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Stark JS, Johnstone GJ, King C, Raymond T, Rutter A, Stark SC, Townsend AT. Contamination of the marine environment by Antarctic research stations: Monitoring marine pollution at Casey station from 1997 to 2015. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288485. [PMID: 37556440 PMCID: PMC10411823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The contamination of the marine environment surrounding coastal Antarctic research stations remains insufficiently understood in terms of its extent, persistence, and characteristics. We investigated the presence of contaminants in marine sediments near Casey Station, located in the Windmill Islands of East Antarctica, during the period spanning from 1997 to 2015. Metals, hydrocarbons, PBDEs, PCBs, and nutrients were measured in sediments at anthropogenically disturbed sites, including the wastewater outfall, the wharf area, two former waste disposal sites, and various control locations. Sampling was carried out at three spatial scales: Locations, which were generally kilometres apart and formed the primary scale for comparison; Sites, which were 100 meters apart within each location; and Plots, which were 10 meters apart within each site. Consistently higher concentrations of most contaminants, and in some cases nutrients, were observed at disturbed locations. Some locations also exhibited an increase in contaminant concentrations over time. The spatial distribution of sediment properties (such as grain size and organic matter) and contaminants displayed intricate patterns of variation. Variation in grain size depended on the size category, with fine grains (e.g., <63 μm) showing the greatest variation at the Location scale, while coarse grains exhibited minimal variation at this scale. Contaminant levels demonstrated significant differences between Locations, accounting for approximately 55% of the overall variation for metals, while the variation within the 10-meter scale generally exceeded that within the 100-meter scale. Residual variation among replicate samples was also very high, demonstrating the need for adequate replication in studies of sediments and contaminants around stations. Some contaminants exceeded international guidelines for sediment quality, including metals, hydrocarbons, and PCBs. We conclude that Antarctic research stations such as Casey are likely to pose a moderate level of long-term ecological risk to local marine ecosystems through marine pollution. However, contamination is expected to be confined to areas in close proximity to the stations, although its extent and concentration are anticipated to increase with time. Raising awareness of the contamination risks associated with Antarctic stations and implementing monitoring programs for marine environments adjacent to these stations can contribute to informed decision-making and the improvement of environmental management practices in Antarctica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S. Stark
- Australian Antarctic Division, East Antarctic Monitoring Program, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Glenn J. Johnstone
- Australian Antarctic Division, East Antarctic Monitoring Program, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Catherine King
- Australian Antarctic Division, East Antarctic Monitoring Program, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Tania Raymond
- Australian Antarctic Division, East Antarctic Monitoring Program, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Allison Rutter
- Analytical Services Unit, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott C. Stark
- Australian Antarctic Division, East Antarctic Monitoring Program, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ashley T. Townsend
- Central Science Laboratory, College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Kostić-Vuković J, Kolarević S, Kračun-Kolarević M, Višnjić-Jeftić Ž, Rašković B, Poleksić V, Gačić Z, Lenhardt M, Vuković-Gačić B. Temporal variation of biomarkers in common bream Abramis brama (L., 1758) exposed to untreated municipal wastewater in the Danube River in Belgrade, Serbia. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:465. [PMID: 34218335 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09232-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted on the Danube River locality Višnjica, exposed to the discharge of the largest wastewater collector in Serbia's capital, Belgrade. Concentrations of metals and metalloids (Al, Fe, Cr, As, Sr, Mn, Cd, Zn, Mo, Cu, Li, Ni, B, Co, Pb, and Ba) and histopathological alterations were investigated in different tissues of common bream during one representative month of each season in 2014. This is the first study in which these two biomarkers were assessed parallelly in common bream. The highest concentrations of examined elements were noticed in gills and the lowest in muscle. Statistically significant differences in element concentrations between different seasons were noticed only in gills for Al, Cu, and Fe. Concentrations of As and Pb in fish muscle were below the maximum acceptable concentrations (MAC). The histopathological index (HI) of the liver showed higher values in comparison to the HI of the gills. Histopathological index of the gills had a significantly higher score in November in comparison to August. The liver HI had the highest score in April, and the lowest in August, while the total histopathological index had the highest score in November, and the lowest in August, both without significant differences between the months. This study endorses gills and liver as reliable organs for studying accumulation and histopathology as biomarkers of environmental changes. A faster reaction of the gills was confirmed since seasonal variations of both biomarkers were observed in this organ. Common bream proved as a good indicator of the state of organisms in polluted environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana Kostić-Vuković
