1
|
Varshney S, Lundås M, Siriyappagouder P, Kristensen T, Olsvik PA. Ecotoxicological assessment of Cu-rich acid mine drainage of Sulitjelma mine using zebrafish larvae as an animal model. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115796. [PMID: 38061085 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is widely acknowledged as a substantial threat to the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. The present study aimed to study the toxicological effects of Cu-rich AMD from the Sulitjelma mine in zebrafish larvae. The AMD from this mine was found to contain elevated levels of dissolved metals including Mg (46.7 mg/L), Al (20.2 mg/L), Cu (18.3 mg/L), Fe (19.8 mg/L) and Zn (10.6 mg/L). To investigate the toxicological effects, the study commenced by exposing zebrafish embryos to various concentrations of AMD (ranging from 0.75% to 9%) to determine the median lethal concentration (LC50). Results showed that 96 h LC50 for zebrafish larvae following AMD exposure was 2.86% (95% CI: 2.32-3.52%). Based on acute toxicity results, zebrafish embryos (<2 hpf) were exposed to 0.1% AMD (Cu: 21.7 µg/L) and 0.45% AMD (Cu: 85.7 µg/L) for 96 h to assess development, swimming behaviour, heart rate, respiration and transcriptional responses at 116 hpf. Light microscopy results showed that both 0.1% and 0.45% AMD reduced the body length, eye size and swim bladder area of zebrafish larvae and caused phenotypic abnormalities. Swimming behaviour results showed that 0.45% AMD significantly decreased the locomotion of zebrafish larvae. Heart rate was not affected by AMD exposure. Furthermore, exposure caused a significant increase in oxygen consumption indicating vascular stress in developing larvae. Taken altogether, the study shows that even heavily diluted AMD with environmentally relevant levels of Cu caused toxicity in zebrafish larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Varshney
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Mikkel Lundås
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | | | | | - Pål A Olsvik
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mokoena MM. Microcystins in water containers used in the home: A review of their potential health effects. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115787. [PMID: 38086260 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria produce toxins that are harmful to humans. They are found mostly in surface water, which is the main water source for drinking water before treatment. However, most of the water treatment plants are inadequate to treat toxins such as microcystins in raw water sources from contaminated surface water that has blooming and/or decaying cyanobacteria. Microcystins are harmful toxins produced by cyanobacteria that cause both acute and chronic health problems in humans. However, little is known about microcystins in water containers at the household level. This article therefore focuses on a review of the effects of microcystins in drinking water containers at the household level, including types of microcystins, their health effects, and cases reported in both animals and humans. Therefore, there is a need to develop the water quality management for cyanobacteria toxins, particularly microcystins in household containers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M M Mokoena
- Department of Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, P/bag X680, Pretoria 0001, Republic of South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yao EK, Ahoutou MK, Olokotum M, Hamlaoui S, Lance E, Marie B, Bernard C, Djeha RY, Quiblier C, Humbert JF, Coulibaly JK. Assessment of cyanotoxins in water and fish in an African freshwater lagoon (Lagoon Aghien, Ivory Coast) and the application of WHO guidelines. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:97857-97871. [PMID: 37603248 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29025-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
In comparison with northern countries, limited data are available on the occurrence and potential toxicity of cyanobacterial blooms in lakes and ponds in sub-Saharan countries. With the aim of enhancing our knowledge on cyanobacteria and their toxins in Africa, we performed a 17-month monitoring of a freshwater ecosystem, Lagoon Aghien (Ivory Coast), which is used for multiple practices by riverine populations and for drinking water production in Abidjan city. The richness and diversity of the cyanobacterial community were high and displayed few variations during the entire survey. The monthly average abundances ranged from 4.1 × 104 to 1.8 × 105 cell mL-1, with higher abundances recorded during the dry seasons. Among the five cyanotoxin families analyzed (anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin, homoanatoxin, microcystins, saxitoxin), only microcystins (MC) were detected with concentrations ranging from 0 to 0.364 μg L-1 in phytoplankton cells, from 32 to 1092 μg fresh weight (FW) kg-1 in fish intestines, and from 33 to 383 μg FW kg-1 in fish livers. Even if the MC concentrations in water and fish are low, usually below the thresholds defined in WHO guidelines, these data raise the issue of the relevance of these WHO guidelines for sub-Saharan Africa, where local populations are exposed throughout the year to these toxins in multiple ways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mathias Koffi Ahoutou
- Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Université Jean Lorougnon Guédé, Daloa, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Mark Olokotum
- National Fisheries Resources Research Institute, Jinja, Uganda
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sahima Hamlaoui
