Drinking water disinfection byproduct iodoacetic acid induces tumorigenic transformation of NIH3T3 cells

Development and validation of a GC-MS/MS method for the determination of iodoacetic acid in biological samples

Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is a halogenated disinfection by-product of growing concern due to its high cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, endocrine disruptor effects, and potential carcinogenicity. However, the data on distribution and excretion of IAA after ingestion by mammals are still scarce. Here, we developed a reliable and validated method for detecting IAA in biological specimens (plasma, urine, feces, liver, kidney, and tissues) based on modified QuEChERS sample preparation combined with gas chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The detection method for IAA exhibited satisfactory recovery rates (62.6-108.0%) with low relative standard deviations (RSD < 12.3%) and a low detection limit for all biological matrices ranging from 0.007 to 0.032 ng/g. The study showed that the proposed method was reliable and reproducible for analyzing IAA in biological specimens. It was successfully used to detect IAA levels in biological samples from rats given gavage administration. The results indicated that IAA was found in various tissues and organs, including plasma, thyroid, the liver, the kidney, the spleen, gastrointestinal tract, and others, 6 h after exposure. This study provides the first data on the in vivo distribution in and excretion of IAA by mammals following oral exposure.

Locally enhanced mixed-order model for chloramine decay in drinking water disinfection

Chloramine is the second most popular disinfectant and is widely used in the disinfection of drinking water. For chloramine disinfection, some standards require the total chlorine concentration to be maintained in an appropriate range in the water distribution system. Therefore, exploring the mechanism of chloramine decay and deriving an accurate chloramine decay model helps to optimize the disinfection process and ensure water quality safety. This paper proposed a locally enhanced mixed-order(LEM) model consisting of the first order model and the mixed order model to describe chloramine auto-decomposition and decays caused by other reactions respectively. Via proving the parameter a and k2 related to temperatures instead of initial chloramine concentration, the model had been further simplified. Nine chloramine decay experiments with different initial chloramine concentrations and temperatures were designed and carried out to evaluate the new model performance for chloramine decay simulation. The research results showed that the simplified LEM model could simulate the whole process of chloramine decay well. Its accuracy evaluation indexes (R2 and SSE) were better than that obtained from the first order model and the mixed order model. This paper proposed a simple and accurate method to simulate the process of chloramine decay and had a guiding significance for water quality safety assurance.

Novel evidence on iodoacetic acid-induced immune protein functional and conformational changes: Focusing on cellular and molecular aspects

Elevated levels of iodide occur in raw water in certain regions, where iodination disinfection byproducts are formed during chloramine-assisted disinfection of naturally iodide-containing water. Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is one of the typical harmful products. The mechanisms underlying IAA-induced immunotoxicity and its direct effects on biomolecules remained unclear in the past. Cellular, biochemical, and molecular methods were used to investigate the mechanism of IAA-induced immunotoxicity and its binding to lysozyme. In the presence of IAA, the cell viability of coelomocytes was significantly reduced to 70.8 %, as was the intracellular lysozyme activity. Upon binding to IAA, lysozyme underwent structural and conformational changes, causing elongation and unfolding of the protein due to loosening of the backbone and polypeptide chains. IAA effectively quenched the fluorescence of lysozyme and induced a reduction in particle sizes. Molecular docking revealed that the catalytic residue, Glu 35, which is crucial for lysozyme activity, resided within the docking range, suggesting the preferential binding of IAA to the active site of lysozyme. Moreover, electrostatic interaction emerged as the primary driving force behind the interaction between IAA and lysozyme. In conclusion, the structural and conformational changes induced by IAA in lysozyme resulted in impaired immune protein function in coelomocytes, leading to cellular dysfunction.

Genotoxicity and endocrine disruption potential of haloacetic acids in human placental and lung cells

Chlorination of water results in the formation of haloacetic acids (HAAs) as major disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Previous studies have reported some HAAs species to act as cytotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic. This work aimed at further exploring the toxicity potential of the most investigated HAAs (chloroacetic (CAA), bromoacetic (BAA), iodoacetic (IAA) acid) and HAAs species with high content of bromine (tribromoacetic acid (TBAA)), and iodine in their structures (chloroiodoacetic (CIAA) and diiodoacetic acid (DIAA)) to human cells. Novel knowledge was generated regarding cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, endocrine disrupting potential, and genotoxicity of these HAAs by using human placental and lung cells as in vitro models, not previously used for DBP assessment. IAA showed the highest cytotoxicity (EC₅₀: 7.5 μM) and ability to generate ROS (up to 3-fold) in placental cells, followed by BAA (EC₅₀: 20-25 μM and 2.1-fold). TBAA, CAA, DIAA, and CIAA showed no significant cytotoxicity (EC₅₀ > 250 μM). All tested HAAs decreased the expression of the steroidogenic gene hsd17b1 up to 40 % in placental cells, and IAA and BAA (0.01-1 μM) slightly inhibited the aromatase activity. HAAs also induced the formation of micronuclei in A549 lung cells after 48 h of exposure. IAA and BAA showed a non-significant increase in micronuclei formation at low concentrations (1 μM), while BAA, CAA, CIAA and TBAA were genotoxic at exposure concentrations above 10 μM (100 μM in the case of DIAA). These results point to genotoxic and endocrine disruption effects associated with HAA exposure at low concentrations (0.01-1 μM), and the usefulness of the selected bioassays to provide fast and sensitive responses to HAA exposure, particularly in terms of genotoxicity and endocrine disruption effects. Further studies are needed to define thresholds that better protect public health.

Drinking water disinfection byproduct iodoacetic acid affects thyroid hormone synthesis in Nthy-ori 3-1 cells

Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is an emerging and the most genotoxic iodinated disinfection byproduct to date. IAA can disrupt the thyroid endocrine function in vivo and in vitro, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this work, transcriptome sequencing was used to investigate the effect of IAA on the cellular pathways of human thyroid follicular epithelial cell line Nthy-ori 3-1 and determine the mechanism of IAA on the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormone (TH) in Nthy-ori 3-1 cells. Results of transcriptome sequencing indicated that IAA affected the TH synthesis pathway in Nthy-ori 3-1 cells. IAA reduced the mRNA expression of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor, sodium iodide symporter, thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin, paired box 8 and thyroid transcription factor-2, inhibited the cAMP/PKA pathway and Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, and decreased the iodine intake. The results were confirmed by our previous findings in vivo. Additionally, IAA downregulated glutathione and the mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase 1, leading to increased reactive oxygen species production. This study is the first to elucidate the mechanisms of IAA on TH synthesis in vitro. The mechanisms are associated with down-regulating the expression of genes related to TH synthesis, inhibiting iodine uptake, and inducing oxidative stress. These findings may improve future health risk assessment of IAA on thyroid in human.

