1
|
Olowoyo JO, Okoya AA, Adesiyan IM, Awe YT, Lion GN, Agboola OO, Oladeji OM. Environmental health science research: opportunities and challenges for some developing countries in Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-25. [PMID: 38909292 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2370388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Due to ongoing developmental projects, there is a need for regular monitoring of the impact of pollutants on the environment. This review documented the challenges and opportunities in the field of environmental health sciences in some African countries. A systematic review was used to investigate opportunities and challenges in the field of environmental health science in Africa by examining published work with a specific focus on Africa. The reports showed that funding and infrastructure as the major problems. The study also highlighted recruiting study participants, retention, and compensation as a bane in the field in Africa. The absence of modern equipment also hinders research. The review, however, noted research collaboration from the region including studies on emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microplastic (MPs) as great opportunities. The study concluded that collaboration with other continents, exchange programs and improved governmental interventions may help.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J O Olowoyo
- Department of Health Sciences and The Water School, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, USA
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - A A Okoya
- Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - I M Adesiyan
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Y T Awe
- Environmental Management Program, Pan African University of Life and Earth Sciences, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - G N Lion
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - O O Agboola
- Department of Botany, University Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria
| | - O M Oladeji
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shahid N. A proficiency assessment of integrating machine learning (ML) schemes on Lahore water ensemble. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5130. [PMID: 36991152 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A synthesis of statistical inference and machine learning (ML) tools has been employed to establish a comprehensive insight of a coarse data. Water components' data for 16 central distributing locations of Lahore, the capital of second most populated province of Pakistan, has been analyzed to gauge current water stature of the city. Moreover, a classification of surplus-response variables through tolerance manipulation was incorporated to debrief dimension aspect of the data. By the same token, the influence of supererogatory variables' renouncement through identification of clustering movement of constituents is inquired. The approach of building a spectrum of colluding results through application of comparable methods has been experimented. To test the propriety of each statistical method prior to its execution on a huge data, a faction of ML schemes have been proposed. The supervised learning tools pca, factoran and clusterdata were implemented to establish an elemental character of water at elected locations. A location 'LAH-13' was highlighted for containing an out of normal range Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentration in the water. The classification of lower and higher variability parameters carried out by Sample Mean (XBAR) control identified a set of least correlated variables pH, As, Total Coliforms and E. Coli. The analysis provided four locations LAH-06, LAH-10, LAH-13 and LAH-14 for extreme concentration propensity. An execution of factoran demonstrated that specific tolerance of independent variability '0.005' could be employed to reduce dimension of a system without loss of fundamental data information. A higher value of cophenetic coefficient, c = 0.9582 provided the validation for an accurate cluster division of similar characteristics' variables. The current approach of mutually validating ML and SA (statistical analysis) schemes will assist in preparing the groundwork for state of the art analysis (SOTA) analysis. The advantage of our approach can be examined through the fact that the related SOTA will further refine the predictive precision between two comparable methods, unlike the SOTA analysis between two random ML methods. Conclusively, this study featured the locations LAH-03, LAH-06, LAH-12, LAH-13, LAH-14 and LAH-15 with compromised water quality in the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazish Shahid
- Department of Mathematics, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ahmadi A, Moore F, Keshavarzi B, Shahimi H, Hooda PS. Bioaccumulation of selected trace elements in some aquatic organisms from the proximity of Qeshm Island ecosystems: Human health perspective. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:113966. [PMID: 35969906 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113966] [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: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study selected marine species from north Persian Gulf ecosystems were collected to investigate the concentration of 15 trace elements (Al, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, V, Zn and Hg) in muscle and liver tissues for the purpose of evaluating potential health risks for human consumers. The results indicated that Fe, Zn, Sr, Cu and As are the most abundant TEs in the tissues of the species. The concentration of Cu in P. semisulcatus and As in most investigated species pose the highest risk of exposure. The carcinogenic risk values indicate that As and Ni concentrations in the species are above the acceptable lifetime risk for adults and children in most of the species. The margin of exposure risk approach indicated that the risk of detrimental effects due to dietary Pb intake for age groups is low, except for consumers of T. tonggol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azam Ahmadi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farid Moore