- Chair of Microbiology, Center for Genotoxicology and Ecogenotoxicology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Stoimir Kolarević
- Chair of Microbiology, Center for Genotoxicology and Ecogenotoxicology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Margareta Kračun-Kolarević
- Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Željka Višnjić-Jeftić
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Božidar Rašković
- Institute of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vesna Poleksić
- Institute of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran Gačić
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mirjana Lenhardt
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branka Vuković-Gačić
- Chair of Microbiology, Center for Genotoxicology and Ecogenotoxicology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Impacts on Metabolism and Gill Physiology of Darter Species (Etheostoma spp.) That Are Attributed to Wastewater Effluent in the Grand River. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10238364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plants is a major point source of contamination in Canadian waterways. The improvement of effluent quality to reduce contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, before being released into the environment is necessary to reduce the impacts on organisms that live in the river downstream. Here, we aimed to characterize the metabolic and gill physiological responses of rainbow (Etheostoma caeruleum), fantail (Etheostoma flabellare), and greenside (Etheostoma blennioides) darters to the effluent in the Grand River from the recently upgraded Waterloo municipal wastewater treatment plant. The routine metabolism of darters was not affected by effluent exposure, but some species had increased maximum metabolic rates, leading to an increased aerobic scope. The rainbow darter aerobic scope increased by 2.2 times and the fantail darter aerobic scope increased by 2.7 times compared to the reference site. Gill samples from effluent-exposed rainbow darters and greenside darters showed evidence of more pathologies and variations in morphology. These results suggest that darters can metabolically adjust to effluent-contaminated water and may also be adapting to the urban and agricultural inputs. The modification and damage to the gills provide a useful water quality indicator but does not necessarily reflect how well acclimated the species is to the environment due to a lack of evidence of poor fish health.
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Ferreira MF, Lo Nostro F, Honji R, Ansaldo M, Genovese G. Endocrine and reproductive endpoints of Notothenia rossii and N. coriiceps: A baseline study for ecotoxicological monitoring in Antarctic waters. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 145:418-428. [PMID: 31590805 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pollution threats Antarctica and scientists blame xenobiotics and anthropic activities. Yet little is known about their effect on Antarctic ichthyofauna. Accordingly, we investigated the endocrine system of male fish Notothenia rossii and N. coriiceps (Perciformes, Nototheniidae) collected during Austral summer. For N. rossii, hormone levels of estradiol, testosterone, and 11-ketotestosterone were higher in fish collected during March than those of January; whereas for N. coriiceps estradiol and androgens levels were higher and lower in March, respectively. Histological analysis of the testes showed an unrestricted lobular type with no pathological alterations. However, detection of vitellogenin-like in plasma and skin mucus were seen in 75% of N. coriiceps males and 7% of N. rossii males. This is the first report of mucus vitellogenin-like detection as a non-invasive biomarker of endocrine disruption in notothenioid males and settles a baseline for future studies of reproductive biology and endocrine disruption in Antarctic fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Ferreira
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología Acuática, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-UBA, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (IBBEA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabiana Lo Nostro
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología Acuática, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-UBA, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (IBBEA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Renato Honji
- Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martin Ansaldo
- Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto, Dirección Nacional del Antártico, Instituto Antártico Argentino, Departamento de Ecofisiología y Ecotoxicología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Griselda Genovese
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología Acuática, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-UBA, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (IBBEA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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5