Effect of iodoacetic acid on the reproductive system of male mice

Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is one of the most common water disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Humans and animals are widely and continuously exposed to it. Many species of water DBPs are harmful to the reproductive system of organisms. Nevertheless, the potential effects of IAA exposure on testosterone and spermatogenesis in vivo remain ambiguous. Spermatogenous cells are the site of spermatogenesis, Leydig cells are the site of testosterone synthesis, and Sertoli cells build the blood–testis barrier (BTB), providing a stable environment for the aforementioned important physiological functions in testicular tissue. Therefore, we observed the effects of IAA on spermatogenic cells, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells in the testis. In this study, we found that oral administration of IAA (35 mg/kg body weight per day for 28 days) in male mice increased serum LH levels and reduced sperm motility, affecting average path velocity and straight line velocity of sperm. In addition, IAA promoted the expression of γH2AX, a marker for DNA double-strand breaks. Moreover, IAA downregulated the protein expression of the scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SRB1), and decreased lipid droplet transport into Leydig cells, which reduced the storage of testosterone synthesis raw materials and might cause a drop in testosterone production. Furthermore, IAA did not affect the function of BTB. Thus, our results indicated that IAA exposure affected spermatogenesis and testosterone synthesis by inducing DNA damage and reducing lipid droplet transport.

Genotoxic effects of chlorinated disinfection by-products of 1,3-diphenylguanidine (DPG): Cell-based in-vitro testing and formation potential during water disinfection

1,3-diphenylguanidine (DPG) is a commonly used rubber and polymer additive, that has been found to be one of the main leachate products of tire wear particles and from HDPE pipes. Its introduction to aquatic environments and potentially water supplies lead to further questions regarding the effects of disinfection by-products potentially formed. Using different bioassay approaches and NGS RNA-sequencing, we show that some of the chlorinated by-products of DPG exert significant toxicity. DPG and its chlorinated by-products also can alter cell bioenergetic processes, affecting cellular basal respiration rates and ATP production, moreover, DPG and its two chlorination products, 1,3-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)guanidine (CC04) and 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)guanidine (CC11), have an impact on mitochondrial proton leak, which is an indicator of mitochondria damage. Evidence of genotoxic effects in the form of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) was suggested by RNA-sequencing results and further validated by an increased expression of genes associated with DNA damage response (DDR), specifically the canonical non-homologous end joining (c-NHEJ) pathway, as determined by qPCR analysis of different pathway specific genes (XRCC6, PRKDC, LIG4 and XRCC4). Immunofluorescence analysis of phosphorylated histone H2AX, another DSB biomarker, also confirmed the potential genotoxic effects observed for the chlorinated products. In addition, chlorination of DPG leads to the formation of different chlorinated products (CC04, CC05 and CC15), with analysed compounds representing up to 42% of formed products, monochloramine is not able to effectively react with DPG. These findings indicate that DPG reaction with free chlorine doses commonly applied during drinking water treatment or in water distribution networks (0.2-0.5 mg/L) can lead to the formation of toxic and genotoxic chlorinated products.

A pipeline to evaluate the discrepant interactions between typical nitrogenous disinfection byproduct haloacetonitriles and human hemoglobin

To evaluate the interaction between haloacetonitriles (HANs) and human hemoglobin (Hb), a pipeline was established based on fluorescence spectra, mass spectra and molecular docking. Fluorescence spectra analysis showed the fluorescence of Hb was statically quenched by HANs in the sequence of TCAN > DBAN > DCAN > IAN > BAN > CAN. HANs could combine to multiple surface sites of Hb accounting for "hydrogen bonds" and "van der Waals forces". The high-resolution mass spectra analysis for Hb with and without HANs further confirmed the formation of multiple HAN-Hb complexes with different conversion rates. With the assistance of MOE molecule docking, the potential combination sites and related interactions parameters between HANs and Hb were filtrated. By analyzing the correlations between the candidate interactions parameters and fluorescence quenching constants/MS conversion rates, the combination sites of HANs were fixed at Asp₁₂₆ (α₁/α₂), Lys₁₂₇ (α₁/α₂) in the form of "hydrogen bonds" X → Asp₁₂₆ (α₁/α₂), N → Lys₁₂₇ (α₁/α₂). In this way, the potential interactions between HANs and Hb were effectively evaluated.

How well does XAD resin extraction recover halogenated disinfection byproducts for comprehensive identification and toxicity testing?

Halogenated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are an unintended consequence of drinking water disinfection, and can have significant toxicity. XAD resins are commonly used to extract and enrich trace levels of DBPs for comprehensive, nontarget identification of DBPs and also for in vitro toxicity studies. However, XAD resin recoveries for complete classes of halogenated DBPs have not been evaluated, particularly for low, environmentally relevant levels (ng/L to low µg/L). Thus, it is not known whether levels of DBPs or the toxicity of drinking water might be underestimated. In this study, DAX-8/XAD-2 layered resins were evaluated, considering both adsorption and elution from the resins, for extracting 66 DBPs from water. Results demonstrate that among the 7 classes of DBPs investigated, trihalomethanes (THMs), including iodo-THMs, were the most efficiently adsorbed, with recovery of most THMs ranging from 50%-96%, followed by halonitromethanes (40%-90%). The adsorption ability of XAD resins for haloacetonitriles, haloacetamides, and haloacetaldehydes was highly dependent on the individual species. The adsorption capacity of XAD resins for haloacetic acids was lower (5%-48%), even after adjusting to pH 1 before extraction. Recovery efficiency for most DBPs was comparable with their adsorption, as most were eluted effectively from XAD resins by ethyl acetate. DBP polarity and molecular weight were the two most important factors that determine their recovery. Recovery of trichloromethane, iodoacetic acid, chloro- and iodo-acetonitrile, and chloroacetamide were among the lowest, which could lead to underestimation of toxicity, particularly for iodoacetic acid and iodo-acetonitrile, which are highly toxic.

Iodoacetic acid exposure alters the transcriptome in mouse ovarian antral follicles

Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is an unregulated water disinfection byproduct that is an ovarian toxicant. However, the mechanisms of action underlying IAA toxicity in ovarian follicles remain unclear. Thus, we determined whether IAA alters gene expression in ovarian follicles in mice. Adult female mice were dosed with water or IAA (10 or 500 mg/L) in the water for 35-40 days. Antral follicles were collected for RNA-sequencing analysis and sera were collected to measure estradiol. RNA-sequencing analysis identified 1063 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the 10 and 500 mg/L IAA groups (false discovery rate FDR < 0.1), respectively, compared to controls. Gene Ontology Enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were involved with RNA processing and regulation of angiogenesis (10 mg/L) and the cell cycle and cell division (500 mg/L). Pathway Enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were involved in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), estrogen, and insulin signaling pathways (10 mg/L). Pathway Enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were involved in the oocyte meiosis, GnRH, and oxytocin signaling pathways (500 mg/L). RNA-sequencing analysis identified 809 DEGs when comparing the 500 and 10 mg/L IAA groups (FDR < 0.1). DEGs were related to ribosome, translation, mRNA processing, oxidative phosphorylation, chromosome, cell cycle, cell division, protein folding, and the oxytocin signaling pathway. Moreover, IAA exposure significantly decreased estradiol levels (500 mg/L) compared to control. This study identified key candidate genes and pathways involved in IAA toxicity and can help to further understand the molecular mechanisms of IAA toxicity in ovarian follicles.

