Multi-residue analysis of 36 priority and emerging pollutants in marine echinoderms ( Holothuria tubulosa ) and marine sediments by solid-liquid extraction followed by dispersive solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis

Determination of 16 ultraviolet-absorbing compounds in marine invertebrates by using LC-USI-MS/MS coupled with QuEChERS

In this study, we examined multiple endocrine-disrupting ultraviolet-absorbing compounds (UVACs) in marine invertebrates used in personal care products and packaging. Modified QuEChERS and liquid chromatography UniSpray ionization tandem mass spectrometry were used to identify 16 UVACs in marine invertebrates. Matrix-matched calibration curves revealed high linearity (r ≥ 0.9929), with limits of detection and quantification of 0.006-1.000 and 0.020-3.000 ng/g w.w., respectively. In oysters, intraday and interday analyses revealed acceptable accuracy (93%-120%) and precision (≤18%), except for benzophenone (BP) and ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino) benzoate. Analysis of 100 marine invertebrate samples revealed detection frequencies of 100%, 98%, 89%, 64%, and 100% for BP, 4-hydroxybenzophenone, 4-methylbenzophenone, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, and benzophenone-3 (BP-3), respectively. BP and BP-3 were detected at concentrations of 4.40-27.39 and < 0.020-0.560 ng/g w.w., respectively, indicating their widespread presence. Overall, our proposed method successfully detected UVACs in marine invertebrates, raising concerns regarding their potential environmental and health effects.

Assessment of perfluoroalkyl substances concentration levels in wild bat guano samples

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are substances commonly used in the production of various everyday objects, including among others kitchen dishes, cosmetics, or clothes. They penetrate to the environment and living organisms causing disturbances in the functioning of many internal organs and systems. Due to environmental pollution, wildlife is also exposed to PFASs, but the knowledge about this issue is rather limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure of wild greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis), living in Poland, to six selected PFASs: five perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (perfluorobutanoic acid-PFBuA, perfluoropentanoic acid-PFPeA, perfluorohexanoic acid-PFHxA, perfluoroheptanoic acid-PFHpA, perfluorooctanoic acid-PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) through the analysis of guano samples with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method. To our knowledge this is the first study concerning the PFASs levels in bats, as well as using guano samples to evaluate the exposure of wild mammals to these substances. A total of 40 guano samples were collected from 4 bats summer (nursery) colonies located in various parts of Poland. The presence of PFASs mentioned were detected in all colonies studied, and concentration levels of these substances were sampling dependent. The highest concentration levels were observed in the case of PFPeA [1.34 and 3060 ng/g dry weight (dw)] and PFHxA (8.30-314 ng/g dw). This study confirms the exposure of wild bats to PFASs.

Occurrence, biomagnification, and risk assessment of parabens and their metabolites in marine fish: The case study of Vietnam

Parabens have emerged as the primary preservative of choice in numerous consumer goods, prompting growing apprehension regarding their potential for human exposure. The study employed the optimized QuEChERs sample extraction method and the UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS system to generate the initial contamination profiles of seven parabens and their four metabolites in a total of 114 fish samples found along the coastline of Vietnam. The findings of the study indicated that methylparaben was the predominant substance detected, exhibiting the highest concentration in the largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) species at 32.8 ng g-1 dry weight (dw). Additionally, the metabolites with the highest detectable concentrations in the largehead hairtail were found to be 4-HB and 3,4-DHB, with levels of 8822.0 ng g-1 dw and 3490.8 ng g-1 dw, respectively. Besides, the study reveals notable variations in paraben concentrations across three distinct regions in Vietnam, namely the Central, North, and South (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.05). The trophic magnification factors (TMF) for methylparaben, ethylparaben, ethyl protocatechuate, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid exhibited values exceeding 1, indicating substantial biomagnification of these substances within the marine food web of Vietnam. Additionally, noteworthy positive associations have been observed between methylparaben and ethylparaben, as well as their respective metabolites. Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that there is no direct impact of seafood consumption on human health in Vietnam.

