Characterization of leachates from waste landfill sites in a religious camp along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Nigeria and its hepatotoxicity in rats

Ecotoxicological impacts of landfill sites: Towards risk assessment, mitigation policies and the role of artificial intelligence

Waste disposal in landfills remains a global concern. Despite technological developments, landfill leachate poses a hazard to ecosystems and human health since it acts as a secondary reservoir for legacy and emerging pollutants. This study provides a systematic and scientometric review of the nature and toxicity of pollutants generated by landfills and means of assessing their potential risks. Regarding human health, unregulated waste disposal and pathogens in leachate are the leading causes of diseases reported in local populations. Both in vitro and in vivo approaches have been employed in the ecotoxicological risk assessment of landfill leachate, with model organisms ranging from bacteria to birds. These studies demonstrate a wide range of toxic effects that reflect the complex composition of leachate and geographical variations in climate, resource availability and management practices. Based on bioassay (and other) evidence, categories of persistent chemicals of most concern include brominated flame retardants, per- and polyfluorinated chemicals, pharmaceuticals and alkyl phenol ethoxylates. However, the emerging and more general literature on microplastic toxicity suggests that these particles might also be problematic in leachate. Various mitigation strategies have been identified, with most focussing on improving landfill design or leachate treatment, developing alternative disposal methods and reducing waste volume through recycling or using more sustainable materials. The success of these efforts will rely on policies and practices and their enforcement, which is seen as a particular challenge in developing nations and at the international (and transboundary) level. Artificial intelligence and machine learning afford a wide range of options for evaluating and reducing the risks associated with leachates and gaseous emissions from landfills, and various approaches tested or having potential are discussed. However, addressing the limitations in data collection, model accuracy, real-time monitoring and our understanding of environmental impacts will be critical for realising this potential.

A comprehensive overview on solid waste leachate effects on terrestrial organisms

Leachate is a highly complex waste with high toxicological potential that poses a significant threat to the terrestrial environment. Determining leachate physicochemical parameters and identifying xenobiotics alone is, however, not enough to determine the real environmental impacts. In this context, the use of terrestrial model organisms has been highlighted as a tool in ecotoxicological leachate assessments and as a guiding principle in risk assessments. In this context, this review aimed to present the most current state of knowledge concerning leachate toxicity and the bioassays employed in this evaluation concerning terrestrial plants and animals. To this end, a literature search on leachate effects on terrestrial organisms was carried out using ten search terms, in 32 different combinations, at the Web of Science and Scopus databases. A total of 74 eligible articles were selected. The retrieved studies analyzed 42 different plant and animal species and employed nine endpoints, namely phytotoxicity, genotoxicity, bioaccumulation, antioxidant system, cytotoxicity, reproduction, physiological changes, behavior and lethality. A frequent association of toxic leachate effects with metals was observed, mainly Pb, Cd, Cr, Mg, Zn and Cr, which can cause antioxidant system alterations and cyto- and genotoxicity. These elements have also been associated to reproductive effects in earthworms and mice. Specifically concerning plants, most of the retrieved studies employed Allium cepa in toxicity assays, reporting phytotoxic effects frequently associated to metals and soil parameter changes. Animal studies, on the other hand, mostly employed mice and evaluated genotoxicity and antioxidant system effects. Even with the description of toxic leachate effects in both plants and animals, a lack of knowledge is still noted concerning reproductive, physiological, cytotoxic, and behavioral effects in terrestrial species. We, thus, suggest that further studies be carried out on other animals, advancing our understanding on potential environmental leachate effects, also allowing for human health risk assessments.

