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Rodrigues VB, Menezes JM, da Silva LC, Müller I, Mallmann L, Hermann BS, Menezes C, Brucker N, da Vida RL, Picada JN, Boaretto FBM, Schneider A, Linden R, Zanella R, Fleck JD, Charão MF. Caenorhabditis elegans as a suitable model to evaluate the toxicity of water from Rolante River, southern Brazil. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfad117. [PMID: 38178995 PMCID: PMC10762661 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Urbanization and agricultural activities increased environmental contaminants. Integrated analysis of water parameters and bioassays represents an essential approach to evaluating aquatic resource quality. This study aimed to assess water quality by microbiological and physicochemical parameters as well as the toxicological effects of water samples on the Ames test and Caenorhabditis elegans model. Samples were collected during (collection 1) and after (collection 2) pesticide application in the upper (S1), middle (S2), and lower (S3) sections of the Rolante River, southern Brazil. Metals were determined by GFAAS and pesticides by UPLC-MS/MS. Bioassays using the Ames test and the nematode C. elegans were performed. Levels of microbiological parameters, as well as Mn and Cu were higher than the maximum allowed limits established by legislation in collection 2 compared to collection 1. The presence of pesticide was observed in both collections; higher levels were found in collection 1. No mutagenic effect was detected. Significant inhibition of body length of C. elegans was found in collection 1 at S2 (P < 0.001) and S3 (P < 0.001) and in collection 2 at S2 (P = 0.004). Comparing the same sampling site between collections, a significant difference was found between the site of collection (F(3,6)=8.75, P = 0.01) and the time of collection (F(1,2)=28.61, P = 0.03), for the S2 and S3 samples. C. elegans model was useful for assessing surface water quality/toxicity. Results suggest that an integrated analysis for the surface water status could be beneficial for future approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Bley Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Júlia Machado Menezes
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Laura Cé da Silva
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Isadora Müller
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Larissa Mallmann
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Post-graduation in Virology, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Bruna Saraiva Hermann
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Post-graduation in Virology, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Charlene Menezes
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Natália Brucker
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Pharmacology Department, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Roselaine L da Vida
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Pharmacology Department, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Nascimento Picada
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde (Postgraduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology Applied to Health), Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS 92425-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Brião Menezes Boaretto
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde (Postgraduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology Applied to Health), Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS 92425-900, Brazil
| | - Anelise Schneider
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Rafael Linden
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Renato Zanella
- Pesticide Residue Analysis Laboratory (LARP), Chemistry Department, Analytical Chemistry Sector, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Juliane Deise Fleck
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Post-graduation in Virology, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
| | - Mariele Feiffer Charão
- Laboratory of Analytical Toxicology, Post-graduation in Toxicology and Toxicological Analysis, Feevale University, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93352-000, Brazil
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Liao C, Tian L, Wang Z, Zhu X, Han Y, Li T, Wang X. Toxicity warning and online monitoring of disinfection by-products in water by electroautotrophic biocathode sensors. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 219:114799. [PMID: 36252314 PMCID: PMC9550284 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
As a result of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic, disinfection byproducts generated by the extensive use of chlorine disinfectants have infiltrated the aquatic environment, severely threatening ecological safety and human health. Therefore, the accurate monitoring of the biotoxicity of aqueous environments has become an important issue. Biocathode sensors are excellent choices for toxicity monitoring because of their special electroautotrophic respiration functions. Herein, a novel electroautotrophic biosensor with rapid, sensitive, and stable response and quantifiable output was developed. Its toxicity response was tested with typical disinfection byproducts dichloromethane, trichloromethane, and combinations of both, and corresponding characterization models were developed. Repeated toxicity tests demonstrated that the sensor was reusable rather being than a disposable consumable, which is a prerequisite for its long-term and stable operation. Microbial viability confirmed a decrease in sensor sensitivity due to microbial stress feedback to the toxicants, which is expected to be calibrated in the future by the standardization of the biofilms. Community structure analysis indicated that Moheibacter and Nitrospiraceae played an important role in the toxic response to chlorine disinfection byproducts. Our research provides technical support for protecting the environment and safeguarding water safety for human consumption and contributes new concepts for the development of novel electrochemical sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengmei Liao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Lili Tian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China.
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xuemei Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Yilian Han
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Tian Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China.
