevertheless, research on the distribution and formation mechanisms of PHCZs in polluted environment of printing and dyeing plants is lacking. Here, 11 PHCZs were detected in samples from the Cao'e River, China, a typical river heavily polluted by printing and dyeing. The PHCZs concentrations in the soil, sediment, and water samples were 8.3-134.5 ng/g (median: 26.3 ng/g), 17.7-348.8 ng/g (median: 64.2 ng/g), and 1.2-41.4 μg/L (median: 4.8 μg/L), respectively. 3,6-dichlorocarbazole was the dominant congener, proved by both analysis results and formation mechanisms. PHCZ migration patterns in water-sediment systems indicated that highly halogenated PHCZs tend to be transferred to sediment. Furthermore, PHCZs are persistent, can undergo long-range transport, and pose high risks to aquatic organisms by models. PHCZs released from dye production into environment can be form through halogenation of carbazole or PHCZs formed during the dye synthesis, heating of halogenated indigo dyes, and photolysis of highly halogenated PHCZs. This is the first comprehensive study to reveal the impact of printing and dyeing plant activities on PHCZs in the environment.

Toxicity Evaluation and Transcriptome Analysis of Yellowstripe Goby (Mugilogobius chulae) in Response to 2,7-Dibromocarbazole Exposure during Early Development

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are a class of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds that are widely distributed throughout the marine environment and sediment. These compounds share structural and toxicity similarities with dioxins. However, our understanding of the toxicological effects of PHCZs on marine organisms and their underlying molecular mechanisms remains limited. In this study, we employed the marine model organism Mugilogobius chulae as the experimental subject and selected 2,7-dibromocarbazole (2,7-DBCZ), a compound known for its high toxicity and detection frequency, to conduct both an acute toxicity test and transcriptome analysis on M. chulae embryos. Our findings revealed that the 96 h median lethal concentration (LC50) of 2,7-DBCZ for M. chulae embryos was 174 μg/L, with a median effective concentration (EC50) resulting in pericardial edema deformity of 88.82 μg/L. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant impacts on various systems in M. chulae embryos following exposure to 2,7-DBCZ, including the sensory, cardiovascular, immune, and endocrine systems. Furthermore, this compound perturbed signaling pathways such as phototransduction, protein folding and processing, amino acid metabolism, lipid transport, and exogenous compound metabolism. Notably, transcript abundance of the CYP1A gene associated with the activation of the AhR signaling pathway, similar to dioxin-like compounds, was 18.18 times higher than that in the control group. This observation suggests that M. chulae embryos mount a stress response when exposed to PHCZs. In summary, this study contributes to our understanding of the toxicological implications of PHCZ in marine fish and offers a theoretical foundation for risk assessment and regulatory frameworks for PHCZs in the marine environment.

Spatial distribution characteristics of carbazole and polyhalogenated carbazoles in water column and sediments in the open Western Pacific Ocean

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), an emerging persistent halogenated organic pollutant, have been detected in the environment. However, our understanding of PHCZs in the ocean remains limited. In this study, 47 seawater samples (covering 50 - 4000 m) and sediment samples (49 surface and 3 cores) were collected to investigate the occurrence and spatial distribution patterns of carbazole and its halogenated derivants (CZDs) in the Western Pacific Ocean. In seawater, the detection frequencies of CZ (97.87%) and 3-CCZ (57.45%) were relatively high. In addition, the average concentration of ΣPHCZs in the upper water (< 150 m, 0.23 ± 0.21 ng/L) was significantly lower than that in the deep ocean (1000 - 4000 m, 0.65 ± 0.56 ng/L, P < 0.05), which may indicate the vertical transport of PHCZs in the marine environment. The concentration of ΣCZDs in surface sediment ranges from 0.46 to 6.48 ng/g (mean 1.54 ng/g), among which CZ and 36-CCZ were the predominant components. Results from sediment cores demonstrate a noteworthy negative correlation between the concentration of CZDs and depth, indicating the ongoing natural degradation process occurring in sediment cores over a long period. This study offers distinctive insights into the occurrence, composition, and vertical features of CZDs in oceanic environments.

Presence of carbazole and polyhalogenated carbazoles in human urine

Exposure to carbazole (CZ) and polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) may pose a threat to human health, owing to their potential dioxin-like toxicity. Until now, the presence of these chemicals in the human urine from the general population is still unclear. Human urine samples (n = 210) were taken from the general population in Quzhou, China in this study, and were analyzed for CZ and 14 PHCZs. CZ and nine PHCZs were detected in collected human urine. CZ (detection frequency 100 %), 3-chlorocarbazole (3-CCZ; 88 %), 3,6-dichlorocarbzole (36-CCZ; 84 %), and 3-bromocarbazole (3-BCZ; 80 %) were more frequently detected. Among detected PHCZs, 3-CCZ (mean 0.49 ng/mL, < LOD-4.3 ng/mL) had comparatively higher urinary levels, followed by 3-BCZ (0.30 ng/L, < LOD-1.9 ng/mL) and 36-CCZ (0.20 ng/L, < LOD-1.4 ng/mL). Urinary concentrations of CZ in male participants (1.3 ± 0.26 ng/mL) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that in female participants (0.92 ± 0.24 ng/mL). No obvious trend in urinary concentrations with the age of participants was found for CZ and detected PHCZs. The mean daily excretion was found highest for CZ (31 ng/kg bw/day), followed by 3-CCZ (19 ng/kg bw/day) and 3-BCZ (8.5 ng/kg bw/day). This study provides the first data, to our knowledge, on the presence and levels of CZ and PHCZs in human urine, which is necessary for conducting the human exposure risk assessment.

Development of a three-dimensional porous ionic liquid-chitosan-graphene oxide aerogel for efficient extraction and detection of polyhalogenated carbazoles in sediment samples

The three-dimensional porous ionic liquid-chitosan-graphene oxide aerogel (IL-CS-GOA) monolithic adsorbent with a through-hole structure was prepared using natural chitosan (CS) as the skeletal framework, graphene oxide (GO) as the support to provide mechanical strength, and ionic liquid (IL) as the porogen and modifier. The resulting IL-CS-GOA demonstrated a fluffy and porous structure with various pore sizes and excellent regeneration capability (over six cycles). Its specific surface area exceeded that of CS-GOA and IL-GOA by more than 7 times, enhancing its polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) adsorption capacity. Within 5 min, IL-CS-GOA (1.0 mg) exhibited adsorption amounts of 539 ng mg-1 for 3-bromocarbazole (3-BCZ), 716 ng mg-1 for 2,7-dibromocarbazole (2,7-BCZ), and 798 ng mg-1 for 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole (1,3,6,8-BCZ), showcasing its rapid mass transfer and high adsorption capabilities. IL-CS-GOA was utilized as the adsorbent for glass dropper extraction (GDE) in conjunction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), to develop a highly efficient and accurate method for determining PHCZs in sediments. Under optimal conditions, the established method exhibited a wide linear range (0.4-250 ng g-1, r ≥ 0.9990), low detection limits (0.04-0.24 ng g-1), and satisfactory recoveries (80.5 %-93.8 %), enabling the accurate and rapid detection of PHCZs in sediment samples. This study presents a novel approach for creating three-dimensional porous aerogels, introduces a new form of sample pretreatment using GDE with a monolithic adsorbent, and offers a new method for the determination of PHCZs in environmental matrices.

