1
|
de Baat ML, Narain-Ford DM, de Weert J, Giesen D, Beeltje H, Hamers T, Helmus R, de Voogt P, Kraak MHS. Passive sampler housing and sorbent type determine aquatic micropollutant adsorption and subsequent bioassay responses. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124488. [PMID: 38960122 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The combination of integrative passive sampling and bioassays is a promising approach for monitoring the toxicity of polar organic contaminants in aquatic environments. However, the design of integrative passive samplers can affect the accumulation of compounds and therewith the bioassay responses. The present study aimed to determine the effects of sampler housing and sorbent type on the number of chemical features accumulated in polar passive samplers and the subsequent bioassay responses to extracts of these samplers. To this end, four integrative passive sampler configurations, resulting from the combination of polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) and Speedisk housings with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance and hydrophilic divinylbenzene sorbents, were simultaneously exposed at reference and contaminated surface water locations. The passive sampler extracts were subjected to chemical non-target screening and a battery of five bioassays. Extracts from POCIS contained a higher number of chemical features and caused higher bioassay responses in 91% of cases, while the two sorbents accumulated similar numbers of features and caused equally frequent but different bioassay responses. Hence, the passive sampler design critically affected the number of accumulated polar organic contaminants as well as their toxicity, highlighting the importance of passive sampler design for effect-based water quality assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M L de Baat
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology (FAME), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - D M Narain-Ford
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology (FAME), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - J de Weert
- Deltares, Daltonlaan 600, 3584 BK, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Water Authority of Rijnland, Archimedesweg 1, 2333 CM, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - D Giesen
- Deltares, Daltonlaan 600, 3584 BK, Utrecht, the Netherlands; World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Avenue du Bouchet 2bis, 1209, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - H Beeltje
- Environmental Modelling, Sensing and Analysis, TNO, Utrecht, the Netherlands; AQUON, De Blomboogerd 12, 4003 BX, Tiel, the Netherlands
| | - T Hamers
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R Helmus
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology (FAME), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P de Voogt
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology (FAME), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M H S Kraak
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology (FAME), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hof M, de Baat ML, Noorda J, Peijnenburg WJGM, van Wezel AP, Oomen AG. Informing the public about chemical mixtures in the local environment: Currently applied indicators in the Netherlands and ways forward. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 368:122108. [PMID: 39146655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122108] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
The current use of chemicals puts pressure on human and ecological health. Based on the Aarhus Convention, citizens have the right to have access to information on substances in their local environment. Providing this information is a major challenge, especially considering complex mixtures, as the current substance-by-substance risk assessment may not adequately address the risk of co-exposure to multiple substances. Here, we provide an overview of the currently available indicators in the Netherlands to explore current scientific possibilities to indicate the impacts of complex chemical mixtures in the environment on human health and ecology at the local scale. This is limited to impact estimates on freshwater species for 701 substances, impact estimates of four metals on soil organisms, and impacts on human health for particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in air. The main limiting factors in developing and expanding these indicators to cover more compartments and substances are the availability of emission and concentration data of substances and dose-response relationships at the population (human health) or community (ecology) level. As ways forward, we propose; 1) developing cumulative assessment groups (CAGs) for substances on the European Pollutant Transfer and Release Register and Water Framework Directive substance lists, to enable the development of mixture indicators based on mixture risk assessment and concentration addition principles; 2) to gain insight into local mixtures by also applying these CAGs to emission data, which is available for soil and air for more substances than concentrations data; 3) the application of analytical non-target screening methods as well as effect-based methods for whole-mixture assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hof
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, 3720 BA, the Netherlands; Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Milo L de Baat
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jantien Noorda
- Centre for Environmental Safety and Security, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, 3720 BA, the Netherlands
| | - Willie J G M Peijnenburg
