1
|
Lacombe RM, Martigny P, Pelletier D, Barst BD, Guillemette M, Amyot M, Elliott KH, Lavoie RA. Exploring the spatial variation of mercury in the Gulf of St. Lawrence using northern gannets as fish samplers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172152. [PMID: 38575012 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172152] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous and pervasive environmental contaminant with detrimental effects on wildlife, which originates from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Its distribution within ecosystems is influenced by various biogeochemical processes, making it crucial to elucidate the factors driving this variability. To explore these factors, we employed an innovative method to use northern gannets (Morus bassanus) as biological samplers of regurgitated fish in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. We assessed fish total Hg (THg) concentrations in relation to their geographical catch location as well as to pertinent biotic and anthropogenic factors. In small fish species, trophic position, calculated from compound-specific stable nitrogen isotopes in amino acids, emerged as the most influential predictor of THg concentrations. For large fish species, THg concentrations were best explained by δ13C, indicating higher concentrations in inshore habitats. No anthropogenic factors, such as pollution, shipping traffic, or coastal development, were significantly related to THg concentrations in fish. Moreover, previously published THg data in mussels sampled nearby were positively linked with THg concentrations in gannet prey, suggesting consistent mercury distribution across trophic levels in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Our findings point to habitat-dependent variability in THg concentrations across multiple trophic levels. Our study could have many potential uses in the future, including the identification of vulnerability hotspots for fish populations and their predators, or assessing risk factors for seabirds themselves by using biologically relevant prey.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M Lacombe
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Rd, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - P Martigny
- Département de Biologie, Chimie et Géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300 allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, Québec G5L 3A1, Canada.
| | - D Pelletier
- Département de Biologie, Chimie et Géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300 allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, Québec G5L 3A1, Canada; Département de Biologie, Cégep de Rimouski, 60 rue de l'Évêché O, Rimouski, Québec G5L 4H6, Canada.
| | - B D Barst
- Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1764 Tanana Loop, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5910, USA.
| | - M Guillemette
- Département de Biologie, Chimie et Géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 300 allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, Québec G5L 3A1, Canada.
| | - M Amyot
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Montreal, 1375 Avenue Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, Québec H2V 0B3, Canada.
| | - K H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Rd, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - R A Lavoie
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1550 Av. D'Estimauville, Québec G1J 0C3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang S, Jin J, Ma Y, Stubbings WA, Gbadamosi MR, Abou-Elwafa Abdallah M, Harrad S. Organophosphate triesters and their diester degradation products in the atmosphere-A critical review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123653. [PMID: 38402940 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123653] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Organophosphate triesters (tri-OPEs) have found substantial use as plasticizers and flame retardants in commercial and industrial products. Despite upcoming potential restrictions on use of OPEs, widespread environmental contamination is likely for the foreseeable future. Organophosphate diesters (di-OPEs) are known biotic or abiotic degradation products of tri-OPEs. In addition, direct use of di-OPEs as commercial products also contributes to their presence in the atmosphere. We review the available data on contamination with tri-OPEs and di-OPEs in both indoor and outdoor air. Concentrations of tri-OPEs in indoor air exceed those in outdoor air. The widespread discovery of tri-OPE traces in polar regions and oceans is noteworthy and is evidence that they undergo long-range transport. There are only two studies on di-OPEs in outdoor air and no studies on di-OPEs in indoor air until now. Current research on di-OPEs in indoor and outdoor air is urgently needed, especially in countries with potentially high exposure to di-OPEs such as the UK and the US. Di-OPE concentrations are higher at e-waste dismantling areas than at surrounding area. We also summarise the methods employed for sampling and analysis of OPEs in the atmosphere and assess the relative contribution to atmospheric concentrations of di-OPEs made by environmental degradation of triesters, compared to the presence of diesters as by-products in commercial triester products. Finally, we identify shortcomings of current research and provide suggestions for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Wang
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Jingxi Jin
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Yulong Ma
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - William A Stubbings
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Muideen Remilekun Gbadamosi
