Endocrine disrupting chemicals in wild freshwater fishes: Species, tissues, sizes and human health risks

Do dietary exposures to multi-class endocrine disrupting chemicals translate into health risks for Gangetic dolphins? An assessment and way forward

Dietary exposure risks of 39 multi-class Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) to the threatened Gangetic dolphins (Platanista gangetica) were investigated in a conservation-priority segment of the Ganga River. Elevated EDCs bioaccumulation was observed across prey fish species, with di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) significantly contributing to the EDC burden. The concentrations of persistent organochlorines in prey revealed a shift from dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to non-dioxin-like PCBs. The prevalence of regulated p,p' DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and γ-HCH (Lindane) residues suggests regional non-compliance with regulatory standards. The concentration of some EDCs is dependent on the habitat, foraging behavior, trophic level and fish growth. The potential drivers of EDCs contamination in catchment includes agriculture, vehicular emissions, poor solid waste management, textile industry, and high tourist influx. Risk quotients (RQs) based on toxicity reference value were generally below 1, while the RQ derived from the reference dose highlighted a high risk to Gangetic dolphins from DEHP, DDT, DnBP, arsenic, PCBs, mercury, and cadmium, emphasizing the need for their prioritization within monitoring programs. The study also proposes a monitoring framework to provide guidance on monitoring and assessment of chemical contamination in Gangetic dolphin and habitats.

Regulation of lipid metabolism in grass carp primary hepatocytes by exosomes derived from fatty hepatocytes though GRP78

Exosomes regulate lipid metabolism by carrying miRNAs, nucleic acids, and proteins, thereby influencing the function of receptor cells. Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is also involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism. However, it remains unclear whether exosomes derived from fatty hepatocytes (OA-Exo) regulate lipid metabolism through the enrichment of GRP78. In this study, we observed the expression of GRP78 was significantly increased in fatty hepatocytes (incubating hepatocytes with oleic acid (OA) for 24 h) and OA-Exo (P < 0.05). In addition, OA-Exo (50 μg/mL) and GRP78 protein (1 μg/mL) significant increased the content of triacylglycerol (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), as well as up-regulated the expression of GRP78 and inositol-requiring enzyme-1alpha (IRE1α) protein (P < 0.05). We further used YUM70 (an inhibitor of GRP78) to inhibit endogenous GRP78, and compared with the YUM70 group, OA-Exo reversed the effect of YUM70 and increased the content of TG, TC, and the expression of GRP78 protein in hepatocytes (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the inhibition of the IRE1α pathway with 4μ8C resulted in a significant decrease in TG content compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, when compared with the 4μ8C group, OA-Exo and GRP78 reversed the effect of 4μ8C and significantly increased TG content (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results indicated that OA-Exo activated IRE1α to promote lipid accumulation in hepatocytes through the enrichment of GRP78. This study provided a new perspective for further exploration of exosomal lipid metabolism in fish.

Assessing dietary bisphenol A exposure among Koreans: comprehensive database construction and analysis using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure primarily occurs through dietary intake. This study aimed to estimate the extent of dietary BPA exposure among Koreans. A thorough literature search was conducted to establish a BPA content database encompassing common foods consumed in Korea, including various food raw materials and processed food products. Dietary exposure levels were estimated by integrating the constructed BPA database with comprehensive nationwide 24 h-dietary recall datasets. The finding revealed that dietary BPA exposure was low for most Koreans, with a mean of 14.5 ng/kg bw/day, but was higher for preschool-age children (over 23 ng). Canned foods accounted for 9-36% of the total dietary exposure of the highest dietary exposure groups; while across all age groups, a considerable amount was derived from canned tuna, contribution of canned fruits and canned coffee (milk-containing) was high for preschool-age children and adults, respectively. Notably, for adults, a substantial proportion also stemmed from beer packaged in cans. While diet contributed over 80% of aggregate exposure for most age groups, preschool-age children experienced 60% exposure through diet due to additional exposure from indoor dust. Even at the high exposure scenario, aggregate BPA exposure levels remained lower than the current tolerable daily intake (TDI) set by the Korean agency (20 μg/kg bw/day). Nevertheless, most Koreans were exposed to BPA levels surpassing the strictest TDI (0.2 ng/kg bw/day) set by the European Food Safety Authority.

ERβ activation improves nonylphenol-induced depression and neurotransmitter secretion disruption via the TPH2/5-HT pathway

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) in nonylphenol (NP) - induced depression - like behavior in rats and its impact on the regulation of the TPH2/5-HT pathway. In the in vitro experiment, rat basophilic leukaemia cells (RBL-2H3) cells were divided into the four groups: blank group, NP group (20 μM), ERβ agonist group (0.01 μM), and NP＋ERβ agonist group (20 μM＋0.01 μM). For the in vivo experiment, 72 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into following six groups: the Control, NP (40 mg/kg) group, ERβ agonist (2 mg/kg, Diarylpropionitrile (DPN)) group, ERβ inhibitor (0.1 mg/kg, 4-(2-phenyl-5,7-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl) phenol (PHTPP)) group, NP+ERβ agonist (40 mg/kg NP ＋ 2 mg/kg DPN) group, and NP+ERβ inhibitor (40 mg/kg NP + 0.1 mg/kg PHTPP) group, with 12 rats in each group. Each rat in drug group were given NP by gavage and/or received a single intraperitoneal injection of DPN 2 mg/kg or PHTPP 0.1 mg/kg. Both in vivo and in vitro, NP group showed a decrease in the expression levels of ERβ, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH1), and tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) genes and proteins, and reduced levels of DA, NE, and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT) neurotransmitters. RBL-2H3 cells showed signs of cell shrinkage, with rounded cells, increased suspension and more loosely arranged cells. The effectiveness of the ERβ agonist stimulation exhibited an increase exceeding 60% in RBL-2H3 cells. The application of ERβ agonist resulted in an alleviation the aforementioned alterations. ERβ agonist activated the TPH2/5-HT signaling pathways. Compared to the control group, the NP content in the brain tissue of the NP group was significantly increased. The latency to eat for the rats was longer and the amount of food consumed was lower, and the rats had prolonged immobility time in the behavioral experiment of rats. The expression levels of ERβ, TPH1, TPH2, 5-HT and 5-HITT proteins were decreased in the NP group, suggesting NP-induced depression-like behaviours as well as disturbances in the secretion of serum hormones and monoamine neurotransmitters. In the NP group, the midline raphe nucleus showed an elongated nucleus with a dark purplish-blue colour, nuclear atrophy, displacement and pale cytoplasm. ERβ might ameliorate NP-induced depression-like behaviors, and secretion disorders of serum hormones and monoamine neurotransmitters via activating TPH2/5-HT signaling pathways.

