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White-Kiely D, Finlayson KA, Limpus CJ, Johnson M, van de Merwe JP. Species-specific bioassays reveal spatial variation in chemical contamination of green sea turtles. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 200:106657. [PMID: 39074438 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
The rapid increase of anthropogenic activity at shipping ports and surrounding coastal areas has been correlated with higher chemical contamination entering the surrounding marine environment. Chemical contaminants in marine environments can lead to significant health problems for green turtles (Chelonia mydas), especially when these contaminants accumulate in their foraging grounds. This study examined the exposure and toxicological effects of chemical contaminants on green turtle cells using a species-specific cell viability assay. Using the QuEChERs extraction, organic contaminants were extracted from 60 blood samples collected from green turtles in three foraging locations: Port Curtis, and two reefs (Heron Reef and Hoskyn-Fairfax Reefs) within the Capricorn Bunker Group of the outer Great Barrier Reef. Blood extracts were tested for cytotoxicity against primary green turtle fibroblast cells using an in vitro resazurin bioassay to assess cell viability. Extracts from Gladstone and Heron Reef indicated significant chemical contamination, at levels high enough to cause adverse health effects of green turtles. Very low toxicity values at the Hoskyn-Fairfax Reefs location indicate its potential to be established as a reference site for the southern Great Barrier Reef.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan White-Kiely
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | | | - Colin J Limpus
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew Johnson
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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2
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Liu J, Xiang T, Song XC, Zhang S, Wu Q, Gao J, Lv M, Shi C, Yang X, Liu Y, Fu J, Shi W, Fang M, Qu G, Yu H, Jiang G. High-Efficiency Effect-Directed Analysis Leveraging Five High Level Advancements: A Critical Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9925-9944. [PMID: 38820315 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Organic contaminants are ubiquitous in the environment, with mounting evidence unequivocally connecting them to aquatic toxicity, illness, and increased mortality, underscoring their substantial impacts on ecological security and environmental health. The intricate composition of sample mixtures and uncertain physicochemical features of potential toxic substances pose challenges to identify key toxicants in environmental samples. Effect-directed analysis (EDA), establishing a connection between key toxicants found in environmental samples and associated hazards, enables the identification of toxicants that can streamline research efforts and inform management action. Nevertheless, the advancement of EDA is constrained by the following factors: inadequate extraction and fractionation of environmental samples, limited bioassay endpoints and unknown linkage to higher order impacts, limited coverage of chemical analysis (i.e., high-resolution mass spectrometry, HRMS), and lacking effective linkage between bioassays and chemical analysis. This review proposes five key advancements to enhance the efficiency of EDA in addressing these challenges: (1) multiple adsorbents for comprehensive coverage of chemical extraction, (2) high-resolution microfractionation and multidimensional fractionation for refined fractionation, (3) robust in vivo/vitro bioassays and omics, (4) high-performance configurations for HRMS analysis, and (5) chemical-, data-, and knowledge-driven approaches for streamlined toxicant identification and validation. We envision that future EDA will integrate big data and artificial intelligence based on the development of quantitative omics, cutting-edge multidimensional microfractionation, and ultraperformance MS to identify environmental hazard factors, serving for broader environmental governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tongtong Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xue-Chao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shaoqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Meilin Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Chunzhen Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xiaoxi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yanna Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jianjie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mingliang Fang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430056, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongxia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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3
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Beale DJ, Nguyen TV, Bose U, Shah R, Nelis JLD, Stockwell S, Broadbent JA, Nilsson S, Rane R, Court L, Lettoof DC, Pandey G, Walsh TK, Shaw S, Llinas J, Limpus D, Limpus C, Braun C, Baddiley B, Vardy S. Metabolic disruptions and impaired reproductive fitness in wild-caught freshwater turtles (Emydura macquarii macquarii) exposed to elevated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171743. [PMID: 38494020 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171743] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose a threat to organisms and ecosystems due to their persistent nature. Ecotoxicology endpoints used in regulatory guidelines may not reflect multiple, low-level but persistent stressors. This study examines the biological effects of PFAS on Eastern short-necked turtles in Queensland, Australia. In this study, blood samples were collected and analysed for PFAS, hormone levels, and functional omics endpoints. High levels of PFAS were found in turtles at the impacted site, with PFOS being the dominant constituent. The PFAS profiles of males and females differed, with males having higher PFAS concentrations. Hormone concentrations differed between impacted and reference sites in male turtles, with elevated testosterone and corticosterone indicative of stress. Further, energy utilisation, nucleotide synthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and amino acid synthesis were altered in both male and female turtles from PFAS-impacted sites. Both sexes show similar metabolic responses to environmental stressors from the PFAS-contaminated site, which may adversely affect their reproductive fitness. Purine metabolism, caffeine metabolism, and ferroptosis pathway changes in turtles can cause gout, cell death, and overall health problems. Further, the study showed that prolonged exposure to elevated PFAS levels in the wild could compromise turtle reproductive fitness by disrupting reproductive steroids and metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Beale
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia.