Chronic exposure to 3,6-dichlorocarbazole exacerbates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in zebrafish by disrupting lipid metabolism and inducing special lipid biomarker accumulation

Most previous studies have focused primarily on the adverse effects of environmental chemicals on organisms of good healthy. Although global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has reached approximately 25%, the impact of environmentally persistent organic chemicals on organisms with NAFLD is substantially unknown. Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) as emerging contaminants have been frequently detected in the environment and organisms. In this study, we investigated the impact of the most frequently detected PHCZs, 3,6-dichlorocarbazole (36-CCZ), on zebrafish with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD. After 4 weeks exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of 36-CCZ (0.16-0.45 μg/L), the accumulation of lipid in zebrafish liver dramatically increased, and the transcription of genes involved in lipid synthesis, transport and oxidation was significantly upregulated, demonstrating that 36-CCZ had exacerbated the NAFLD in zebrafish. Lipidomic analysis indicated that 36-CCZ had significantly affected liver lipid metabolic pathways, mainly including glycerolipids and glycerophospholipids. Additionally, fifteen lipids were identified as potential lipid biomarkers for 36-CCZ exacerbation of NAFLD, including diacylglycerols (DGs), triglycerides (TGs), phosphatidylcholines (PCs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), phosphatidic acid (PA), and phosphatidylinositol (PI). These findings demonstrate that long-term exposure to 36-CCZ can promote the progression of NAFLD, which will contribute to raising awareness of the health risks of PHCZs.

Occurrence, distribution, and ecological risks of polyhalogenated carbazoles in sediments from Daya Bay and Pearl River Estuary, China

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are a group of emerging organic pollutants attracting increasing concern. In this study, 32 sediment samples were collected from the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) and adjacent Daya Bay (DYB) in China and were investigated for the occurrence and distribution of PHCZs. Total concentration of sedimentary PHCZs (∑PHCZs) ranged from 0.79 to 3.08 ng/g in PRE and 0.89 to 1.95 ng/g in DYB, both containing 3,6-dichlorocarbazole as the main component. Higher concentrations of ∑PHCZs were found in the rivers-mouth and inner part of the PRE indicating their main origins from anthropogenic activities. Notably, concentrations of brominated carbazoles (BCZs) gradually increased offshore, which suggests the potential bio-transformation of BCZs under a saline environment. The toxic equivalent of PHCZs was estimated at 0.13-0.34 pg TEQ/g suggesting limited dioxin-like effects on local organisms.

Enrichment and distribution of 3,6-dichlorocarbazole in red crucian carp (Carassius auratus) and its hepatotoxicity

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are a class of organohalogen compounds where the hydrogen atom on the carbazole ring is replaced by a halogen atom. In recent years, PHCZs have drawn increasing concern due to their persistence, dioxin-like toxicity, bioaccumulation, potential ecological hazards and widespread occurrence in the environment. Current research on the enrichment and depuration of PHCZs in biological tissues and organs is insufficient, and the liver toxicity is unclear. Herein, to understand the enrichment and elimination of 3,6-DCCZ in fish tissues and organs as well as the hepatotoxicity, we exposed the red crucian carp to 20 and 100 μg/L of 3,6-DCCZ for 20 days followed by a depuration period of 10 days. The 3,6-DCCZ enrichment in each organ tissue was classified from high to low: brain > liver, intestine, gill > muscle. For depuration, 3,6-DCCZ was quickly excreted in the various organs of the red crucian carp; however, the liver depuration was slow, with the concentration of 3,6-DCCZ was maintained at 0.25-0.35 μg/g. 3,6-DCCZ exposure at both tested concentrations induced oxidative stress in red crucian carp, causing lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, as well as some histopathological changes in the liver, such as cell vacuolization, nucleus pyknosis, nucleus pleomorphism, no nucleus areas. Additionally, the 3,6-DCCZ exposure at higher concentration (100 μg/L) caused more serious damage and abnormal lipid metabolism in the red crucian carp liver.

Exploring the adverse effects of 1,3,6,8-tetrabromo-9H-carbazole in atherosclerotic model mice by metabolomic profiling integrated with mechanism studies in vitro

Given its wide distribution in the environment and latent toxic effects, 1,3,6,8-tetrabromo-9H-carbazole (1368-BCZ) is an emerging concern that has gained increasing attention globally. 1368-BCZ exposure is reported to have potential cardiovascular toxicity. Although atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease and remains a primary cause of mortality worldwide, no evidence has been found regarding the impact of 1368-BCZ on atherosclerosis. Therefore, we aimed to explore the deleterious effects of 1368-BCZ on atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanisms. Serum samples from 1368-BCZ-treated atherosclerotic model mice were subjected to metabolomic profiling to investigate the adverse influence of the pollutant. Subsequently, the molecular mechanism associated with the metabolic pathway of atherosclerotic mice that was identified following 1368-BCZ exposure was validated in vitro. Serum metabolomics analysis revealed that 1368-BCZ significantly altered the tricarboxylic acid cycle, causing a disturbance in energy metabolism. In vitro, we further validated general markers of energy metabolism based on metabolome data: 1368-BCZ dampened adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, blocking the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) reversed the high production of ROS induced by 1368-BCZ. It is concluded that 1368-BCZ decreased the ATP synthesis by disturbing the energy metabolism, thereby stimulating the AhR-mediated ROS production and presumably causing aggravated atherosclerosis. This is the first comprehensive study on the cardiovascular toxicity and mechanism of 1368-BCZ based on rodent models of atherosclerosis and integrated with in vitro models.

Effects of exposure to 3,6-DBCZ on neurotoxicity and AhR pathway during early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are emerging environmental pollutants, yet limited information is available on their embryotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Therefore, the current work was performed to investigate the adverse effects of 3,6-dibromocarbazole (3,6-DBCZ), a typical PHCZs homolog, on the early life stages of zebrafish larvae. It revealed that the 96-hour post-fertilization (hpf) median lethal concentration (LC50) value of 3,6-DBCZ in zebrafish larvae was determined to be 0.7988 mg/L. Besides, 3,6-DBCZ reduced survival rates at concentrations ≥ 1 mg/L and decreased hatching rates at ≥ 0.25 mg/L at 48 hpf. In behavior tests, it inhibited locomotor activities and reduced the frequency of recorded acceleration states in response to optesthesia (a sudden bright light stimulus) at concentrations ≥ 160 μg/L. Meanwhile, 3,6-DBCZ exposure decreased the frequency of recorded acceleration states in the startle response (tapping mode) at concentrations ≥ 6.4 μg/L. Pathologically, with the transgenic zebrafish model (hb9-eGFP), we observed a strikingly decreased axon length and number in motor neurons after 3,6-DBCZ treatment, which may be ascribed to the activation of the AhR signaling pathway, as evidenced by the molecular docking analysis and Microscale thermophoresis (MST) assay suggested that 3,6-DBCZ binding to AhR-ARNT2 compound proteins. Through interaction with AhR-ARNT, a striking reduction of the anti-oxidative stress (sod1/2, nqo1, nrf2) and neurodevelopment-related genes (elavl3, gfap, mbp, syn2a) were observed after 3,6-DBCZ challenge, accompanied by a marked increased inflammatory genes (TNFβ, IL1β, IL6). Collectively, our findings reveal a previously unrecognized adverse effect of 3,6-DBCZ on zebrafish neurodevelopment and locomotor behaviors, potentially mediated through the activation of the AhR pathway. Furthermore, it provides direct evidence for the toxic concentrations of 3,6-DBCZ and the potential target signaling in zebrafish larvae, which may be beneficial for the risk assessment of the aquatic ecosystems.

