Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry determination of feminizing chemicals in river water, sediment and tissue pretreated using disk-type solid-phase extraction and matrix solid-phase dispersion

The reality of the use of growth hormones in fish (Rui (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), and Monosex Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production

The unobservable use of hormones in fish production is becoming an alarming issue worldwide. To reveal the fact in Bangladesh, 144 fish samples (rui (Labeo rohita), catla (Catla catla), and monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)) were collected from different fish farms and markets of Mymensingh district. The market samples had two sources (Mymensingh and Rajshahi district). The steroid hormonal (testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone) residue was analyzed by HPLC-UV detection. A standard questionnaire survey was conducted where most farmers (80%) denied using the hormone in fish production. Among the analyzed samples of all three fishes, hormonal residues were detected in approximately 98% of samples, and around 92% contained residues above the ADI. Among the contaminated samples, 70% of samples had a single residue and 30% had multiple residues. The testosterone and progesterone hormonal residue was detected in all three fishes in both farm and market samples and ranged (above ADI) from 2.1 to 16.96 μg/kg and 31.47-731.57 μg/kg (p < 0.05) respectively. The estrogen hormone residue was only detected in market samples (Rajshahi district) of rui and catla and no residue was detected in tilapia fish and the hormone level (above ADI) ranged from 8.23 to 40.13 μg/kg. This study revealed that the use of hormones varies on the attitude of farmers based on the local culture pattern as estrogen hormone residue was only detected in market samples. The consumption of contaminated fish at such concentrations may cause many health hazards in humans, especially in children. Thus, this study reveals a new alarming fact to focus on, and an effective monitoring system should be implemented as soon as possible for public health concerns.

Magnetic Rubber@ magnesium aluminum layered double hydroxide as nanostructured sorbent; application in determination of estrogenic hormones and bisphenol A

A magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) method was developed for the enrichment of trace amounts of estrone (E1), 17-β-estradiol (E2) and bisphenol A (BPA) from aqueous samples using the Rubber-Fe3O4@SiO2@Mg-Al Layered double hydroxide followed by determination by HPLC. The proposed sorbent was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Vibrating-sample magnetometer, Thermal gravimetric analysis, N2 adsorption/desorption Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface analysis, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda pore size analysis and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Factors affecting the extraction efficiency such as pH, ionic strength, extraction temperature and time, desorption solvent and time were optimized. The limit of detection and quantification were obtained as 0.33, 1 µg L-1 for the E1 and E2 and BPA, respectively. Also, linear range of the method were 1-150, 1-100 and 1-150 µg L-1for E1, E2, and BPA, respectively. Relative standard deviations (RSD%) for the repeatability of extraction on one sorbent were obtained as 2.98, 1.31 and 3.50%, also, sorbent to sorbent repeatability were investigated and RSD% values were obtained as 7.58, 8.35 and 8.12% for E1, E2 and BPA, respectively.

An ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor for bisphenol A based on aptamer-modified MrGO@AuNPs and ssDNA-functionalized AuNP@MBs synergistic amplification

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a harmful endocrine disruptor, sensitive and rapid quantification of BPA is highly desirable. In this work, a novel synergistic signal-amplifying electrochemical biosensor was developed for BPA detection by using a recognition probe (RP) constructed by BPA aptamer modified gold nanoparticles-loaded magnetic reduced graphene oxide (Aptamer-MrGO@AuNPs), and a signal probe (SP) constructed by BPA aptamer-complementary single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) functionalized methylene blue (MB)-loaded gold nanoparticle (ssDNA-AuNP@MBs). The RP and SP can self-assemble to form a stable RP-SP complex through complementary base pairing. The current intensity of the biosensor correlates with the number of RP-SP complexes. In the presence of BPA, the BPA aptamer can capture BPA with high selectivity and affinity, form an RP-BPA complex and dissociate the RP-SP complex to release SP, resulting in a decrease in the current signal intensity of the biosensor. A single AuNP could be loaded with multiple BPA aptamers and MBs, which improves the recognition efficiency and enhances the signal intensity. Due to the magnetic properties of MrGO@AuNPs, the magnetic separation and adsorption of RP or RP-SP complex is very convenient, enabling all reaction processes to be carried out in solution, which not only improves the mass transfer efficiency, but also simplifies the operation. Under optimal conditions, the developed biosensor had a detection limit as low as 0.141 pg/mL and had been successfully applied to the detection of real environmental water samples. Therefore, the synergistic signal amplification strategy of RP and SP has potential value in the detection of trace pollutants in the water environment.

