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Lozano VL, Paolucci EM, Sabatini SE, Noya Abad T, Muñoz C, Liquin F, Hollert H, Sylvester F. Assessing the impact of imidacloprid, glyphosate, and their mixtures on multiple biomarkers in Corbicula largillierti. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 942:173685. [PMID: 38825192 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Pesticide mixtures are frequently utilized in agriculture, yet their cumulative effects on aquatic organisms remain poorly understood. Aquatic animals can be effective bioindicators and invasive bivalves, owing to their widespread distribution, provide an opportunity to assess these impacts. Glyphosate and imidacloprid, among the most prevalent pesticides globally, are frequently detected in freshwater systems in South America. This study aims to understand the cumulative effects of pesticide mixtures on aquatic organisms, using invasive Corbicula largillierti clams from a natural stream in northwestern Argentina. We conducted 48-hour exposure experiments using two concentrations of imidacloprid (20 and 200 μg L-1 a.i), two concentrations of glyphosate (0.3 and 3 mg L-1 a.i), and two combinations of these pesticides (both at low and high concentrations, respectively), simulating the direct contamination of both pesticides based on their agronomic recipe and observed values in Argentine aquatic environments. Clam metabolism was assessed through the examination of multiple oxidative stress parameters and measuring oxygen consumption rate as a proxy for standard metabolic rate (SMR). Our findings revealed that imidacloprid has a more pronounced effect compared to glyphosate. Imidacloprid significantly decreased clam SMR and cellular levels of reduced glutathione (GSH). However, when both pesticides were present, also cellular glycogen and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were affected. Proteins and glutathione S-Transferase (GST) activity were unaffected by either pesticide or their mixture at the assayed concentrations, highlighting the need to test several stress parameters to detect toxicological impacts. Our results indicated additive effects of imidacloprid and glyphosate across all measured parameters. The combination of multiple physiological and cytological biomarkers in invasive bivalves offers significant potential to enhance biomonitoring sensitivity and obtain insights into the origins and cellular mechanisms of chemical impacts. These studies can improve pollution regulatory policies and pesticide management.
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Affiliation(s)
- V L Lozano
- Instituto para el Estudio de la Biodiversidad de Invertebrados (IEBI), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina; Cátedra de Biología y Diversidad de Protistas Autótrofos y Fungi, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT CONICET Salta-Jujuy, Salta, Argentina
| | - E M Paolucci
- Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia", CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S E Sabatini
- Laboratorio de Enzimología, Estrés Oxidativo y Metabolismo (LEEM), Departamento de Química Biológica, IQUIBICEN-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - T Noya Abad
- Laboratorio de Enzimología, Estrés Oxidativo y Metabolismo (LEEM), Departamento de Química Biológica, IQUIBICEN-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Muñoz
- Cátedra de Biología y Diversidad de Protistas Autótrofos y Fungi, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT CONICET Salta-Jujuy, Salta, Argentina
| | - F Liquin
- Instituto para el Estudio de la Biodiversidad de Invertebrados (IEBI), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - H Hollert
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - F Sylvester
- Instituto para el Estudio de la Biodiversidad de Invertebrados (IEBI), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT CONICET Salta-Jujuy, Salta, Argentina; Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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2
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Weichert FG, Brack W, Brauns M, Fink P, Johann S, Krauss M, Hollert H. Dataset on target chemical and bioassay analysis-Exploring contaminants of emerging concern in a low mountain river of central Germany. Data Brief 2024; 54:110510. [PMID: 38799712 PMCID: PMC11127143 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2024.110510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical pollution of the aquatic environment is nowadays characterised by increasing levels of anthropogenic organic compounds at low concentrations and is recognised as one of the main drivers of the deteriorated ecological state of European waterbodies. To improve the understanding of the impact of chemical pollution in surface waters, a combined approach of chemical and bioanalytical testing is considered necessary for effective ecologically oriented water management. For this dataset, six 25-L water samples were collected at six sampling sites along the Holtemme River in Central Germany using large-volume solid phase extraction. All samples were analysed by targeted high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and a selected bioanalytical test battery using effect-based methods. These methods included cytotoxicity assessment, several mechanism-specific CALUXⓇ tests to identify endocrine and oxidative stress-related effects and the fish embryo acute toxicity test to investigate (sub)lethal effects in the model species Danio rerio. This approach provided a dataset that offers a longitudinal characterisation of the chemical pollution and ecotoxicological impacts. The combination of chemical analysis and effect-based analysis is valuable for future studies as it will help researchers, risk assessors and authorities to identify hot spots of chemical pollution, monitor environmental quality standards and recommend mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian G. Weichert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences – Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Werner Brack