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Roubicek DA, Rech CM, Umbuzeiro GA. Mutagenicity as a parameter in surface water monitoring programs-opportunity for water quality improvement. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2020; 61:200-211. [PMID: 31294883 DOI: 10.1002/em.22316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Effect-based analyses are being recognized as excellent tools to a comprehensive and reliable water quality evaluation to complement physical and chemical parameters. The Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity test was introduced in the São Paulo State water quality-monitoring program in 1999 and waters from 104 sites used to the production of drinking water were analyzed. Samples were tested after organic extraction, using the microsuspension version of the Salmonella/microsome assay with strains TA98 and TA100 with and without S9-mammalian metabolic system. Of the 1720 water samples analyzed in 20 years, 20% were positive; TA98 was the most sensitive strain, detecting alone 99%. Results were presented in hazard categories to facilitate water managers' understanding and general public communication. Hot spots of mutagenicity were identified, and pollution sources investigated. A flow scheme with instructions of how to proceed in case of mutagenic samples was developed and implemented in the monitoring program. Enforcement actions were taken to reduce exposure of humans and aquatic biota to mutagenic compounds. The results presented provide scientific basis for the incorporation of the Salmonella/microsome assay in a regulatory framework, and to guide water-quality managers. The inclusion of a mutagenicity assay using standardized conditions proved to be an opportunity to improve the quality of water, and the strategy presented here could be applied by any environmental agency around the world. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:200-211, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Célia M Rech
- São Paulo State Environmental Agency, CETESB, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gisela A Umbuzeiro
- School of Technology, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Limeira, SP, Brazil
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de Castro Medeiros L, de Alencar FLS, Navoni JA, de Araujo ALC, do Amaral VS. Toxicological aspects of trihalomethanes: a systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:5316-5332. [PMID: 30607849 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3949-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Chlorine is considered the most used chemical agent for water disinfection worldwide. However, water chlorination can lead to by-product generation which can be toxic to humans. The present study aimed to perform a systematic review on the toxicity of trihalomethanes (THMs) through bioindicators of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity. The results showed that studies on the effects of THMs on DNA are a current research concern for evaluating the toxicity of the pure compounds and real samples involving several types including water for recreational use, reused water, and drinking water. THMs deleterious effects have been assessed using several biosystems, where the Ames test along with experimental animal models were the most cited. A wide range of THM concentrations have been tested. Nevertheless, DNA damage was demonstrated, highlighting the potential human health risk. Among the studied THMs, chloroform presented a different action mechanism when compared with brominated THMs, with the former being cytotoxic while brominated THMs (bromodichloromethane, bromoform, and dibromochloromethane) were cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic. The described evidence in this research highlights the relevance of this topic as a human health issue. Nevertheless, research aimed to represent THMs current exposure conditions in a more accurate way would be needed to understand the real impact on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana de Castro Medeiros
- Development and Environment, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), University Campus, Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, 59072-970, Brazil
| | - Feliphe Lacerda Souza de Alencar
- Development and Environment, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), University Campus, Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, 59072-970, Brazil
| | - Julio Alejandro Navoni
- Development and Environment, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), University Campus, Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, 59072-970, Brazil
- Department of Natural Resources, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - André Luis Calado de Araujo
- Department of Natural Resources, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Viviane Souza do Amaral
- Development and Environment, Bioscience Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), University Campus, Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, 59072-970, Brazil.
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Center of Biosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), University Campus, Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, 59072-970, Brazil.
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5
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Roubicek DA, Souza-Pinto NCD. Mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA as relevant targets for environmental contaminants. Toxicology 2017; 391:100-108. [PMID: 28655544 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a closed circular molecule that encodes, in humans, 13 polypeptides components of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes. Integrity of the mitochondrial genome is essential for mitochondrial function and cellular homeostasis, and mutations and deletions in the mtDNA lead to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. In vitro and in situ studies suggest that when exposed to certain genotoxins, mtDNA accumulates more damage than nuclear DNA, likely owing to its organization and localization in the mitochondrial matrix, which tends to accumulate lipophilic, positively charged molecules. In that regard, several relevant environmental and occupational contaminants have physical-chemical characteristics that indicate that they might accumulate in mitochondria and target mtDNA. Nonetheless, very little is known so far about mtDNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction due to environmental exposure, either in model organisms or in humans. In this article, we discuss some of the characteristics of mtDNA which render it a potentially relevant target for damage by environmental contaminants, as well as possible functional consequences of damage/mutation accumulation. In addition, we review the data available in the literature focusing on mitochondrial effects of the most common classes of environmental pollutants. From that, we conclude that several lines of experimental evidence support the idea that mitochondria and mtDNA are susceptible and biologically relevant targets for pollutants, and more studies, including mechanistic ones, are needed to shed more light into the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction to the environmental and human health effects of chemical exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Roubicek
- Dept. of Environmental Analyses, São Paulo State Environmental Agency, CETESB, Av. Prof. Frederico Hermann Jr, 345, 05459-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Nadja C de Souza-Pinto
- Depto. de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo SP 05508-000, Brazil.