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Allinson M, Kadokami K, Shiraishi F, Nakajima D, Zhang J, Knight A, Gray SR, Scales PJ, Allinson G. Wastewater recycling in Antarctica: Performance assessment of an advanced water treatment plant in removing trace organic chemicals. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 224:122-129. [PMID: 30036806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) operates Australia's Davis Station in the Antarctic. In 2005, Davis Station's wastewater treatment plant failed and since then untreated, macerated effluent has been discharged to the ocean. The objectives of this study were to determine whether an advanced water treatment plant (AWTP) commissioned by the AAD and featuring a multi-barrier process involving ozonation, ceramic microfiltration, biologically activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet disinfection and chlorination was capable of producing potable water and a non-toxic brine concentrate that can be discharged with minimal environmental impact. The AWTP was tested using water from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Tasmania, Australia. We used spot water and passive sampling combined with two multi-residue chromatographic-mass spectrometric methods and a range of recombinant receptor-reporter gene bioassays to screen trace organic chemicals (TrOCs), toxicity and receptor activity in the Feed water, in the environmental discharge (reject water), and product water from the AWTP for six months during 2014-15, and then again for three months in 2016. Across the two surveys we unambiguously detected 109 different TrOCs in the feed water, 39 chemicals in the reject water, and 34 chemicals in the product water. Sample toxicity and receptor activity in the feed water samples was almost totally removed in both testing periods, confirming that the vast majority of the receptor active TrOCs were removed by the treatment process. All the NDMA entering the AWTP in the feed and/or produced in the plant (typically < 50 ng/L), was retained into the reject water with no NDMA observed in the product water. In conclusion, the AWTP was working to design, and releases of TrOCs at the concentrations observed in this study would be unlikely cause adverse effects on populations of aquatic organisms in the receiving environment or users of the potable product water.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Allinson
- Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management (CAPIM), School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010 Australia
| | - K Kadokami
- Faculty of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 808-0135, Japan
| | - F Shiraishi
- Center for Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - D Nakajima
- Center for Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
| | - J Zhang
- Institute for Sustainability and Innovation, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Knight
- Particulate Fluids Processing Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - S R Gray
- Institute for Sustainability and Innovation, Victoria University, Victoria, Australia
| | - P J Scales
- Particulate Fluids Processing Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - G Allinson
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRe), School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia.
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Strobel A, Mark FC, Segner H, Burkhardt-Holm P. Expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-regulated genes and superoxide dismutase in the Antarctic eelpout Pachycara brachycephalum exposed to benzo[a]pyrene. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2018; 37:1487-1495. [PMID: 29315775 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway mediates many, if not all, responses of fish to dioxin-like compounds. The Southern Ocean is progressively exposed to increasing concentrations of anthropogenic pollutants. Antarctic fish are known to accumulate those pollutants, yet nothing is known about their capability to induce chemical biotransformation via the AhR pathway. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether Antarctic eelpout, Pachycara brachycephalum, respond to anthropogenic pollutants by activation of the AhR and its target gene cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A), and of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which served as a representative for oxidative stress. We exposed P. brachycephalum to 10 and 100 mg benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)/kg body weight for 10 d and measured the expression of AhR, CYP1A, and SOD in liver tissue via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We identified two distinct AhR isoforms in the liver of P. brachycephalum. Antarctic eelpout responded to both BaP exposures by an up-regulation of AhR and SOD, and by a particularly strong induction of CYP1A expression, which remained high until day 10 of the exposure time. Our data suggest that P. brachycephalum possesses the potential to up-regulate xenobiotic biotransformation pathways, at least at the gene expression level. The time course of the AhR and CYP1A response points to an efficient but slow xenobiotics metabolism. Moreover, BaP exposure could include adverse effects such as oxidative stress. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1487-1495. © 2018 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneli Strobel
- Man-Society-Environment, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Felix C Mark
- Integrative Ecophysiology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Helmut Segner
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Burkhardt-Holm
