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Hertzberg RC, Teuschler LK, McDonald A, Sey YM, Simmons JE. Evaluation of the Interaction-Based Hazard Index Formula Using Data on Four Trihalomethanes from U.S. EPA's Multiple-Purpose Design Study. TOXICS 2024; 12:305. [PMID: 38787084 PMCID: PMC11125920 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The interaction-based hazard index (HIINT), a mixtures approach to characterizing toxicologic interactions, is demonstrated and evaluated by statistically analyzing data on four regulated trihalomethanes (THMs). These THMs were the subject of a multipurpose toxicology study specifically designed to evaluate the HIINT formula. This HIINT evaluation uses single, binary and quaternary mixture THM data. While this research is considered preliminary, the results provide insights on the application of HIINT when toxicology mixture data are available and on improvements to the method. The results for relative liver weight show the HIINT was generally not conservative but did adjust the additive hazard index (HI) in the correct direction, predicting greater than dose-additivity, as seen in the mixture data. For the liver serum enzyme endpoint alanine aminotransferase, the results were mixed, with some indices giving an estimated effective dose lower than the observed mixture effective dose and others higher; in general, the HIINT adjusted the HI in the correct direction, predicting less than dose-additivity. In addition, a methodological improvement was made in the calculation of maximum interaction magnitude. Suggested refinements to the HIINT included mixture-specific replacements for default parameter values and approaches for supplementing the usual qualitative discussions of uncertainty with numerical descriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anthony McDonald
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Yusupha Mahtarr Sey
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Jane Ellen Simmons
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
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2
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Bexfield LM, Belitz K, Fram MS, Lindsey BD. Volatile organic compounds in groundwater used for public supply across the United States: Occurrence, explanatory factors, and human-health context. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 827:154313. [PMID: 35257755 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This systematic assessment of occurrence for 85 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in raw (untreated) groundwater used for public supply across the United States (U.S.), which includes 43 compounds not previously monitored by national studies, relates VOC occurrence to explanatory factors and assesses VOC detections in a human-health context. Samples were collected in 2013 through 2019 from 1537 public-supply wells in aquifers representing 78% of the volume pumped for public drinking-water supply. Laboratory detection limits for VOCs generally were less than 0.1 μg/L. Detections were reported for 36% of the sampled principal-aquifer area (38% of sampled wells) and were most common in wells in shallow, unconfined aquifers in urban areas that produce high proportions of modern-age and oxic groundwater. The disinfection by-product trichloromethane (chloroform) was the most commonly detected VOC associated primarily with anthropogenic sources (24% of the sampled area, 25% of sampled wells), followed by the gasoline oxygenate methyl tert-butyl ether (8.4% of area, 11% of wells). Carbon disulfide (12% of area, 14% of wells) was examined separately because of likely substantial contributions from natural sources. Newly monitored VOCs were each detected in <1% of the sampled area. Although detections of 1,4-dioxane in this first national study of its occurrence in raw groundwater were rare, measured concentrations exceeded the most stringent (non-enforceable) human-health benchmark in 0.5% of the sampled area (9 wells). Two wells had exceedances of enforceable benchmarks for tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene, and 50 wells total (representing 2.0% of the sampled area, 3.3% of sampled wells) had combined VOC concentrations exceeding 10% of benchmarks of any type. Compared with previous national findings, this study reports lower rates of VOC detection, but confirms widespread anthropogenic influence on groundwater used for public supply, with relatively few concentrations of individual VOCs or mixtures that approach or exceed human-health benchmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Bexfield
- U.S. Geological Survey, New Mexico Water Science Center, 6700 Edith Blvd NE, Bldg B, Albuquerque, NM 87113, United States of America.
| | - Kenneth Belitz
- U.S. Geological Survey, 10 Bearfoot Road, Northborough, MA 01532, United States of America.
| | - Miranda S Fram
- U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, Placer Hall, 6000 J St., Sacramento, CA 95819, United States of America.
| | - Bruce D Lindsey
- U.S. Geological Survey, 215 Limekiln Road, New Cumberland, PA 17070, United States of America.