Magnetic Relaxation Switch Sensor Based on Magnetophoresis and "T-Hg(II)-T" Signal Amplification

In this study, we designed a magnetic relaxation switch (MRS) sensor combined with magnetophoresis technology (MS-MRS), which helps solve the problems of traditional MRS sensors. The sensor is based on a new combined magnet and is composed of small magnetic blocks and iron sheets that can rapidly separate magnetic nanoparticles of different sizes within 5 min. The MS-MRS sensor consists of aptamer-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (diameter: 200 nm) (MNP₂₀₀-Apt), complementary DNA-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (diameter: 20 nm) (MNP₂₀-cDNA), and a combined magnet ("M2" magnet). The MNP₂₀₀-Apt probe could be separated by an "M2" magnet but the MNP₂₀-cDNA probe could not. To further improve the sensitivity of the sensor, we successfully constructed an MS-MRS-Hg sensor based on the "T-Hg(II)-T" specific recognition that aggregated MNP₂₀-cDNA probes to amplify the relaxation signal. The detection working range of the MS-MRS sensor is 0.5-100 ng/mL and that of the MS-MRS-Hg sensor is 0.05-100 ng/mL. Their limit of detection (LOD) values are 0.15 and 0.01 ng/mL, respectively. The relative recoveries of the MS-MRS and MS-MRS-Hg sensors are 95.2-119.5% and 93.1-113.1%, respectively. These results indicate that the proposed sensors have a high accuracy level.

Occurrence and distribution of endocrine disrupting chemicals and pharmaceuticals in the river Bouregreg (Rabat, Morocco)

In this work, Moroccan surface waters were analysed for 27 endocrine disrupting chemicals and pharmaceutically active compounds. The study area was selected on the grounds of the scarcity of information about the contamination status of rivers in the Rabat region, which receive micropollutants from municipal and industrial wastewater, and runoff from agricultural fields. In fact, animal feed residues, urban water runoff and untreated waste discharges into old landfills reach river water in an area with a population of ca. 3 752 800 where more than 99% of all drinking water is obtained from surface water. Samples were collected at five different sites upstream and downstream the river Bouregreg and the target compounds determined by using a continuous solid-phase extraction system and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Unlike the pharmaceuticals, most of the EDCs (specifically, 4-tert-octylphenol, nonylphenol, 4-phenylphenol, 2-phenylphenol, estrone, 17β-estradiol, triclosan and bisphenol A) were present in all samples with detection frequencies above 68%, the highest concentrations (142-368 ng/L) being those at the river mouth. The pharmaceuticals found encompassed five therapeutic classes and their concentrations ranged from 2.5 to 351 ng/L. Overall, the most abundant class were the anti-inflammatory/analgesic drugs with high detection frequencies (80%), followed by antibiotics and anti-epileptics (64%), lipid regulators (56%) and β-blockers (12%). Based on the principal component analysis, the distribution of the emerging contaminants studied among sampling sites was consistent with the physico-chemical properties of the water, the most heavily contaminated sites being those close to the mouth of the river.

