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Liu S, Li J, Wang W, Zhang Y, Li S, Li T, Jiang J, Zhao F. Prenatal exposure to dibutyl phthalate contributes to erectile dysfunction in offspring male rats by activating the RhoA/ROCK signalling pathway. Toxicology 2024; 508:153925. [PMID: 39151608 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) has been reported to cause erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult offspring rats. However, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Previously, we found that DBP activates the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the male reproductive system. This study investigated how prenatal exposure to DBP activates the RhoA/ROCK signalling pathway, leading to ED in male rat offspring. Pregnant rats were stratified into DBP-exposed and NC groups, with the exposed group receiving 750 milligrams per kilogram per day (mg/kg/day) of DBP through gavage from days 14-18 of gestation. DBP exposure activated the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the penile corpus cavernosum (CC) of descendants, causing smooth muscle cell contraction, fibrosis, and apoptosis, all of which contribute to ED. In vitro experiments confirmed that DBP induces apoptosis and RhoA/ROCK pathway activation in CC smooth muscle cells. Treatment of DBP-exposed offspring with the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 for 8 weeks significantly improved smooth muscle cell condition, erectile function, and reduced fibrosis. Thus, prenatal DBP exposure induces ED in offspring through RhoA/ROCK pathway activation, and the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 shows potential as an effective treatment for DBP-induced ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Liu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Jianying Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Wenhao Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yijun Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Shufeng Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Tiewen Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Juntao Jiang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China.
| | - Fujun Zhao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China; Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China.
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Aker AM, Friesen M, Ronald LA, Doyle-Waters MM, Takaro TK, Thickson W, Levin K, Meyer U, Caron-Beaudoin E, McGregor MJ. The human health effects of unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD): A scoping review of epidemiologic studies. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2024; 115:446-467. [PMID: 38457120 PMCID: PMC11133301 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-024-00860-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD, sometimes termed "fracking" or "hydraulic fracturing") is an industrial process to extract methane gas and/or oil deposits. Many chemicals used in UOGD have known adverse human health effects. Canada is a major producer of UOGD-derived gas with wells frequently located in and around rural and Indigenous communities. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review to identify the extent of research evidence assessing UOGD exposure-related health impacts, with an additional focus on Canadian studies. METHODS We included English- or French-language peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies (January 2000-December 2022) which measured exposure to UOGD chemicals directly or by proxy, and where health outcomes were plausibly caused by UOGD-related chemical exposure. Results synthesis was descriptive with results ordered by outcome and hierarchy of methodological approach. SYNTHESIS We identified 52 studies from nine jurisdictions. Only two were set in Canada. A majority (n = 27) used retrospective cohort and case-control designs. Almost half (n = 24) focused on birth outcomes, with a majority (n = 22) reporting one or more significant adverse associations of UOGD exposure with: low birthweight; small for gestational age; preterm birth; and one or more birth defects. Other studies identified adverse impacts including asthma (n = 7), respiratory (n = 13), cardiovascular (n = 6), childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (n = 2), and all-cause mortality (n = 4). CONCLUSION There is a growing body of research, across different jurisdictions, reporting associations of UOGD with adverse health outcomes. Despite the rapid growth of UOGD, which is often located in remote, rural, and Indigenous communities, Canadian research on its effects on human health is remarkably sparse. There is a pressing need for additional evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira M Aker
- Université Laval, CHU de Quebec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Friesen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa A Ronald
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mary M Doyle-Waters
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tim K Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Willow Thickson
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Karen Levin
- Emerald Environmental Consulting, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Ulrike Meyer
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Elyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Margaret J McGregor
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Duh-Leong C, Maffini MV, Kassotis CD, Vandenberg LN, Trasande L. The regulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals to minimize their impact on health. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023; 19:600-614. [PMID: 37553404 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00872-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances generated by human industrial activities that are detrimental to human health through their effects on the endocrine system. The global societal and economic burden posed by EDCs is substantial. Poorly defined or unenforced policies can increase human exposure to EDCs, thereby contributing to human disease, disability and economic damage. Researchers have shown that policies and interventions implemented at both individual and government levels have the potential to reduce exposure to EDCs. This Review describes a set of evidence-based policy actions to manage, minimize or even eliminate the widespread use of these chemicals and better protect human health and society. A number of specific challenges exist: defining, identifying and prioritizing EDCs; considering the non-linear or non-monotonic properties of EDCs; accounting for EDC exposure effects that are latent and do not appear until later in life; and updating testing paradigms to reflect 'real-world' mixtures of chemicals and cumulative exposure. A sound strategy also requires partnering with health-care providers to integrate strategies to prevent EDC exposure in clinical care. Critical next steps include addressing EDCs within global policy frameworks by integrating EDC exposure prevention into emerging climate policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Duh-Leong
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts - Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York, NY, USA.
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Salami SA, Oreagba FO, Salahdeen HM, Olatunji-Bello II, Murtala BA. Vitamin C supplementation modulates crude oil contaminated water induced gravid uterine impaired contractile mechanism and foetal outcomes in Wistar rats. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 20:548-555. [PMID: 37300330 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2023-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Crude oil is a common environmental contaminant that impacts the reproductive functions of women. Understanding the contractile mechanism of the gravid uterus and how it impacts fetal outcomes during crude oil-contaminated water (CCW) exposure is still evolving. This study investigates the effect of vitamin C supplementation during the ingestion of CCW from Bayelsa, Nigeria, on the contractile mechanism of the gravid uterus and fetal outcomes. METHODS Fifteen nulliparous pregnant rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 5 rats each and treated with normal saline (control), CCW (2.5 mL), and CCW + vitamin C (10 mg/kg bwt), respectively. Treatments were via oral gavage from gestation days 1-19. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of CCW, uterine oxidative biomarkers, and in vitro contractile activity of excised uterine tissue to acetylcholine, oxytocin, magnesium, and potassium were determined. Furthermore, uterine responses to acetylcholine after incubation with nifedipine, indomethacin, and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester were also recorded using the Ugo Basile data capsule acquisition system. Fetal weights, morphometric indices, and anogenital distance were also determined. RESULTS Acetylcholine, oxytocin, magnesium, diclofenac, and indomethacin-mediated contractile mechanisms were significantly impaired with CCW exposure; however, vitamin C supplementation significantly attenuated the impaired uterine contractile activity. Maternal serum estrogen, weight, uterine superoxide dismutase, fetal weight, and anogenital distance were significantly reduced in the CCW group compared to the vitamin C supplemented group. CONCLUSIONS Ingestion of CCW impaired the uterine contractile mechanism, fetal developmental indices, oxidative biomarkers, and estrogen. Vitamin C supplementation modulated these by elevating uterine antioxidant enzymes and reducing free radicals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatai O Oreagba
- Department of Physiology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Hussein M Salahdeen
- Department of Physiology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Babatunde A Murtala
- Department of Physiology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
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5
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Bérubé R, LeFauve MK, Heldman S, Chiang YTT, Birbeck J, Westrick J, Hoffman K, Kassotis CD. Adipogenic and endocrine disrupting mixture effects of organic and inorganic pollutant mixtures. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162587. [PMID: 36871739 PMCID: PMC10148906 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Chronic health conditions are rapidly increasing in prevalence and cost to society worldwide: in the US, >42 % of adults aged 20 and older are currently classified as obese. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been implicated as a causal factor; some EDCs, termed "obesogens", can increase weight and lipid accumulation and/or perturb metabolic homeostasis. This project aimed to assess the potential combination effects of diverse inorganic and organic contaminant mixtures, which more closely reflect environmentally realistic exposures, on nuclear receptor activation/inhibition and adipocyte differentiation. Herein, we focused on two polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB-77 and 153), two perfluoroalkyl substances (PFOA and PFOS), two brominated flame retardants (PBB-153 and BDE-47), and three inorganic contaminants (lead, arsenic, and cadmium). We examined adipogenesis using human mesenchymal stem cells and receptor bioactivities using luciferase reporter gene assays in human cell lines. We observed significantly greater effects for several receptor bioactivities by various contaminant mixtures relative to individual components. All nine contaminants promoted triglyceride accumulation and/or pre-adipocyte proliferation in human mesenchymal stem cells. Comparing simple component mixtures to individual components at 10 % and 50 % effect levels revealed putative synergistic effects for each of the mixtures for at least one of the concentrations relative to the individual component chemicals, some of which also exhibited significantly greater effects than the component contaminants. Our results support further testing of more realistic and complex contaminant mixtures that better reflect environmental exposures, in order to more conclusively define mixture responses both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Bérubé
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America
| | - Matthew K LeFauve
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America
| | - Samantha Heldman
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America
| | - Yu-Ting Tiffany Chiang
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America
| | - Johnna Birbeck
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America
| | - Judy Westrick
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America.