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Stalter D, Peters LI, O'Malley E, Tang JYM, Revalor M, Farré MJ, Watson K, von Gunten U, Escher BI. Sample Enrichment for Bioanalytical Assessment of Disinfected Drinking Water: Concentrating the Polar, the Volatiles, and the Unknowns. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:6495-6505. [PMID: 27153244 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Enrichment methods used in sample preparation for the bioanalytical assessment of disinfected drinking water result in the loss of volatile and hydrophilic disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and hence likely tend to underestimate biological effects. We developed and evaluated methods that are compatible with bioassays, for extracting nonvolatile and volatile DBPs from chlorinated and chloraminated drinking water to minimize the loss of analytes. For nonvolatile DBPs, solid-phase extraction (SPE) with TELOS ENV as solid phase performed superior compared to ten other sorbents. SPE yielded >70% recovery of nonpurgeable adsorbable organic halogens (AOX). For volatile DBPs, cryogenic vacuum distillation performed unsatisfactorily. Purge and cold-trap with crushed ice serving as condensation nuclei achieved recoveries of 50-100% for trihalomethanes and haloacetonitriles and approximately 60-90% for purged AOX from tap water. We compared the purgeable versus the nonpurgeable fraction by combining purge-and-trap extraction with SPE. The purgeable DBP fraction enriched with the purge-and-trap method exerted a lower oxidative stress response in mammalian cells than the nonpurgeable DBPs enriched with SPE after purging, while contributions of both fractions to bacterial cytotoxicity was more variable. 37 quantified DBPs explained almost the entire AOX in the purge-and-trap extracts, but <16% in the SPE extracts demonstrating that the nonpurgeable fraction is dominated by unknown DBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stalter
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4108, Australia
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Duebendorf, Switzerland
| | - Leon I Peters
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Elissa O'Malley
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Janet Yat-Man Tang
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Marion Revalor
- Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Maria José Farré
- Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kalinda Watson
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Urs von Gunten
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Duebendorf, Switzerland
- School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Beate I Escher
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland 4108, Australia
- Department of Cell Toxicology, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research , 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental Toxicology, Center for Applied Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University , 72074 Tübingen, Germany
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Sawade E, Fabris R, Humpage A, Drikas M. Effect of increasing bromide concentration on toxicity in treated drinking water. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2016; 14:183-191. [PMID: 27105403 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2015.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Research is increasingly indicating the potential chronic health effects of brominated disinfection by-products (DBPs). This is likely to increase with elevated bromide concentrations resulting from the impacts of climate change, projected to include extended periods of drought and the sudden onset of water quality changes. This will demand more rigorous monitoring throughout distribution systems and improved water quality management at water treatment plants (WTPs). In this work the impact of increased bromide concentration on formation of DBPs following conventional treatment and chlorination was assessed for two water sources. Bioanalytical tests were utilised to determine cytotoxicity of the water post disinfection. Coagulation was shown to significantly reduce the cytotoxicity of the water, indicating that removal of natural organic matter DBP precursors continues to be an important factor in drinking water treatment. Most toxic species appear to form within the first half hour following disinfectant addition. Increasing bromide concentration across the two waters was shown to increase the formation of trihalomethanes and shifted the haloacetic acid species distribution from chlorinated to those with greater bromine substitution. This correlated with increasing cytotoxicity. This work demonstrates the challenges faced by WTPs and the possible effects increasing levels of bromide in source waters could have on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sawade
- Australian Water Quality Centre, South Australian Water Corporation, 250 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia E-mail:
| | - Rolando Fabris
- Australian Water Quality Centre, South Australian Water Corporation, 250 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia E-mail:
| | - Andrew Humpage
- Australian Water Quality Centre, South Australian Water Corporation, 250 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia E-mail:
| | - Mary Drikas
- Australian Water Quality Centre, South Australian Water Corporation, 250 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia E-mail:
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Hrudey SE, Backer LC, Humpage AR, Krasner SW, Michaud DS, Moore LE, Singer PC, Stanford BD. Evaluating Evidence for Association of Human Bladder Cancer with Drinking-Water Chlorination Disinfection By-Products. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2015; 18:213-41. [PMID: 26309063 PMCID: PMC4642182 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2015.1067661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to chlorination disinfection by-products (CxDBPs) is prevalent in populations using chlorination-based methods to disinfect public water supplies. Multifaceted research has been directed for decades to identify, characterize, and understand the toxicology of these compounds, control and minimize their formation, and conduct epidemiologic studies related to exposure. Urinary bladder cancer has been the health risk most consistently associated with CxDBPs in epidemiologic studies. An international workshop was held to (1) discuss the qualitative strengths and limitations that inform the association between bladder cancer and CxDBPs in the context of possible causation, (2) identify knowledge gaps for this topic in relation to chlorine/chloramine-based disinfection practice(s) in the United States, and (3) assess the evidence for informing risk management. Epidemiological evidence linking exposures to CxDBPs in drinking water to human bladder cancer risk provides insight into causality. However, because of imprecise, inaccurate, or incomplete estimation of CxDBPs levels in epidemiologic studies, translation from hazard identification directly to risk management and regulatory policy for CxDBPs can be challenging. Quantitative risk estimates derived from toxicological risk assessment for CxDBPs currently cannot be reconciled with those from epidemiologic studies, notwithstanding the complexities involved, making regulatory interpretation difficult. Evidence presented here has both strengths and limitations that require additional studies to resolve and improve the understanding of exposure response relationships. Replication of epidemiologic findings in independent populations with further elaboration of exposure assessment is needed to strengthen the knowledge base needed to better inform effective regulatory approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve E. Hrudey