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences – Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Exposure Science, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mario Brauns
- Department of River Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Fink
- Department of River Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Aquatic Ecosystem Analysis and Management, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Johann
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences – Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Krauss
- Department of Exposure Science, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences – Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department Environmental Media Related Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Bartling MT, Brandt A, Hollert H, Vilcinskas A. Current Insights into Sublethal Effects of Pesticides on Insects. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6007. [PMID: 38892195 PMCID: PMC11173082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The effect of pesticides on insects is often discussed in terms of acute and chronic toxicity, but an important and often overlooked aspect is the impact of sublethal doses on insect physiology and behavior. Pesticides can influence various physiological parameters of insects, including the innate immune system, development, and reproduction, through a combination of direct effects on specific exposed tissues and the modification of behaviors that contribute to health and reproductive success. Such behaviors include mobility, feeding, oviposition, navigation, and the ability to detect pheromones. Pesticides also have a profound effect on insect learning and memory. The precise effects depend on many different factors, including the insect species, age, sex, caste, physiological condition, as well as the type and concentration of the active ingredients and the exposure route. More studies are needed to assess the effects of different active ingredients (and combinations thereof) on a wider range of species to understand how sublethal doses of pesticides can contribute to insect decline. This review reflects our current knowledge about sublethal effects of pesticides on insects and advancements in the development of innovative methods to detect them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merle-Theresa Bartling
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Annely Brandt
- Bee Institute Kirchhain, Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Erlenstr. 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany;
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
- Department Environmental Media Related Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Branch of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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Soose LJ, Rex T, Oehlmann J, Schiwy A, Krauss M, Brack W, Klimpel S, Hollert H, Jourdan J. One like all? Behavioral response range of native and invasive amphipods to neonicotinoid exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124235. [PMID: 38801881 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Native and invasive species often occupy similar ecological niches and environments where they face comparable risks from chemical exposure. Sometimes, invasive species are phylogenetically related to native species, e.g. they may come from the same family and have potentially similar sensitivities to environmental stressors due to phylogenetic conservatism and ecological similarity. However, empirical studies that aim to understand the nuanced impacts of chemicals on the full range of closely related species are rare, yet they would help to comprehend patterns of current biodiversity loss and species turnover. Behavioral sublethal endpoints are of increasing ecotoxicological interest. Therefore, we investigated behavioral responses (i.e., change in movement behavior) of the four dominant amphipod species in the Rhine-Main area (central Germany) when exposed to the neonicotinoid thiacloprid. Moreover, beyond species-specific behavioral responses, ecological interactions (e.g. parasitation with Acanthocephala) play a crucial role in shaping behavior, and we have considered these infections in our analysis. Our findings revealed distinct baseline behaviors and species-specific responses to thiacloprid exposure. Notably, Gammarus fossarum exhibited biphasic behavioral changes with hyperactivity at low concentrations that decreased at higher concentrations. Whereas Gammarus pulex, Gammarus roeselii and the invasive species Dikerogammarus villosus, showed no or weaker behavioral responses. This may partly explain why G. fossarum disappears in chemically polluted regions while the other species persist there to a certain degree. But it also shows that potential pre-exposure in the habitat may influence behavioral responses of the other amphipod species, because habituation occurs, and potential hyperactivity would be harmful to individuals in the habitat. The observed responses were further influenced by acanthocephalan parasites, which altered baseline behavior in G. roeselii and enhanced the behavioral response to thiacloprid exposure. Our results underscore the intricate and diverse nature of responses among closely related amphipod species, highlighting their unique vulnerabilities in anthropogenically impacted freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Soose
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Tobias Rex
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jörg Oehlmann
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Hessen, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Schiwy
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer-Institute für Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Department Media-related Ecotoxicology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Krauss