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Hua S, Shi F, Xie Z, Wu L, Dai M, Zhang Y, Xu X, Zhu Y, Jiang J. Di-n-butyl phthalate induces oversecretion of vascular endothelium-derived NAP-2 and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition of urothelial cells in newborn hypospadias rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 256:114892. [PMID: 37059017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a plasticizer commonly used in industrial production and is present in our daily life. It has been confirmed that DBP causes genitourinary malformations, especially hypospadias. However, the research of hypospadias mainly focusses on the genital tubercle in previous studies. In this study, we found DBP could affect the exocrine function of the vascular endothelium which disturb the development of genital nodules and induced hypospadias. We used cytokine array to find that vascular endothelium-derived NAP-2 may be a major abnormal secreted cytokine with biological functions. The transcriptomic sequencing analysis showed that abnormal activation of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway was the main reason for increased NAP-2 secretion. The expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers and NAP-2 in hypospadias animal models were detected with Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, Immunofluorescence, and ELISA methods. The expression levels of NAP-2, RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway related proteins, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in HUVEC cells, EMT biomarkers and migration capacity of urothelial cells cocultured with HUVEC were measured with ELISA, flow cytometry, Western blot or Transwell assay for further cell experiments. The results showed that DBP leaded to NAP-2 oversecretion from vascular endothelium mainly rely on the activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and ROS accumulation. The RhoA/ROCK inhibitor fasudil could partially decrease ROS production, and both fasudil and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) could decrease NAP-2 secretion. Meanwhile, the oversecretion of NAP-2 from HUVEC in coculture system promoted EMT and migration capacity of urothelial cells, and TGF-β inhibitor LY219761 could block the aberrant activation of EMT process. Therefore, it could be concluded that DBP increase NAP-2 secretion from vascular endothelium by RhoA/ROCK/ROS pathway, and further promote EMT in urothelial cells through TGF-β pathway. This study provided a novel direction for studying the occurrence of hypospadias and may provide a hypospadias predictive marker in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Hua
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Fei Shi
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zhiwen Xie
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Mengqiao Dai
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Nursing, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yongqing Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Xinyu Xu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yiping Zhu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China.
| | - Juntao Jiang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China.
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Willis MD, Carozza SE, Hystad P. Congenital anomalies associated with oil and gas development and resource extraction: a population-based retrospective cohort study in Texas. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:84-93. [PMID: 36460921 PMCID: PMC9852077 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00505-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oil and gas extraction-related activities produce air and water pollution that contains known and suspected teratogens. To date, health impacts of in utero exposure to these activities is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE We investigated associations between in utero exposure to oil and gas extraction activity in Texas, one of the highest producers of oil and gas, and congenital anomalies. METHODS We created a population-based birth cohort between 1999 and 2009 with full maternal address at delivery and linked to the statewide congenital anomaly surveillance system (n = 2,234,138 births, 86,315 cases). We examined extraction-related exposures using tertiles of inverse distance-squared weighting within 5 km for drilling site count, gas production, oil production, and produced water. In adjusted logistic regression models, we calculated odds of any congenital anomaly and 10 specific organ sites using two comparison groups: 1) 5 km of future drilling sites that are not yet operating (a priori main models), and 2) 5-10 km of an active well. RESULTS Using the temporal comparison group, we find increased odds of any congenital anomaly in the highest tertile exposure group for site count (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.30), oil production (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.12), gas production (1.20; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.23), and produced water (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.20). However, associations did not follow a consistent exposure-response pattern across tertiles. Associations are highly attenuated, but still increased, with the spatial comparison group in the highest tertile exposure group. Cardiac and circulatory defects are strongly and consistently associated with all exposure metrics. SIGNIFICANCE Increased odds of congenital anomalies, particularly cardiac and circulatory defects, were associated with exposures related to oil and gas extraction in this large population-based study. Future research is needed to confirm findings, examine specific exposure pathways, and identify potential avenues to reduce exposures among local populations. IMPACT About 5% of the U.S. population (~17.6 million people) resides within 1.6 km of an active oil or gas extraction site, yet the influence of this industry on population health is not fully understood. In this analysis, we examined associations between oil and gas extraction-related exposures and congenital anomalies by organ site using birth certificate and congenital anomaly surveillance data in Texas (1999-2009). Increased odds of congenital anomalies, particularly cardiac and circulatory defects, were associated with exposures related to oil and gas extraction in this large population-based study. Future research is needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary D Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
| | - Susan E Carozza
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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8
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Deziel NC, Clark CJ, Casey JA, Bell ML, Plata DL, Saiers JE. Assessing Exposure to Unconventional Oil and Gas Development: Strengths, Challenges, and Implications for Epidemiologic Research. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:436-450. [PMID: 35522388 PMCID: PMC9363472 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00358-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Epidemiologic studies have observed elevated health risks in populations living near unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD). In this narrative review, we discuss strengths and limitations of UOG exposure assessment approaches used in or available for epidemiologic studies, emphasizing studies of children's health outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Exposure assessment challenges include (1) numerous potential stressors with distinct spatiotemporal patterns, (2) critical exposure windows that cover long periods and occur in the past, and (3) limited existing monitoring data coupled with the resource-intensiveness of collecting new exposure measurements to capture spatiotemporal variation. All epidemiologic studies used proximity-based models for exposure assessment as opposed to surveys, biomonitoring, or environmental measurements. Nearly all studies used aggregate (rather than pathway-specific) models, which are useful surrogates for the complex mix of potential hazards. Simple and less-specific exposure assessment approaches have benefits in terms of scalability, interpretability, and relevance to specific policy initiatives such as set-back distances. More detailed and specific models and metrics, including dispersion methods and stressor-specific models, could reduce exposure misclassification, illuminate underlying exposure pathways, and inform emission control and exposure mitigation strategies. While less practical in a large population, collection of multi-media environmental and biological exposure measurements would be feasible in cohort subsets. Such assessments are well-suited to provide insights into the presence and magnitude of exposures to UOG-related stressors in relation to spatial surrogates and to better elucidate the plausibility of observed effects in both children and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C. Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Cassandra J. Clark
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Joan A. Casey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 630 West 168th Street, Room 16-416, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Michelle L. Bell
- Yale School of the Environment, 195 Prospect St., New Haven, CT 06511 USA
| | - Desiree L. Plata
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Parsons Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 15 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - James E. Saiers
- Yale School of the Environment, 195 Prospect St., New Haven, CT 06511 USA
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9
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McLimans CJ, Shelledy K, Conrad W, Prendergast K, Le AN, Grant CJ, Buonaccorsi VP. Potential biomarkers of endocrine and habitat disruption identified via RNA-Seq in Salvelinus fontinalis with proximity to fracking operations in Pennsylvania headwater stream ecosystems. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:1044-1055. [PMID: 35834075 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-022-02564-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional natural gas development (fracking) has been a rapidly expanding technique used for the extraction of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation in Pennsylvania. There remains a knowledge gap regarding the ecological impacts of fracking, especially regarding the long-term health of native Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations. During the summer of 2015, Brook trout were sampled from twelve streams located in forested, northwestern Pennsylvania in order to evaluate the impacts of fracking on Brook trout. Four stream sites were undisturbed (no fracking activity), three had a developed well pad without fracking activity, and five had active fracking with natural gas production. Liver tissue was isolated from two to five fish per stream and underwent RNA-Seq analysis to identify differentially expressed genes between ecosystems with differing fracking status. Data were analyzed individually and with samples pooled within-stream to account for hierarchical data structure and variation in sample coverage within streams. Differentially expressed and differentially alternatively spliced genes had functions related to lipid and steroid metabolism, mRNA processing, RNA polymerase and protein regulation. Unique to our study, genes related to xenobiotic and stress responses were found as well as potential markers for endocrine disruption and saline adaptation that were identified in watersheds with active fracking activity. These results support the utility of RNA-Seq to assess trout health and suggest detrimental impacts of fracking on sensitive trout populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - William Conrad
- Department of Biology, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA, USA
| | | | - Anh N Le
- Department of Biology, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA, USA
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10
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Lai A, Clark AM, Escher BI, Fernandez M, McEwen LR, Tian Z, Wang Z, Schymanski EL. The Next Frontier of Environmental Unknowns: Substances of Unknown or Variable Composition, Complex Reaction Products, or Biological Materials (UVCBs). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:7448-7466. [PMID: 35533312 PMCID: PMC9228065 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Substances of unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products, or biological materials (UVCBs) are over 70 000 "complex" chemical mixtures produced and used at significant levels worldwide. Due to their unknown or variable composition, applying chemical assessments originally developed for individual compounds to UVCBs is challenging, which impedes sound management of these substances. Across the analytical sciences, toxicology, cheminformatics, and regulatory practice, new approaches addressing specific aspects of UVCB assessment are being developed, albeit in a fragmented manner. This review attempts to convey the "big picture" of the state of the art in dealing with UVCBs by holistically examining UVCB characterization and chemical identity representation, as well as hazard, exposure, and risk assessment. Overall, information gaps on chemical identities underpin the fundamental challenges concerning UVCBs, and better reporting and substance characterization efforts are needed to support subsequent chemical assessments. To this end, an information level scheme for improved UVCB data collection and management within databases is proposed. The development of UVCB testing shows early progress, in line with three main methods: whole substance, known constituents, and fraction profiling. For toxicity assessment, one option is a whole-mixture testing approach. If the identities of (many) constituents are known, grouping, read across, and mixture toxicity modeling represent complementary approaches to overcome data gaps in toxicity assessment. This review highlights continued needs for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure proper assessment and sound management of UVCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelene Lai
- Luxembourg
Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University
of Luxembourg, 6 avenue du Swing, 4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
- Institute
for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller University, Lessing Strasse 8, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Alex M. Clark
- Collaborative
Drug Discovery Inc., 1633 Bayshore Highway, Suite 342, Burlingame, California 94010, United States
| | - Beate I. Escher
- Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research GmbH—UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental
Toxicology, Center for Applied Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marc Fernandez
- Environment
and Climate Change Canada, 401 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3R2, Canada
| | - Leah R. McEwen
- Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York 14850, United States
- International
Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Zhenyu Tian
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Department of Marine and Environmental
Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Empa—Swiss
Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology
and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Chair
of Ecological Systems Design, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Emma L. Schymanski
- Luxembourg
Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University
of Luxembourg, 6 avenue du Swing, 4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
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11
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Plante I, Winn LM, Vaillancourt C, Grigorova P, Parent L. Killing two birds with one stone: Pregnancy is a sensitive window for endocrine effects on both the mother and the fetus. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 205:112435. [PMID: 34843719 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a complex process requiring tremendous physiological changes in the mother in order to fulfill the needs of the growing fetus, and to give birth, expel the placenta and nurse the newborn. These physiological modifications are accompanied with psychological changes, as well as with variations in habits and behaviors. As a result, this period of life is considered as a sensitive window as impaired functional and physiological changes in the mother can have short- and long-term impacts on her health. In addition, dysregulation of the placenta and of mechanisms governing placentation have been linked to chronic diseases later-on in life for the fetus, in a concept known as the Developmental Origin of Health and Diseases (DOHaD). This concept stipulates that any change in the environment during the pre-conception and perinatal (in utero life and neonatal) period to puberty, can be "imprinted" in the organism, thereby impacting the health and risk of chronic diseases later in life. Pregnancy is a succession of events that is regulated, in large part, by hormones and growth factors. Therefore, small changes in hormonal balance can have important effects on both the mother and the developing fetus. An increasing number of studies demonstrate that exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) affect both the mother and the fetus giving rise to growing concerns surrounding these exposures. This review will give an overview of changes that happen during pregnancy with respect to the mother, the placenta, and the fetus, and of the current literature regarding the effects of EDCs during this specific sensitive window of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Plante
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada.