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3
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Bexfield LM, Belitz K, Lindsey BD, Toccalino PL, Nowell LH. Pesticides and Pesticide Degradates in Groundwater Used for Public Supply across the United States: Occurrence and Human-Health Context. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:362-372. [PMID: 33315392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
This is the first assessment of groundwater from public-supply wells across the United States to analyze for >100 pesticide degradates and to provide human-health context for degradates without benchmarks. Samples from 1204 wells in aquifers representing 70% of the volume pumped for drinking supply were analyzed for 109 pesticides (active ingredients) and 116 degradates. Among the 41% of wells where pesticide compounds were detected, nearly two-thirds contained compound mixtures and three-quarters contained degradates. Atrazine, hexazinone, prometon, tebuthiuron, four atrazine degradates, and one metolachlor degradate were each detected in >5% of wells. Detection frequencies were largest for aquifers with more shallow, unconfined wells producing modern-age groundwater. To screen for potential human-health concerns, benchmark quotients (BQs) were calculated by dividing concentrations by the human-health benchmark, when available. For degradates without benchmarks, estimated values (estimated benchmark quotients (BQE)) were first calculated by assuming equimolar toxicity to the most toxic parent; final analysis excluded degradates with likely overestimated toxicity. Six pesticide compounds and 1.6% of wells had concentrations approaching levels of potential concern (individual or summed BQ or BQE values >0.1), and none exceeded these levels (values >1). Therefore, although pesticide compounds occurred frequently, concentrations were low, even accounting for mixtures and degradates without benchmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Bexfield
- New Mexico Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 6700 Edith Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113, United States
| | - Kenneth Belitz
- U.S. Geological Survey, 10 Bearfoot Road, Northborough, Massachusetts 01532, United States
| | - Bruce D Lindsey
- U.S. Geological Survey, 215 Limekiln Road, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania 17070, United States
| | - Patricia L Toccalino
- U.S. Geological Survey, 911 Northeast 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232, United States
| | - Lisa H Nowell
- U.S. Geological Survey, 6000 J Street, Placer Hall, Sacramento, California 95819, United States
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4
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Krewski D, Andersen ME, Tyshenko MG, Krishnan K, Hartung T, Boekelheide K, Wambaugh JF, Jones D, Whelan M, Thomas R, Yauk C, Barton-Maclaren T, Cote I. Toxicity testing in the 21st century: progress in the past decade and future perspectives. Arch Toxicol 2019; 94:1-58. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02613-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Mahajan L, Verma PK, Raina R, Pankaj NK, Sood S, Singh M. Alteration in thiols homeostasis, protein and lipid peroxidation in renal tissue following subacute oral exposure of imidacloprid and arsenic in Wistar rats. Toxicol Rep 2018; 5:1114-1119. [PMID: 30456172 PMCID: PMC6231080 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of present study was to assess whether No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) of imidacloprid (IMI) potentiates the arsenic induced renal toxicity at its maximum contaminant level in drinking water in Wistar rats. Significant elevation of lipid and protein oxidation with reduced level of total thiols and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-s-transferase) in renal tissue may have contributed to increased renal plasma biomarkers (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) following repeated exposure of IMI and arsenic alone and in-combination. The altered renal biomarkers in co-exposed groups corroborated with histopathological alterations in renal tissue. The observations indicated that altered thiol homeostasis in renal tissue may be associated with increased lipid and protein oxidation in IMI and arsenic administered rats. It is concluded that administration of IMI potentiate the arsenic induced renal damage in Wistar rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshay Mahajan
- Division of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, R S Pura, 181102, India
| | - Pawan Kumar Verma
- Division of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, R S Pura, 181102, India
| | - Rajinder Raina
- Division of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, R S Pura, 181102, India
| | - Nrip K. Pankaj
- Division of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, R S Pura, 181102, India
| | - Shilpa Sood
- Division of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, R S Pura, 181102, India
| | - Maninder Singh
- Division of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, R S Pura, 181102, India
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6