- Environmental and Analytical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Stuart W. Krasner
- Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Lyon BA, Milsk RY, DeAngelo AB, Simmons JE, Moyer MP, Weinberg HS. Integrated chemical and toxicological investigation of UV-chlorine/chloramine drinking water treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:6743-53. [PMID: 24840005 DOI: 10.1021/es501412n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
As the use of alternative drinking water treatment increases, it is important to understand potential public health implications associated with these processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and cytotoxicity of natural organic matter (NOM) concentrates treated with chlorine, chloramine, and medium pressure ultraviolet (UV) irradiation followed by chlorine or chloramine, with and without nitrate or iodide spiking. The use of concentrated NOM conserved volatile DBPs and allowed for direct analysis of the treated water. Treatment with UV prior to chlorine in ambient (unspiked) samples did not affect cytotoxicity as measured using an in vitro normal human colon cell (NCM460) assay, compared to chlorination alone when toxicity is expressed on the basis of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Nitrate-spiked UV+chlorine treatment produced greater cytotoxicity than nitrate-spiked chlorine alone or ambient UV+chlorine samples, on both a DOC and total organic halogen basis. Samples treated with UV+chloramine were more cytotoxic than those treated with only chloramine using either dose metric. This study demonstrated the combination of cytotoxicity and DBP measurements for process evaluation in drinking water treatment. The results highlight the importance of dose metric when considering the relative toxicity of complex DBP mixtures formed under different disinfection scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie A Lyon
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , 146A Rosenau Hall, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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Zheng W, Tian D, Wang X, Tian W, Zhang H, Jiang S, He G, Zheng Y, Qu W. Support vector machine: Classifying and predicting mutagenicity of complex mixtures based on pollution profiles. Toxicology 2013; 313:151-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2013.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2012] [Revised: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Stalter D, Dutt M, Escher BI. Headspace-free setup of in vitro bioassays for the evaluation of volatile disinfection by-products. Chem Res Toxicol 2013; 26:1605-14. [PMID: 24117097 DOI: 10.1021/tx400263h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The conventional setup of in vitro bioassays in microplates does not prevent the loss of volatile compounds, which hampers the toxicological characterization of waterborne volatile disinfection by-products (DBPs). To minimize the loss of volatile test chemicals, we adapted four in vitro bioassays to a headspace-free setup using eight volatile organic compounds (four trihalomethanes, 1,1-dichloroethene, bromoethane, and two haloacetonitriles) that cover a wide range of air-water partition coefficients. The nominal effect concentrations of the test chemicals decreased by up to three orders of magnitude when the conventional setup was changed to a headspace-free setup for the bacterial cytotoxicity assay using bioluminescence inhibition of Vibrio fischeri. The increase of apparent sensitivity correlated significantly with the air-water partition coefficient. Purge and trap GC/MS analysis revealed a reduced loss of dosed volatile compounds in the headspace free setup (78-130% of nominal concentration) compared to a substantial loss in the conventional set up (2-13% of the nominal concentration). The experimental effect concentrations converged with the headspace-free setup to the effect concentrations predicted by a QSAR model, confirming the suitability of the headspace-free approach to minimize the loss of volatile test chemicals. The analogue headspace-free design of the bacterial bioassays for genotoxicity (umuC assay) and mutagenicity (Ames fluctuation assay) increased the number of compounds detected as genotoxic or mutagenic from one to four and zero to two, respectively. In a bioassay with a mammalian cell line applied for detecting the induction of the Nrf-2-mediated oxidative stress response (AREc32 assay), the headspace-free setup improved the apparent sensitivity by less than one order of magnitude, presumably due to the retaining effect of the serum components in the medium, which is also reflected in the reduced aqueous concentrations of compounds. This study highlights the importance of adapting bioanalytical test setups when volatile/semivolatile compounds are present in the sample to avoid the loss of chemicals and thus to avoid underestimating the toxicity of mixtures and complex environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stalter
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), The University of Queensland , 39 Kessels Road, Brisbane Qld 4108, Australia
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Wang S, Zhang H, Zheng W, Wang X, Andersen ME, Pi J, He G, Qu W. Organic extract contaminants from drinking water activate Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response in a human cell line. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:4768-4777. [PMID: 23560486 DOI: 10.1021/es305133k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Traditional risk assessment methods face challenges in estimating risks from drinking waters that contain low-levels of large numbers of contaminants. Here, we evaluate the toxicity of organic contaminant (OC) extracts from drinking water by examining activation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant response. In HepG2 cells, the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response-measured as Nrf2 protein accumulation, expression of antioxidant response element (ARE)-regulated genes and ARE-luciferase reporter gene assays were activated by OC extracts from drinking water sources that detected 25 compounds in 9 classification groups. Individual OCs induced oxidative stress at concentrations much higher than their environmental levels; however, mixtures of contaminants induced oxidative stress response at only 8 times the environmental levels. Additionally, a synthetic OC mixture prepared based on the contamination profiling of drinking water induced ARE activity to the same extent as the real-world mixture, reinforcing our conclusion that these mixture exposures produce responses relevant for human exposure situations. Our study tested the possibility of assessing toxicity of OCs of drinking water using a specific ARE-pathway measurement. This approach should be broadly useful in assisting risk assessment of mixed environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