| | - Thao V Nguyen
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Utpal Bose
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia
| | - Rohan Shah
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora West, Vic 3083, Australia; Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Vic 3122, Australia
| | - Joost Laurus Dinant Nelis
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia
| | - Sally Stockwell
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia
| | - James A Broadbent
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia
| | - Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Rahul Rane
- Health and Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Parkville, Vic 3052, Australia
| | - Leon Court
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO Black Mountain Laboratories, Acton, ACT 2602, Australia
| | - Damian C Lettoof
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO Centre for Environment and Life Sciences, Floreat, WA 6014, Australia
| | - Gunjan Pandey
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO Black Mountain Laboratories, Acton, ACT 2602, Australia
| | - Thomas K Walsh
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO Black Mountain Laboratories, Acton, ACT 2602, Australia
| | - Stephanie Shaw
- Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Moggill, Qld 4070, Australia
| | - Josh Llinas
- The Unusual Pet Vets Jindalee, Veterinarian, Jindalee, Qld 4074, Australia
| | - Duncan Limpus
- Aquatic Threatened Species, Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Colin Limpus
- Aquatic Threatened Species, Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Christoph Braun
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science and Technology Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Brenda Baddiley
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science and Technology Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Suzanne Vardy
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science and Technology Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Dutton Park, Qld 4102, Australia
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4
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Barraza AD, Finlayson KA, Leusch FDL, Limpus CJ, van de Merwe JP. Understanding contaminant exposure risks in nesting Loggerhead sea turtle populations. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115605. [PMID: 37844482 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115605] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Queensland loggerhead turtle nest numbers at Mon Repos (MR) indicate population recovery that doesn't occur at Wreck Island (WI). Previous research illustrated that MR and WI turtles forage in different locations, potentially indicating risks differences. Blood, scute, and egg were collected from turtles nesting at MR and WI, with known foraging sites (from concurrent studies). Trace element and organic contaminants were assessed via acid digestion and in vitro cytotoxicity bioassays, respectively. WI turtles had significantly higher scute uranium and blood molybdenum compared to MR turtles, and arsenic was higher in WI turtles foraging north and MR turtles foraging south. Egg and blood titanium, manganese, cadmium, barium, lead, and molybdenum, and scute and egg selenium and mercury significantly correlated. Blood (75 %) extracts produced significant toxicity in vitro in turtle fibroblast cells. In conclusion, reducing chemical exposure at higher risk foraging sites would likely benefit sea turtles and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur D Barraza
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, QLD, Australia.
| | - Kimberly A Finlayson
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, QLD, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, QLD, Australia
| | - Colin J Limpus
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, QLD, Australia
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5
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Schaap I, Buedenbender L, Johann S, Hollert H, Dogruer G. Impact of chemical pollution on threatened marine mammals: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132203. [PMID: 37567134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals, due to their long life span, key position in the food web, and large lipid deposits, often face significant health risks from accumulating contaminants. This systematic review examines published literature on pollutant-induced adverse health effects in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red-listed marine mammal species. Thereby, identifying gaps in literature across different extinction risk categories, spatial distribution and climatic zones of studied habitats, commonly used methodologies, researched pollutants, and mechanisms from cellular to population levels. Our findings reveal a lower availability of exposure-effect data for higher extinction risk species (critically endangered 16%, endangered 15%, vulnerable 66%), highlighting the need for more research. For many threatened species in the Southern Hemisphere pollutant-effect relationships are not established. Non-destructively sampled tissues, like blood or skin, are commonly measured for exposure assessment. The most studied pollutants are POPs (31%), metals (30%), and pesticides (17%). Research on mixture toxicity is scarce while pollution-effect studies primarily focus on molecular and cellular levels. Bridging the gap between molecular data and higher-level effects is crucial, with computational approaches offering a high potential through in vitro to in vivo extrapolation using (toxico-)kinetic modelling. This could aid in population-level risk assessment for threatened marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Schaap
- Farm Technology, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Larissa Buedenbender
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía (CICA), Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Sarah Johann
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department Environmental Media Related Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gulsah Dogruer
- Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen Research, 1976CP IJmuiden, the Netherlands
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6
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Perkins GE, Finlayson KA, van de Merwe JP. Pelagic and coastal green turtles (Chelonia mydas) experience differences in chemical exposure and effect. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 183:114027. [PMID: 35985101 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114027] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Green turtles foraging in coastal areas are exposed to land-based chemical pollutants that accumulate in the habitats to which they show high site fidelity. However, prior to coastal recruitment, they may be exposed to a different range of chemical threats. The recent development of species-specific in vitro bioassays for marine turtles allows for an effect-based assessment of toxicological endpoints. Blood was collected from green turtles of two life-stages, 'recent recruits' and 'coastal residents', in Hervey Bay and Moreton Bay. Organic contaminants were extracted from blood using the QuEChERS method, and cytotoxicity of the extracts measured in green turtle skin cells. Although not statistically significant, extracts from 'coastal residents' exhibited greater mean toxicity compared to 'recent recruits', possibly indicative of increased chemical accumulation from coastal habitat exposure. The bioassay results also indicated that turtles foraging in Hervey Bay are at greater risk of chemical exposure than those foraging in Moreton Bay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Perkins