Assessment of single and combined effects of bisphenol-A and its analogue bisphenol-S on biochemical and histopathological responses of sea cucumber Holothuria poli

Bisphenols (BPs) are among emerging pollutants that have been frequently detected in different compartments of marine ecosystems and elicited great concern due to their potential toxicity to marine organisms. This work aimed to investigate the toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) on oxidative stress markers, neurotoxicity and histopathological alterations in sea cucumbers (Holothuria poli). The results showed that exposure to 200 μg/L of BPA and BPS produced oxidative stress, neurotoxicity in the digestive tract and respiratory tree, and several types of histopathological lesions in tissues of the respiratory tree of the sea cucumber, posing a health hazard to this aquatic organism. In addition, BPA has greater effects than BPS on the generation of oxidative stress marked by the inductions of catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and neurotoxicity shown by the decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE). The respiratory tree of sea cucumbers might be an appropriate tissue for assessing CAT, MDA and AChE activity levels, which are reliable biomarkers that may be useful in marine biomonitoring studies. Evaluation of histopathological lesions of the respiratory tree suggests that BPA and BPS and their mixture cause various tissue alterations that may be associated with oxidative stress damage and neurotoxicity. In conclusion, this study showed that oxidative stress (CAT and MDA) and neurotoxicity (AChE) markers, as well as respiratory tree lesions, are sensitive biomarkers for the assessment of BPA and BPS toxicity in sea cucumbers.

Accumulation and metabolization of the antidepressant venlafaxine and its main metabolite o-desmethylvenlafaxine in non-target marine organisms Holothuria tubulosa, Anemonia sulcata and Actinia equina

The assessment of exposure to the antidepressant venlafaxine and its major metabolite o-desmethylvenlafaxine in Holothuria tubulosa, Anemonia sulcata and Actinia equina is proposed. A 28-day exposure experiment (10 μg/L day) followed by a 52-day depuration period was conducted. The accumulation shows a first-order kinetic process reaching an average concentration of 49,125/54342 ng/g dw in H. tubulosa and 64,810/93007 ng/g dw in A. sulcata. Venlafaxine is considered cumulative (BCF > 2000 L/kg dw) in H. tubulosa, A. sulcata and A. equina respectively; and o-desmethylvenlafaxine in A. sulcata. Organism-specific BCF generally followed the order A. sulcata > A. equina > H. tubulosa. The study revealed differences between tissues in metabolizing abilities in H. tubulosa this effect increases significantly with time in the digestive tract while it was negligible in the body wall. The results provide a description of venlafaxine and o-desmethylvenlafaxine accumulation in common and non-target organisms in the marine environment.

Bioconcentration of pharmaceuticals in benthic marine organisms (Holothuria tubulosa, Anemonia sulcata and Actinia equina) exposed to environmental contamination by atenolol and carbamazepine

The present work assess the bioconcentration kinetics of atenolol (ATN) and carbamazepine (CBZ) in common marine organisms including Holothuria tubulosa, Anemonia sulcata and Actinia equina under controlled laboratory conditions. CBZ exhibited higher uptake and excretion rates resulting higher bioconcentration factor (BCF) (41-537L/kg for CBZ vs 7-50L/kg for ATN) although both are below the limits established by the European Union (EU). The measured BCF using kinetic data showed some differences with those predicted using the concentrations measured at the steady-state, probably explained because the steady state was not ready reached. The animal-specific BCF followed the order of Holothuria tubulosa >Actinia equina >Anemonia sulcata for ATN while was the opposite for CBZ. The study highlighted between-tissues differences in the digestive tract and the body wall of the Holothuria tubulosa. The work presented is the first to model bioconcentration of ATN and CBZ in holothurian and anemone animal models.

Bioaccumulation of functionalized polystyrene nanoplastics in sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka, 1867) and their toxic effects on oxidative stress, energy metabolism and mitochondrial pathway

Micro/nano-plastics (M/NPs) are emerging contaminants in aquatic environment, however, little knowledge regarding the adverse effects of functionalized NPs has been documented so far. This study investigated the accumulation of different polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, i.e., plain PS, carboxyl-functional PS-COOH and amino-functional PS-NH₂) at two particle sizes of 100 nm and 200 nm, and evaluated the impacts on oxidative stress, energy metabolism and mitochondrial pathway responses in intestine and respiratory tree of Apostichopus japonicus during the 20-d exposure experiment. The results showed that there were significant interactions of particle size and nanoplastic type on the accumulation of different PS-NPs. Exposure to NPs significantly increased the production of malondialdehyde, glutathione and reactive oxygen species, as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, resulting in various degrees of oxidative damage in sea cucumber. The significant decrease in adenosine triphosphate content and increases in alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities suggested that NPs impaired energy metabolism and modified their energy allocation. After 20-d exposure, the complex I, II and III activities in mitochondrial respiratory chain were significantly inhibited. Meanwhile, the Bax and Caspase-3 gene expression were significantly up-regulated, and Bacl-2 was down-regulated, indicating the toxicity on mitochondrial pathway of A. japonicus. The calculated IBR values elucidated the greater detriment to mitochondrial pathway than oxidative stress and energy metabolism. For 100 nm particle size, plain PS has stronger influence on all the biomarkers compared to PS-COOH/NH₂, however, the opposite trends were observed in 200 nm PS-NPs. Furthermore, 100 nm PS-NPs were recognized to be more hazardous to sea cucumber than 200 nm microbeads. These findings provide new insights for understanding the differentiated toxic effects of functionalized NPs in marine invertebrates.