- Man-Society-Environment, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Sales CF, Santos KPED, Rizzo E, Ribeiro RIMDA, Santos HBD, Thomé RG. Proliferation, survival and cell death in fish gills remodeling: From injury to recovery. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 68:10-18. [PMID: 28676337 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Pollutants found dispersed in water can cause irritations on the gills, challenge the immune system and prejudice the welfare of the fish. Here we investigated molecules linked to proliferation, survival, and cell death, as well as inflammatory and vascular control, in a model of fish gill remodeling, from injury to recovery. We assessed the gill histology and immunohistochemistry for PCNA, iNOS, HSP70, and Bax in Hypostomus francisci obtained from a river subjected to chronic anthropic influences and then after they were placed in water of good quality. A total of 30 H. francisci adult individuals were collected and distributed into two groups: euthanized on the day of capture (group 1) and maintained for 30 days in an aquarium (group 2). In all the fish from group 1, the primary and secondary lamellae showed hypertrophy of the respiratory epithelium, lamellar fusion, lifting of the epithelium, aneurysm, hyperemia, and vascular congestion. On the other hand, in all the fish from group 2, restoration of gill integrity was observed, and the primary and secondary lamellae showed a simple epithelium, absence of lamellar fusion, hypertrophy, and aneurysm. Gills of fish from group 1 had higher frequency of cells immunopositive for PCNA, iNOS, HSP70, and Bax than those of fish from group 2 (p < 0.05). The molecular and cellular mechanisms from injury to recovery were proposed, with a balance between survival and cell death signals being essential for determining the gill structure. In addition, the findings indicate that recovery of the structural organization of gills is possible if fishes are maintained in good-quality water, indicating the importance of the conservation of aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Ferreira Sales
- Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste, Laboratório de Processamento de Tecidos - LAPROTEC, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Morfologia, Laboratório de Ictiohistologia, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Keiza Priscila Enes Dos Santos
- Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste, Laboratório de Processamento de Tecidos - LAPROTEC, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elizete Rizzo
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Morfologia, Laboratório de Ictiohistologia, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rosy Iara Maciel de Azambuja Ribeiro
- Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste, Laboratório de Patologia Experimental - LAPATEX, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Hélio Batista Dos Santos
- Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste, Laboratório de Processamento de Tecidos - LAPROTEC, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ralph Gruppi Thomé
- Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Campus Centro Oeste, Laboratório de Processamento de Tecidos - LAPROTEC, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, 35501-296, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Stark JS, Corbett PA, Dunshea G, Johnstone G, King C, Mondon JA, Power ML, Samuel A, Snape I, Riddle M. The environmental impact of sewage and wastewater outfalls in Antarctica: An example from Davis station, East Antarctica. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 105:602-614. [PMID: 27693972 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
We present a comprehensive scientific assessment of the environmental impacts of an Antarctic wastewater ocean outfall, at Davis station in East Antarctica. We assessed the effectiveness of current wastewater treatment and disposal requirements under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. Macerated wastewater has been discharged from an outfall at Davis since the failure of the secondary treatment plant in 2005. Water, sediment and wildlife were tested for presence of human enteric bacteria and antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Epibiotic and sediment macrofaunal communities were tested for differences between sites near the outfall and controls. Local fish were examined for evidence of histopathological abnormalities. Sediments, fish and gastropods were tested for uptake of sewage as measured by stable isotopes of N and C. Escherichia coli carrying antibiotic resistance determinants were found in water, sediments and wildlife (the filter feeding bivalve Laternula eliptica). Fish (Trematomus bernacchii) within close proximity to the outfall had significantly more severe and greater occurrences of histopathological abnormalities than at controls, consistent with exposure to sewage. There was significant enrichment of 15N in T. bernacchii and the predatory gastropod Neobuccinum eatoni around the outfall, providing evidence of uptake of sewage. There were significant differences between epibiotic and sediment macrofaunal communities at control and outfall sites (<1.5 km), when sites were separated into groups of similar habitat types. Benthic community composition was also strongly related to habitat and environmental drivers such as sea ice. The combined evidence indicated that the discharge of wastewater from the Davis outfall is causing environmental impacts. These findings suggest that conditions in Antarctic coastal locations, such as Davis, are unlikely to be conducive to initial dilution and rapid dispersal of wastewater as required under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. Current minimum requirements for wastewater treatment and disposal in Antarctica are insufficient to ameliorate these risks and are likely to lead to accumulation of contaminants and introduction of non-native microbes and associated genetic elements. This new understanding suggests that modernised approaches to the treatment and disposal of wastewater are required in Antarctica. The most effective solution is advanced levels of wastewater treatment, which are now possible, feasible and a high priority for installation. As a direct outcome of the study, a new advanced treatment system is being installed at Davis, effectively avoiding environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Stark
- Antarctic Conservation and Management Theme, Australian Antarctic Division, Channel Hwy, Kingston, 7050, TAS, Australia.