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Tsai SS, Chiu HF, Yang CY. Trihalomethanes in drinking water and the risk of death from esophageal cancer: does hardness in drinking water matter? JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2013; 76:120-130. [PMID: 23294300 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2013.738410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to (1) examine the relationship between total trihalomethanes (TTHM) levels in public water supplies and risk of esophageal cancer occurrence and (2) determine whether calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels in drinking water modify the effects of TTHM on risk to develop esophageal cancer. A matched case-control study was used to investigate the relationship between the risk of death attributed to esophageal cancer and exposure to TTHM in drinking water in 53 municipalities in Taiwan. All esophageal cancer deaths in the 53 municipalities from 2006 through 2010 were obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Taiwan Provincial Department of Health. Controls were deaths from other causes and were pair-matched to the cancer cases by gender, year of birth, and year of death. Each matched control was selected randomly from the set of possible controls for each cancer case. Data on TTHM levels in drinking water were collected from Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. Information on the levels of Ca and Mg in drinking water was obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation. The municipality of residence for cancer cases and controls was presumed to be the source of the subject's TTHM, Ca, and Mg exposure via drinking water. Relative to individuals whose TTHM exposure level <4.9 ppb, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for esophageal cancer was 1.02 (0.84-1.23) for individuals who resided in municipalities served by drinking water with a TTHM exposure ≥4.9 ppb. There was evidence of an interaction between drinking-water TTHM levels and low Ca and Mg intake. Our findings showed that the correlation between TTHM exposure and risk of esophageal cancer development was influenced by Ca and Mg levels in drinking water. This is the first study to report effect modification by Ca and Mg intake from drinking water on the correlation between TTHM exposure and risk of esophageal cancer occurrence. Increased knowledge of the interaction between Ca, Mg, and TTHM in reducing risk of esophageal cancer development will aid in public policymaking and standard setting for drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Shyue Tsai
- Department of Health Care Administration, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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14
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Assessing the risk of ballast water treatment to human health. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2012; 62:513-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Murphy EA, Post GB, Buckley BT, Lippincott RL, Robson MG. Future challenges to protecting public health from drinking-water contaminants. Annu Rev Public Health 2012; 33:209-24. [PMID: 22224887 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-031811-124506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Over the past several decades, human health protection for chemical contaminants in drinking water has been accomplished by development of chemical-specific standards. This approach alone is not feasible to address current issues of the occurrence of multiple contaminants in drinking water, some of which have little health effects information, and water scarcity. In this article, we describe the current chemical-specific paradigm for regulating chemicals in drinking water and discuss some potential additional approaches currently being explored to focus more on sustaining quality water for specific purposes. Also discussed are strategies being explored by the federal government to screen more efficiently the toxicity of large numbers of chemicals to prioritize further intensive testing. Water reuse and water treatment are described as sustainable measures for managing water resources for potable uses as well as other uses such as irrigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen A Murphy
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA.
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16
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Silva ZI, Rebelo MH, Silva MM, Alves AM, Cabral MDC, Almeida AC, Aguiar FR, de Oliveira AL, Nogueira AC, Pinhal HR, Aguiar PM, Cardoso AS. Trihalomethanes in Lisbon indoor swimming pools: occurrence, determining factors, and health risk classification. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2012; 75:878-892. [PMID: 22788374 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2012.690706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of water quality from indoor swimming pools, using chorine-based disinfection techniques, was performed during a 6-mo period to study the occurrence, distribution, and concentration factors of trihalomethanes (THM). Several parameters such as levels of water THM, water and air chloroform, water bromodichloromethane (BDCM), water dibromochloromethane (DBCM), water bromoform (BF), free residual chlorine (FrCl), pH, water and air temperature, and permanganate water oxidizability (PWO) were determined in each pool during that period. Chloroform (CF(W)) was the THM detected at higher concentrations in all pools, followed by BDCM, DBCM, and BF detected at 99, 34, and 6% of the samples, respectively. Water THM concentrations ranged from 10.1 to 155 μg/L, with 6.5% of the samples presenting values above 100 μg/L (parametric value established in Portuguese law DL 306/2007). In this study, air chloroform (CF(Air)) concentrations ranged from 45 to 373 μg/m³ with 24% of the samples presenting values above 136 μg/m³ (considered high exposure value). Several significant correlations were observed between total THM and other parameters, namely, CF(W), CF(Air), FrCl, water temperature (T(W)), and PWO. These correlations indicate that FrCl, T(W) and PWO are parameters that influence THM formation. The exposure criterion established for water THM enabled the inclusion of 67% of Lisbon pools in the high exposure group, which reinforces the need for an improvement in pool water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelinda Isabel Silva
- Water and Soil Unit, Environmental Health Department, Portuguese National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
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Prospective power calculations for the Four Lab study of a multigenerational reproductive/developmental toxicity rodent bioassay using a complex mixture of disinfection by-products in the low-response region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2011; 8:4082-101. [PMID: 22073030 PMCID: PMC3210599 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph8104082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Revised: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In complex mixture toxicology, there is growing emphasis on testing environmentally representative doses that improve the relevance of results for health risk assessment, but are typically much lower than those used in traditional toxicology studies. Traditional experimental designs with typical sample sizes may have insufficient statistical power to detect effects caused by environmentally relevant doses. Proper study design, with adequate statistical power, is critical to ensuring that experimental results are useful for environmental health risk assessment. Studies with environmentally realistic complex mixtures have practical constraints on sample concentration factor and sample volume as well as the number of animals that can be accommodated. This article describes methodology for calculation of statistical power for non-independent observations for a multigenerational rodent reproductive/developmental bioassay. The use of the methodology is illustrated using the U.S. EPA's Four Lab study in which rodents were exposed to chlorinated water concentrates containing complex mixtures of drinking water disinfection by-products. Possible experimental designs included two single-block designs and a two-block design. Considering the possible study designs and constraints, a design of two blocks of 100 females with a 40:60 ratio of control:treated animals and a significance level of 0.05 yielded maximum prospective power (~90%) to detect pup weight decreases, while providing the most power to detect increased prenatal loss.