Biomarker response index in earthworms following chronic exposure to leachate from a closed dumpsite: Behavioral, cytotoxicity and antioxidant system alterations

Leachate, an effluent produced during solid waste decomposition, interacts directly with soil, mainly in dumpsite areas. Studies on terrestrial animal exposure to leachate are, however, lacking. Plants are the most frequently studied organisms, while animal studies, especially earthworms, are limited. Nevertheless, ecotoxicological assessments involving earthworms are crucial due to their role in soil health and ecosystem maintenance, which are paramount in understanding potential terrestrial ecosystem leachate effects. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate behavioral effects, sublethal cytotoxicity and antioxidant system alterations in Eisenia andrei earthworms chronically exposed to leachate from a closed dumpsite. Cytotoxicity was determined by coelomocyte density, viability and cell typing, while antioxidant system alterations were assessed through superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and metallothionein (MT) determinations. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonylation (PTC) levels were also determined as oxidative effect markers. Finally, the Biomarker Response Index (BRI) was assessed, aiming to quantitatively integrate the results of the investigated endpoints and establish a biological health state (BHS) for each leachate concentration. Leachate exposure led to leak responses at concentrations of up to 50%, but attraction at higher concentrations. Decreased cell density (28%) was observed after 48 days and reduced viability (50%), after 14 days of leachate exposure. The observed cell typing changes indicate anti-inflammatory immune system effects. Leachate exposure led to several antioxidant system alterations, increasing SOD (2-6 %), CAT (5-35 %) and GST (5-70 %) activities and GSH (7-37%) and MT (3-67%) levels. Earthworm antioxidant defenses were, however, able to prevent lipid peroxidation, which decreased (11-37%) following leachate exposure to concentrations above 12.5%, and PTC, which increased at 42 days (26%) and reduced at 56 days (12 %). This is the first PTC assessment in leachate-exposed earthworms. The increased carbonylation levels observed after 42 days alongside MDA decreases highlight the need for further research employing oxidative effect biomarkers other than MDA. Finally, an integrated approach employing the BRI was carried out, revealing mild initial changes evolving to moderate to major effects at the highest leachate exposure concentration, with an effect attenuation detected at the end of the experiment. In this sense, this study brings forth a significant novelty, employing a biomarker previously not assessed in earthworms, demonstrating an oxidative effect, alongside the use of the BRI as an integrative tool for the endpoints applied in this assessment.

A bioanalytical approach for assessing the effects of soil extracts from solid waste dumpsite in Calabar (Nigeria) on lipid and estrogenic signaling of fish Poeciliopsis lucida hepatocellular carcinoma-1 cells in vitro and in vivo African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

In applying bioanalytical approaches, the aim of this study was to determine the toxicity of contaminants derived from a solid waste dumpsite in Calabar (Nigeria), by investigating the alterations of lipid and estrogen signaling pathways in Poeciliopsis lucida hepatocellular carcinoma-1 (PLHC-1) cells and compared to in vivo African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), using polar, nonpolar and elutriate extraction methods. Cells were exposed for 48 hr period to different concentrations of the contaminant extracts. The PLHC-1 cells were evaluated for lipid responses as follows adipoRed assay, retinoid x receptor (rxr), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor isoforms (ppar-α and γ), estrogen receptor (er-α) and vitellogenin (vtg) transcripts. The lipid signaling activation was also assessed in vivo using C. gariepinus, where hepatic levels of ppar-α were determined at both transcript and functional proteins levels. Data showed variable-, extract type and concentration-specific elevations in mRNA and protein levels for lipidomic and estrogenic effects. These effects were either biphasic at low and high concentrations, depending upon extract type, or concentration-dependent elevations. In general, these toxicological responses may be attributed to soil organic and inorganic contaminants burden previously derived from the dumpsite. Thus, our data demonstrate a unique lipid and endocrine-disruptive chemical (EDC) effects of each soil extract, suggesting multiple and complex contaminant interactions in the environment and biota. Analysis of numerous soil- or sediment-bound contaminants have numerous limitations and cost implications for developing countries. Our approach provides a bioanalytical protocol and endpoints for measuring the metabolic and EDC effects of complex environmental matrices for ecotoxicological assessment and monitoring.

