Potential toxicity of landfill leachate to zebrafish and mung beans

Landfill leachate has become a major public health concern due to its adverse health effects. However, its toxicological effects have not been thoroughly determined because of its complex composition. To address this issue, two model organisms were used in this study, including mung beans and zebrafish. Bean seedlings were exposed to different concentrations of landfill leachate (1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, v/v, leachate/deionized water) for 7 days. Low concentrations (1%) of landfill leachate increased the growth of mung beans, whereas high concentrations (15% and 20%) of landfill leachate inhibited the growth and development of seedlings. Furthermore, landfill leachate reduced chlorophyll levels but increased malondialdehyde levels, leading to an increased rate of root-tip micronuclei. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations of landfill leachate (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.2%, and 1.5%, v/v, leachate/E3 medium) for 120 h. The results showed that landfill leachate significantly decreased lower levels of hatching rate and heart rate but increased the mortality and malformation rates of embryos. Moreover, 1.0% landfill leachate reduced the frequency of spontaneous movement and the light stimulation reaction of embryos. Embryos exposed to leachate showed less exploratory behavior and fewer mirror attacks in the black and white areas. Our results suggest that exposure to landfill leachate could cause developmental toxicity and genotoxicity in plants and fish. The findings can improve our understanding of the environmental toxicity of landfill leachate and provide additional evidence for its risk assessment and management.

Insights into nanomycoremediation: Secretomics and mycogenic biopolymer nanocomposites for heavy metal detoxification

Our environment thrives on the subtle balance achieved by the forever cyclical nature of building and rebuilding life through natural processes. Fungi, being the evident armor of bioremediation, is the indispensable element of the soil food web, contribute to be the nature's most dynamic arsenal with non-specific enzymes like peroxidase (POX), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), non-enzymatic compounds like thiol (-SH) groups and non-protein compounds such as glutathione (GSH) and metallothionein (MT). Recently, the area of nanomycoremediation has been gaining momentum as a powerful tool for environmental clean-up strategies with its ability to detoxify heavy metals with its unique characteristics to adapt mechanisms such as biosorption, bioconversion, and biodegradation to harmless end products. The insight into the elaborate secretomic processes provides us with huge opportunities for creating a magnificent living bioremediation apparatus. This review discusses the scope and recent advances in the lesser understood area, nanomycoremediation, the state-of-the-art, innovative, cost-effective and promising tool for detoxification of heavy metal pollutants and focuses on the metabolic capabilities and secretomics with nanobiotechnological interventions.

Phanerochaete chrysosporium as a model organism to assess the toxicity of municipal landfill leachate from Elazığ, Turkey

In order to evaluate the potential ecological risk and the toxic effect of landfill leachate (LL), Phanerochaete chrysosporium was exposed to LL and their biochemical response was observed by using antioxidant parameters. Phanerochaete chrysosporium, ME 446, was kept at 4 °C after being sub-cultured at 28 °C on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and malaondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels of P. chrysosporium exposed to different dilution rates of leachate (1/10 and 1/20) for 24 and 96 h were analyzed by using the ELISA method. The physiochemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD) of leachate, and reference water were analyzed by using the YSI Professional Plus handheld multiparameter meter. In this study, SOD activities were decreased in the application groups compared with the Control Group at the 24th and 96th hours. CAT activities and GSH levels increased in the application groups compared with the Control Group at the 24th hour but decreased at the 96th hours. MDA levels increased in all of the application groups when compared with the Control Group for both 24 and 96 h. Different concentration of LL induces oxidative stress in P. chrysosporium, increased CAT activity and MDA levels, and decreased SOD activity and GSH levels.