- UMR Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes, Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Emilie Lance
- UMR Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes, Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris, Paris, France
- UMR Stress environnementaux et biosurveillance des milieux aquatiques, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Benjamin Marie
- UMR Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes, Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Bernard
- UMR Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes, Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Catherine Quiblier
- UMR Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes, Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Humbert
- Centre Île-de-France-Versailles-Grignon, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Paris, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kiiskila JD, Sarkar D, Datta R. Differential protein abundance of vetiver grass in response to acid mine drainage. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 173:829-842. [PMID: 34109636 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is an acidic and metalliferous discharge that imposes oxidative stress on living things through bioaccumulation and physical exposure. The abandoned Tab-Simco mining site of Southern Illinois generates highly acidic AMD with elevated sulfate (SO4 2- ) and various metals. Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is effective for the remediation of Tab-Simco AMD at both mesocosm and microcosm levels over extended periods. In this study, we conducted a proteomic investigation of vetiver shoots under short and long-term exposure to AMD. Our objective was to decipher the physiological responses of vetiver to the combined abiotic stresses of AMD (metal and low pH). Differential regulation was observed for longer-term (56 days) exposure to AMD, which resulted in 17 upregulated and nine downregulated proteins, whereas shorter-term (7 days) exposure led to 14 upregulated and 14 downregulated proteins. There were significant changes to photosynthesis, including upregulation of electron transport chain proteins for light-dependent reactions after 56 days, whereas differential regulation of enzymes relating to C4 carbon fixation was observed after 7 days. Significant changes in amino acid and nitrogen metabolism, including upregulation of ethylene and flavonoid biosynthesis, along with plant response to nitrogen starvation, were observed. Short-term changes also included upregulation of glutathione reductase and methionine sulfoxide reductase, whereas longer-term changes included changes in protein misfolding and ER-associated protein degradation for stress management and acclimation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Kiiskila
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
- Department of Natural Sciences, Chadron State College, Chadron, Nebraska, USA
| | - Dibyendu Sarkar
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rupali Datta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Seopela MP, Powers LC, Clark C, Heyes A, Gonsior M. Combined fluorescent measurements, parallel factor analysis and GC-mass spectrometry in evaluating the photodegradation of PAHS in freshwater systems. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 269:129386. [PMID: 33383250 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
To better understand the transformation and photochemical fate of PAHs in aquatic environments, a custom-designed closed-circuit recirculation photodegradation system, combined with inline semi-continuous fluorescence and absorbance measurements, as well as modelling of excitation-emission (EEM) measurements with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), and GC-MS analysis, were combined to create a robust tool for holistically assessing the photodegradation of individual PAHs, their mixtures and photoproduct formation. Selected compounds included in the US EPA priority list, representing 2- to 6-ring compounds, were monitored individually and in mixtures, during 24 h photodegradation experiments. Experiments were conducted in solutions simulating ideal (ultrapure water) and environmentally relevant conditions (1.00 mg L-1 Suwannee River Natural Organic Matter (SRNOM)). The fluorescence, primary PARAFAC components and quantification data obtained by GC-MS, indicated that the decline in parent molecule concentration occurred rapidly within 200 min. The degradation rates of parent PAHs increased with aromaticity (6-ring ≫ 2-ring PAHs) and followed pseudo-first order degradation kinetics. The presence and transformation of degradation products, were captured by PARAFAC. NOM influenced the diversity of photoproducts. From the GC-MS results, photoproducts were only detected in Ant, BAnt and the PAH mixture solutions, but optical property analyses indicated that diverse changes occurred with all PAHs. Spectrometric and chromatographic data demonstrated that parent PAHs and photoproducts co-existed at various stages, which is significant for freshwater systems contaminated with these compounds if photoproducts have higher-toxic potential. These results may be used to model the hazard-potential associated with PAHs present in freshwater systems and understanding the mechanisms that govern their environmental fate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathapelo Pearl Seopela
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, MD, USA; Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa; University of Johannesburg, Department of Chemical Sciences Auckland Park Campus, PO Box 524 Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa.