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Li Z. Introducing relative potency quotient approach associated with probabilistic cumulative risk assessment to derive soil standards for pesticide mixtures. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:198-208. [PMID: 29980038 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.06.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Children can be exposed to organophosphate and carbamate mixtures, which pose additive health effects via soil exposure. However, only 23 countries have soil standard values for organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, and most regulatory jurisdictions do not consider the cumulative exposure. This study derived proposed soil standards for organophosphates and carbamates by introducing the relative potency quotient approach (RPQ). The probabilistic cumulative risk assessment was also applied to evaluate current soil standards of pesticide mixtures. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have soil standards of 19 organophosphates and five carbamates. However, these standards cannot protect population health via chronic exposure in conservative and semi-conservative scenarios based on the probabilistic risk assessment because the U.S.EPA simplified the regulatory process for the cumulative exposure to pesticide mixtures and omitted the soil allocation factor, which should be set for aggregate exposure. The analysis of proposed soil standards developed by the RPQ approach indicates that some human behavior variables, such as soil intake rate and exposure duration, have stronger impacts on the proposed soil standards than human biometric variables like body weight. This study may be helpful to develop regulatory standards and a framework for pesticide mixtures having additive health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Li
- Parsons Corporation, Chicago, IL, 60606, USA; Department of Civil Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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7
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Hoover JH, Coker E, Barney Y, Shuey C, Lewis J. Spatial clustering of metal and metalloid mixtures in unregulated water sources on the Navajo Nation - Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, USA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 633:1667-1678. [PMID: 29669690 PMCID: PMC6051417 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.02.288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Contaminant mixtures are identified regularly in public and private drinking water supplies throughout the United States; however, the complex and often correlated nature of mixtures makes identification of relevant combinations challenging. This study employed a Bayesian clustering method to identify subgroups of water sources with similar metal and metalloid profiles. Additionally, a spatial scan statistic assessed spatial clustering of these subgroups and a human health metric was applied to investigate potential for human toxicity. These methods were applied to a dataset comprised of metal and metalloid measurements from unregulated water sources located on the Navajo Nation, in the southwest United States. Results indicated distinct subgroups of water sources with similar contaminant profiles and that some of these subgroups were spatially clustered. Several profiles had metal and metalloid concentrations that may have potential for human toxicity including arsenic, uranium, lead, manganese, and selenium. This approach may be useful for identifying mixtures in water sources, spatially evaluating the clusters, and help inform toxicological research investigating mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Hoover
- Community Environmental Health Program, College Of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Eric Coker
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, USA
| | - Yolanda Barney
- Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency - Public Water Systems Supervisory Program, PO Box 339, Window Rock, AZ 86515, USA
| | - Chris Shuey
- Southwest Research and Information Center, 105 Stanford Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- Community Environmental Health Program, College Of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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8
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Chen S, Wu D. Adapting ecological risk valuation for natural resource damage assessment in water pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 164:85-92. [PMID: 29482187 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ecological risk assessment can address requirements of natural resource damage assessment by quantifying the magnitude of possible damages to the ecosystem. This paper investigates an approach to assess water damages from pollution incident on the basis of concentrations of contaminants. The baseline of water pollution is determined with not-to-exceed concentration of contaminants required by water quality standards. The values of damage cost to water quality are estimated through sewage treatment cost. To get a reliable estimate of treatment cost, DEA is employed to classify samples of sewage plants based on their efficiency of sewage treatment. And exponential fitting is adopted to determine the relation between treatment cost and the decrease of COCs. The range of damage costs is determined through the fitting curves respectively based on efficient and inefficient samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhen Chen
- School of Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China.