| | - Louise M Winn
- Queen's University, School of Environmental Studies, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Petya Grigorova
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lise Parent
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montreal, QC, Canada
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12
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Chen Z, Lloyd D, Zhou YH, Chiu WA, Wright FA, Rusyn I. Risk Characterization of Environmental Samples Using In Vitro Bioactivity and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Concentrations Data. Toxicol Sci 2021; 179:108-120. [PMID: 33165562 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Methods to assess environmental exposure to hazardous chemicals have primarily focused on quantification of individual chemicals, although chemicals often occur in mixtures, presenting challenges to the traditional risk characterization framework. Sampling sites in a defined geographic region provide an opportunity to characterize chemical contaminants, with spatial interpolation as a tool to provide estimates for non-sampled sites. At the same time, the use of in vitro bioactivity measurements has been shown to be informative for rapid risk-based decisions. In this study, we measured in vitro bioactivity in 39 surface soil samples collected immediately after flooding associated with Hurricane Harvey in Texas in a residential area known to be inundated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminants. Bioactivity data were from a number of functional and toxicity assays in 5 human cell types, such as induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes, neurons, and endothelial cells, as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Data on concentrations of PAH in these samples were also available and the combination of data sources offered a unique opportunity to assess the joint spatial variation of PAH components and bioactivity. We found significant evidence of spatial correlation of a subset of PAH contaminants and of cell-based phenotypes. In addition, we show that the cell-based bioactivity data can be used to predict environmental concentrations for several PAH contaminants, as well as overall PAH summaries and cancer risk. This study's impact lies in its demonstration that cell-based profiling can be used for rapid hazard screening of environmental samples by anchoring the bioassays to concentrations of PAH. This work sets the stage for identification of the areas of concern and direct quantitative risk characterization based on bioactivity data, thereby providing an important supplement to traditional individual chemical analyses by shedding light on constituents that may be missed from targeted chemical monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunwei Chen
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology.,Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Dillon Lloyd
- Bioinformatics Research Center.,Departments of Biological Sciences and Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - Yi-Hui Zhou
- Bioinformatics Research Center.,Departments of Biological Sciences and Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - Weihsueh A Chiu
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology.,Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Fred A Wright
- Bioinformatics Research Center.,Departments of Biological Sciences and Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - Ivan Rusyn
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology.,Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
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13
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Zhong C, Zolfaghari A, Hou D, Goss GG, Lanoil BD, Gehman J, Tsang DCW, He Y, Alessi DS. Comparison of the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle in China and North America: A Critical Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:7167-7185. [PMID: 33970611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable debate about the sustainability of the hydraulic fracturing (HF) water cycle in North America. Recently, this debate has expanded to China, where HF activities continue to grow. Here, we provide a critical review of the HF water cycle in China, including water withdrawal practices and flowback and produced water (FPW) management and their environmental impacts, with a comprehensive comparison to the U.S. and Canada (North America). Water stress in arid regions, as well as water management challenges, FPW contamination of aquatic and soil systems, and induced seismicity are all impacts of the HF water cycle in China, the U.S., and Canada. In light of experience gained in North America, standardized practices for analyzing and reporting FPW chemistry and microbiology in China are needed to inform its efficient and safe treatment, discharge and reuse, and identification of potential contaminants. Additionally, conducting ecotoxicological studies is an essential next step to fully reveal the impacts of accidental FPW releases into aquatic and soil ecosystems in China. From a policy perspective, the development of China's unconventional resources lags behind North America's in terms of overall regulation, especially with regard to water withdrawal, FPW management, and routine monitoring. Our study suggests that common environmental risks exist within the world's two largest HF regions, and practices used in North America may help prevent or mitigate adverse effects in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhong
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ashkan Zolfaghari
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brian D Lanoil
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joel Gehman
- Department of Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Management, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuhe He
- School of Energy and Environment and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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14
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Kassotis CD, Hoffman K, Phillips AL, Zhang S, Cooper EM, Webster TF, Stapleton HM. Characterization of adipogenic, PPARγ, and TRβ activities in house dust extracts and their associations with organic contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143707. [PMID: 33223163 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b01788.s001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we sought to expand our previous research on associations between bioactivities in dust and associated organic contaminants. Dust samples were collected from central NC homes (n = 188), solvent extracted, and split into two fractions, one for analysis using three different bioassays (nuclear receptor activation/inhibition and adipocyte development) and one for mass spectrometry (targeted measurement of 124 organic contaminants, including flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, phthalates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Approximately 80% of dust extracts exhibited significant adipogenic activity at concentrations that are comparable to estimated exposure for children and adults (e.g. ~20 μg/well dust) via either triglyceride accumulation (65%) and/or pre-adipocyte proliferation (50%). Approximately 76% of samples antagonized thyroid receptor beta (TRβ), and 21% activated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Triglyceride accumulation was significantly correlated with TRβ antagonism. Sixty-five contaminants were detected in at least 75% of samples; of these, 26 were correlated with adipogenic activity and ten with TRβ antagonism. Regression models were used to evaluate associations of individual contaminants with adipogenic and TRβ bioactivities, and many individual contaminants were significantly associated. An exploratory g-computation model was used to evaluate the effect of mixtures. Contaminant mixtures were positively associated with triglyceride accumulation, and the magnitude of effect was larger than for any individually measured chemical. For each quartile increase in mixture exposure, triglyceride accumulation increased by 212% (RR = 3.12 and 95% confidence interval: 1.58, 6.17). These results suggest that complex mixtures of chemicals present in house dust may induce adipogenic activity in vitro at environmental concentrations and warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Allison L Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America; Risk Assessment and Natural Resource Sciences, Arcadis U.S., Inc., Raleigh, NC 27607, United States of America
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Ellen M Cooper
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Thomas F Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America.
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15
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Kassotis CD, Hoffman K, Phillips AL, Zhang S, Cooper EM, Webster TF, Stapleton HM. Characterization of adipogenic, PPARγ, and TRβ activities in house dust extracts and their associations with organic contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143707. [PMID: 33223163 PMCID: PMC7796983 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we sought to expand our previous research on associations between bioactivities in dust and associated organic contaminants. Dust samples were collected from central NC homes (n = 188), solvent extracted, and split into two fractions, one for analysis using three different bioassays (nuclear receptor activation/inhibition and adipocyte development) and one for mass spectrometry (targeted measurement of 124 organic contaminants, including flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, phthalates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Approximately 80% of dust extracts exhibited significant adipogenic activity at concentrations that are comparable to estimated exposure for children and adults (e.g. ~20 μg/well dust) via either triglyceride accumulation (65%) and/or pre-adipocyte proliferation (50%). Approximately 76% of samples antagonized thyroid receptor beta (TRβ), and 21% activated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Triglyceride accumulation was significantly correlated with TRβ antagonism. Sixty-five contaminants were detected in at least 75% of samples; of these, 26 were correlated with adipogenic activity and ten with TRβ antagonism. Regression models were used to evaluate associations of individual contaminants with adipogenic and TRβ bioactivities, and many individual contaminants were significantly associated. An exploratory g-computation model was used to evaluate the effect of mixtures. Contaminant mixtures were positively associated with triglyceride accumulation, and the magnitude of effect was larger than for any individually measured chemical. For each quartile increase in mixture exposure, triglyceride accumulation increased by 212% (RR = 3.12 and 95% confidence interval: 1.58, 6.17). These results suggest that complex mixtures of chemicals present in house dust may induce adipogenic activity in vitro at environmental concentrations and warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Allison L Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America; Risk Assessment and Natural Resource Sciences, Arcadis U.S., Inc., Raleigh, NC 27607, United States of America
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Ellen M Cooper
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Thomas F Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America.