Evaluating the waste management situation and attitudes of residents in Bandung, Indonesia

The increasing amount of waste is becoming a crucial topic in developing countries, causing health-related and environmental issues. In past decades, the Indonesian government implemented regulations dedicated to municipal solid waste management (MSWM); unfortunately, these have not been well communicated to the public. The set tax level is inadequate for the MSWM financial needs in Bandung, Indonesia. Previous studies determined the public interest in MSWM as the critical factor of sustainable MSWM. However, this aspect is not well considered. This study investigated public perception and involvement in MSWM in Bandung. These investigations were conducted through two leading indicators: public interest in MSWM in environmental issues and willingness of inhabitants to pay for sufficient MSWM services. Using a binary probit model, it was found that age, educational level, locality, and satisfaction with MSWM practices play a significant role in the respondents' interest in MSWM, which is crucial to the public perception of MSWM. The results also demonstrate that more than 97% of respondents are not satisfied with MSWM practices, and more than 83% of respondents consider MSWM services insufficient. Awareness of essential operations such as waste handling and recycling is at a low level. On the other hand, more than 67% of respondents are interested in MSWM in connection with environmental issues and are familiar with the 3R concept (reducing waste, reusing, and recycling resources and products). Our MSWM research provides new perspectives on the public perception and involvement in Bandung that could be considered in the planning and implementation of sustainable MSWM. The results indicate that the public's perception and approach to MSWM in Bandung city should be enhanced by better education, providing sufficient awareness, and offering workshops.  Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:114-125. © 2022 SETAC.

An overview of the environmental pollution and health effects associated with waste landfilling and open dumping

Landfilling is one of the most common waste management methods employed in all countries alike, irrespective of their developmental status. The most commonly used types of landfills are (a) municipal solid waste landfill, (b) industrial waste landfill, and (c) hazardous waste landfill. There is, also, an emerging landfill type called "green waste landfill" that is, occasionally, being used. Most landfills, including those discussed in this review article, are controlled and engineered establishments, wherein the waste ought to abide with certain regulations regarding their quality and quantity. However, illegal and uncontrolled "landfills" (mostly known as open dumpsites) are, unfortunately, prevalent in many developing countries. Due to the widespread use of landfilling, even as of today, it is imperative to examine any environmental- and/or health-related issues that have emerged. The present study seeks to determine the environmental pollution and health effects associated with waste landfilling by adopting a desk review design. It is revealed that landfilling is associated with various environmental pollution problems, namely, (a) underground water pollution due to the leaching of organic, inorganic, and various other substances of concern (SoC) contained in the waste, (b) air pollution due to suspension of particles, (c) odor pollution from the deposition of municipal solid waste (MSW), and (d) even marine pollution from any potential run-offs. Furthermore, health impacts may occur through the pollution of the underground water and the emissions of gases, leading to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of the exposed population living in their vicinity.

Toxicity assessment of Lemna solid waste dumpsite (Calabar, Nigeria) using different extraction methods and toxicological responses of PLHC-1 cells

In the present study, we have investigated the effects of three (elutriate, polar and non-polar) different soil extraction methods from the Lemna solid waste dumpsite (Calabar, Nigeria) on the biotransformation, antioxidant and cellular defense responses of PLHC-1 cell line. Following a 48 h exposure period to different concentrations of each extract, the PLHC-1 cells were evaluated for enzymatic activities - glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), glutathione reductase (Gr), glutathione S-transferase (Gst), 7-ethoxy-, pentoxy-, and benzyloxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD, PROD and BROD) and mRNA expressions for catalase (cat), gpx, gst, cyp1a, cyp3a, mammalian target of rapamycin (mtor), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (nrf2) and Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein (keap-1). Overall, our results showed parameter-, extract- and concentration-specific increases in transcripts and functional product levels for biotransformation, antioxidant and cellular defense/cytoprotective responses, compared with control. These responses were mostly characterized by a biphasic pattern of effects by either, increasing at low concentration, and thereafter decrease, as the concentration increases or vice versa, depending on the extract type. These observations paralleled soil contaminants (organics and inorganics) burden from the dumpsite. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that cells treated with the non-polar extract produced more pronounced effects on the measured toxicological responses, compared with the polar and elutriate extracts. Thus, our data highlight peculiar risks to cells exposed to each soil extract, indicating complex and multiple chemical interactions with diverse functional groups that contaminants may have in mixture scenarios. Given the limitations and cost implications of contaminants analysis for the numerous soil- or sediment-bound compounds, we propose that this approach represents an analytical benchmark and endpoints for assessing the risk of complex environmental matrices such as soil and sediments, for ecotoxicological monitoring programs.