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Haniyeh Shahimi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Peter S Hooda
- School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, Kingston University London, Kingston Upon Thames KT12EE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fan S, Yang Y, Sun L, Yu B, Dai C, Qu Y. Different toxicity to liver and gill of zebrafish by selenium nanoparticles derived from bio/chemical methods. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:61512-61521. [PMID: 35445301 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20295-x] [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: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
With the wide application of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in pharmaceutical fields, the toxicity assessment is of great significance. In this study, zebrafish were selected as model organisms to compare the toxicity of SeNPs derived from biological and chemical methods. The results showed that the size of bio-SeNPs was about 5-fold bigger than chem-SeNPs. When exposed to SeNPs for 96 h, LC50 of bio-SeNPs and chem-SeNPs was 1.668 mg/L and 0.699 mg/L, respectively. Compared with the control, the results showed a significant increase in oxidative toxicity index (P < 0.05), such as glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) of the liver, and gill in SeNPs-treated group. The neurotoxicity index, such as acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and Na+-K+-ATP enzyme activity, was significantly decreased both in the liver and gill (P < 0.05). It was found that the toxicity of bio-SeNPs to the liver and gill of zebrafish was lower than chem-SeNPs and the toxicity to the liver was higher than gill. In this study, the toxicity of chem-SeNPs and bio-SeNPs to the target organs of zebrafish were systematically evaluated, which provided the basis for the safe application of SeNPs synthesized by different pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuling Fan
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Lu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Chunxiao Dai
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Yuanyuan Qu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Reid CH, Patrick PH, Rytwinski T, Taylor JJ, Willmore WG, Reesor B, Cooke SJ. An updated review of cold shock and cold stress in fish. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2022; 100:1102-1137. [PMID: 35285021 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Temperature is critical in regulating virtually all biological functions in fish. Low temperature stress (cold shock/stress) is an often-overlooked challenge that many fish face as a result of both natural events and anthropogenic activities. In this study, we present an updated review of the cold shock literature based on a comprehensive literature search, following an initial review on the subject by M.R. Donaldson and colleagues, published in a 2008 volume of this journal. We focus on how knowledge on cold shock and fish has evolved over the past decade, describing advances in the understanding of the generalized stress response in fish under cold stress, what metrics may be used to quantify cold stress and what knowledge gaps remain to be addressed in future research. We also describe the relevance of cold shock as it pertains to environmental managers, policymakers and industry professionals, including practical applications of cold shock. Although substantial progress has been made in addressing some of the knowledge gaps identified a decade ago, other topics (e.g., population-level effects and interactions between primary, secondary and tertiary stress responses) have received little or no attention despite their significance to fish biology and thermal stress. Approaches using combinations of primary, secondary and tertiary stress responses are crucial as a research priority to better understand the mechanisms underlying cold shock responses, from short-term physiological changes to individual- and population-level effects, thereby providing researchers with better means of quantifying cold shock in laboratory and field settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Connor H Reid
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Trina Rytwinski
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica J Taylor
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zheng Y, Nowack B. Meta-analysis of Bioaccumulation Data for Nondissolvable Engineered Nanomaterials in Freshwater Aquatic Organisms. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:1202-1214. [PMID: 35188281 PMCID: PMC9314877 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the bioaccumulation of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is essential for making regulatory decisions on potential environmental risks. Research in the field of ENM bioaccumulation has increased in recent years, but the compilation and statistical analysis of the available experimental data have not been updated. We therefore performed a meta-analysis of the existing literature on the bioaccumulation of eight types of nondissolvable ENMs (titanium dioxide [TiO2 ], aluminum oxide [Al2 O3 ], gold [Au], fullerene [C60 ], carbon nanotubes, iron oxide [FeOx ], graphene, and polystyrene) in nonmammalian freshwater aquatic organisms across three trophic levels including phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish. Three typical endpoints were used to assess the bioaccumulation potential: the bioconcentration factor (BCF), the bioaccumulation factor (BAF), and the biomagnification factor (BMF). Our results suggest that zooplankton has greater mean logarithmic BCF and BAF values than phytoplankton (3.31 vs. 1.42) and fish (2.04). The ENMs are biomagnified in zooplankton, with a mean BMF of 17.4, whereas trophic transfer from primary consumers (zooplankton) to secondary consumers (fish) was not observed (mean BMF of 0.13). No clear dependency was identified between the physicochemical characteristics of ENMs (e.g., primary particle size, zeta potential, or shape) and bioaccumulation, except for coated versus uncoated particles accumulated in phytoplankton. Carbonaceous ENMs were found to be more bioaccumulated than the other ENMs we considered, except for TiO2 . A meta-analysis of bioaccumulation data can (1) deepen the understanding of bioconcentration, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of ENMs, (2) be used to support grouping strategies as a basis for a safer-by-design approach for ENMs, (3) be integrated into comprehensive hazard and risk assessments, (4) promote the standardization of testing guidelines, and (5) enhance future kinetic bioaccumulation modeling. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1202-1214. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfang Zheng