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16
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Tang IW, Langlois PH, Vieira VM. Birth defects and unconventional natural gas developments in Texas, 1999-2011. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110511. [PMID: 33245885 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional natural gas developments (UNGD) may release air and water pollutants into the environment, potentially increasing the risk of birth defects. We conducted a case-control study evaluating 52,955 cases with birth defects and 642,399 controls born between 1999 and 2011 to investigate the relationship between UNGD exposure and the risk of gastroschisis, congenital heart defects (CHD), neural tube defects (NTDs), and orofacial clefts in Texas. We calculated UNGD densities (number of UNGDs per area) within 1, 3, and 7.5 km of maternal address at birth and categorized exposure by density tertiles. For CHD subtypes with large case numbers, we also performed time-stratified analyses to examine temporal trends. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association with UNGD exposure, accounting for maternal characteristics and neighborhood factors. We also included a bivariable smooth of geocoded maternal location in an additive model to account for unmeasured spatially varying risk factors. Positive associations were observed between the highest tertile of UNGD density within 1 km of maternal address and risk of anencephaly (aOR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.55, 3.86), spina bifida (aOR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.47, 2.99), gastroschisis among older mothers (aOR: 3.19, 95% CI: 1.77, 5.73), aortic valve stenosis (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.71), hypoplastic left heart syndrome (aOR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.39, 2.86), and pulmonary valve atresia or stenosis (aOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.66). For CHD subtypes, results did not differ substantially by distance from maternal address or when residual confounding was considered, except for atrial septal defects. We did not observe associations with orofacial clefts. Our results suggest that UNGDs were associated with some CHDs and possibly NTDs. In addition, we identified temporal trends and observed presence of spatial residual confounding for some CHDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian W Tang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA.
| | - Peter H Langlois
- Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Verónica M Vieira
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA
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17
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Ahmed SN, Ahmad M, Yaseen G, Zafar M, Rashid S, Nazir A, Sultana S, Anjum F, Ozdemir FA, Kilic O. Quality assurance and authentication of herbal drug (Argyrolobium roseum and Viola stocksii) through comparative light and scanning electron microscopy. Microsc Res Tech 2020; 84:28-37. [PMID: 32803804 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The quality assurance and authentication of crude herbal drugs play important role in the effective therapeutic effect of herbal drug and their products. There are many reported problems in quality assurance of herbal crude drugs concerning to their correct identification. The present study was designed with the aim to document the authentication and quality assurance of the herbal crude drugs (Argyrolobium roseum and Viola stocksii) thorough light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The detailed foliar anatomical studies showed polygonal epidermal cells having anticlinal walls in Argyrolobium roseum while rounded epidermal cells were observed in Viola stocksii. The anomocytic stomata type was observed in Argrolobium roseum while actinocytic was noticed in Viola stocksii. The pollen of studied species appeared as tricolporate showing reticulate exine sculpturing in Argrolobium roseum while fine perforations were recorded in Viola stocksii. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity showed high flavonoid and phenol content in Argyrolobium roseum as compared with Viola stocksii. It was observed that Argyrolobium roseum was discriminated from the Viola stocksii based on the leaf and pollen micromorphological traits by using LM and SEM techniques. It was concluded that LM and SEM techniques were found useful for the quality assurance of botanicals and their authentication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Nisar Ahmed
- Department of Botany, The Women University, Multan, Pakistan.,Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Yaseen
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Botany, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zafar
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sofia Rashid
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Nazir
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shazia Sultana
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Farida Anjum
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fethi Ahmet Ozdemir
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Art, Bingol University, Turkey
| | - Omer Kilic
- Adıyaman University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Basic Science of Pharmacy, Adıyaman, Turkey
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18
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Nagel SC, Kassotis CD, Vandenberg LN, Lawrence BP, Robert J, Balise VD. Developmental exposure to a mixture of unconventional oil and gas chemicals: A review of experimental effects on adult health, behavior, and disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 513:110722. [PMID: 32147523 PMCID: PMC7539678 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and natural gas extraction (UOG) combines directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing and produces billions of liters of wastewater per year. Herein, we review experimental studies that evaluated the potential endocrine-mediated health impacts of exposure to a mixture of 23 UOG chemicals commonly found in wastewater. The purpose of this manuscript is to synthesize and summarize a body of work using the same UOG-mix but with different model systems and physiological endpoints in multiple experiments. The studies reviewed were conducted in laboratory animals (mice or tadpoles) and human tissue culture cells. A key feature of the in vivo studies was the use of four environmentally relevant doses spanning three orders of magnitude ranging from concentrations found in surface and ground water in UOG dense areas to concentrations found in UOG wastewater. This UOG-mix exhibited potent antagonist activity for the estrogen, androgen, glucocorticoid, progesterone, and thyroid receptors in human tissue culture cells. Subsequently, pregnant mice were administered the UOG-mix in drinking water and offspring were examined in adulthood or to tadpoles. Developmental exposure profoundly impacted pituitary hormone concentrations, reduced sperm counts, altered folliculogenesis, and increased mammary gland ductal density and preneoplastic lesions in mice. It also altered energy expenditure, exploratory and risk-taking behavior, the immune system in three immune models in mice, and affected basal and antiviral immunity in frogs. These findings highlight the diverse systems affected by developmental EDC exposure and the need to examine human and animal health in UOG regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, DC051.00 One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - C D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 450 Research Drive, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - L N Vandenberg
- School of Public Health & Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 171C Goessmann, 686 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - B P Lawrence
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Environmental Medicine, 601 Elmwood Avenue, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - J Robert
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Environmental Medicine, 601 Elmwood Avenue, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - V D Balise
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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19
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McLaughlin MC, Blotevogel J, Watson RA, Schell B, Blewett TA, Folkerts EJ, Goss GG, Truong L, Tanguay RL, Argueso JL, Borch T. Mutagenicity assessment downstream of oil and gas produced water discharges intended for agricultural beneficial reuse. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 715:136944. [PMID: 32014773 PMCID: PMC7243347 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Produced water is the largest waste stream associated with oil and gas operations. This complex fluid contains petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, salts, naturally occurring radioactive materials and any remaining chemical additives. In the United States, west of the 98th meridian, the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) exemption allows release of produced water for agricultural beneficial reuse. The goal of this study was to quantify mutagenicity of a produced water NPDES release and discharge stream. We used four mutation assays in budding yeast cells that provide rate estimates for copy number variation (CNV) duplications and deletions, as well as forward and reversion point mutations. Higher mutation rates were observed at the discharge and decreased with distance downstream, which correlated with the concentrations of known carcinogens detected in the stream (e.g., benzene, radium), described in a companion study. Mutation rate increases were most prominent for CNV duplications and were higher than mutations observed in mixtures of known toxic compounds. Additionally, the samples were evaluated for acute toxicity in Daphnia magna and developmental toxicity in zebrafish. Acute toxicity was minimal, and no developmental toxicity was observed. This study illustrates that chemical analysis alone (McLaughlin et al., 2020) is insufficient for characterizing the risk of produced water NPDES releases and that a thorough evaluation of chronic toxicity is necessary to fully assess produced water for beneficial reuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly C McLaughlin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, 1320 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Jens Blotevogel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, 1320 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Ruth A Watson
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States
| | - Baylee Schell
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States; Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, 1872 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Tamzin A Blewett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Erik J Folkerts
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada; National Institute for Nanotechnology, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2M9, Canada
| | - Lisa Truong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Juan Lucas Argueso
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States.
| | - Thomas Borch
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, 1320 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, 1872 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, 1170 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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20
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Hildenbrand ZL, Carlton DD, Wicker AP, Habib S, Granados PS, Schug KA. Characterizing anecdotal claims of groundwater contamination in shale energy basins. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 713:136618. [PMID: 31958728 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The increased societal monitoring of unconventional oil and gas development (UD) has brought forth tremendous scrutiny over the environmental stewardship and subsequent public health impacts of surface and sub-surface activities. Concerns over groundwater quality in shale energy basins have prompted concerned citizens into monitoring UD activities for a series of qualitative parameters, and even coordinating sampling efforts for chemical analysis. Here we present a list of analytical parameters, hierarchically structured to guide concerned citizens through an efficient and cost-effective monitoring program. Utilizing this multi-step testing regime, we assessed groundwater quality from 36 private water wells involved in 19 anecdotal claims of alleged UD-related contamination across the Barnett, Eagle Ford, Haynesville, and Marcellus Shale formations in the United States. Our analytical findings aligned with the landowners' accounts of their situation in only 5 of the 36 collected samples, with several cases revealing environmental abnormalities that were unbeknownst to the landowners but likely unrelated to UD activities. These data are some of the first to assess the relationship between landowner perception and analytical determination in a cohort of highly variable anecdotal cases of alleged groundwater contamination, revealing a notable disconnect that is likely attributable to a myriad of societal and environmental factors. The analytical modalities presented here also serve as a step-wise method in a weight of evidence approach to assess the presence or absence of anthropogenic contamination under the most variable hydrogeological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zacariah L Hildenbrand
- Affiliate of the Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America; Inform Environmental, LLC, Dallas, TX 75206, United States of America.
| | - Doug D Carlton
- Affiliate of the Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America
| | - A Paige Wicker
- Affiliate of the Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America
| | - Sabrina Habib
- Affiliate of the Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America; University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, United States of America
| | | | - Kevin A Schug
- Affiliate of the Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America.