Occurrence of polyhalogenated carbazoles and the combined effects with heavy metals on variation in bacterial communities in estuarine sediments

Carbazole (CZ) and eight polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) were quantified by GC-MS in sediments of 12 estuaries, the interface linking large industrial and living areas to the Bohai Sea, China. These pollutants, heavy metals, and environmental factors caused integrated exposure to sediment bacteria. Four PHCZ congeners were detectable, with ΣPHCZs ranging from 0.56 to 15.94 ng/g dw. The dominant congeners were 3,6-dichlorocarbazole (36-CCZ) and 3-chlorocarbazole (3-CCZ), with a mean contribution of 72.6 % and 20.2 %. Significant positive correlations were found between 36-CCZ and both total organic carbon and heavy metals. Redundancy analysis of microbial variation implicated no impacts from PHCZs. Correlation analysis demonstrated an increase in abundance of Rhodocyclaceae but a decrease in Bacteroides-acidifaciens-JCM-10556 with presence of PHCZs, suggesting that these bacteria can be used as potential contamination indicators. The combined exposure of heavy metals, nutrients, and PHCZs may also increase toxicity and biological availability, adversely affecting the ecosystem and human health.

Tissue-specific accumulation, depuration and histopathological effects of 3,6-dichlorocarbazole and 2,7-dibromocarbazole in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Although polyhalogenated carbazoles have been detected with increasing frequency in aquatic ecosystems, their bioaccumulation in fish and corresponding pathological effects related to bioaccumulation are still unclear. Here, we investigated the tissue-specific accumulation, depuration, and histopathological effects of two typical PHCZs, 3,6-dichlorocarbazole (36-CCZ) and 2,7-dibromocarbazole (27-BCZ), in adult zebrafish at three levels (0, 0.15 μg/L (5 × environmentally relevant level), and 50 μg/L (1/10 LC50). The lowest concentrations of 36-CCZ (1.2 μg/g ww) and 27-BCZ (1.4 μg/g ww) were observed in muscle, and the greatest concentrations of 36-CCZ (3.6 μg/g ww) and 27-BCZ (4 μg/g ww) were detected in intestine among the tested tissues. BCFww of 36-CCZ and 27-BCZ in zebrafish ranged from 172.9 (muscle) to 606.6 (intestine) and 285.2 (muscle) to 987.5 (intestine), respectively, indicating that both 36-CCZ and 27-BCZ have high potential of bioaccumulation in aquatic system. The 0.15 μg/L level of 36-CCZ or 27-BCZ caused lipid accumulation in liver, while 50 μg/L of 36-CCZ or 27-BCZ induced liver lesions such as fibrous septa, cytolysis, and nuclear dissolution. Brain damage such as multinucleated cells and nuclear solidification were only observed at 50 μg/L of 27-BCZ. This study provided valuable information in assessing the health and ecological risks of 36-CCZ and 27-BCZ.

Effects of the polyhalogenated carbazoles 3-bromocarbazole and 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole on soil microbial communities

Soil ecosystems are being more contaminated with polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), which raising much attention about their impact on soil microorganisms. 3-Bromocarbazole (3-BCZ) and 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole (1,3,6,8-TBCZ) are two typical PHCZs with high detection rates in the soil environment. However, ecological risk research on these two PHCZs in soil is still lacking. In the present study, after 80 days of exposure, the ecological influence of 3-BCZ and 1,3,6,8-TBCZ was investigated based on 16S rDNA sequencing, ITS sequencing, gene (16S rDNA, ITS, amoA, nifH, narG and cbbL) abundance and soil enzyme activity. The results showed that the bacterial 16S rDNA gene abundance significantly decreased under 3-BCZ and 1,3,6,8-TBCZ exposure after 80 days of incubation. The fungal ITS gene abundance significantly decreased under 1,3,6,8-TBCZ (10 mg/kg) exposure. PHCZs contributed to the alteration of bacteria and fungi community abundance. Bacteria Sphingomonas, RB41 and fungus Mortierella, Cercophora were identified as the most dominant genera. The two PHCZs consistently decreased the relative abundance of Sphingomonas, Lysobacter, Dokdonella, Mortierella and Cercophora etc at 80th day. These keystone taxa are related to the degradation of organic compounds, carbon metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism and may thus have influence on soil ecological functions. Bacterial and fungal functions were estimated using functional annotation of prokaryotic taxa (FAPROTAX) and fungi functional guild (FUNGuild), respectively. The nitrogen and carbon metabolism pathway were affected by 3-BCZ and 1,3,6,8-TBCZ. The soil nitrogen-related functions of aerobic ammonia oxidation were decreased but the soil carbon-related functions of methanol oxidation, fermentation, and hydrocarbon degradation were increased at 80th day. The effects of 3-BCZ and 1,3,6,8-TBCZ on the abundances of the amoA, nifH, narG, and cbbL genes showed a negative trend. These results elucidate the ecological effects of PHCZs and extend our knowledge on the structure and function of soil microorganisms in PHCZ-contaminated ecosystems.

In vitro, in vivo, and in silico evaluation of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist activity of 3,6-dibromocarbazole

3,6-Dibromocarbazole is a novel environmental contaminant which is currently detected in several environmental media worldwide. This work aims to investigate the anti-glucocorticoid potency and endocrine disrupting effects of 3,6-dibromocarbazole. In vitro experiments indicated that 3,6-dibromocarbazole possessed glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonistic activity and inhibited dexamethasone-induced GR nuclear translocation. 3,6-Dibromocarbazole reduced the expression levels of glucocorticoid responsive genes including glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), and further disrupted the protein expression of two key enzymes PEPCK and FAS in gluconeogenesis. In vivo experiments showed that 3,6-dibromocarbazole induced abnormal development of zebrafish embryos and disrupted the major neurohormones involved in activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis in zebrafish larvae. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation contributed to explain the antagonistic effect of 3,6-dibromocarbazole. Taken together, this work identified 3,6-dibromocarbazole as a GR antagonist, which might exert endocrine disrupting effects by interfering the pathway of gluconeogenesis.

Pollution characteristics, distribution, and source analysis of carbazole and polyhalogenated carbazoles in coastal areas of Bohai Bay, China

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are a class of emerging environmental contaminants formed by the substitution of hydrogen on carbazole (CZ) benzene rings with halogens (Cl, Br, I) with potential dioxin-like toxicity, and they have been frequently detected in various environmental media and organisms recently. Nevertheless, co-research of CZ/PHCZs with PAHs is very limited. In addition, I-PHCZs, which are believed to be much more toxic than CZ, Cl-PHCZs and Br-PHCZs, have a few data in sediments previously. The concentration and distribution of CZ/PHCZs and PAHs were analyzed in 18 surface sediments of Bohai Bay, China. There is a significant correlation (R = 0.64, P＜0.05) between PHCZs and PAHs, and principal component analysis (PCA) also indicating that they may have a certain similarity in origin. Additionally, total CZ and PHCZs was up to 230.57 ng/g dw in the studied samples, which was approximately 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than PAHs and other common persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The compositions of the CZ/PHCZs in our study were dominated by CZ (2.74-18.28, median 2.92 ng/g dw), 3,6-dichlorocarbazole (n.d-6.78, median 0.97 ng/g dw) and 3,6-iodocarbazole (n.d-12.68, median 1.65 ng/g dw). Results of this study discovered the varying origins of CZ and PHCZs and/or a complexity of anthropogenic influences and natural sources processes, and revealed a wide distribution of CZ/PHCZs across the studied. Moreover, more attention should be paid by comparing CZ/PHCZs with other widely distributed POPs.