Evaluation of Parabens and Bisphenol A Concentration Levels in Wild Bat Guano Samples

Parabens and bisphenol A are synthetic compounds found in many everyday objects, including bottles, food containers, personal care products, cosmetics and medicines. These substances may penetrate the environment and living organisms, on which they have a negative impact. Till now, numerous studies have described parabens and BPA in humans, but knowledge about terrestrial wild mammals' exposure to these compounds is very limited. Therefore, during this study, the most common concentration levels of BPA and parabens were selected (such as methyl paraben-MeP, ethyl paraben-EtP, propyl paraben-PrP and butyl paraben-BuP) and analyzed in guano samples collected in summer (nursery) colonies of greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis) using liquid chromatography with the tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) method. MeP has been found in all guano samples and its median concentration levels amounted to 39.6 ng/g. Other parabens were present in smaller number of samples (from 5% for BuP to 62.5% for EtP) and in lower concentrations. Median concentration levels of these substances achieved 0.95 ng/g, 1.45 ng/g and 15.56 ng/g for EtP, PrP and BuP, respectively. BPA concentration levels did not exceed the method quantification limit (5 ng/g dw) in any sample. The present study has shown that wild bats are exposed to parabens and BPA, and guano samples are a suitable matrix for studies on wild animal exposure to these substances.

Adsorption of perfluoroalkyl substances on polyamide microplastics: Effect of sorbent and influence of environmental factors

Microplastics (MPs) and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are two types of pollutants coexisting in the environment. Their co-exposure is a source of increasing concern. MPs present in the natural environment suppose an ideal surface for the sorption of hazardous contaminants. This study investigates the adsorption behaviour of six PFASs on polyamide (PA) MPs. Adsorption experiments under various internal (PA and PFASs dosage, PA particle size) and environmental (pH, ionic strength, dissolved organic matter) factors were carried out. Isotherm results (from 0.1 to 25 mg/L of PFASs) showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of the selected PFASs on the PA was as follows: perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS, 0.873 mg/g) > perfluorooctanoic acid (0.235 mg/g) > perfluoroheptanoic acid (0.231 mg/g) > perfluorohexanoic acid (0.201 mg/g) > perfluoropentanoic acid (0.192 mg/g) > perfluorobutanoic acid (0.188 mg/g) (pH 5.88, 0% salinity and 0% of dissolved organic matter). The PFOS has more tendency to be sorbed onto PA than perfluorocarboxilic acids. The MP characterization by scanning electron microscopy, X ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed changes in the PA surface after adsorption assays. Pore filling, hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds governed sorption process. The sorption capacity of PFASs was crucially affected by the PA size (from 19.6% to 99.9% for 3 mm and 50 μm particle size, respectively). The process was not significantly influenced by salinity while the dissolved organic matter exerted a negative effect (decrease from 100% to 26% for PFOS in presence of 25 mg/L of humic acid). Finally, adsorption rates of PFASs were quantified in real water matrices (influent and effluent wastewater, surface and tap water samples). The results revealed interactions between PA and PFASs and evidenced the role of PA as a vector to transport PFASs in the aquatic environment.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction as an easy-to-perform analytical methodology for monitoring ibuprofen and its main metabolites in mussels

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been reported to be the main pharmaceutical class accumulated in seafood. Among them, ibuprofen (IBU) is of special concern as it is used worldwide to treat common pain, does not require a medical prescription, it is often taken in a high daily dose, and has been reported to cause potential adverse effects on aquatic organisms. IBU is highly transformed into hydroxy- and carboxy-metabolites and/or degradation products generated not only after its administration but also during wastewater treatment or in the environment. These compounds can be present in the environment at higher concentrations than IBU and present higher toxicity. In this work, a low-cost and affordable routine analytical method was developed and validated for the first-time determination of IBU and its main metabolites in mussels. The method is based on ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), clean-up by dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) and analytical determination by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Box-Behnken experimental design was used for method optimisation to better evaluate the influence and interactions of UAE and d-SPE variables. Extraction recoveries were in the range from 81 to 115%. Precision, expressed as relative standard deviation, was lower than 7%. Method detection limits were in the range from 0.1 to 1.9 ng g⁻¹ dry weight. The method was successfully applied to wild mussels.