- Department Exposure Science, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Werner Brack
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department Exposure Science, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Hessen, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Integrative Parasitology and Zoophysiology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Hessen, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer-Institute für Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Department Media-related Ecotoxicology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jonas Jourdan
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Hessen, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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5
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Li Z, Gaitan-Espitia JD. Temperature-dependent toxicity of fluoxetine alters the thermal plasticity of marine diatoms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:172146. [PMID: 38569963 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities have led to the emergence of pharmaceutical pollution in marine ecosystems, posing a significant threat to biodiversity in conjunction with global climate change. While the ecotoxicity of human drugs on aquatic organisms is increasingly recognized, their interactions with environmental factors, such as temperature, remain understudied. This research investigates the physiological effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine, on two diatom species, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Thalassiosira weissflogii. Results demonstrate that fluoxetine significantly reduces growth rate and biomass production, concurrently affecting pigment contents and the thermal performance curve (TPC) of the diatoms. Fluoxetine reduces the synthesis of chlorophyll a (Chl a) and carotenoid (Car), indicating inhibition of photosynthesis and photoprotection. Furthermore, fluoxetine decreases the maximum growth rate (μmax) while increasing the optimum temperature (Topt) in both species, suggesting an altered thermal plasticity. This shift is attributed to the observed decrease in the inhibition rate of fluoxetine with rising temperatures. These findings emphasize the physiological impacts and ecological implications of fluoxetine on phytoplankton and underscore the significance of considering interactions between multiple environmental drivers when accessing the ecotoxicity of potential pollutants. The present study provides insights into crucial considerations for evaluating the impacts of pharmaceutical pollution on marine primary producers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Li
- The SWIRE Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Juan Diego Gaitan-Espitia
- The SWIRE Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Pagano AD, Blödorn EB, Domingues WB, de Souza LP, da Silveira TLR, Kütter MT, Gonçalves NM, Volcan MV, Costa PG, Bianchini A, Remião MH, Campos VF. Validation of qPCR reference genes in the endangered annual killifish Austrolebias charrua considering different tissues, gender and environmental conditions. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s10646-024-02752-0. [PMID: 38602608 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02752-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The annual killifish Austrolebias charrua is an endangered species, endemic to the southern region of South America, which inhabits temporary ponds that emerges in the rainy season. The main anthropogenic threat driving the extinction of A. charrua stems from extensive agriculture, primarily due to the widrespread use of glyphosate-based herbicides near their habitats. Annual killifishes have been used as models for ecotoxicological studies but, up to now, there are no studies about reference genes in any Austrolebias species. This represents an obstacle to the use of qPCR-based technologies, the standard method for gene expression quantification. The present study aimed to select and validate potential reference genes for qPCR normalization in the annual killifish Austrolebias charrua considering different tissues, gender and environmental conditions. The candidate reference genes 18 s, actb, gapdh, ef1a, shox, eif3g, and the control gene atp1a1 were evaluated in male and female individuals in three different tissues (brain, liver, and gills) under two experimental conditions (control and acute exposition to Roundup Transorb®). The collected tissues were submitted to RNA extraction, followed by cDNA synthesis, cloning, sequencing, and qPCR. Overall, 18 s was the most stable reference gene, and 18 s and ef1a were the most stable combination. Otherwise, considering all variables, gapdh and shox were the least stable candidate genes. Foremost, suitable reference genes were validated in A. charrua, facilitating accurate mRNA quantification in this species, which might be useful for developing molecular tools of ecotoxicological assessment based on gene expression analysis for environmental monitoring of annual killifish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antônio Duarte Pagano
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil
| | - Eduardo Bieharls Blödorn
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil
| | - William Borges Domingues
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil
| | - Lucas Petitemberte de Souza
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil
| | - Tony Leandro Rezende da Silveira
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil
| | - Mateus Tavares Kütter
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brasil
| | - Natiéli Machado Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil
| | | | - Patrícia Gomes Costa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brasil
| | - Adalto Bianchini
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brasil
| | - Mariana Härter Remião
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil
| | - Vinicius Farias Campos
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil.