| | - Leanne C Powers
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, MD, USA
| | - Cheryl Clark
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, MD, USA
| | - Andrew Heyes
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, MD, USA
| | - Michael Gonsior
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomons, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lewis JR, Verboom GA, February EC. Coexistence and bush encroachment in African savannas: The role of the regeneration niche. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joel R. Lewis
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Cape Town Rondebosch South Africa
| | - George A. Verboom
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Cape Town Rondebosch South Africa
| | - Edmund C. February
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Cape Town Rondebosch South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Letsoalo MR, Mamo MA, Ambushe AA. Synchronous Extraction and Quantitative Speciation of Arsenic and Chromium in Sediments by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography – Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). ANAL LETT 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2020.1830103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mokgehle R. Letsoalo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Messai A. Mamo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Abayneh A. Ambushe
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lebepe J, Steyl J, Luus-Powell WJ. Histopathology of the liver and gills of Labeo rosae (rednose Labeo) from Loskop Dam in South Africa. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2020.1740610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Lebepe
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Johan Steyl
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bhattacharyya S, Chanda A, Hazra S, Das S, Choudhury SB. Effect of nutrient alteration on pCO 2(water) and chlorophyll-a dynamics in a tropical aquaculture pond situated within a Ramsar site: a microcosm approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:4353-4364. [PMID: 31832951 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07106-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Tropical sewage-fed aquaculture ponds of East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), a Ramsar site, act as deposition center of organic matter and nutrient-rich sewage from the Kolkata metropolis, which in turn is utilized as fish feed in aquaculture ponds. Increasing nutrient load due to multifarious anthropogenic activities usually alters the chlorophyll-a (chl-a) and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in water [pCO2(water)] dynamics in such aquatic systems. In this regard, the effect of nutrient level alteration [8 times and 24 times, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) in addition, respectively] on chl-a and pCO2(water) was tested upon waters of EKW aquaculture ponds in three different seasons by means of microcosm for 8 consecutive days. In both DIN 8× and DIP 8× treatments, an overall increase in chl-a concentrations was observed by the end of experiment; however, in DIN 24× and DIP 24× treatments, chl-a in most of the seasons was found to diminish after a steep rise in its concentration during 4th or 5th day. In all the seasons, the surface waters were supersaturated with CO2 under in situ conditions. The extent of supersaturation enhanced with nutrient addition during monsoon; however, in post-monsoon and pre-monsoon, nutrient addition led to undersaturation of CO2. Though chl-a concentration exhibited substantial variability during the microcosm experiments, the variation in trophic state index was not that much remarkable. In DIN-treated microcosms, uptake rate of DIP was significantly high compared to the reverse scenario, which implied that DIP has a more limiting character than DIN. In P-enriched treatments, the lack of N supplies probably limit production of autotrophic biomass. Thus it can be concluded that the nature of sewage and its DIN/DIP content can significantly alter the primary productivity the CO2 dynamics of such aquaculture ponds in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Bhattacharyya
- School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur University, 188 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, India.
