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Li Y, Lv Y, Jiang Z, Ma C, Li R, Zhao M, Guo Y, Guo H, Zhang X, Li A, Liu Y. Association of co-exposure to organophosphate esters and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and mixture with cardiovascular-kidney-liver-metabolic biomarkers among Chinese adults. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116524. [PMID: 38838464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116524] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organophosphate esters (OPEs) and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with common exposure sources, leading to their widespread presence in human body. However, evidence on co-exposure to OPEs and PFAS and its impact on cardiovascular-kidney-liver-metabolic biomarkers remains limited. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 467 adults were enrolled from January to May 2022 during physical visits in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province. Eleven types of OPEs and twelves types of PFAS were detected, among which eight OPEs and six PFAS contaminants were detected in more than 60% of plasma samples. Seventeen biomarkers were assessed to comprehensively evaluate the cardiovascular-kidney-liver-metabolic function. Multiple linear regression, multipollutant models with sparse partial least squares, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were applied to examine the associations of individual OPEs and PFAS and their mixtures with organ function and metabolism, respectively. RESULTS Of the over 400 exposure-outcome associations tested when modelling, we observed robust results across three models that perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxS) was significantly positively associated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), and indirect bilirubin (IBIL). Perfluorononanoic acid was significantly associated with decreased AST/ALT and increased very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Besides, perfluorodecanoic acid was correlated with increased high lipoprotein cholesterol and perfluoroundecanoic acid was consistently associated with lower glucose level. BKMR analysis showed that OPEs and PFAS mixtures were positively associated with IBIL and TBIL, among which PFHxS was the main toxic chemicals. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that exposure to OPEs and PFAS, especially PFHxS and PFNA, may disrupt organ function and metabolism in the general population, providing insight into the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of OPEs and PFAS co-exposure and chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbing Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, PR China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, PR China
| | - Yi Lv
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Zexuan Jiang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Chaoying Ma
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Ran Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Mengwei Zhao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Huicai Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhang
- Core Facilities and Centers of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, PR China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, PR China.
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, PR China.
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Haruna I, Obeng-Gyasi E. Association of Combined Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Metals with Chronic Kidney Disease. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:468. [PMID: 38673379 PMCID: PMC11050583 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040468] [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] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background: Exposure to environmental pollutants such as metals and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) has become common and increasingly associated with a decrease in the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), which is a marker often used to measure chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there are limited studies involving the use of both eGFR and the urine albumin creatinine ratio (uACR), which are more comprehensive markers to determine the presence of CKD and the complexity of pollutant exposures and response interactions, especially for combined metals and PFAS, which has not been comprehensively elucidated. Objective: This study aims to assess the individual and combined effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and Lead (Pb) exposure on CKD using data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. Methods: We employed the use of bivariate logistic regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) in our analysis of the data. Results: Logistic regression results revealed a positive association between PFOA and CKD. Our BKMR analysis revealed a non-linear and bi-phasic relationship between the metal exposures and CKD. In our univariate exposure-response function plot, Cd and Hg exhibited a U and N-shaped interaction, which indicated a non-linear and non-additive relationship with both low and high exposures associated with CKD. In addition, the bivariate exposure-response function between two exposures in a mixture revealed that Cd had a U-shaped relationship with CKD at different quantiles of Pb, Hg, PFOA, and PFOS, indicating that both low and high levels of Cd is associated with CKD, implying a non-linear and complex biological interaction. Hg's interaction plot demonstrated a N-shaped association across all quantiles of Cd, with the 75th quantile of Pb and the 50th and 75th quantiles of PFOA and PFOS. Furthermore, the PIP results underscored Cd's consistent association with CKD (PIP = 1.000) followed by Hg's (PIP = 0.9984), then PFOA and PFOS with a closely related PIP of 0.7880 and 0.7604, respectively, and finally Pb (PIP = 0.6940), contributing the least among the five environmental pollutants on CKD, though significant. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that exposure to environmental pollutants, particularly Hg and Cd, are associated with CKD. These findings highlight the need for public health interventions and strategies to mitigate the cumulative effect of PFAS and metal exposure and elucidate the significance of utilizing advanced statistical methods and tools to understand the impact of environmental pollutants on human health. Further research is needed to understand the mechanistic pathways of PFAS and metal-induced kidney injury and CKD, and longitudinal studies are required to ascertain the long-term impact of these environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issah Haruna
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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Liang LX, Lin LZ, Zeeshan M, Zhou Y, Tang YX, Chu C, Zhang YT, Liu RQ, Feng W, Dong GH. Relationship of single and co-exposure of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances and their alternatives with uric acid: A community-based study in China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133500. [PMID: 38266584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133500] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Numerous studies have suggested per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are related to uric acid levels, but evidence related to PFAS alternatives is limited. Moreover, the effect of the combined exposure to PFASs and their alternatives on uric acid has not been reported. Hence, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 1312 adults in Guangzhou, China. Generalized linear regression model was adopted to explore the effect of single PFAS exposure on serum uric acid levels. Further, multi-pollutant models such as Bayesian kernel machine regression, weighted quantile sum, and quantile G-computation were employed to investigate the combined association of PFASs and alternatives with serum uric acid levels. We performed molecular docking to understand the potential interaction of PFAS with Organic Anion Transporters (OATs), involved in the secretion of uric acid. Per log serum 6:2 Cl-PFESA and PFOA increases were accompanied with an increase of serum uric acid with statistical significance (for 6:2 Cl-PFESA: beta: 0.19 ng/mL, 95% CI 0.11-0.26 and for PFOA: beta: 0.43 ng/mL, 95% CI 0.34-0.52). The associations were strongest among overweight and elderly. Multi-pollutant models also revealed a positive association. These positive associations may be PFASs can competitively combine with OAT1 and OAT3, leading to the increase of serum uric acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xia Liang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li-Zi Lin
