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Matranxhi B, Mertens B, Anthonissen R, Maes J, Ny A, de Witte P, Brouhon JM, De Bast B, Elskens M. Assessment of receptor-mediated activity (AhR and ERα), mutagenicity, and teratogenicity of metal shredder wastes in Wallonia, Belgium. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-34820-7. [PMID: 39225929 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34820-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
In this study, hazardous wastes including fluff, dust, and scrubbing sludge were sampled in 2019 from two metal shredding facilities located in Wallonia, Belgium. To assess the extent of the contamination, a global approach combining chemical and biological techniques was used, to better reflect the risks to health and the environment. The samples investigated induced significant in vitro aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonistic bioactivities and estrogenic receptor (ERα) (ant)agonistic bioactivities in the respective CALUX (chemical activated luciferase gene expression) bioassays. The mutagenicity of the samples was investigated with the bacterial reverse gene mutation test using the Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains. Except for the sludge sample (site 3), all samples induced a mutagenic response in the TA98 strain (± S9 metabolic fraction) whereas in the TA100 strain (+ S9 metabolic fraction), only the sludge sample (site 2) showed a clear mutagenic effect. The in vivo toxicity/teratogenicity of the shredder wastes was further evaluated with zebrafish embryos. Except for the dust sample (site 2), all samples were found to be teratogenic as they returned teratogenic indexes (TIs) > 1. The high levels of contamination, the mutagenicity, and the teratogenicity of these shredder wastes raise significant concerns about their potential negative impacts on both human health and environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Besarta Matranxhi
- Laboratory of Archaeology, Environmental Changes and Geo-Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Ixelles, Belgium
| | - Birgit Mertens
- Sciensano, SD Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Ixelles, Belgium
| | - Roel Anthonissen
- Sciensano, SD Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050, Ixelles, Belgium
| | - Jan Maes
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Gasthuisberg Campus O&N 2, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelii Ny
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Gasthuisberg Campus O&N 2, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Gasthuisberg Campus O&N 2, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Marc Brouhon
- Walloon Air and Climate Agency (AwAC), Public Service of Wallonia, Jambes, Belgium
| | - Benoit De Bast
- Walloon Air and Climate Agency (AwAC), Public Service of Wallonia, Jambes, Belgium
| | - Marc Elskens
- Laboratory of Archaeology, Environmental Changes and Geo-Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Ixelles, Belgium.
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Brambilla G, Abate V, Battacone G, De Filippis SP, Esposito M, Esposito V, Miniero R. Potential impact on food safety and food security from persistent organic pollutants in top soil improvers on Mediterranean pasture. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 543:581-590. [PMID: 26610287 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.10.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The organic carbon of biosolids from civil wastewater treatment plants binds persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorodibenzo -dioxins and -furans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin and non-dioxin -like polychlorobiphenyls (DL and NDL-PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). The use of such biosolids, derived digestates and composts as top soil improvers (TSIs) may transfer POPs into the food chain. We evaluated the potential carry-over of main bioavailable congeners from amended soil-to-milk of extensive farmed sheep. Such estimates were compared with regulatory limits (food security) and human intakes (food safety). The prediction model was based on farming practices, flocks soil intake, POPs toxicokinetics, and dairy products intake in children, of the Mediterranean area. TSI contamination ranged between 0.20-113 ng WHO-TEQ/kg dry matter for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs (N = 56), 3.40-616 μg/kg for ∑6 NDL-PCBs (N = 38), 0.06-17.2 and 0.12-22.3 μg/kg for BDE no. 47 and no. 99, 0.872-89.50 μg/kg for PFOS (N = 27). For a 360 g/head/day soil intake of a sheep with an average milk yield of 2.0 kg at 6.5% of fat percentage, estimated soil quality standards supporting milk safety and security were 0.75 and 4.0 ng WHO-TEQ/kg for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs, and 3.75 and 29.2 μg/kg for ∑6 NDL-PCBs, respectively. The possibility to use low-contaminated TSIs to maximize agriculture benefits and if the case, to progressively mitigate highly contaminated soils is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Brambilla
- Istituto Superiore di sanità, Veterinary Public Health Dept, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - V Abate
- Istituto Superiore di sanità, Veterinary Public Health Dept, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - G Battacone