Characterization of leachates from waste landfill sites in a religious camp along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Nigeria and its hepatotoxicity in rats

Landfill sites near human settlements are known to have adverse health effects. Here, we investigated the effect of different concentrations of leachates from the Redemption Camp landfill (RCLL, 10%, 30%, 50%) on the liver of adult female rats after 21 days of exposure in their drinking water. The physicochemical and metal analyses showed that biochemical oxygen and chemical oxygen demand, zinc and magnesium levels were significantly high, whereas copper level was low in RCLL when compared to water samples from residential areas close to the landfill site, and were higher than the acceptable limits (p < 0.05). The predominant bacteria isolates recovered from the leachate and drinking water samples were Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Shigella spp. At the end of the 21-day exposure, RCLL increased the weight of the liver. Malondialdehyde concentrations were increased and glutathione levels were decreased significantly in the liver of treated animals at all concentrations of leachates tested. Furthermore, the activities of serum alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, gamma glutamyl transferase and cholesterol concentrations were increased whereas bilirubin and albumin levels were decreased dose-dependently. Histological examination of the liver was characterized by accumulation of inflammatory cells around hepatocytes, and extended sinusoids. The histo-pathological alterations and oxidative damage observed in the liver of treated rats and occurrence of pathogenic species and metals in the RCLL may suggest possible impaired hepatic health in subjects with occupational or environmental exposure.

Impairment of Mitochondrial-Nuclear Cross Talk in Lymphocytes Exposed to Landfill Leachate

Landfill leachate, a complex mixture of different solid waste compounds, is widely known to possess toxic properties. However, the fundamental molecular mechanisms engaged with landfill leachate exposure inducing cellular and sub-cellular ramifications are not well explicated. Therefore, we aim to examine the potential of leachate to impair mitochondrial machinery and its associated mechanisms in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. On assessment, the significant increase in the dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence, accumulation of 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG), and levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) strongly indicated the ability of the leachate to induce a pro-oxidant state inside the cell. The decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential and alterations in the mitochondrial genome observed in leachate-exposed cells further suggested the disturbances in mitochondrial machinery. Moreover, these mitochondrial-associated redox imbalances were accompanied by the increased level of NF-κβ, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and DNA damage. In addition, the higher DNA fragmentation, release of nucleosomes, levels of polyadenosine diphosphate ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), and activity of caspase-3 suggested the involvement of mitochondrial mediated apoptosis in leachate exposed cells. These observations were accompanied by the low proliferative index of the exposed cells. Conclusively, our results clearly indicate the ability of landfill leachate to disturb mitochondrial redox homeostasis, which might be a probable source for the immunotoxic consequences leading to plausible patho-physiological conditions in humans susceptible to such environmental exposures.

Municipal leachates health risks: Chemical and cytotoxicity assessment from regulated and unregulated municipal dumpsites in Lebanon

The proper management of municipal waste is critical for resource recovery, sustainability and health. Lebanon main approach for managing its municipal waste consisted of landfill disposal with minimal recycling capacity. This approach contributed to exceeding the holding capacity of existing landfills leading eventually to their closures. The closure of a major landfill (Naameh landfill) servicing Beirut and Mount Lebanon areas led to municipal wastes piling in the streets and forests for more than a year in 2016. The main problem identified in the municipal wastes consisted of untreated leachates (from regulated and unregulated dumpsites) going straight into the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore leachate samples were collected and subjected to chemical characterization followed by biological assessment. The chemical characterization and profiling of the Lebanese leachates were compared to results reported in Lebanon, Europe and United States as well as to the toxicity reference values (TRV). The biological assessment was conducted in vitro using human derived immortalized cell cultures. This strategy revealed significant alarming cellular organelles and DNA damages using in vitro cytotoxicity assays (MTS and comet assay). The significant damages observed at the cellular level prompted further animal model investigations using BALB/c mice. The animal data pointed to significant upregulation of liver activity enzymes coupled with significant damage expression in liver spleen and bone marrow DNA. The presented research clearly indicated that there is an urgent need for development of national waste strategies for proper treatment and disposal of municipal waste leachates in Lebanon.

Nephritic cell damage and antioxidant status in rats exposed to leachate from battery recycling industry