The enhancement mechanism of ultra-active Ag3PO4 modified by tungsten and the effective degradation towards phenolic pollutants

A novel strategy of W modification was applied to overcome the disadvantages of Ag₃PO₄. Ultra-active Ag₃PO₄ with different W doping ratios were successfully synthesized by facile chemical precipitation method, among which 0.5%W-AP showed the best results. Meanwhile, the stability and yield were enhanced. XRD, Raman and ESR etc. were employed to investigate the morphology, structure and optical properties of samples. It was proved W⁶⁺ entered into the Ag₃PO₄ lattice, occupied the position of P⁵⁺ and doped in the form of WO₄^2-. The significant improvement of photocatalytic performance of W doped Ag₃PO₄ was attributed to the change of morphology, the decrease of particle size, the increase of crystallinity, the shrink of band gap energy and the reduction of photo-induced carriers recombination rate with W doping. The photocatalytic mechanism analysis showed h⁺ was the main oxidative species in the photocatalytic process, •O₂^- and •OH played minor roles. Under visible light irradiation, the impacts of the important operating parameters on the typical phenolic pollutants, phenol and bisphenol A, were evaluated with 0.5%W-AP. It was confirmed that 68% and 82% of phenol and bisphenol A were respectively degraded within 15 min and 40 min under optimized photocatalytic parameters: 0.4 g/L catalyst dosage, 20 mg/L pollutant concentration, pH 5.7 and 125 mW/cm² irradiation intensity, and the corresponding K' were 2.14 and 5.50 times of undoped samples. This work provides a new approach for effective degradation towards phenolic pollutants by Ag₃PO₄ with ultra-high photocatalytic activity, high applicability and enhanced stability and yield.

Enrichment in Antioxidant Flavonoids of Stamen Extracts from Nymphaea lotus L. Using Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction and Macroporous Resin Adsorption

Nymphaea lotus L. is the medicinal plant that has long been used for food, cosmetics and traditional medicines in Africa and Asia since ancient times. Its flavonoids and other interesting phytochemical compounds from rhizome, leaf and the whole flowers have been reported in the previous published research. However, stamens, which are essential for reproductive functions, may also represent new alternative sources of potential antioxidant flavonoids, as investigated in this study. The innovative green chemistry methods, i.e., ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) as well as a macroporous resin (MPR) purification procedure, were employed in this current research. Using a full factorial design coupled to three-dimensional (3D) surface plot methodology, the influence of three variables, namely aqEtOH concentration (ranging from 50 to 100% (v/v), US frequency (ranging from 0 (no US applied) to 45 kHz), and the extraction duration (ranging from 20 to 60 min), were evaluated. Five MPRs with different surface areas, average pore diameters, matrix types and polarities were also investigated for the purification of total flavonoids. The optimal UAE condition is 90% (v/v) aqEtOH with 34.65 khz ultrasonic frequency and 46 min of extraction duration. Compared with the conventional heat reflux extraction (HRE) method, a significant 1.35-fold increase in total flavonoids content was obtained using optimized UAE conditions (169.64 for HRE vs. 235.45 mg/g dry weight for UAE), causing a 2.80-fold increase when this UAE associated with MPR purification (475.42 mg/g dry weight). In vitro cell free antioxidant activity of N. lotus stamen extracts and in cellulo antioxidant investigation using yeast model showed the same trend, indicating that the best antioxidant flavonoid can be found in UAE coupled with MPR purification. Moreover, in the yeast model, the expression of key antioxidant genes such as SIR2 and SOD2 were expressed at the highest level in yeast cells treated with the extract from UAE together with MPR purification. Consequently, it can be seen that the UAE combined with MPR purification can help enhance the flavonoid antioxidant potential of the stamens extract from this medicinal species.

Targeted profiling of chlorinated transformation products and the parent micropollutants in the aquatic environment: A comparison between two coastal cities