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Cunze S, Jourdan J, Klimpel S. Ecologically and medically important black flies of the genus Simulium: Identification of biogeographical groups according to similar larval niches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170454. [PMID: 38290683 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170454] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The black fly genus Simulium includes medically and ecologically important species, characterized by a wide variation of ecological niches largely determining their distributional patterns. In a rapidly changing environment, species-specific niche characteristics determine whether a species benefits or not. With aquatic egg, larval and pupal stages followed by a terrestrial adult phase, their spatial arrangements depend upon the interplay of aquatic conditions and climatic-landscape parameters in the terrestrial realm. The aim of this study was to enhance the understanding of the distributional patterns among Simulium species and their ecological drivers. In an ecological niche modelling approach, we focused on 12 common black fly species with different ecological requirements. Our modelling was based on available distribution data along with five stream variables describing the climatic, land-cover, and topographic conditions of river catchments. The modelled freshwater habitat suitability was spatially interpolated to derive an estimate of the adult black flies' probability of occurrence. Based on similarities in the spatial patterns of modelled habitat suitability we were able to identify three biogeographical groups, which allows us to confirm old assessments with current occurrence data: (A) montane species, (B) broad range species and (C) lowland species. The five veterinary and human medical relevant species Simulium equinum, S. erythrocephalum, S. lineatum, S. ornatum and S. reptans are mainly classified in the lowland species group. In the course of climatic changes, it is expected that biocoenosis will slightly shift towards upstream regions, so that the lowland group will presumably emerge as the winner. This is mainly explained by wider ecological niches, including a higher temperature tolerance and tolerance to various pollutants. In conclusion, these findings have significant implications for human and animal health. As exposure to relevant Simulium species increases, it becomes imperative to remain vigilant, particularly in investigating the potential transmission of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cunze
- Department of Integrative Parasitology and Zoophysiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Jonas Jourdan
- Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Department of Integrative Parasitology and Zoophysiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Senckenebrg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Branch Bioresources, Frauenhofer Institute for Molecular and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
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8
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Thoré ESJ, Aulsebrook AE, Brand JA, Almeida RA, Brodin T, Bertram MG. Time is of the essence: The importance of considering biological rhythms in an increasingly polluted world. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002478. [PMID: 38289905 PMCID: PMC10826942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Biological rhythms have a crucial role in shaping the biology and ecology of organisms. Light pollution is known to disrupt these rhythms, and evidence is emerging that chemical pollutants can cause similar disruption. Conversely, biological rhythms can influence the effects and toxicity of chemicals. Thus, by drawing insights from the extensive study of biological rhythms in biomedical and light pollution research, we can greatly improve our understanding of chemical pollution. This Essay advocates for the integration of biological rhythmicity into chemical pollution research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how chemical pollutants affect wildlife and ecosystems. Despite historical barriers, recent experimental and technological advancements now facilitate the integration of biological rhythms into ecotoxicology, offering unprecedented, high-resolution data across spatiotemporal scales. Recognizing the importance of biological rhythms will be essential for understanding, predicting, and mitigating the complex ecological repercussions of chemical pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli S. J. Thoré
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
- TRANSfarm—Science, Engineering, & Technology Group, KU Leuven, Lovenjoel, Belgium
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne E. Aulsebrook
- Department of Ornithology, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Jack A. Brand
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rafaela A. Almeida
- Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tomas Brodin
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Michael G. Bertram
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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9
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Soose LJ, Hügl KS, Oehlmann J, Schiwy A, Hollert H, Jourdan J. A novel approach for the assessment of invertebrate behavior and its use in behavioral ecotoxicology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165418. [PMID: 37433332 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Sublethal effects are becoming more relevant in ecotoxicological test methods due to their higher sensitivity compared to lethal endpoints and their preventive nature. Such a promising sublethal endpoint is the movement behavior of invertebrates which is associated with the direct maintenance of various ecosystem processes, hence being of special interest for ecotoxicology. Disturbed movement behavior is often related to neurotoxicity and can affect drift, mate-finding, predator avoidance, and therefore population dynamics. We show the practical implementation of the ToxmateLab, a new device that allows monitoring the movement behavior of up to 48 organisms simultaneously, for behavioral ecotoxicology. We quantified behavioral reactions of Gammarus pulex (Amphipoda, Crustacea) after exposure to two pesticides (dichlorvos