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Kuo HW, Peng CY, Feng A, Wu TN, Yang CY. Magnesium in drinking water modifies the association between trihalomethanes and the risk of death from colon cancer. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2011; 74:392-403. [PMID: 21271439 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2011.538836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to (1) examine the relationship between total trihalomethanes (TTHM) levels in public water supplies and death attributed to colon cancer and (2) determine whether magnesium (Mg) levels in drinking water modify the effects of TTHM on risk of colon cancer development. A matched case-control study was used to investigate the relationship between the risk of death attributed to colon cancer and exposure to total trihalomethanes (TTHM) in drinking water in 53 municipalities in Taiwan. All colon cancer deaths of the 53 municipalities from 1998 through 2007 were obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Taiwan Provincial Department of Health. Controls were deaths from other causes and were pair-matched to the cancer cases by gender, year of birth, and year of death. Each matched control was selected randomly from the set of possible controls for each cancer case. Data on TTHM levels in drinking water were collected from Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. Information on the levels of Mg in drinking water was obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation. The municipality of residence for cancer cases and controls was presumed to be the source of the subject's TTHM and Mg exposure via drinking water. Relative to individuals whose TTHM exposure levels were <4.9 ppb, the adjusted odds ration (OR) (with 95% confidence interval [CI]) for colon cancer was 1.14 (1.01-1.28) for individuals who had resided in municipalities served by drinking water with a TTHM exposure≥4.9 ppb. Evidence of an interaction between drinking-water TTHM and Mg intake via drinking water was noted. This is the first study to report an effect modification by Mg intake from drinking water in association between TTHM exposure and risk of colon cancer occurrence. Better knowledge of this modifying factor will help in public policymaking and setting health standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Wei Kuo
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, and Department of Internal Medicine, Yuan's General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Lui YS, Qiu JW, Zhang YL, Wong MH, Liang Y. Algal-derived organic matter as precursors of disinfection by-products and mutagens upon chlorination. WATER RESEARCH 2011; 45:1454-1462. [PMID: 21115185 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2010.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Revised: 11/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Algal-derived organic materials (including algal cells, hydrophilic and hydrophobic proteins) from Chlamydomonas sp. (a common green alga in local reservoirs), were chlorinated in the laboratory (20 °C, pH 7, Cl(2)/DOC ratio of 20 mg Cl(2) mg(-1)). Levels of disinfection by-products and mutagenicity (via Salmonella T100 mutation assay, -S9) over 2 h of chlorination time were determined. The hydrophilic proteins were more effective precursors of chloroform (35.9 μmol L(-1) at 120 min), 35 times greater than that from the hydrophobic proteins; whereas the hydrophobic proteins were more potent precursors of direct-acting mutagens (maximum level of 50.1 rev μL(-1) at 30 s) than the hydrophilic proteins (maximum level of 3.38 rev μL(-1) at 60 min). The mutagenicity of the chlorinated solutions generally reached a peak level shortly after chlorination and then declined afterwards, a pattern different from that of chloroform generation. The results indicate that algal hydrophilic proteins, containing low aromaticity and difficult to be removed via coagulation/flocculation, are important chloroform precursors. It is also suggested that hydrophobic organic intermediates with low molecular weight formed during chlorination may serve as the direct-acting mutagens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Lui
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, PR China
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20
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Richardson SD, DeMarini DM, Kogevinas M, Fernandez P, Marco E, Lourencetti C, Ballesté C, Heederik D, Meliefste K, McKague AB, Marcos R, Font-Ribera L, Grimalt JO, Villanueva CM. What's in the pool? A comprehensive identification of disinfection by-products and assessment of mutagenicity of chlorinated and brominated swimming pool water. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2010; 118:1523-30. [PMID: 20833605 PMCID: PMC2974688 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1001965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2010] [Revised: 04/22/2010] [Accepted: 06/08/2010] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Swimming pool disinfectants and disinfection by-products (DBPs) have been linked to human health effects, including asthma and bladder cancer, but no studies have provided a comprehensive identification of DBPs in the water and related that to mutagenicity. OBJECTIVES We performed a comprehensive identification of DBPs and disinfectant species in waters from public swimming pools in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, that disinfect with either chlorine or bromine and we determined the mutagenicity of the waters to compare with the analytical results. METHODS We used gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to measure trihalomethanes in water, GC with electron capture detection for air, low- and high-resolution GC/MS to comprehensively identify DBPs, photometry to measure disinfectant species (free chlorine, monochloroamine, dichloramine, and trichloramine) in the waters, and an ion chromatography method to measure trichloramine in air. We assessed mutagenicity with the Salmonella mutagenicity assay. RESULTS We identified > 100 DBPs, including many nitrogen-containing DBPs that were likely formed from nitrogen-containing precursors from human inputs, such as urine, sweat, and skin cells. Many DBPs were new and have not been reported previously in either swimming pool or drinking waters. Bromoform levels were greater in brominated than in chlorinated pool waters, but we also identified many brominated DBPs in the chlorinated waters. The pool waters were mutagenic at levels similar to that of drinking water (approximately 1,200 revertants/L-equivalents in strain TA100-S9 mix). CONCLUSIONS This study identified many new DBPs not identified previously in swimming pool or drinking water and found that swimming pool waters are as mutagenic as typical drinking waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Richardson
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia 30606, USA.