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zabihollahi S, Rahmani A, Aghadadashi V, Khazaei M, Samadi MT, Leili M, Afshar S, Safari Sinegani AA, Karami P, Zafari D. Investigation of the effects of different substrates on the promotion of the soil microbial consortium, encompassing bacteria and fungi, in the bioremediation of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:16359-16374. [PMID: 38316742 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32152-0] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) is recognized as an emerging and hazardous pollutant in numerous ecosystems. Despite this, only a few studies have concurrently investigated the biodegradation of BDE-209 by a microbial consortium comprising both bacteria and fungi. Consequently, the interactions between bacterial and fungal populations and their mutual effects on BDE-209 degradation remain unclear. Our main objective was to concurrently assess the changes and activity of bacterial and fungal communities during the biodegradation of BDE-209 in a real soil matrix. In the present study, various organic substrates were employed to promote soil biomass for the biodegradation of BDE-209. Soil respiration and molecular analysis were utilized to monitor biological activity and biomass community structure, respectively. The findings revealed that the use of wheat straw in the soil matrix resulted in the highest soil respiration and microbial activity among the treatments. This approach obviously provided suitable habitats for the soil microflora, which led to a significant increase in the biodegradability of BDE-209 (49%). Biomass survival efforts and the metabolic pathway of lignin degradation through co-metabolism contributed to the biodegradation of BDE-209. Microbial community analysis identified Proteobacteria (Alphaproteobacteria-Betaproteobacteria), Firmicutes, Bacteroides (bacterial phyla), as well as Ascomycota and Basidiomycota (fungal phyla) as the key microorganisms in the biological community involved in the biodegradation of BDE-209. This study demonstrated that applying wheat straw can improve both the biological activity and the biodegradation of BDE-209 in the soil of polluted sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Solmaz Zabihollahi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering,, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Rahmani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Vahid Aghadadashi
- Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences (INIOAS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khazaei
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Samadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mostafa Leili
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Saeid Afshar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, cancer research center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Pezhman Karami
- Department of Microbiology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Dostmorad Zafari
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kerric A, Mazerolle MJ, Sorais M, Giroux JF, Verreault J. Impact of landfill characteristics on the atmospheric exposure to halogenated flame retardants in gulls. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 343:140207. [PMID: 37734507 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Large amounts of consumer products containing halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) are disposed of annually in landfills, which may lead to significant releases of these semi-volatile contaminants into the environment. During their foraging activities in landfills, gulls can be exposed to elevated levels of HFRs in air. Ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) breeding in the densely populated Montreal area (QC, Canada) are significantly exposed to air levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in or in the vicinity of landfills. However, no information is currently available on the specific characteristics of these landfills that can modulate the atmospheric exposure of ring-billed gulls to HFRs. The objective of this study was to investigate how atmospheric exposure in ring-billed gulls to PBDEs and other HFRs is influenced by selected landfill characteristics (i.e., daily cover materials, waste types and tonnage). Miniature passive air samplers (PASs) combined with GPS dataloggers were deployed for ten days during six years on the back of wild-caught ring-billed gulls breeding in the Montreal area. Atmospheric levels of several PBDEs and other HFRs determined in PASs were found to increase with the presence probability of gulls in the two largest landfills using automotive shredder residues as daily cover material. Weather variables including relative humidity and wind speed had a weak influence on atmospheric levels of HFRs in the bird-borne PASs. Our results suggest that automotive shredder residues represent a significant emission source of HFRs into the air of landfills, thus influencing atmospheric exposure of gulls and other birds foraging in these sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Kerric
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Marc J Mazerolle
- Centre d'Étude de la Forêt (CEF), Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Manon Sorais
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Jean-François Giroux
- Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Jonathan Verreault
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Moran IL, Tidwell L, Barton M, Kile M, Miller P, Rohlman D, Seguinot-Medina S, Ungwiluk B, Waghiyi V, Anderson K. Diffusive fluxes of persistent organic pollutants between Arctic atmosphere, surface waters and sediments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 892:164566. [PMID: 37270011 PMCID: PMC10330832 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Arctic communities are disproportionately exposed to pollutants from sources including global atmospheric transport and formerly used defense sites (FUDS). The effects of climate change and increasing development in the Arctic have the potential to exacerbate this problem. Yupik People of Sivuqaq, or St Lawrence Island, Alaska are one such community with documented exposures to pollutants from FUDS, and their traditional lipid-rich foods such as blubber and rendered oils of marine mammals. Troutman Lake, adjacent to the Yupik community of Gambell, Alaska, was used as a disposal site during the decommission of the adjacent FUDS, leading to community concern about exposure to military pollution and intrusion from historic local dump sites. In collaboration with a local community group, this study utilized passive sampling devices deployed in Troutman Lake. Air, water and sediment deployed samplers were analyzed for unsubstituted and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), brominated and organophosphate flame retardants and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PAH concentrations were low and comparable to other remote/rural locations. PAHs were generally in deposition from the overlying atmosphere into Troutman Lake. Of the flame retardants, brominated diphenyl ether-47 was detected in all surface water samplers while triphenyl phosphate was detected in all environmental compartments. Both were at concentrations equivalent or lower than other remote locations. Of particular interest, we measured higher atmospheric concentrations of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) (0.75-2.8 ng/m3) than previously reported in the literature for remote Arctic sites (<0.017-0.56 ng/m3). TCEP was found to be in deposition to Troutman Lake at magnitudes from 290 to 1300 ng/m2/day. No PCBs were detected in this study. Our findings demonstrate the relevance of both modern and legacy chemicals from local and global sources. These results help us to understand the fate of anthropogenic contaminants in dynamic Arctic systems providing valuable data for communities, policy makers and scientists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian L Moran