Insights into pollution characteristics and human health risks of plasticizer phthalate esters in shellfish species

The ubiquitous application of phthalate esters (PAEs) as plasticizers contributes to high levels of marine pollution, yet the contamination patterns of PAEs in various shellfish species remain unknown. The objective of this research is to provide the first information on the pollution characteristics of 16 PAEs in different shellfish species from the Pearl River Delta (PRD), South China, and associated health risks. Among the 16 analyzed PAEs, 13 were identified in the shellfish, with total PAE concentrations ranging from 23.07 to 3794.08 ng/g dw (mean = 514.35 ng/g dw). The PAE pollution levels in the five shellfish species were as follows: Ostreidae (mean = 1064.12 ng/g dw) > Mytilus edulis (mean = 509.88 ng/g dw) > Babylonia areolate (mean = 458.14 ng/g dw) > Mactra chinensis (mean = 378.90 ng/g dw) > Haliotis diversicolor (mean = 335.28 ng/g dw). Dimethyl phthalate (DMP, mean = 69.85 ng/g dw), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP, mean = 41.39 ng/g dw), dibutyl phthalate (DBP, mean = 130.91 ng/g dw), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, mean = 226.23 ng/g dw) were the most abundant congeners. Notably, DEHP constituted the most predominant fraction (43.98 %) of the 13 PAEs detected in all shellfish from the PRD. Principal component analysis indicated that industrial and domestic emissions served as main sources for the PAE pollution in shellfish from the PRD. It was estimated that the daily intake of PAEs via shellfish consumption among adults and children ranged from 0.004 to 1.27 μg/kgbw/day, without obvious non-cancer risks (< 0.034), but the cancer risks raised some alarm (2.0 × 10-9-1.4 × 10-5). These findings highlight the necessity of focusing on marine environmental pollutants and emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring of PAE contamination in seafood.

Distribution, migration patterns, and food chain human health risks of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in water, sediments, and fish in the Xiangjiang River

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in freshwater systems has garnered increasing attention. A comprehensive analysis of the migration patterns, bioaccumulation, and consumer health risk of EDCs along the Xiangjiang River due to fish consumption from the river ecosystem was provided. Twenty natural and synthetic target EDCs were detected and analyzed from the water, sediments, and fish samples collected along the Xiangjiang River. There were significant correlations between the EDC concentrations in fish and the sediments. This revealed that EDCs in sediments play a dominant role in the uptake of EDCs by fish. The bioaccumulation factor and biota-sediment accumulation factor were calculated, with the highest values observed for nonylphenol. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that bisphenol A is the most reliable biological indicator of EDC contamination in fish. Furthermore, based on the threshold of toxicological concerns and the health risk with dietary intake, crucian carp and catfish from the Xiangjiang River pose a certain risk for children and pregnant women compared to grass carp. The Monte Carlo simulation results indicated a certain risk of cumulative ∑EDC exposure for local residents due to fish consumption.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in Vietnamese marine fish: Occurrence, distribution, and risk assessment

The release of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) into the aquatic environment, specifically the oceans, is increasing, leading to adverse effects on the marine ecosystem. Using optimized QuEChERS extraction methods, the study created the first contamination profiles of 44 EDCs, including organic ultraviolet compounds, pharmaceutically active compounds, hormones, and phthalate esters, in 114 fish muscle samples from five species collected along the Vietnamese coast. The study found that largehead hairtail exhibited the highest total EDCs at 208.3 ng g-1 lipid weight (lw), while Indian catfish displayed the lowest concentration at 105.5 ng g-1 lw. Besides, the study observed notable variations in the total EDCs across distinct fish species. This study hypothesized that the marine economic characteristics of each research location have a significant role in shaping the pollution profile of EDCs found in fish specimens taken from the corresponding area. As a result, a notable disparity in the composition of organic ultraviolet compounds has been observed among the three regions of North, Central, and South Vietnam (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.05). Despite these findings, EDC-contaminated fish did not pose any health risks to Vietnam's coastal population.

Bisphenol A contamination in Hilsa shad and assessment of potential health hazard: A pioneering investigation in the national river Ganga, India

The anadromous Hilsa, often known as the "Queen of Fishes" (Tenualosa ilisha), is the most valuable fishery in the Ganga-Hooghly delta estuary. Although BPA exposure has been shown to be harmful to aquatic organisms, no research has looked at the effects of BPA on the commercially valuable Hilsa shad of river Ganga. To close this information vacuum, we examined BPA levels in Hilsa fish from the Ganga estuary. Liver, muscle, kidney, and gonads were all positive for BPA among the Hilsa fish of all ages. Liver BPA levels were highest in adult males (272.16 ± 0.38 ng/g-dw), and lowest in juveniles (5.46 ± 0.06 ng/g-dw). BPA concentrations in the Hilsa shad muscle were highest in reproductively mature females (196.23 ± 0.41 ng/g-dw). The study also discovered a correlation between fish development and BPA exposure, with higher levels of BPA being identified in adult Hilsa species. This is the first study to look at the impact of BPA pollution on aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, and it showed that Hilsa shad is contaminated with BPA and poses health hazards to human beings. The results, which demonstrate BPA contamination, are useful for protecting Hilsa in the river Ganga.

Prostate histological investigation in rats exposed to bisphenol a and phytochemicals during the perinatal period and subjected to hormonal stimulus in adulthood

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmentally dispersed chemical associated with tumor development. Phytochemicals such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and genistein (GEN) have chemoprotective effects on tumor cells. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the prostatic morphological aspects of rats exposed to BPA, GEN, and I3C during the perinatal period and submitted to hormonal stimulus in adulthood. Blood was collected to obtain hormone concentrations. Slides stained with hematoxylin & eosin, and picrosirius were subjected to fractal, stereological, morphometric, and collagen quantification analysis. I3C decreased the plasma dihydrotestosterone levels, and both phytochemicals increased the plasma estrogen levels. Unlike phytochemicals, BPA did not alter any of the parameters evaluated. GEN reduced the epithelial height, while I3C increased the fractal dimension and stromal collagen. Although BPA did not alter the prostate morphology, the phytochemicals provided beneficial effects for the prostate histological organization in adult animals subjected to hormonal stimulus.

Reversing the damage: ecological restoration of polluted water bodies affected by pollutants due to anthropogenic activities

Aquatic ecosystems provide a large number of cultural, regulating, and supporting services to humans and play a pivotal role in sustaining freshwater-dependent ecosystems. However, an increase in human population coupled with economic growth in the last few decades has severely affected their functioning and ecological health. This has led to an increase in concentrations of pollutants originating from anthropogenic activities such as heavy metals, plastics, semi-volatile organic compounds, and endocrine disruptors. These pollutants provoke deleterious impacts on aquatic biodiversity and affect the water quality and functioning. In this paper, we discuss the sources and impacts of such pollutants as well as restoration techniques for reducing their impact on aquatic ecosystems. Several physical and chemical ecological restoration techniques, such as dredging, sediment capping, water diversion, adsorption, aeration, and flushing, can be employed to improve the water quality of water bodies. Additionally, biological techniques such as phytoremediation, phycoremediation, the use of biomembranes, and the construction of ecological floating beds can be employed to increase the population of aquatic organisms and improve the overall ecological health of aquatic ecosystems. Restoration techniques can effectively reduce the concentrations of suspended solids and dissolved phosphorus and increase the levels of dissolved oxygen. The restoration techniques for improving the ecological health of water bodies should not be limited to simply improving the water quality but should also focus on improving the biological processes and ecosystem functioning since it is essential to mitigate the adverse effects of pollutants and restore the vital ecosystem services provided by water bodies for future generations.