Effects of iodoacetic acid drinking water disinfection byproduct on the gut microbiota and its metabolism in rats

Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is an unregulated disinfection byproduct in drinking water and has been shown to exert cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, tumorigenicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. However, the effects of IAA on gut microbiota and its metabolism are still unknown, especially the association between gut microbiota and the metabolism and toxicity of IAA. In this study, female and male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to IAA at 0 and 16 mg/kg bw/day daily for 8 weeks by oral gavage. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that IAA could alter the diversity, relative abundance and function of gut microbiota in female and male rats. IAA also increased the abundance of genes related to steroid hormone biosynthesis in the gut microbiota of male rats. Moreover, metabolomics profiling revealed that IAA could significantly disturb 6 and 13 metabolites in the feces of female and male rats, respectively. In female rats, the level of androstanediol increased in the IAA treatment group. These results were consistent with our previous findings, where IAA was identified as an androgen disruptor. Additionally, the perturbed gut microbiota and altered metabolites were correlated with each other. The results of this study indicated that IAA could disturb gut microbiota and its metabolism. These changes in gut microbiota and its metabolism were associated with the reproductive and developmental toxicity of IAA.

Relationships between regulated DBPs and emerging DBPs of health concern in U.S. drinking water

A survey was conducted at eight U.S. drinking water plants, that spanned a wide range of water qualities and treatment/disinfection practices. Plants that treated heavily-wastewater-impacted source waters had lower trihalomethane to dihaloacetonitrile ratios due to the presence of more organic nitrogen and HAN precursors. As the bromide to total organic carbon ratio increased, there was more bromine incorporation into DBPs. This has been shown in other studies for THMs and selected emerging DBPs (HANs), whereas this study examined bromine incorporation for a wider group of emerging DBPs (haloacetaldehydes, halonitromethanes). Moreover, bromine incorporation into the emerging DBPs was, in general, similar to that of the THMs. Epidemiology studies that show an association between adverse health effects and brominated THMs may be due to the formation of brominated emerging DBPs of heath concern. Plants with higher free chlorine contact times before ammonia addition to form chloramines had less iodinated DBP formation in chloraminated distribution systems, where there was more oxidation of the iodide to iodate (a sink for the iodide) by the chlorine. This has been shown in many bench-scale studies (primarily for iodinated THMs), but seldom in full-scale studies (where this study also showed the impact on total organic iodine. Collectively, the THMs, haloacetic acids, and emerging DBPs accounted for a significant portion of the TOCl, TOBr, and TOI; however, ∼50% of the TOCl and TOBr is still unknown. The correlation of the sum of detected DBPs with the TOCl and TOBr suggests that they can be used as reliable surrogates.

Effects of ultrasonication on the DBP formation and toxicity during chlorination of saline wastewater effluents

Chlorine disinfection of saline wastewater effluents rich in bromide and iodide forms relatively toxic brominated and iodinated disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Ultrasonication is a relatively new water treatment technology, and it is less sensitive to suspended solids in wastewaters. In this study, we examined the effects of ultrasonication (in terms of reactor type and combination mode with chlorination) on the DBP formation and toxicity in chlorinated primary and secondary saline wastewater effluents. Compared with the chlorinated wastewater effluent samples without ultrasonication, ultrasonic horn pretreatment of the wastewater effluent samples reduced the total organic halogen (TOX) levels in chlorination by ∼30%, but ultrasonic bath pretreatment of the wastewater samples did not significantly change the TOX levels in chlorination, which might be attributed to the higher energy utilization and decomposition extent of organic DBP precursors in the ultrasonic horn reactor. Moreover, the TOX levels in the chlorinated samples with ultrasonic horn pretreatment (USH-chlorination), simultaneous treatment (chlorination+USH) and subsequent treatment (chlorination-USH) were also significantly reduced, with the maximum TOX reductions occurring in the samples with ultrasonic horn pretreatment. A toxicity index was calculated by weighting and summing the levels of total organic chlorine, total organic bromine and total organic iodine in each treated sample. The calculated toxicity index values of the chlorinated wastewater effluent samples followed a descending rank order of "chlorination" > "chlorination+USH" > "chlorination-USH" > "USH-chlorination", with the lowest toxicity occurring in the samples with ultrasonic horn pretreatment. Then, a developmental toxicity bioassay was conducted for each treated sample. The measured toxicity index values of the chlorinated wastewater samples followed the same descending rank order.

A balancing act: Optimizing free chlorine contact time to minimize iodo-DBPs, NDMA, and regulated DBPs in chloraminated drinking water

Many drinking water treatment plants in the U.S. have switched from chlorination to chloramination to lower levels of regulated trihalomethane (THM) and haloacetic acid (HAA) disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water and meet the current regulations. However, chloramination can also produce other highly toxic/carcinogenic, unregulated DBPs: iodo-acids, iodo-THMs, and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). In practice, chloramines are generated by the addition of chlorine with ammonia, and plants use varying amounts of free chlorine contact time prior to ammonia addition to effectively kill pathogens and meet DBP regulations. However, iodo-DBPs and nitrosamines are generally not considered in this balancing of free chlorine contact time. The goal of our work was to determine whether an optimal free chlorine contact time could be established in which iodo-DBPs and NDMA could be minimized, while keeping regulated THMs and HAAs below their regulatory limits. The effect of free chlorine contact time was evaluated for the formation of six iodo-trihalomethanes (iodo-THMs), six iodo-acids, and NDMA during the chloramination of drinking water. Ten different free chlorine contact times were examined for two source waters with different dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and bromide/iodide. For the low DOC water at pH 7 and 8, an optimized free chlorine contact time of up to 1 h could control regulated THMs and HAAs, as well as iodo-DBPs and NDMA. For the high DOC water, a free chlorine contact time of 5 min could control iodo-DBPs and NDMA at both pHs, but the regulated DBPs could exceed the regulations at pH 7.

Effects of prenatal and lactational exposure to iodoacetic acid on the F1 generation of mice†

Water disinfection can generate water disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is one DBP, and it has been shown to be an ovarian toxicant in vitro and in vivo. However, it is unknown if prenatal and lactational exposure to IAA affects reproductive outcomes in female offspring. This study tested the hypothesis that prenatal and lactational exposure to IAA adversely affects reproductive parameters in F1 female offspring. Adult female CD-1 mice were dosed with water (control) or IAA (10, 100, and 500 mg/L) in the drinking water for 35 days and then mated with unexposed males. IAA exposure continued throughout gestation. Dams delivered naturally, and pups were continuously exposed to IAA through lactation until postnatal day (PND) 21. Female pups were euthanized on PND 21 and subjected to measurements of anogenital distance, ovarian weight, and vaginal opening. Ovaries were subjected to histological analysis. In addition, sera were collected to measure reproductive hormone levels. IAA exposure decreased vaginal opening rate, increased the absolute weight of the ovaries, increased anogenital index, and decreased the percentage of atretic follicles in female pups compared to control. IAA exposure caused a borderline decrease in the levels of progesterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and increased levels of testosterone in female pups compared to control. Collectively, these data show that prenatal and lactational exposure to IAA in drinking water affects vaginal opening, anogenital index, the weight of the ovaries, the percentage of atretic follicles, and hormone levels in the F1 generation in mice.

Drivers of Disinfection Byproduct Cytotoxicity in U.S. Drinking Water: Should Other DBPs Be Considered for Regulation?