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lane Tidwell
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Michael Barton
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Molly Kile
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Pamela Miller
- Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Diana Rohlman
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA; College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | | | | | - Vi Waghiyi
- Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Kim Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Castro G, Sørmo E, Yu G, Sait STL, González SV, Arp HPH, Asimakopoulos AG. Analysis, occurrence and removal efficiencies of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in sludge undergoing anaerobic digestion followed by diverse thermal treatments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161856. [PMID: 36708840 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are a complex group of contaminants to deal with in sewage sludge, as currently there is a lack of robust analytical methods to measure them and management strategies to remove them. To facilitate quantifications of the occurrence of OPFRs in sludge and to establish their removal efficiencies (REs%) during thermal treatments, a simple, reliable, and rapid sample preparation methodology was developed for the determination of 21 OPFRs in diverse sludge, ash and biochar matrices. Matrix-solid phase dispersion (MSPD) tailored to ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was applied. Under optimal conditions, 0.5 g of freeze-dried sample were dispersed in 2 g of Bondesil C18, and 1.5 g of deactivated florisil were used as clean-up sorbent. The target analytes were extracted with 5 mL of acetone. The obtained extract was ready for analysis within 20 min without the need of any further treatment. The proposed methodology was assessed, providing absolute recoveries (Abs%) ranging from 50.4 to 112 % with good method repeatability (RSDs <17.9 %). Method limits of quantification ranged from 0.10 to 14.0 ng g-1 dry weight (d.w.). The optimized methodology was applied to raw-, digested-, combusted and pyrolyzed sludge samples collected from different waste treatment plants located in Norway, where 16 out of 21 OPFRs were detected in digested sludge samples up to 2186 ng g-1 (d.w.; sum concentration of OPFRs). Diverse thermal treatments of combustion and dry pyrolysis were assessed for the removal of OPFRs from sludge. Combustion at 300 °C reduced the concentrations of OPFRs by 98 % (in the ashes formed), whereas pyrolysis at temperatures >500 °C effectively removed the OPFRs in the produced biochar. Thermal treatments, in particularly dry pyrolysis, showed potential for achieving zero pollution management and recycling of OPFR contaminated sludge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Castro
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Erlend Sørmo
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), NO-0806 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1430 Ås, Norway
| | - Guanhua Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Shannen T L Sait
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Susana V González
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), NO-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexandros G Asimakopoulos
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kerric A, Mazerolle MJ, Giroux JF, Verreault J. Halogenated flame retardant exposure pathways in urban-adapted gulls: Are atmospheric routes underestimated? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160526. [PMID: 36471522 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160526] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Urban-adapted gulls can be exposed to flame retardants while foraging in landfills where elevated concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) have frequently been measured in air. However, the contribution of atmospheric exposure has largely been overlooked compared to dietary exposure in birds and other wildlife. The overall objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of atmospheric exposure pathways relative to diet for PBDEs and other HFRs in ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) nesting in the densely populated Montreal area (QC, Canada). Miniature passive air samplers (PASs) were deployed on the back of wild-caught ring-billed gulls for ten days. Concentrations of PBDEs and other HFRs were determined in PASs carried by ring-billed gulls as well as their lungs, stomach content, liver, preen oil, and onto the surface of their feathers. We evaluated the atmospheric and dietary exposure routes for the most abundant HFRs in samples using a structural equation model implemented in a Bayesian framework. Results indicated that lung concentrations of BDE-28 increased with its levels in air determined using bird-borne PASs. No association was found between BDE-28 concentrations in lungs and liver, whereas BDE-209 concentrations in liver increased with those in lungs. Moreover, BDE-28 and -47 concentrations in liver increased with those on feather surface, while liver BDE-47 concentrations were also positively related with those in stomach content. These findings suggested that, in addition to dietary exposure, atmospheric exposure pathways through inhalation and co-ingestion during feather maintenance (preening) significantly contribute to the accumulation of PBDEs in liver of ring-billed gulls. Atmospheric exposure to HFRs should therefore be considered in future landfill-foraging wildlife species as a potential exposure route compared to the traditional dietary exposure pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Kerric
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Marc J Mazerolle
- Centre d'Étude de la Forêt (CEF), Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jean-François Giroux
- Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Jonathan Verreault