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21
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Chiu HF, Tsai SS, Wu TN, Yang CY. Effect modification of the association between trihalomethanes and pancreatic cancer by drinking water hardness: evidence from an ecological study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2010; 110:513-518. [PMID: 20382379 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2010.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2009] [Revised: 02/26/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between total trihalomethanes (TTHM) levels in public water supplies and risk of pancreatic cancer and to determine whether calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels in drinking water modify the effects of TTHM on risk to develop pancreatic cancer. A matched case-control study was used to investigate the relationship between the risk of death attributed to pancreatic cancer and exposure to TTHM in drinking water in 53 municipalities in Taiwan. All pancreatic cancer deaths in the 53 municipalities from 1998 through 2007 were obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Taiwan Provincial Department of Health. Controls were deaths from other causes and were pair matched to the cancer cases by gender, year of birth, and year of death. Each matched control was selected randomly from the set of possible controls for each cancer case. Data on TTHM levels in drinking water were collected from Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. Information on the levels of Ca and Mg in drinking water was obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation. The municipality of residence for cancer cases and controls was presumed to be the source of the subject's TTHM, Ca, and Mg exposure via drinking water. Relative to individuals whose TTHM exposure level < 4.9ppb, the adjusted OR (95% CI) for pancreatic cancer was 1.01 (0.85-1.21) for individuals who resided in municipalities served by drinking water with a TTHM exposure > 4.9ppb. There was no evidence of an interaction of drinking water TTHM levels with low Ca intake via drinking water. However, we observed evidence of an interaction between drinking water TTHM concentrations and Mg intake via drinking water. Our findings showed that the correlation between TTHM exposure and risk of pancreatic cancer is influenced by Mg in drinking water. Increased knowledge of the interaction between Mg and TTHM in reducing pancreatic cancer risk will aid in public policy making and standard setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Fen Chiu
- Department of Pharmacology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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22
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Buteau S, Valcke M. Probabilistic human health risk assessment for quarterly exposure to high chloroform concentrations in drinking-water distribution network of the Province of Quebec, Canada. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2010; 73:1626-1644. [PMID: 20967676 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2010.501718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Because quarterly concentrations of total trihalomethanes (THM) exceeding the 80 μg/L guideline are often tolerated by the public health authorities of the Province of Quebec (Canada), this study examined whether quarterly episodes of high concentrations of THM may pose a risk to the health of its population. Using Monte Carlo simulations, a probabilistic risk assessment was performed for infants (0-<6 mo), toddlers (6 mo-<5 yr) and adults (≥20 yr). Multiroute exposure including ingestion of drinking water as well as inhalation and dermal exposure while showering or bathing was considered. The resulting absorbed doses were compared to short-term reference values for chloroform, used as surrogate for THM, by calculating risk quotients (RQ). On the basis of THM concentrations values in Quebec's drinking water distribution systems during the months of July to October and exceeding the guideline value (>80 μg/L), the 95th percentile value of RQ were 0.65, 0.46, and 0.24 for infants, toddlers, and adults, respectively. Back-calculation allowed determining that a chloroform concentration of 330 μg/L would result in RQ ≤ 1 for 99% of infants, the subgroup considered the most susceptible among the general population. Overall, this study showed that episodes of high THM concentration encountered in Quebec drinking-water distribution network need not be considered as an immediate health concern for the general population. However, these results should not be interpreted as an authorization to exceed the 80 μg/L standard but rather as a risk management tool for public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Buteau
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Kuo HW, Chen PS, Ho SC, Wang LY, Yang CY. Trihalomethanes in drinking water and the risk of death from rectal cancer: does hardness in drinking water matter? JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2010; 73:807-818. [PMID: 20391122 DOI: 10.1080/15287391003689267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were (1) to examine the relationship between total trihalomethanes (TTHM) levels in public water supplies and risk of rectal cancer development and (2) to determine whether calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels in drinking water might modify the effects of TTHM on risk of developing rectal cancer. A matched cancer case-control study was used to investigate the relationship between the risk of death attributed to rectal cancer and exposure to TTHM in drinking water in 53 municipalities in Taiwan. All rectal cancer deaths in the 53 municipalities from 1998 through 2007 were obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Taiwan Provincial Department of Health. Controls were deaths from other causes and were pair-matched to cancer cases by gender, year of birth, and year of death. Each matched control was selected randomly from the set of possible controls for each cancer case. Data on TTHM levels in drinking water were collected from the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. Information on the levels of Ca and Mg in drinking water was obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation. The municipality of residence for cancer cases and controls was presumed to be the source of the subject's TTHM, Ca, and Mg exposure via drinking water. Relative to individuals whose TTHM exposure level was <4.9 ppb, the adjusted OR (95% CI) for rectal cancer occurrence was 1.04 (0.88-1.22) for individuals who resided in municipalities served by drinking water with a TTHM exposure >or=4.9 ppb. There was no evidence of an interaction of drinking-water TTHM levels with low Ca intake via drinking water. However, evidence of an interaction was noted between drinking-water TTHM concentrations and Mg intake via drinking water. Our findings showed that the correlation between TTHM exposure and risk of rectal cancer is influenced by Mg in drinking water. Increased knowledge of the interaction between Mg and TTHM in reducing rectal cancer risk will aid in public policymaking and standard setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Wei Kuo