This study investigated chlorinated transformation products (TPs) and their parent micropollutants, aromatic pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the urban water bodies of two metropolitan cities. Nine PPCPs and 16 TPs were quantitatively or semi-quantitatively determined using isotope dilution techniques and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. TPs and most PPCPs were effectively removed by conventional wastewater treatments in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Chlorinated parabens and all PPCPs (at concentrations below 1000 ng/L) were present in the waters receiving treated wastewater. By contrast, the waters receiving untreated wastewater contained higher levels of PPCPs (up to 9400 ng/L) and more species of chlorinated TPs including chlorinated parabens, triclosan, diclofenac, and bisphenol A. The very different chemical profiles between the water bodies of the two cities of similar geographical and climatic properties may be attributed to their respective uses of chemicals and policies of wastewater management. No apparent increase in the number of species or abundances of TPs was observed in either the chlorinated wastewater or the seawater rich in halogens. This is the first study to elucidate and compare the profiles of multiple TPs and their parent PPCPs in the water bodies of coastal cities from tropical islands. Our findings suggest that chlorinated derivatives of bisphenol A, diclofenac, triclosan, and parabens in the surface water originate from sources other than wastewater disinfection or marine chlorination. Although further studies are needed to identify the origins, conventional wastewater treatments may protect natural water bodies against contamination by those chlorinated substances.

The effect of zerovalent iron on the microbial degradation of hexabromocyclododecane

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a commonly used brominated flame retardant (BFR), has been listed as a persistent organic pollutant (POP). In order to remediate HBCD in the environment, the influence of microscale zerovalent iron (MZVI) on the HBCD degrading microcosm was evaluated. In the acclimated microcosm collected from river sediment, 49% of HBCD was initially removed through adsorption and then 30% of HBCD was biodegraded through non-debromination processes. In contrast to MZVI only, over 60% of HBCD was gradually degraded by MZVI through a debromination reaction. In the microcosm-MZVI combined system, the biodegradation ability of the microcosm was inhibited. The aqueous chemistry was changed by the addition of MZVI, which led to the alteration of microbial composition and biodegradation ability. These better understandings can facilitate an evaluation of the impact of MZVI on HBCD biodegradation when ZVI was used to remediate this BFR.

Water contamination by endocrine disruptors: Impacts, microbiological aspects and trends for environmental protection

Hormone active agents constitute a dangerous class of pollutants. Among them, those agents that mimic the action of estrogens on target cells and are part of the group of endocrine-disruptor compounds (EDCs) are termed estrogenic EDCs, the main focus of this review. Exposure to these compounds causes a number of negative effects, including breast cancer, infertility and animal hermaphroditism. However, especially in underdeveloped countries, limited efforts have been made to warn people about this serious issue, explain the methods of minimizing exposure, and develop feasible and efficient mitigation strategies at different levels and in various environments. For instance, the use of bioremediation processes capable of transforming EDCs into environmentally friendly compounds has been little explored. A wide diversity of estrogen-degrading microorganisms could be used to develop such technologies, which include bioremediation processes for EDCs that could be implemented in biological filters for the post-treatment of wastewater effluent. This review describes problems associated with EDCs, primarily estrogenic EDCs, including exposure as well as the present status of understanding and the effects of natural and synthetic hormones and estrogenic EDCs on living organisms. We also describe potential biotechnological strategies for EDC biodegradation, and suggest novel treatment approaches for minimizing the persistence of EDCs in the environment.

Evaluation of alternative environmentally friendly matrix solid phase dispersion solid supports for the simultaneous extraction of 15 pesticides of different chemical classes from drinking water treatment sludge

This study describes the development, optimization and validation of a method for the extraction of 15 pesticides of different chemical classes in drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS) by vortex-assisted Matrix Solid Phase Dispersion (MSPD) with determination by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. It focused on the application of alternative and different solid supports to the extraction step of the MSPD. The main parameters that influenced the extraction were studied in order to obtain better recovery responses. Recoveries ranged from 70 to 120% with RSD below 20% for all analytes. Limits of quantification (LOQ) of the method ranged from 5 to 500 μg kg^-1 whereas the analytical curves showed correlation coefficients above 0.997. The method under investigation used low volume of solvent (5 mL), low sample mass (1.5 g) and low mass of chitin (0.5 g), an environmentally friendly support. It has advantages, such as speed, simplicity and low cost material, over other methods. When the method was applied, 4 out of 15 pesticides were detected in the DWTS samples in concentrations below the LOQ.