Removal of Pollution by Intensive Aeration Technology for Landfill Leachate Treatment

BACKGROUND

Landfill leachate is a source of environmental pollution and a major concern for human health because it contains high concentrations of organic and inorganic contaminants.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the present study is to validate the efficiency of the forced aeration treatment technique, which consists of intensively injecting a continuous oxygen flow of 16.75 kg/m³/h for 30 days using a bubble air diffuser in a relatively small volume of 1 m³. The principle of the technique is essentially based on acceleration of the degradation of the effluent as well as reduction of the organic and nitrogenous matter contents.

METHODS

Forced aeration technology was used for the treatment of leachate from the Mohammedia-Benslimane landfill. The sample was treated by injecting a flow of oxygen to accelerate the biodegradability of the pollutants by the microorganisms.

RESULTS

The physicochemical characterization of the raw leachate at the inlet of the aeration tank showed high values for chemical oxygen demand (COD) (38,600 mg O₂/l), biological oxygen demand (BOD5) (24,000 mg O₂/l), and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) (5,932.45 mg/L). The proposed treatment technique allowed relatively high purification yields to be achieved, with abatement rates for the major elements COD, BOD5 and TKN of 73%, 98%, and 85%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of leachate by intensive aeration technology reduces considerably the pollutant load and achieves a high purification yield.

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Biotransformation and oxidative stress responses in relation to tissue contaminant burden in Clarias gariepinus exposed to simulated leachate from a solid waste dumpsite in Calabar, Nigeria

In this study, we have investigated biotransformation and oxidative stress responses in relation to tissue contaminant burden in the African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to simulated leachate from a solid waste dumpsite in Calabar, Nigeria. Fish were exposed to simulated leachate, diluted to 0:0 (negative control), 1:10, 1:50, 1:100 and phenanthrene (a PAH: 50 μg/L used as a positive control) for 3, 7 and 14 days. Hepatic transcripts for cat, sod1, gpx1, gr, gst, cyp1a, cyp2d3, and cyp27 were analyzed by real-time PCR, while enzymatic assays for ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), buthoxyresorufin O-deethylase (BROD), methoxyresorufin O-deethylase (MROD), pentoxyresorufin O-deethylase (PROD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), uridine diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UDPGT) and lipid peroxidase (LPO) were measured using standard methods. In addition, protein expression for CYP1A, CYP3A and metallotheionin (MT) were measured by immunoblotting. Fish muscle samples were analyzed for selected group of contaminants after 14 days exposure showing significantly high uptake of heavy metals (Cd, Hg and Pb), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorophenols, organochlorine (OC) and organophosphate pesticides in exposed fish. We observed significant concentration- and time-specific increases in biotransformation and oxidative stress responses at transcript and functional (enzyme and protein) levels, that paralleled tissue contaminants bioaccumulation patterns, after exposure to the simulated leachates. Our results highlighted the potential environmental, wildlife and public health consequences from improper solid waste disposal. In addition, it also provides a scientific basis for local sensitization and inform legislative decisions and policy formulation towards sustainable environmental management of solid wastes in Nigeria and other developing countries.

Amine-modified kaolinite clay preserved thyroid function and renal oxidative balance after sub-acute exposure in rats

OBJECTIVES

Kaolinite clay is an abundant natural resource in Nigeria with several industrial applications. Incidentally, the wide-scale use of kaolinite clay is hampered by its small surface area. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of amine-modified clay on electrolyte, thyroid, and kidney function markers.

