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De Felice B, Gazzotti S, Ortenzi MA, Parolini M. Multi-level toxicity assessment of polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics on the cladoceran Daphnia magna. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 272:106966. [PMID: 38815345 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106966] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of plastics waste in the environment has raised a worrisome concern, moving the society to seek out for sustainable solutions, such as the transition from the use of fossil-based, conventional plastics to bioplastics (BPs). However, once in the environment bioplastics have the same probability to accumulate and experience weathering processes than conventional plastics, leading to the formation of microplastics (MPs). However, to date the information on the potential toxicity of MPs originated from the weathering of bioplastics is limited. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the adverse effects induced by the exposure to MPs made of a bioplastic polymer, the polylactic acid (PLA), towards the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia magna. Organisms were exposed for 21 days to three concentrations (0.125 µg/mL, 1.25 µg/mL and 12.5 µg/mL) of PLA microplastics (hereafter PLA-MPs). A multi-level approach was performed to investigate the potential effects through the biological hierarchy, starting from the sub-individual up to the individual level. At the sub-individual level, changes in the oxidative status (i.e., the amount of reactive oxygen species and the activity of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes) and oxidative damage (i.e., lipid peroxidation) were explored. Moreover, the total caloric content as well as the content of protein, carbohydrate and lipid content assess were used to investigate the effects on energy reserves. At individual level the changes in swimming activity (i.e., distance moved and swimming speed) were assessed. Our results showed that the exposure to PLA-MPs induced a slight modulation in the oxidative status and energy reserves, leading to an increase in swimming behavior of treated individuals compared to control conspecifics. These results suggest that the exposure to MPs made of a bioplastic polymer can induce adverse effects similar to those caused by conventional polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice De Felice
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Gazzotti
- University of Milan, Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Aldo Ortenzi
- University of Milan, Laboratory of Materials and Polymers (LaMPo), Department of Chemistry, via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
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2
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Carvalho AR, Morão AM, Gonçalves VMF, Tiritan ME, Gorito AM, Pereira MF, Silva AMT, Castro BB, Carrola JS, Amorim MM, Ribeiro ARL, Ribeiro C. Toxicity of butylone and its enantiomers to Daphnia magna and its degradation/toxicity potential using advanced oxidation technologies. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 271:106906. [PMID: 38588636 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106906] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Butylone (BTL) is a chiral synthetic cathinone available as a racemate and reported as contaminant in wastewater effluents. However, there are no studies on its impact on ecosystems and possible enantioselectivity in ecotoxicity. This work aimed to evaluate: (i) the possible ecotoxicity of BTL as racemate or its isolated (R)- and (S)- enantiomers using Daphnia magna; and (ii) the efficiency of advanced oxidation technologies (AOTs) in the removal of BTL and reduction of toxic effects caused by wastewaters. Enantiomers of BTL were obtained by liquid chromatography (LC) using a chiral semi-preparative column. Enantiomeric purity of each enantiomer was > 97 %. For toxicity assessment, a 9-day sub-chronic assay was performed with the racemate (at 0.10, 1.0 or 10 μg L-1) or each enantiomer (at 0.10 or 1.0 μg L-1). Changes in morphophysiological, behavioural, biochemical and reproductive endpoints were observed, which were dependent on the form of the substance and life stage of the organism (juvenile or adult). Removal rates of BTL in spiked wastewater (10 μg L-1) treated with different AOTs (ultraviolet, UV; ozonation, O3; and UV/O3) were similar and lower than 29 %. The 48 h D. magna acute toxicity assays demonstrated a reduction in the toxicity of the treated spiked effluents, but no differences were found amongst AOTs treatments. These results warn for the contamination and negative impact of BTL on ecosystems and highlight the need for efficient removal processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Carvalho
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences - CESPU 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Translational Toxicology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU) 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal; School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana M Morão
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences - CESPU 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Virgínia M F Gonçalves
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences - CESPU 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Translational Toxicology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU) 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal; UNIPRO - Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Maria Elizabeth Tiritan
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences - CESPU 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Translational Toxicology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU) 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal; Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal; Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana M Gorito
- LSRE-LCM - Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Fernando Pereira
- LSRE-LCM - Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Adrián M T Silva
- LSRE-LCM - Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno B Castro
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; IB-S - Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability, University of Minho 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - João S Carrola
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, CITAB/Inov4Agro 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria M Amorim
- School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana R L Ribeiro
- LSRE-LCM - Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia Ribeiro
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences - CESPU 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Translational Toxicology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU) 4585-116, Gandra, Portugal.