Limited studies have assessed the toxic effect of sub-acute and sub-chronic exposure of leachate (mixture of metals) in mammalian kidney. The sub-acute and sub-chronic exposure of mature male Wistar-strain albino rats (200–220 g) were given by oral administration with leachate from Elewi Odo municipal battery recycling industry (EOMABRIL) for period of 7 and 60 days respectively, at different concentrations (20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%). This was to evaluate its toxic effects on male renal functions using biomarkers of oxidative stress and nephro-cellular damage. Control groups were treated equally, but given distilled water instead of the leachate. All the groups were fed with the same standard food and had free access to drinking water. Following the exposure, results showed that the treatment induced systemic toxicity at the doses tested by causing a significant (p<0.05) alteration in enzymatic antioxidants-catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the kidneys which resulted into elevated levels of malonaldehyde (MDA). Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were found to be significantly (p<0.05) depleted relative to the control group. Considerable renal cortical congestion and numerous tubules with protein casts were observed in the lumen of EOMABRIL-treated rats. These findings conclude that possible mechanism by which EOMABRIL at the investigated concentrations elicits nephrotoxicity could be linked to the individual, additive, synergistic or antagonistic interactions of this mixture of metals with the renal bio-molecules, alteration of kidney detoxifying enzymes and necrosis of nephritic tubular epithelial cells.

Alterations in morphology and hepatorenal indices in rats subacutely exposed to bitumen extract

Bitumen is a complex mixture of dense and extremely viscous organic liquids produced by distillation of crude oil during petroleum refining. Nigeria has a large deposit of natural bitumen, yet to be fully exploited. Discharges of petroleum hydrocarbons and other petroleum-derived products have caused environmental pollution and adverse human health effects in several oil-rich communities. In this study, bitumen obtained from a seepage source in Agbabu, the town of first discovery, was used in sub-acute toxicity studies in a rat experimental model, in order to assess potential health risks posed to local populace sequel to full exploitation of bitumen. Dosages were chosen to accommodate low to high cases of environmental exposures. Male Wistar rats were administered, per os, dosages of bitumen extract at 5, 3, 2, and 1 mg/kg body weight. Following euthanasia 28 days later, histological findings revealed severe portal congestion and cellular infiltration in the liver, while in the kidney there were protein casts in the tubular lumen. The relative liver and kidney weights in the 5 mg/kg groups were 34% and 40% higher than in the controls, with a concomitant decrease in food and water consumption. Furthermore, plasma clinical analyses revealed marked elevation in aspartate aminotransferase and triglycerides levels in bitumen extract-intoxicated rats. The results indicate the potential hepatorenal toxicity in adult rats following repeated exposure to bitumen extract.

Subchronic exposure to leachate activates key markers linked with neurological disorder in Wistar male rat

The linking of various environmental chemicals exposure to neurodegenerative disorders is current. This study was undertaken to elucidate the toxic effects and the underlying biochemical mechanism of leachate obtained from Elewi Odo municipal battery recycling site (EOMABRL) using key markers of neuronal damage in rat via an oral route. Analysis of the concentrations of heavy metals showed that lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, manganese, and iron were higher than the acceptable limits set by the regulatory authority-the World Health Organization. Whereas, copper, zinc, and cobalt were lower than permissible limits. EOMABRL was administered at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% concentrations to adult male rats for 60 days. An in vitro study was also carried out in the cerebellum to assess cholinesterase biochemistry assays. Following exposure, brain was collected to determine the antioxidant status. EOMABRL administration significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and a sequential decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) level with a concomitant increase in the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level was observed, when compared with the control. The treated rat had a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the activities of acetycholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Taken together, these findings conclude that some possible mechanisms by which EOMABRL elicits neuronal disorder in male rat could be through the activation of AChE and BuChE and induction of oxidative stress with necrosis of neuronal cells.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in rat for assessing toxicological effects of heavy metal pollution in river water

Increasing use of heavy metals in various fields, their environmental persistency, and poor regulatory efforts have significantly increased their fraction in river water. We studied the effect of Musi river water pollution on oxidative stress biomarkers and histopathology in rat after 28 days repeated oral treatment. River water analysis showed the presence of Zn and Pb at mg/l concentration and Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sn, and Sb at μg/l concentration. River water treatment resulted in a dose-dependent accumulation of metals in rat organs, being more in liver followed by kidney and brain. Metal content in both control and low-dose group rat organs was below limit of detection. However, metal bioaccumulation in high- and medium-dose group organs as follows: liver-Zn (21.4 & 14.5 μg/g), Cu (8.3 & 3.6 μg/g), and Pb (8.2 & 0.4 μg/g); kidney-Zn (16.2 & 7.9 μg/g), Cu (3.5 & 1.4 μg/g), Mn (2.9 & 0.5 μg/g), and Pb (2.6 & 0.5 μg/g); and brain-Zn (2.4 & 1.1 μg/g), and Ni (1 & 0.3 μg/g). These metals were present at high concentrations in respective organs than other metals. The increased heavy metal concentration in treated rat resulted significant increase in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S transferase enzymes activity, and lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. However, glutathione content and catalase activity were significantly decreased in treated rat organs. Histopathological examination also confirmed morphological changes in rat organs due to polluted river water treatment. In conclusion, the findings of this study clearly indicate the oxidative stress condition in rat organs due to repeated oral treatment of polluted Musi river water.