PM2.5-bound polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) in urban Beijing, China: Occurrence and the source implication

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are recently raising much attention due to their toxicity and ubiquitous environmental distribution. However, little knowledge is known about their ambient occurrences and the potential source. In this study, we developed an analytical method based on GC-MS/MS to simultaneously determine 11 PHCZs in PM_2.5 from urban Beijing, China. The optimized method provided low method limit of quantifications (MLOQs, 1.45-7.39 fg/m³) and satisfied recoveries (73.4%-109.5%). This method was applied to analyze the PHCZs in the outdoor PM_2.5 (n = 46) and fly ash (n = 6) collected from 3 kinds of surrounding incinerator plants (steel plant, medical waste incinerator and domestic waste incinerator). The levels of ∑₁₁PHCZs in PM_2.5 ranged from 0.117 to 5.54 pg/m³ (median 1.18 pg/m³). 3-chloro-9H-carbazole (3-CCZ), 3-bromo-9H-carbazole (3-BCZ), and 3,6-dichloro-9H-carbazole (36-CCZ) were the dominant compounds, accounting for 93%. 3-CCZ and 3-BCZ were significantly higher in winter due to the high PM_2.5 concentration, while 36-CCZ was higher in spring, which may be related to the resuspending of surface soil. Furthermore, the levels of ∑₁₁PHCZs in fly ash ranged from 338 to 6101 pg/g. 3-CCZ, 3-BCZ and 36-CCZ accounted for 86.0%. The congener profiles of PHCZs between fly ash and PM_2.5 were highly similar, indicating that combustion process could be an important source of ambient PHCZs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research providing the occurrences of PHCZs in outdoor PM_2.5.

Industrial source identification of polyhalogenated carbazoles and preliminary assessment of their global emissions

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are emerging global pollutants found in environmental matrices, e.g., 3000 tonnes of PHCZs have been detected in the sediments of the Great Lakes. Recognition of PHCZ emissions from ongoing industrial activities worldwide is still lacking. Here, we identify and quantify PHCZ emissions from 13 large-scale industries, 12 of which previously have no data. Congener profiles of PHCZs from investigated industrial sources are clarified, which enables apportioning of PHCZ sources. Annual PHCZ emissions from major industries are estimated on the basis of derived emission factors and then mapped globally. Coke production is a prime PHCZ emitter of 9229 g/yr, followed by iron ore sintering with a PHCZ emission of 3237 g/yr. China, Australia, Japan, India, USA, and Russia are found to be significant emitters through these industrial activities. PHCZ pollution is potentially a global human health and environmental issue.

Insight into the formation of polyhalogenated carbazoles during seawater chlorination

Although polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) have been widely detected in the marine environment, their origin is far from clear. In this study, the formation of PHCZs in the chlorination of seawater containing carbazole and its derivatives was investigated. A total of 14 PHCZs including six commonly found and eight unknown congeners were identified in the chlorination of seawater with carbazole. In addition, this study for the first time demonstrated the production of common PHCZs from the chlorination of seawater with 3-methyl carbazole and 3-formyl carbazole, especially 1,8-dibromo-3,6-dichlorocarbazole from 3-methyl carbazole. The formation of PHCZs in the reaction resulted from the halogenation of carbazole by reactive chlorine species (RCS) and mainly reactive bromine species (RBS), forming from the oxidation of bromide by RCS. Results also indicated that the reaction followed a successive halogenation pattern. A higher content of free chlorine and bromide facilitated the generation of RBS, while a higher concentration of DOC exhibited an inhibitory effect. The effects of free chlorine, bromide, DOC, and temperature on the formation of PHCZs were congener-specific. Given the widespread use of chlorination in seawater disinfection, seawater chlorination might be a potential source of PHCZs in the marine environment.

Analysis of a novel strain Brevundimonas KX-1 capable of degrading 3-chlorocarbazole based on the whole genome sequence

In this study, a strain was isolated from a sewage treatment plant in Jiangsu Province, China. The strain was identified as Brevundimonas sp. KX-1. After 5 days, 50.2% 3-chlorocarbazole (3-CCZ) was degraded under the optimum condition as follows: 1 g/L starch, 30 °C, pH 6.5 and 50 mg/L 3-CCZ. The degradation of 3-CCZ by KX-1 conformed to the first-order kinetic model under different initial concentrations in this experiment. The intermediate product of 3-CCZ degradation was identified as (2E,4Z)-6-(2-amino-5-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoic acid. The activities of the meta-cleavage enzymes for biphenyl-2,3-diol (the analogs of intermediate product 2'-amino-5'-chloro-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2,3-diol) were measured with the crude extracts of cells grown in the presence of 3-CCZ. The complete genome of KX-1 was sequenced and compared with the Brevundimonas diminuta BZC3. BZC3 and KX-1 belonged to the same species, displaying the genetic similarity of 99%. But BZC3 could efficiently degrade gentamicin for the potential microbial function analysis. Compared with BZC3, KX-1 possessed the primary function annotations about transportation and metabolism of amino acids (6.65%) and the transportation and metabolism of carbohydrates (5.96%). In addition, KX-1 was rich in sucrose and starch metabolism pathways (ko00500) compared with the genome of BZC3, indicating the high efficiency of KX-1 for starch utilization during degradation. This article reveals the difference between strain KX-1 and bacteria of the same genus in terms of the whole genome sequence, demonstrating that KX-1 is a novel strain Brevundimonas with the ability to degrade 3-CCZ.

Production of Polyhalogenated Carbazoles in Marine Red Alga Corallina officinalis: A Possible Natural Source

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) have been increasingly detected in the environment as a result of anthropogenic and natural origin. However, it is unclear how PHCZs are naturally produced. In this study, the formation of PHCZs from bromoperoxidase (BPO)-mediated halogenation of carbazole was investigated. A total of six PHCZs were identified in reactions under different incubation conditions. The presence of Br^- significantly influenced the formation of PHCZs. The products were first dominated by 3-bromocarbazole and then 3,6-dibromocarbazole as the reactions proceeded. Both bromo- and chlorocarbazoles were identified in the incubations with trace Br^-, suggesting the co-occurrence of BPO-catalyzed bromination and chlorination. However, BPO-catalyzed chlorination of carbazole was much weaker than that of bromination. The formation of PHCZs could be attributable to the halogenation of carbazole by reactive halogen species generated from BPO-catalyzed oxidation of Br^- and Cl^- by H₂O₂. The halogenation was found to follow a successive substitution order of C-3, C-6, and C-1 on the carbazole ring, forming 3-, 3,6-, and 1,3,6-isomers. Similar to the incubation experiments, six PHCZs were for the first time detected in red algal samples collected from the South China Sea, China, suggesting the biogenesis of PHCZs in marine red algae. Given the widespread distribution of red algae in the marine environment, BPO-catalyzed halogenation of carbazole may be a natural origin for PHCZs.

Sediment-water distribution and potential sources of polyhalogenated carbazoles in a coastal river locating at a north metropolis, China

The fate and transformation of PHCZs in the coastal river environment are not yet comprehensively understood. Paired river water and surface sediment were collected, and 12 PHCZs were analyzed to find out their potential sources and investigate the distribution of PHCZs between river water and sediment. The concentration of ∑PHCZs varied from 8.66 to 42.97 ng/g (mean 22.46 ng/g) in sediment and 17.91 to 81.82 ng/L (mean 39.07 ng/L) in river water. 18-B-36-CCZ was the dominant PHCZ congener in sediment, while 36-CCZ was in water. Meanwhile, the logK_oc values for CZ and PHCZs were among the first calculated in the estuary and the mean logK_oc varied from 4.12 for 1-B-36-CCZ to 5.63 for 3-CCZ. The logK_oc values of CCZs were higher than those of BCZs, this may suggest that sediments have a higher capacity for accumulation and storage of CCZs than highly mobile environmental media.