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21
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Rian MB, Vike-Jonas K, Gonzalez SV, Ciesielski TM, Venkatraman V, Lindstrøm U, Jenssen BM, Asimakopoulos AG. Phthalate metabolites in harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from Norwegian coastal waters. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 137:105525. [PMID: 32028175 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The exposure of marine mammals to phthalates has received considerable attention due to the ubiquitous occurrence of these pollutants in the marine environment and their potential adverse health effects. The occurrence of phthalate metabolites is well established in human populations, but data is scarce for marine mammals. In this study, concentrations of 17 phthalate metabolites were determined in liver samples collected from one hundred (n = 100) by-caught harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) along the coast of Norway. Overall, thirteen phthalate metabolites were detected in the samples. Monoethyl phthalate (mEP), mono-iso-butyl phthalate (mIBP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (mBP) and phthalic acid (PA) were the most abundant metabolites, accounting for detection rates ≥ 85%. The highest median concentrations were found for mIBP (30.6 ng/g wet weight [w.w.]) and mBP (25.2 ng/g w.w.) followed by PA (7.75 ng/g w.w.) and mEP (5.67 ng/g w.w.). The sum of the median phthalate metabolites concentrations that were found in the majority of samples (detection rates > 50%) indicated that concentrations were lower for porpoises collected along the coastal area of Bodø (Nordland), Lebesby (Finnmark) and Varangerfjord (as compared to other coastal areas); these areas are among the least populated coastal areas but also the most distant (>700 km) from offshore active oil and gas fields. The monomethyl phthalate metabolite (mMP) was detected in 69% of the samples, and to our knowledge, alongside with PA, this is the first report of their occurrence in marine mammals. PA, as the non-specific marker of phthalate exposures, showed a statistically significant negative association with the body mass and length of the harbor porpoises. Among the phthalate metabolites, statistically significant positive associations were found between mBP and mIBP, mMP and mEP, PA and mEP, mIBP and mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (mEOHP), mIBP and mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (mEHHP), mBP and mEHHP, mono-n-nonyl phthalate (mNP) and PA, and between monobenzyl phthalate (mBzP) and mNP. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the biomonitoring of 17 phthalate metabolites in harbor porpoises.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Britt Rian
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kristine Vike-Jonas
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Susana Villa Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tomasz Maciej Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Vishwesh Venkatraman
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ulf Lindstrøm
- Institute of Marine Research, FRAM Centre, 9007 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Arctic Technology, The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), PO Box 156, NO-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway; Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Alexandros G Asimakopoulos
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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22
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McElroy JA, Kassotis CD, Nagel SC. In Our Backyard: Perceptions About Fracking, Science, and Health by Community Members. New Solut 2020; 30:42-51. [PMID: 32028857 DOI: 10.1177/1048291120905097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction (fracking) has increased in the United States, as well as interest in the associated risks and benefits. This study’s purpose was to qualitatively examine residents’ perceptions about UOG development in their community. Fifteen interviewees involving residents of Garfield County, Colorado, a drilling-dense region, were transcribed and analyzed. The study found six themes: (1) health concerns, both human and animal, (2) power struggles between government and industry/between industry and residents, and (3) perception and some acceptance of increased risk. Less common themes were (4) reliance on science to accurately determine risk, (5) frustration with potential threat and loss of power, and (6) traffic and safety concerns. Community perceptions of UOG development are complex, and understanding the position of community members can support the need for additional public health research and impact assessments regarding community exposures from UOG drilling operation exposures.
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23
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Advanced Bioreactor Treatments of Hydrocarbon-Containing Wastewater. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10030831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses bioreactor-based methods for industrial hydrocarbon-containing wastewater treatment using different (e.g., stirred-tank, membrane, packed-bed and fluidized-bed) constructions. Aerobic, anaerobic and hybrid bioreactors are becoming increasingly popular in the field of oily wastewater treatment, while high concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons usually require physico-chemical pre-treatments. Most efficient bioreactor techniques employ immobilized cultures of hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms, either defined consortia or mixed natural populations. Some advantages of fluidized-bed bioreactors over other types of reactors are shown, such as large biofilm–liquid interfacial area, high immobilized biomass concentration and improved mass transfer characteristics. Several limitations, including low nutrient content and the presence of heavy metals or toxicants, as well as fouling and contamination with nuisance microorganisms, can be overcome using effective inocula and advanced bioreactor designs. The examples of laboratory studies and few successful pilot/full-scale applications are given relating to the biotreatment of oilfield wastewater, fuel-contaminated water and refinery effluents.
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24
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Robert J, McGuire CC, Kim F, Nagel SC, Price SJ, Lawrence BP, De Jesús Andino F. Water Contaminants Associated With Unconventional Oil and Gas Extraction Cause Immunotoxicity to Amphibian Tadpoles. Toxicol Sci 2019; 166:39-50. [PMID: 30011011 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas (UOG) operations have been shown to contaminate surface and ground water with a variety of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) inducing multiple developmental alteration in mice. However, little is known about the impacts of UOG-associated contaminants on amphibian health and resistance to an emerging ranavirus infectious disease caused by viruses in the genus Ranavirus, especially at the vulnerable tadpole stage. Here we used tadpoles of the amphibian Xenopus laevis and the ranavirus Frog virus 3 (FV3) as a model relevant to aquatic environment conservation research for investigating the immunotoxic effects of exposure to a mixture of 23 UOG-associated chemicals with EDC activity. Xenopus tadpoles were exposed to an equimass mixture of 23 UOG-associated chemicals (range from 0.1 to 10 µg/l) for 3 weeks prior to infection with FV3. Our data show that exposure to the UOG chemical mixture is toxic for tadpoles at ecological doses of 5 to 10 µg/l. Lower doses significantly altered homeostatic expression of myeloid lineage genes and compromised tadpole responses to FV3 through expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and Type I IFN genes, correlating with an increase in viral load. Exposure to a subset of 6 UOG chemicals was still sufficient to perturb the antiviral gene expression response. These findings suggest that UOG-associated water pollutants at low but environmentally relevant doses have the potential to induce acute alterations of immune function and antiviral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Robert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology.,Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Connor C McGuire
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology.,Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Fayth Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Missouri, Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - Stephen J Price
- UCL Genetics Institute, London WC1E 6BT, UK.,Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology.,Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642
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25
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Alofe O, Kisanga E, Inayat-Hussain SH, Fukumura M, Garcia-Milian R, Perera L, Vasiliou V, Whirledge S. Determining the endocrine disruption potential of industrial chemicals using an integrative approach: Public databases, in vitro exposure, and modeling receptor interactions. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 131:104969. [PMID: 31310931 PMCID: PMC6728168 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.104969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and occupational exposure to industrial chemicals has been linked to toxic and carcinogenic effects in animal models and human studies. However, current toxicology testing does not thoroughly explore the endocrine disrupting effects of industrial chemicals, which may have low dose effects not predicted when determining the limit of toxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the endocrine disrupting potential of a broad range of chemicals used in the petrochemical sector. Therefore, 139 chemicals were classified for reproductive toxicity based on the United Nations Globally Harmonized System for hazard classification. These chemicals were evaluated in PubMed for reported endocrine disrupting activity, and their endocrine disrupting potential was estimated by identifying chemicals with active nuclear receptor endpoints publicly available databases. Evaluation of ToxCast data suggested that these chemicals preferentially alter the activity of the estrogen receptor (ER). Four chemicals were prioritized for in vitro testing using the ER-positive, immortalized human uterine Ishikawa cell line and a range of concentrations below the reported limit of toxicity in humans. We found that 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (BHT) and diethanolamine (DEA) repressed the basal expression of estrogen-responsive genes PGR, NPPC, and GREB1 in Ishikawa cells, while tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and 2,2'-methyliminodiethanol (MDEA) induced the expression of these genes. Furthermore, low-dose combinations of PCE and MDEA produced additive effects. All four chemicals interfered with estradiol-mediated induction of PGR, NPPC, and GREB1. Molecular docking demonstrated that these chemicals could bind to the ligand binding site of ERα, suggesting the potential for direct stimulatory or inhibitory effects. We found that these chemicals altered rates of proliferation and regulated the expression of cell proliferation associated genes. These findings demonstrate previously unappreciated endocrine disrupting effects and underscore the importance of testing the endocrine disrupting potential of chemicals in the future to better understand their potential to impact public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olubusayo Alofe
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Edwina Kisanga
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Salmaan H Inayat-Hussain
- Department of Product Stewardship and Toxicology, Group Health, Safety, Security and Environment, Petroliam Nasional Berhad, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Masao Fukumura
- Department of Product Stewardship and Toxicology, Group Health, Safety, Security and Environment, Petroliam Nasional Berhad, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rolando Garcia-Milian
- Bioinformatics Support Program, Cushing/Whitney Medical Library, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lalith Perera
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shannon Whirledge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
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26
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Balise VD, Cornelius-Green JN, Parmenter B, Baxter S, Kassotis CD, Rector RS, Thyfault JP, Paterlini S, Palanza P, Ruiz D, Sargis R, Nagel SC. Developmental Exposure to a Mixture of Unconventional Oil and Gas Chemicals Increased Risk-Taking Behavior, Activity and Energy Expenditure in Aged Female Mice After a Metabolic Challenge. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:460. [PMID: 31402896 PMCID: PMC6669236 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemicals used in unconventional oil and gas (UOG) operations can act as endocrine disrupting chemicals and metabolic disruptors. Our lab has reported altered energy expenditure and activity in C57BL/6J mice that were preconceptionally, gestationally, and lactationally exposed via maternal drinking water to a laboratory-created mixture of 23 UOG chemicals from gestational day 1 to postnatal day 21 in 7-month-old female mice with no change in body composition. We hypothesized that allowing the mice to age and exposing them to a high fat, high sugar diet might reveal underlying changes in energy balance. To investigate whether aging and metabolic challenge would exacerbate this phenotype, these mice were aged to 12 months and given a high fat, high sugar diet (HFHSD) challenge. The short 3-day HFHSD challenge increased body weight and fasting blood glucose in all mice. Developmental exposure to the 23 UOG mixture was associated with increased activity and non-resting energy expenditure in the light cycle, increased exploratory behavior in the elevated plus maze test, and decreased sleep in 12 month female mice. Each of these effects was seen in the light cycle when mice are normally less active. Further studies are needed to better understand the behavioral changes observed after developmental exposure to UOG chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria D. Balise
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Jennifer N. Cornelius-Green
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Brittany Parmenter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Sierra Baxter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | | | - R. Scott Rector
- Department of Nutrition and Health Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Medical Center, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - John P. Thyfault
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Kansas City VA Medical Center, Research Service, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Silvia Paterlini
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Palanza
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Daniel Ruiz
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robert Sargis
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Susan C. Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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27
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Robert J, McGuire CC, Nagel S, Lawrence BP, Andino FDJ. Developmental exposure to chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas extraction alters immune homeostasis and viral immunity of the amphibian Xenopus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 671:644-654. [PMID: 30939317 PMCID: PMC6533627 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although aquatic vertebrates and humans are increasingly exposed to water pollutants associated with unconventional oil and gas extraction (UOG), the long-term effects of these pollutants on immunity remains unclear. We have established the amphibian Xenopus laevis and the ranavirus Frog Virus 3 (FV3) as a reliable and sensitive model for evaluating the effects of waterborne pollutants. X. laevis tadpoles were exposed to a mixture of equimass amount of UOG chemicals with endocrine disrupting activity (0.1 and 1.0 μg/L) for 3 weeks, and then long-term effects on immune function at steady state and following viral (FV3) infection was assessed after metamorphosis. Notably, developmental exposure to the mixture of UOG chemicals at the tadpole stage affected metamorphic development and fitness by significantly decreasing body mass after metamorphosis completion. Furthermore, developmental exposure to UOGs resulted in perturbation of immune homeostasis in adult frogs, as indicated by significantly decreased number of splenic innate leukocytes, B and T lymphocytes; and a weakened antiviral immune response leading to increased viral load during infection by the ranavirus FV3. These findings suggest that mixture of UOG-associated waterborne endocrine disruptors at low but environmentally-relevant levels have the potential to induce long-lasting alterations of immune function and antiviral immunity in aquatic vertebrates and ultimately human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Robert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, United States of America; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, United States of America.
