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Liao J, Huang R, Jia X, He J, Li Q, Li X, Yuan J, Tan L. Impact of COVID-19 on temporal trends and health risks of urinary metal concentrations among residents of Guangzhou, China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 261:119705. [PMID: 39084505 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Long-term biomonitoring of urinary metal ions is an essential tool for the epidemiological assessment of chronic exposure levels, enabling us to track changes in metal exposure over time and better understand its health implications. In this study, we evaluated the temporal trends of urinary metal ions among 1962 residents of Guangzhou, China, from 2018 to 2022. The total metal ion concentrations in the urine of the population did not change significantly between 2018 and 2019. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, urinary total metal ion concentrations began to decline dramatically, reaching their lowest level in 2021. A rebound in concentrations was observed in 2022, which returned to the initial levels observed in 2018. Urine chromium and cadmium concentrations peaked in 2020, while urinary lead levels were the highest in 2021, and urinary nickel concentrations were the highest in 2022. Males consistently displayed higher urinary concentrations of lead and arsenic throughout each year of the study. Furthermore, minors consistently had higher urinary nickel levels than adults, whereas adults consistently had higher urinary cadmium concentrations than minors. Cluster analyses were conducted annually on urinary metal ions to examine the differences in their distribution and to evaluate changes in metal exposure patterns over time. The Monte Carlo simulations indicate that the whole population exhibits a high non-carcinogenic risk from arsenic exposure and significant carcinogenic risks associated with exposure to nickel, arsenic, chromium, and cadmium. The next two years were predicted by a gray prediction model, and the results are tested using mean absolute percentage error which demonstrating high accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liao
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Rende Huang
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Xiangyu Jia
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510440, China; School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Jia He
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Qin Li
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Xiaotong Li
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Lei Tan
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510440, China; School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
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Pomata D, La Nasa J, Biale G, Barlucchi L, Ceccarini A, Di Filippo P, Riccardi C, Buiarelli F, Modugno F, Simonetti G. Plastic breath: Quantification of microplastics and polymer additives in airborne particles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:173031. [PMID: 38723961 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173031] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The widespread extensive use of synthetic polymers has led to a substantial environmental crisis caused by plastic pollution, with microplastics detected in various environments and posing risks to both human health and ecosystems. The possibility of plastic fragments to be dispersed in the air as particles and inhaled by humans may cause damage to the respiratory and other body systems. Therefore, there is a particular need to study microplastics as air pollutants. In this study, we tested a combination of analytical pyrolysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify and quantify both microplastics and their additives in airborne particulate matter and settled dust within a workplace environment: a WEEE treatment plant. Using this combined approach, we were able to accurately quantify ten synthetic polymers and eight classes of polymer additives. The identified additives include phthalates, adipates, citrates, sebacates, trimellitates, benzoates, organophosphates, and newly developed brominated flame retardants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Pomata
- DIT, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo La Nasa
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Pisa, Italy; CISUP Centre for Instrument Sharing, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Greta Biale
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Ceccarini
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Pisa, Italy; CISUP Centre for Instrument Sharing, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Carmela Riccardi
- DIT, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Modugno
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Pisa, Italy; CISUP Centre for Instrument Sharing, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Simonetti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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3
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Ghobakhloo S, Mostafaii GR, Khoshakhlagh AH, Moda HM, Gruszecka-Kosowska A. Health risk assessment of heavy metals in exposed workers of municipal waste recycling facility in Iran. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 346:140627. [PMID: 37944764 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals (HMs) present in the particulate matter from municipal solid waste during pretreatment and recycling processes may pose a serious health risk to workers. This was the first study on the exposure of municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling workers to toxic metals. The concentrations of HMs (Cd, Pb, As, Co, Cr, Ni, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) during personal exposure to PM2.5 among municipal waste recycling facility workers in Kashan City, Iran, were investigated from January 15 to March 15, 2023. The research was performed in the three main stages of the waste recycling process: dismantling, sorting, and collecting. PM2.5 samples were collected using a personal environmental monitor (PEM) attached to a sampling pump. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk values and related uncertainty for waste recyclers from HMs inhalational exposure were calculated using USEPA methodology and Monte Carlo simulations. The results showed that the dismantlers exhibited the highest exposure concentrations of PM2.5 (mean 2148 ± 1257 μg m-3), followed by sorters (mean 1864 ± 965 μg m-3), and collectors (mean 1782 ± 876 μg m-3). Health risk assessment indicated that 95th percentile contents of Ni, As, Co, and Zn were responsible for the non-carcinogenic risk (HQ) values exceeding the acceptable level of 1. The contents of As, Ni, and Cr in PM2.5 caused a non-acceptable carcinogenic risk for waste recyclers due to inhalational exposure, as the carcinogenic risk (CR) values exceeded the acceptable threshold of 1 × 10-6. Monte Carlo simulation results revealed that the mean and median CR values from inhalational exposure to carcinogenic HMs exceeded the acceptable level of 1 × 10-6 for municipal waste recyclers. As results of this study indicated the high-risk to hazardous metals for waste recyclers due to occupational exposure in the MSW recycling sites, it is suggested to consider workers' exposure as the public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safiye Ghobakhloo