Occurrence and risk characterization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in seafood from the Persian Gulf

Potential exposure to 14 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through seafood consumption was investigated in widely consumed seafood (Platycephalus indicus, Lethrinus nebulosus, and Penaeus semisulcatus) from the Persian Gulf. A total of 61 samples of fish and prawns were purchased from local fishers at Bushehr port (Persian Gulf, South-West of Iran) and were analyzed for PFAS compounds. In addition, potential factors influencing factor of PFAS bioaccumulation in fish and invertebrates such as age, sex, and habitat, were investigated. ƩPFAS concentrations were in the range of 2.3- 6.1 ng/g-d.w (mean = 3.9 ± 1.9) in studied species which are equal to 0.46-1.2 ng/g-w.w according to their conversion factor. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was the most abundant perfluorinated compound in studied organisms and tissues. The results of correlation analysis showed that the bioaccumulation of PFAS in aquatic organisms is significantly correlated to the length of the compound's carbon chain, the identity of anionic group, and organism's age, sex, and habitant. The risk assessment using hazard index calculation and Monte-Carlo simulation indicated that weekly consumption of prawn and fish fillets does not pose a health risk to adults but might threaten children's health. However, the risk posed by PFAS exposure via entire fish or fish liver intake is an important issue for wild marine mammals (i.e., dolphins). So, accurate and routine monitoring of PFAS in aquatic environments seems mandatory to preserve wildlife and human health in the Persian Gulf.

Exposure to nonylphenol in early life causes behavioural deficits related with autism spectrum disorders in rats

Early-life exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs) is a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Exposure to nonylphenol (NP), a typical EDC, is known to cause some long-term behavioural abnormalities. Moreover, these abnormal behaviours are the most frequent psychiatric co-morbidities in ASD. However, the direct evidence for the link between NP exposure in early life and ASD-like behavioural phenotypes is still missing. In the present study, typical ASD-like behaviours induced by valproic acid treatment were considered as a positive behavioural control. We investigated impacts on social behaviours following early-life exposure to NP, and explored effects of this exposure on neuronal dendritic spines, mitochondria function, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Furthermore, primary cultured rat neurons were employed as in vitro model to evaluate changes in dendritic spine caused by exposure to NP, and oxidative stress and ER stress were specifically modulated to further explore their roles in these changes. Our results indicated rats exposed to NP in early life showed mild ASD-like behaviours. Moreover, we also found the activation of ER stress triggered by oxidative stress may contribute to dendritic spine decrease and synaptic dysfunction, which may underlie neurobehavioural abnormalities induced by early-life exposure to NP.

Occurrence, tissue distribution, and risk assessment of progestins, androgens, estrogens, and phenols in wild freshwater fish species

The presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in aquatic environments such as water, sediment, and sludge received more and more attention. However, the bioaccumulate properties of EDCs, particularly progestins and androgens, in various tissues of different wild freshwater fish species, as well as their effects on human health, have not been fully studied. The muscle, liver, and gills of three wild fish species obtained from the East Dongting Lake in southern China were examined for the presence of 19 EDCs (4 progestins, 5 androgens, 6 estrogens, and 4 phenols). Seventeen analytes were detected in all fish samples, and the concentrations of progestins, androgens, estrogens, and phenols ranged from ND-78.80 ng/g (wet weight, ww), ND-50.40 ng/g ww, ND-3573.82 ng/g ww, and ND-88.17 ng/g ww, respectively. The bioaccumulation of some EDCs in wild fish from East Dongting Lake was species-specific. Additionally, AND, EES, P4, and E2 were discovered in the liver at higher levels than in the muscle, suggesting that livers had a larger ability for enriching these EDCs than the muscle. Furthermore, the relationships between the fish sizes and the EDC concentrations indicated that total weight and length had a negligible impact on the bioaccumulation of EDCs in various fish species. Most importantly, the effects of EDCs on human health as a result of fish consumption were assessed. Although the estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of most EDCs were much lower compared with the corresponding acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) via consuming fish collected in this study, the EDI of EE2 in Silurus asotus was higher than the ADI of E2, indicating that Silurus asotus from East Dongting Lake should be eaten in moderation by local residents.

Occurrence, bioconcentration, and human health risks of pharmaceuticals in biota in the Sea of Marmara, Türkiye

The presence, bioconcentration, and health risk via seafood consumption of 11 pharmaceutical compounds belonging to different therapeutic groups (anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic, lipid regulators, and hormones) were investigated in the muscle tissues of fish and the meat of shrimp in the Sea of Marmara. Six biota species (Merlangius merlangus, Trachurus meditterraneus, Serranus hepatus, Pomatomus saltatrix, Parapenaeus longirostris, Spratus sprattus) were collected from the five stations in October and April 2019. Ultrasonic extraction method followed by solid phase extraction was used for extraction of pharmaceutical compounds from biota samples and then analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Of the 11 compounds, 10 were detected in biota species. Ibuprofen was the most frequently detected pharmaceutical in the biota tissues at high concentrations (<3.0-1225 ng/g, dw). The other widely detected compounds were fenoprofen (<3.6-323 ng/g, dw), gemfibrozil (<3.2-480 ng/g, dw), 17α-ethynylestradiol (<2.0-462 ng/g, dw), and carbamazepine (<7.6-222 ng/g, dw). The bioconcentration factors of the selected pharmaceuticals calculated in various aquatic organisms ranged from 9 to 2324 L/kg. The estimated daily intakes of anti-inflammatories, antiepileptics, lipid regulators, and hormones via seafood consumption were 0.37-568, 1.1-324, 8.5-197, 3-340 ng/kg bw. Day, respectively. Based on hazard quotients, estrone, 17β-estradiol, and 17α-ethynylestradiol may pose a health risk to humans through the consumption of this seafood.

Nanotechnology as an efficient and effective alternative for wastewater treatment: an overview

The increase in the surface and groundwater contamination due to global population growth, industrialization, proliferation of pathogens, emerging pollutants, heavy metals, and scarcity of drinking water represents a critical problem. Because of this problem, particular emphasis will be placed on wastewater recycling. Conventional wastewater treatment methods may be limited due to high investment costs or, in some cases, poor treatment efficiency. To address these issues, it is necessary to continuously evaluate novel technologies that complement and improve these traditional wastewater treatment processes. In this regard, technologies based on nanomaterials are also being studied. These technologies improve wastewater management and constitute one of the main focuses of nanotechnology. The following review describes wastewater's primary biological, organic, and inorganic contaminants. Subsequently, it focuses on the potential of different nanomaterials (metal oxides, carbon-based nanomaterials, cellulose-based nanomaterials), membrane, and nanobioremediation processes for wastewater treatment. The above is evident from the review of various publications. However, nanomaterials' cost, toxicity, and biodegradability need to be addressed before their commercial distribution and scale-up. The development of nanomaterials and nanoproducts must be sustainable and safe throughout the nanoproduct life cycle to meet the requirements of the circular economy.

Influence of Environmental Exposure to Steel Waste on Endocrine Dysregulation and PER3 Gene Polymorphisms

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between environmental exposure to the following chemical substances: cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), benzene (BZN), and toluene (TLN), and Period Circadian Regulator 3 (PER3) gene variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphisms, according to chronotype in a population living in a steel residue-contaminated area.

METHODS

This assessment comprises a study conducted from 2017 to 2019 with 159 participants who completed health, work, and Pittsburgh sleep scale questionnaires. Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn, BZN, and TLN concentrations in blood and urine were determined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS) and Headspace Gas Chromatography (GC), and genotyping was carried out using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

A total of 47% of the participants were afternoon chronotype, 42% were indifferent, and 11% were morning chronotype. Insomnia and excessive sleepiness were associated with the indifferent chronotype, while higher urinary manganese levels were associated with the morning chronotype (Kruskal-Wallis chi-square = 9.16; p < 0.01). In turn, the evening chronotype was associated with poorer sleep quality, higher lead levels in blood, and BZN and TLN levels in urine (χ² = 11.20; p < 0.01) in non-occupationally exposed individuals (χ² = 6.98; p < 0.01) as well as the highest BZN (χ² = 9.66; p < 0.01) and TLN (χ² = 5.71; p < 0.01) levels detected in residents from the influence zone 2 (far from the slag).