Removal of Trace Elements by Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles from Uranium In Situ Recovery Bleed Water and Its Effect on Cell Viability

In situ recovery (ISR) is the predominant method of uranium extraction in the United States. During ISR, uranium is leached from an ore body and extracted through ion exchange. The resultant production bleed water (PBW) contains contaminants such as arsenic and other heavy metals. Samples of PBW from an active ISR uranium facility were treated with cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs). CuO-NP treatment of PBW reduced priority contaminants, including arsenic, selenium, uranium, and vanadium. Untreated and CuO-NP treated PBW was used as the liquid component of the cell growth media and changes in viability were determined by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) cells. CuO-NP treatment was associated with improved HEK and HEP cell viability. Limitations of this method include dilution of the PBW by growth media components and during osmolality adjustment as well as necessary pH adjustment. This method is limited in its wider context due to dilution effects and changes in the pH of the PBW which is traditionally slightly acidic however; this method could have a broader use assessing CuO-NP treatment in more neutral waters.

Depletion of cellular adenosine triphosphate and hepatocellular damage in rat after subchronic exposure to leachate from anthropogenic recycling site

One of the major hazards arising from recycling sites is the generation of leachate containing mixed metal. This study evaluated the toxic effects of leachate obtained from Elewi Odo municipal auto-battery recycling site (EOMABRSL) on male liver functions using hepatic indices and biomarker of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in rat via the oral route. Concentrations of heavy metals analysis showed that lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, manganese, and iron were 1.5-, 2-, 2.5-, 1.36-, 19.61-, and 8.89-folds, respectively, higher than acceptable limits set by regulatory authority World Health Organization. Copper, zinc, and cobalt were 5.9-, 300-, and 1.02-folds, respectively, lower than permissible limits. The EOMABRSL was administered at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% concentrations to adult male rats for 60 days. Following exposure, plasma and livers were collected for several biochemistry assays. Exposure of animals to EOMABRSL resulted in 27.51, 28.14, 63.93, 28.42, and 40.16% increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity, whereas it elevated alanine aminotransferase activity by 5.35, 22.33, 88.68, 183.02, and 193.08%, respectively, when compared with the control. Similarly, γ-glutamyl transferase activity increased by 111.22, 114.19, 122.96, 573.14, and 437.02%, respectively, when compared with the control. EOMABRSL administration significantly decreased catalase activity and reduced glutathione level and superoxide dismutase with concomitant increase in malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels. Also, significant (p < 0.05) decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity (marker of cellular ATP) was observed. Taken together, the hepatotoxicity of EOMABRSL could be due to the depletion of LDH and induction of oxidative damage, which may suggest possible health hazards in subjects with occupational or environmental exposure.

Inhibition of key markers linked with spermatogenesis and cellular ATP by subchronic exposure to leachate in a rat model

Few or no studies have measured the toxic effects of subchronic exposure to leachate using key markers linked with spermatogenesis and cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in an experimental rat model. This study was undertaken to evaluate the toxic effects of leachate obtained from the Elewi Odo municipal battery-recycling site (EOMABRL) on male reproductive function using testicular hormones and biomarker of cellular ATP. EOMABRL was administered at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% concentrations to adult male rats for 60 days. After exposure, serum was collected for hormonal biochemistry assays, and testes were collected to determine the activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Exposure of animals to EOMABRL resulted in a 519.7, 285.7, 569.1, 606.1, and 1,793.2% increase in XO activity with a sequential decrease in LDH activity (marker of cellular ATP) by 44.1, 55.9, 61.4, 69.3, and 89.7%, respectively, compared with the control. Furthermore, EOMABRL caused a significant inhibitory effect on serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone levels. We conclude that some possible mechanisms by which EOMABRL elicits toxicity in male rat testes could be through inhibition of LDH activity and depletion of serum hormone levels.