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Gholam Reza Mostafaii
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Khoshakhlagh
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
| | - Haruna Musa Moda
- Department of Environmental Health and Safety, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Doha, Qatar
| | - Agnieszka Gruszecka-Kosowska
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics, and Environmental Protection; Department of Environmental Protection, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
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Pomata D, Di Filippo P, Riccardi C, Buiarelli F, Marini F, Romani L, Lucarelli F, Pazzi G, Galarini R, Simonetti G. Concentrations and co-occurrence of 101 emerging and legacy organic pollutants in the ultrafine, fine and coarse fractions of airborne particulates associated with treatment of waste from electrical and electronic equipment. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139443. [PMID: 37453523 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to airborne particles can increase the development of morbidity, also because of the chemical composition of particulate matter (PM). In workplace, where manual and mechanical disassembly of electric and electronic equipment (EEE) take place, there are evident risks of respiratory exposure to a great number of different toxic organic compounds present in the electrical and plastic materials of which the equipment is made. Airborne particles are numerous, cover a wide range of sizes and are rich in toxic organic compounds. In the present work, a sampling program was conducted and ultrafine, fine and coarse airborne particles were collected in three EEE waste treatment plants. Afterwards, the extraction and analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), their nitro and oxygenated derivatives (nitroPAHs, oxyPAHs), organophosphorus compounds (OPEs), Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFASs) was performed. The percentage ratio of the mass of organic compounds and the mass of the ultrafine fraction of PM (PM0.1) was higher than those of the fine and coarse fractions. Even with low concentrations, the co-occurrence of numerous potentially toxic compounds capable of easily reaching other organs passing by the lung vasculature, through the lymph makes the working environment unhealthy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Pomata
- DIT, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carmela Riccardi
- DIT, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Federico Marini
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Romani
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Lucarelli
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and INFN, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Pazzi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and INFN, University of Florence, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Galarini
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Umbria and Marche, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Simonetti
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Carberry CK, Koval LE, Payton A, Hartwell H, Ho Kim Y, Smith GJ, Reif DM, Jaspers I, Ian Gilmour M, Rager JE. Wildfires and extracellular vesicles: Exosomal MicroRNAs as mediators of cross-tissue cardiopulmonary responses to biomass smoke. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 167:107419. [PMID: 35863239 PMCID: PMC9389917 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wildfires are a threat to public health world-wide that are growing in intensity and prevalence. The biological mechanisms that elicit wildfire-associated toxicity remain largely unknown. The potential involvement of cross-tissue communication via extracellular vesicles (EVs) is a new mechanism that has yet to be evaluated. METHODS Female CD-1 mice were exposed to smoke condensate samples collected from the following biomass burn scenarios: flaming peat; smoldering peat; flaming red oak; and smoldering red oak, representing lab-based simulations of wildfire scenarios. Lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples, peripheral blood, and heart tissues were collected 4 and 24 h post-exposure. Exosome-enriched EVs were isolated from plasma, physically characterized, and profiled for microRNA (miRNA) expression. Pathway-level responses in the lung and heart were evaluated through RNA sequencing and pathway analyses. RESULTS Markers of cardiopulmonary tissue injury and inflammation from BALF samples were significantly altered in response to exposures, with the greatest changes occurring from flaming biomass conditions. Plasma EV miRNAs relevant to cardiovascular disease showed exposure-induced expression alterations, including miR-150, miR-183, miR-223-3p, miR-30b, and miR-378a. Lung and heart mRNAs were identified with differential expression enriched for hypoxia and cell stress-related pathways. Flaming red oak exposure induced the greatest transcriptional response in the heart, a large portion of which were predicted as regulated by plasma EV miRNAs, including miRNAs known to regulate hypoxia-induced cardiovascular injury. Many of these miRNAs had published evidence supporting their transfer across tissues. A follow-up analysis of miR-30b showed that it was increased in expression in the heart of exposed mice in the absence of changes to its precursor molecular, pri-miR-30b, suggesting potential transfer from external sources (e.g., plasma). DISCUSSION This study posits a potential mechanism through which wildfire exposures induce cardiopulmonary responses, highlighting the role of circulating plasma EVs in intercellular and systems-level communication between tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste K Carberry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lauren E Koval
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alexis Payton
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hadley Hartwell
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yong Ho Kim