| | - Abhra Chanda
- School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur University, 188 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Sugata Hazra
- School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur University, 188 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Sourav Das
- School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur University, 188 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Saroj Bandhu Choudhury
- Department of Space, National Remote Sensing Centre, Government of India, Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500042, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lebepe J, Oberholster PJ, Ncube I, Smit W, Luus-Powell WJ. Metal levels in two fish species from a waterbody impacted by metallurgic industries and acid mine drainage from coal mining in South Africa. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2019; 55:421-432. [PMID: 31868083 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2019.1704604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Loskop Dam in South Africa is the most contaminated waterbody in the Olifants River which is a transboundary river that flows into Mozambique. The present study measured selected metal concentrations in the muscle of Labeo rosae and Oreochromis mossambicus from Loskop Dam, and assessed the human health risks associated with consumption of these fish species. Trace metals were below detection level in the surface water whereas bottom sediment exhibited relatively higher concentrations. A significant seasonal variations (p < 0.05) as well as inter-species difference (p < 0.05) of metal concentrations were observed in the fish muscle. Selenium concentration showed to have increase over the recent few years. Concentrations exceeding permissible level for human consumption was recorded for As, Se and Sb in both species. Other metals which THQ > 1 was Cr for L. rosae and Co for O. mossambicus. The current study shows that there could be some serious health and environmental implications for rural communities making use of Loskop Dam fish as food source. These findings add to knowledge in Africa, particularly South Africa, where other fish species have been identified as being potentially dangerous for human consumption in terms of Se, Sb, As, Co and Cr levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Lebepe
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Paul J Oberholster
- Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Ignatious Ncube
- Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Willem Smit
- Department of Biodiversity, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Wilmien J Luus-Powell
- Department of Biodiversity, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Musvoto C, de Lange WJ. A framework for selecting crops for irrigation using mining contaminated water: An example from the Olifants basin of South Africa. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 231:49-58. [PMID: 30326338 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.09.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Irrigated agriculture is adapting to viability challenges due to water contamination from mining in various ways. We explore the option of using crops that are able to tolerate the impacts of such water contamination as a short term adaptation strategy. We present a framework which enables the selection of crops suitable for irrigated production using mining contaminated water. The framework identifies key factors that should inform crop selection; and these include crop adaptation to climatic conditions, contaminants present in water, crop tolerance to contaminants, crop use and accumulation of toxic metals. A proposed process for screening and selecting a crop is described. Although considered a partial analysis due to incomplete and non-standardised information on crop tolerance levels, the framework narrows down choices which can be assessed in more detail or with field trials. The framework shows that interventions beyond the farm level are necessary to support the use of contaminant tolerant crops as a strategy for adapting to water contamination from mining. However, key questions regarding the risks associated with alternative crops and difficulties in selecting suitable crops remain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Musvoto
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - W J de Lange
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Oberholster PJ, Botha AM, Hill L, Strydom WF. River catchment responses to anthropogenic acidification in relationship with sewage effluent: An ecotoxicology screening application. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 189:407-417. [PMID: 28950120 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.09.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Rising environmental pressures on water resources and resource quality associated with urbanisation, industrialisation, mining and agriculture are a global concern. In the current study the upper Olifants River catchment as case study was used, to show that acid mine drainage (AMD) and acid precipitation were the two most important drivers of possible acidification during a four-year study period. Over the study period 59% of the precipitation sampled was classified as acidic with a pH value below 5.6. Traces of acidification in the river system using aquatic organisms at different trophic levels were only evident in areas of AMD point sources. Data gathered from the ecotoxicology screening tools, revealed that discharge of untreated and partially treated domestic sewage from municipal sewage treatment works and informal housing partially mitigate any traces of acidification by AMD and acid precipitation in the main stem of the upper Olifants River. The outcome of the study using phytoplankton and macroinvertebrates as indicator organisms revealed that the high loads of sewage effluent might have played a major role in the neutralization of acidic surface water conditions caused by AMD and acid precipitation. Although previous multi-stage and microcosm studies confirmed the decrease in acidity and metals concentrations by municipal wastewater, the current study is the first to provide supportive evidence of this co-attenuation on catchment scale. These findings are important for integrated water resource management on catchment level, especially in river systems with a complex mixture of pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P J Oberholster
- CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - A-M Botha
- Department of Genetics, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7601, South Africa.