Spatial and temporal distribution of polyhalogenated carbazoles in sediments from the Yangtze River estuary and adjacent East China Sea

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) have been increasingly detected in marine sediment, raising concerns in recent years. In this study, sediment samples (42 surface and one core) were collected from the Yangtze River estuary and the adjacent East China Sea, and eleven PHCZs and unsubstituted carbazole were measured. The total concentration of PHCZs in surface sediments ranged from 0.19 to 2.49 ng/g dry weight (d.w.) (median 1.03 ng/g d. w.). The congener compositions of PHCZs in the surface sediment were dominated by 3,6-dichlorocarbazole (36-CCZ, 53.2%), followed by 3-chlorocarbazole (14.9%) and 3,6-dibromocarbazole (36-BCZ, 11.8%). Carbazole in the surface sediment ranged from not detected to 9.89 ng/g (median 1.25 ng/g), with a detection frequency of 81.0%. The spatial distribution of 36-CCZ in surface sediments exhibited a clear decline from the coast to offshore, while 36-BCZ showed the opposite trend. The depth profile of 36-CCZ was maintained at a relatively low and stable concentration (about 0.36 ng/g) in core segments from 1903 to 1951, followed by a steady increase to 1.5 ng/g in 2006. This increase coincides with the industrial and agricultural development in China that began in the 1950s. In contrast, the other detected PHCZs and carbazole maintained stable, low concentrations over time. These spatial and temporal patterns suggest that 36-CCZ in this area is predominantly from anthropogenic sources, while 36-BCZ has a natural origin. Toxic equivalent estimations indicated that dioxin-like effects for the observed PHCZs were low. These results provide useful information for understanding the origin of PHCZs and carbazole in this area.

Polyhalogenated carbazoles in indoor dust from Hangzhou, China

Carbazoles (CZ) and polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), showing dioxin-like toxicity, have gained increasing attention in recent years as novel persistent organic pollutants. However, the occurrence of these chemicals in indoor dust from China remains not well known. In this study, CZ and 11 chloro/bromo CZs were analyzed in indoor dust samples collected from residential houses in rural (n = 51) and urban (n = 55) regions of Hangzhou, China. CZ was detected in all indoor dust samples, with the concentrations of 0.81-18 ng/g (mean 5.4 ng/g). All 11 measured PHCZs were detected in indoor dust samples, showing the detection frequency of 7.3-96 %. This means that general populations had wide exposure to CZ and PHCZs through indoor dust ingestion. 3,6-dichlorocarbzole (36-CCZ) and 3,6-dibromocarbazole (36-BCZ) were the predominant PHCZs in indoor dust, having comparable mean concentrations of 1.2 ng/g, followed by 3-monobromocarbazole (3-BCZ; mean 0.66 ng/g, range < LOD-2.1 ng/g) and 1,3,6-tribromocarbazole (136-BCZ; 0.36 ng/g, < LOD-1.0 ng/g). Indoor dust concentrations of 3-BCZ, 36-BCZ, and 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole in urban regions were significantly (p ≤ 0.01-0.035) higher than that in rural regions. Daily intakes (DIs) of CZ and PHCZs through indoor dust ingestion were estimated for general Chinese population. Among PHCZs, 36-CCZ and 36-BCZ (mean 1.4-3.4 pg/kg bw/day) had the highest mean DIs, followed by 3-BCZ (0.77-1.9 pg/kg bw/day) and 136-BCZ (0.42-1.0 pg/kg/day). To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the concentrations of CZ and PHCZs in indoor dust from China, which contributes to the better understanding of the sources of human exposure to CZ and PHCZs.

Carbazole and polyhalogenated carbazoles in the marine environment around the Zhoushan Archipelago: Distribution characteristics, environmental behavior, and sources

The distribution characteristics and drivers of carbazole (CZ) and polyhalogenated carbazoles are still poorly understood. In this study, 96 samples were collected around the Zhoushan Archipelago, and their distribution characteristics were assessed. The results showed that CZ, 36-CCZ, and 36-BCZ were the top three abundant congeners in most collected samples. The bioaccumulation analysis revealed that marine plants prefer to accumulate CZ and bromocarbazoles rather than chlorocarbazoles. Both the mean concentrations of total carbazole and its derivants (ΣCZDs), as well as individual congeners, are the highest in sediments around the berthing areas of cargo ships and oil tankers. Meanwhile, ΣCZDs of these sediments are significantly influenced by the geo-weighted displacement of ships (r = 0.61; p < 0.05), indicating the ballast water from these ships as potential contributor for marine CZDs. Moreover, the accumulation of CZ in plankton, planktonic origin of sedimentary organic matter, and relationship between CZ and C/N ratio (p < 0.05) in sediments support the scenario that plankton absorbs and takes CZ into the sediments. These findings will promote the understanding of the sources, environmental behaviors, and fates of marine CZDs.

Naturally Occurring Organohalogen Compounds-A Comprehensive Review

The present volume is the third in a trilogy that documents naturally occurring organohalogen compounds, bringing the total number-from fewer than 25 in 1968-to approximately 8000 compounds to date. Nearly all of these natural products contain chlorine or bromine, with a few containing iodine and, fewer still, fluorine. Produced by ubiquitous marine (algae, sponges, corals, bryozoa, nudibranchs, fungi, bacteria) and terrestrial organisms (plants, fungi, bacteria, insects, higher animals) and universal abiotic processes (volcanos, forest fires, geothermal events), organohalogens pervade the global ecosystem. Newly identified extraterrestrial sources are also documented. In addition to chemical structures, biological activity, biohalogenation, biodegradation, natural function, and future outlook are presented.

Effects of the emerging contaminant 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole on the NF-κB and correlated mechanism in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

1,3,6,8-Tetrabromocarbazole (1368-BCZ) is identified as an emerging contaminant that exerts angiogenic effects. Multiple studies indicated there was a positive correlation between angiogenesis and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. While the role of NF-κB in inflammation and apoptosis has been well known, the potential biological effects of 1368-BCZ on NF-κB signaling and related mechanism remain unclear. We, therefore, explored the possible effects of 1368-BCZ on the NF-κB pathway at the gene and protein levels and confirmed that NF-κB activation by 1368-BCZ exposure caused an augmented phosphorylated protein level, induction of NF-κB response element (κBRE)-driven luciferase activity and upregulation of transcriptional level of downstream responsive genes. Although 1368-BCZ did not produce detectable changes in hepatic fibrosis in vivo, it obviously altered the apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Furthermore, the induction of apoptosis was confirmed by the increased cleaved caspase-3 level. These data revealed the activating effects of 1368-BCZ on NF-κB and its involvement in the underlying mechanisms, providing additional information for toxicology studies of emerging contaminants and introducing a mechanism-based toxicological evaluation of emerging pollutants.