- The Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gregory J Smith
- Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - David M Reif
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - M Ian Gilmour
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Julia E Rager
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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6
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López M, Reche C, Pérez-Albaladejo E, Porte C, Balasch A, Monfort E, Eljarrat E, Viana M. E-waste dismantling as a source of personal exposure and environmental release of fine and ultrafine particles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:154871. [PMID: 35364180 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electronic waste (WEEE; from TV screens to electric toothbrushes) is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. Prior to recycling, e-waste components (metals, wood, glass, etc.) are processed by shredding, grinding and chainsaw cutting. These activities generate fine and ultrafine particle emissions, containing metals as well as organics (e.g., flame retardants), which have high potential for human health impacts as well as for environmental release. In this work, release of fine and ultrafine particles, and their exposure impacts, was assessed in an e-waste recycling facility under real-world operating conditions. Parameters monitored were black carbon, particle mass concentrations, ultrafine particles, and aerosol morphology and chemical composition. Potential health impacts were assessed in terms of cytotoxicity (cell viability) and oxidative stress (ROS) on <2 μm particles collected in liquid suspension. Environmental release of WEEE aerosols was evidenced by the higher particle concentrations monitored outside the facility when compared to the urban background (43 vs.11 μgPM2.5/m3, respectively, or 2.4 vs. 0.2 μgCa/m3). Inside the facility, concentrations were higher in the top than on the ground floor (PM2.5 = 147 vs. 78 μg/m3, N = 15.4 ∗ 104 vs. 8.7 ∗ 104/cm3, BC = 12.4 vs. 7.2 μg/m3). Ventilation was a key driver of human exposure, in combination with particle emissions. Key chemical tracers were Ca (from plastic fillers) and Fe (from wiring and other metal components). Y, Zr, Cd, Pb, P and Bi were markers of cathode TV recycling, and Li and Cr of grinding activities. While aerosols did not evidence cytotoxic effects, ROS generation was detected in 4 out of the 12 samples collected, associated to the ultrafine fraction. We conclude on the need for studies on aerosol emissions from WEEE facilities, especially in Europe, due to their demonstrable environmental and human health impacts and the rapidly growing generation of this type of waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- M López
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona University, Chemistry Faculty, C/ de Martí i Franquès, 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - C Reche
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Pérez-Albaladejo
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Porte
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Balasch
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona University, Chemistry Faculty, C/ de Martí i Franquès, 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Monfort
- Institute of Ceramic Technology (ITC)-AICE - Universitat Jaume I, Campus Universitario Riu Sec, Av. Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12006 Castellón, Spain
| | - E Eljarrat
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Viana
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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Wang J, Su G, Yan X, Zhang W, Jia J, Yan B. Predicting cytotoxicity of binary pollutants towards a human cell panel in environmental water by experimentation and deep learning methods. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132324. [PMID: 34563777 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biological assays are useful in water quality evaluation by providing the overall toxicity of chemical mixtures in environmental waters. However, it is impossible to elucidate the source of toxicity and some lethal combination of pollutants simply using biological assays. As facile and cost-effective methods, computation model-based toxicity assessments are complementary technologies. Herein, we predicted the human health risk of binary pollutant mixtures (i.e., binary combinations of As(III), Cd(II), Cr(VI), Pb(II) and F(I)) in water using in vitro biological assays and deep learning methods. By employing a human cell panel containing human stomach, colon, liver, and kidney cell lines, we assessed the human health risk mimicking cellular responses after oral exposures of environmental water containing pollutants. Based on the experimental cytotoxicity data in pure water, multi-task deep learning was applied to predict cellular response of binary pollutant mixtures in environmental water. Using additive descriptors and single pollutant toxicity data in pure water, the established deep learning model could predict the toxicity of most binary mixtures in environmental water, with coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.65 and root mean squared error (RMSE) < 0.22. Further combining the experimental data on synergistic and antagonistic effects of pollutant mixtures, deep learning helped improve the predictive ability of the model (R2 > 0.74 and RMSE <0.17). Moreover, predictive models allowed us identify a number of toxicity source-related physiochemical properties. This study illustrates the combination of experimental findings and deep learning methods in the water quality evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Gaoxing Su
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Xiliang Yan
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jianbo Jia
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bing Yan
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Avenbuan ON, Meltzer GY, Awada C, Raja A, Holian A, Zelikoff JT. A contemporary review of electronic waste through the lens of inhalation toxicology. Inhal Toxicol 2021; 33:285-294. [PMID: 34715768 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2021.1996493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Inhalation is a significant route of exposure to toxic chemicals for electronic waste (e-waste) workers, especially for those whose activities take place in the informal sector. However, there remains a dearth of research on the health effects produced by the hazardous dismantling of e-waste and associated outcomes and biological mechanisms that occur as a result of inhalation exposure. This contemporary review highlights a number of the toxicological and epidemiological studies published on this topic to bring to light the many knowledge gaps that require further research, including in vitro and ex vivo investigations to address the health outcomes and underlying mechanisms of inhaled e-waste-associated pulmonary disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyemwenosa N Avenbuan