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | | | - Jason P van de Merwe
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Australia
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7
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Deng T, Xu X, Fu J, Xu Y, Qu W, Pi J, Wang H. Application of ARE-reporter systems in drug discovery and safety assessment. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 454:116243. [PMID: 36115658 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The human body is continuously exposed to xenobiotics and internal or external oxidants. The health risk assessment of exogenous chemicals remains a complex and challenging issue. Alternative toxicological test methods have become an essential strategy for health risk assessment. As a core regulator of constitutive and inducible expression of antioxidant response element (ARE)-dependent genes, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a critical role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. Consistent with the properties of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response, Nrf2-ARE activity is a direct indicator of oxidative stress and thus has been used to identify and characterize oxidative stressors and redox modulators. To screen and distinguish chemicals or environmental insults that affect the cellular antioxidant activity and/or induce oxidative stress, various in vitro cell models expressing distinct ARE reporters with high-throughput and high-content properties have been developed. These ARE-reporter systems are currently widely applied in drug discovery and safety assessment. In the present review, we provide an overview of the basic structures and applications of various ARE-reporter systems employed for discovering Nrf2-ARE modulators and characterizing oxidative stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Deng
- Laboratory of Chronic Disease and Environmental Genomics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Xiaoge Xu
- Laboratory of Chronic Disease and Environmental Genomics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Jingqi Fu
- Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Laboratory of Chronic Disease and Environmental Genomics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Weidong Qu
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jingbo Pi
- Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Huihui Wang
- Laboratory of Chronic Disease and Environmental Genomics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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8
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Blasi MF, Avino P, Notardonato I, Di Fiore C, Mattei D, Gauger MFW, Gelippi M, Cicala D, Hochscheid S, Camedda A, de Lucia GA, Favero G. Phthalate esters (PAEs) concentration pattern reflects dietary habitats (δ 13C) in blood of Mediterranean loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 239:113619. [PMID: 35605320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are classified as endocrine disruptors, but it remains unclear if they can enter the marine food-web and result in severe health effects for organisms. Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) can be chronically exposed to PAEs by ingesting plastic debris, but no information is available about PAEs levels in blood, and how these concentrations are related to diet during different life stages. This paper investigated, for the first time, six PAEs in blood of 18 wild-caught Mediterranean loggerhead turtles throughout solid-phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography-ion trap/mass spectrometry. Stable isotope analyses of carbon and nitrogen were also performed to assess the resource use pattern of loggerhead turtles. DEHP (12-63 ng mL-1) and DBP (6-57 ng mL-1) were the most frequently represented PAEs, followed by DiBP, DMP, DEP and DOP. The total PAEs concentration was highest in three turtles (124-260 ng mL-1) whereas three other turtles had concentrations below the detection limit. PAEs were clustered in three groups according to concentration in all samples: DEHP in the first group, DBP, DEP, and DiBP in the second group, and DOP and DMP in the third group. The total phthalates concentration did not differ between large-sized (96.3 ± 86.0 ng mL-1) and small-sized (67.1 ± 34.2 ng mL-1) turtles (p < 0.001). However, DMP and DEP were found only in large-sized turtles and DiBP and DBP had higher concentrations in large-sized turtles. On the other hand, DEHP and DOP were found in both small- and large-sized turtles with similar concentrations, i.e. ~ 21.0/32.0 ng mL-1 and ~ 7.1/9.9 ng mL-1, respectively. Winsored robust models indicated that δ13C is a good predictor for DBP and DiBP concentrations (significant Akaike Information criterion weight, AICwt). Our results indicate that blood is a good matrix to evaluate acute exposure to PAEs in marine turtles. Moreover, this approach is here suggested as a useful tool to explain the internal dose of PAEs in term of dietary habits (δ13C), suggesting that all marine species at high trophic levels may be particularly exposed to PAEs, despite their different dietary habitats and levels of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Francesca Blasi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, RM, Italy; Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, RM, Italy; Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Via Stimpagnato Filicudi, Lipari 98055, ME, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Avino
- Dipartimento Agricoltura, Ambiente e Alimenti, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, Campobasso I-86100, Italy
| | - Ivan Notardonato
- Dipartimento Agricoltura, Ambiente e Alimenti, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, Campobasso I-86100, Italy
| | - Cristina Di Fiore
- Dipartimento Agricoltura, Ambiente e Alimenti, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, Campobasso I-86100, Italy
| | - Daniela Mattei
- Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, RM, Italy
| | | | - Michelle Gelippi
- Filicudi WildLife Conservation, Via Stimpagnato Filicudi, Lipari 98055, ME, Italy
| | - Davide Cicala
- Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, Department of Biology - University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Hochscheid
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, Portici 80055, Italy
| | - Andrea Camedda
- IAS-CNR Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, OR 09170, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Andrea de Lucia
- IAS-CNR Institute of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in Marine Environment, National Research Council Oristano Section, Località Sa Mardini, Torregrande, OR 09170, Italy
| | - Gabriele Favero
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Roma, RM, Italy
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9