| | - Desheng Wu
- School of Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China; Stockholm Business School, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
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9
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Eggers MJ, Doyle JT, Lefthand MJ, Young SL, Moore-Nall AL, Kindness L, Medicine RO, Ford TE, Dietrich E, Parker AE, Hoover JH, Camper AK. Community Engaged Cumulative Risk Assessment of Exposure to Inorganic Well Water Contaminants, Crow Reservation, Montana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E76. [PMID: 29304032 PMCID: PMC5800175 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 11 million people in the US have home wells with unsafe levels of hazardous metals and nitrate. The national scope of the health risk from consuming this water has not been assessed as home wells are largely unregulated and data on well water treatment and consumption are lacking. Here, we assessed health risks from consumption of contaminated well water on the Crow Reservation by conducting a community-engaged, cumulative risk assessment. Well water testing, surveys and interviews were used to collect data on contaminant concentrations, water treatment methods, well water consumption, and well and septic system protection and maintenance practices. Additive Hazard Index calculations show that the water in more than 39% of wells is unsafe due to uranium, manganese, nitrate, zinc and/or arsenic. Most families' financial resources are limited, and 95% of participants do not employ water treatment technologies. Despite widespread high total dissolved solids, poor taste and odor, 80% of families consume their well water. Lack of environmental health literacy about well water safety, pre-existing health conditions and limited environmental enforcement also contribute to vulnerability. Ensuring access to safe drinking water and providing accompanying education are urgent public health priorities for Crow and other rural US families with low environmental health literacy and limited financial resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret J Eggers
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173980, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
| | - John T Doyle
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
- Crow Water Quality Project, P.O. Box 370, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
| | - Myra J Lefthand
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
| | - Sara L Young
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
| | - Anita L Moore-Nall
- Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173480, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
| | - Larry Kindness
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
| | - Roberta Other Medicine
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
- Environmental Health Department, Crow/Northern Cheyenne Indian Health Service Hospital,Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
| | - Timothy E Ford
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 N. Pleasant Street,Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| | - Eric Dietrich
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173980, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
| | - Albert E Parker
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173980, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173980,Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
| | - Joseph H Hoover
- Health Sciences Center, MSC09 5360, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Anne K Camper
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173980, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
- College of Engineering, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173980, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
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10
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Lin YJ, Ling MP, Chen SC, Chen WY, Hsieh NH, Cheng YH, You SH, Chou WC, Lin MC, Liao CM. Mixture risk assessment due to ingestion of arsenic, copper, and zinc from milkfish farmed in contaminated coastal areas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:14616-14626. [PMID: 28452032 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8982-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Human health risks associated with the consumption of metal-contaminated fish over extended periods have become a concern particularly in Taiwan, where fish is consumed on a large scale. This study applied the interaction-based hazard index (HI) to assess the mixture health risks for fishers and non-fishers who consume the arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) contaminated milkfish from As-contaminated coastal areas in Taiwan, taking into account joint toxic actions and potential toxic interactions. We showed that the interactions of As-Zn and Cu-Zn were antagonistic, whereas As-Cu interaction was additive. We found that HI estimates without interactions considered were 1.3-1.6 times higher than interactive HIs. Probability distributions of HI estimates for non-fishers were less than 1, whereas all 97.5%-tile HI estimates for fishers were >1. Analytical results revealed that the level of inorganic As in milkfish was the main contributor to HIs, indicating a health risk posed to consumers of fish farmed in As-contaminated areas. However, we found that Zn supplementation could significantly decrease As-induced risk of hematological effect by activating a Zn-dependent enzyme. In order to improve the accuracy of health risk due to exposure to multiple metals, further toxicological data, regular environmental monitoring, dietary survey, and refinement approaches for interactive risk assessment are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jun Lin
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Min-Pei Ling
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City, 20224, Taiwan.
| | - Szu-Chieh Chen
- Department of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40242, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Chen
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Hung Hsieh
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - Yi-Hsien Cheng
- Institute of Computational Comparative Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Shu-Han You
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chun Chou
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chao Lin
- Center for General Education, Nanhua University, Chiayi County, 62249, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Min Liao
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
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11