This study reveals key disinfection byproduct (DBP) toxicity drivers in drinking water across the United States. DBPs, which are ubiquitous in drinking water, form by the reaction of disinfectants, organic matter, bromide, and iodide and are generally present at 100-1000× higher concentrations than other contaminants. DBPs are linked to bladder cancer, miscarriage, and birth defects in human epidemiologic studies, but it is not known as to which DBPs are responsible. We report the most comprehensive investigation of drinking water toxicity to date, with measurements of extracted whole-water mammalian cell chronic cytotoxicity, over 70 regulated and priority unregulated DBPs, and total organic chlorine, bromine, and iodine, revealing a more complete picture of toxicity drivers. A variety of impacted waters were investigated, including those impacted by wastewater, agriculture, and seawater. The results revealed that unregulated haloacetonitriles, particularly dihaloacetonitriles, are important toxicity drivers. In seawater-impacted water treated with chloramine, toxicity was driven by iodinated DBPs, particularly iodoacetic acids. In chlorinated waters, the combined total organic chlorine and bromine was highly and significantly correlated with toxicity (r = 0.94, P < 0.01); in chloraminated waters, total organic iodine was highly and significantly correlated with toxicity (r = 0.80, P < 0.001). These results indicate that haloacetonitriles and iodoacetic acids should be prioritized in future research for potential regulation consideration.

The fate and transformation of iodine species in UV irradiation and UV-based advanced oxidation processes

Iodinated disinfection byproducts (I-DBPs) formed in water treatment are of emerging concern due to their high toxicity and the tase-and-odor problems associated with iodinated trihalomethanes (I-THMs). Iodoacetic acid and dichloroiodomethane are currently regulated in Shenzhen, China and the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China has also been considering regulating I-DBPs. Iodide (I^-), organoiodine compounds (e.g., iodinated X-ray contrast media [ICM]), and iodate (IO₃^-) are the three common iodine sources in aquatic environment that lead to I-DBP formation. While UV irradiation effectively inactivate a wide range of microorganisms in water, it induces the transformation of these iodine sources, enabling the formation of I-DBPs. This review focuses on the fate and transformation of these iodine sources in UV-based water treatment (i.e., UV irradiation and UV-based advanced oxidation processes [UV-AOPs]) and the formation of I-DBPs in post-disinfection. I^- released in UV-based treatments of ICM and can be oxidized in subsequent disinfection to hypoiodous acid (HOI), which reacts with natural organic matter (NOM) to produce I-DBPs. Both UV and UV-AOPs are not able to fully mineralize ICM and completely oxidize the released I^- to (except UV/O₃). Results reveal that UV and UV-AOPs are adequate for I-DBP degradation but require high UV doses. While the ideal I-DBP mitigation strategy awaits to be developed, understanding their sources and formation pathways aids in informed selections of water treatment processes, empowers water suppliers to meet drinking water standards, and minimizes consumers' exposure to I-DBPs.

Iodoacetic Acid, a Water Disinfection Byproduct, Disrupts Hypothalamic, and Pituitary Reproductive Regulatory Factors and Induces Toxicity in the Female Pituitary

Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is a water disinfection byproduct (DBP) formed by reactions between oxidizing disinfectants and iodide. In vitro studies have indicated that IAA is one of the most cyto- and genotoxic DBPs. In humans, DBPs have been epidemiologically associated with reproductive dysfunction. In mouse ovarian culture, IAA exposure significantly inhibits antral follicle growth and reduces estradiol production. Despite this evidence, little is known about the effects of IAA on the other components of the reproductive axis: the hypothalamus and pituitary. We tested the hypothesis that IAA disrupts expression of key neuroendocrine factors and directly induces cell damage in the mouse pituitary. We exposed adult female mice to IAA in drinking water in vivo and found 0.5 and 10 mg/l IAA concentrations lead to significantly increased mRNA levels of kisspeptin (Kiss1) in the arcuate nucleus although not affecting Kiss1 in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus. Both 10 mg/l IAA exposure in vivo and 20 μM IAA in vitro reduced follicle stimulating hormone (FSHβ)-positive cell number and Fshb mRNA expression. IAA did not alter luteinizing hormone (LHβ) expression in vivo although exposure to 20 μM IAA decreased expression of Lhb and glycoprotein hormones, alpha subunit (Cga) mRNA in vitro. IAA also had toxic effects in the pituitary, inducing DNA damage and P21/Cdkn1a expression in vitro (20 μM IAA) and DNA damage and Cdkn1a expression in vivo (500 mg/l). These data implicate IAA as a hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis toxicant and suggest the pituitary is directly affected by IAA exposure.

Iodoacetic acid affects Estrous Cyclicity, ovarian gene expression, and hormone levels in mice

Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is a water disinfection byproduct that is an ovarian toxicant in vitro. However, information on the effects of IAA on ovarian function in vivo was limited. Thus, we determined whether IAA exposure affects estrous cyclicity, steroidogenesis, and ovarian gene expression in mice. Adult CD-1 mice were dosed with water or IAA (0.5-500 mg/L) in the drinking water for 35-40 days during which estrous cyclicity was monitored for 14 days. Ovaries were analyzed for expression of apoptotic factors, cell cycle regulators, steroidogenic factors, estrogen receptors, oxidative stress markers, and a proliferation marker. Sera were collected to measure pregnenolone, androstenedione, testosterone, estradiol, inhibin B, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. IAA exposure decreased the time that the mice spent in proestrus compared to control. IAA exposure decreased expression of the pro-apoptotic factor Bok, the cell cycle regulator Ccnd2, and borderline decreased expression of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl2l10, the pro-apoptotic factor Aimf1, and the steroidogenic factor Cyp19a1 compared to control. IAA exposure increased expression of the pro-apoptotic factors Bax and Aimf1, the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl2l10, the cell cycle regulators Ccna2, Ccnb1, Ccne1, and Cdk4, and estrogen receptor Esr1 compared to control. IAA exposure decreased expression of Cat and Sod1, and increased expression of Cat, Gpx, and Nrf2. IAA exposure did not affect expression of Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b1, Hsd3b1, Esr2 or Ki67 compared to control. IAA exposure decreased estradiol levels, but did not alter other hormone levels compared to control. In conclusion, IAA exposure alters estrous cyclicity, ovarian gene expression, and estradiol levels in mice.

Androgenic and Teratogenic Effects of Iodoacetic Acid Drinking Water Disinfection Byproduct in Vitro and in Vivo

Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is the most genotoxic iodinated disinfection byproduct known in drinking water. Previous studies have shown that IAA may be an endocrine disruptor. However, whether IAA has reproductive and developmental toxicity remains unclear. In this study, the reproductive and developmental toxicity of IAA was evaluated using a battery of in vitro and in vivo reproductive/developmental toxicity screening tests. The results of E-Screen, uterotrophic, and H295R steroidogenesis assays were negative. The Hershberger bioassay revealed that IAA could induce significant increases in absolute and relative weights of paired Cowper's glands. Moreover, there was an increasing trend in the relative weights of the ventral prostate. The micromass test showed that IAA could inhibit the differentiation of midbrain and limb bud cells. A reproductive/developmental toxicity screening test showed that IAA resulted in significantly increased relative weights of testis and seminal vesicles plus coagulating glands in parental male rats, with a dose-response relationship. IAA could not only induce head congestion in offspring but also decrease litter weight, viability index, and anogenital distance index of male pups on postnatal day 4. All these results indicated that IAA had reproductive and developmental toxicity.