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, 3720 BA, the Netherlands; Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, 2300, RA, the Netherlands
| | - Annemarie P van Wezel
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Agnes G Oomen
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, 3720 BA, the Netherlands; Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tanveer R, Neale PA, Melvin SD, Leusch FDL. Application of in vitro bioassays to monitor pharmaceuticals in water: A synthesis of chronological analysis, mode of action, and practical insights. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142255. [PMID: 38729441 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater have emerged as a significant concern for the aquatic environment. The use of in vitro bioassays represents a sustainable and cost-effective approach for assessing the potential toxicological risks of these biologically active compounds in wastewater and aligns with ethical considerations in research. It facilitates high-throughput analysis, captures mixture effects, integrates impacts of both known and unknown chemicals, and reduces reliance on animal testing. The core aim of the current review was to explore the practical application of in vitro bioassays in evaluating the environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals in wastewater. This comprehensive review strives to achieve several key objectives. First, it provides a summary categorisation of pharmaceuticals based on their mode of action, providing a structured framework for understanding their ecological significance. Second, a chronological analysis of pharmaceutical research aims to document their prevalence and trends over time, shedding light on evolving environmental challenges. Third, the review critically analyses existing bioassay applications in wastewater, while also examining bioassay coverage of representative compounds within major pharmaceutical classes. Finally, it explores the potential for developing innovative bioassays tailored for water quality monitoring of pharmaceuticals, paving the way for more robust environmental monitoring and risk assessment. Overall, adopting effect-based methods for pharmaceutical monitoring in water holds significant promise. It encompasses a broad spectrum of biological impacts, promotes standardized protocols, and supports a bioassay test battery approach indicative of different endpoints, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of environmental risk assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rameesha Tanveer
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia.
| | - Peta A Neale
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia.
| | - Steven D Melvin
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia.
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu J, Xiang T, Song XC, Zhang S, Wu Q, Gao J, Lv M, Shi C, Yang X, Liu Y, Fu J, Shi W, Fang M, Qu G, Yu H, Jiang G. High-Efficiency Effect-Directed Analysis Leveraging Five High Level Advancements: A Critical Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9925-9944. [PMID: 38820315 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Organic contaminants are ubiquitous in the environment, with mounting evidence unequivocally connecting them to aquatic toxicity, illness, and increased mortality, underscoring their substantial impacts on ecological security and environmental health. The intricate composition of sample mixtures and uncertain physicochemical features of potential toxic substances pose challenges to identify key toxicants in environmental samples. Effect-directed analysis (EDA), establishing a connection between key toxicants found in environmental samples and associated hazards, enables the identification of toxicants that can streamline research efforts and inform management action. Nevertheless, the advancement of EDA is constrained by the following factors: inadequate extraction and fractionation of environmental samples, limited bioassay endpoints and unknown linkage to higher order impacts, limited coverage of chemical analysis (i.e., high-resolution mass spectrometry, HRMS), and lacking effective linkage between bioassays and chemical analysis. This review proposes five key advancements to enhance the efficiency of EDA in addressing these challenges: (1) multiple adsorbents for comprehensive coverage of chemical extraction, (2) high-resolution microfractionation and multidimensional fractionation for refined fractionation, (3) robust in vivo/vitro bioassays and omics, (4) high-performance configurations for HRMS analysis, and (5) chemical-, data-, and knowledge-driven approaches for streamlined toxicant identification and validation. We envision that future EDA will integrate big data and artificial intelligence based on the development of quantitative omics, cutting-edge multidimensional microfractionation, and ultraperformance MS to identify environmental hazard factors, serving for broader environmental governance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jifu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tongtong Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xue-Chao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shaoqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Meilin Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Chunzhen Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Xiaoxi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yanna Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jianjie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mingliang Fang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430056, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongxia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Soose LJ, Rex T, Oehlmann J, Schiwy A, Krauss M, Brack W, Klimpel S, Hollert