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Bellot M, Soria F, López-Arnau R, Gómez-Canela C, Barata C. Daphnia magna an emerging environmental model of neuro and cardiotoxicity of illicit drugs. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123355. [PMID: 38228265 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123355] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Cocaine, methamphetamine, ectasy (3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine (MDMA)) and ketamine are among the most consumed drugs worldwide causing cognitive, oxidative stress and cardiovascular problems in humans. Residue levels of these drugs and their transformation products may still enter the aquatic environment, where concentrations up to hundreds of ng/L have been measured. In the present work we tested the hypothesis that psychotropic effects and the mode of action of these drugs in D. magna cognitive, oxidative stress and cardiovascular responses are equivalent to those reported in humans and other vertebrate models. Accordingly we expose D. magna juveniles to pharmacological and environmental relevant concentrations. The study was complemented with the measurement of the main neurotransmitters involved in the known mechanisms of action of these drugs in mammals and physiological relevant amino acids. Behavioural cognitive patters clearly differentiate the 3 psychostimulant drugs (methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA) from the dissociative one ketamine. Psychostimulant drugs at pharmacological doses (10-200 μM), increased basal locomotion activities and responses to light, and decreased habituation to it. Ketamine only increased habituation to light. The four drugs enhanced the production of reactive oxygen species in a concentration related manner, and at moderate concentrations (10-60 μM) increased heartbeats, diminishing them at high doses (200 μM). In chronic exposures to environmental low concentrations (10-1000 ng/L) the four drugs did not affect any of the behavioural responses measured but methamphetamine and cocaine inhibited reproduction at 10 ng/L. Observed effects on neurotransmitters and related metabolites were in concern with reported responses in mammalian and other vertebrate models: cocaine and MDMA enhanced dopamine and serotonin levels, respectively, methamphetamine and MDMA decreased dopamine and octopamine, and all but MDMA decreased 3 MT levels. Drug effects on the concentration of up to 10 amino acids evidence disruptive effects on neurotransmitter synthesis, the urea cycle, lipid metabolism and cardiac function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Bellot
- Department of Analytical and Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià-Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Soria
- Department of Analytical and Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià-Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raul López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Institut de Biomedicina IBUB, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristian Gómez-Canela
- Department of Analytical and Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià-Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Barata
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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Sancho Santos ME, Horký P, Grabicová K, Steinbach C, Hubená P, Šálková E, Slavík O, Grabic R, Randák T. From metabolism to behaviour - Multilevel effects of environmental methamphetamine concentrations on fish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163167. [PMID: 37003339 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a concerning drug of abuse that produces strong psychostimulant effects. The use of this substance, along with the insufficient removal in the sewage treatment plants, leads to its occurrence in the environment at low concentrations. In this study, brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) were exposed to 1 μg/L of METH as environmental relevant concentration for 28 days in order to elucidate the complex effects resulting from the drug, including behaviour, energetics, brain and gonad histology, brain metabolomics, and their relations. Trout exposed to METH displayed lowered activity as well as metabolic rate (MR), an altered morphology of brain and gonads as well as changes in brain metabolome when compared to controls. Increased activity and MR were correlated to an increased incidence of histopathology in gonads (females - vascular fluid and gonad staging; males - apoptotic spermatozoa and peritubular cells) in exposed trout compared to controls. Higher amounts of melatonin in brain were detected in exposed fish compared to controls. Tyrosine hydroxylase expression in locus coeruleus was related to the MR in exposed fish, but not in the control. Brain metabolomics indicated significant differences in 115 brain signals between control and METH exposed individuals, described by the coordinates within the principal component analyses (PCA) axes. These coordinates were subsequently used as indicators of a direct link between brain metabolomics, physiology, and behaviour - as activity and MR varied according to their values. Exposed fish showed an increased MR correlated with the metabolite position in PC1 axes, whereas the control had proportionately lower MR and PC1 coordinates. Our findings emphasize the possible complex disturbances in aquatic fauna on multiple interconnected levels (metabolism, physiology, behaviour) as a result of the presence of METH in aquatic environments. Thus, these outcomes can be useful in the development of AOP's (Adverse Outcome Pathways).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Sancho Santos