CONCLUSION

Mn, Pb, benzene, and toluene contaminants may have influenced the different chronotypes found in the steel residue-exposed population.

Impact of endocrine disruptors from mother's diet on immuno-hormonal orchestration of brain development and introduction of the virtual human twin tool

Diet has long been known to modify physiology during development and adulthood. However, due to a growing number of manufactured contaminants and additives over the last few decades, diet has increasingly become a source of exposure to chemicals that has been associated with adverse health risks. Sources of food contaminants include the environment, crops treated with agrochemicals, inappropriate storage (e.g., mycotoxins) and migration of xenobiotics from food packaging and food production equipment. Hence, consumers are exposed to a mixture of xenobiotics, some of which are endocrine disruptors (EDs). The complex interactions between immune function and brain development and their orchestration by steroid hormones are insufficiently understood in human populations, and little is known about the impact on immune-brain interactions by transplacental fetal exposure to EDs via maternal diet. To help to identify the key data gaps, this paper aims to present (a) how transplacental EDs modify immune system and brain development, and (b) how these mechanisms may correlate with diseases such as autism and disturbances of lateral brain development. Attention is given to disturbances of the subplate, a transient structure of crucial significance in brain development. Additionally, we describe cutting edge approaches to investigate the developmental neurotoxicity of EDs, such as the application of artificial intelligence and comprehensive modelling. In the future, highly complex investigations will be performed using virtual brain models constructed using sophisticated multi-physics/multi-scale modelling strategies based on patient and synthetic data, which will enable a greater understanding of healthy or disturbed brain development.

A Comparison Study between Wood Flour and Its Derived Biochar for the Enhancement of the Peroxydisulfate Activation Capability of Fe3O4

In this study, both wood flour (WF) and wood flour-derived biochar (WFB) were used as supports for Fe3O4 to activate peroxydisulfate (PDS). The role of different carriers was investigated emphatically from the aspects of catalyst properties, the degradation kinetics of bisphenol A (BPA), the effects of important parameters, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results showed that both WF and WFB could serve as good support for Fe3O4, which could control the release of iron into solution and increase the specific surface areas (SSAs). The WFB/Fe3O4 had stronger PDS activation capability than WF/Fe3O4 mainly due to the larger SSA of WFB/Fe3O4 and the PDS activation ability of WFB. Both radical species (•OH and SO4•−) and non-radical pathways, including 1O2 and high-valent iron-oxo species, contributed to the degradation of BPA in the WFB/Fe3O4–PDS process. Moreover, the WFB/Fe3O4 catalyst also showed stronger ability to control the iron release, better reusability, and higher BPA mineralization efficiency than WF/Fe3O4.

Inhibition of human and rat placental 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5,4-isomerase activities by insecticides and fungicides: Mode action by docking analysis

Many insecticides and fungicides are endocrine-disrupting compounds, which possibly interfere with the placental endocrine system. In the placenta, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ^5,4-isomerase type 1 (HSD3B1) is the major steroidogenic enzyme, which makes progesterone from pregnenolone to support the placental stability. In this study, we screened 12 classes of insecticides and fungicides to inhibit placental HSD3B1 activity and compared them to the rat homolog type 4 (HSD3B4) isoform. Human HSD3B1 activity and rat HSD3B4 activity were measured in the presence of 200 nM pregnenolone and 0.2 mM NAD⁺ and 100 μM of test chemical. Triclosan, triflumizole, dichlone, and oxine at 100 μM significantly inhibited human HSD3B1 activity with the residual activity being less than 50% of the control. Further study showed that the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of triclosan, triflumizole, dichlone, and oxine were 85.53 ± 9.14, 73.75 ± 3.42, 2.54 ± 0.40, and 102.93 ± 6.10 μM, respectively. In the presence of pregnenolone, triclosan, triflumizole, and dichlone were mixed inhibitors of HSD3B1, while oxine was a noncompetitive inhibitor. In the presence of NAD⁺, triclosan exhibited competitive inhibition while triflumizole possessed uncompetitive inhibition. Docking analysis showed that triclosan bound NAD⁺-binding site, while triflumizole, dichlone, and oxine mostly bound steroid-binding site. When the effect of these insecticides on rat placental HSD3B4 activity was screened in the presence of 200 nM pregnenolone, atrazine, triclosan, triflumizole, oxine, cyprodinil, and diphenyltin at 100 μM significantly inhibited rat HSD3B4 activity, with IC₅₀ values of triclosan, triflumizole, oxine, and cyprodinil were 82.99 ± 6.48, 35.45 ± 2.73, 105.59 ± 12.04, and 43.37 ± 3.00 μM, respectively. The mode action analysis showed that triflumizole and cyprodinil were almost competitive inhibitors, while triclosan and oxine were almost noncompetitive inhibitors of rat HSD3B4. Docking analysis showed that triclosan and oxine bound cofactor NAD⁺ binding residues more than steroid-binding residues of rat HSD3B4 while triflumizole and cyprodinil bound most pregnenolone-interactive residues. In conclusion, some insecticides such as triclosan, triflumizole, and oxine can effectively inhibit both human and rat placental HSD3B activity and they have unique mode action due to the structure difference.

Occurrence and risk assessment of endocrine-disrupting compounds in fish muscle: The case study of the Douro River estuary (North East Atlantic Ocean)

This work was focused on evaluating the occurrence of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in fish muscles, such as bisphenol analogues, personal care products, including some UV-filters and musk fragrances, and selected pesticides. A total of 238 muscle samples of three fish species (Platichthys flesus, Mugil cephalus, and Dicentrarchus labrax) of an important estuary ending in the North East Atlantic Ocean (Douro River estuary, Portugal), in different seasons of the year, was analysed. M. cephalus was the species with a greater occurrence of contaminants, mainly in fishes collected during the spring. Bisphenol A was the main bisphenol analogue detected with an average content of 23.1 μg/kg wet weight (w.w.). Among chemicals used in personal care products, galaxolide, tonalide, and 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, were the most often found, being present in 15.9% (2.2-538.4 μg/kg w. w.), 4.6% (1.1-57.8 μg/kg w. w.) and 3.4% (3.9-56.1 μg/kg w. w.) of the samples, respectively. About 14% of the samples contained residues of at least one pesticide, being alachlor, aldrin, p,p'-DDT, permethrin, and prochloraz the main chemicals observed, varying from 0.1 μg/kg w. w. (p,p'-DDT) to 37.8 μg/kg w. w. (prochloraz). The daily intake estimates of the most frequent EDCs found in the fish muscles suggested that there are no health concerns, based on the recommended weekly consumption of fish for adults.