| | - L Hill
- CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Genetics, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7601, South Africa
| | - W F Strydom
- CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dabrowski J, Oberholster P, Steyl J, Osthoff G, Hugo A, Power DM, van Wyk JH. Thyroid function of steatitis-affected Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus from a sub-tropical African reservoir. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2017; 125:101-113. [PMID: 28737156 DOI: 10.3354/dao03138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid function and nutritional indicators were measured in obese, steatitis-affected Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus from Loskop Reservoir (LR), South Africa. Plasma thyroid hormones (especially T3) and thyroid follicle histomorphology revealed high levels of activity in every aspect of the thyroid cascade measured in fish from LR compared to a reference population of steatitis-free fish. Concurrent measurements of nutritional state including plasma lipids, liver lipid content and hepatocyte size showed that fish from LR had significant energy stores indicative of abundant nutritional intake. There were distinct sex and seasonal differences, with the highest plasma lipids and T3 levels observed in steatitis-affected females during spring and summer. Positive correlations were observed between plasma lipids (especially cholesterol) and T3 concentrations in fish from both populations, indicating a link between lipid metabolism and thyroid function. There was no direct evidence of thyroid disruption, but this cannot be ruled out until further research determines the factors that underlie the homeostatic shift leading to elevated plasma and liver lipids and T3 levels in steatitis-affected tilapia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Dabrowski
- Sustainability Research Unit, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Private Bag x6531, George 6530, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Eguzozie K, Mavumengwana V, Nkosi D, Kayitesi E, Nnabuo-Eguzozie EC. Bioaccumulation and Quantitative Variations of Microcystins in the Swartspruit River, South Africa. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 71:286-296. [PMID: 26936473 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-016-0269-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The bioaccumulation and quantitative variations of cyanobacterial peptide hepatotoxin intracellular microcystin in floating scums of cyanobacterium microcystis flos aquae collected from predetermined sampling sites in the Swartspruit River was investigated. Three distinct MCs variants (MC-YR, MC-LR, and MC-RR) were isolated, identified, and quantified. Additionally, two minor microcystin congeners (MC-(H4) YR), (D-Asp(3), Dha(7))MC-RR) also were identified but were not quantified. Quantitative analysis was achieved using peak areas substituted on linear regression equations: Y = 10085x - 19698 (R (2) = 0.9998), Y = 201387x + 20328 (R (2) = 0.9929), Y = 2506x + 15659 (R (2) = 0.9999), and 9859x + 208694 (R (2) = 0.9929) of standard curves for 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 10.0 μg/mL MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-YR respectively. Variant dominance followed the order MC-LR > MC-RR > MC-YR across the sampling sites. Analysis of maximum and minimum concentrations of quantified MCs variants showed 270.7, 14.10 (µg/g), 141.5, 1.43 (µg/g), and 72.28, 0.15 (µg/g) for MC-LR, MC-RR, and MC-YR, respectively. This implies there was quantitative variations of microcystin congeners across the sampled sites. Significant differences between means were assessed by an analysis of variance with P < 0.05 being considered significant. Results showed that there were no significant difference between mean MCs concentrations across the sampling periods (P > 0.05) and significant difference between mean MCs concentrations across sampling sites (P < 0.05).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Eguzozie
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Vuyo Mavumengwana
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Duduzile Nkosi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Eugenie Kayitesi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bouwman H, Cronje E. An 11-digit identification system for individual Nile crocodiles using natural markings. KOEDOE: AFRICAN PROTECTED AREA CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.4102/koedoe.v58i1.1351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Research and conservation of wild crocodiles and husbandry of captive crocodiles requires the reliable identification of individuals. We present a method using the individual colour markings on the first 10 single-crest scutes on the tails of Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus). The scutes are scored by number for colour, with a prefix for left or right providing a binary 11-digit identification number (identification numbers [IDs]; e.g. 12232232242 and 22333233232) per crocodile. A survey of 359 captive Nile crocodiles showed no duplication. However, 42% had asymmetrical scute markings requiring a binary approach. There does not seem to be a change in patterns with age, except that the number of missing scutes increased. A small trial showed that this method can be applied in the field, although more work is needed to determine observer bias and