Inability of GSTT1 to activate iodinated halomethanes to mutagens in Salmonella

Drinking water disinfection by-products (DBPs), including the ubiquitous trihalomethanes (THMs), are formed during the treatment of water with disinfectants (e.g., chlorine, chloramines) to produce and distribute potable water. Brominated THMs (Br-THMs) are activated to mutagens via glutathione S-transferase theta 1 (GSTT1); however, iodinated THMs (I-THMs) have never been evaluated for activation by GSTT1. Among the I-THMs, only triiodomethane (iodoform) has been tested previously for mutagenicity in Salmonella and was positive (in the absence of GSTT1) in three strains (TA98, TA100, and BA13), all of which have error-prone DNA repair (pKM101). We evaluated five I-THMs (chlorodiiodomethane, dichloroiodomethane, dibromoiodomethane, bromochloroiodomethane, and triiodomethane) for mutagenicity in Salmonella strain RSJ100, which expresses GSTT1, and its homologue TPT100, which does not; neither strain has pKM101. We also evaluated chlorodiiodo-, dichloroiodo-, and dibromoiodo-methanes in strain TA100 +/- rat liver S9 mix; TA100 has pKM101. None was mutagenic in any of the strains. The I-THMs were generally more cytotoxic than their brominated and chlorinated analogues but less cytotoxic than analogous trihalonitromethanes tested previously. All five I-THMs showed similar thresholds for cytotoxicity at ~2.5 μmoles/plate, possibly due to release of iodine, a well-known antimicrobial. Although none of these I-THMs was activated by GSTT1, iodoform appears to be the only I-THM that is mutagenic in Salmonella, only in strains deficient in nucleotide excision repair (uvrB) and having pKM101. Given that only iodoform is mutagenic among the I-THMs and is generally present at low concentrations in drinking water, the I-THMs likely play little role in the mutagenicity of drinking water.

Source and drinking water organic and total iodine and correlation with water quality parameters

Iodinated disinfection by-products (I-DBPs) have recently emerged as part of the pool of DBPs of public health concern. Due to limitations in measuring individual I-DBPs in a water sample, the surrogate measure of total organic iodine (TOI) is often used to account for the sum of all I-DBPs. In this study, TOI and total iodine (TI) are quantified in raw and treated waters in treatment trains at three sites in the Northeast United States. The occurrence, magnitude, and seasonality of these species was investigated within each sampling train and across the different sites. A regression model was developed to explore how TOI occurrence varies with routinely measured physical and chemical parameters in a water sample. The TOI and TI concentration at the three sites ranged from below the method detection limit to 18 µg/L and from 3 and 18.9 µg/L, respectively. There was substantial inter-monthly variability in TOI without a clear seasonal signal, and the concentration of TOI did not increase upon treatment. The results of the multivariate regression model showed that dissolved organic carbon (DOC), specific UV₂₅₄ absorbance (SUVA), combined chlorine residual (TCl₂), and pH were all significantly related to TOI concentration to varying degrees. A Tobit model was fit to show TOI predictions against observed (measured) TOI values. The model could explain approximately 46% of the variance of TOI concentrations in the treated waters.

Iodoacetic acid disrupts mouse oocyte maturation by inducing oxidative stress and spindle abnormalities

Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are compounds produced during the water disinfection process. Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is one of the unregulated DBPs in drinking water, with potent cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in animals. However, whether IAA has toxic effects on oocyte maturation remains unclear. Here, we show that IAA exposure resulted in metaphase I (MI) arrest and polar-body-extrusion failure in mouse oocytes, indicating that IAA had adverse effects on mouse oocyte maturation in vitro. Particularly, IAA treatment caused abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome misalignment. Previous studies reported that IAA is a known inducer of oxidative stress in non-germline cells. Correspondingly, we found that IAA exposure increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in oocytes in a dose-dependent manner, indicating IAA exposure could induce oxidative stress in oocytes. Simultaneously, DNA damage was also elevated in the nuclei of these IAA-exposed mouse oocytes, evidenced by increased γ-H2AX focus number. In addition, the un-arrested oocytes entered metaphase II (MII) with severe defects in spindle morphologies and chromosome alignment after 14-h IAA treatment. An antioxidant, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), reduced the elevated ROS level and restored the meiotic maturation in the IAA-exposed oocytes, which indicates that IAA-induced maturation failure in oocytes was mainly mediated by oxidative stress. Collectively, our results indicate that IAA exposure interfered with mouse oocyte maturation by elevating ROS levels, disrupting spindle assembly, inducing DNA damage, and causing MI arrest.

Disinfection byproducts and halogen-specific total organic halogen speciation in chlorinated source waters - The impact of iopamidol and bromide

This study investigated the speciation of halogen-specific total organic halogen and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) upon chlorination of natural organic matter (NOM) in the presence of iopamidol and bromide (Br^-). Experiments were conducted with low bromide source waters with different NOM characteristics from Northeast Ohio, USA and varied spiked levels of bromide (2-30 μmol/L) and iopamidol (1-5 μmol/L). Iopamidol was found to be a direct precursor to trihalomethane (THM) and haloacetic acid formation, and in the presence of Br^- favored brominated analogs. The concentration and speciation of DBPs formed were impacted by iopamidol and bromide concentrations, as well as the presence of NOM. As iopamidol increased the concentration of iodinated DBPs (iodo-DBPs) and THMs increased. However, as Br^- concentrations increased, the concentrations of non-brominated iodo- and chloro-DBPs decreased while brominated-DBPs increased. Regardless of the concentration of either iopamidol or bromide, bromochloroiodomethane (CHBrClI) was the most predominant iodo-DBP formed except at the lowest bromide concentration studied. At relevant concentrations of iopamidol (1 μmol/L) and bromide (2 μmol/L), significant quantities of highly toxic iodinated and brominated DBPs were formed. However, the rapid oxidation and incorporation of bromide appear to inhibit iodo-DBP formation under conditions relevant to drinking water treatment.

Iodoacetic acid inhibits follicle growth and alters expression of genes that regulate apoptosis, the cell cycle, estrogen receptors, and ovarian steroidogenesis in mouse ovarian follicles

The reaction between disinfectants and organic matter or inorganic matter in source water generates disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as iodoacetic acid (IAA). DBPs are associated with health effects such as bladder cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes, but the effects of IAA on the ovary are not well known. This study determined whether IAA exposure affects ovarian follicle growth, steroidogenesis, and expression of apoptotic factors, cell cycle regulators, estrogen receptors, and steroidogenic factors in vitro. IAA exposure significantly decreased follicle growth, expression of cell cycle stimulators, and the proliferation marker Ki67. In contrast, IAA increased expression of the cell cycle inhibitor Cdkn1a. Moreover, IAA exposure increased expression of pro-apoptotic factors, whereas it decreased expression of anti-apoptotic factors. IAA exposure also altered expression of steroidogenic factors and estrogen receptors, disrupting steroidogenesis. These data demonstrate that IAA exposure inhibits follicle growth, decreases cell proliferation, and alters steroidogenesis in mouse ovarian follicles in vitro.

Superoxide dismutase response and the underlying molecular mechanism induced by iodoacetic acid

Given the ubiquity of iodinated disinfection by-products (I-DBPs) in drinking water and their prominent toxicity, it is of vital significance to evaluate I-DBPs toxicity and explore the underlying mechanism. The toxicity of iodoacetic acid (IAA), a typical type of I-DBPs, might be linked with oxidative stress. However, it remains unknown for the response of antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the mouse primary hepatocytes when exposed to IAA and the underlying mechanism. This study explored SOD response to IAA and the underlying mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels. Under IAA exposure, the observed increase of SOD activity in the hepatocytes was caused by the increase of SOD production via ROS stimulation and the increase of SOD molecular activity. Molecular experiments showed that IAA binds to SOD molecule mainly via electrostatic forces with one binding site around the active site and six binding sites in the surface of protein. The binding interaction leads to the conformational changes of SOD and the disruption of protein aggregates. This work could offer basic data for the comprehensive understanding of the adverse effects of IAA and references for assessing the harmful effects of DBPs.