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Horký
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Grabicová
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Christoph Steinbach
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Hubená
- Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Šálková
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Slavík
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Grabic
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Randák
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
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De Felice B, Parolini M. Exposure to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) induced biochemical but not behavioral effects in Daphnia magna. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 100:104163. [PMID: 37257268 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104163] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Among amphetamine like stimulants (ATS), the 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is often detected in sewage and surface waters, representing a potential threat for organisms because of its peculiar mechanism of action (i.e., stimulatory and hallucinogenic). The present study aimed at investigating biochemical (i.e., oxidative stress and energetic biomarkers) and behavioral (i.e., swimming activity) effects induced by a 21-days exposure to two concentrations (50 ng/L and 500 ng/L) of MDMA towards Daphnia magna. The amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activity of antioxidant (SOD, CAT, GPx) and detoxifying (GST) enzymes and lipid peroxidation were measured as oxidative stress-related endpoints. Total energy content was estimated from the measurement of protein, carbohydrate and lipid content to assess energy reserves. The modulation of swimming activity was assessed as behavioral endpoint. Slight effects of MDMA exposure on oxidative stress responses and energy reserves were observed, while no alterations of the swimming behavior was noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice De Felice
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Parolini
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
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Pérez-Pereira A, Carvalho AR, Carrola JS, Tiritan ME, Ribeiro C. Integrated Approach for Synthetic Cathinone Drug Prioritization and Risk Assessment: In Silico Approach and Sub-Chronic Studies in Daphnia magna and Tetrahymena thermophila. Molecules 2023; 28:2899. [PMID: 37049662 PMCID: PMC10096003 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28072899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones (SC) are drugs of abuse that have been reported in wastewaters and rivers raising concern about potential hazards to non-target organisms. In this work, 44 SC were selected for in silico studies, and a group of five emerging SC was prioritized for further in vivo ecotoxicity studies: buphedrone (BPD), 3,4-dimethylmethcathinone (3,4-DMMC), butylone (BTL), 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC), and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). In vivo short-term exposures were performed with the protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila (28 h growth inhibition assay) and the microcrustacean Daphnia magna by checking different indicators of toxicity across life stage (8 days sublethal assay at 10.00 µg L-1). The in silico approaches predicted a higher toxic potential of MDPV and lower toxicity of BTL to the model organisms (green algae, protozoan, daphnia, and fish), regarding the selected SC for the in vivo experiments. The in vivo assays showed protozoan growth inhibition with MDPV > BPD > 3,4-DMMC, whereas no effects were observed for BTL and stimulation of growth was observed for 3-MMC. For daphnia, the responses were dependent on the substance and life stage. Briefly, all five SC interfered with the morphophysiological parameters of juveniles and/or adults. Changes in swimming behavior were observed for BPD and 3,4-DMMC, and reproductive parameters were affected by MDPV. Oxidative stress and changes in enzymatic activities were noted except for 3-MMC. Overall, the in silico data agreed with the in vivo protozoan experiments except for 3-MMC, whereas daphnia in vivo experiments showed that at sublethal concentrations, all selected SC interfered with different endpoints. This study shows the importance to assess SC ecotoxicity as it can distress aquatic species and interfere with food web ecology and ecosystem balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Pérez-Pereira
- TOXRUN—Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), CITAB, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Carvalho
- TOXRUN—Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - João Soares Carrola
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), CITAB, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Inov4Agro—Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria Elizabeth Tiritan
- TOXRUN—Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Ribeiro
- TOXRUN—Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