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Finlayson KA, Limpus CJ, van de Merwe JP. Temporal changes in chemical contamination of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) foraging in a heavily industrialised seaport. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 817:152848. [PMID: 35007578 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152848] [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: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Port Curtis, a major shipping port, has undergone significant expansion in the last decade, with plans for further development into the future. These activities may result in an increase of contaminant concentrations, threatening local wildlife including sea turtles. This study used a species-specific in vitro bioassay to examine spatial and temporal differences in exposure to, and effects of, organic contaminants in green sea turtles foraging in Port Curtis. Blood was collected from 134 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from five locations in the port over four years. Organic contaminants were extracted from blood, and the cytotoxicity of the extracts to primary green sea turtle cells was assessed. Results indicated spatially similar chemical contamination throughout Port Curtis, at levels significant to sea turtle health, and with signs that chemical contamination may be increasing over time. These results can provide valuable information on the health of green turtles as further development occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colin J Limpus
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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10
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Fast and Reliable Determination of Phthalic Acid Esters in the Blood of Marine Turtles by Means of Solid Phase Extraction Coupled with Gas Chromatography-Ion Trap/Mass Spectrometry. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9110279. [PMID: 34822670 PMCID: PMC8624151 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9110279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The presence of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in marine environments is an important issue. These chemicals are able to affect marine organisms, particularly marine turtles, and to act as endocrine disrupters. In this paper, for the first time, a simple and reproducible analytical method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled with gas chromatography-ion trap/mass spectrometry (GC-IT/MS) was developed for the extraction of phthalates from the blood of marine turtles. The extraction was obtained by using C18 phthalates-free as the stationary phase. In order to individuate the best working conditions for the extraction, the adsorption isotherms and breakthrough curves were studied. The overall analytical methodology was validated in terms of limit of detection (LOD, 0.08-0.6 ng mL-1), limit of quantification (LOQ, 0.4-0.8 ng mL-1), and correlation coefficients (>0.9933). By using this procedure, percentage recoveries ranging from 89 to 103% were achieved. The precision parameters (intra-day and inter-day) were studied, and the obtained values were smaller than 12.5%. These data confirm the goodness of the proposed analytical methodology, which is applied to real samples.
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11
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Dogruer G, Kramer NI, Schaap IL, Hollert H, Gaus C, van de Merwe JP. An integrative approach to define chemical exposure threshold limits for endangered sea turtles. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 420:126512. [PMID: 34284283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126512] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contaminants pose serious health threats to marine megafauna species, yet methods defining exposure threshold limits are lacking. Here, a three-pillar chemical risk assessment framework is presented based on (1) species- and chemical-specific lifetime bioaccumulation modelling, (2) non-destructive in vitro and in vivo toxicity threshold assessment, and (3) chemical risk quantification. We used the effects of cadmium (Cd) in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) as a proof of concept to evaluate the quantitative mechanistic modelling approach. A physiologically-based kinetic (PBK) model simulated Cd tissue concentrations (liver, kidney, muscle, fat, brain, scute, and 'rest of the body') in C.mydas. The validated PBK model then translated species-specific in vitro results to in vivo effects. The results showed that the resilience of C.mydas towards Cd kidney toxicity is age-dependent and differs with changing physiology and feeding ecology. Using the model in reverse mode, a steady-state exposure threshold of 0.1 µg/g dry weight Cd in forage was derived and compared to real-world exposure scenarios. Three out of the four globally distinct C.mydas populations assessed are exposed to Cd levels above this threshold limit. This approach can be adapted to other marine species and chemicals to prioritize measures for managing potentially harmful chemical exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulsah Dogruer
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, The School of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Nynke I Kramer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, The School of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Iris L Schaap
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, The School of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Caroline Gaus
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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12
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Guimarães ATB, Malafaia G. Multiple toxicity endpoints induced by carbon nanofibers in Amazon turtle juveniles: Outspreading warns about toxicological risks to reptiles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146514. [PMID: 34030253 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNs) has been observed in different organisms; however, little is known about the impact of water polluted with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on reptiles. Thus, the aim of the current study was to assess the chronic effects (7.5 months) of 1 and 10 mg/L of CNF on Podocnemis expansa (Amazon turtle) juveniles (4 months old) based on different biomarkers. Increased total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations observed in the liver and brain (which suggests CNF uptake) were closely correlated to changes in REDOX systems of turtles exposed to CNFs, mainly to higher nitrite, hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation levels. Increased levels of antioxidants such as total glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase in the exposed animals were also observed. The uptake of CNFs and the observed biochemical changes were associated with higher frequency of erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities (assessed through micronucleus assays), as well as with both damage in erythrocyte DNA (assessed through comet assays) and higher apoptosis and necrosis rates in erythrocytes of exposed turtles. Cerebral and hepatic acetylcholinesterase (AChE) increased in turtles exposed to CNFs, and this finding suggested the neurotoxic effect of these nanomaterials. Data in the current study reinforced the toxic potential of CNFs and evidenced the biochemical, mutagenic, genotoxic, cytotoxic, and neurotoxic effects of CNFs on P. expansa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraão Tiago Batista Guimarães
- Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Goiano Federal Institute and Federal University of Goiás, GO, Brazil; Biological Research Laboratory, Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute - Urataí Campus, GO, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Goiano Federal Institute and Federal University of Goiás, GO, Brazil; Biological Research Laboratory, Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute - Urataí Campus, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Ecology and Conservation of Natural Resources, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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13
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Finlayson KA, Leusch FDL, Villa CA, Limpus CJ, van de Merwe JP. Combining analytical and in vitro techniques for comprehensive assessments of chemical exposure and effect in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 274:129752. [PMID: 33529958 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtle populations foraging in coastal areas adjacent to human activity can be exposed to numerous chemical contaminants for long periods of time. For trace elements, well-developed, sensitive and inexpensive analytical techniques remain the most effective method for assessing exposure in sea turtles. However, there are many thousands more organic contaminants present in sea turtles, often at low levels as complex mixtures. Recently developed species-specific in vitro bioassays provide an effective means to identify the presence, and effect of, organic chemicals in sea turtles. This study used a combination of chemical analysis and effects-based bioassays to provide complementary information on chemical exposure and effects for three green turtle foraging populations (Chelonia mydas) in southern Queensland, Australia. Blood was collected from foraging sub-adult green turtles captured in Moreton Bay, Hervey Bay, and Port Curtis. Twenty-six trace elements were measured in whole blood using ICP-MS. Organic contaminants in turtle blood were extracted via QuEChERS and applied to primary green turtle skin fibroblast cell in vitro assays for two toxicity endpoints; cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. The trace element analysis and bioassay results indicated site-specific differences between foraging populations. In particular, turtles from Moreton Bay, a heavily populated coastal embayment, had pronounced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress from organic blood extracts, and elevated concentrations of Cs, Ag, and Zn relative to the other sites. Incorporating traditional chemical analysis with novel effects-based methods can provide a comprehensive assessment of chemical risk in sea turtle populations, contributing to the conservation and management of these threatened species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Cesar A Villa
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland, Australia
| | - Colin J Limpus
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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14
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Weltmeyer A, Dogruer G, Hollert H, Ouellet JD, Townsend K, Covaci A, Weijs L. Distribution and toxicity of persistent organic pollutants and methoxylated polybrominated diphenylethers in different tissues of the green turtle Chelonia mydas. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 277:116795. [PMID: 33640813 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Investigating environmental pollution is important to understand its impact on endangered species such as green turtles (Chelonia mydas). In this study, we investigated the accumulation and potential toxicity of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and naturally occurring MeO-PBDEs in liver, fat, kidney and muscle of turtles (n = 30) of different gender, size, year of death, location and health status. Overall, POP concentrations were low and accumulation was highest in liver and lowest in fat which is likely due to the poor health of several animals, causing a remobilization of lipids and associated compounds. PCBs and p,p'-DDE dominated the POP profiles, and relatively high MeO-PBDE concentrations (2'-MeO-BDE 68 up to 192 ng/g lw, 6-MeO-BDE 47 up to 79 ng/g lw) were detected in all tissues. Only few influences of factors such as age, gender and location were found. While concentrations were low compared to other marine wildlife, biological toxicity equivalences obtained by screening the tissue extracts using the micro-EROD assay ranged from 2.8 to 356 pg/g and the highest values were observed in muscle, followed by kidney and liver. This emphazises that pollutant mixtures found in the turtles have the potential to cause dioxin-like effects in these animals and that dioxin-like compounds should not be overlooked in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Weltmeyer
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Environmental Research, Aachen, Germany; School of Environment and Science, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Gülsah Dogruer
- School of Environment and Science, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University and Research, Ijmuiden, the Netherlands
| | - Henner Hollert
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Environmental Research, Aachen, Germany; Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Jacob D Ouellet
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Environmental Research, Aachen, Germany; Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Kathy Townsend
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Australia
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Weijs
- School of Environment and Science, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
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15
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Leusch FDL, Hollert H, Holmes G. Editorial - Virtual special issue (VSI) green turtles as silent sentinels of pollution in the Great Barrier Reef - Rivers to Reef to Turtles project. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:144188. [PMID: 33316512 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This special issue of STOTEN is dedicated to presenting the results of the WWF-Australia "Rivers to Reef to Turtles" project, which focused on investigating pollutants in the environment, food and bodies of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). The project brought together organic and inorganic trace chemical analysis, bioanalytical tools and individual health monitoring to investigate potential causes of an unusual mortality event in 2012. Together, the ten studies in this special issue highlight the shortcomings of current chemical monitoring and impact assessment programmes, which are focused on a limited number of prioritised chemicals and fail to account for the incredible diversity of toxicants released by human activities. It is essential that future management efforts consider the impact of these contaminants on the GBR, already under threat from global warming and sediment and nutrient runoff. Understanding the impact that chemical contaminants have on turtles not only informs green turtle conservation but can also, as they are sensitive and long-lived bioindicators of environmental health, guide efforts to protect, conserve and restore marine ecosystems such as the GBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia.