- Technology and Society LabSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and TechnologyGallenSwitzerland
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Technology and Society LabSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and TechnologyGallenSwitzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shahane SP, Kumar A. Estimation of health risks due to copper-based nanoagrochemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:25046-25059. [PMID: 34837610 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17308-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study estimated health risks due to two types of copper-based nanoagrochemicals (Cu (OH)2 and CuO nanoparticles (NPs)), during inadvertent ingestion of soil and consumption of leafy vegetables for a hypothetical exposure scenario. The dissolution of copper-based nanoagrochemicals in human digestive system was considered for estimating realistic doses. No risk was found during soil ingestion (hazard quotient (HQ) <1). HQ (no dissolution of Cu (OH) 2 nanopesticides) (HQ= 0.015) comes out to be 2 times higher than that of HQ (100% dissolution of Cu (OH)2 nanopesticides into copper ions) (HQ= 0.007). In case of risk from consumption of leafy vegetables, the following order of risk was found (high to low HQ value): Cu (OH)2 (HQ= 1925) >CuO NPs (1402). Combined exposure of Cu (OH)2 nanopesticide through soil ingestion as well as consumption of contaminated edible leafy vegetables resulted in health risks. The calculated maximum allowable applicable concentration values of Cu (OH)2 and CuO NPs without posing risk to human and plant toxicity were found to be 1.14 and 0.45 mg/L, respectively. These findings can be used now for deciding safe use of copper-based nanoagrochemicals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shraddha Pravin Shahane
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Arun Kumar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kumari M, Kumar A. Environmental and human health risk assessment of mixture of Covid-19 treating pharmaceutical drugs in environmental waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 812:152485. [PMID: 34942257 PMCID: PMC8686450 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
This study identified ecological and human health risks exposure of COVID-19 pharmaceuticals and their metabolites in environmental waters. Environmental concentrations in aquatic species were predicted using surface water concentrations of pharmaceutical compounds. Predicted No-Effect Concentrations (PNEC) in aquatic organisms (green algae, daphnia, and fish) was estimated using EC50/LC50 values of pharmaceutical compounds taken from USEPA ECOSAR database. PNEC for human health risks was calculated using the acceptable daily intake values of drugs. Ecological PNEC revealed comparatively high values in algae (Chronic toxicity PNEC values, high to low: ribavirin (2.65 × 105 μg/L) to ritonavir (2.3 × 10-1 μg/L)) than daphnia and fish. Risk quotient (RQ) analysis revealed that algae (Avg. = 2.81 × 104) appeared to be the most sensitive species to pharmaceutical drugs followed by daphnia (Avg.: 1.28 × 104) and fish (Avg.: 1.028 × 103). Amongst the COVID-19 metabolites, lopinavir metabolites posed major risk to aquatic species. Ritonavir (RQ = 6.55) is the major drug responsible for human health risk through consumption of food (in the form fish) grown in pharmaceutically contaminated waters. Mixture toxicity analysis of drugs revealed that algae are the most vulnerable species amongst the three trophic levels. Maximum allowable concentration level for mixture of pharmaceuticals was found to be 0.53 mg/L.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minashree Kumari
- Environment Engineering Section, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Delhi, 110017, India.
| | - Arun Kumar
- Environment Engineering Section, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Delhi, 110017, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ahmadi A, Moore F, Keshavarzi B, Soltani N, Sorooshian A. Potentially toxic elements and microplastics in muscle tissues of different marine species from the Persian Gulf: Levels, associated risks, and trophic transfer. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113283. [PMID: 35101745 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Selected potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn, along with microplastic particles (MPs) were characterized in the muscle of seafood species in order to study potential health risk and also investigate biomagnification of the contaminants. The results revealed high levels of the analyzed PTEs and MPs in crustaceans. The cancer risk among the consumer population (adult and children) posed by As is higher than the acceptable lifetime risk of 10-4. Portunus plagicus and Platycephalus indicus had the highest and lowest amount of MP particles in their muscles, respectively, among investigated species. Finally, PTEs (except Hg) and MPs are not biomagnified in the collected species. The results of this research emphasize the importance of accounting for health risks posed by potential pollutants via consumption of contaminated seafood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azam Ahmadi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farid Moore
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Naghmeh Soltani