| | - Connor C McGuire
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, United States of America; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, United States of America
| | - Susan Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Missouri, United States of America
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, United States of America; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, United States of America
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28
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Nethery RC, Mealli F, Dominici F. ESTIMATING POPULATION AVERAGE CAUSAL EFFECTS IN THE PRESENCE OF NON-OVERLAP: THE EFFECT OF NATURAL GAS COMPRESSOR STATION EXPOSURE ON CANCER MORTALITY. Ann Appl Stat 2019; 13:1242-1267. [PMID: 31346355 PMCID: PMC6658123 DOI: 10.1214/18-aoas1231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Most causal inference studies rely on the assumption of overlap to estimate population or sample average causal effects. When data suffer from non-overlap, estimation of these estimands requires reliance on model specifications, due to poor data support. All existing methods to address non-overlap, such as trimming or down-weighting data in regions of poor data support, change the estimand so that inference cannot be made on the sample or the underlying population. In environmental health research settings, where study results are often intended to influence policy, population-level inference may be critical, and changes in the estimand can diminish the impact of the study results, because estimates may not be representative of effects in the population of interest to policymakers. Researchers may be willing to make additional, minimal modeling assumptions in order to preserve the ability to estimate population average causal effects. We seek to make two contributions on this topic. First, we propose a flexible, data-driven definition of propensity score overlap and non-overlap regions. Second, we develop a novel Bayesian framework to estimate population average causal effects with minor model dependence and appropriately large uncertainties in the presence of non-overlap and causal effect heterogeneity. In this approach, the tasks of estimating causal effects in the overlap and non-overlap regions are delegated to two distinct models, suited to the degree of data support in each region. Tree ensembles are used to non-parametrically estimate individual causal effects in the overlap region, where the data can speak for themselves. In the non-overlap region, where insufficient data support means reliance on model specification is necessary, individual causal effects are estimated by extrapolating trends from the overlap region via a spline model. The promising performance of our method is demonstrated in simulations. Finally, we utilize our method to perform a novel investigation of the causal effect of natural gas compressor station exposure on cancer outcomes. Code and data to implement the method and reproduce all simulations and analyses is available on Github (https://github.com/rachelnethery/overlap).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Nethery
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fabrizia Mealli
- Department of Statistics, Informatics, Applications, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Dominici
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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29
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Kelley AS, Banker M, Goodrich JM, Dolinoy DC, Burant C, Domino SE, Smith YR, Song PXK, Padmanabhan V. Early pregnancy exposure to endocrine disrupting chemical mixtures are associated with inflammatory changes in maternal and neonatal circulation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5422. [PMID: 30931951 PMCID: PMC6443771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41134-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous, and pregnancy is a sensitive window for toxicant exposure. EDCs may disrupt the maternal immune system, which may lead to poor pregnancy outcomes. Most studies investigate single EDCs, even though "real life" exposures do not occur in isolation. We tested the hypothesis that uniquely weighted mixtures of early pregnancy exposures are associated with distinct changes in the maternal and neonatal inflammasome. First trimester urine samples were tested for 12 phthalates, 12 phenols, and 17 metals in 56 women. Twelve cytokines were measured in first trimester and term maternal plasma, and in cord blood after delivery. Spearman correlations and linear regression were used to relate individual exposures with inflammatory cytokines. Linear regression was used to relate cytokine levels with gestational age and birth weight. Principal component analysis was used to assess the effect of weighted EDC mixtures on maternal and neonatal inflammation. Our results demonstrated that maternal and cord blood cytokines were differentially associated with (1) individual EDCs and (2) EDC mixtures. Several individual cytokines were positively associated with gestational age and birth weight. These observed associations between EDC mixtures and the pregnancy inflammasome may have clinical and public health implications for women of childbearing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela S Kelley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, L4001 Women's Hospital, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | - Margaret Banker
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | - Charles Burant
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105, USA
| | - Steven E Domino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, L4001 Women's Hospital, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | - Yolanda R Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, L4001 Women's Hospital, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | - Peter X K Song
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, L4001 Women's Hospital, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA. .,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, 7510 MSRB 1, 1500 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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30
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Faber AH, Annevelink M, Gilissen HK, Schot P, van Rijswick M, de Voogt P, van Wezel A. How to Adapt Chemical Risk Assessment for Unconventional Hydrocarbon Extraction Related to the Water System. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 246:1-32. [PMID: 29280081 DOI: 10.1007/398_2017_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We identify uncertainties and knowledge gaps of chemical risk assessment related to unconventional drillings and propose adaptations. We discuss how chemical risk assessment in the context of unconventional oil and gas (UO&G) activities differs from conventional chemical risk assessment and the implications for existing legislation. A UO&G suspect list of 1,386 chemicals that might be expected in the UO&G water samples was prepared which can be used for LC-HRMS suspect screening. We actualize information on reported concentrations in UO&G-related water. Most information relates to shale gas operations, followed by coal-bed methane, while only little is available for tight gas and conventional gas. The limited research on conventional oil and gas recovery hampers comparison whether risks related to unconventional activities are in fact higher than those related to conventional activities. No study analyzed the whole cycle from fracturing fluid, flowback and produced water, and surface water and groundwater. Generally target screening has been used, probably missing contaminants of concern. Almost half of the organic compounds analyzed in surface water and groundwater exceed TTC values, so further risk assessment is needed, and risks cannot be waived. No specific exposure scenarios toward groundwater aquifers exist for UO&G-related activities. Human errors in various stages of the life cycle of UO&G production play an important role in the exposure. Neither at the international level nor at the US federal and the EU levels, specific regulations for UO&G-related activities are in place to protect environmental and human health. UO&G activities are mostly regulated through general environmental, spatial planning, and mining legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Hélène Faber
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Mark Annevelink
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Herman Kasper Gilissen
- Utrecht Centre for Water, Oceans and Sustainability Law, Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Schot
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen van Rijswick
- Utrecht Centre for Water, Oceans and Sustainability Law, Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pim de Voogt
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie van Wezel
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
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He Y, Zhang Y, Martin JW, Alessi DS, Giesy JP, Goss GG. In vitro assessment of endocrine disrupting potential of organic fractions extracted from hydraulic fracturing flowback and produced water (HF-FPW). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:824-831. [PMID: 30342413 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Potential effects of horizontal drilling combined with high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HF) have drawn significant public concern, especially on the handling, treatment, and disposal of HF flowback and produced water (HF-FPW). Previous studies indicated HF-FPW could significantly disrupt biotransformation and expressions of genes related to the endocrine system. This study focused on effects of organic extracts of HF-FPW on receptor binding activity using several transactivation assays. Six HF-FPW samples were collected from 2 wells (Well A and Well B, 3 time points at each well). These were separated by filtration into aqueous (W) and particulate (S) phases, and organics were extracted from all 12 subsamples. Of all the tested fractions, sample B1-S had the greatest Σ13PAH (11,000 ng/L) and B3-S has the greatest Σ4alkyl-PAHs (16,000 ng/L). Nuclear receptor binding activity of all the extracts on aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), estrogen receptor (ER), and androgen receptor (AR) were screened using H4IIE-luc, MVLN-luc, and MDA-kb2 cells, respectively. FPWs from various HF wells exhibited distinct nuclear receptor binding effects. The strongest AhR agonist activity was detected in B3-S, with 450 ± 20 μg BaP/L equivalency at 5 × exposure. The greatest ER agonist activity was detected in A1-W, with 5.3 ± 0.9 nM E2 equivalency at 10× exposures. There is a decreasing trend in ER agonist activity from A1 to A3 in both aqueous and particulate fractions from Well A, while there is an increasing trend in ER agonist activity from B1 to B3 in aqueous fractions from Well B. This study provides novel information on the sources of endocrine disruptive potentials in various HF-FPW considering both temporal and spatial variability. Results suggest that reclamation or remediation and risk assessment of HF-FPW spills likely requires multiple strategies including understanding the properties of each spill with respect to fractured geological formation and physiochemical properties of the injected fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe He
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Daniel S Alessi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - John P Giesy
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Global Institute for Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada.