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology (E3T), Faculty Biological Sciences (FB15), Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Glen Holmes
- WWF Australia, Brisbane, Qld 4000, Australia.
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16
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Finlayson KA, Madden Hof CA, van de Merwe JP. Development and application of species-specific cell-based bioassays to assess toxicity in green sea turtles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 747:142095. [PMID: 33076209 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite the detection of a wide range of contaminants in the blood of green turtle populations foraging in three locations of northern Queensland - Upstart Bay, Cleveland Bay and the Howick Group of Reefs, little is known about the effects of these contaminants on turtle health. Newly developed cell-based bioassays using green turtle primary cell cultures provide an ethical, reproducible, and high-throughput method for assessing the risk of chemical exposure sea turtles. In this project, the toxicity of six priority metals (Mn, Co, Mo, As, Sb, Cu) and blood extracts from foraging turtles were tested in two bioassays adapted to green turtle primary skin and liver cells. Cytotoxicity of metals and blood extracts was measured in primary skin fibroblast cells using a resazurin assay. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity was measured in primary skin fibroblasts and primary liver epithelial cells following exposure to metals and blood extracts. Arsenic, molybdenum, cobalt and copper were found to be cytotoxic to green turtle skin cells. Only manganese, cobalt and copper were found to alter GST activity, predominantly in skin cells, indicating a higher sensitivity of green turtle skin cells compared to liver cells. Effect concentrations of metals in both bioassays were above concentrations found in turtle blood. Turtle blood extracts from the three foraging grounds showed differences in cytotoxicity and GST activity. In both assays, blood extracts of turtles from Upstart Bay were the most toxic, followed by those from Cleveland Bay, then the Howick Reefs, suggesting turtles from Upstart Bay and Cleveland Bay may be at risk from current concentrations of organic contaminants. This study demonstrates that species-specific cell-based bioassays can be used effectively to assess chemical risk in sea turtles and their foraging grounds, and could be applied to assess chemical risk in other marine wildlife.
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17
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Thomas CR, Bennett WW, Garcia C, Simmonds A, Honchin C, Turner R, Madden Hof CA, Bell I. Coastal bays and coral cays: Multi-element study of Chelonia mydas forage in the Great Barrier Reef (2015-2017). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 740:140042. [PMID: 32927538 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in understanding potential impacts of complex pollutant profiles to long-lived species such as the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), a threatened megaherbivore resident in north Australia. Dietary ingestion may be a key exposure route for metals in these animals and marine plants can accumulate metals at higher concentrations than the surrounding environment. We investigated concentrations of 19 metals and metalloids in C. mydas forage samples collected from a group of offshore coral cays and two coastal bays over a period of 2-3 years. Although no samples exceeded sediment quality guidelines, coastal forage Co, Fe, and V concentrations were up to 2-fold higher, and offshore forage Sr concentrations were ~3-fold higher, than global seagrass means. Principal Component Analysis differentiated coastal bay from coral cay forage according to patterns consistent with underlying terrigenous-type or marine carbonate-type sediment geochemistry, such that coastal bay forage was higher in Fe, Co, Mn, Cu, and Mo (and others) but forage from coral cays was higher in Sr and U. Forage from the two coastal bays was differentiated according to temporal variation in metal profiles, which may be associated with a more episodic sediment disturbance regime in one of the bays. For all study locations, some forage metal concentrations were higher than previously reported in the global literature. Our results suggest that forage metal profiles may be influenced by the presence of some metals in insoluble forms or bound to ultra-fine sediment particles adhered to forage surfaces. Metal concentrations in Great Barrier Reef forage may be present at levels higher than expected from the global seagrass literature and appear strongly influenced by underlying sediment geochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette R Thomas
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia.
| | - William W Bennett
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Australia.
| | - Clement Garcia
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK.
| | - Andrew Simmonds
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville 4805, Australia
| | - Carol Honchin
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville 4805, Australia.
| | - Ryan Turner
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Dutton Park 4102, Australia.
| | | | - Ian Bell
- Aquatic Species Program, Queensland Parks and Wildlife, Department of Environment and Science, Townsville 4810, Australia.