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kumari M, Kumar A. Estimating combined health risks of nanomaterials and antibiotics from natural water: a proposed framework. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:13845-13856. [PMID: 34596816 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16795-x] [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: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the major class of emerging contaminants identified in aquatic environment. There is a probability that they can co-exist with other chemical pollutants like antibiotics (ABs) as ABs-NPs complexes in natural water systems. If these complexes are taken up via inadvertent ingestion of contaminated water, it might show detrimental effects on human health. To address this challenging issue, this study developed a risk framework to assess the combined exposure of ABs and NPs in natural waters for the first time. The six-step framework was applied to a hypothetical exposure of NPs (copper oxide, CuO; zinc oxide, ZnO; iron oxide, Fe3O4; and titanium oxide, TiO2) and ABs (ciprofloxacin, CIP; ofloxacin, OFX; norfloxacin, NOR; and levofloxacin, LEVO) to estimate human health risks for two different exposure scenarios. Risk estimation was also conducted for the released fragments of ABs, NPs and metal ions in the human digestive system. Mixture toxicity risk assessment was conducted for three different combinations: (i) ABs and metal ions, (ii) ABs and NPs, and (iii) NPs and metals ions. Although the expected risk values were observed to be less than 1 (both hazard quotients and hazard interactions less than 1) for all the conditions and assumptions made, still a thorough monitoring and analysis of the studied contaminants in water is required to protect humans from their adverse effects, if any. Maximum allowable concentrations (Cmax) at which no risk can occur to humans was found to be (maximum values): ABs (233.8 µg/L, NOR); metal ions (1.02 × 109 mg/L, Ti2+ ions), and NPs (6.68 × 105 mg/L, TiO2), respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minashree Kumari
- Environment Engineering Section, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Arun Kumar
- Environment Engineering Section, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Delhi, 110016, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kumari M, Kumar A. Can pharmaceutical drugs used to treat Covid-19 infection leads to human health risk? A hypothetical study to identify potential risk. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146303. [PMID: 34030377 PMCID: PMC7942154 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This is the first study to assess human health risks due to the exposure of 'repurposed' pharmaceutical drugs used to treat Covid-19 infection. The study used a six-step approach to determine health risk estimates. For this, consumption of pharmaceuticals under normal circumstances and in Covid-19 infection was compiled to calculate the predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) in river water and in fishes. Risk estimates of pharmaceutical drugs were evaluated for adults as they are most affected by Covid-19 pandemic. Acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) are estimated using the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) or no observable effect level (NOEL) values in rats. The estimated ADI values are then used to calculate predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) for three different exposure routes (i) through the accidental ingestion of contaminated surface water during recreational activities only, (ii) through fish consumption only, and (iii) through combined accidental ingestion of contaminated surface water during recreational activities and fish consumption. Higher risk values (hazard quotient, HQ: 337.68, maximum; 11.83, minimum) were obtained for the combined ingestion of contaminated water during recreational activities and fish consumption exposure under the assumptions used in this study indicating possible effects to human health. Amongst the pharmaceutical drugs, ritonavir emerged as main drug, and is expected to pose adverse effects on r human health through fish consumption. Mixture toxicity analysis showed major risk effects of exposure of pharmaceutical drugs (interaction-based hazard index, HIint: from 295.42 (for lopinavir + ritonavir) to 1.20 for chloroquine + rapamycin) demonstrating possible risks due to the co-existence of pharmaceutical in water. The presence of background contaminants in contaminated water does not show any influence on the observed risk estimates as indicated by low HQadd values (<1). Regular monitoring of pharmaceutical drugs in aquatic environment needs to be carried out to reduce the adverse effects of pharmaceutical drugs on human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minashree Kumari
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Arun Kumar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, Delhi 110016, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li Y, Cummins E. A semi-quantitative risk ranking of potential human exposure to engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146232. [PMID: 33714827 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Large quantities of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have emerged on the European market with the rapid development of nanotechnology, however knowledge of potential health risks to humans remains in its infancy. The ENP safety issue is of pressing concern as their novel physicochemical characteristics have been illustrated compared to other bulk-form counterparts. Therefore, it is critical to carry out a comprehensive risk assessment for ENPs to guide risk management in industrial sectors. Based on current data availability, a risk ranking model is developed in accordance with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) advice for ENP risk assessment. In this study a Quantity, Exposure, Hazard (QEH) risk scoring model was adopted for characterizing both quantitative and qualitative data, including potential exposure pathways and hazard information. Scores were assigned to quantities of ENPs used in consumer products, intake likelihoods (oral, inhalation, and dermal intake), and hazard potential. Exposure through environmental routes and through consumer products are regarded as significant potential exposure routes. This model prioritized ENPs used in Europe according