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabriella Y Meltzer
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christina Awada
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amna Raja
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrij Holian
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana College of Health, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Judith T Zelikoff
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Rager JE, Clark J, Eaves LA, Avula V, Niehoff NM, Kim YH, Jaspers I, Gilmour MI. Mixtures modeling identifies chemical inducers versus repressors of toxicity associated with wildfire smoke. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 775:145759. [PMID: 33611182 PMCID: PMC8243846 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to wildfire smoke continues to be a growing threat to public health, yet the chemical components in wildfire smoke that primarily drive toxicity and associated disease are largely unknown. This study utilized a suite of computational approaches to identify groups of chemicals induced by variable biomass burn conditions that were associated with biological responses in the mouse lung, including pulmonary immune response and injury markers. Smoke condensate samples were collected and characterized, resulting in chemical distribution information for 86 constituents across ten different exposures. Mixtures-relevant statistical methods included (i) a chemical clustering and data-reduction method, weighted chemical co-expression network analysis (WCCNA), (ii) a quantile g-computation approach to address the joint effect of multiple chemicals in different groupings, and (iii) a correlation analysis to compare mixtures modeling results against individual chemical relationships. Seven chemical groups were identified using WCCNA based on co-occurrence showing both positive and negative relationships with biological responses. A group containing methoxyphenols (e.g., coniferyl aldehyde, eugenol, guaiacol, and vanillin) displayed highly significant, negative relationships with several biological responses, including cytokines and lung injury markers. This group was further shown through quantile g-computation methods to associate with reduced biological responses. Specifically, mixtures modeling based on all chemicals excluding those in the methoxyphenol group demonstrated more significant, positive relationships with several biological responses; whereas mixtures modeling based on just those in the methoxyphenol group demonstrated significant negative relationships with several biological responses, suggesting potential protective effects. Mixtures-based analyses also identified other groups consisting of inorganic elements and ionic constituents showing positive relationships with several biological responses, including markers of inflammation. Many of the effects identified through mixtures modeling in this analysis were not captured through individual chemical analyses. Together, this study demonstrates the utility of mixtures-based approaches to identify potential drivers and inhibitors of toxicity relevant to wildfire exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Rager
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Jeliyah Clark
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lauren A Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Vennela Avula
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nicole M Niehoff
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Yong Ho Kim
- The Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; The Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - M Ian Gilmour
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Pan Y, Ren Q, Chen P, Wu J, Wu Z, Zhang G. Insight Into Microbial Community Aerosols Associated With Electronic Waste Handling Facilities by Culture-Dependent and Culture-Independent Methods. Front Public Health 2021; 9:657784. [PMID: 33889561 PMCID: PMC8055949 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.657784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Airborne microorganisms in the waste associated environments are more active and complex compared to other places. However, the diversity and structure of airborne bacteria in waste-associated environments are still not clearly understood. The purpose of this study was to assess airborne bacterial community in electronic waste dismantling site and a waste transfer station based on culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. A total of 229 isolates were obtained from four airborne sites collected from residential area, electronic industrial park, and office area in or near an electronic waste dismantling site and a waste transfer station in Southern China in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Most of the isolates were isolated from air for the first time and 14 potentially novel species were identified by Sanger sequencing. Bacterial communities in waste-associated bioaerosols were predominated by Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Abundant genera (>1%) included Paracaedibacteraceae (uncultured EF667926), Ralstonia, Chroococcidiopsis, Chitinophagaceae (uncultured FN428761), Sphingobium, and Heliimonas. One-third of the species in these genera were uncultured approximately. Differences community structure existed in airborne bacterial diversity among different sampling sites. These results showed that waste-associated environments have unique bacterial diversity. Further studies on such environments could provide new insights into bacterial community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiguo Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhendong Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoxia Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangzhou, China