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Kuo HW, Tiao MM, Tsai SS, Wu TN, Yang CY. Does calcium in drinking water modify the association between trihalomethanes and the risk of death from colon cancer? JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2010; 73:657-668. [PMID: 20391110 DOI: 10.1080/15287390903578513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were (1) to examine the relationship between total trihalomethanes (TTHM) levels in public water supplies and mortality attributed to colon cancer and (2) to determine whether calcium levels (Ca) in drinking water modify the effects of TTHM on risk to develop colon cancer. A matched cancer case-control study was used to investigate the relationship between the risk of death attributed to colon cancer and exposure to TTHM in drinking water in 53 municipalities in Taiwan. All colon cancer deaths in the 53 municipalities from 1998 through 2007 were obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Taiwan Provincial Department of Health. Controls were deaths from other causes and were pair-matched to the cancer cases by gender, year of birth, and year of death. Each matched control was selected randomly from the set of possible controls for each cancer case. Data on TTHM levels in drinking water were collected from the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration. Information on the levels of Ca in drinking water was obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation. The municipality of residence for cancer cases and controls was presumed to be the source of the subject's TTHM and Ca exposure via drinking water. Relative to individuals whose TTHM exposure level was <4.9 ppb, the adjusted OR (95% CI) for colon cancer was 1.14 (1.01-1.28) for individuals who resided in municipalities served by drinking water with a TTHM exposure > or =4.9 ppb. Data demonstrated evidence of an interaction between drinking-water TTHM concentrations and Ca intake via drinking water. Our findings showed that the correlation between TTHM exposure and risk of colon cancer development is influenced by Ca in drinking water. Increased knowledge of the interaction between Ca and TTHM in reducing colon cancer risk will aid in public policymaking and standard setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Wei Kuo
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Schilirò T, Pignata C, Rovere R, Fea E, Gilli G. The endocrine disrupting activity of surface waters and of wastewater treatment plant effluents in relation to chlorination. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 75:335-340. [PMID: 19155045 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2008] [Revised: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/14/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the biological quantification of estrogenic activity in the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and in the recipient river in north-western Italy. Samples of the WWTP effluent and those of river water upstream and downstream the WWTP were taken from September 2006 to May 2007. The effluent was evaluated in the presence and absence of chlorination. The E-screen assay, with human estrogens receptor-positive MCF-7 BUS breast cancer cells, was performed on samples after solid-phase extraction to determine the total estrogenic activity by measuring the 17beta-estradiol equivalent quantity (EEQ). In order to study the correlation between estrogenicity and toxicity, untreated samples were also assayed with the acute toxicity test Microtox. Furthermore, to determine the efficiency of the chlorination process, all the samples were analysed for disinfection by-products (trihalomethanes) and Escherichia coli. The mean EEQs were 5.0 ng/L (+/-6.1 ng/L) upstream of the plant, 6.7 ng/L (+/-7.4 ng/L) downstream from the plant and 23.3 ng/L (+/-20.4 ng/L) in the WWTP effluent. The difference between upstream and downstream of the treatment plant was not significant. Chlorinated water samples had lower estrogenic activity and E. coli concentrations, but had greater toxicity and higher trihalomethane concentrations. Estrogenic activity was not correlated with toxicity. These results suggest that the WWTP effluent had little impact on the estrogenic activity of the recipient river.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Microbiology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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Schenck KM, Sivaganesan M, Rice GE. Correlations of water quality parameters with mutagenicity of chlorinated drinking water samples. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2009; 72:461-467. [PMID: 19267307 DOI: 10.1080/15287390802608940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Adverse health effects that may result from chronic exposure to mixtures of disinfection by-products (DBPs) present in drinking waters may be linked to both the types and concentrations of DBPs present. Depending on the characteristics of the source water and treatment processes used, both types and concentrations of DBPs found in drinking waters vary substantially. The composition of a drinking-water mixture also may change during distribution. This study evaluated the relationships between mutagenicity, using the Ames assay, and water quality parameters. The study included information on treatment, mutagenicity data, and water quality data for source waters, finished waters, and distribution samples collected from five full-scale drinking water treatment plants, which used chlorine exclusively for disinfection. Four of the plants used surface water sources and the fifth plant used groundwater. Correlations between mutagenicity and water quality parameters are presented. The highest correlation was observed between mutagenicity and the total organic halide concentrations in the treated samples.
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Bull RJ, Rice G, Teuschler LK. Determinants of whether or not mixtures of disinfection by-products are similar. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2009; 72:437-460. [PMID: 19267306 DOI: 10.1080/15287390802608916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Reactive chemicals have been used to disinfect drinking waters for over a century. In the 1970s, it was first observed that the reaction of these chemicals with the natural organic matter (NOM) in source waters results in the production of variable, complex mixtures of disinfection by-products (DBP). Because limited toxicological and epidemiological data are available to assess potential human health risks from complex DBP mixture exposures, methods are needed to determine when health effects data on a specific DBP mixture may be used as a surrogate for evaluating another environmental DBP mixture of interest. Before risk assessors attempt such efforts, a set of criteria needs to be in place to determine whether two or more DBP mixtures are similar in composition and toxicological potential. This study broadly characterizes the chemical and toxicological measures that may be used to evaluate similarities among DBP mixtures. Variables are discussed that affect qualitative and quantitative shifts in the types of DBP that are formed, including disinfectants used, their reactions with NOM and with bromide/iodide, pH, temperature, time, and changes in the water distribution system. The known toxicological activities of DBP mixtures and important single DBPs are also presented in light of their potential for producing similar toxicity. While DBP exposures are associated with a number of health effects, this study focuses on (1) mutagenic activity of DBP mixtures, (2) DBP cancer epidemiology, and (3) toxicology studies to evaluate similarity among DBP mixtures. Data suggest that further chemical characterization of DBP mixtures and more systematic study of DBP toxicology will improve the quality and usefulness of similarity criteria.
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