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Mohammed Zeeshan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Tang
- Occupational Health Surveillance Center, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou 510620, China
| | - Chu Chu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yun-Ting Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ru-Qing Liu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wenru Feng
- Department of Environmental Health, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Nie Z, Xu H, Qiu M, Liu M, Chu C, Bloom MS, Ou Y. Associations of maternal exposure to multiple plasma trace elements with the prevalence of fetal congenital heart defects: A nested case-control study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169409. [PMID: 38114028 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scanty knowledge prevails regarding the combined impact of multiple plasma trace elements and main contributors on the prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in offspring. Thus, we performed a nested case-control analysis in a neonates cohort to investigate this important public health issue. METHODS We selected 164 pairs of cases and non-malformed controls from live births registered in the parent cohort (n = 11,578) at the same hospital. Plasma levels of 14 trace elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The odds ratios (ORs) of exposure were compared between cases and controls. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) and Quantile g-Computation (QgC) models were employed to assess the cumulative effect of exposure to trace elements. RESULTS We found positive associations and linear dose-response relationships between plasma Pb and Sn and CHD. BKMR models indicated that the overall effect of the trace element mixture was associated with CHDs below the 45th percentile or above the 50th percentile, and the combined effect was primarily attributed to Sn and Pb. The QgC model indicated significantly increased odds of CHD with simultaneous exposure to all studied trace elements (OR: 2.19, 95%CI: 1.44-3.33). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to report an association between elevated levels of mixed trace elements in maternal plasma with an increased prevalence of fetal CHDs, particularly in the case of Pb and Sn. Findings from this study provide further evidence of the important of heavy metal pollution to human health, and can help stakeholders prioritize policies and develop interventions to target the leading contributors to human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Nie
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Epidemiology, Global Health Research Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong, Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbin Xu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Qiu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingqin Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chu Chu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Michael S Bloom
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
| | - Yanqiu Ou
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Du G, Song X, Zhou F, Ouyang L, Li Q, Ruan S, Yang S, Rao S, Wan X, Xie J, Feng C, Fan G. Association between multiple metal(loid)s exposure and renal function: a cross-sectional study from southeastern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:94552-94564. [PMID: 37532974 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
In the real world, humans are exposed to multiple metal(loid)s (designated hereafter metals) that contain essential metals as well as toxic metals. Exposure to the metal mixture was assumed to be associated with renal function impairment; however, there is no consensus on available studies. Therefore, we here explored the association between multiple metals exposure and indicators of renal function in the general population from southeastern China. A total of 11 metals with 6 human essential metals and 5 toxic metals were determined in the selected 720 subjects. In addition, serum uric acid (SUA), serum creatinine (SCR), and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were measured or calculated as indicators of renal function. Using multiple flexible statistical models of generalized linear model, elastic net regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression, the joint as well as the individual effect of metals within the mixture, and the interactions between metals were explored. When exposed to the metal mixture, the statistically non-significantly increased SUA, the significantly increased SCR, and the significantly declined eGFR were observed. In addition, the declined renal function may be primarily attributed to lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and nickel (Ni) exposure. Finally, interactions, such as the synergistic effect between Pb and Mo on SUA, whereas the antagonistic effect between Ni and Cd on SCR and eGFR were identified. Our finding suggests that combined exposure to multiple metals would impair renal function. Therefore, reducing exposure to toxic heavy metals of Pb, As, and Cd and limiting exposure to the human essential metal of Ni would protect renal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Du
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoguang Song
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Institute of Environmental Health, 555 Beijingdong Road, Qingshanhu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330046, People's Republic of China
| | - Fankun Zhou
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Ouyang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiying Ruan
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
- First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwaizheng Stress, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoqi Rao
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wan
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Feng
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangqin Fan
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, 461 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China.
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Ríos F, Lechuga M, Lobato-Guarnido I, Fernández-Serrano M. Antagonistic Toxic Effects of Surfactants Mixtures to Bacteria Pseudomonas putida and Marine Microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum. TOXICS 2023; 11:344. [PMID: 37112571 PMCID: PMC10143114 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Surfactants can be found in an ever-widening variety of products and applications, in which the combination of several types of surfactants is used to reinforce their properties, looking for synergistic effects between them. After use, they tend to be discarded into wastewater, ending up in aquatic bodies with concerning harmful and toxic effects. The aim of this study is the toxicological assessment of three anionic surfactants (ether carboxylic derivative, EC) and three amphoteric surfactants (amine-oxide-based, AO), individually and in binary mixtures of them (1:1 w/w), to bacteria Pseudomonas putida and marine microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) was determined to demonstrate the capacity to reduce surface tension and the toxicity of the surfactants and mixtures. Zeta potential (ζ-potential) and micelle diameter (MD) were also determined to confirm the formation of mixed surfactant micelles. The Model of Toxic Units (MTUs) was used to quantify the interactions of surfactants in binary mixtures and to predict if the concentration addition or response addition principle can be assumed for each mixture. The results showed a higher sensitivity of microalgae P. tricornutum to the surfactants tested and their mixtures than bacteria P. putida. Antagonism toxic effects have been detected in the mixture of EC + AO and in one binary mixture of different AOs; this is to say, the mixtures showed lower toxicity than expected.
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