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Xiao F, Huisman QE. Prediction of biopersistence of hydrocarbons using a single parameter. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 213:76-83. [PMID: 30212721 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Aerobic biodegradation is an important attenuation process for petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) in the natural environment. It has also been frequently used in engineered systems to remediate PHC-contaminated sites. A model such as a quantitative structure property relationship (QSPR) that can predict the biodegradation rate of PHCs would be helpful prior to implementing any extensive environmental measurements and bioremediation strategies. Existing QSPRs either have a large number of predictor variables that may cause overfitting or are based on a small dataset of PHCs. The goal of this study is to develop a simple, portable QSPR that has only a few predicator variables but can accurately predict the biodegradation half-lives of a large group of PHCs. To this end, more than 500 molecular variables were screened, and candidate variables were refined by a feature selection method and fitted to biodegradation data of a group of structurally heterogeneous PHCs (n = 173). The model was established by means of hierarchical clustering and classification and regression tree algorithms, which was optimized by an internal validation procedure and validated by an external dataset. The optimal QSPR model, containing only one predictor variable (the number of bonds that do not contain hydrogen), was able to accurately predict biodegradation half-lives for a wide variety of PHCs. The internal validation test indicated an overall prediction accuracy of 93%, and predictions applied to an independent external set of 64 PHCs yielded 95% accuracy. The new model is transparent and easily portable from one user to another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8115, United States.
| | - Quinn E Huisman
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8115, United States
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Konkel L. Drilling into Critical Windows of Exposure: Trimester-Specific Associations between Gas Development and Preterm Birth. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:104002. [PMID: 30272490 PMCID: PMC6371694 DOI: 10.1289/ehp3762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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Werner AK, Watt K, Cameron C, Vink S, Page A, Jagals P. Examination of Child and Adolescent Hospital Admission Rates in Queensland, Australia, 1995-2011: A Comparison of Coal Seam Gas, Coal Mining, and Rural Areas. Matern Child Health J 2018; 22:1306-1318. [PMID: 29500783 PMCID: PMC6096510 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-018-2511-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Objectives At present, coal seam gas (CSG) is the most common form of unconventional natural gas development occurring in Australia. Few studies have been conducted to explore the potential health impacts of CSG development on children and adolescents. This analysis presents age-specific hospitalisation rates for a child and adolescent cohort in three study areas in Queensland. Methods Three geographic areas were selected: a CSG area, a coal mining area, and a rural area with no mining activity. Changes in area-specific hospital admissions were investigated over the period 1995-2011 in a series of negative binomial regression analyses for 19 International Classification of Diseases (ICD) chapters, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Results The strongest associations were found for respiratory diseases in 0-4 year olds (7% increase [95% CI 4%, 11%] and 6% increase [95% CI 2%, 10%] in the CSG area relative to the coal mining and rural areas, respectively) and 10-14 year olds (9% increase [95% CI 1%, 18%] and 11% increase [95% CI 1%, 21%] in the CSG area compared to the coal mining and rural areas, respectively). The largest effect size was for blood/immune diseases in 5-9 year olds in the CSG area (467% increase [95% CI 139%, 1244%]) compared to the rural area with no mining activity. Conclusions for Practice Higher rates of hospitalisation existed in the CSG area for certain ICD chapters and paediatric age groups, suggesting potential age-specific health impacts. This study provides insights on associations that should be explored further in terms of child and adolescent health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Werner
- Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia.
- Level 6, CWiMI, University of Queensland, Corner Staffhouse and College Roads, Sir James Foots Bldg (47a), St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Kerrianne Watt
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Cate Cameron
- Jamieson Trauma Institute, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Services District, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sue Vink
- Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew Page
- Centre for Health Research, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Jagals
- Children's Health and Environment Programme, Centre for Children's Health Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Hill EL. Shale gas development and infant health: Evidence from Pennsylvania. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2018; 61:134-150. [PMID: 30114565 PMCID: PMC6629042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
This research exploits the introduction of shale gas wells in Pennsylvania in response to growing controversy around the drilling method of hydraulic fracturing. Using detailed location data on maternal addresses and GIS coordinates of gas wells, this study examines singleton births to mothers residing close to a shale gas well from 2003 to 2010 in Pennsylvania. The introduction of drilling increased low birth weight and decreased term birth weight on average among mothers living within 2.5 km of a well compared to mothers living within 2.5 km of a permitted well. Adverse effects were also detected using measures such as small for gestational age and APGAR scores, while no effects on gestation periods were found. In the intensive margin, an additional well is associated with a 7 percent increase in low birth weight, a 5 g reduction in term birth weight and a 3 percent increase in premature birth. These results are robust to other measures of infant health, many changes in specification and falsification tests. These findings suggest that shale gas development poses significant risks to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine L Hill
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine & Dentistry, 265 Crittenden Blvd Box 420644, Rochester, NY 14642, United States.
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Kassotis CD, Vu DC, Vo PH, Lin CH, Cornelius-Green JN, Patton S, Nagel SC. Endocrine-Disrupting Activities and Organic Contaminants Associated with Oil and Gas Operations in Wyoming Groundwater. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 75:247-258. [PMID: 29623359 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-0521-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and natural gas (UOG) operations couple horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing to access previously inaccessible fossil fuel deposits. Hydraulic fracturing, a common form of stimulation, involves the high-pressure injection of water, chemicals, and sand to fracture the target layer and release trapped natural gas and/or oil. Spills and/or discharges of wastewater have been shown to impact surface, ground, and drinking water. The goals of this study were to characterize the endocrine activities and measure select organic contaminants in groundwater from conventional oil and gas (COG) and UOG production regions of Wyoming. Groundwater samples were collected from each region, solid-phase extracted, and assessed for endocrine activities (estrogen, androgen, progesterone, glucocorticoid, and thyroid receptor agonism and antagonism), using reporter gene assays in human endometrial cells. Water samples from UOG and conventional oil areas exhibited greater ER antagonist activities than water samples from conventional gas areas. Samples from UOG areas tended to exhibit progesterone receptor antagonism more often, suggesting there may be a UOG-related impact on these endocrine activities. We also report UOG-specific contaminants in Pavillion groundwater extracts, and these same chemicals at high concentrations in a local UOG wastewater sample. A unique suite of contaminants was observed in groundwater from a permitted drinking water well at a COG well pad and not at any UOG sites; high levels of endocrine activities (most notably, maximal estrogenic activity) were noted there, suggesting putative impacts on endocrine bioactivities by COG. As such, we report two levels of evidence for groundwater contamination by both UOG and COG operations in Wyoming.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danh C Vu
- Department of Forestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Phuc H Vo
- Department of Forestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Chung-Ho Lin
- Department of Forestry, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Jennifer N Cornelius-Green
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, M659 Medical Sciences Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Sharyle Patton
- Commonweal, Health and Environment Program, Bolinas, CA, 94924, USA
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, M659 Medical Sciences Building, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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Crosby LM, Tatu CA, Varonka M, Charles KM, Orem WH. Toxicological and chemical studies of wastewater from hydraulic fracture and conventional shale gas wells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2018; 37:2098-2111. [PMID: 29630745 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
New technology has enabled recovery of inaccessible natural gas shale deposits; however, the potential impacts to human health from the migration of brines into drinking water or surface spills are unknown. To provide information that can inform these potential impacts, chemical characterization and in vitro toxicologic testing were conducted using pre- and postinjection waters from conventional and unconventional oil and gas wells. Wastewater concentrations may be diluted or reduced by fate and transport processes when released into the environment by unknown amounts, and laboratory studies only imply potential effects. In acute cytotoxicity and wound healing assays, there was dose-dependent toxicity in human and rat cells with growth promotion at low concentrations. Lethality was measured in time studies up to 10 d postinjection. Produced water samples from both well types were equally toxic to human cells and were corrosive at high concentrations. Measurement of protein and gene expression identified metabolic pathways responding to both well types as NADPH quinone oxidoreductase oxidative stress-responsive enzyme and tight junction protein genes. A KCl sample of matched ionic strength showed a different toxicity profile from produced waters, indicating that salts alone were not the cause of toxicity. Organic chemicals and branched alkanes were present in hydraulic fracture wells, and mainly branched alkanes were present in conventional wells. One organic substance was still present after 240 d. The known properties of these chemicals include potential toxicity to multiple human organs, sensitization, irritation, developmental effects, and tumor promotion, depending on the concentrations and synergistic effects of chemicals during exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2098-2111. © 2018 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Calin A Tatu
- US Geological Survey, Reston, VA
- Department of Biology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