Municipal landfill leachate-induced testicular oxidative damage is associated with biometal accumulation and endocrine disruption in rats

Improper management of hazardous wastes adversely impacts the environment and the public health. The present study was aimed at investigating the influence of Olushosun municipal landfill leachate (OMLL) from Ojota in the Lagos State of Nigeria on testicular function by assessing the plasma concentrations of reproductive hormones, testicular biometal levels, and antioxidant levels as well as observing the histological alterations in testes and epididymides of rats after exposure to 0, 12.5, and 25% OMLL in drinking water for 7 days. Exposure to OMLL significantly decreased the daily fluid intake, but it resulted in testicular biometal accumulation as follows: lead > cadmium > nickel > iron > copper. Acute exposure to OMLL induced oxidative stress and increased the activities of marker enzymes of testicular function but markedly decreased the circulatory concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine. Testicular and epididymal degeneration with significant decrease in sperm quality and quantity were observed in OMLL-exposed rats. Collectively, the data presented herein indicate that exposure to OMLL-induced testicular dysfunction associated with biometal accumulation and endocrine disruption in rats. If the effects can be extrapolated to humans, OMLL may present significant health implications for individuals exposed to OMLL-contaminated substances.

Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity induced by municipal effluent in multiple organs of Wistar rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in multiple organs of rats induced by municipal effluent released by submarine outfall in city of Santos. A total of 20 male Wistar rats were exposed to effluents by drinking water ad libitum at concentrations of 0, 10, 50, and 100 % for 30 days. Microscopic analysis revealed severe lesions such as necrosis and hemorrhagic areas in liver and kidney from animals exposed to effluent at 50 and 100 % concentration. DNA damage in peripheral blood, liver, and kidney cells were detected by comet assay at higher concentrations of effluent. Moreover, a decrease DNA repair capacity was detected in liver cells. Significant statistical differences (p<0.05) for micronucleated cells from liver were noticed at 50 % concentration of effluent. Taken together, our results demonstrate that municipal effluent is able to induce cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in multiple organs of Wistar rats.

Sperm functional parameters and erythrocytes oxidant-antioxidant imbalance during municipal landfill leachate treatment withdrawal in rats

Adequate information on how leachates affect hematological and reproductive functions is necessary to help in linking causality with predictable response. The present study investigated the effects of Olushosun municipal landfill leachate (OMLL) exposure and withdrawal on sperm characteristics and erythrocytes oxidant-antioxidant balance in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to 0%, 12.5% and 25% OMLL in drinking water for 28 days. One-half of the rats in each group were sacrificed on day 29 while the remaining one-half stayed an additional 28 days without treatment. OMLL exposure significantly decreased sperm functional parameters, disrupted antioxidant systems with concomitant elevation in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels in erythrocytes and sperm. Following withdrawal of treatment, OMLL-mediated decrease in sperm count and daily sperm production were reversed to near control. However, erythrocytes and sperm oxidative damage, increased sperm abnormalities, decreased epididymis weight, sperm progressive motility and testicular sperm number persisted and were consistent with results obtained from rats sacrificed immediately after OMLL treatment. Collectively, OMLL-induced irreversible oxidative damage to erythrocytes and sperm in rats within the time course of investigation. These findings highlight potential adverse effects of OMLL on individuals unduly exposed to leachates contaminated substances.

Testicular membrane lipid damage by complex mixture of leachate from municipal battery recycling site as indication of idiopathic male infertility in rat

Leachate from a municipal battery recycling site is a potent source of mixed-metal released into the environment. The present study investigated the degree at which mixed-metal exposure to the municipal auto-battery leachate (MABL) and to the Elewi Odo municipal auto-battery recycling site leachate (EOMABRL) affected the lipid membrane of the testes in in vitro experiment. The results showed elevated level of mixed-metals over the permissible levels in drinking water, as recommended by regulatory authorities. In the leachate samples, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a biomarker of lipid damage, was significantly (p<0.05) increased in rat testes in a dose-dependent manner. MDA induced by the municipal auto-battery leachate (MABL) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the leachate from Elewi Odo municipal auto-battery recycling site (EOMABRL). The testicular lipid membrane capacity was compromised following treatment with leachate from the municipal battery recycling site, implicating mixed-metal exposure as the causative agent of testicular damage and male infertility.