- Università degli Studi di Sassari, Agricultural Science, Viale Italia, 39 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - S P De Filippis
- Istituto Superiore di sanità, Toxicological Chemistry Unit, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - M Esposito
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 08055 Portici, (Neaples), Italy
| | - V Esposito
- Agenzia Regionale Per la Protezione dell'Ambiente Regione Puglia, Via Anfiteatro 8, 74100 Taranto, Italy
| | - R Miniero
- Istituto Superiore di sanità, Toxicological Chemistry Unit, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Lopes C, Antelo LT, Franco-Uría A, Alonso AA, Pérez-Martín R. Valorisation of fish by-products against waste management treatments--Comparison of environmental impacts. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2015; 46:103-112. [PMID: 26316101 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Reuse and valorisation of fish by-products is a key process for marine resources conservation. Usually, fishmeal and oil processing factories collect the by-products generated by fishing port and industry processing activities, producing an economical benefit to both parts. In the same way, different added-value products can be recovered by the valorisation industries whereas fishing companies save the costs associated with the management of those wastes. However, it is important to estimate the advantages of valorisation processes not only in terms of economic income, but also considering the environmental impacts. This would help to know if the valorisation of a residue provokes higher impact than other waste management options, which means that its advantages are probably not enough for guarantying a sustainable waste reuse. To that purpose, there are several methodologies to evaluate the environmental impacts of processes, including those of waste management, providing different indicators which give information on relevant environmental aspects. In the current study, a comparative environmental assessment between a valorisation process (fishmeal and oil production) and different waste management scenarios (composting, incineration and landfilling) was developed. This comparison is a necessary step for the development and industrial implementation of these processes as the best alternative treatment for fish by-products. The obtained results showed that both valorisation process and waste management treatments presented similar impacts. However, a significant benefit can be achieved through valorisation of fish by-products. Additionally, the implications of the possible presence of pollutants were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Lopes
- Process Engineering Group, Marine Research Institute IIM-CSIC, Eduardo Cabello, 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain; Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Luis T Antelo
- Process Engineering Group, Marine Research Institute IIM-CSIC, Eduardo Cabello, 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Amaya Franco-Uría
- Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Antonio A Alonso
- Process Engineering Group, Marine Research Institute IIM-CSIC, Eduardo Cabello, 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Ricardo Pérez-Martín
- Process Engineering Group, Marine Research Institute IIM-CSIC, Eduardo Cabello, 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
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Urbaniak M, Kiedrzyńska E, Kiedrzyński M, Zieliński M, Grochowalski A. The Role of Hydrology in the Polychlorinated Dibenzo--dioxin and Dibenzofuran Distributions in a Lowland River. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2015; 44:1171-1182. [PMID: 26437098 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2014.10.0418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants such as polychlorinated dibenzo--dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are environmental contaminants that have widespread distribution and pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems. We conducted a study to quantify the distribution, patterns, and transport of PCDDs and PCDFs along the Pilica River in central Poland under different hydrological conditions to estimate the loads of these compounds and understand their fate in aquatic systems. Water samples were collected at five sampling points along the river that represent a range of hydrological conditions including flooding and stable and low water flows. Reduced river water flow was associated with lower average total and toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations of PCDDs plus PCDFs: 33.6 pg L and 4.21 pg TEQ L for flooding; 28.3 pg L and 3.6 pg TEQ L for stable flow; 18.4 pg L and 1.0 pg TEQ L for low-water flow. Similar results were observed for daily loadings of total and TEQ concentrations: the highest values were observed during flooding (331.1-839.4 mg d and 27.8-110.7 mg TEQ d), medium under stable hydrological conditions (55.8-121.0 mg d and 7.7-15.3 mg TEQ d), and the lowest values during low water flow (30.9 and 40.3 mg d and 1.4-2.4 mg TEQ d). The results demonstrate that diffuse sources of pollution play a key role during periods of high water flow (i.e., flooding season), whereas point sources of pollution, including municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plant discharges, mainly determine the PCDD and PCDF concentrations seen during low water periods.