High-sensitivity determination of estrogens in fish plasma using chemical derivatization upstream UHPLC-MSMS

This article describes the development and validation of a sensitive LC-MSMS method for determination of estrogen in fish plasma. Dansyl chloride derivatization of the phenol functional group in estrogen was used to enhance the response to atmospheric pressure ionization leading to improve the sensitivity. Individual ¹³C internal standards were selected after comparison with deuterated standards. Liquid-liquid extraction (ethyl acetate or methyl tert-butyl ether) and protein precipitation (acetonitrile, methanol or acetone) were compared for the extraction and clean-up of estrogens from fish plasma. Ethyl acetate was selected as the best alternative with recovery ranging from 61 to 96% and matrix effect ranging from 88 to 106%. Limits of quantification ranged from 0.5 to 1pg/mL showing a gain in sensitivity of 10,000 times over electrospray ionization of underivatized estrogens. Accuracy and precision were validated over three consecutive days and the method was applied to measure estrogen in sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) plasma. Estrone and estriol were detected in fish below 1ng/mL in plasma, justifying the need of a highly sensitive LC-MSMS quantification method.

Application of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in quantitative bioanalyses of organic molecules in aquatic environment and organisms

Analytical methods using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of metabolites or contaminants (or both) in various tissues of aquatic organisms and in the aquatic environment have received increasing attention in the last few years. This review discusses the findings relevant to such procedures published between 2005 and 2015. The aim is to evaluate the advantages, restrictions, and performances of the procedures from sample preparation to mass spectrometry measurement. To support these discussions, a general knowledge on LC-MS/MS is also provided.

Bisphenol A in Edible Part of Seafood

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a man-made compound, mainly used as a monomer to produce polycarbonate (PC), epoxy resins, non-polymer additives to other plastics, which have many food related applications, such as food storage containers, tableware and internal coating of cans, as well as non-food applications such as electronic equipment, construction materials and medical devices. BPA exposure can occur when the residual monomer migrates into packaged food and beverages. Moreover, due to the ubiquitous presence of this compound, the general population can be exposed to environmental sources such as water, air and soil. Many studies have investigated the potential health hazards associated with BPA, which can elicit toxic and cancerogenic effects on humans. According to the European Food Safety Authority opinion, diet is considered to be the main source of exposure, especially canned food; moreover, among non-canned food, meat and fish products have the highest levels of BPA contamination. This review focuses on BPA contamination in seafood, analysing worldwide literature (from January 2010 to October 2015) on BPA contamination of edible parts. The authors try to identify differences between canned and non-canned seafood in literature, and gaps in the state of art. The data evaluated underline that all concentrations for both canned and non-canned seafood were below the specific migration limit set by the European Community Directive for BPA in food. Moreover, the canned seafood is more contaminated than the non-canned one.

Use of oleic-acid functionalized nanoparticles for the magnetic solid-phase microextraction of alkylphenols in fruit juices using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Magnetic nanoparticles of cobalt ferrite with oleic acid as the surfactant (CoFe2O4/oleic acid) were used as sorbent material for the determination of alkylphenols in fruit juices. High sensitivity and specificity were achieved by liquid chromatography and detection using both diode-array (DAD) and electrospray-ion trap-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MS/MS) in the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode of the negative fragment ions for alkylphenols (APs) and in positive mode for ethoxylate APs (APEOs). The optimized conditions for the different variables influencing the magnetic separation procedure were: mass of magnetic nanoparticles, 50mg, juice volume, 10mL diluted to 25mL with water, pH 6, stirring for 10min at room temperature, separation with an external neodymium magnet, desorption with 3mL of methanol and orbital shaking for 5min. The enriched organic phase was evaporated and reconstituted with 100µL acetonitrile before injecting 30µL into a liquid chromatograph with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile/0.1% (v/v) formic acid under gradient elution. Quantification limits were in the range 3.6 to 125ngmL(-1). The recoveries obtained were in the 91-119% range, with RSDs lower than 14%. The ESI-MS/MS spectra permitted the correct identification of both APs and APEOs in the fruit juice samples.