Occurrence and patterns of nutritional traits and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sea cucumber (Holothuria polii) tissues: benefits and risk for human health

Objectives

The paper evaluated the benefit and risk for human health associated with consumption of sea cucumber H. polii from Italian coasts (Central Mediterranean Sea).

Materials and Methods

body wall-BW, internal tunic-ITu, muscle bands-MB, alimentary canal-AC, gonad-Gd and respiratory tree-RT of H. polii were analyzed for proximate composition. Moreover, aminoacids, fatty acids and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined with HPLC UV/Vis, GC-FID and GC-MS, respectively.

Results

Differences in the contents of Total Aminoacids (TAA) occurred based on tissue and sex, with AC and MB of female and Gd of male showing higher contents (range 47.8 -60.2 g/kg ww). Glycine and glutamic acid were the most abundant. Polyunsaturated (PUFA) was the major class of fatty acids and Arachidonic and Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids were the predominant PUFA. n-3 PUFA showed higher content in Gd, AC and RT indicating a higher quality. A favorable n-3/n-6 in the range 1.04-1.67 was observed. PAHs showed values ranged from 23 to 207 µg/kg ww with the highest levels in Gd-AC tissues and the lower in BW. Benzo[a]Pyrene, the most toxic compound, was detected in all tissues, of both sexes, at levels of 1.5-18 µg/Kg ww.

Conclusion

All tissues of H. polii, although with differences among them, are valuable food and can contribute for a healthy diet. Excess Cancer risk (CR) values for Gd and AC tissues, were above the considerable CR threshold of one in ten thousand established by USEPA, for high ingestion rate of these seafood.

Effects of the antineoplastic drug cyclophosphamide on the biochemical responses of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis under different temperatures

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an antineoplastic drug widely used in chemotherapy treatments with high consumption rates and that has been detected in the aquatic environment. After being released into the aquatic environment, CP may cause adverse effects on aquatic organisms since antineoplastics are well-known cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic and teratogenic drugs. Moreover, predicted environmental changes, such as the temperature rising, may alter the impacts caused by CP on organisms. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the effects caused by CP chronic exposure in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, under actual and predicted warming scenarios. Organisms were exposed for 28 days to different concentrations of CP (10, 100, 500 and 1000 ng/L) at control (17 ± 1.0 °C) and increased (21 ± 1.0 °C) temperatures. Biochemical responses related to metabolic capacity, energy reserves, oxidative stress and neurotoxicity were assessed. The results showed that the organisms were able to maintain their metabolic capacity under all exposure conditions. However, their antioxidant defense mechanisms were activated mostly at higher CP concentrations being able to prevent cellular damage, even under the warming scenario. Overall, the present findings suggest that temperature rise may not alter the impacts of CP towards M. galloprovincialis.

Dietary exposure to parabens and body mass index in an adolescent Spanish population

Parabens are alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid which are extensively used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and foodstuffs due to their antimicrobial properties. The most commonly used parabens are methyl-(MeP), ethyl-(EtP), propyl-(PrP) and butyl-(BuP) paraben. Most human exposure to parabens is achieved through the consumption of food or pharmaceutical products and the use of personal care products. However, studies on dietary parabens exposure and the associated factors are very scarce. The main aim of the present study was to explore factors associated with dietary exposure to parabens in Spanish adolescents according to gender. Dietary data and anthropometric measures were collected from 585 adolescents (53.4% boys) aged 12-16 years. Parabens exposure through diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire with food products providing more than 95% of energy and macronutrient intake being included in analysis. Stepwise regression was used to identify the foods that most contributed to parabens intake. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors predicting higher dietary exposure to parabens. The main contributors to dietary MeP, EtP, PrP and BuP exposure in adolescent boys were eggs (41.9%), canned tuna (46.4%), bakery and baked goods products (57.3%) and pineapple (61.1%). In adolescent girls, the main contributors were apples and pears (35.3%), canned tuna (42.1%), bakery and baked goods products (55.1%) and olives (62.1%). Overweight/obese girls were more likely to belong to the highest tertile of overall parabens intake (odds ratio [OR]: 3.32; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.21-9.15) and MeP (OR: 3.05; 95% CI: 1.14-8.12) than those with a body mass index lower than 25 kg/m². These findings suggest a positive association between dietary exposure to parabens and overweight/obesity in adolescent girls.