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Suominen K, Verta M, Marttinen S. Hazardous organic compounds in biogas plant end products--soil burden and risk to food safety. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 491-492:192-9. [PMID: 24593894 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The end products (digestate, solid fraction of the digestate, liquid fraction of the digestate) of ten biogas production lines in Finland were analyzed for ten hazardous organic compounds or compound groups: polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB(7)), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH(16)), bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), perfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFCs), linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LASs), nonylphenols and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NP+NPEOs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). Biogas plant feedstocks were divided into six groups: municipal sewage sludge, municipal biowaste, fat, food industry by-products, animal manure and others (consisting of milling by-products (husk) and raw former foodstuffs of animal origin from the retail trade). There was no clear connection between the origin of the feedstocks of a plant and the concentrations of hazardous organic compounds in the digestate. For PCDD/Fs and for DEHP, the median soil burden of the compound after a single addition of digestate was similar to the annual atmospheric deposition of the compound or compound group in Finland or other Nordic countries. For PFCs, the median soil burden was somewhat lower than the atmospheric deposition in Finland or Sweden. For NP+NPEOs, the soil burden was somewhat higher than the atmospheric deposition in Denmark. The median soil burden of PBDEs was 400 to 1000 times higher than the PBDE air deposition in Finland or in Sweden. With PBDEs, PFCs and HBCD, the impact of the use of end products should be a focus of further research. Highly persistent compounds, such as PBDE- and PFC-compounds may accumulate in agricultural soil after repeated use of organic fertilizers containing these compounds. For other compounds included in this study, agricultural use of biogas plant end products is unlikely to cause risk to food safety in Finland.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Suominen
- Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, Risk Assessment Research Unit, Mustialankatu 3, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - M Verta
- Finnish Environmental Institute (SYKE), Mechelininkatu 34a, P.O. Box 140, 00251 Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Marttinen
- MTT Agrifood Research Finland, 31600 Jokioinen, Finland
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Elskens M, Pussemier L, Dumortier P, Van Langenhove K, Scholl G, Goeyens L, Focant JF. Dioxin levels in fertilizers from Belgium: determination and evaluation of the potential impact on soil contamination. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 454-455:366-372. [PMID: 23562689 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.02.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Dioxins are harmful persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to which humans are exposed mostly via the consumption of animal products. They can enter the food chain at any stage, including crop fertilization. Fertilizers belong to several categories: synthetic chemicals providing the essential elements (mostly N, P and K) that are required by the crops but also organic fertilizers or amendments, liming materials, etc. Ninety-seven samples of fertilizers were taken in Belgium during the year 2011 and analyzed after a soft extraction procedure for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) using GC-IDHRMS. Only small qualitative differences could be observed between the main fertilizer categories since the PCDD:PCDF:DL-PCB average ratio obtained with the results expressed in TEQ was often close to 30:30:40 (typically for sewage sludge) or 40:30:30 (typically for compost). The median dioxin levels determined were generally lower than recorded previously and were the highest for sewage sludge and compost (5.6 and 5.5 ng TEQ/kg dry weight (dw), respectively). The levels in other fertilizers were lower including manure for which the median value was only 0.2 ng TEQ/kg dw. Several fertilization scenarios relying on the use of those fertilizers were assessed taking into consideration the application conditions prevailing in Belgium. From this assessment it could be concluded that the contribution of fertilizers to the overall soil contamination will be low by comparison of other sources of contamination such as atmospheric depositions. At the field scale, intensive use of compost and sewage sludge will increase dramatically the dioxin inputs compared with other fertilization practices but this kind of emission to the soil will still be relatively low compared to the dioxin atmospheric depositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Elskens
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Elsene, Belgium.
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Liu B, Wei Q, Zhang B, Bi J. Life cycle GHG emissions of sewage sludge treatment and disposal options in Tai Lake Watershed, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 447:361-9. [PMID: 23410857 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 01/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2013] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The treatment and disposal of sewage sludge generate considerable amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and pose environmental and economic challenges to wastewater treatment in China. To achieve a more informed and sustainable sludge management, this study conducts a life cycle inventory to investigate the GHG performances of six scenarios involving various sludge treatment technologies and disposal strategies. These scenarios are landfilling (S1), mono-incineration (S2), co-incineration (S3), brick manufacturing (S4), cement manufacturing (S5), and fertilizer for urban greening (S6). In terms of GHG emissions, S2 demonstrates the best performance with its large offset from sludge incineration energy recovery, followed by S4 and S6, whereas S1 demonstrates the poorest performance primarily because of its large quantity of methane leaks. The scenario rankings are affected by the assumptions of GHG offset calculation. In most scenarios, GHG performance could be improved by using waste gas or steam from existing facilities for drying sludge. Furthermore, considering the GHG performance along with economic, health, and other concerns, S6 is recommended. We thus suggest that local governments promote the use of composted sludge as urban greening fertilizers. In addition, the use of sludge with 60% water content, in place of the current standard of 80%, in wastewater treatment plants is proposed to be the new standard for Tai Lake Watershed in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, PR China
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