Exploring potential contributors to endocrine disrupting activities in Taiwan's surface waters using yeast assays and chemical analysis

Surface waters serve as sinks for anthropogenic contaminants, including naturally occurring hormones and a variety of synthetic endocrine active substances. To investigate the presence of endocrine active contaminants in the aquatic environment in Taiwan, river water and suspended solids were analyzed by yeast assays to examine the distribution of estrogenic, androgenic, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist activities. The results showed that dry-season river samples exhibited strong estrogenic and aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist activities, but no androgenic activity was detected. Owing to the ubiquitous detection of estrogenic activities in Taiwan's surface waters, samples were further subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis for quantification of selected estrogenic compounds. LC-MS/MS results indicated that natural estrogens, such as estrone and 17β-estradiol were often the most contributing compounds for the bioassay-derived estrogenic activities due to their strong estrogenic potencies and high detection frequencies, whereas high concentrations of bisphenol A and nonylphenol also posed a threat to the aquatic ecosystems in Taiwan. Water samples eliciting strong estrogenic activities were further fractionated using high performance liquid chromatography, and significant estrogenic activities were detected in fractions containing estrone, 17β-estradiol, 17α-ethynylestradiol, and bisphenol A. Also, the presence of unidentified estrogenic compounds was found in few river water samples. Further identification of unknown endocrine active substances is necessary to better protect the aquatic environment in Taiwan.

Global Assessment of Bisphenol A in the Environment: Review and Analysis of Its Occurrence and Bioaccumulation

Because bisphenol A (BPA) is a high production volume chemical, we examined over 500 peer-reviewed studies to understand its global distribution in effluent discharges, surface waters, sewage sludge, biosolids, sediments, soils, air, wildlife, and humans. Bisphenol A was largely reported from urban ecosystems in Asia, Europe, and North America; unfortunately, information was lacking from large geographic areas, megacities, and developing countries. When sufficient data were available, probabilistic hazard assessments were performed to understand global environmental quality concerns. Exceedances of Canadian Predicted No Effect Concentrations for aquatic life were >50% for effluents in Asia, Europe, and North America but as high as 80% for surface water reports from Asia. Similarly, maximum concentrations of BPA in sediments from Asia were higher than Europe. Concentrations of BPA in wildlife, mostly for fish, ranged from 0.2 to 13 000 ng/g. We observed 60% and 40% exceedences of median levels by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in Europe and Asia, respectively. These findings highlight the utility of coordinating global sensing of environmental contaminants efforts through integration of environmental monitoring and specimen banking to identify regions for implementation of more robust environmental assessment and management programs.

A sensitive and efficient method for trace analysis of some phenolic compounds using simultaneous derivatization and air-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction from human urine and plasma samples followed by gas chromatography-nitrogen phosphorous detection

In present study, a simultaneous derivatization and air-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction method combined with gas chromatography-nitrogen phosphorous detection has been developed for the determination of some phenolic compounds in biological samples. The analytes are derivatized and extracted simultaneously by a fast reaction with 1-flouro-2,4-dinitrobenzene under mild conditions. Under optimal conditions low limits of detection in the range of 0.05-0.34 ng mL(-1) are achievable. The obtained extraction recoveries are between 84 and 97% and the relative standard deviations are less than 7.2% for intraday (n = 6) and interday (n = 4) precisions. The proposed method was demonstrated to be a simple and efficient method for the analysis of phenols in biological samples.

Biodegradation of bisphenol A with diverse microorganisms from river sediment

The wide distribution of bisphenol A (BPA) in the environment is problematic because of its endocrine-disrupting characteristics and toxicity. Developing cost-effective remediation methods for wide implementation is crucial. Therefore, this study investigated the BPA biodegradation ability of various microorganisms from river sediment. An acclimated microcosm completely degraded 10 mg L(-1) BPA within 28 h and transformed the contaminant into several metabolic intermediates. During the degradation process, the microbial compositions fluctuated and the final, predominant microorganisms were Pseudomonas knackmussii and Methylomonas clara. From the original river sediment, we isolated four distinct strains, which deplete the BPA over 7-9 days. They were all genetically similar to P. knackmussii. The degradation ability of mixed strains was higher than that of single strain but was far less than that of the microbial consortium. The novel BPA degradation ability of P. knackmussii and its role in the decomposing microcosm were first demonstrated. Our results revealed that microbial diversity plays a crucial role in pollutant decomposition.