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Costa AR, Gonçalves VMF, Castro BB, Carrola JS, Langa I, Pereira A, Carvalho AR, Tiritan ME, Ribeiro C. Toxicity of the 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and Its Enantiomers to Daphnia magna after Isolation by Semipreparative Chromatography. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031457. [PMID: 36771119 PMCID: PMC9920394 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a chiral psychoactive recreational drug sold in illicit markets as racemate. Studies on the impact of MDMA on aquatic organisms are scarce. While enantioselectivity in toxicity in animals and humans has been reported, none is reported on aquatic organisms. This study aimed to investigate the ecotoxicological effects of MDMA and its enantiomers in Daphnia magna. For that, enantiomers (enantiomeric purity > 97%) were separated by liquid chromatography using a homemade semipreparative chiral column. Daphnids were exposed to three concentrations of (R,S)-MDMA (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 µg L-1) and two concentrations of (R)- and (S)-enantiomers (0.1 and 1.0 µg L-1) over the course of 8 days. Morphophysiological responses were dependent on the substance form and daphnia development stage, and they were overall not affected by the (R)-enantiomer. Changes in swimming behaviour were observed for both the racemate and its enantiomers, but enantioselective effects were not observed. Reproductive or biochemical changes were not observed for enantiomers whereas a significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase and catalase activity was noted at the highest concentration of (R,S)-MDMA (10 µg L-1). Overall, this study showed that sub-chronic exposure to MDMA racemate and its enantiomers can interfere with morphophysiological and swimming behaviour of D. magna. In general, the (R)-enantiomer demonstrated less toxicity than the (S)-enantiomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Costa
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Virgínia M. F. Gonçalves
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- UNIPRO-Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Bruno B. Castro
- CBMA (Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - João Soares Carrola
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ivan Langa
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Ariana Pereira
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Carvalho
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Maria Elizabeth Tiritan
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (M.E.T.); (C.R.)
| | - Cláudia Ribeiro
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Correspondence: (M.E.T.); (C.R.)
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Mondellini S, Schott M, Löder MGJ, Agarwal S, Greiner A, Laforsch C. Beyond microplastics: Water soluble synthetic polymers exert sublethal adverse effects in the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia magna. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157608. [PMID: 35901884 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is considered one of the causes of global change. However, water soluble synthetic polymers (WSSPs) have been neglected so far, although they are used in several industrial, dietary, domestic and biomedical products. Moreover, they are applied in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as flocculants and coagulant agents. Hence, their presence in the aquatic environment as well as their uptake by aquatic organisms is probable, whereas no data are available regarding their potential adverse effects. Here we show in the freshwater key species D. magna exposed to five different WSSPs life history changes along with an altered level of reactive oxygen species, although acute mortality was not observed. Since daphnids act as keystone species in lake ecosystems by controlling phytoplankton biomass, even sublethal effects such as WSSPs induced changes in life history may result in cascading effects, from lower to higher trophic levels, which in turn could affect the whole food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Mondellini
- Animal Ecology I, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; BayCEER, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Matthias Schott
- Animal Ecology I, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; BayCEER, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Martin G J Löder
- Animal Ecology I, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; BayCEER, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Seema Agarwal
- Macromolecolar Chemistry II, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Andreas Greiner
- Macromolecolar Chemistry II, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Christian Laforsch
- Animal Ecology I, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; BayCEER, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
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De Felice B, De Pascalis F, Manenti R, Pavlovic R, di Cesare F, Nasti R, Beretta G, Parolini M. Differential biochemical and behavioral responses induced by cocaine and benzoylecgonine exposure to the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 844:157025. [PMID: 35777565 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157025] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine (COC) and its main metabolite, the benzoylecgonine (BE), are the main illicit drugs measured in aquatic system worldwide, with concentrations up to hundreds of ng/L. Although their current environmental concentrations are low these molecules can induce adverse effects at sub-individual level in non-target organisms. In contrast, the information at individual and behavioral level are still scant. The present study aimed at investigating biochemical and behavioral effects induced by 14-days exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations (50 ng/L and 500 ng/L) of COC and BE towards Procambarus clarkii. At sub-individual level, the activity of antioxidant and detoxifying (superoxide dismutase - SOD, catalase - CAT, glutathione peroxidase - GPx and glutathione S-transferases - GST) enzymes, as well as the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), were measured as oxidative stress-related endpoints. We also measured the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity to check for neurotoxic effect of COC and BE. At individual level, the modulation of some behavioral tasks (i.e., response to external stimuli, changes in feeding activity and exploration of a new environment) were assessed. Although both COC and BE exposure did not induce an oxidative stress situation, a significant inhibition of AChE activity was noted, resulting in behavioral changes in crayfish exposed to COC only. Crayfish exposed to the higher COC concentration showed an increase in the boldness and a decrease in the feeding activity, suggesting that COC may act according to its psychotropic mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice De Felice