and methiocarb) and two pharmaceuticals (diazepam and ibuprofen) at sublethal, environmentally relevant concentrations. We simulated a short-term pulse contamination event that lasted 90 min. Within this short test period, we successfully identified behavioral patterns that were most pronounced upon exposure to the two pesticides: Methiocarb initially triggered hyperactivity, after which baseline behavior was restored. On the other hand, dichlorvos induced hypoactivity starting at a moderate concentration of 5 μg/L - a pattern we also found at the highest concentration of ibuprofen (10 μg/L). An additional acetylcholine esterase inhibition assay revealed no significant impact of the enzyme activity that would explain the altered movement behavior. This suggests that in environmentally realistic scenarios chemicals can induce stress - apart from mode-of-action - that affects non-target organisms' behavior. Overall, our study proves the practical applicability of empirical behavioral ecotoxicological approaches and thus represents a next step towards routine practical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Soose
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Kim S Hügl
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jörg Oehlmann
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Schiwy
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer-Institute für Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Department Environmental Media-related Ecotoxicology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer-Institute für Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Department Environmental Media-related Ecotoxicology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jonas Jourdan
- Goethe University of Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Enns D, Cunze S, Baker NJ, Oehlmann J, Jourdan J. Flushing away the future: The effects of wastewater treatment plants on aquatic invertebrates. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120388. [PMID: 37517151 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are essential infrastructure in our developing world. However, with the development and release of novel entities and without modern upgrades, they are ineffective at fully removing micropollutants before treated effluents are released back into aquatic environments. Thus, WWTPs may represent additional point source impacts to freshwater environments, further pressuring aquatic fauna and already vulnerable insect communities. Previous studies - mostly focusing on single WWTPs - have shown general trends of freshwater invertebrate communities becoming dominated by pollution tolerant taxa. To expand on these findings, the current study is the first to comprehensively investigate data on the effects of 170 WWTPs on invertebrate taxonomic composition. We compared data for several diversity and pollution indices, as well as the taxonomic composition both upstream and downstream of the WWTPs (366 sampling sites). In terms of abundance, the three most frequent and negatively impacted orders were the Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Gastropoda, while the Turbellaria, Hirudinea and Crustacea increased in abundance. Although strong changes in community composition were observed between upstream and downstream sites (mean species turnover of 61%), commonly used diversity indices were not sensitive to these changes, highlighting their potential inadequacy in accurately assessing ecological health. Our results indicate that WWTPs change downstream conditions in favour of pollution tolerant taxa to the detriment of sensitive taxa. Order-level taxonomic responses can be informative but should be interpreted with caution, since they can be driven by a few taxa, or opposing responses of species in the same group can result in an overall low order-level response. Upgrading WWTPs via additional treatment steps or merging may be beneficial, provided upstream sections are unimpacted and/or are in a good chemical and structural condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Enns
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Hessen, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Sarah Cunze
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Department of Integrative Parasitology and Zoophysiology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nathan Jay Baker
- Nature Research Centre, Institute of Ecology, Akademijos Str. 2, LT-08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jörg Oehlmann
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Hessen, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jonas Jourdan
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Hessen, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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11
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Dos Santos A, Umbuzeiro GDA. Proposal of a chronic toxicity test using the tropical epibenthic amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115375. [PMID: 37579598 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115375] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Chronic toxicity tests with representative organisms are essential for ecological risk assessment. The circumtropical marine amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis is a promising test organism in ecotoxicology. This study aimed to develop a chronic toxicity protocol for liquid samples testing with P. hawaiensis using reproduction and growth as endpoints. In the proposed protocol, organisms (≤52 days old) are placed in 5 replicates each containing 100 mL of solution, 10 organisms, and 5 g of crushed coral for 42 days of exposure. The protocol was successfully developed but reproduction showed better performance than growth rate. NOECs based on reproduction were determined for zinc (0.10 mg Zn L-1) and 3,4-DCA (0.50 mg L-1), and they are of the same order of magnitude compared with the values of other amphipods. The developed test based on reproduction can be considered a promising tool for hazard characterizations although more tests with different substances are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Dos Santos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; School of Technology, University of Campinas, Limeira, SP, Brazil
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