Sea snail (Hexaplex trunculus) and sea cucumber (Holothuria polii) as potential sentinel species for organic pollutants and trace metals in coastal ecosystems

The seasonal bioaccumulation of trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) in sea snail (Hexaplex trunculus) and sea cucumber (Holothuria polii) from Mar Menor lagoon were characterised. The highest concentrations of p,p'-DDE were detected in the central and south part of Mar Menor lagoon. However, the highest concentrations of metals in sea snail and holothurians were detected in the influence area of El Beal wadi. Biomagnification factors (BMF) in sea snail from cockle (sea snail-cockle concentration ratio) were higher than 5 for metal and organochlorinated compounds. However, similar concentrations were observed in both species for PAHs due to gastropods capability of metabolising these pollutants. Consequently, sea snail is proposed as a sentinel for trace metals, PCBs and OCPs in the coastal lagoons, not only due to its bioaccumulation and biomagnification capacity but also the easy sampling and amply distribution in many coastal areas.

Determination of ultraviolet filters in human nails using an acid sample digestion followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis

Ultraviolet filters (UV-filters) are specific chemicals that absorb and reflect UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. They are regularly used in sunscreens and in other personal care products (PCPs), and in products like plastics, adhesives, toys, or furniture finishes. This work develops and validates a new method to determine concentrations of UV-filters (BP-1, BP-2, BP-3, BP-6, BP-8, 4-OH-BP, THB, AVB) in human nail samples. Nails are easily available and are considered to be suitable indicators of cumulative and continued exposure to harmful chemicals. The treatment of nail samples includes microwave assisted digestion/extraction (MAE) in a methanolic solution of o-phosphoric acid (0.05 mol L^-1) followed by analyte determination using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The analytes were separated in less than 10 min. The digestion procedure was optimized using multivariate techniques. Matrix-matched calibration with a pig hoof matrix was used for validating the method. A study of accuracy with spiked blank samples was also conducted. The calculated detection limits varied between 0.2 and 1.5 ng g^-1, and quantification limits between 1.0 and 5.0 ng g^-1. The trueness of the method was an estimation of the recovery, which was between 90.2% and 112.2%; with an estimated precision (relative standard deviation, % RSD) lower than 12.3% for all UV-filters. Nail samples were obtained from 22 volunteers (male and female). The results showed that BP-1 and BP-3 mainly bioaccumulate in human nails.

Identification of contaminants of emerging concern with potential environmental risk in Spanish continental shelf sediments

The distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), alkylphenols, organotin compounds, phthalates, alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, current-use pesticides (CUPs) and personal care products (PCPs) was characterized in 29 surface sediments from two Spanish Iberian continental shelf areas (14 on the Atlantic and 15 on the Mediterranean coasts). Concretely, 115 organic contaminants were determined and a specific methodology was used for each contaminant group, including contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and traditional ones, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs). PAHs, alkylated PAHs, alkylphenols and phthalates were found in all samples, showing mean concentrations per group higher than 20 ng/g (16-4974 ng/g d.w.) in the subregions under consideration (Galician, Cantabrian, Levantine-Balearic and Strait-Alboran). CUPs and PCPs were found in the majority of samples at very low concentrations of ng/g (1.4-46.8 ng/g d.w.), whereas organotins and PFAS were found principally in sediments from the Mediterranean subregions (2.5-3.9 ng/g d.w.). Different distribution patterns were observed for the contaminant groups and subregions under consideration as a consequence of the diverse predominant sources (industrial, urban, transport and agricultural activities) and environmental behavior (mainly hydrophobicity and persistence). Risk assessment confirmed the impact of phthalates, alkylphenols, PAHs and PCBs on Atlantic ecosystems and of alkylphenols, chlorpyrifos, phthalates, TBT, PAHs, OCPs and PCBs on the Mediterranean ones. Furthermore, the presence of CUPs, PCPs and PFAS in sediments from the Spanish continental shelf located between 2 and 31 km from the coast suggested that those contaminants may also provoke adverse effects on coastal marine ecosystems between their sources and their depositional areas. CAPSULE: Alkylphenols, phthalates and organotins may provoke adverse effects on Spanish coastal marine ecosystems from their sources to the sediment depositional areas.