Research progress of disinfection and disinfection by-products in China

Disinfection is an indispensable water treatment process for killing harmful pathogens and protecting human health. However, the disinfection has caused significant public concern due to the formation of toxic disinfection by-products (DBPs). Lots of studies on disinfection and DBPs have been performed in the world since 1974. Although related studies in China started in 1980s, a great progress has been achieved during the last three decades. Therefore, this review summarized the main achievements on disinfection and DPBs studies in China, which included: (1) the occurrence of DBPs in water of China, (2) the identification and detection methods of DBPs, (3) the formation mechanisms of DBPs during disinfection process, (4) the toxicological effects and epidemiological surveys of DBPs, (5) the control and management countermeasures of DBPs in water disinfection, and (6) the challenges and chances of DBPs studies in future. It is expected that this review would provide useful information and reference for optimizing disinfection process, reducing DBPs formation and protecting human health.

Conversion of haloacid disinfection byproducts to amino acids via ammonolysis

Haloacetic acids (HAAs) are the major disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that are formed during chlorination of drinking water. In this paper, the conversion of HAAs to amino acids (e.g., glycine) via ammonolysis was studied. First, a new and sensitive method for detecting glycine was developed by setting selected ion recording m/z 76 in positive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry coupled with ultra performance liquid chromatography. Second, among the mono-HAAs under the same test conditions, iodoacetic acid (49.3%) showed a considerably higher conversion to glycine during ammonolysis than chloroacetic acid (4.2%) and bromoacetic acid (27.7%). The conversion of iodoacetic acid to glycine increased with increasing temperature, increasing reaction time, or decreasing the ratio of (NH₄)₂CO₃ to NH₃·H₂O in the aminating agent. Hydrolysis of iodoacetic acid to glycolic acid was also observed during ammonolysis, and it accounted for at most 50% of the iodoacetic acid conversion. The conversion to amino acids and the hydrolysis were the two major pathways during ammonolysis of HAAs. Third, compared with the iodoacetic acid sample and the simulated tap water sample without ammonolysis, the developmental toxicity of the corresponding samples with ammonolysis decreased by up to 10.4% and 32.1%, respectively. The ammonolysis was thus demonstrated to be a detoxification process for both individual HAAs and DBP mixture in chlorinated tap water. In practice, the ammonolysis of haloacid DBPs in tap water may be realized by simply adding an appropriate amount of an aminating agent during cooking.

Formation of Iodinated Disinfection Byproducts (I-DBPs) in Drinking Water: Emerging Concerns and Current Issues

Formation of iodinated disinfection byproducts (I-DBPs) in drinking water has become an emerging concern. Compared to chlorine- and bromine-containing DBPs, I-DBPs are more toxic, have different precursors and formation mechanisms, and are unregulated. In this Account, we focus on recent research in the formation of known and unknown I-DBPs in drinking water. We present the state-of-the-art understanding of known I-DBPs for the six groups reported to date, including iodinated methanes, acids, acetamides, acetonitriles, acetaldehyde, and phenols. I-DBP concentrations in drinking water generally range from ng L^-1 to low-μg L^-1. The toxicological effects of I-DBPs are summarized and compared with those of chlorinated and brominated DBPs. I-DBPs are almost always more cytotoxic and genotoxic than their chlorinated and brominated analogues. Iodoacetic acid is the most genotoxic of all DBPs studied to date, and diiodoacetamide and iodoacetamide are the most cytotoxic. We discuss I-DBP formation mechanisms during oxidation, disinfection, and distribution of drinking water, focusing on inorganic and organic iodine sources, oxidation kinetics of iodide, and formation pathways. Naturally occurring iodide, iodate, and iodinated organic compounds are regarded as important sources of I-DBPs. The apparent second-order rate constant and half-lives for oxidation of iodide or hypoiodous acid by various oxidants are highly variable, which is a key factor governing the iodine fate during drinking water treatment. In distribution systems, residual iodide and disinfectants can participate in reactions involving heterogeneous chemical oxidation, reduction, adsorption, and catalysis, which may eventually affect I-DBP levels in finished drinking water. The identification of unknown I-DBPs and total organic iodine analysis is also summarized in this Account, which provides a more complete picture of I-DBP formation in drinking water. As organic DBP precursors are difficult to completely remove during the drinking water treatment process, the removal of iodide provides a cost-effective solution for the control of I-DBP formation. This Account not only serves as a reference for future epidemiological studies to better assess human health risks due to exposure to I-DBPs in drinking water but also helps drinking water utilities, researchers, regulators, and the general public understand the formed species, levels, and formation mechanisms of I-DBPs in drinking water.

Probabilistic health risk assessment of nitrosamines in drinking water of Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China

Nitrosamines (NAms) are potent genotoxic and carcinogenic but widely detected in drinking water. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of major types of NAms in drinking water in Shaoxing, China, and to conduct multi-pathway probabilistic cancer risk (CR) assessment to residents based on age-dependent adjustment Chinese exposure factors. Results showed that concentrations of NAms in water varied from not detected (ND) to dozens of nanograms per liter level. N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was detected most frequently (93.06%), followed by N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) (64.08%)-with the highest cancer risk among NAms. The CR of NAms came mainly through the oral exposure pathway. The 95th percentile of the total CR of five major NAms was 1.06 × 10^-4, exceeding the maximum acceptable lifetime CR (1 × 10^-4) recommended by US EPA. Exposure to NDEA contributed the highest to the total CR. The CR of the five NAms through ingestion was 2.5 times higher using the Chinese exposure factors than that of the Americans. The most important variables related to CRs were concentrations of NAms in drinking water, exposure duration, drinking water ingestion rate, and exposure time during bathing. Our findings suggest the urgent need to develop and enforce effective regulatory policies to control the contamination of NAms in drinking water in China. Graphical abstract.

Iodoacetic Acid Disrupting the Thyroid Endocrine System in Vitro and in Vivo

Exposure to drinking water disinfection byproducts (DBPs) is potentially associated with adverse developmental effects. Iodoacetic acid (IAA), an unregulated DBP, has been shown to be cytotoxic, mutagenic, genotoxic, and tumorigenic. However, its endocrine-disrupting effects remain unknown. This study evaluated the IAA-induced disruption of the thyroid endocrine system using in vitro and in vivo assays. Rat pituitary tumor GH3 cells were treated with IAA in the presence and absence of triiodothyronine (T3). IAA exposure significantly reduced T3-activated GH3 cell proliferation, indicating the antagonistic activity of IAA in vitro. Sprague-Dawley rats were also subjected to IAA treatment through oral gavage for 28 consecutive days. IAA exposure significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS), and type I deiodinase and simultaneously reduced the protein expression levels of TSHR and NIS. IAA exposure decreased T3 levels but increased the weights of hypothalamus and the levels of thyrotropin releasing hormone and thyrotropin. In addition, IAA induced the formation of smaller and more depleted follicles or even vacuolization in the thyroid. These results suggested that IAA potentially disrupts the thyroid endocrine system both in vitro and in vivo.