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Ceballos D, Zhou M, Herrick R. Metals and Particulates Exposure from a Mobile E-Waste Shredding Truck: A Pilot Study. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 64:890-896. [PMID: 32747949 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The US electronics recycling industry has introduced a novel mobile electronic waste (e-waste) shredding truck service to address increasing needs for secure data destruction of e-waste. These trucks can shred small electronics with data security concerns at remote locations for a wide variety of clients. Shredding jobs usually involve hand-feeding electronic waste (e-waste) for 4-10 h day-1, 1-5 days. Shredding of e-waste has been documented as a source of high metal exposures, especially lead and cadmium. However, no studies have been done to assess exposures on mobile e-waste shredding trucks. We conducted a pilot cross-sectional exposure assessment on a mobile e-waste shredding truck performing a 65-min shredding job (truck back door open and no local exhaust ventilation) in the Greater Boston area in 2019. We collected area air and surface wipe samples for metals along with real-time particulate measurements from different locations. The highest metal air concentrations (e.g. 2.9 µg-lead m-3) were found next and 1.8 m away from the shredder operator inside the semi-trailer. Metal surface contamination was highest near the shredder (e.g. 1190 µg-lead 100 cm-2) and extended to other parts of the truck. Near the shredder, the concentration of ultrafine particles was up to 250 000 particles cm-3 and particulate matter 2.5 mm or less in diameter (PM2.5) was up to 171 µg m-3, and neither returned to background levels after 40 min of inactivity. A diesel-electric generator was used to power the shredder and could have contributed to some of the particulate emissions. We found that mobile e-waste shredding trucks are a source of metals and particulates emissions. We recommend the industry adopts better controls for shredding inside trucks, such as local exhaust ventilation with proper filtration and use of personal protective equipment, to protect workers' health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Ceballos
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Herrick
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Yu D, Fang Y, Liu L, He J, Han X, Yu H, Dong S. Fabrication of a Novel, Cost-Effective Double-Sided Indium Tin Oxide-Based Nanoribbon Electrode and Its Application of Acute Toxicity Detection in Water. ACS Sens 2020; 5:3923-3929. [PMID: 33305577 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.0c01566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Microelectrode plays a crucial role in developing a rapid biosensor for detecting toxicity in water. In this study, a nanoribbon electrode (NRE) with amplified microelectrode signal was successfully prepared by electrodepositing 2-allylphenol on a double-sided indium tin oxide glass. The NRE provided a simple mean for obtaining large steady-state current response. Its advantages were discussed by contrasting the toxicity detection of 3,5-dichlorophenol (DCP) with single microelectrode, microelectrode array, and millimeter electrode as working electrodes in which potassium ferricyanide (K3[Fe(CN)6]) was adopted as a mediator, and Escherichia coli was selected as bioreceptor. At a constant potential of 450 mV, the current reached a steady state within 10 s. The biosensor was constructed using the NRE as working electrode, and its feasibility was verified by determining the toxicity of DCP. A 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.01 mg/L was obtained by analyzing the current responses of different concentrations of DCP within 1 h. These results exhibited that the proposed method based on the as-prepared NRE was a rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective way for toxicity detection in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengbin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Science, Changchun, Jilin 130102, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Wuhan University), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, P. R. China
| | - Youxing Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China
| | - Ling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China
| | - Jingting He
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China
| | - Xuerong Han
- School of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University Science and Technology, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China
| | - Hongwen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Science, Changchun, Jilin 130102, P. R. China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University Science and Technology, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Shaojun Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, P. R. China
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13
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Yu D, Li J, Kang Z, Liu L, He J, Fang Y, Yu H, Dong S. An unexpected discovery of 1,4-benzoquinone as a lipophilic mediator for toxicity detection in water. Analyst 2020; 145:5266-5272. [PMID: 32724991 DOI: 10.1039/d0an00991a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Since most toxicological risk assessments are based on individual single-species tests, there is uncertainty in extrapolating these results to ecosystem assessments. Herein, we successfully developed a mediated microbial electrochemical biosensor with mixed microorganisms for toxicity detection by microelectrode array (MEA). In order to fully mobilize all the mixed microorganisms to participate in electron transfer to amplify the current signal, 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ) was used as the lipophilic mediator to mediate the intracellular metabolic activities. Hydrophilic K3[Fe(CN)6] was employed as an extracellular electron acceptor to transport electrons from hydroquinone (HQ) to the working electrode. Under the optimal conditions of 50 mM phosphate buffer solution (PBS), 0.4 mM BQ, 10 mM K3[Fe(CN)6] and OD600 = 0.5 bacteria concentration, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values measured with the composite-mediated respiration (CM-RES) of BQ-K3[Fe(CN)6] for Cu2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+ were 5.95, 7.12 and 8.86 mg L-1, respectively. IC50 values obtained with the single mediator K3[Fe(CN)6] were 2.34, 5.88 and 2.42 mg L-1 for the same samples. The results indicate that the biosensor with the single mediator K3[Fe(CN)6] had higher sensitivity to heavy metal ions than the biosensor with composite mediators. After verification, we found that the addition of BQ cannot amplify the current. The IC50 value of 0.89 mg L-1 for BQ was obtained using K3[Fe(CN)6] as the single mediator. This suggests that BQ is highly toxic, which explained why the sensitivity of the biosensor with the combined mediator BQ-K3[Fe(CN)6] was lower than that of the biosensor with the single mediator K3[Fe(CN)6]. At the same time, this also implies that toxicity itself cannot be ignored when it is used as an electronic mediator in a mediated microbial electrochemical biosensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengbin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Science, Changchun 130102, Jilin, P. R. China.