Involvement of oxidative stress in municipal landfill leachate-induced toxicity in boar sperm

Exposure to leachates generated from an improperly managed hazardous waste dump sites is detrimental to human health and the ecosystem. The present study investigated the effect of Olushosun municipal landfill leachate (OMLL) on sperm characteristics and antioxidant systems in boar sperm cells. The sperm cells were incubated with the leachate at final concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8% for 3h at 37 °C. Sperm characteristics were monitored hourly during the incubation period whereas aminotransferases activities and oxidative stress indices were determined after the incubation period. Results revealed a time- and dose-dependent decline in sperm progressive motility from 1h post-treatment with 2, 4 and 8% OMLL whereas decreased sperm viability with elevated abnormalities were observed from 2 h post-treatment with 4 and 8% OMLL when compared with control. Exposure to OMLL caused a significant increase in aminotransferases, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activities whereas it markedly decreased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities without affecting glutathione level in the treated sperm cells. Co-incubation of sperm with OMLL increased the levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels. In conclusion, OMLL elicited spermatotoxicity via induction of oxidative stress possibly generated through an enhanced intracellular reactive oxygen species.

Toxicological evaluation of landfill leachate using plant (Allium cepa) and fish (Leporinus obtusidens) bioassays

The disposal of municipal waste in landfills may pose an environmental problem because the product of the decomposition of these residues generates large volumes of leachate, which may present high toxicity. The aim of this study was to assess the toxic and genotoxic effects of a sample of untreated leachate in fish (Leporinus obtusidens) and onions (Allium cepa). The leachate was collected in a landfill located in the region of Vale do Rio dos Sinos, southern Brazil. The fish were exposed to raw leachate, at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 5%, 10% and 20% for 6 days, while the bulbs of A. cepa were exposed to concentrations of 5%, 10%, 25%, 50% and 100% for 48 h. For fish, the concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20% were lethal, thus indicating high toxicity; however, sublethal concentrations (0.5% and 1.0%) showed no genotoxicity by micronucleus test when compared with the control group. In the bioassays involving onions, high toxicity was observed, with significant reduction of root growth and mitotic index in bulbs exposed to the 100% concentration of the leachate. An increase in the frequency of chromosome abnormalities in the A. cepa root cells in anaphase-telophase was observed in accordance with the increase in the concentration of leachate (5%, 10%, 25% and 50%), with values significantly greater than the control, at the highest concentration. The results showed that the leachate contains toxic and genotoxic substances, thus representing a major source of environmental pollution if not handled properly.

Evidence of elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in commonly consumed fish from Eleyele Reservoir, Southwestern Nigeria

Environmental pollution of water, which is a source of cheap and affordable protein in the form of fish on which the population depends on, is of great concern globally. The present study assesses the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) congeners in sediments and six commonly consumed cichlid species from Eleyele Reservoir, Southwestern Nigeria. The results indicate that the concentrations of heavier PCB congeners are higher than the lighter congeners in both sediment and fish tissue. The predominant PCB congeners in the sediment samples from this site were PCBs 8, 44, 114, 101, 189, 196, 206 and 209. The concentration of PCB congeners increased with increasing molecular weight from hepta-PCB to deca-PCB in all fish species. The trend in accumulation of total PCBs in fish was as follows: Tilapia guineensis (2,531.1 ± 74.6 ng/g) > Sarotherodon galilaeus (1178.7 ± 68.5 ng/g) > Oreochromis niloticus > (891.8 ± 49.6 ng/g) > Tilapia zillii (832.8 ± 38.2 ng/g) > Hemichromis fasciatus (475.7 ± 28.5 ng/g) > Sarotherodon melanotheron (333.2 ± 26.1 ng/g). In summary, data from this study shows that the levels of PCBs in cichlid species from Eleyele Reservoir are higher than the threshold level of 0.023-0.047 ng g(-1) recommended by United States Environmental Protection Agency. Such elevated PCB levels present significant health implications for human consumers and a threat to the resident fish communities.