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Federico De Pascalis
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Raoul Manenti
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Radmila Pavlovic
- University of Milan, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Via dell'Università 6, I-26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Federica di Cesare
- University of Milan, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Via dell'Università 6, I-26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Rita Nasti
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giangiacomo Beretta
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- University of Milan, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
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10
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De Felice B, Sugni M, Casati L, Parolini M. Molecular, biochemical and behavioral responses of Daphnia magna under long-term exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 164:107264. [PMID: 35489111 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The presence and potential toxicity of nanoplastics (NPs) in aquatic ecosystems is an issue of growing concern. Although many studies have investigated the adverse effects of short-term exposure to high concentrations of NPs to aquatic organisms, the information on the consequences caused by the administration of low NPs concentrations over long-term exposure is limited. The present study aimed at investigating the effects induced by a long-term exposure (21-days) to two sub-lethal concentrations of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs; 0.05 and 0.5 µg/mL) on Daphnia magna. A multi-level approach was performed to assess potential sub-individual (i.e., molecular and biochemical) and individual (i.e., behavioural) adverse effects. At molecular level, the modulation of the expression of genes involved in antioxidant defence, response to stressful conditions and specific physiological pathways was investigated. Oxidative stress (i.e., the amount of pro-oxidants, the activity of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes and lipid peroxidation) and energetic (i.e., protein, carbohydrate, lipid and total caloric content) biomarkers were applied to assess effects at the biochemical level, while swimming activity was measured to monitor changes in individual behavior. Although the 21-days exposure to PS-NPs induced a slight modulation of gene involved in oxidative stress response, biochemical analyses showed that D. magna individuals did not experience an oxidative stress condition. Significant changes in energy reserves of individuals exposed for 21 days to both the PS-NPs concentrations were observed, but no alterations of swimming activity occurred. Our results highlighted that the exposure to low concentrations of PS-NPs could pose a limited risk to D. magna individuals and suggested the importance of a multi-level approach to assess the risks of NPs on aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice De Felice
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Lavinia Casati
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via di Rudinì, 8 - ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, I-20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
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11
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Chen L, Guo C, Sun Z, Xu J. Occurrence, bioaccumulation and toxicological effect of drugs of abuse in aquatic ecosystem: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 200:111362. [PMID: 34048744 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Drugs of abuse are a group of emerging contaminants. As the prevalence of manufacture and consumption, there is a growing global environmental burden and ecological risk from the continuous release of these contaminants into environment. The widespread occurrence of drugs of abuse in waste wasters and surface waters is due to the incomplete removal through traditional wastewater treatment plants in different regions around the world. Although their environmental concentrations are not very high, they can potentially influence the aquatic organisms and ecosystem function. This paper reviews the occurrence of drugs of abuse and their metabolites in waste waters and surface waters, their bioaccumulation in aquatic plants, fishes and benthic organisms and even top predators, and the toxicological effects such as genotoxic effect, cytotoxic effect and even behavioral effect on aquatic organisms. In summary, drugs of abuse occur widely in aquatic environment, and may exert adverse impact on aquatic organisms at molecular, cellular or individual level, and even on aquatic ecosystem. It necessitates the monitoring and risk assessment of these compounds on diverse aquatic organisms in the further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Like Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Ecological Effect and Risk Assessment of Chemicals, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Changsheng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Ecological Effect and Risk Assessment of Chemicals, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Zhenyu Sun