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Guo J, Patton L, Wang J, Xu Z. Fate and migration of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in a workshop for waste printed circuit board de-soldering. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:30342-30351. [PMID: 32451903 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06735-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are released from the recycling process of PBDE-containing waste printed circuit board (WPCB), but studies on the mechanism of PBDE emission and migration are limited. In this study, PBDE concentrations in particulate matter (PM), dust, and fumes collected in a pilot-scale workshop for the WPCB de-soldering process were measured, and PBDE emission after gas treatment was estimated. The results showed that the mean concentrations of ∑8PBDEs in TSP and PM2.5 in the workshop were 20.3 ng/m3 (24.7 μg/g) and 16.1 ng/m3 (115 μg/g), respectively. In practice, the fumes containing gaseous and particulate PBDEs were treated by the combination of alkaline solution absorption and activated carbon adsorption. Compared to PBDE concentration in workshop floor dust (2680 ng/g), PBDE concentrations in solution scum (68,000 ng/g) and hood inside dust (20,200 ng/g) were condensed. The concentrations of ∑6PBDEs at the stack outlet (416 pg/m3) after gas treatment were lower than those in the stack pipe (1310 pg/m3) and hood inside (7440 pg/m3). The PBDEs in fumes were removed through physical adsorption of alkaline solution and activated carbon, and solution scum constituted the main mass discharges of PBDEs. The emission factor of PBDEs at the stack outlet was 47.3 ng ∑6PBDEs/kg WPCB. As a result, the WPCB de-soldering process is an important source of PBDE pollution, and gas treatment of solution absorption and activated carbon adsorption can reduce PBDE emission to some extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Guo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Luorong Patton
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenming Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Liang Z, Li G, Xiong J, Mai B, An T. Purification, molecular characterization and metabolic mechanism of an aerobic tetrabromobisphenol A dehalogenase, a key enzyme of halorespiration in Ochrobactrum sp. T. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 237:124461. [PMID: 31374395 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Due to the detoxification of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) varies from different bacterial strains and depends on their specific enzymatic machinery, it is necessary to understand them for potential in situ bioremediation application. The special ability of our previously isolated Ochrobactrum sp. T to simultaneously debrominate and aerobic mineralize TBBPA urgent us to continuously study its degradation molecular mechanism. Herein, the purification and characterization of the dehalogenase which can debrominate TBBPA was investigated based on its corresponding encoding gene tbbpaA. Results showed that an enzyme with molecular mass of 117 kDa, Km of 26.6 μM and Vmax of 0.133 μM min-1 mg-1 was purified and designated as bromophenol dehalogenase. It was the only detected dehalogenase which exhibited TBBPA degradation ability (78%). Moreover, its activity was significantly enhanced by adding NADPH or methyl viologen to the reaction solution. The high similarity of substrate spectrum between the dehalogenase from the recombinant strain and the wild strain further indicated that it was the main dehalogenase responsible for the debromination in wild strain. Based on three identified metabolites, a metabolic pathway of TBBPA by purified enzyme under oxic condition was proposed. This study provides an excellent dehalogenase candidate for mechanistic study of aerobic dehalogenation of brominated aromatic compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhishu Liang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Guiying Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jukun Xiong
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bixian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Taicheng An
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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16
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Okeme J, Arrandale VH. Electronic Waste Recycling: Occupational Exposures and Work-Related Health Effects. Curr Environ Health Rep 2019; 6:256-268. [DOI: 10.1007/s40572-019-00255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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17
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Nguyen LV, Diamond ML, Venier M, Stubbings WA, Romanak K, Bajard L, Melymuk L, Jantunen LM, Arrandale VH. Exposure of Canadian electronic waste dismantlers to flame retardants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 129:95-104. [PMID: 31125732 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of e-waste workers to eight halogenated and five organophosphate ester flame retardant chemicals (FRs) was studied at a Canadian e-waste dismantling facility. FR concentrations were measured in air and dust samples collected at a central location and at four work benches over five-24 hour periods spanning two weeks. The highest concentrations in air from workbenches were of BDE-209 (median 156 ng m-3), followed by Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP, median 59 ng m-3). Dust concentrations at the workbenches were higher than those measured at the central location, consistent with the release of contaminated dust during dismantling. Dust concentrations from the workbenches were also dominated by BDE-209 (median 96,300 ng g-1), followed by Triphenyl phosphate (TPhP, median 47,000 ng g-1). Most FRs were in coarse particles 5.6-18 μm diameter and ~30% were in respirable particles (<~3 μm). Exposure estimates indicated that dust ingestion accounted for 63% of total FR exposure; inhalation and dermal absorption contributed 35 and 2%, respectively. Some air and dust concentrations as well as some estimated exposures in this formal facility in a high-income country exceeded those from informal e-waste facilities located in low and middle income countries. Although there is demonstrated toxicity of some FRs, FR exposure in the e-waste industry has received minimal attention and occupational limits do not exist for most FRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh V Nguyen
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marta Venier
- School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - William A Stubbings
- School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Kevin Romanak
- School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Lola Bajard
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lisa Melymuk
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Liisa M Jantunen
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Egbert, Ontario, Canada; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria H Arrandale
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Occupational Cancer Research Center, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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18
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Zhang L, Xu Z. Towards minimization of secondary wastes: Element recycling to achieve future complete resource recycling of electronic wastes. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 96:175-180. [PMID: 31376962 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recycling resources from millions of tons of e-wastes are a global challenge. E-wastes is complex and contains both toxic organics and valuable metals. Therefore, the technologies for e-wastes recycling are totally different from those used for mineral separation. Current technologies for e-wastes tend to focus on recycling materials with high economic value and ignore components that cannot be recycled or have low reuse value. As a result, some secondary pollution problems inevitably occur due to the recycling process. Based on these problems, we summarize the universal characteristics of e-wastes and explore new approaches to achieve complete resource recycling of e-wastes with minimum secondary waste generation. A concept of element recycling is proposed to achieve complete resource recycling of e-wastes in the study. We can use the properties of the elements in different types of e-wastes to achieve e-wastes recycling, i.e., recycle of elements in e-wastes. Under the guidance of element recycling, various e-wastes types have common connections. If element recycling in e-wastes is realized, all components in e-wastes can be fully recycled without/with minimal production of secondary waste. The two case studies are discussed to clarify the concept and principle of element recycling. This study explores the recycling of e-wastes from a new perspective-element recycling in e-wastes. The concept of element recycling is significant for resource recycling from e-wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingen Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenming Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China.