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) induce cardiotoxicity and behavioral changes in zebrafish at early developmental stages

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are widely present in the environment, and their health risks are of increasing concern. Available studies primarily confirm their dioxin-like toxicity mechanism based on biomarkers, such as aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and CYP1A1, while few studies have investigated their actual toxic effects at the level of individual organisms. In the present study, the developmental toxicity of two typical PHCZs with a high detection rate and high concentration in the environment (3,6-dichlorocarbazol (3,6-DCCZ) and 3,6-dibromocarbazole (3,6-DBCZ)) was investigated based on a fish embryo acute toxicity test (FET, zebrafish) and transcriptomics analysis. The 96 h LC₅₀ values of 3,6-DCCZ and 3,6-DBCZ were 0.636 mg/L and 1.167 mg/L, respectively. Both tested PHCZs reduced the zebrafish heart rate and blocked heart looping at concentrations of 0.5 mg/L or higher. The swimming/escaping behavior of zebrafish larvae was more vulnerable to 3,6-DBCZ than 3,6-DCCZ. Transcriptomics assays showed that multiple pathways linked to organ development, immunization, metabolism and protein synthesis were disturbed in PHCZ-exposed fish, which might be the internal mechanism of the adverse effects. The present study provides evidence that PHCZs cause cardiac developmental toxicity and behavioral changes and improves our understanding of their health risks.

Method development for determination of polyhalogenated carbazoles in industrial waste through gas chromatography/triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are dioxin-like compounds that are ubiquitous in the environment. However, their unintentional emissions from industrial sources have received little attention and there is no method available for determination of PHCZs in industrial waste. This research develops a method for determination of PHCZs in industrial waste.

METHODS

In this research, a glass column packed with activated silica serves as a rapid and efficient clean-up pretreatment for purification. An isotope dilution gas chromatography/triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method was established for simultaneous determination of eleven PHCZs in industrial samples.

RESULTS

The regression coefficients of the standard curves for the congeners were all >0.99. The method detection limit ranged from 1.46 to 3.82 ng/mL for liquid samples and from 0.009 to 0.021 ng/g for solid samples. The precision described by the relative standard deviation ranged from 2.4% to 18.4% for liquid samples and from 5.5% to 35.8% for solid samples. The recovery ranges for the liquid and solid samples were 82%-123% and 83%-137%, respectively. 3-Chlorocarbazole (3-CCZ) and 36-dichlorocarbazole (36-CCZ) can be detected in both chemical bottom liquid from vinyl chloride production and fly ash from medical waste incineration by this method.

CONCLUSIONS

An efficient method is established for determination of PHCZs from industrial waste. The discovery of 3-CCZ and 36-CCZ highlights the importance of identification of potential industrial sources of PHCZs and clarification of their contribution to environmental risks. Our method could be applied to investigate industrial emission of PHCZs.

Theoretical Perspectives on the Gas-Phase Oxidation Mechanism and Kinetics of Carbazole Initiated by OH Radical in the Atmosphere

Carbazole is one of the typical heterocyclic aromatic compounds (NSO-HETs) observed in polluted urban atmosphere, which has become a serious environmental concern. The most important atmospheric loss process of carbazole is the reaction with OH radical. The present work investigated the mechanism of OH-initiated atmospheric oxidation degradation of carbazole by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the M06-2X/6-311++G(3df,2p)//M06-2X/6-311+G(d,p) level. The rate constants were determined by the Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) theory. The lifetime of carbazole determined by OH was compared with other typical NSO-HETs. The theoretical results show that the degradation of carbazole initiated by OH radical includes four types of reactions: OH additions to “bend” C atoms, OH additions to “benzene ring” C atoms, H abstractions from C-H bonds and the H abstraction from N-H bond. The OH addition to C1 atom and the H abstraction from N-H bond are energetically favorable. The main oxidation products are hydroxycarbazole, dialdehyde, carbazolequinone, carbazole-ol, hydroxy-carbazole-one and hydroperoxyl-carbazole-one. The calculated overall rate constant of carbazole oxidation by OH radical is 6.52 × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 and the atmospheric lifetime is 37.70 h under the condition of 298 K and 1 atm. The rate constant of carbazole determined by OH radical is similar with that of dibenzothiophene oxidation but lower than those of pyrrole, indole, dibenzofuran and fluorene. This work provides a theoretical investigation of the oxygenated mechanism of NSO-HETs in the atmosphere and should help to clarify their potential health risk for determining the reaction pathways and environmental influence of carbazole.

Occurrence and distribution of polyhalogenated carbazoles in eastern Tibetan Plateau soils along the slope of Mt. Qionglai

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs), are considered as potential persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which have been frequently detected in the environment. However, the altitudinal distribution characteristics and possible sources of PHCZs in high mountain soils are still unknown. The present study was the first to analyze PHCZs in soil samples collected along the eastern slope of Mt. Qionglai (MQ), the east edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The concentration of ΣPHCZs (based on dry weight) ranges from 14.4 to 107 ng/g (median value of 40.9), which was at high end of the range reported in soils and sediments to date in the literature. The composition profiles of PHCZs in the soils of MQ were dominated by 3,6-dichlorocarbazole (36-CCZ), 3-chlorocarbazole (3-CCZ), and 2-bromocarbazole (2-BCZ). The mean TOC-normalized concentrations of ΣPHCZs in soil samples from below-treeline (2092 ng/g TOC) were higher than those from alpine meadow (1124 ng/g TOC), probably due to the forest filter effect. The decreasing trend of the PHCZs TOC-normalized concentrations with altitude shows that accumulation of PHCZs from the alpine meadow samples was not affected by the mountain cold-trapping effect. Significantly positive correlations were observed between the concentrations of more than half of detected PHCZ congeners and TOC. In addition, PHCZs show the potential to represent a class of POPs with the frequent occurrence and wide distribution, as the abundance and environmental behavior of PHCZs are similar to some POPs in MQ.

HIF-1alpha/VEGF pathway mediates 1,3,6,8-tetrabromo-9 H-carbazole-induced angiogenesis: a potential vascular toxicity of an emerging contaminant

The dioxin-like substances polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) may trigger the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathway. Although the crosstalk between AhR and the hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) pathways is generally believed to occur, the exact mechanisms of the HIF-1 pathway in PHCZ toxicity have not been determined. We aimed to elucidate the effect of PHCZs on the HIF-1 pathway and its involvement in the regulation of target genes of HIF-1. Herein, we employed human HepG2 cells transiently transfected with a hypoxia response element (HRE) luciferase reporter to identify PHCZs that could influence HIF-1 pathway. We found that exposure to one of the four selected PHCZs, specifically 1,3,6,8-tetrabromo-9 H-carbazole (1368-BCZ), induced a significant enhancement of the activity of HRE activity. In silico data supported 1368-BCZ-induced HIF-1α activity preferentially. Moreover, 1368-BCZ significantly upregulated the expression of HIF-1 target genes, including endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and erythropoietin. Importantly, the stimulated secretion of VEGF by 1368-BCZ promoted the angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Therefore, the present experimental and computational studies provide new and direct evidence of 1368-BCZ - HIF-1 interaction, which sheds light on the HIF-mediated cardiovascular toxicity and allows a knowledge-based risk assessment of emerging pollutants.

Degradation of 3-chlorocarbazole in water by sulfidated zero-valent iron/peroxymonosulfate system: Kinetics, influential factors, degradation products and pathways

As an emerging class of organic contaminants, polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) have been increasingly detected all over the world since 1980s. Due to the environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and dioxin-like toxicity, PHCZs have aroused widespread concerns in recent years. However, efficient approach for the degradation of PHCZs is quite limited so far. Therefore, in this study, an advanced oxidation process (AOP), sulfidated zero-valent iron/peroxymonosulfate (S-ZVI/PMS) system was used to degrade 3-chlorocarbazole (3-CCZ), which is one of the mostly detected PHCZs congeners. The degradation of 3-CCZ was systematically studied under different conditions by varying the molar ratio of S/Fe, the dosage of S-ZVI or PMS, pH and temperature. The results indicated that S-ZVI/PMS was an effective strategy for PHCZs treatment. The 20-min degradation efficiency of 3-CZZ was up to 96.6% with the pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.168 min^-1 under the conditions of 5 mg/L 3-CZZ, 0.3 g/L S-ZVI (S/Fe = 0.2), 1.0 mM PMS, pH 5.8 and 25 °C. HCO₃^-, Cl^- and humic acid (HA) showed inhibitory effects to different degrees. Results of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and scavenging experiments clarified the dominant role of •OH, followed by ¹O₂ and SO₄^•─. The product analysis and DFT calculation revealed three degradation pathways of 3-CCZ, namely hydroxylation, dechlorination and C-N bond cleavage, which largely alleviated the toxicity of the parent compound. This study showed the effectiveness of S-ZVI/PMS system in PHCZs treatment and provided a comprehensive investigation on the degradation behaviors of PHCZs in AOPs.