| | - Patricia A Corbett
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Warrnambool Campus, P.O. Box 423, Warrnambool, VIC 3280, Australia
| | - Glenn Dunshea
- Ecological Marine Services Pty. Ltd., 2/3 Thomsen St, Millbank, QLD 4670, Australia
| | - Glenn Johnstone
- Antarctic Conservation and Management Theme, Australian Antarctic Division, Channel Hwy, Kingston, 7050, TAS, Australia
| | - Catherine King
- Antarctic Conservation and Management Theme, Australian Antarctic Division, Channel Hwy, Kingston, 7050, TAS, Australia
| | - Julie A Mondon
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Warrnambool Campus, P.O. Box 423, Warrnambool, VIC 3280, Australia
| | - Michelle L Power
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Angelingifta Samuel
- Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 116 Daley Road, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Ian Snape
- Antarctic Conservation and Management Theme, Australian Antarctic Division, Channel Hwy, Kingston, 7050, TAS, Australia
| | - Martin Riddle
- Antarctic Conservation and Management Theme, Australian Antarctic Division, Channel Hwy, Kingston, 7050, TAS, Australia
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Rodrigues E, Feijó-Oliveira M, Suda CNK, Vani GS, Donatti L, Rodrigues E, Lavrado HP. Metabolic responses of the Antarctic fishes Notothenia rossii and Notothenia coriiceps to sewage pollution. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2015; 41:1205-20. [PMID: 26031510 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-015-0080-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the sewage effects of the Brazilian Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz, Admiralty Bay, King George Island, on the hepatic metabolism (energetic, antioxidant, and arginase levels) and levels of plasma constituents of two Antarctic fish species Notothenia rossii and N. coriiceps. The bioassays were conducted under controlled temperature (0 °C) and salinity (35 psu), exposing the fish for 96 h, to sewage effluent diluted in seawater to 0.5 % (v/v). Liver homogenates were tested for the specific activities of the enzymes glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), glycogen phosphorylase (GPase), hexokinase, citrate synthase, lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, catalase, and arginase. Plasma levels of glucose, triacylglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, chloride, magnesium, calcium, and inorganic phosphate were also determined. In N. rossii, the decrease in citrate synthase and the increase in G6Pase and GPase suggested that the sewage effluent activated glycogenolysis and hepatic gluconeogenesis, whereas is N. coriiceps, only G6Pase levels were increased. In N. rossii, sewage effluent induced hypertriglyceridemia without modulating glucose plasma levels, in contrast to N. coriiceps, which developed hypoglycemia without elevating plasma triglyceride levels. The decrease in glutathione reductase levels in N. coriiceps and in superoxide dismutase and catalase in N. rossii suggest that these two species are susceptible to oxidative stress stemming from the production of reactive oxygen species. An increase in magnesium in N. rossii and a decrease in N. coriiceps showed that sewage effluent compromised the control of plasma levels of this cation. Although phylogenetically close, both species of Antarctic fish exhibited different metabolic responses to the sewage effluent, with N. coriiceps showing greater susceptibility to the toxic effects of the pollutants. The present study suggests that the biochemical responses of these two species are potential indicators of metabolic changes caused by sewage effluents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson Rodrigues
- Institute of Basic Bioscience, University of Taubaté, Av. Tiradentes, 500 - Centro, Taubaté, 12.030-180, SP, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Feijó-Oliveira
- Institute of Basic Bioscience, University of Taubaté, Av. Tiradentes, 500 - Centro, Taubaté, 12.030-180, SP, Brazil
| | - Cecília Nohome Kawagoe Suda
- Institute of Basic Bioscience, University of Taubaté, Av. Tiradentes, 500 - Centro, Taubaté, 12.030-180, SP, Brazil
| | - Gannabathula Sree Vani
- Institute of Basic Bioscience, University of Taubaté, Av. Tiradentes, 500 - Centro, Taubaté, 12.030-180, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucélia Donatti
- Departamento of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Centro Politécnico s/No, Curitiba, 81.530-130, PR, Brazil
| | - Edson Rodrigues
- Institute of Basic Bioscience, University of Taubaté, Av. Tiradentes, 500 - Centro, Taubaté, 12.030-180, SP, Brazil.