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He M, Wang N, Long X, Zhang C, Ma C, Zhong Q, Wang A, Wang Y, Pervaiz A, Shan J. Antimony speciation in the environment: Recent advances in understanding the biogeochemical processes and ecological effects. J Environ Sci (China) 2019; 75:14-39. [PMID: 30473279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2018.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Antimony (Sb) is a toxic metalloid, and its pollution has become a global environmental problem as a result of its extensive use and corresponding Sb-mining activities. The toxicity and mobility of Sb strongly depend on its chemical speciation. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the biogeochemical processes (including emission, distribution, speciation, redox, metabolism and toxicity) that trigger the mobilization and transformation of Sb from pollution sources to the surrounding environment. Natural phenomena such as weathering, biological activity and volcanic activity, together with anthropogenic inputs, are responsible for the emission of Sb into the environment. Sb emitted in the environment can adsorb and undergo redox reactions on organic or inorganic environmental media, thus changing its existing form and exerting toxic effects on the ecosystem. This review is based on a careful and systematic collection of the latest papers during 2010-2017 and our research results, and it illustrates the fate and ecological effects of Sb in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchang He
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Ningning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaojing Long
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Chengjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Congli Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Qianyun Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Aihua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Aneesa Pervaiz
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jun Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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Yu D, Liu C, Rao Y, Zhai J, Liu L, Dong S. Preparation, performance, and application of a stable, sensitive and cost-effective microelectrode array. Talanta 2018; 188:245-250. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.05.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Kim YH, Warren SH, Krantz QT, King C, Jaskot R, Preston WT, George BJ, Hays MD, Landis MS, Higuchi M, DeMarini DM, Gilmour MI. Mutagenicity and Lung Toxicity of Smoldering vs. Flaming Emissions from Various Biomass Fuels: Implications for Health Effects from Wildland Fires. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:017011. [PMID: 29373863 PMCID: PMC6039157 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing size and frequency of wildland fires are leading to greater potential for cardiopulmonary disease and cancer in exposed populations; however, little is known about how the types of fuel and combustion phases affect these adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the mutagenicity and lung toxicity of particulate matter (PM) from flaming vs. smoldering phases of five biomass fuels, and compared results by equal mass or emission factors (EFs) derived from amount of fuel consumed. METHODS A quartz-tube furnace coupled to a multistage cryotrap was employed to collect smoke condensate from flaming and smoldering combustion of red oak, peat, pine needles, pine, and eucalyptus. Samples were analyzed chemically and assessed for acute lung toxicity in mice and mutagenicity in Salmonella. RESULTS The average combustion efficiency was 73 and 98% for the smoldering and flaming phases, respectively. On an equal mass basis, PM from eucalyptus and peat burned under flaming conditions induced significant lung toxicity potencies (neutrophil/mass of PM) compared to smoldering PM, whereas high levels of mutagenicity potencies were observed for flaming pine and peat PM compared to smoldering PM. When effects were adjusted for EF, the smoldering eucalyptus PM had the highest lung toxicity EF (neutrophil/mass of fuel burned), whereas smoldering pine and pine needles had the highest mutagenicity EF. These latter values were approximately 5, 10, and 30 times greater than those reported for open burning of agricultural plastic, woodburning cookstoves, and some municipal waste combustors, respectively. CONCLUSIONS PM from different fuels and combustion phases have appreciable differences in lung toxic and mutagenic potency, and on a mass basis, flaming samples are more active, whereas smoldering samples have greater effect when EFs are taken into account. Knowledge of the differential toxicity of biomass emissions will contribute to more accurate hazard assessment of biomass smoke exposures. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2200.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ho Kim
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- National Research Council , Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sarah H Warren
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Q Todd Krantz
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Charly King
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard Jaskot
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Barbara J George
- Immediate Office, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael D Hays
- Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew S Landis
- Exposure Methods and Measurement Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mark Higuchi
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - David M DeMarini
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - M Ian Gilmour
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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22
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Yu D, Yong YC, Liu C, Fang Y, Bai L, Dong S. New applications of genetically modified Pseudomonas aeruginosa for toxicity detection in water. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 184:106-111. [PMID: 28582765 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.05.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A novel mediator-free method based on genetically modified bacteria was developed for detecting water toxicity, where genetically modified Pseudomonas aeruginosa (GM P. aeruginosa) was selected as the biosensor strain and pyocyanin (PYO) produced by this strain was used as the indicator. The toxicity response of GM P. aeruginosa to 3, 5-dichlorophenol (3, 5-DCP) was measured electrochemically and spectroscopically, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3, 5-DCP was determined to be 15.1 mg/L. Strikingly, the toxicity of sample solution with 3, 5-DCP could also be estimated visually by naked eyes at a concentration as low as 10 mg/L. The present study provided a convenient, sensitive and cost-effective method for water toxicity detection, and extended biosensing application of the genetically modified bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengbin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - Yang-Chun Yong
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Changyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - Youxing Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - Lu Bai
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, North University of China, 3 Xueyuan Road, Taiyuan 030051, Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Shaojun Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, Jilin Province, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, PR China.