establish parameters for observability in the field. It is unlikely that both left and right IDs would be obtainable for each individual, but other distinctive markings such as scute shape and damage can be used to register the two IDs to one individual. Having two independent IDs for each crocodile provides the possibility of two independent population estimates for equal effort without having to link left and right IDs to individuals. Our proposed method would be useful in conservation, individual tracking and husbandry.Conservation implications: A non-invasive marking and recapture method for Nile crocodile is presented whereby the first 10 single-crest scutes are scored for colour, allowing conservation practitioners to count and monitor crocodile populations and individuals. This method provides two equal-effort estimations of population size, as left and right hand sides are scored independently.Keywords: Crocodylus niloticus; identification; mark - recapture; mark - resight
Collapse
|
16
|
Truter JC, van Wyk JH, Oberholster PJ, Botha AM, Luus-Powell WJ. The expression of selected genes linked to metabolic homeostasis in obese pansteatitis-suffering Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters). JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2016; 39:69-85. [PMID: 25413848 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) population inhabiting Lake Loskop, South Africa, is characterized by a high incidence of obesity and pansteatitis. We investigated potential links between the impaired health of Lake Loskop O. mossambicus and the endocrine system by assessing the expression of selected genes associated with the thyroid and adrenal endocrine axes as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (pparg). Moreover, contaminant-induced thyroid and/or metabolic modulation in Lake Loskop water was evaluated using juvenile O. mossambicus in laboratory exposures. The expression of thyroid hormone receptor alpha (thra) and type 2 deiodinase (dio2) was higher in Lake Loskop O. mossambicus than fish from another population, suggesting a degree of thyroid disruption. The altered gene expression may be a consequence, rather than cause of obesity. Expression of dio2 and pparg was higher in juvenile O. mossambicus exposed to unfiltered compared to filtered lake water, and our data suggest fasting as causative factor. Micro-organism abundance can therefore be a confounding factor in studies applying molecular markers to test for thyroid modulation by environmental waters. Pansteatitis was not a significant source of variance in the expression of any of the genes investigated, suggesting that the disease is not associated with disrupted endocrine signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C Truter
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - J H van Wyk
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - P J Oberholster
- CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - A-M Botha
- Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - W J Luus-Powell
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sibanda T, Selvarajan R, Tekere M. Urban effluent discharges as causes of public and environmental health concerns in South Africa's aquatic milieu. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:18301-17. [PMID: 26408112 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5416-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The water quality in South Africa's river systems is rapidly deteriorating as a consequence of increased discharge of wastewater effluents. The natural ability of rivers and reservoirs to trap toxic chemicals and nutrients in their sediments enables these systems to accumulate contaminants, altering the natural balance in environmental water quality, thereby raising a plethora of public and environmental health concerns. Impaired water quality has been linked to an array of problems in South Africa including massive fish mortalities, altered habitat template leading to the thinning of riverine macroinvertebrate diversity, shifts in microbial community structures with drastic ecological consequences and evolvement of antibiotic resistance genes that, under natural conditions, can be transferred to waterborne pathogens. Urban wastewater discharge has also been implicated in increased bioaccumulation of metals in edible plant parts, elevated concentrations of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), which are blamed for reduced fertility and increased cancer risk, excessive growth of toxic cyanobacteria and an increase in concentrations of pathogenic microorganisms which constitute a potential health threat to humans. However, despite the ecotoxicological hazards posed by wastewater effluents, ecotoxicological studies are currently underutilised in South African aquatic ecosystem assessments, and where they have been done, the observation is that ecotoxicological studies are mostly experimental and restricted to small study areas. More research is still needed to fully assess especially the ecotoxicological consequences of surface water pollution by urban wastewater effluents in South Africa. A review of the effects of urban effluent discharges that include domestic effluent mixed with industrial effluent and/or urban stormwater run-off is hereby presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Sibanda
- Department of Environmental Sciences, UNISA Florida Campus, PO Box 1710, Florida, South Africa.