Two polydimethylsiloxane rod extraction methods for the sensitive determination of phenolic compounds in water samples

Simple, precise, and low-cost methods for the simultaneous determination of phenolic endocrine disrupting compounds such as bisphenol A, trichlorophenol, pentachlorophenol, 4-nonylphenol, and 4-octylphenol in water samples were developed. The Direct, in situ derivatization methods are based on polydimethylsiloxane rod extraction followed by liquid desorption and chromatographic analysis by liquid chromatography and diode array detection. Several parameters affecting the extraction and desorption of the phenolic compounds and their acetylated derivates were studied, as well as the chromatographic and detection conditions. For the direct method, determination coefficients (r(2) ) > 0.990 and LODs in the 0.6-2 μg/L range were obtained for all compounds except bisphenol A (9.5 μg/L). With the derivatization-based method, based on in situ acetylation, lower limits of detection (0.3-0.9 μg/L) were obtained for all the compounds with r(2) > 0.988 and RSDs in the 2-9% range. The developed methods were applied to the analysis of spiked water samples obtaining recoveries of between 60.2 and 131.7% for the direct method, and of between 76.6 and 108.2% for the derivatization-based method. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using these two methods for determining bisphenol A, trichlorophenol, pentachlorophenol, 4-nonylphenol, and 4-octylphenol in water.

Distribution of feminizing compounds in the aquatic environment and bioaccumulation in wild tilapia tissues

This study sampled six times of river water, sediment, and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the Dan-Shui River, Taipei, Taiwan; 10 feminizing compounds were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Bisphenol A (508 ± 634 ng/L, geometric mean (GM) 303 ng/L) and nonylphenol (491 ± 570 ng/L, GM 328 ng/L) were the most abundant among analytes in the river water. Nonylphenol (770 ± 602 ng/g wet weight, GM 617 ng/g wet weight) was also the highest in sediment. Fish may uptake nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates from river water and sediment because there were significant correlations between the concentrations in these matrixes and those in fish tissues (r s ranged from 0.21 to 0.49, p < 0.05). The bioaccumulation of nonylphenol, nonylphenol ethoxylates and bisphenol A in gonad, eggs, and liver was much higher than that in muscle (e.g. mean bioaccumulation factors of nonylphenol were 27,287, 20,971, 9,576 and 967, respectively) and might result in low liver fractions in fish body weights (0.66 % ± 0.39 %, GM 0.55 %) and the skewed sex ratio of fish (male to female = 0.52). This innovative study linked the environmental and internal doses statistically in the globally distributed wild fish by analyzing feminizing compounds in water, sediment, and four fish tissues including gonad and eggs.

Analysis of estrogens and estrogen mimics in edible matrices--a review

This review provides a brief survey of the biological effects of selected endocrine-disrupting compounds that are formed after internal exposure of organisms. Further, the present analytical methods available for the determination of these compounds in foodstuffs are critically evaluated. The attention is primarily devoted to the methods for sample pretreatment, which are the main source of errors and are usually the most time-consuming step of the whole analysis. This review is focused on selected natural and synthetic estrogens, estrogen conjugates, and chemical additives used in the plastic industry that can act as estrogen mimics.