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23
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Tirkkonen J, Täubel M, Leppänen H, Peltonen M, Lindsley W, Chen BT, Hyvärinen A, Hirvonen MR, Huttunen K. Toxicity of airborne dust as an indicator of moisture problems in school buildings. Inhal Toxicol 2017; 29:75-81. [DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2017.1296511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Tirkkonen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Martin Täubel
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Health Protection, Living Environment and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hanna Leppänen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Health Protection, Living Environment and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Matti Peltonen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Health Protection, Living Environment and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - William Lindsley
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WA, USA
| | - Bean T. Chen
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WA, USA
| | - Anne Hyvärinen
- Department of Health Protection, Living Environment and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maija-Riitta Hirvonen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kati Huttunen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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24
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Liu Y, Gong A, Qiu L, Li J, Li F. Effect of copper ion and soil humic acid on biodegradation of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microbiologyopen 2017; 6. [PMID: 28105780 PMCID: PMC5458450 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a good environmental microorganism capable of degrading decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐209). This paper studied the effect of Cu2+ and humic acid (HA) extracted from e‐waste contaminated soils on biodegradation of BDE‐209 by P. aeruginosa. The adsorption isotherms of Cu2+ on HA, the crude enzyme activity, cell surface morphology, and biodegradation pathway were also investigated. The results showed that BDE‐209 biodegradation by P. aeruginosa was inhibited at Cu2+ concentrations above 5 mg L−1, but exhibited the best effect at the condition of 40 mg L−1 Cu2+ + 3 g L−1 HA. At the condition of 40 mg L−1 Cu2+ + 3 g L−1 HA, 97.35 ± 2.33% of the initial BDE‐209 was degraded after 5 days, debromination efficiency was 72.14 ± 1.89%, crude enzyme activity reached the maximum of 0.519 ± 0.022U g−1 protein, cell surface of P. aeruginosa was smooth with normal short‐rod shapes, and biodegradation pathway mainly include debromination, hydroxylation, and cleavage of the diphenyl ether bond. It was suggested that soil HA could eliminate the toxic effect of high Cu2+ concentrations and biodegradation of BDE‐209 was improved by synergistic effect of HA and Cu2+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China.,Institute of Biotechnology, Daqing Branch of Heilongjiang Academy of Science, Daqing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Functional Molecular and Crystalline Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Aijun Gong
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Functional Molecular and Crystalline Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Qiu
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Functional Molecular and Crystalline Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Jingrui Li
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Functional Molecular and Crystalline Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Fukai Li
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Functional Molecular and Crystalline Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
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25
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Ceballos DM, Dong Z. The formal electronic recycling industry: Challenges and opportunities in occupational and environmental health research. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 95:157-66. [PMID: 27568575 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND E-waste includes electrical and electronic equipment discarded as waste without intent of reuse. Informal e-waste recycling, typically done in smaller, unorganized businesses, can expose workers and communities to serious chemical health hazards. It is unclear if formalization into larger, better-controlled electronics recycling (e-recycling) facilities solves environmental and occupational health problems. OBJECTIVES To systematically review the literature on occupational and environmental health hazards of formal e-recycling facilities and discuss challenges and opportunities to strengthen research in this area. METHODS We identified 37 publications from 4 electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Environmental Index, NIOSHTIC-2) specific to chemical exposures in formal e-recycling facilities. DISCUSSION Environmental and occupational exposures depend on the degree of formalization of the facilities but further reduction is needed. Reported worker exposures to metals were often higher than recommended occupational guidelines. Levels of brominated flame-retardants in worker's inhaled air and biological samples were higher than those from reference groups. Air, dust, and soil concentrations of metals, brominated flame-retardants, dioxins, furans, polycyclic-aromatic hydrocarbons, or polychlorinated biphenyls found inside or near the facilities were generally higher than reference locations, suggesting transport into the environment. Children of a recycler had blood lead levels higher than public health recommended guidelines. CONCLUSIONS With mounting e-waste, more workers, their family members, and communities could experience unhealthful exposures to metals and other chemicals. We identified research needs to further assess exposures, health, and improve controls. The long-term solution is manufacturing of electronics without harmful substances and easy-to-disassemble components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Maria Ceballos
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Zhao Dong
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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