| | - Ramganesh Selvarajan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, UNISA Florida Campus, PO Box 1710, Florida, South Africa
| | - Memory Tekere
- Department of Environmental Sciences, UNISA Florida Campus, PO Box 1710, Florida, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jooste A, Marr SM, Addo-Bediako A, Luus-Powell WJ. Sharptooth catfish shows its metal: a case study of metal contamination at two impoundments in the Olifants River, Limpopo river system, South Africa. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2015; 112:96-104. [PMID: 25463859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Clarias gariepinus is increasing in importance as a global aquaculture species with a 100 fold increase in production over the past decade but this species still remains one of the most important wild harvested freshwater food fish throughout rural Africa. However, this species has been shown to accumulate metals from contaminated inland waters. In this paper, the metal concentrations in muscle tissue of C. gariepinus from two main-stem impoundments in the Olifants River, Limpopo Basin, were measured and a desktop risk assessment based on the US-EPA methodology completed to evaluate whether long-term consumption of C. gariepinus from these impoundments may pose a health risk to rural communities. Our results show that metals are accumulating in the muscle tissue of C. gariepinus and have appeared to have increased in the last two decades. Risk assessment generated Hazard quotients (HQ) greater than 1 indicate that long term consumption of fish from these impoundments may cause adverse health impacts. We found that lead (HQ=9), antimony (HQ=14), cobalt (HQ=2) and chromium (HQ=1) at one impoundment and lead (HQ=2) at the other impoundment were above acceptable levels for weekly consumption of 150 g C. gariepinus muscle tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette Jooste
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, P/Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.
| | - Sean M Marr
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, P/Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.
| | - Abraham Addo-Bediako
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, P/Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.
| | - Wilmien J Luus-Powell
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, P/Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Characterizing the Absorption Properties for Remote Sensing of Three Small Optically-Diverse South African Reservoirs. REMOTE SENSING 2013. [DOI: 10.3390/rs5094370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
20
|
Genthe B, Le Roux WJ, Schachtschneider K, Oberholster PJ, Aneck-Hahn NH, Chamier J. Health risk implications from simultaneous exposure to multiple environmental contaminants. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2013; 93:171-9. [PMID: 23669339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2013.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Water quality has deteriorated in the upper Olifants River system, South Africa, as a result of land use activities which include mining, agriculture and industries. A health risk assessment was conducted from 2009 to 2011 in the catchment to determine the possible risks local communities face from various pollutants such as microbials, heavy metals and oestrogen in the river water and vegetation. Aluminium and manganese accumulated in plants and vanadium and aluminium concentrations found in selective water samples posed significant health risks when consumed. A quantitative microbial risk assessment revealed that the combined risk of infection ranged from 1 to 26 percent with the Norovirus posing the overall greatest health risk. The anticipated disability adjusted life years resulting from drinking untreated water from these sites are in the order of 10,000 times greater than what is considered acceptable. The oestradiol activity, caused by endocrine disrupting compounds in the water, measured above the trigger value of 0.7ngL(-1). Impoverished communities in the area, who partially depend on river water for potable and domestic use, are exposed to immune-compromising metals that increase their probability of infection from waterborne diseases caused by the excess microbial pathogens in the contaminated surface water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Genthe
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
John J, Wright CY, Oosthuizen MA, Steyn M, Genthe B, le Roux W, Albers P, Oberholster P, Pauw C. Environmental health outcomes and exposure risks among at-risk communities living in the Upper Olifants River Catchment, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2013; 24:195-214. [PMID: 23815773 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2013.807327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Potential exposure to water and air pollution and associated health impacts of three low-income communities in the Upper Olifants River Catchment, South Africa, was investigated through a cross-sectional epidemiological study comprising a household survey. Water samples were collected and analysed for microbial indicators and pathogens. Ambient air-monitoring included some of the criteria pollutants, as well as mercury and manganese. Associations between environmental exposure and health outcomes were analysed by means of logistic regression. Despite poor water and air quality episodes, the communities' self-perceived health was good with relatively low prevalence of reported health outcomes. Hygiene practices with respect to water collection and storage were often poor, and most likely contributed to the regularly contaminated water storage containers. Community proximity to the polluted stream was associated with increased prevalence in adverse health outcomes. This paper reports on preliminary results and additional multivariate analyses are necessary to further understand study results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juanette John