Organic Micropollutants in Wastewater Effluents and the Receiving Coastal Waters, Sediments, and Biota of Lyttelton Harbour (Te Whakaraupō), New Zealand

Coastal ecosystems are receiving environments for micropollutants due to high levels of associated anthropogenic activities. Effluent discharges from wastewater treatment plants are a significant source of micropollutants to coastal environments. Wastewater effluents, seawater, sediments, and green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) in Lyttelton Harbour (Te Whakaraupō), Christchurch, New Zealand, were analysed for a suite of personal care products and steroid hormones during a 1-year period. In wastewater effluents, the concentration of methyl paraben (mParaben), ethyl paraben (eParaben), propyl paraben (pParaben), butyl paraben (bParaben), 4-t-octylphenol (OP), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), benzophenone-1 (BP-1), triclosan, methyl triclosan (mTric), Bisphenol A (BPA), Estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2), and Estriol (E3) ranged from < 0.6 to 429 ng L^-1 and was dominated by OP, 4-MBC, BP-3, triclosan, BP-1, and BPA. In seawater, 4-MBC, BP-3, BPA, and E1 were the most frequently detected contaminants (< 0.2-9.4 ng L^-1). Coastal sediment samples contained mParaben, OP, 4-MBC, BP-3, BP-1, BPA, OMC, and E1 (< 0.2-11 ng g^-1 d.w.), and mParaben, OP, and BP-3 were found to bioaccumulate (3.8-21.3 ng g^-1 d.w.) in green lipped mussels.

Effect of the UV filter, Benzophenone-3, on biomarkers of the yellow clam (Amarilladesma mactroides) under different pH conditions

This work aimed to investigate effects of the ocean contamination by the sunscreen Benzophenone-3 (BP3) and acidification, caused by CO₂ enrichment, to the yellow clam, Amarilladesma mactroides. Biochemical biomarkers were analyzed in tissues (gills, digestive gland, and mantle) of clams exposed to the environmental concentration of 1 μg/L BP3, at seawater natural pH (pH 8.1) and at lower pH (pH 7.6). The tissues responded in different ways considering their physiological roles. In general, BP3 altered activity of the enzymes, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione cysteine ligase (GCL); but mostly increased the level of glutathione (GSH). These effects were enhanced by acidification, without augmenting lipid peroxidation (LPO). Carbonic anhydrase activity (CA) increased after BP3 exposure in the digestive gland and decreased in the gills at pH 7.6, while Ca²⁺-ATPase activity was affected by acidification only. Changing levels of these enzymes can alter shell formation and affect the bivalve maintenance in impacted environments.

Legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the coastal environment of Korea: Occurrence, spatial distribution, and bioaccumulation potential

Contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is of great concern in global environments. Due to strong regulation of legacy PFASs, emerging PFASs including alternatives and precursors have been introduced to the industrial market. In this study, legacy and emerging PFASs were measured in seawater, sediment, and bivalves collected along the Korean coast to investigate the occurrence, distribution, contamination sources, and bioaccumulation potential of PFASs. Wide concentration ranges of legacy PFASs were detected in multiple environmental samples, indicating widespread contamination. C8-based PFASs (e.g., PFOA and PFOS) were still major contaminants in all of the environmental samples. Some precursors, such as 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (8:2 FTS) and N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (N-EtFOSAA), and perfluoro-2-propoxypropanoic potassium 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate (F-53B), an alternative to PFOS, were detected in sediment or bivalve samples, implying a shift in consumption patterns from legacy to emerging PFASs. The highest concentrations of PFASs in environmental samples were found at the locations near industrial complexes, such as those for the semi-conductor, paper mill, automobile, and metal-plating industry. This result indicates that PFAS contamination is associated with intensive industrial activities in the coastal environment. Matrix-dependent contamination and profiles of PFASs were observed. Seawater was dominated by short-chained PFASs as a prompt reflection of regulation, while the sediment and bivalves were dominated by long-chained PFASs. Carbon-chain length was a major factor governing environmental behavior and bioaccumulation of PFASs. This was the first nation-wide survey on legacy and emerging PFASs in the coastal environment of Korea.

Assessing bioaccumulation potential of personal care, household and industrial products in a marine echinoderm (Holothuria tubulosa)

A bioaccumulation study of 16 emerging contaminants including preservatives, UV-filters, biocides, alkylphenols, anionic surfactants and plasticizers, in Holothuria tubulosa Gmelin, 1791 specimens was developed. Water and sediments from their coastal habitat were also analyzed. Sediment-water distribution coefficients (log Kd) were in the range 0.78 to 2.95. A rapid uptake and bioaccumulation of pollutants was found. Compounds were detected in intestine and gonads of H. tubulosa after only eight days of exposure. Field-based bioconcentration (BCF) and biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF) were calculated. Log BCF > 1 were obtained for most of the compounds studied, indicating their tendency to accumulate in tissue of H. Tubulosa. BCF values decrease as follow: Triclocarban > anionic surfactants > benzophenone 3 > non-ionic surfactants > bisphenol A > parabens. These data provide a detailed accounting of the distribution patterns of some emerging contaminants in organisms at the lower trophic level, representing a potential source of contaminants for organisms in higher levels of the food chain.