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhu M, He L, Liu J, Long Y, Shentu J, Lu L, Shen D. Dynamic processes in conjunction with microbial response to unveil the attenuation mechanisms of tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) in non-sanitary landfill soils. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120666. [PMID: 36403879 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120666] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although the environmental and health risks of chlorinated organophosphate esters (OPEs-Cl) have drawn much attention, its environmental behaviors have been insufficiently characterized. As a notable sink of this emerging contaminant, non-sanitary landfills, which may decompose/accumulate OPEs-Cl, is of particular concern. In the present study, the dynamic processes of the typical OPEs-Cl, tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), in non-sanitary landfill soils were analyzed under anaerobic condition, and the microbial taxa involved in these processes were explored. Our results showed that TCEP could be simultaneously reduced by abiotic and biotic processes, as it was reduced by 73.9% and 65.5% over the 120-day experiment in landfill humus and subsoil, respectively. Notably, the degradation of TCEP was significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced under the stress of a high TCEP concentration (10 μg g-1), while its ecological consequences were found insignificant regarding the microbial diversity and community structure and the typical soil redox processes, including Fe(III)/SO42- reduction and methanogenesis, in both soils. The microbial diversity of subsoil was significantly lower, and acetate was an important factor in changing microbial communities in landfill soils. The microbes in the family Nocardioidaceae and genus Pseudomonas might contribute to in the degradation of TCEP in landfill humus and subsoil, respectively. The metabolism related to sulfur and sulfate respiration were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with TCEP reduction, and Desulfosporosinus were found as a potentially functional microbial taxon in TCEP degradation in both soils. The results could advance our understanding of the environmental behavior of OPEs-Cl in landfill-like complex environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China; Instrumental Analysis Center of Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China; Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China
| | - Lisha He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China
| | - Jiayi Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China
| | - Yuyang Long
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China; Instrumental Analysis Center of Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China
| | - Jiali Shentu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China; Instrumental Analysis Center of Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China
| | - Li Lu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China; Instrumental Analysis Center of Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China
| | - Dongsheng Shen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China; Instrumental Analysis Center of Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lépine M, Verreault J. Biotransformation of Dec-604 and potential effect on thyroid deiodinase activity in highly flame retardant-exposed gulls. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114268. [PMID: 36075477 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114268] [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: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Several halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) have been identified as thyroid disruptors in birds including the polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) mixtures, which have been replaced with other HFRs such as Dechlorane-604 (Dec-604). Dec-604 Component B (Dec-604 CB), a putative debrominated product of Dec-604, has been frequently reported in urban-adapted ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) breeding in the Montreal area (QC, Canada). The metabolic pathways of Dec-604 are yet to be characterized, although the occurrence of Dec-604 CB in gulls may suggest that enzyme-mediated dehalogenation may occur, potentially involving the thyroid deiodinases. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Dec-604 on type 1 deiodinase (DIO1) in the presence of thyroxine (T4) in an in vitro DIO1 assay using liver microsomes of ring-billed gulls that are highly exposed to HFRs in the Montreal area, and to determine whether DIO1 is involved in the in vitro debromination of Dec-604. We tested the in vitro activity of DIO1 in gull liver microsomes in the presence of five concentrations of Dec-604 ranging from 0.86 to 86.21 nM. HFR concentrations (Σ40HFR) were also determined in liver samples of gulls. Results showed that total DIO1 activity in gull liver microsomes was increased by three of the five concentrations of Dec-604. No relationship between liver Σ40HFR concentrations and DIO1 activity was observed, except for T2 formation rates that significantly decreased with increasing liver HFR concentrations. Moreover, greater Dec-604 CB to Dec-604 concentration ratios in activated gull microsomes (with the DIO1 cofactor dithiothreitol) were found at the intermediate Dec-604 concentration compared to controls. These results suggested that liver microsome DIO1 activity may be perturbed in ring-billed gulls exposed to Dec-604, and be involved at least in part, in the debromination of Dec-604 leading to the formation of Dec-604 CB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Lépine
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Jonathan Verreault