Reproductive toxicity of long-term exposure to environmental relevant concentrations of cyprodinil in female zebrafish (Danio rerio)

In recent years, the widespread use of the pesticide cyprodinil has attracted attention due to its harmful effects on aquatic organisms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adverse effects of long-term exposure to cyprodinil on the reproductive system of female zebrafish. After the embryos had been treated with 0.1, 1 and 10 μg/L cyprodinil for 180 days, we observed that female fish treated with 1 and 10 μg/L cyprodinil showed decreased sexual attractiveness, a decreased proportion of primordial follicles in the ovary, an increased proportion of mature follicles, and increased egg production. Moreover, exposed females that mated with normal males produced offspring with increased rates of mortality and deformity (the F1 generation). In addition, the levels of gonadotropin and testosterone (T) were increased in females after cyprodinil exposure, especially in the 10 μg/L treated group. After cyprodinil treatment, some key genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis underwent significant changes. For example, gene expression of brain gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors (gnrhr1, gnrhr2 and gnrhr4) was significantly downregulated after cyprodinil treatment. The study found that expression of the aromatase (cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A polypeptide 1a, cyp19a1a) responsible for converting T into estradiol was significantly downregulated after cyprodinil treatment, consistent with elevated T levels in the ovaries and muscles. In summary, these data provide a more comprehensive understanding of the toxicity of cyprodinil and may inform evaluation of the ecotoxicity of cyprodinil to female reproduction at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Separate and combined effects of cadmium (Cd) and nonylphenol (NP) on growth and antioxidative enzymes in Hydrocharis dubia (Bl.) Backer

Cadmium (Cd) is considered a priority pollutant, and nonylphenol (NP) is a common organic pollutant in water environments. However, the ecological risks of combined Cd and NP pollution have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the effects of Cd, NP, and Cd-NP on the growth and physiology of Hydrocharis dubia (Bl.) Backer were studied. The results indicated that Cd-NP joint toxicity is concentration-dependent. The joint toxicity of Cd and NP on H. dubia was antagonistic when the concentrations of Cd + NP were 0.01 + 0.1/1 mg/L. At 0.5 + 0.1/1 mg/L, Cd and NP had a strong synergistic effect on H. dubia. In addition, plant growth was significantly inhibited, and the chlorophyll contents were significantly reduced under Cd, NP, or Cd-NP exposure. The plant's antioxidant enzyme system was destroyed. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly decreased under NP-only exposure. The activity of SOD was significantly decreased under Cd-only and under joint exposure. Compound pollution exceeded the oxidative defense capacity of the plants, so the H₂O₂ content increased significantly. Our results indicated that the ecotoxicity of NP combined with Cd may be exacerbated in aquatic environments and cause obvious damage to H. dubia.

A Simple, Efficient, Eco-Friendly Sample Preparation Procedure for the Simultaneous Determination of Hormones in Meat and Fish Products by Gas Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry

Food safety can be severely compromised by the presence of chemical contaminants. This has raised a pressing need to develop efficient analytical methods for their determination at very low levels in complex food matrices. In this manuscript, we developed a simple, sensitive, fast, green analytical method for the determination of thirteen natural and synthetic hormones from different families including progestogens, estrogens and androgens in meat and fish products. The method involves direct extraction with a (9:1) acetonitrile–water mixture and subsequent purification of the extract by semi-automated solid-phase extraction on a sorbent column (hydrophilic–lipophilic copolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone and divinylbenzene). This treatment enriches samples with the target compounds while removing proteins, lipids and other potential interferences from their matrix for the accurate determination of the analytes by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, all within 15 min. The proposed method exhibits good linearity (r ≥ 0.996), low limits of detection (0.4–15 ng/kg), acceptable recoveries (90–105%) and relative standard deviations (≤7%); in addition, it is scarcely subject to matrix effects (1–20%). The method was successfully used to determine natural and synthetic hormones in meat and fish products from Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Greece, Norway, Morocco and the USA. The analytes were found at especially high levels (30–1900 ng/kg) in mussels, beef and pork.

Bisphenol A in the environment and recent advances in biodegradation by fungi

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a compound used in the manufacture of a wide variety of everyday materials that, when released into the environment, causes multiple detrimental effects on humans and other organisms. The reason for this review is to provide an overview of the presence, distribution, and concentration of BPA in water, soil, sediment, and air, as well as the process of release and migration, biomagnification, and exposure mechanisms that cause various toxic effects in humans. Therefore, it is important to seek efficient and economic strategies that allow its removal from the environment and prevent it from reaching humans through food chains. Likewise, the main removal techniques are analyzed, focusing on biological treatments, particularly the most recent advances in the degradation of BPA in different environmental matrices through the use of ligninolytic fungi, non-ligninolytic fungi and yeasts, as well as the possible routes of metabolic processes that allow their biotransformation or biodegradation due to their efficient extracellular enzyme systems. This review supports the importance of the application of new biotechnological tools for the degradation of BPA.

Perfluoroalkyl acids in representative edible aquatic species from the lower Yangtze River: Occurrence, distribution, sources, and health risk

Perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) exposure poses a potential hazard to wildlife and humans. Food consumption is one of the main routes of PFAA exposure for the general population, with aquatic organisms being the major contributors. To evaluate the risk of coastal residents' intake of wild aquatic organisms, 14 PFAAs were detected in crucian carp and oriental river prawn from 18 sampling sites from the lower reaches of Yangtze River. The total PFAA (∑PFAA) concentrations ranged from 5.9 to 51.3 ng/g wet weight (ww) in the muscle of crucian carp and river prawn, suggesting the potential risk to human and wildlife. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and long-chain PFAAs (C ≥ 10) were the main pollutants in the tissues of crucian carp and river prawn, which are known for their higher bioaccumulation capacity. The ∑PFAA concentration in all the samples showed an increasing trend from upstream to downstream and was higher in the south bank, owing to population density, prevailing winds, background pollution and industrial emission. Principal component analysis-multiple linear regression and Pearson correlation analysis showed that WWTP effluent, industrial pollution and surface runoff ware the main sources of PFAAs in the aquatic organisms and industrial pollution highest contributor, suggesting better regulation is needed to manage them. The assessment of risk to human health and wild life suggested a low risk for most residents of cities along the Yangtze River except for resident of Nantong, where frequent consumption of wild aquatic organisms may cause potential risk to human health, especially for traditional eaters and middle-aged people.

Relationship between exposure of alkylphenols in serum of pregnant women during early pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes

Alkylphenols are a type of endocrine disruptors, which are commonly found in personal care products, food, and water and are more harmful to the human body. To investigate the relationship between exposure of alkylphenols in serum of pregnant women during early pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, a total of 2035 healthy pregnant women and their neonates were recruited in the birth cohort of Zhuang nationality in Guangxi from 2015 to 2018. The peripheral venous blood samples were collected from pregnant women in early pregnancy; the concentrations of nonylphenol (NP), 4-nonylphenol (4-N-NP), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-T-OP), and 4-n-octylphenol (4-N-OP) in serum were detected by ultra-performance liquid performance chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Binary logistic regression showed that NP [OR = 1.40 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.94)] was positively associated with preterm birth. Restricted cubic spline analyses showed that logNP and log4-T-OP had non-linearity associations with preterm birth (logNP: P_overall = 0.006, P_non-linear = 0.003; log4-T-OP: P_overall = 0.004, P_non-linear = 0.002). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that maternal serum concentration of NP was negatively associated with birth weight of perinatal infants (β = -14.68, 95% CI: -29.18, -0.19), which may be sensitive in male neonates (β = -26.18, 95% CI: -47.33, -5.02). The findings demonstrate that nonylphenol is a risk factor of preterm birth, and nonylphenol is negatively associated with the birth weight in male infants.