H, Jourdan J. One like all? Behavioral response range of native and invasive amphipods to neonicotinoid exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124235. [PMID: 38801881 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Native and invasive species often occupy similar ecological niches and environments where they face comparable risks from chemical exposure. Sometimes, invasive species are phylogenetically related to native species, e.g. they may come from the same family and have potentially similar sensitivities to environmental stressors due to phylogenetic conservatism and ecological similarity. However, empirical studies that aim to understand the nuanced impacts of chemicals on the full range of closely related species are rare, yet they would help to comprehend patterns of current biodiversity loss and species turnover. Behavioral sublethal endpoints are of increasing ecotoxicological interest. Therefore, we investigated behavioral responses (i.e., change in movement behavior) of the four dominant amphipod species in the Rhine-Main area (central Germany) when exposed to the neonicotinoid thiacloprid. Moreover, beyond species-specific behavioral responses, ecological interactions (e.g. parasitation with Acanthocephala) play a crucial role in shaping behavior, and we have considered these infections in our analysis. Our findings revealed distinct baseline behaviors and species-specific responses to thiacloprid exposure. Notably, Gammarus fossarum exhibited biphasic behavioral changes with hyperactivity at low concentrations that decreased at higher concentrations. Whereas Gammarus pulex, Gammarus roeselii and the invasive species Dikerogammarus villosus, showed no or weaker behavioral responses. This may partly explain why G. fossarum disappears in chemically polluted regions while the other species persist there to a certain degree. But it also shows that potential pre-exposure in the habitat may influence behavioral responses of the other amphipod species, because habituation occurs, and potential hyperactivity would be harmful to individuals in the habitat. The observed responses were further influenced by acanthocephalan parasites, which altered baseline behavior in G. roeselii and enhanced the behavioral response to thiacloprid exposure. Our results underscore the intricate and diverse nature of responses among closely related amphipod species, highlighting their unique vulnerabilities in anthropogenically impacted freshwater ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Soose
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Tobias Rex
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jörg Oehlmann
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Hessen, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Schiwy
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer-Institute für Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Department Media-related Ecotoxicology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Krauss
- Department Exposure Science, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Werner Brack
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department Exposure Science, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Hessen, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Integrative Parasitology and Zoophysiology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Hessen, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer-Institute für Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Department Media-related Ecotoxicology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jonas Jourdan
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Hessen, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pronk TE, Hoondert RPJ, Kools SAE, Kumar V, de Baat ML. Bioassay predictive values for chemical health risks in drinking water. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108733. [PMID: 38744044 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Bioanalytical tools can be used for assessment of the chemical quality of drinking water and its sources. For water managers it is important to know the probability that a bioassay response above an established health-based 'effect-based trigger value' (EBT) indeed implies a harmful chemical (mixture) concentration. This study presents and applies a framework, based on Bayes' theorem, to derive such risk probabilities for bioassay responses. These were evaluated under varying (in silico) chemical mixture concentrations relevant to drinking water (sources), with toxicity data for six in vitro assays from the ToxCast database. For single chemicals and in silico mixtures, the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100 % for all assays. For water managers, this means that when a bioassay response is below the EBT, a chemical risk is reliably absent, and no further action is required. The positive predictive value (PPV) increased with increasing chemical concentrations (2 µg/L) up to 40-80 %, depending on the assay. For in silico mixtures of increasing numbers of chemicals, the PPV did not increase until higher sum concentrations (>2-10 µg/L). Hence, the ability to accurately signal a harmful chemical (mixture) using bioassays will be lowest for highly diverse, low-concentration chemical mixtures. For water managers, this means in practice that further investigations after an EBT exceedance will, in many cases, not reveal chemicals at harmful concentrations. A solution offered is to increase the trigger value for positive responses to achieve a higher PPV and maintain the EBT for negative responses to ensure an optimal NPV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tessa E Pronk
- KWR Water Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, 3433 PE Nieuwegein, the Netherlands.