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lao JY, Lin H, Qin X, Ruan Y, Leung KMY, Zeng EY, Lam PKS. Insights into the Atmospheric Persistence, Transformation, and Health Implications of Organophosphate Esters in Urban Ambient Air. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:12003-12013. [PMID: 35948419 PMCID: PMC9454243 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Transformation of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in natural ambient air and potential health risks from coexposure to OPEs and their transformation products are largely unclear. Therefore, a novel framework combining field-based investigation, in silico prediction, and target and suspect screening was employed to understand atmospheric persistence and health impacts of OPEs. Alkyl-OPE transformation products ubiquitously occurred in urban ambient air. The transformation ratios of tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate were size-dependent, implying that transformation processes may be affected by particle size. Transformation products of chlorinated- and aryl-OPEs were not detected in atmospheric particles, and atmospheric dry deposition might significantly contribute to their removal. Although inhalation risk of coexposure to OPEs and transformation products in urban ambient air was low, health risks related to OPEs may be underestimated as constrained by the identification of plausible transformation products and their toxicity testing in vitro or in vivo at current stage. The present study highlights the significant impact of particle size on the atmospheric persistence of OPEs and suggests that health risk assessments should be conducted with concurrent consideration of both parental compounds and transformation products of OPEs, in view of the nonnegligible abundances of transformation products in the air and their potential toxicity in silico.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yong Lao
- State
Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Huiju Lin
- State
Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Xian Qin
- State
Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yuefei Ruan
- State
Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Research
Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
- ; . Tel: + 852 3442-7833. Fax: + 852 3442-0524
| | - Kenneth M. Y. Leung
- State
Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Eddy Y. Zeng
- Guangdong
Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Paul K. S. Lam
- State
Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- Office
of the President, Hong Kong Metropolitan
University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
- ; . Tel: +852 2768-6089. Fax: +852 3442-0524
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Prats RM, van Drooge BL, Fernández P, Grimalt JO. Occurrence and temperature dependence of atmospheric gas-phase organophosphate esters in high-mountain areas (Pyrenees). CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 292:133467. [PMID: 34974042 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The air concentrations of organophosphate esters (OPEs) were studied in a network of six remote high-mountain areas of the Pyrenees located along an altitudinal profile between 1619 m and 2453 m above sea level on a restricted planar surface to assess their vertical distribution based on long-range atmospheric transport and temperature gradients. Polyurethane foam passive samplers were used in five periods spanning over three years (September 2017-October 2020). The sum of concentrations of five OPEs were between 5.3 and 100 pg m-3, averaging 16-53 pg m-3 across campaigns at the different locations. These concentrations were much lower than those observed in areas under anthropogenic influence but also than those found in low altitude remote continental sites. A significant progressive change in predominant compounds was observed along the altitudinal gradient, with prevalence of tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) or tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) below or above 2300 m above sea level, respectively. This trend was consistent with the higher volatility of TCEP, which was retained at greater extent at lower environmental temperatures (higher altitude). A significant temperature dependence of the gas phase concentrations was observed for TCEP, TCIPP and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), which could be explained by retention in the cold periods, predominantly adsorbed in snow, and their release to the atmosphere during snowmelt. This mechanism was consistent with the good agreement found between the vaporization enthalpies measured under laboratory conditions and the experimental values obtained from the slopes of the significant linear regressions when representing the vertical gradients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raimon M Prats
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Barend L van Drooge
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Pilar Fernández
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joan O Grimalt
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Baak JE, Patterson A, Gilchrist HG, Elliott KH. First evidence of diverging migration and overwintering strategies in glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus) from the Canadian Arctic. ANIMAL MIGRATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/ami-2020-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Many seabird populations differ in their migration strategies, where individuals travel in different directions to separate wintering areas. These migratory strategies may expose individuals to different threats, thus understanding migratory connectivity is crucial to assess risks to populations. Glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus) are generalist predators with flexible migratory behaviour that may alter these behaviours in response to climate change and anthropogenic activities, such as access to landfills, yet little is known about their migration. We deployed GPS and GLS tracking devices on glaucous gulls from Coats Island, Nunavut, Canada to obtain the first insights into their migration and habitat use outside of the breeding season. Gulls used two migration strategies during the non-breeding season, where one migrated as far as the Sea of Okhotsk in the Pacific and the remainder (n = 7) wintered in the North Atlantic. Gulls primarily overwintered in pelagic (56%) and coastal (38%) habitats. While in coastal habitats, one gull visited one landfill once, but visits increased with a 1 km and 3 km buffer, suggesting that urban glaucous gulls primarily used non-landfill habitats. This research can be used as a baseline to explore changes in migratory behaviour and inform future conservation of Arctic-breeding gulls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia E. Baak
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences , McGill University , Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3V9 , Canada
| | - Allison Patterson
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences , McGill University , Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3V9 , Canada
| | - H. Grant Gilchrist
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada , Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6 , Canada
| | - Kyle H. Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences , McGill University , Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, H9X 3V9 , Canada
| |
Collapse
|