to human health risk potential. Nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) ranked the highest, resulting from exposure through consumer products. Silver nanoparticles (AgNP), as the second most critical ENP, is of most concern in terms of the risk from environmental sinks. Regarding the compartmentalization of total ENP risks to humans, the consumption of consumer products with nano-ingredients, especially nano-TiO2, nano-silicon dioxide (SiO2), and AgNP, constitutes the majority of the QEH risk index. The inadequacy of ENP risk management procedures is highlighted, not only during manufacturing, but also during nanomaterial waste disposal processes from marketplace through to the environment. Current risk assessments are based upon recent knowledge of the ENP class as novel pollutants, highlighting the need for further quantification of underlying risks as data emerges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingzhu Li
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Agriculture & Food Science Centre, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Enda Cummins
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Agriculture & Food Science Centre, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Parsai T, Kumar A. Setting guidelines for co-occurring nanoparticles in water medium. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 776:145175. [PMID: 33647666 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study developed a framework termed as "mixNanohealthrisk" hereafter, for the first time as per literature review, to provide exposure limit or reference dose for co-occurring nanoparticles (NPs) in water for different regions of the world. The effect of interaction of NPs on (i) NP occurrence in environment and (ii) toxic effects were incorporated for estimating NP exposure dose and associated risks (in terms of risk quotient (RQ) and hazard index (HI). Reference dose (RfD) values for SiO2, CeO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CNT, C60, ZnO and CuO NPs were calculated for the first time in this study based on toxicity studies. RfD values for top three risk-posing nanoparticles when co-occurring together were found to be 0.1 mg/kg/d (CuO), 0.12 mg/kg/d (ZnO) and 0.19 mg/kg/d (TiO2). Calculated maximum allowable concentration values for these nanoparticles were found to be 70.8, 84.4 and 136 mg/L for CuO, ZnO and TiO2 NPs. Exposures to nanoparticles aggregate (ZnO NP + CuO NP) in mixture suspension was found to have allowable ZnO and CuO concentration values of 24.7 mg/L and 175.2 mg/L respectively when present as aggregate. Top three regions identified with highest risk quotient were found to be USA followed by Switzerland and whole of Europe. During use of NP-interaction data for estimating risks, Ag, TiO2 and CuO NPs were found to have lowest maximum allowable concentration values. The identified top three risk-posing NPs can be used for conducting toxicity studies for mixture of NPs and long-term monitoring so that it can be used for setting up guideline concentration values for NPs in mixture for water environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanushree Parsai
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Arun Kumar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Parsai T, Kumar A. Weight-of-evidence process for assessing human health risk of mixture of metal oxide nanoparticles and corresponding ions in aquatic matrices. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128289. [PMID: 33297232 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This study proposed a framework to estimate health risks due to exposure of mixture of nanoparticles (NPs) from surface water, for the first time, as per authors' best knowledge. The framework consisted of hazard identification, exposure assessment, dose-response assessment, risk characterization and risk management steps. Concentrations of mixture of NPs and associated ions were compiled and range of values were used for exposure estimation. The resulting concentrations of nanoparticle and metal ions in simulated digestive fluid were calculated and used to estimate exposure dose to digestive system organs during a hypothetical exposure of water during recreational activity. Exposure doses of different possible combinations of ZnO NP, CuO NP, Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions were considered. The ECHA weight-of- evidence framework was used for formulating hypotheses and collecting evidence for determining reference dose (RfD) and interaction parameter for estimating hazard interaction value (an index for risk) as per the USEPA modified weight-of-evidence method for estimating risks of binary NPs and ions. RfD values of CuO (0.0262 mg/kg/d) and ZnO NP (0.0315 mg/kg/d) were derived using information from rat-based oral toxicity studies and assumed values of uncertainty factors. The results showed that mixture of NPs under environmentally-relevant conditions do not pose any health risk. The uncertainty analysis indicated that ZnO + CuO + Zn + Cu ion suspension posed the highest risk. The switchover analysis indicated that NP concentration >0.207 mg/L resulted in risk estimate greater than 1 and pose risk. Although risk estimate was found to be smaller than 1 under the studied natural water condition, efforts should be made to continue monitoring mixture of NPs as a precautionary approach. More efforts are required to obtain data on (i)toxicity of mixture of NPs, (ii)their interaction effects, (iii)fractions of NPs reaching target organ in order to accurately predict risk. Potential benefit of this framework is in its usage for development of structure for estimating exposure risks due to mixture of NPs and ions from surface water. This can also be used to adopt methodology for gathering information on evidence required in different steps of risk assessment process, like obtaining RfD/uncertainty factor -related parameters in dose-response assessment step, deriving interaction and mixture toxicity-related parameters in risk estimation step.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanushree Parsai
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Arun Kumar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|