Estrogen Receptors Mediated Negative Effects of Estrogens and Xenoestrogens in Teleost Fishes-Review

Estrogen receptors (ERs) play a key role in many biochemical and physiological processes, that are involved in maintaining organism homeostasis. At the most basic level, they can be divided into nuclear estrogen receptors and membrane estrogen receptors that imply their effect in two ways: slower genomic, and faster non-genomic. In these ways, estrogens and xenoestrogens can negatively affect animal health and welfare. Most of the available literature focuses on human and mammalian physiology, and clearly, we can observe a need for further research focusing on complex mutual interactions between different estrogens and xenoestrogens in aquatic animals, primarily fishes. Understanding the mechanisms of action of estrogenic compounds on the ERs in fishes and their negative consequences, may improve efforts in environmental protection of these animals and their environment and benefit society in return. In this review, we have summarized the ER-mediated effects of xenoestrogens and estrogens on teleost fishes metabolism, their carcinogenic potential, immune, circulatory, and reproductive systems.

Spatiotemporal distribution, source apportionment and risk assessment of typical hormones and phenolic endocrine disrupting chemicals in environmental and biological samples from the mariculture areas in the Pearl River Delta, China

The present work studied the levels, distribution, potential sources, ecological and human health risks of typical hormones and phenolic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the mariculture areas of the Pearl River Delta (PRD), China. The environmental levels of 11 hormones (6 estrogens, 4 progestogens, and 1 androgen) and 2 phenolic EDCs were quantified in various matrices including water, sediment, cultured fish and shellfish. Ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry analyses showed that all the 13 target compounds were detected in biotic samples, whereas 10 were detected in water and sediment, respectively. The total concentrations ranged from 35.06-364.53 ng/L in water and 6.31-29.30 ng/g in sediment, respectively. The average contaminant levels in shellfish (Ostrea gigas, Mytilus edulis and Mimachlamys nobilis) were significantly higher than those in fish (Culter alburnus, Ephippus orbis and Ephippus orbis). Source apportionment revealed that the pollution of hormones and phenolic EDCs in PRD mariculture areas was resulted from the combination of coastal anthropogenic discharges and mariculture activities. The hazard quotient values of the contaminants were all less than 1, implying no immediate human health risk. Overall, the present study is of great significance for scientific mariculture management, land-based pollution control, ecosystem protection, and safeguarding human health.

Evaluation of three sorbent-phase extraction techniques based on hyper-crosslinked polymer for the extraction of five endocrine disrupters in water

A series of low-cost hyper-crosslinked polymers were prepared by an easy one-step Friedel-Crafts reaction. The synthesized hyper-crosslinked polymers exhibited remarkably porous structure, large surface area, and hydroxyl groups, which can be employed as an ideal adsorbent material for novel sorbent-phase extraction techniques. Based on this, using hyper-crosslinked polymers as sorbent and coating, three novel extraction methods, including micro-solid-phase extraction, dispersive solid-phase extraction, and solid-phase microextraction, were explored and evaluated for simultaneous measurement of five endocrine-disrupting compounds (triclosan and bisphenol A, tetrabromobisphenol A, tetrabromobisphenol A bisallylether, and tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether)) in environment water prior to high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet. The influence of experimental parameters on three extraction techniques such as extraction time, the amount of hyper-crosslinked polymers, extraction temperature, ionic strength, and desorption conditions were optimized. Three previously mentioned methods provided limits of detection ranging from 0.01 to 0.05 μg/L, and high recoveries (85-99%) with relative standard deviations of 1.7-5.6%. This study presented the merits and disadvantages of three proposed extraction methods and their potential for effective monitoring of hazardous pollutants in real water samples.

Prediction of chemical reproductive toxicity to aquatic species using a machine learning model: An application in an ecological risk assessment of the Yangtze River, China

The endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been at the forefront of environmental issues for over 20 years and are a principle factor considered in every ecological risk assessment, but this kind of risk assessment faces difficulties. The expense, time cost of in vivo tests, and lack of toxicity data are key limiting factors for the ability to conduct ecological risk assessments of EDCs to aquatic species. In this study, a machine learning model named the support vector machine (SVM) was used to predict the reproductive toxicity of EDCs, and the performance of the models was evaluated. The results showed that the SVM model provided more accurate toxicity prediction data compared with the interspecies correlation estimation (ICE) model developed by previous study to predict the reproductive toxicity. The application of the predicted toxicity data was an important supplement to the observed data for the ecological risk assessment of EDCs in the Yangtze River, where estrogens and phenolic compounds have been found at some sampling sites in the middle and lower reaches. The results showed that the ecological risk of estrone, 17β-estradiol, and ethinyl estradiol were significant. This study revealed the application potential of machine learning models for the prediction of reproductive toxicity effects of EDCs. This can provide reliable alternative toxicity data for the ecological risk assessments of EDCs.

Efficient removal of estrogenic compounds in water by MnIII-activated peroxymonosulfate: Mechanisms and application in sewage treatment plant water

In this paper, the degradation of three endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs): bisphenol A (BPA), 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) by manganite (γ-MnOOH) activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) was investigated. Preliminary optimisation experiments showed that complete degradation of the three EDCs was achieved after 30 min of reaction using 0.1 g L^-1 of γ-MnOOH and 2 mM of PMS. The degradation rate constants were determined to be 0.20, 0.22 and 0.15 min^-1 for BPA, E2 and EE2, respectively. Combining radical scavenging approaches, Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses, we revealed for the first time that about 40% of EDCs degradation can be attributed to heterogeneous electron transfer reaction involving freshly generated Mn(IV), and 60% to sulfate radical degradation pathway. The influence of various inorganic ions on the γ-MnOOH/PMS system indicated that removal efficiency was slightly affected by chloride and carbonate ions, while nitrate and nitrite ions had negligible impacts. The application of γ-MnOOH/PMS system in real sewage treatment plant water (STPW) showed that degradation rate constants of EDCs decreased to 0.035-0.048 min^-1 and complete degradation of the three EDCs after 45 min. This study provides new insights into the reactivity of combined γ-MnOOH and PMS, and opens new ways for the application of Mn-bearing species in wastewater treatment technologies.

Hormones Nanofiltration in Carbon Nanotubes and Boron Nitride Nanotubes Using Uniform External Electric Field Through Molecular Dynamics

Hormones are a dangerous group of molecules that can cause harm to humans. This study based on classical molecular dynamics proposes the nanofiltration of wastewater contaminated by hormones from a computer simulation study, in which the water and the hormone were filtered in two single-walled nanotube compositions. The calculations were carried out by changing the intensities of the electric field that acted as a force exerting pressure on the filtration along the nanotube, in the simulation time of 100 ps. The hormones studied were estrone, estradiol, estriol, progesterone, ethinylestradiol, diethylbestrol, and levonorgestrel in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and boron nitride (BNNTs). The most efficient nanofiltrations were for fields with low intensities in the order of 10-8 au and 10-7 au. The studied nanotubes can be used in membranes for nanofiltration in water treatment plants due to the evanescent field potential caused by the action of the electric field inside. Our data showed that the action of EF in conjunction with the van der Walls forces of the nanotubes is sufficient to generate the attractive potential. Evaluating the transport of water molecules in CNTs and BNNTs, under the influence of the electric field, a sequence of simulations with the same boundary conditions was carried out, seeking to know the percentage of water molecules filtered in the nanotubes.