Iodinated trihalomethane formation during chloramination of iodate-containing waters in the presence of zero valent iron

Iodide (I^-) and iodinated X-ray contrast media (ICM) are the primary iodine sources for the formation of iodinated disinfection byproducts (I-DBPs), and iodate (IO₃^-) is believed to be a desired sink of iodine in water. This study found that highly cytotoxic iodinated trihalomethanes (I-THMs) also can be generated from iodate-containing waters (without any other iodine sources) in the presence of zero valent iron (ZVI) during chloramination, which could be a big issue in the wide usage of iron pipes. The effect of major factors including ZVI dosage, NH₂Cl and IO₃^- concentrations, initial pH, Br^-/IO₃^- molar ratio, phosphate concentration, iron corrosion scales (goethite and hematite) on the formation of I-THMs were investigated. Formation of I-THMs from IO₃^- increased with the increase of ZVI dosage, IO₃^- and NH₂Cl concentrations. Chloramines can also remarkably accelerate the reduction of IO₃^- by ZVI. Peak I-THM formation was found at pH 8. As the Br^-/IO₃^- molar ratio increased from 0 to 20, I-THM formation considerably enhanced, especially for the bromine-incorporated species. Goethite and hematite enhanced the formation of I-THMs in the presence of ZVI. Additionally, a significant suppression on I-THM formation was observed with the addition of phosphate. Considering that a large number of water distribution networks contain unlined cast iron pipes, transformation of IO₃^- in the presence of ZVI during chloramination may contribute to the formation of I-THMs in such systems.

Identification of endocrine active disinfection by-products (DBPs) that bind to the androgen receptor

The formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water occurs when chemical disinfectants such as chlorine and chloramine react with natural organic matter and anthropogenic pollutants. Some DBPs have been linked to bladder cancer and infertility; however, the underlying mechanism of action is unknown. One possibility is disruption of the endocrine system, with DBPs binding to the androgen receptor and subsequently altering gene expression. Using the androgen receptor-binding assay and in silico molecular docking, the binding affinity of 21 suspected and known DBPs were tested individually at concentrations over the range 0.1 nM-2 mM. 14 DBPs were found to bind at IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.86 mM for 2,3-dichloropropionamide to 13.5 μM for 3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-benzoquinone as compared to the positive control, 4-n-nonylphenol which bound at 31.6 μM. Since DBPs are present in drinking waters as mixtures, the question of how IC₅₀ values for individual DBPs might be affected by the presence of other chemicals is addressed. Seven of the chemicals with the strongest binding affinities and one chemical with no binding affinity were tested in binary mixtures with 4-n-nonylphenol, a known androgenic chemical found in some surface waters. In these binary mixtures, concentration additive binding was observed. While typical levels of individual androgenic DBPs in drinking water are below their measured IC₅₀ values, their combined binding abilities in mixtures could be a source of androgen disruption.

Genotoxicity of a Low-Dose Nitrosamine Mixture as Drinking Water Disinfection Byproducts in NIH3T3 Cells

N-nitrosamines (NAms), which can arise as byproducts of disinfection agents, are reportedly found in drinking water, and their potential carcinogenicity is a concern; however, little research exists regarding the genotoxicity or carcinogenicity of NAms exposure as a low-dose mixture. The three most common NAms components in China's drinking water are N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and N-nitrosomethylethylamine (NMEA). Thus, we measured the genotoxic and carcinogenic potential of these compounds and measured the cell cycle and gene expression. The data show that exposure to the NAms-mixture doubled the revertants in the TA98 and TA100 S. typhimurium strains and increased the DNA double-strand breaks and the micronuclear frequency in the NIH3T3 cells compared to a single exposure. After long-term NAms mixture exposure, a malignant transformation of NIH3T3 and a significantly increased G2/M distribution were observed. Furthermore, P53, CDK1, P38, CDC25A and CyclinB expressions were down-regulated in the NAms-mixture exposure group; however, P21 and GADD45A genes were up-regulated. Interestingly, the CHK1/CHK2 and CDC25A genes had two responses, depending on the NAms concentrations. Thus, we observed mutagenic, genotoxic and carcinogenic effects after a low-dose NAms-mixture exposure in drinking water, and DNA repair and apoptosis pathways may contribute to these adverse effects.

TIC-Tox: A preliminary discussion on identifying the forcing agents of DBP-mediated toxicity of disinfected water

The disinfection of drinking water is a major public health achievement; however, an unintended consequence of disinfection is the generation of disinfection by-products (DBPs). Many of the identified DBPs exhibit in vitro and in vivo toxicity, generate a diversity of adverse biological effects, and may be hazards to the public health and the environment. Only a few DBPs are regulated by several national and international agencies and it is not clear if these regulated DBPs are the forcing agents that drive the observed toxicity and their associated health effects. In this study, we combine analytical chemical and biological data to resolve the forcing agents associated with mammalian cell cytotoxicity of drinking water samples from three cities. These data suggest that the trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids may be a small component of the overall cytotoxicity of the organic material isolated from disinfected drinking water. Chemical classes of nitrogen-containing DBPs, such as the haloacetonitriles and haloacetamides, appear to be the major forcing agents of toxicity in these samples. These findings may have important implications for the design of epidemiological studies that primarily rely on the levels of THMs to define DBP exposure among populations. The TIC-Tox approach constitutes a beginning step in the process of identifying the forcing agents of toxicity in disinfected water.

Formation of iodo-trihalomethanes, iodo-haloacetic acids, and haloacetaldehydes during chlorination and chloramination of iodine containing waters in laboratory controlled reactions

Iodine containing disinfection by-products (I-DBPs) and haloacetaldehydes (HALs) are emerging disinfection by-product (DBP) classes of concern. The former due to its increased potential toxicity and the latter because it was found to be the third most relevant DBP class in mass in a U.S. nationwide drinking water study. These DBP classes have been scarcely investigated, and this work was performed to further explore their formation in drinking water under chlorination and chloramination scenarios. In order to do this, iodo-trihalomethanes (I-THMs), iodo-haloacetic acids (I-HAAs) and selected HALs (mono-HALs and di-HALs species, including iodoacetaldehyde) were investigated in DBP mixtures generated after chlorination and chloramination of different water matrices containing different levels of bromide and iodide in laboratory controlled reactions. Results confirmed the enhancement of I-DBP formation in the presence of monochloramine. While I-THMs and I-HAAs contributed almost equally to total I-DBP concentrations in chlorinated water, I-THMs contributed the most to total I-DBP levels in the case of chloraminated water. The most abundant and common I-THM species generated were bromochloroiodomethane, dichloroiodomethane, and chlorodiiodomethane. Iodoacetic acid and chloroiodoacetic acid contributed the most to the total I-HAA concentrations measured in the investigated disinfected water. As for the studied HALs, dihalogenated species were the compounds that predominantly formed under both investigated treatments.