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18
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Barraza AD, Komoroske LM, Allen CD, Eguchi T, Gossett R, Holland E, Lawson DD, LeRoux RA, Lorenzi V, Seminoff JA, Lowe CG. Persistent organic pollutants in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) inhabiting two urbanized Southern California habitats. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 153:110979. [PMID: 32275536 PMCID: PMC7174570 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Within Southern California, east Pacific green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) forage year-round, taking advantage of diverse food resources, including seagrass, marine algae, and invertebrates. Assessing persistent organic pollutants (POP) in green turtle aggregations in the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge (SBNWR, n = 17) and San Diego Bay (SDB, n = 25) can help quantify contamination risks for these populations. Blood plasma was analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PCBs and body size explained much of the separation of turtles by foraging aggregation in a principal component analysis. Turtles from SDB had significantly (p < 0.001) higher total PCBs than SBNWR turtles. Most PCBs detected in turtles were non-dioxin-like PCB congeners (153, 138, 99) that are associated with neurotoxicity. Recaptured turtles' POP levels changed significantly over time indicating significant variation in POP levels through time and space, even among adjacent foraging locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur D Barraza
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA.
| | - Lisa M Komoroske
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Camryn D Allen
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA; The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, Protected Species Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Tomoharu Eguchi
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rich Gossett
- Institute for Integrated Research on Materials, Environment, and Society, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Erika Holland
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Daniel D Lawson
- Long Beach Regional Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Robin A LeRoux
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Varenka Lorenzi
- Institute for Integrated Research on Materials, Environment, and Society, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Seminoff
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Christopher G Lowe
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
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19
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Xue J, Lai Y, Liu CW, Ru H. Towards Mass Spectrometry-Based Chemical Exposome: Current Approaches, Challenges, and Future Directions. TOXICS 2019; 7:toxics7030041. [PMID: 31426576 PMCID: PMC6789759 DOI: 10.3390/toxics7030041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The proposal of the “exposome” concept represents a shift of the research paradigm in studying exposure-disease relationships from an isolated and partial way to a systematic and agnostic approach. Nevertheless, exposome implementation is facing a variety of challenges including measurement techniques and data analysis. Here we focus on the chemical exposome, which refers to the mixtures of chemical pollutants people are exposed to from embryo onwards. We review the current chemical exposome measurement approaches with a focus on those based on the mass spectrometry. We further explore the strategies in implementing the concept of chemical exposome and discuss the available chemical exposome studies. Early progresses in the chemical exposome research are outlined, and major challenges are highlighted. In conclusion, efforts towards chemical exposome have only uncovered the tip of the iceberg, and further advancement in measurement techniques, computational tools, high-throughput data analysis, and standardization may allow more exciting discoveries concerning the role of exposome in human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchuan Xue
- Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yunjia Lai
- Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Chih-Wei Liu
- Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Hongyu Ru
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
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20
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Finlayson KA, Leusch FDL, Limpus CJ, van de Merwe JP. Towards the development of standardised sea turtle primary cell cultures for toxicity testing. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 173:63-70. [PMID: 30769204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.01.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Chemical contaminants are known to accumulate in marine megafauna globally, but little is known about how this impacts animal health. In vitro assays offer an ethical, reproducible and cost-effective alternative to live animal toxicity testing on large, long-lived or threatened species, such as sea turtles. However, using a cell culture from a single animal raise the question of whether the toxicity observed adequately represents the toxicity in that species. This study examined variation in the cytotoxic response of primary skin fibroblasts established from seven green (Chelonia mydas) and five loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles. Cell viability using resazurin dye was examined in response to exposure to five contaminants. The variation in cytotoxicity was generally low (within a factor of five) for both independent analyses of the same cell culture, and cell cultures from different individuals. This low within and between cell culture variation indicates that primary sea turtle cell cultures can provide a suitable approach to understanding toxicity in sea turtles. In addition, green and loggerhead turtle cells showed similar toxicity to the compounds tested, indicating that only subtle differences in chemical sensitivity may exist between sea turtle species. This study provides a framework for using species-specific cell cultures in future toxicological studies on sea turtles. Although in vivo studies are the gold standard for toxicological studies and species-specific risk assessments, the development of in vitro tools can provide important information when in vivo studies are not possible or practical. For large, endangered species such as sea turtles that are exposed to, and accumulate, a large number of contaminants, using validated cell cultures may facilitate the rapid assessment of chemical risk to these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Finlayson
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Colin J Limpus
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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21
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Gaus C, Villa CA, Dogruer G, Heffernan A, Vijayasarathy S, Lin CY, Flint M, Hof CM, Bell I. Evaluating internal exposure of sea turtles as model species for identifying regional chemical threats in nearshore habitats of the Great Barrier Reef. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 658:732-743. [PMID: 30583168 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Marine megafauna that forage in proximity to land can be exposed to a diverse mixture of chemicals that - individually or combined - have the potential to affect their health. Characterizing such complex exposure and examining associations with health still poses considerable challenges. The present study summarizes the development and application of novel approaches to identifying chemical hazards and their potential impacts on the health of coastal wildlife, using green sea turtles as model species. We used an epidemiological study approach to collect blood and keratinized scute samples from free-ranging turtles foraging in nearshore areas and an offshore control site. These were analyzed using a combination of non-targeted, effect-based and multi-chemical analytical screening approaches to assess internal exposure to a wide range of chemicals. The screening phase identified a suite of elements (essential and non-essential) as priority for further investigation. Many of these elements are not commonly analyzed in marine wildlife, illustrating that comprehensive screening is important where exposure is unknown or uncertain. In particular, cobalt was present at highly elevated concentrations, in the order of those known to elicit acute effects across other vertebrate species. Several trace elements, including cobalt, were correlated with clinical indicators of impaired turtle health. In addition, biomarkers of oxidative stress (e.g. 3-indolepropionic acid and lipid peroxidation products) identified in the blood of turtles showed significant correlations with clinical health markers (particularly alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin), as well as with cobalt. To assist interpretation of trace element blood data in the absence of sufficient information on reptile toxicity, we established exposure reference intervals using a healthy control population. In addition, trace element exposure history was investigated by establishing temporal exposure indices using steady-state relationships between blood and scute. Overall, the data provide a strong argument for the notion that trace element exposure is having an impact on the health of coastal sea turtle populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gaus
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia.