Effects of nonylphenol exposure on histological changes, apoptosis and time-course transcriptome in gills of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Nonylphenol (NP) is considered as one of the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment. Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei is the predominant species in China, which is frequently affected by environmental pollutants. However, potential toxicity mechanism of NP in shrimp has not been comprehensively studied. To explore the physiological changes and molecular mechanism involved in NP exposure of shrimp, we analyzed histological alterations, apoptosis and transcriptional responses of L.vannamei subjected to NP. Results indicated that significant changes in the histoarchitecture of the gills were observed after NP exposure for 3, 12 and 48 h. Apoptosis was also detected in a time-dependent manner. Numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained at 3 h, 12 h and 48 h after exposure. On the basis of the expression patterns over the time course, these DEGs were classified into 12 clusters. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of these DEGs was carried out and a dynamic and global view was obtained in shrimp after NP exposure on a transcriptome level. In addition, 15 DEGs involved in immune response, apoptosis, DNA repair, osmoregulation etc. were selected for qRT-PCR validation. The expression patterns of these DEGs kept a well consistent with the high-throughput data at different timepoints, which confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the transcriptome data. All the results demonstrated that NP exposure might lead to impairments of biological functions in gills, alter immune and antioxidant response, compromise DNA repair and anti-apoptosis abilities of shrimp, cause severe histopathological changes and eventually trigger apoptosis. The present study enriched the information on the toxicity mechanism of crustaceans in response to NP exposure.

Impact of Estrogens Present in Environment on Health and Welfare of Animals

Simple Summary

Estrogens are a group of steroid hormones that recently have gained even more attention in the eyes of scientists. There is an ongoing discussion in the scientific community about their relevance as environmental contaminants and the danger they pose to animal health and welfare. In available literature we can find many examples of their negative effects and mechanisms that are involved with such phenomena.

Abstract

Nowadays, there is a growing interest in environmental pollution; however, knowledge about this aspect is growing at an insufficient pace. There are many potential sources of environmental contamination, including sex hormones—especially estrogens. The analyzed literature shows that estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and synthetic ethinyloestradiol (EE2) are the most significant in terms of environmental impact. Potential sources of contamination are, among others, livestock farms, slaughterhouses, and large urban agglomerations. Estrogens occurring in the environment can negatively affect the organisms, such as animals, through phenomena such as feminization, dysregulation of natural processes related to reproduction, lowering the physiological condition of the organisms, disturbances in the regulation of both proapoptotic and anti-apoptotic processes, and even the occurrence of neoplastic processes thus drastically decreasing animal welfare. Unfortunately, the amount of research conducted on the negative consequences of their impact on animal organisms is many times smaller than that of humans, despite the great richness and diversity of the fauna. Therefore, there is a need for further research to help fill the gaps in our knowledge.

Indigenous Fish-Based Assessment of Genotoxic Potentials of the Helong Reservoir in Guangzhou, China

The present study was conducted to assess the genotoxic potential of water from the Helong Reservoir, which was designated as a strategic drinking water source by the Guangdong Provincial Government of China in October 2016. Four kinds of common indigenous fish samples (Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus molitorella, red tilapia, and Oreochromis niloticus) were collected at 6 sampling sites during the period from July to November 2020. Fish from the clean drinking water source of the upper reaches of the Liuxihe Reservoir in Guangzhou were collected as the control. Both the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay and the micronucleus test were used to detect DNA damage and the micronucleus rate in erythrocytes of fish samples, respectively. The results indicated that there was a significant increase in comet tail length, Olive tail moment, and micronucleus rates of all fish samples compared with those of the control (p < 0.05). The order of sensitivity to DNA damage and micronucleus formation was Labeo rohita > Cirrhinus molitorella > red tilapia > Oreochromis niloticus. The results of the 2 kinds of experiments were in perfect agreement with each other. We conclude that there are obvious genotoxic effects from the water in the Helong Reservoir. As a strategic drinking water source, the safety of the Reservoir water quality should be considered. The local government should put the restoration of the Helong Reservoir water quality on the agenda as soon as possible. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1919-1927. © 2021 SETAC.

Urinary parabens, bisphenol A and triclosan in primiparas from Shenzhen, China: Implications for exposure and health risks

The usage of parabens, bisphenol A and triclosan in diverse consumer products is in widespread. Nevertheless, there are limited data concerning exposure to these chemicals in human being, especially in primiparas. Biomonitoring of chemicals in primiparas is useful for the estimation of chemical exposure risks for both primiparas and their offspring. This study aims to investigate urinary levels of parabens, bisphenol A and triclosan of 84 primiparas from Shenzhen, China and to evaluate their potential health risks. Methyl, ethyl, and n-propyl parabens bisphenol A and triclosan exhibited high detection rates (DRs) (> 97%) in urine samples, suggesting that primiparas are exposed to them widely. The median concentrations of methyl, ethyl, and n-propyl parabens, bispenol A and triclosan in urine were 2.14, 4.10, 0.46, 1.30 and 3.00 µg/L, respectively. Ethyl paraben was the predominant paraben accounting for nearly half of Σ3parabens (The sum concentrations of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl parabens). Positive associations with significance (p < 0.05) were found between the usage of plastic containers and urinary concentrations of ethyl paraben or BPA, indicating plastic containers might be an important factor influencing primipara exposure to these two chemicals. Urinary concentrations of methyl paraben were positively associated (p < 0.05) with the time of computer use by participant, suggesting that indoor dust might constitute an important source of parabens. The estimated daily intakes of parabens, bisphenol A and triclosan contrasted with the acceptable daily intakes in a comparatively low level. The hazard quotients (HQs) of these chemicals were all less than 1, suggesting no health risks for primiparas from South China.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-020-00599-1.

Emerging endocrine disruptors in two edible fish from the Persian Gulf: Occurrence, congener profile, and human health risk assessment

The occurrence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been determined in two widely consumed fish species from Persian Gulf i.e., Epinephelus coioides and Platycephalus indicus by applying a validated analytical for the simultaneous detection of fourteen EDCs. The concentrations of all detected EDCs were greater in the liver than in the muscle (except for bisphenol A in P. indicus), suggesting a prolonged exposure of the fishes to these pollutants in the Persian Gulf. Specifically, the results showed that di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the compound detected most frequently and at the highest concentration in both species. DEHP levels in ranged from 6.68 to 297.48 μg g-dw^-1 and from 13.32 to 350.52 μg g-dw^-1, in muscle and in liver, respectively. A risk assessment study was conducted, and demonstrated that consuming two fish based- meals per week may result in a moderate risk especially for vulnerable population groups.

Bisphenol A in Africa: A review of environmental and biological levels

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic ubiquitous environmental toxicant present in many industrial and consumer products. BPA is recognized as an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), and its mechanisms of perturbation of the physiological process include interference with hormone pathways and epigenetic modifications. An increase in industrial productions and food packaging across Africa has resulted in increased utilization of BPA-containing products with a concomitant increase in environmental bioaccumulation and human exposure. In order to assess the extent of this bioaccumulation, we identified, collated, and summarized the levels of BPA that have been reported across Africa. To achieve this aim, we performed a systematic search of four indexing databases to identify articles and extracted the necessary data from the selected articles. Of the 42 publications we retrieved, 42% were on water samples, 22% on food, 20% on human biological fluids, 10% on sediments, soils, and sludge and 6% on consumer and personal care products (PCPs). The highest level of BPA reported in literature across Africa was 251 ng/mL, 384.8 ng/mL, 937.49 ng/g, 208.55 ng/mL, 3,590 μg/g, and 154,820 μg/g for water, wastewater, food, biological fluids, consumer and PCPs, and semisolids, respectively. This review presented a comparative perspective of these levels relative to regulatory limits and levels reported from other continents. Finally, this review highlighted critical needs for the regulation of BPA across Africa in order to stem its environmental and toxicological impact. We hope that this review will stimulate further research in understanding the impact of BPA on health outcomes and wellbeing across Africa.