Formation of known and unknown disinfection by-products from natural organic matter fractions during chlorination, chloramination, and ozonation

Natural organic matter (NOM) is the main precursor of disinfection by-products (DBPs) formed during drinking water treatment processes. Previous studies of the relationships between DBP formation and NOM fractionation have mainly been focused on currently regulated DBPs and a few certain emerging DBPs. In this work, the Suwannee River NOM solution was fractionated into groups with different hydrophobicities using DAX-8 resins, and volatile and semi-volatile DBPs formed during the chlorination, chloramination and ozonation of the NOM fractions were examined by a nontargeted screening of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry procedure. The results showed that a total of 302 DBPs representing nine chemical classes were detected, of which 266 were possibly newly detected, based on library searching with NIST 08 library (using similarity and reverse values of at least 600 and 700, respectively) and linear retention indices. The characterization of DBP precursors suggests that hydrophobic (HPO) NOM contains the major fraction of precursor for the formation of nitrogenous DBPs (contributing about 60% of the total nitrogenous DBPs) during all three disinfection processes. Much larger amounts of heterocyclic DBPs were formed from the HPO fraction than from the hydrophilic fraction during chlorination. During chloramination and ozonation, 5-15 times more ketones were formed from the hydrophilic fraction than from the HPO fraction. During ozonation, more than twice the amounts of esters and alcohols were formed from the hydrophilic fraction than from the HPO fraction. Three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix spectra suggest that similar to the formation of regulated DBPs, humic acid-like substances are probably the precursors of halogen-containing DBPs. Relatively higher nitrogenous DBPs formation from the HPO fraction might be because of the existence of protein-like materials.

Identifying unknown by-products in drinking water using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry and in silico toxicity assessment

Improvements in extraction and detection technologies have increased our abilities to identify new disinfection by-products (DBPs) over the last 40 years. However, most previous studies combined DBP identification and measurement efforts with toxicology to address concerns on a few expected DBPs, making it difficult to better define the health risk from the individual DBPs. In this study, a nontargeted screening method involving comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC × GC-qMS) combined with OECD QSAR Toolbox Ver. 3.2 was developed for identifying and prioritizing of volatile and semi-volatile DBPs in drinking water. The method was successfully applied to analyze DBPs formed during chlorination, chloramination or ozonation of the raw water. Over 500 compounds were tentatively identified in each sample, showing the superior performance of this analytical technique. A total of 170 volatile and semi-volatile DBPs representing fourteen chemical classes were then identified, according to the criteria that the DBP was presented in the duplicate treated samples. The genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of the DBPs were evaluated using Toolbox, and 58 DBPs were found to be actual or potential genotoxicants. The accuracy of the compound identification was determined by comparing 47 identified compounds with commercially available standards. About 90% (41 of the 47) of the compounds that were automatically identified using the library were correct. The results show that GC×GC-qMS coupled with a quantitative structure-activity relationship model is a powerful and fast nontargeted screening technique for compounds. The method and results provide us a new idea for identification and prioritization of DBPs.

Formation of iodinated trihalomethanes during UV/chloramination with iodate as the iodine source

Iodinated trihalomethanes (I-THMs) are a group of emerging disinfection by-products with high toxicity, and iodide (I(-)) as well as iodinated organic compounds are expected to be their iodine sources. Nevertheless, in this study, iodate (IO3(-)) was proven to be a new iodine source of I-THM formation during UV/chloramination. In the iodate-containing waters (without any other iodine sources), I-THM formation increased with the increase of UV dose, IO3(-) and NH2Cl concentrations. With the increase of Br(-)/IO3(-) molar ratio, I-THM formation (especially for the brominated species) increased. Besides, NOM species could affect I-THM formation from IO3(-) during UV/chloramination. Fulvic acid could promote IO3(-) phototransformation to I(-) but humic acid impeded the production of I(-) during UV irradiation. Under realistic drinking water treatment conditions (DOC = 5.0 mg-C/L, IO3(-) = 12.7 μg-I/L, UV dose = 50 mJ/cm(2), NH2Cl = 5 mg-Cl2/L), CHCl2I was detected as 0.17 μg/L using solid-phase microextraction method, and the production rate of I-THMs from IO3(-) was about 7% of that from I(-).

Monohaloacetic acid drinking water disinfection by-products inhibit follicle growth and steroidogenesis in mouse ovarian antral follicles in vitro

Water disinfection greatly reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases, but the reaction between disinfectants and natural organic matter in water leads to the formation of drinking water disinfection by-products (DBPs). DBPs have been shown to be toxic, but their effects on the ovary are not well defined. This study tested the hypothesis that monohalogenated DBPs (chloroacetic acid, CAA; bromoacetic acid, BAA; iodoacetic acid, IAA) inhibit antral follicle growth and steroidogenesis in mouse ovarian follicles. Antral follicles were isolated and cultured with either vehicle or DBPs (0.25-1.00mM of CAA; 2-15μM of BAA or IAA) for 48 and 96h. Follicle growth was measured every 24h and the media were analyzed for estradiol levels at 96h. Exposure to DBPs significantly inhibited antral follicle growth and reduced estradiol levels compared to controls. These data demonstrate that DBP exposure caused ovarian toxicity in vitro.

Characterization of iodinated disinfection by-products in chlorinated and chloraminated waters using Orbitrap based gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Recent developments in gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS) have opened up the possibility to use the high resolution-accurate mass (HRAM) Orbitrap mass analyzer to further characterize the volatile and semivolatile fractions of environmental samples. This work describes the utilization of GC Orbitrap MS technology to characterize iodine-containing disinfection by-products (iodo-DBPs) in chlorinated and chloraminated DBP mixture concentrates. These DBP mixtures were generated in lab-scale disinfection reactions using Llobregat river water and solutions containing Nordic Lake natural organic matter (NOM). The DBPs generated were concentrated using XAD resins, and extracts obtained were analyzed in full scan mode with the GC Orbitrap MS. Integration of high resolution accurate mass information and fragment rationalization allowed the characterization of up to 11 different iodo-DBPs in the water extracts analyzed, including one new iodo-DBP reported for the first time. Overall, formation of iodo-DBPs was enhanced during chloramination reactions. As expected, NOM characteristics and iodide and bromide content of the tested waters affected the amount and type of iodo-DBPs generated.

Occurrence and Comparative Toxicity of Haloacetaldehyde Disinfection Byproducts in Drinking Water

The introduction of drinking water disinfection greatly reduced waterborne diseases. However, the reaction between disinfectants and natural organic matter in the source water leads to an unintended consequence, the formation of drinking water disinfection byproducts (DBPs). The haloacetaldehydes (HALs) are the third largest group by weight of identified DBPs in drinking water. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the occurrence and comparative toxicity of the emerging HAL DBPs. A new HAL DBP, iodoacetaldehyde (IAL) was identified. This study provided the first systematic, quantitative comparison of HAL toxicity in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The rank order of HAL cytotoxicity is tribromoacetaldehyde (TBAL) ≈ chloroacetaldehyde (CAL) > dibromoacetaldehyde (DBAL) ≈ bromochloroacetaldehyde (BCAL) ≈ dibromochloroacetaldehyde (DBCAL) > IAL > bromoacetaldehyde (BAL) ≈ bromodichloroacetaldehyde (BDCAL) > dichloroacetaldehyde (DCAL) > trichloroacetaldehyde (TCAL). The HALs were highly cytotoxic compared to other DBP chemical classes. The rank order of HAL genotoxicity is DBAL > CAL ≈ DBCAL > TBAL ≈ BAL > BDCAL>BCAL ≈ DCAL>IAL. TCAL was not genotoxic. Because of their toxicity and abundance, further research is needed to investigate their mode of action to protect the public health and the environment.