METHODS

Modification of kaolinite clay with an amine functional group was achieved using surface grafting technique. Characterization with a scanning electron microscope and Brunauer-Emmett Teller surface area analyzer confirmed this modification. However, there is sparse information on the effect of amine-modified kaolinite clay on electrolyte homeostasis, thyroid, and renal function. Rats were administered amine-modified kaolinite clay at the doses of 1, 2, and 5 mg/kg body weight.

RESULTS

After 14 days of repeated-dose treatment, there were no significant changes in levels of albumin, uric acid, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, ratio of triiodothyronine to thyroxine, and relative kidney organ weight. Furthermore, there were no changes in the concentration of potassium, although amine-modified kaolinite clay significantly decreased sodium, calcium, and total cholesterol levels. Amine-modified kaolinite clay, at all treatment doses, also preserved the renal histoarchitecture and oxidative balance in rats.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports on the effect of amine-modified kaolinite clay on renal markers and thyroid function, and further deepens our understanding of their biochemical action. This baseline data may boost the prospect of using amine-modified kaolinite clay in the treatment of contaminated water.

Contaminant levels and endocrine disruptive effects in Clarias gariepinus exposed to simulated leachate from a solid waste dumpsite in Calabar, Nigeria

Solid waste dumpsites (SWDs) and landfills are significant sources of emerging contaminants to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. We have studied the endocrine disruptive effects of simulated leachate from a solid waste dumpsite in Calabar, Nigeria. Juvenile C. gariepinus were exposed to simulated leachate, diluted to 0:0 (control), 1:10, 1:50, 1:100 for 3, 7 and 14 days. In addition, 17β-estradiol (E2: 100 μg/L)-exposed positive control group was included. Hepatic transcripts for the genes encoding vitellogenin (vtg), estrogen receptor-α (er-α), and aromatase (cyp19a1) were analyzed by real-time PCR. Protein expression for Vtg and Cyp19 were measured by immunoblotting and plasma steroid hormones (testosterone: T and E2) were measured using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Soil samples from the dumpsite were analyzed for selected group of contaminants showing that DEHP was the only detected phthalate ester (PE) at 1300 ± 400 ng/g. Further, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) such as PFBS, PFOS, PFHxA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA and PFDoDA were detected in the soil samples from the dumpsite. We observed significant and apparent concentration-dependent increases in mRNA (vtg, er-α, and cyp19a1) and their corresponding functional protein products, after exposure to the simulated leachates. Further, the simulated leachate produced concentration-specific changes in plasma E2 and T levels. In general, the estrogenic endocrine and reproductive alterations in the exposed fish may directly be attributed to the PFASs and DEHP detected at the dumpsites. However, in addition to PFASs and DEHP, there could be other estrogenic contaminants in the leachate. Given the rapid utilization, for residential purposes, and increases in human settlement in areas around the Lemna SWDs, this study provides a direct cause-and-effect evidence of the potential contaminants at the dumpsite with significant environmental and human health consequences.

In vivo hepatotoxicity of chemically modified nanocellulose in rats

Chemical modification of cellulose is currently attracting attention as researchers attempt to take advantage of the abundance of hydroxyl groups on its surface to introduce extra biological functionality. However, the possible deleterious effect of exposure to functionalized nanocellulose (CSN) remains a concern. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of hepatotoxicity of CSN modified with oxalate ester (NCD) in rats. A 7-day repeated oral toxicity study of NCD at the doses of 50 and 100 mg kg−1body weight was conducted, and plasma and liver tissue samples were assayed using biochemical analysis, liver histopathology, and protein expression. NCD, at both doses, did not significantly ( p > 0.05) alter the relative weight of liver, alkaline phosphatase activity, and lipid peroxidation levels of the animals. However, NCD at the dose of 100 mg kg−1body weight significantly elevated aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and myeloperoxidase activities. NCD also enhanced the immunohistochemical expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and Bcl-2-associated X protein in the liver of rats. Histological observations revealed necrosis and severe cellular infiltration at the high-dose treatment. Our study provides an experimental basis for the safe application of NCDs.