| | - Renske P J Hoondert
- KWR Water Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, 3433 PE Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan A E Kools
- KWR Water Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, 3433 PE Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d' Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; IISPV, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain; German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Milo L de Baat
- Dept. of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Inst. for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904 1098XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gea M, Spina F, Revello R, Fea E, Gilli G, Varese GC, Schilirò T. Estrogenic activity in wastewater treatment plants through in vitro effect-based assays: Insights into extraction phase. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 354:120412. [PMID: 38402785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120412] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Effluents of wastewater treatment plants can abundantly spread endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment. To improve water quality monitoring, the use of effect-based tools that measure estrogenic activity has been suggested, however their results could be influenced by different factors. This study compared the estrogenic activity of wastewater samples extracted with two stationary phases and tested with two in vitro effect-based assays to investigate whether and how stationary phases and assays could influence biomonitoring data. During four seasonal periods, the effluents of six WWTPs located in northern Italy were sampled. After the extraction using two different stationary phases (HLB, C18), the samples (n = 72) were tested using two effect-based assays: a gene reporter luciferase assay on mammalian cells (MELN) and yeast estrogen screen assay (YES). The results showed that estrogenic activity of HLB extracts was significantly different from the activity of C18 extracts, suggesting that extraction phase can influence biomonitoring data. Moreover, the estrogenic activity was overall higher using gene reporter MELN assay than using YES assay, suggesting that, due to difference in cell membrane permeability and metabolic activation, the applied cell model can affect the biomonitoring results. Finally, from the comparison between the activity of the final effluent and the environmentally safe estrogenic levels in surface waters, MELN data suggested that the activity of this effluent may pose an environmental risk, while YES data showed that it should not be considered a threat to the receiving surface waters. This study pointed out that a standardized approach is needed to assess the estrogenic activity of waters; it reported important data to select the most suitable stationary phase for samples extraction (samples extracted with C18 sorbent showed higher estradiol equivalent concentration values) and the most appropriate bioassay (gene reporter luciferase MELN assay was more sensitive than YES assay) to assess the environmental risk, thus protecting human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gea
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Federica Spina
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Roberta Revello
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Fea
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | | | - Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hong S, Lee J, Cha J, Gwak J, Khim JS. Effect-Directed Analysis Combined with Nontarget Screening to Identify Unmonitored Toxic Substances in the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19148-19155. [PMID: 37972298 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Effect-directed analysis (EDA) combined with nontarget screening (NTS) has established a valuable tool for the identification of unmonitored toxic substances in environmental samples. It consists of three main steps: (1) highly potent fraction identification, (2) toxicant candidate selection, and (3) major toxicant identification. Here, we discuss the methodology, current status, limitations, and future challenges of EDA combined with NTS. This method has been applied successfully to various environmental samples, such as sediments, wastewater treatment plant effluents, and biota. We present several case studies and highlight key results. EDA has undergone significant technological advancements in the past 20 years, with the establishment of its key components: target chemical analysis, bioassays, fractionation, NTS, and data processing. However, it has not been incorporated widely into environmental monitoring programs. We provide suggestions for the application of EDA combined with NTS in environmental monitoring programs and management, with the identification of further research needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seongjin Hong
- Department of Marine Environmental Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghyun Lee
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Education, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Cha
- Department of Marine Environmental Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyun Gwak
- Department of Marine Environmental Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seong Khim
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang L, Zhang Y, Zhu M, Chen L, Wu B. A critical review on quantitative evaluation of aqueous toxicity in water quality assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 342:140159. [PMID: 37716564 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Conventional chemical techniques have inherent limitations in detecting unknown chemical substances in water. As a result, effect-based methods have emerged as a viable alternative to overcome these limitations. These methods provide more accurate and intuitive evaluations of the toxic effects of water. While numerous studies have been conducted, only a few have been applied to national water quality monitoring. Therefore, it is crucial to develop toxicity evaluation methods and establish thresholds based on quantifying toxicity. This article provides an overview of the development and application of bioanalytical tools, including in vitro and in vivo bioassays. The available methods for quantifying toxicity are then summarized. These methods include aquatic life criteria for assessing the toxicity of a single compound, comprehensive wastewater toxicity testing for all contaminants in a water sample (toxicity units, whole effluent toxicity, the potential ecotoxic effects probe, the potential toxicology method, and the lowest ineffective dilution), methods based on mechanisms and relative toxicity ratios for substances with the same mode of action (the toxicity equivalency factors, toxic equivalents, bioanalytical equivalents), and effect-based trigger values for micropollutants. The article also highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Finally, it proposes potential areas for applying toxicity quantification methods and offers insights into future research directions. This review emphasizes the significance of enhancing the evaluation methods for assessing aqueous toxicity in water quality assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Bing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| |
Collapse
|