Estrogen levels in surface sediments from a multi-impacted Brazilian estuarine system

Estrogen levels were assessed in surface sediments from one of the most industrialized and urbanized estuarine systems in Latin America (SSES, Santos and São Vicente estuarine system). Estriol (E3) presented quantifiable levels in all sampled sites, ranging from 20.9 ng g^-1 to 694.2 ng g^-1. 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) were also detected in almost all sampled sites. The highest concentration of E2 was 23.9 ng g^-1, whereas high levels of EE2 86.3 ng g^-1. The occurrence of estrogens in SSES was diffuse and partially related to a domestic sewage outfall. Estrogens were also found in areas with substantial contribution of sanitary effluents from domiciles not covered by sanitation services. Our results reinforce that studies on environmental contamination by estrogens should not be spatially limited to the vicinities of point sources. These results contribute to raise awareness on the need of a formal approach to assess ecological risks of estrogens in the SSES.

Bioaccumulation of perfluoroalkyl substances in marine echinoderms: Results of laboratory-scale experiments with Holothuria tubulosa Gmelin, 1791

Bioaccumulation of six perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was assessed using the marine echinoderm Holothuria tubulosa Gmelin, 1791. Batch experiments were conducted to establish the relationship between concentrations in water, sediment and biota over 197 days. The sample treatment for the determination of compounds involves steps of lyophilization, solvent extraction and clean-up of the extracts with dispersive sorbents. PFAS were then analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. During contaminant exposure, detectable levels of compounds were found in all samples collected. Mean concentrations of selected PFAS were higher in sediments than in water samples. This fact is explained by the strong adsorption of these compounds into sediments. Sediment-water distribution coefficients (log Kd) were in the range 0.11 (PFBuA) to 2.46 (PFOA). Beside this, PFAS accumulation was observed in Holothuria tubulosa organisms. The uptake of PFAS was very rapid, reaching the maximum between 22 and 38 days of assay. Bioaccumulation factors (mean log BAF: 1.16-4.39) and biota sediment accumulation factors (mean log BSAF: 1.37-2.89) indicated a high bioaccumulation potential for the target compounds. Both parameters increased with perfluoroalkyl chain length (R2 > 0.93; p < 0.05). In organ-specific distributions of PFAS, greater concentrations were found in intestine than in gonads. Also, male specimens showed higher concentration levels than female (student t-test: tcal = 2.788, ttab = 2.262; p < 0.05). These data provide a detailed accounting of PFAS fate and distribution in the marine environment highlighting accumulation at lower trophic levels, a potential source for contamination in higher organisms.

Priority substances in accumulated sediments in a stormwater detention basin from an industrial area

One of the most adopted solutions in developed countries to manage stormwater is detention/retention basins which generate large quantities of sediments that have to be removed regularly. In order to manage them properly, accurate data are needed about their physical and chemical characteristics, particularly on micropollutant concentrations and their associated risk. This work consisted in a two-year sampling of dry sediments from a detention-settling basin. Priority substances, including pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), alkylphenols and bisphenol A (BPA), were monitored. Different sites in the basin bottom were sampled in order to investigate spatial distribution of the contamination. Results show that the increase of the sediment thickness in the basin was heterogeneous with a maximum of 15 cm after two years. Pesticides and PBDE were, if detected, mainly found in low concentrations from 2 ng/g to 286 ng/g. Conversely, alkylphenols and bisphenol A were always quantified at concentrations varying from 6 ng/g to 3400 ng/g. These high levels suggest that these sediments should be managed with precautions. Spatial heterogeneity of alkylphenol ethoxylates and BPA concentrations was observed, with higher contamination of alkylphenol ethoxylates in anaerobic zones and BPA levels correlated with total organic carbon and in a lesser extent to fine particles.