- a Natural Resource and the Environment, CSIR , Pretoria , South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Oberholster PJ, Myburgh JG, Ashton PJ, Coetzee JJ, Botha AM. Bioaccumulation of aluminium and iron in the food chain of Lake Loskop, South Africa. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2012; 75:134-141. [PMID: 21924494 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2011.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2010] [Revised: 08/07/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of total aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) were determined in Lake Loskop over a period of four months in 2009 in samples of phytobenthos, phytoplankton, macroinvertebrates, amphibians and fish. The highest concentrations of Al and Fe were measured in the filamentous algae Spirogyra fluviatilis (Hillse) and Spirogyra adanata (Kütz), (Al=18,997.5mgkg(-1) dry weight and Fe=22,054.2mgkg(-1) dry weight) in the riverine zone of the lake with a near-neutral water average pH of 7.3. However, a negative correlation exists between the Al and Fe concentrations measured in the filamentous algae in comparison with the corresponding concentrations of these elements in the water column of the riverine zone. The Al concentrations in the macroinvertebrate families collected ranged from 140.6 to 385.7mgkg(-1) dry weight, with the highest values measured for Al and Fe in the family Gomphidae (385.7 and 1710.0mgkg(-1) dry weight, respectively) in comparison to other macroinvertebrate families sampled. Al and Fe concentrations (2580 and 10,697mgkg(-1) dry weight) in the stomach contents of adult Oreochromis mossambicus fishes were much higher in comparison with adult Micropterus salmoides fishes (98.5 and 439.6mgkg(-1) dry weight), respectively. In all cases of dissected fish species either white or yellow body fat was observed, thus in none of the samples both type of body fats occurred simultaneously. The concentrations of total Al and Fe in the different organs of O. mossambicus were along a mean sequence of intestine>yellow body fat>brain>gills>liver>heart>white body fat, while the mean sequence of total Al and Fe in M. salmoides was: intestine>gills>liver>heart>brain>white body fat. From the levels of Al detected in the yellow body fat of the studied fish species O. mossambicus, we suggest that this phenomenon may be related to the feeding habits of this species. Furthermore, the intake of certain species of phytobenthos by O. mossambicus could have played a role in the bioaccumulation of Al in the food chain and the possible development of pansteatitis in predators at higher trophic levels.
Collapse
|
23
|
Smolyakov BS, Ryzhikh AP, Romanov RE. The fate of Cu, Zn, and Cd in the initial stage of water system contamination: the effect of phytoplankton activity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2010; 184:819-825. [PMID: 20875928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.08.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2010] [Revised: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 08/28/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The fate of Cu, Zn and Cd after their entry into an unpolluted fresh water body was studied as a function of a condition of a natural phytoplankton community. In a field experiment, additives of metals entered into light and dark mesocosms twice to simulate effects of primary and repeated contamination. Over 31 days, the reproduction of new generation of a phytoplankton as renewable source of the suspended particles capable to metal biosorption was higher in a light mesocosm. As a result the residual concentration of metals in water decreased faster and their content in the settled deposits was higher in a light mesocosm, than in a dark mesocosm. Efficiency of planktonic channel in deducing of metals from water with settling deposits (in the order of Cu>Zn>Cd) depends on intensity of a phytoplankton reproduction in the initial stage of water ecosystem contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B S Smolyakov
- Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, SB of the RAS, 3, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - A P Ryzhikh
- Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, SB of the RAS, 3, Acad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - R E Romanov
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; Central Siberian Botanical Garden, SB of the RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|