| | - Helena Passeri Lavrado
- Departamento of Marine Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 373 - CCS - Bloco A - sala 89, Rio de Janeiro, 21.941-902, RJ, Brazil
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Ameur WB, El Megdiche Y, de Lapuente J, Barhoumi B, Trabelsi S, Ennaceur S, Camps L, Serret J, Ramos-López D, Gonzalez-Linares J, Touil S, Driss MR, Borràs M. Oxidative stress, genotoxicity and histopathology biomarker responses in Mugil cephalus and Dicentrarchus labrax gill exposed to persistent pollutants. A field study in the Bizerte Lagoon: Tunisia. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 135:67-74. [PMID: 25912422 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of biomarkers has become an important tool for modern environmental assessment as they can help to predict pollutants involved in the monitoring program. Despite the importance of fish gill in several functions (gaseous exchange, osmotic and ionic regulation, acid-base balance and nitrogenous waste) its use in coastal water biomonitoring focusing on protection and damage is scarce. This field study investigates biochemical (catalase, superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidation), molecular (DNA integrity) and morphological (histology) parameters in gill of mullet (Mugil cephalus) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and originating from Bizerte lagoon (a coastal lagoon impacted by different anthropogenic activities) and from the Mediterranean Sea (a reference site). Remarkable alterations in the activities of oxidative stress enzymes and DNA integrity in the tissue of the two studied fish species were detected in Bizerte Lagoon. The study of histopathological alterations of gills in both two fish species from Bizerte Lagoon suggest thickening of primary lamellae, cellular hyperplasia, aneurism, curving, shortening and fusion of secondary lamellae. The adopted approach, considering simultaneously protection responses and damaging effects, revealed its usefulness on the pollution assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid Ben Ameur
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Yassine El Megdiche
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Joaquin de Lapuente
- UTOX-PCB, Unit of Experimental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology, Parc Científic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Badreddine Barhoumi
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Souad Trabelsi
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Soukaina Ennaceur
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Lydia Camps
- UTOX-PCB, Unit of Experimental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology, Parc Científic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Serret
- UTOX-PCB, Unit of Experimental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology, Parc Científic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Ramos-López
- UTOX-PCB, Unit of Experimental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology, Parc Científic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Gonzalez-Linares
- UTOX-PCB, Unit of Experimental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology, Parc Científic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soufiane Touil
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Ridha Driss
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Miquel Borràs
- UTOX-PCB, Unit of Experimental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology, Parc Científic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Corbett PA, King CK, Mondon JA. Application of a quantitative histological health index for Antarctic rock cod (Trematomus bernacchii) from Davis Station, East Antarctica. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 109:28-40. [PMID: 26070020 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A quantitative Histological Health Index (HHI) was applied to Antarctic rock cod (Trematomus bernacchii) using gill, liver, spleen, kidney and gonad to assess the impact of wastewater effluent from Davis Station, East Antarctica. A total of 120 fish were collected from 6 sites in the Prydz Bay region of East Antarctica at varying distances from the wastewater outfall. The HHI revealed a greater severity of alteration in fish at the wastewater outfall, which decreased stepwise with distance. Gill and liver displayed the greatest severity of alteration in fish occurring in close proximity to the wastewater outfall, showing severe and pronounced alteration respectively. Findings of the HHI add to a growing weight of evidence indicating that the current level of wastewater treatment at Davis Station is insufficient to prevent impact to the surrounding environment. The HHI for T. bernacchii developed in this study is recommended as a useful risk assessment tool for assessing in situ, sub-lethal impacts from station-derived contamination in coastal regions throughout Antarctica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Corbett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Princes Highway, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280, Australia.
| | - Catherine K King
- Terrestrial and Nearshore Ecosystems, Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Highway, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia.
| | - Julie A Mondon
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Princes Highway, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280, Australia.
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Corbett PA, King CK, Mondon JA. Tracking spatial distribution of human-derived wastewater from Davis Station, East Antarctica, using δ15N and δ13C stable isotopes. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 90:41-47. [PMID: 25487089 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 11/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Stable isotope ratios, δ15N and δ13C were effectively used to determine the geographical dispersion of human derived sewage from Davis Station, East Antarctica, using Antarctic rock cod (Trematomus bernacchii). Fish within 0-4 km downstream of the outfall exhibited higher δ15N and δ13C values relative to reference sites. Nitrogen in particular showed a stepped decrease in δ15N with increasing distance from the discharge point by 1-2‰. Stable isotopes were better able to detect the extent of wastewater contamination than other techniques including faecal coliform and sterol measures. Uptake and assimilation of δ15N and δ13C up to 4 km from the outfall adds to growing evidence indicating the current level of wastewater treatment at Davis Station is not sufficient to avoid impact to the surrounding environment. Isotopic assimilation in T. bernacchii is a viable biomarker for investigation of initial sewage exposure and longer term monitoring in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Corbett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Princes Highway, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280, Australia.
| | - Catherine K King
- Terrestrial and Nearshore Ecosystems, Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Highway, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia.
| | - Julie A Mondon
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Princes Highway, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280, Australia.
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