- Jiangsu Rainfine Environmental Science and Technology Co.,Ltd, Henan Branch Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Jian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Ecological Effect and Risk Assessment of Chemicals, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
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12
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Wang Z, Dai S, Wang J, Du W, Zhu L. Assessment on chronic and transgenerational toxicity of methamphetamine to Caenorhabditis elegans and associated aquatic risk through toxicity indicator sensitivity distribution (TISD) analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117696. [PMID: 34243081 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Evidence about the adverse effects of methamphetamine (METH) on invertebrates is scarce. Hence, C. elegans, a representative invertebrate model, was exposed to METH at environmental levels to estimate chronic and transgenerational toxicity. The results of chronic exposure were integrated into an underlying toxicity framework of METH in invertebrates (e.g., benthos) at environmentally relevant concentrations. The induction of cellular oxidative damage-induced apoptosis and fluctuation of ecologically important traits (i.e., feeding and locomotion) might be attributed by the activation of the longevity regulating pathway regulated by DAF-16/FOXO, and detoxification by CYP family enzymes. The adverse effects to the organism level included impaired viability and decreased fecundity. The results from transgenerational exposure elucidated the cumulative METH-induced damage in invertebrates. Finally, a new risk assessment method named toxicity indicator sensitivity distribution (TISD) analysis was proposed by combining multiple toxicity indicator test data (ECx) to derive the hazardous concentration for 10% indicators (C10) of one species. The risk quotient (RQ) values calculated by measured environmental concentrations and C10 in southern China, southeastern Australia, and the western US crossed the alarm line (RQ = 5), suggesting a need for long-term monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenglu Wang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210098, PR China
| | - Shuiping Dai
- National Center for Geriatrics Clinical Medicine Research, Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Jinze Wang
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China
| | - Wei Du
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science of the Ministry of Education, School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China.
| | - Lin Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, PR China
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13
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Tkaczyk A, Bownik A, Dudka J, Kowal K, Ślaska B. Daphnia magna model in the toxicity assessment of pharmaceuticals: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:143038. [PMID: 33127157 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Daphnia magna is one of the most commonly used model organism to assess toxicity of wide range of pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics, anticancer drugs, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers and lipid-regulating agents. Currently, daphnia toxicity tests based on immobilisation and lethality standardised by OECD, acute immobilisation test and reproduction test, are mainly used in toxicological studies. Detailed analysis of Daphnia biology allows distinguishing the swimming behaviour and physiological endpoints such as swimming speed, distance travelled, hopping frequency, heart rate, ingestion rate, feeding rate, oxygen consumption, thoracic limb activity which could be also useful in assessment of toxic effects. The advantage of behavioural and physiological parameters is the possibility to observe sublethal effects induced by lower concentrations of pharmaceuticals which would not be possible to notice by using OECD tests. Additionally, toxic effects of tested drugs could be assessed using enzymatic and non-enzymatic biomarkers of daphnia toxicity. This review presents scientific data considering characteristics of D. magna, analysis of immobilisation, lethality, reproductive, behavioural, physiological and biochemical parameters used in the toxicity assessment of pharmaceuticals. The aim of this paper is also to emphasize usefulness, advantages and disadvantages of these invertebrate model organisms to assess toxicity of different therapeutic classes of pharmaceuticals. Also, various examples of application of D. magna in studies on pharmaceutical toxicity are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Tkaczyk
- Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Adam Bownik
- Department of Hydrobiology and Protection of Ecosystems, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Dobrzańskiego 37, 20-62 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Jarosław Dudka
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Kowal
- Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Brygida Ślaska
- Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.
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Koriem KM, Selim AY, Mazen RA. N-acetylcysteine-amide improves tissue oxidative stress, DNA damage, and proteins disappearance in methamphetamine toxicity more efficiently than N-acetyl-L-cysteine. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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