Isolation and identification of 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole - degrading bacteria

Halogenated carbazoles are a new class of persistent organic pollutants with dioxin-like toxicity, and this study focused on the microbial degradation of 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole. In this study, a novel 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole (1,3,6,8-TBCZ) degrading strain TB-1 was isolated from contaminated soil and identified as Achromobacter sp. based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. The soil sample was collected from a pharmaceutical factory in Suzhou, China. The strain was able to effectively degrade 1 mg L^-1 1,3,6,8-TBCZ in 7 d at pH 7.0 and 30 °C with 80% degradation rate. During the process, the intermediate metabolites were identified as Tribromocarbazole, dibromocarbazole and bromocarbazole via gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results indicated that strain TB-1 may contribute to the bioremediation of polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCs) in contaminated environment.

Effects of 3,6-dichlorocarbazole on microbial ecology and its degradation in soil

The emerging contaminants polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) have been verified to be present in soils and sediments globally, and they show dioxin-like toxicity. However, there is a lack of soil ecological risk assessments on PHCZs despite their high detection rate and concentration in soils. The present study investigated the degradation and soil microbial influence of 3,6-dichlorocarbazole (3,6-DCCZ, a frequently detected PHCZ) in soil. The results showed that the half-lives of 3,6-DCCZ at concentrations of 0.100 mg/kg and 1.00 mg/kg were 7.75 d and 16.73 d, respectively. We found that 3,6-DCCZ was transformed into 3-chlorocarbazole (3-CCZ) by dehalogenation in soil. Additionally, intermediate products with higher molecular weights were detected, presumably because the -H on the carbazole ring was replaced by -CH₃, -CH₂-O-CH₃, or -CH₂-O-CH₂CH₃. 3,6-DCCZ exposure slightly increased the soil bacterial abundance and diversity and clearly changed the soil bacterial community structure. Through a comprehensive analysis of FAPROTAX, functional gene qPCR and soil enzyme tests, we concluded that 3,6-DCCZ exposure inhibited nitrification and nitrogen fixation but promoted denitrification, carbon dioxide fixation and hydrocarbon degradation processes in soil. This study provides valuable data for clarifying the PHCZ ecological risk in soil.

Occurrence, bioaccumulation and potential risk of polyhalogenated carbazoles in marine organisms from the East China Sea

As well-known emergent environmental contaminants, polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) have recently received increasing attention. In this study, we investigated the concentrations of carbazole (CZ) and PHCZs in 70 marine organisms from the East China Sea (ECS). CZ and 9-11 PHCZs were detected in organisms from the ECS, with concentrations in the range of 0.75-33 ng/g lipid weight, lw and 4.3-113 ng/g lw, respectively. Among the PHCZs, there were 3-4 major components in zooplankton, fish, shrimp, crabs, snails and shellfish, and the sum of these major components accounted for 59% to 67% of ∑PHCZs. The bioaccumulation potentials of 1,3,6,8-tetrachlorocarbazole (1368-CCZ) and 3-chlorocarbazole (3-CCZ) from water were observed. The logarithmic bioaccumulation factor (logBAF) values of the CZ and PHCZs increased significantly with increasing logK_OW values (R = 0.449-0.784, p < 0.01). The trophic magnification factor (TMF) values of the CZ, 9 PHCZs and ∑PHCZs were calculated to be 3.32, 1.87-4.06 and 2.36, respectively, indicating the potential biomagnification of the CZ and PHCZs in the zooplankton-shrimp-fish food web. The toxic equivalents (TEQs) of PHCZs in organisms from the ECS were in the range of 0.78-36 pg TEQ/g lw. Overall, for the first time, this study systematically examined the occurrence, bioaccumulation and potential risk of PHCZs in the marine food web of the East China Sea.

Hepatic Fatty Acid Profiles Associated with Exposure to Emerging and Legacy Halogenated Contaminants in Two Harbor Seal Populations across the North Atlantic

Fatty acids (FAs) have been extensively used as indicators of foraging ecology in marine mammals, yet their association with exposure to contaminants has rarely been investigated. The present study provided the first characterization of the relationship between hepatic FA profiles and exposure to a suite of contaminants in a sentinel species─the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina)─from the Gulf of Maine and the south coast of Sweden. FA profiles differed in the two seal populations, and the levels of legacy and alternative brominated flame retardants and polyhalogenated carbazoles were significantly elevated in Maine seals. Correlations between individual FAs and multiple flame retardants (FRs) and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were found in seals from both populations. Moreover, several FR and PFAS chemicals were significantly associated with the estimated desaturating enzyme activity inferred from the FA profiles. The ratios of poly to monounsaturated FAs (∑PUFAs/∑MUFAs) and those of unsaturated to saturated FAs (∑UFAs/∑SFAs) were significantly associated with HBBZ, PFHxS, or BDE 47 in seals from Maine and Sweden, whereas ∑n - 6/∑n - 3 PUFAs was significantly associated with BDE 154 and 36-CCZ in Swedish and Maine seals, respectively. Our results suggest the lipid metabolism-disrupting potential of these contaminants in marine mammals and warrant continuous biomonitoring and risk assessment, considering the critical role of PUFAs in vital biological processes.

Occurrence and potential sources of polyhalogenated carbazoles in farmland soils from the Three Northeast Provinces, China

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) have been detected in various environments frequently and have attracted increasing attention for their multiple toxicities. However, only a few reports record the occurrence of PHCZs in farmland soils, and the sources of which were not yet been implemented. In this study, 12 PHCZs and carbazole (CZ) were screened in farmland soil samples from the Three Northeast Provinces, and the ∑PHCZs were in the range of 18.16-219.67 ng/g dw. 36-CCZ was the dominant congener (40.67%) in farmland soils, followed by 3-CCZ (14.51%), and average percentages of other congeners were lower than 10%. A concrete analysis of the sources of PHCZs in the soil was conducted, revealing the diversity of PHCZs sources. Potential toxic effects associated with the levels of PHCZs were evaluated via the toxic equivalency (TEQ) approach, and the TEQs of PHCZs (TEQ^PHCZs) were in the range of 2.24-14.06 pg TEQ/g dw. Notwithstanding the 1368-CCZ with a low concentration level, the mean contribution to TEQ^PHCZs was up to 24.24%, preceded only by 36-CCZ (39.69%), showing the congeners with low concentration also may pose potential risks to the environment. Partial PHCZs congeners (2-BCZ, 3-BCZ, 36-CCZ, 136-BCZ, and 2367-BCZ) showed significant correlations (r = 0.45-0.63, p < 0.05) with the total organic carbon (TOC). Significant correlations were shown between PHCZ congeners replaced by halogens of the same species and quantity (r = 0.40-0.99, p < 0.01). In view of the fact that the high concentration level of PHCZs in the soil and their source diversity, more environmental monitoring and risk assessments of PHCZs should be of particular concern.