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Yao H, Qian X, Yin H, Gao H, Wang Y. Regional risk assessment for point source pollution based on a water quality model of the Taipu River, China. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2015; 35:265-277. [PMID: 25109941 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Point source pollution is one of the main threats to regional environmental health. Based on a water quality model, a methodology to assess the regional risk of point source pollution is proposed. The assessment procedure includes five parts: (1) identifying risk source units and estimating source emissions using Monte Carlo algorithms; (2) observing hydrological and water quality data of the assessed area, and evaluating the selected water quality model; (3) screening out the assessment endpoints and analyzing receptor vulnerability with the Choquet fuzzy integral algorithm; (4) using the water quality model introduced in the second step to predict pollutant concentrations for various source emission scenarios and analyzing hazards of risk sources; and finally, (5) using the source hazard values and receptor vulnerability scores to estimate overall regional risk. The proposed method, based on the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP), was applied in the region of the Taipu River, which is in the Taihu Basin, China. Results of source hazard and receptor vulnerability analysis allowed us to describe aquatic ecological, human health, and socioeconomic risks individually, and also integrated risks in the Taipu region, from a series of risk curves. Risk contributions of sources to receptors were ranked, and the spatial distribution of risk levels was presented. By changing the input conditions, we were able to estimate risks for a range of scenarios. Thus, the proposed procedure may also be used by decisionmakers for long-term dynamic risk prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; School of Geography, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
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12
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Toccalino PL, Norman JE, Scott JC. Chemical mixtures in untreated water from public-supply wells in the U.S.--occurrence, composition, and potential toxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 431:262-70. [PMID: 22687436 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Revised: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Chemical mixtures are prevalent in groundwater used for public water supply, but little is known about their potential health effects. As part of a large-scale ambient groundwater study, we evaluated chemical mixtures across multiple chemical classes, and included more chemical contaminants than in previous studies of mixtures in public-supply wells. We (1) assessed the occurrence of chemical mixtures in untreated source-water samples from public-supply wells, (2) determined the composition of the most frequently occurring mixtures, and (3) characterized the potential toxicity of mixtures using a new screening approach. The U.S. Geological Survey collected one untreated water sample from each of 383 public wells distributed across 35 states, and analyzed the samples for as many as 91 chemical contaminants. Concentrations of mixture components were compared to individual human-health benchmarks; the potential toxicity of mixtures was characterized by addition of benchmark-normalized component concentrations. Most samples (84%) contained mixtures of two or more contaminants, each at concentrations greater than one-tenth of individual benchmarks. The chemical mixtures that most frequently occurred and had the greatest potential toxicity primarily were composed of trace elements (including arsenic, strontium, or uranium), radon, or nitrate. Herbicides, disinfection by-products, and solvents were the most common organic contaminants in mixtures. The sum of benchmark-normalized concentrations was greater than 1 for 58% of samples, suggesting that there could be potential for mixtures toxicity in more than half of the public-well samples. Our findings can be used to help set priorities for groundwater monitoring and suggest future research directions for drinking-water treatment studies and for toxicity assessments of chemical mixtures in water resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L Toccalino
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 6000 J Street, Placer Hall, Sacramento, California 95819, USA.
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13
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Mitchell E, Frisbie S, Sarkar B. Exposure to multiple metals from groundwater-a global crisis: geology, climate change, health effects, testing, and mitigation. Metallomics 2011; 3:874-908. [PMID: 21766119 DOI: 10.1039/c1mt00052g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents an overview of the global extent of naturally occurring toxic metals in groundwater. Adverse health effects attributed to the toxic metals most commonly found in groundwater are reviewed, as well as chemical, biochemical, and physiological interactions between these metals. Synergistic and antagonistic effects that have been reported between the toxic metals found in groundwater and the dietary trace elements are highlighted, and common behavioural, cultural, and dietary practices that are likely to significantly modify health risks due to use of metal-contaminated groundwater are reviewed. Methods for analytical testing of samples containing multiple metals are discussed, with special attention to analytical interferences between metals and reagents. An overview is presented of approaches to providing safe water when groundwater contains multiple metallic toxins.
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Postma J, Butterfield PW, Odom-Maryon T, Hill W, Butterfield PG. Rural children's exposure to well water contaminants: implications in light of the American Academy of Pediatrics' recent policy statement. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 23:258-65. [PMID: 21518074 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2011.00609.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Implementing the recent American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) policy for annual well water testing will impact pediatric healthcare providers, who will be called upon for advice regarding testing, interpretation, and mitigation. We report findings from a study of low-income rural families' participation in household well water testing. DATA SOURCES We collected data from 188 rural low-income households inclusive of 320 children under the age of seven. Participating families lived in one of two western U.S. counties and received water from a well with <15 connections. Household water samples and questionnaire data were collected for analysis. CONCLUSIONS Twenty-seven percent of households tested positive for at least one contaminant, including total coliforms (18%), arsenic (6%), synthetic organic chemicals (6%), nitrates (2%), fluoride (2%), and E. coli (<1%). Eighty-nine percent of households testing positive for total coliforms were positive at re-test. Respondents expressed greatest concern for biological contamination and took multiple precautionary actions, although only 31% had ever tested their water for contaminants. Higher levels of education, income, and age, as well as homeowner status, were significantly associated with previous testing. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Recommendations for communicating abnormal results, mitigating risks, and overcoming logistical challenges are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Postma
- Washington State University College of Nursing, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Spokane, Washington 99210-1495, USA.
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