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography isotope dilution mass spectrometry method for the reliable quantification of alkylphenols in environmental water samples by isotope pattern deconvolution

We present here a new measurement method for the rapid extraction and accurate quantification of technical nonylphenol (NP) and 4-t-octylphenol (OP) in complex matrix water samples by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The extraction of both compounds is achieved in 30min by means of hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction (HF-LPME) using 1-octanol as acceptor phase, which provides an enrichment (preconcentration) factor of 800. On the other hand we have developed a quantification method based on isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) and singly (13)C1-labeled compounds. To this end the minimal labeled (13)C1-4-(3,6-dimethyl-3-heptyl)-phenol and (13)C1-t-octylphenol isomers were synthesized, which coelute with the natural compounds and allows the compensation of the matrix effect. The quantification was carried out by using isotope pattern deconvolution (IPD), which permits to obtain the concentration of both compounds without the need to build any calibration graph, reducing the total analysis time. The combination of both extraction and determination techniques have allowed to validate for the first time a HF-LPME methodology at the required levels by legislation achieving limits of quantification of 0.1ngmL(-1) and recoveries within 97-109%. Due to the low cost of HF-LPME and total time consumption, this methodology is ready for implementation in routine analytical laboratories.

Uptake of human pharmaceuticals in bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) inhabiting a wastewater-impacted river

The presence of human pharmaceuticals in sewage-impacted ecosystems is a growing concern that poses health risks to aquatic wildlife. Despite this, few studies have investigated the uptake of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in aquatic organisms. In this study, the uptake of 9 APIs from human drugs was examined and compared in neonate bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) residing in pristine (Myakka River) and wastewater-impacted (Caloosahatchee River) tributaries of Florida's Charlotte Harbor estuary. The synthetic estrogen used in human contraceptives (17α-ethynylestradiol) and 6 of the selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine) used in human antidepressants were observed at detectable and, in some cases, quantifiable levels in plasma of Caloosahatchee River sharks. Comparatively, only venlafaxine was detected in the plasma of a single Myakka River shark at a level below the limit of quantitation. These results suggest that sharks residing in wastewater-impacted habitats accumulate APIs, a factor that may pose special risks to C. leucas since it is one of few shark species to regularly occupy freshwater systems. Further research is needed to determine if the low levels of API uptake observed in Caloosahatchee River bull sharks pose health risks to these animals.

Overview of passive Chemcatcher sampling with SPE pretreatment suitable for the analysis of NPEOs and NPs

The European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD; 2000/60/EC) is an important piece of environmental legislation that protects rivers, lakes, coastal waters and groundwaters (EC 2000). The implementation of the WFD requires the establishment and use of novel and low-cost monitoring programmes, and several methods, e.g. passive sampling, have been developed to make the sampling process more representative compared to spot sampling. This review considers passive sampling methods focusing mainly on a passive sampler named Chemcatcher®, which has been used for monitoring several harmful compounds in aquatic environments. Also, the sample treatment and analysis of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs) and nonylphenol (NPs) from water using solid phase extraction (SPE) is briefly summarized. The procedure of Chemcatcher passive sampling is quite similar to that of the SPE extraction since it concentrates the studied compounds from water as well. After sampling, the accumulated substances are extracted from the receiving phase of the sampler. The concentrations of NPEOs and NPs are currently monitored by taking conventional spot samples; SPE can be successfully used as a pretreatment procedure. Chemcatcher® passive sampling technique is a simple and useful monitoring tool and can be applied to new chemicals, such as NPEOs and NPs in aquatic environments.

Dynamic microwave-assisted extraction coupled with salting-out liquid-liquid extraction for determination of steroid hormones in fish tissues

In this work, a simple and fast sample pretreatment method was proposed for determination of steroid hormones in fish tissues by coupling dynamic microwave-assisted extraction with salting-out liquid-liquid extraction. The steroid hormones were successively extracted with acetonitrile and water under the action of microwave energy. Subsequently, the extract was separated into an acetonitrile phase and an aqueous phase with ammonium acetate. The acetonitrile phase containing the target analytes was concentrated and determined by LC-MS/MS. The limits of detection for the steroid hormones were in the range of 0.03-0.15 ng g(-1). This method was successfully applied to analyze seven kinds of fish tissues, and the recoveries of the steroid hormones for the spiked samples were in the range of 75.3 ± 4.9% to 95.4 ± 6.2%. Compared with the traditional method, the proposed method could reduce the consumption of the organic solvent, shorten the sample preparation time, and increase the sample throughput.