Synthesis of Indigo-Dyes from Indole Derivatives by Unspecific Peroxygenases and Their Application for In-Situ Dyeing

Tyrian purple (also known as royal or imperial purple) is the oldest known commercial pigment and still one of the most expensive dyes, often associated with the wardrobes of clergy and royalty. It is a brominated derivative of indigo, a natural dye that has been used since 4000 BC. Moreover, just recently, the therapeutic value of indigoids for the treatment of several disorders was discovered. The manufacturing of indigo derivatives by the existing chemical routes has become increasingly uninteresting due to the use of aggressive reagents, expensive starting materials and high-energy costs. Thus, both dyestuff manufacturers and the pharmaceutical industry are interested in the development of gentle preparation methods of indigoids from simple precursors. Here, we describe a simple enzymatic method for the one-step synthesis of Tyrian purple and other indigo derivatives with fungal peroxygenases (UPO, EC 1.11.2.1). The reaction does not require complex co-substrates and works well in phosphate buffers with H2O2 (<0.1 wt%) and less than 5% (v/v) acetonitrile as co-solvent. We demonstrate the scaling up of the reaction to 10 Liters and established thereupon an environmentally friendly combined synthesis and in-situ dyeing process, further simplifying the manufacturing of vat-dyed fabrics. Eventually, we screened a number of halogen-substituted indoles in the search for novel indigo derivatives, which may be of interest for pharmaceutical and/or dyeing purposes.

Polyhalogenated carbazoles in freshwater and estuarine sediment from China and the United States: A multi-regional study

The present study represents a multi-regional investigation of polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) contamination in estuarine and freshwater systems from the United States and China. Although recent studies have suggested that PHCZs are persistent and bioaccumulative, available data are not sufficient to understand their large-scale spatial and temporal distributions in the environment. The present study investigated spatial distributions of PHCZs in surface sediment from multiple freshwater and estuarine systems located in China and the United States (U.S.) during the period of 2012-2017, as well as temporal distributions from vertical trends in selected sediment cores. The results demonstrated large variations of PHCZ contamination across regions, with median concentrations of ΣPHCZs in surface sediment ranging from 3.1 to 134 ng/g. Profiles of PHCZ congener composition also exhibited regional variations and estuarine-freshwater differences. These differences likely reflect the relative contributions of different natural and industrial sources among the locations. Vertical profiles of concentrations and compositions in one Chinese estuarine sediment core and two freshwater sediment cores from the U.S. all demonstrated clear anthropogenic influences to varying degrees. Toxic equivalents (TEQ) of PHCZs were estimated based on their dioxin-like activities, which ranged from <0.001 to 4.94 pg TEQ/g in all sites. The results suggest that PHCZs could add additional ecological risks to the benthos and other aquatic organisms. Our findings constitute an essential contribution to the knowledge body of PHCZ contamination in global aquatic systems and congener-specific contamination characterizations.

Occurrence and partitioning of polyhalogenated carbazoles in seawater and sediment from East China Sea

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) have received great concern due to their environmental persistence and potential dioxin-like toxicities. Their presence in the marine sediment had been well characterized, but limited studies had investigated their environmental behaviors in the marine environment. In this study, we collected paired seawater (n = 48) and surface sediment samples (n = 48) from East China Sea and analyzed for carbazole (CZ) and 11 PHCZs to investigate the occurrence and spatial distribution of CZ and PHCZs in seawater and sediment, as well as to explore the partitioning behaviors of CZ and PHCZs between seawater and sediment. In seawater samples, CZ and nine PHCZs were detected, with the concentrations of ∑PHCZs ranging from 0.21 to 11 ng/L (mean 2.7 ng/L). CZ (94%), 3-CCZ (89%), 1368-CCZ (65%), and 36-CCZ (57%) had relatively higher detection frequencies. Among PHCZs, 36-CCZ (mean 1.1 ng/L) had the highest mean seawater concentration, followed by 3-CCZ (0.51 ng/L) and 1368-CCZ (0.19 ng/L). In sediment, CZ and 11 PHCZs were detected, with the concentrations of ∑PHCZs ranged from 0.34 to 2.0 ng/g (mean 1.0 ng/g). CZ, 3-CCZ, 3-BCZ, 36-CCZ, 27-BCZ, and 36-BCZ were measurable in all sediment samples, and 36-CCZ was the predominant PHCZ (0.47 ng/g, 0.025-1.1 ng/g), followed by 1368-BCZ (0.16 ng/g, <LOD-0.29 ng/g) and 3-BCZ (0.11 ng/g, 0.016-0.33 ng/g). This study first calculated the field-based log K_oc values for CZ and PHCZs in marine environment. CZ (mean 2.8, range 1.4-3.6) had the highest log K_oc value, followed by 36-CCZ (2.7, 1.7-3.8), 1-B-36-CCZ (2.7, 2.3-3.1), and 36-BCZ (2.5, 2.2-2.9). The results of study may contribute to the better understanding of the environmental occurrence and behaviors of these chemicals in the marine environment.

Occurrence and distribution of polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCs) in sediments from the northern South China Sea

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCs) have been frequently detected in various environments and have gained increasing attention due to their dioxin-like toxicity. In this study, 28 surface sediments and three sediment cores were collected from the northern South China Sea (SCS) to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution trends of PHCs. The total concentrations of PHCs in the surface sediments ranged from 0.25 ng/g to 3.10 ng/g, with a median concentration of 1.50 ng/g. The composition profiles of PHCs in the surface sediments were dominated by 3,6-dichlorocarbazole (36-CCZ), 3,6-dibromocarbazole (36-BCZ), and 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole (1368-BCZ). The total organic carbon (TOC) based concentrations of 36-CCZ, 1-bromo-3,6-dichlorocarbazole, 1,3,6,8-tetrachlorocarbazole, and 1368-BCZ showed significant positive correlation with water depth (r = 0.58-0.88, p values < 0.01). On the contrary, the TOC based concentration of 2,3,6,7-tetrachlorocarbazole displayed a significant negative correlation with the water depth (r = -0.52, p < 0.01). However, no significant correlation was observed for 3-chlorocarbazole, 36-BCZ, and 1,3,6-tribromocarbazole (p values > 0.05). PHCs in sediment cores showed that congener profiles and concentrations of PHCs remained largely stable throughout the 1890s and 2010s. In addition, all the detected PHCs displayed a significant positive correlation with TOC content of the sediments. These unique spatial and temporal distribution patterns suggest that both terrigenous and natural marine sources contributed the observed PHCs in sediments of the northern SCS.

Environmental behavior and safety of polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs): A review

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are well-known as emergent environmental contaminants. Given their wide distribution in the environment and structural similarity with dioxins and dioxin-like chemicals (DLCs), the environmental behavior and ecological risks of these chemicals have become the major issue concerned by the governments and scientists. Since the initial report of PHCZ residues in the environment in the 1980s, over 20 PHCZ congeners with different residual levels had been identified in various environmental media all over the world. Nevertheless, researches concerning the toxicological effects of PHCZs are of an urgent need for the relatively lagging study of their ecological risks. Currently, only limited evidence has indicated that PHCZs would pose dioxin-like toxicity, including developmental toxicity, cardiotoxicity, etc; and their toxicological effects were partially consistent with AhR activation. And yet, much remains to be done to fill in the knowledge gaps of their toxicological effects. In this review, the research progresses in environmental behavior and toxicology study of PHCZs were remarked; and the lack of current research, as well as future research prospects, were discussed.