| | - C Alexander Villa
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Gülsah Dogruer
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Amy Heffernan
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Soumini Vijayasarathy
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Chun-Yin Lin
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Mark Flint
- School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, The Florida Aquarium's Center for Conservation, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA
| | | | - Ian Bell
- Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Threatened Species Unit, Townsville, Australia
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22
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Gallen C, Heffernan AL, Kaserzon S, Dogruer G, Samanipour S, Gomez-Ramos MJ, Mueller JF. Integrated chemical exposure assessment of coastal green turtle foraging grounds on the Great Barrier Reef. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:401-409. [PMID: 30550904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The Great Barrier Reef receives run-off from 424,000 km2 catchment area across coastal Queensland, incorporating diffuse agricultural run-off, and run-off point sources of land-based chemical pollutants from urban and industrial development. Marine biota, such as green turtles (Chelonia mydas), are exposed to these diverse chemical mixtures in their natural environments, and the long term effects on turtle and ecosystem health remain unknown. This study was part of a larger multi-disciplinary project characterising anthropogenic chemical exposures from the marine environment and turtle health. The aim of this study was to screen for a wide range of anthropogenic chemical pollutants present in the external and internal environment of green turtles, using a combination of traditional targeted chemical analyses, non-target suspect screening, and effect-based bioassay methods, while employing a case-control study design. A combination of passive (water) and grab (water, sediment) samples were investigated. Three known green turtle foraging sites were selected for sampling: two coastal 'case' sites influenced primarily by urban/industrial and agricultural activities, respectively; and a remote, offshore 'control' site. Water and sediment samples from each of the three sampling locations showed differences in chemical pollutant profiles that reflected the dominant land uses in the adjacent catchment. Targeted mass spectrometric analysis for a range of pesticides, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals and personal care products found the greatest detection frequency and highest concentrations in coastal samples, compared to the control. Non-target screening analysis of water showed clear differentiation in chemical profile of the urban/industrial site. In-vitro assays of sediment samples from the control site had lowest induction, compared to coastal locations, as expected. Here we present evidence that turtles foraging in coastal areas are exposed to a range of anthropogenic pollutants derived from the adjacent coastal catchment areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gallen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia.
| | - A L Heffernan
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - S Kaserzon
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - G Dogruer
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia; Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
| | - S Samanipour
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia; Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Oslo, Norway
| | - M J Gomez-Ramos
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - J F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia
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23
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Bell IP, Meager J, van de Merwe JP, Madden Hof CA. Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) population demographics at three chemically distinct foraging areas in the northern Great Barrier Reef. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 652:1040-1050. [PMID: 30586791 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The catchments of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) have experienced significant modifications in recent decades, leading to increases in sources of pollutants and declines in coastal water quality. As coastal waters of the GBR support some of the highest density green turtle (Chelonia mydas) foraging populations in the western Pacific Ocean, understanding the effects of contaminants on GBR green turtle populations is a priority. In 2012, elevated strandings of green turtles in the Upstart Bay region instigated the WWF's collaborative Rivers to Reef to Turtles (RRT) project to investigate if coastal pollutants are compromising green turtle health. Important to interpreting these investigations into toxicology and health is understanding the demographics of the green turtle populations being investigated. In three green turtle foraging grounds, Cleveland Bay (CLV), Upstart Bay (UPB) and the Howick Group of Reefs (HWK), this study explored population size, age class structure, sex ratio, growth rates, body condition and diet, as well as indices of turtle health, such as plastron barnacle loads and eye lesions. The three foraging populations had similar age class structure and adult sex ratios to other green turtle foraging populations in the GBR. Somatic growth rate was nonlinear, peaking in immature turtles, and was much slower in turtles foraging at HWK compared to the other two sites. This may have been due to differences in food source, which was supported by the observed dietary shifts between seagrass and algae in HWK turtles, compared to a consistently seagrass diet in CLV and UPB turtles. There were also small differences in body condition between sites, as well as differences in barnacle loads, eye lesions and occurrence of fibropapilloma tumors. This study provides important information on green turtle foraging ground population dynamics in the northern GBR, and context for the other papers in this special issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian P Bell
- Aquatic Species Program, Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia.
| | - Justin Meager
- Aquatic Species Program, Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Brisbane, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Griffith Sciences and Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
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