Enhancing Microbial Pollutant Degradation by Integrating Eco-Evolutionary Principles with Environmental Biotechnology

Environmental accumulation of anthropogenic pollutants is a pressing global issue. The biodegradation of these pollutants by microbes is an emerging field but is hampered by inefficient degradation rates and a limited knowledge of potential enzymes and pathways. Here, we advocate the view that significant progress can be achieved by harnessing artificial community selection for a desired biological process, an approach that makes use of eco-evolutionary principles. The selected communities can either be directly used in bioremediation applications or further be analyzed and modified, for instance through a combination of systems biology, synthetic biology, and genetic engineering. This knowledge can then inform machine learning and enhance the discovery of novel biodegradation pathways.

Selective Photoelectrocatalytic Removal for Group-Targets of Phthalic Esters

The development of a selective removal method for group-targets of pollutants under the inhibition of nontoxic organic interferents is of great importance in environmental science. A novel TiO₂ photoelectrode functionalized with dummy templates (PS-PAE-TiO₂) is designed, exhibiting group-targeting selectivity for nine phthalate ester (PAE) analogs. In total, 90-99% of PAEs were removed from 30 μg L^-1 in actual wastewater (chemical oxygen demand, 14.5 mg O₂ L^-1). The selectivity for PAEs originated from preferential enrichment close to the PS-PAE-TiO₂ surface result in a twofold improvement in the apparent kinetic constant. The specific sites can be attributed to phenyl rings and o-ester carbonyl groups through the molecular recognition process. The intermediates were analyzed quantitatively, and a degradation pathway with lower toxicity was proposed, excluding ring-hydroxylated phthalates. Almost 100% of the estrogenic activity and acute aquatic toxicity were eliminated and the genotoxicity was reduced by 92.5%, which was about 40% higher than that at the nonselective photoanode. An enhanced removal at the PS-PAE-TiO₂ photoanode with better economic benefits was confirmed, saving energy consumption by 2.5 kWh m^-3 per order than that at the nonselective anode. The advanced removal method with group-targeting selective capability can provide a propagable strategy for the removal of a class of homologues from complex aqueous systems.

Recent advances in the application of magnetic Fe3O4 nanomaterials for the removal of emerging contaminants

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are widely distributed and potentially hazardous to human health and the ecological system. However, traditional wastewater treatment techniques are not sufficient to remove ECs. Magnetic nanomaterials are made of ferromagnetic or superparamagnetic magnetic elements such as iron and nickel, which can be easily separated from the aqueous solution, making them ideal adsorbents for contaminants in water. This review focused on the synthesis approaches of magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (MFNs), as well as surface modification in order to improve their stability and functional diversity. Also, a detailed summary on the state-of-art application of magnetic nanomaterials on the removal of ECs was addressed. Additionally, challenges and future prospective of applying magnetic nanomaterials into real-world cases were discussed, in which the green and simple synthesis and evaluation of the toxic effects of MFNs are still of great challenge. This work summarizes the recent progress of using magnetic nanomaterials as promising and powerful tools in the treatment of ECs-contaminated water, benefiting researchers interested in nanomaterials and environmental studies.

Occurrence and distribution of hormones and bisphenol A in Laguna Lake, Philippines

The occurrence of hormones and hormone-like compounds in water has been regarded as an emerging environmental concern. These water contaminants are known to cause endocrine disruption that may affect aquatic organisms. In this study, hormones and phenolic xenoestrogens were investigated and measured in the surface waters of Laguna Lake, Philippines. Laguna Lake is the largest lake in the country that has many uses including fish cultivation and source for potable water production. The hormones estrone, 17-beta-estradiol, 17-alpha-ethynylestradiol, progesterone and testosterone as well as the plasticizer bisphenol A in the lake water were determined by solid phase extraction and LC-MS/MS. The extraction method exhibited good recoveries (75-90% in spiked lake water) while the instrumental method of analysis has low detection limits (0.01-0.24 μg/L) and good linear response (>99% in the 0-50 μg/L concentration range). In the nine sampling sites across the lake, estrone was found in concentrations between 0.03 and 0.30 ng/L. 17-Beta-estradiol, testosterone and progesterone were detected in some of the sites in concentrations up to 0.36, 0.22, and 2.05 ng/L, respectively. Bisphenol A was detected in all sites in higher concentrations of 0.71-47.40 ng/L. Although there are no local guidelines yet, the determination and monitoring of these emerging water contaminants are important because of their potential environmental impacts. Further to this initial study, investigations on point sources spanning the tributary rivers, long-term determination of locational and temporal variations, and assessment of ecotoxicological risks are needed. These are crucial in the regulation and mitigation of discharges into the lake.

Biochar derived from red algae for efficient remediation of 4-nonylphenol from marine sediments

4-Nonylphenol (4-NP), a phenolic endocrine disruptor chemical (EDC), is known to have high toxicity to aquatic organisms and humans. The remediation of 4-NP-contaminated marine sediments was studied using red algae-based biochar (RAB) thermochemically synthesized from Agardhiella subulata with simple pyrolysis process under different temperatures of 300-900 °C in CO₂ atmosphere. The RAB was characterized by XRD, Raman, FTIR spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements. The calcium in RAB efficiently activated sodium percarbonate (SPC) to generate reactive radicals for the catalytic degradation of 4-NP at pH 9.0. The oxygen-containing functional groups reacted with H₂O₂, which increased the generation of reactive radicals under alkaline pH condition. Ca²⁺ ion was the active species responsible for 4-NP degradation. CaO/CaCO₃ on RAB surface enhanced direct electron transfer, increased HO production, and 4-NP degradation in marine sediments. Langmuir‒Hinshelwood type kinetics well described the 4-NP degradation process. Remediation of contaminated sediments using RAB could be a sustainable approach toward closed-loop biomass cycling in the degradation of 4-NP contaminants.

Nonylphenol induced individual and population fluctuation of Caenorhabditis elegans: Disturbances on developmental and reproductive system

The environmental risks that have arisen from endocrine disruption compounds (EDCs) have become global challenges, especially for persistent bio-accumulated xenobiotic chemicals, such as nonylphenol (NP). In the present study, the population dynamics of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) were systemically investigated by conducting developmental and reproductive bioassays under the exposure of NP, which has been widely detected in actual aquatic environments. The results revealed that under NP exposure (400 μg L^-1 NP), developmental indictors of C. elegans, including the body length and width were significantly inhibited at different life stages of L1 and L4 larva, and the growth curves were further adversely affected. In addition, abnormalities in reproductive systems were also observed under NP exposure. Such abnormalities obeyed a dose-dependent relationship with NP levels, which were closely related to the delayed spawning time and decreased reproductive rates. Moreover, the results from global genome expression analysis for nematodes revealed that the most significant enriched GO terms could be predominantly responsible for the dysregulation of growth and reproductive system. The population's parameters, including age composition and intrinsic growth rate (r_m d^-1), displayed significant changes, with a suppressed potentiality of population growth. Those data elucidated that NP exhibited a profound impact on the dynamic stability of the population, even with no obvious effect on certain biochemical markers.