In vitro effects of brominated flame retardants, selected metals and their mixtures on ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity in Mossambica tilapia liver

The in vitro effects of individual brominated flame retardants (BFRs), selected metals, and their binary mixtures on ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity were evaluated using a plate-reader method. The BFRs, 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), decabromodiphenyl oxide (BDE-209), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), were tested at doses ranging from 0.1 ng/L to 100 µg/L. Selected metals (Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Zn²⁺) were screened at doses of 0.1 mg/L to 50 mg/L. The activity of EROD was significantly induced by TBBPA, BDE-209, and Zn²⁺, while HBCD, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺ decreased EROD activity. Moreover, following exposure to binary mixtures of metals and BFRs, the EROD activity dose-response curves were similar to those of the metals alone, indicating that EROD activity was governed by the metals.

Analytical approaches for the determination of personal care products and evaluation of their occurrence in marine organisms

Contamination of the aquatic environment caused by multiple human activities may exert a negative impact on all living organisms. Several contaminants of emerging concern such as personal care products (PCPs) are continuously released into the aquatic environment where they are biologically active and persistent. This work reviews the current knowledge, provided by papers published after 2010 and indexed by SciFinder, Scopus, and Google search engines, about the determination and occurrence of PCPs in marine biota. Analytical methodologies have been critically reviewed, emphasizing the importance of green and high-throughput approaches and focusing the discussion on the complexity of the solute-matrix interaction in the extraction step, as well as the matrix effect in the instrumental determination. Finally, the worldwide distribution of PCPs is surveyed, taking into account the concentrations found in the same organism in different marine environments. Differences among various world areas have been highlighted, evidencing some critical aspects from an environmental point of view.

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction as a new clean-up procedure for the determination of parabens, perfluorinated compounds, UV filters, biocides, surfactants, and plasticizers in root vegetables

An analytical method based on ultrasound-assisted extraction and dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) clean-up has been developed and validated for the determination of 31 emerging pollutants in root vegetables. The target compounds were four preservatives, six perfluoroalkyl compounds, six UV filters, two biocides, eight anionic surfactants, three nonionic surfactants, and two plasticizers. The type and volume of the extraction solvent, those of the disperser solvent, the pH and NaCl content of the DLLME aqueous phase, the amount of sample, and the sonication time were optimized. Box-Behnken experimental design was applied to select the best extraction conditions. Matrix-matched calibration curves were used for quantification. Four internal standards were used to compensate for residual matrix effects. Good linearity (R² > 0.990), accuracies (expressed as the relative recovery) of >82%, and precisions (expressed as the relative standard deviation) of <18% were achieved. Method quantification limits (MQLs), calculated from spiked samples as the concentrations corresponding to signal-to-noise ratios of 10, were in the range 0.1-25 ng g^-1 dry weight (d.w.). MQL values for 26 of the 31 target compounds were lower than 5 ng g^-1 d.w. The method was successfully applied to determine the target pollutants in carrots, potatoes, and turnips from a local market. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed method constitutes the first application of DLLME as a clean-up procedure for the multiresidue determination of emerging pollutants in vegetables. The method affords similar recoveries and method detection limits to previously reported methods but requires smaller solvent volumes and sample amounts and is less expensive.

A review on environmental monitoring of water organic pollutants identified by EU guidelines

The contamination of fresh water is a global concern. The huge impact of natural and anthropogenic organic substances that are constantly released into the environment, demands a better knowledge of the chemical status of Earth's surface water. Water quality monitoring studies have been performed targeting different substances and/or classes of substances, in different regions of the world, using different types of sampling strategies and campaigns. This review article aims to gather the available dispersed information regarding the occurrence of priority substances (PSs) and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) that must be monitored in Europe in surface water, according to the European Union Directive 2013/39/EU and the Watch List of Decision 2015/495/EU, respectively. Other specific organic pollutants not considered in these EU documents as substances of high concern, but with reported elevated frequency of detection at high concentrations, are also discussed. The search comprised worldwide publications from 2012, considering at least one of the following criteria: 4 sampling campaigns per year, wet and dry seasons, temporal and/or spatial monitoring of surface (river, estuarine, lake and/or coastal waters) and ground waters. The highest concentrations were found for: (i) the PSs atrazine, alachlor, trifluralin, heptachlor, hexachlorocyclohexane, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate; (ii) the CECs azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, diclofenac, 17α-ethinylestradiol, imidacloprid and 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate; and (iii) other unregulated organic compounds (caffeine, naproxen, metolachlor, estriol, dimethoate, terbuthylazine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, ketoprofen, atenolol, Bisphenol A, metoprolol, carbofuran, malathion, sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine and ofloxacin). Most frequent substances as well as those found at highest concentrations in different seasons and regions, together with available risk assessment data, may be useful to identify possible future PS candidates.