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Boulé LA, Chapman TJ, Hillman SE, Kassotis CD, O’Dell C, Robert J, Georas SN, Nagel SC, Lawrence BP. Developmental Exposure to a Mixture of 23 Chemicals Associated With Unconventional Oil and Gas Operations Alters the Immune System of Mice. Toxicol Sci 2018; 163:639-654. [PMID: 29718478 PMCID: PMC5974794 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemicals used in unconventional oil and gas (UOG) operations have the potential to cause adverse biological effects, but this has not been thoroughly evaluated. A notable knowledge gap is their impact on development and function of the immune system. Herein, we report an investigation of whether developmental exposure to a mixture of chemicals associated with UOG operations affects the development and function of the immune system. We used a previously characterized mixture of 23 chemicals associated with UOG, and which was demonstrated to affect reproductive and developmental endpoints in mice. C57Bl/6 mice were maintained throughout pregnancy and during lactation on water containing two concentrations of this 23-chemical mixture, and the immune system of male and female adult offspring was assessed. We comprehensively examined the cellularity of primary and secondary immune organs, and used three different disease models to probe potential immune effects: house dust mite-induced allergic airway disease, influenza A virus infection, and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In all three disease models, developmental exposure altered frequencies of certain T cell sub-populations in female, but not male, offspring. Additionally, in the EAE model disease onset occurred earlier and was more severe in females. Our findings indicate that developmental exposure to this mixture had persistent immunological effects that differed by sex, and exacerbated responses in an experimental model of autoimmune encephalitis. These observations suggest that developmental exposure to complex mixtures of water contaminants, such as those derived from UOG operations, could contribute to immune dysregulation and disease later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy J Chapman
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14842
| | - Sara E Hillman
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14842
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14842
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| | | | - Jacques Robert
- Department of Environmental Medicine
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Steve N Georas
- Department of Environmental Medicine
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14842
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212
| | - B Paige Lawrence
- Department of Environmental Medicine
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
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Common Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid Additives Alter the Structure and Function of Anaerobic Microbial Communities. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.02729-17. [PMID: 29453259 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02729-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of unconventional oil and gas (UOG) resources results in the production of large volumes of wastewater containing a complex mixture of hydraulic fracturing chemical additives and components from the formation. The release of these wastewaters into the environment poses potential risks that are poorly understood. Microbial communities in stream sediments form the base of the food chain and may serve as sentinels for changes in stream health. Iron-reducing organisms have been shown to play a role in the biodegradation of a wide range of organic compounds, and so to evaluate their response to UOG wastewater, we enriched anaerobic microbial communities from sediments collected upstream (background) and downstream (impacted) of an UOG wastewater injection disposal facility in the presence of hydraulic fracturing fluid (HFF) additives: guar gum, ethylene glycol, and two biocides, 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA) and bronopol (C3H6BrNO4). Iron reduction was significantly inhibited early in the incubations with the addition of biocides, whereas amendment with guar gum and ethylene glycol stimulated iron reduction relative to levels in the unamended controls. Changes in the microbial community structure were observed across all treatments, indicating the potential for even small amounts of UOG wastewater components to influence natural microbial processes. The microbial community structure differed between enrichments with background and impacted sediments, suggesting that impacted sediments may have been preconditioned by exposure to wastewater. These experiments demonstrated the potential for biocides to significantly decrease iron reduction rates immediately following a spill and demonstrated how microbial communities previously exposed to UOG wastewater may be more resilient to additional spills.IMPORTANCE Organic components of UOG wastewater can alter microbial communities and biogeochemical processes, which could alter the rates of essential natural attenuation processes. These findings provide new insights into microbial responses following a release of UOG wastewaters and are critical for identifying strategies for the remediation and natural attenuation of impacted environments.
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He Y, Sun C, Zhang Y, Folkerts EJ, Martin JW, Goss GG. Developmental Toxicity of the Organic Fraction from Hydraulic Fracturing Flowback and Produced Waters to Early Life Stages of Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:3820-3830. [PMID: 29376370 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b06557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing (HF) has emerged as a major recovery method of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs and concerns have been raised regarding the environmental impact of releases of Flowback and Produced Water (FPW) to aquatic ecosystems. To investigate potential effects of HF-FPW on fish embryo development, HF-FPW samples were collected from two different wells and the organic fractions were isolated from both aqueous and particle phases to eliminate the confounding effects of high salinity. Each organic extract was characterized by non-target analysis with HPLC-Orbitrap-MS, with targeted analysis for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons provided as markers of petroleum-affected water. The organic profiles differed between samples, including PAHs and alkyl PAHs, and major substances identified by non-target analysis included polyethylene glycols, alkyl ethoxylates, octylphenol ethoxylates, and other high molecular weight (C49-79) ethylene oxide polymeric material. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to various concentrations of FPW organic extracts to investigate acute (7-day) and developmental toxicity in early life stages. The acute toxicity (LD50) of the extracted FPW fractions ranged from 2.8× to 26× the original organic content. Each extracted FPW fraction significantly increased spinal malformation, pericardial edema, and delayed hatch in exposed embryos and altered the expression of a suite of target genes related to biotransformation, oxidative stress, and endocrine-mediation in developing zebrafish embryos. These results provide novel information on the variation of organic profiles and developmental toxicity among different sources and fractions of HF-FPWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe He
- Department of Biological Sciences , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2E9 , Canada
| | - Chenxing Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2G3 , Canada
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2G3 , Canada
| | - Erik J Folkerts
- Department of Biological Sciences , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2E9 , Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2G3 , Canada
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta T6G 2E9 , Canada
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Walker Whitworth K, Kaye Marshall A, Symanski E. Drilling and Production Activity Related to Unconventional Gas Development and Severity of Preterm Birth. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:037006. [PMID: 29578659 PMCID: PMC6071723 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of unconventional gas development (UGD) and preterm birth (PTB) have not presented risk estimates by well development phase or trimester. OBJECTIVE We examined phase and trimester-specific associations between UGD activity and PTB. METHODS We conducted a case-control study of women with singleton births in the Barnett Shale area, Texas, from 30 November 2010 to 29 November 2012. We individually age- and race/ethnicity-matched five controls to each PTB case (n=13,328) and truncated controls' time at risk according to the matched case's gestational age. We created phase-specific UGD-activity metrics: a) inverse squared distance-weighted (IDW) count of wells in the drilling phase ≤0.5 mi (804.7 meters) of the residence and b) IDW sum of natural gas produced ≤0.5 mi of the residence. We also constructed trimester- and gestation-specific metrics. Metrics were categorized as follows: zero wells (reference), first, second, third tertiles of UGD activity. Analyses were repeated by PTB severity: extreme, very, and moderate (<28, 28 to<32, and 32 to<37 completed weeks). Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS We found increased odds of PTB in the third tertile of the UGD drilling {odds ratio (OR)=1.20 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 1.37]} and UGD-production [OR=1.15 (1.05, 1.26)] metrics. Among women in the third tertile of UGD-production, associations were strongest in trimesters one [OR=1.18 (1.02, 1.37)] and two [OR=1.14 (0.99, 1.31). The greatest risk was observed for extremely PTB [third tertile ORs: UGD drilling, 2.00 (1.23, 3.24); UGD production, 1.53 (1.03-2.27)]. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence of differences in phase- and trimester-specific associations of UGD and PTB and indication of particular risk associated with extremely preterm birth. Future studies should focus on quantifying specific chemical and nonchemical stressors associated with UGD. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2622.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Walker Whitworth
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health in San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Amanda Kaye Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health in San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elaine Symanski
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
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Sapouckey SA, Kassotis CD, Nagel SC, Vandenberg LN. Prenatal Exposure to Unconventional Oil and Gas Operation Chemical Mixtures Altered Mammary Gland Development in Adult Female Mice. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1277-1289. [PMID: 29425295 PMCID: PMC5809159 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas (UOG) operations, which combine hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and directional drilling, involve the use of hundreds of chemicals, including many with endocrine-disrupting properties. Two previous studies examined mice exposed during early development to a 23-chemical mixture of UOG compounds (UOG-MIX) commonly used or produced in the process. Both male and female offspring exposed prenatally to one or more doses of UOG-MIX displayed alterations to endocrine organ function and serum hormone concentrations. We hypothesized that prenatal UOG-MIX exposure would similarly disrupt development of the mouse mammary gland. Female C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to ~3, ~30, ~ 300, or ~3000 μg/kg/d UOG-MIX from gestational day 11 to birth. Although no effects were observed on the mammary glands of these females before puberty, in early adulthood, females exposed to 300 or 3000 μg/kg/d UOG-MIX developed more dense mammary epithelial ducts; females exposed to 3 μg/kg/d UOG-MIX had an altered ratio of apoptosis to proliferation in the mammary epithelium. Furthermore, adult females from all UOG-MIX-treated groups developed intraductal hyperplasia that resembled terminal end buds (i.e., highly proliferative structures typically seen at puberty). These results suggest that the mammary gland is sensitive to mixtures of chemicals used in UOG production at exposure levels that are environmentally relevant. The effect of these findings on the long-term health of the mammary gland, including its lactational capacity and its risk of cancer, should be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Sapouckey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Christopher D. Kassotis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - Susan C. Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - Laura N. Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
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Maternal residential proximity to unconventional gas development and perinatal outcomes among a diverse urban population in Texas. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180966. [PMID: 28732016 PMCID: PMC5522007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess associations between unconventional natural gas development (UGD) and perinatal outcomes. METHODS We conducted a retrospective birth cohort study among 158,894 women with a birth or fetal death from November 30, 2010-November 29, 2012 in the Barnett Shale, in North Texas. We constructed three UGD-activity metrics by calculating the inverse distance-weighted sum of active wells within three separate geographic buffers surrounding the maternal residence: ≤½, 2, or 10-miles. We excluded women if the nearest well to her residence was >20 miles. Metrics were categorized by tertiles among women with ≥1 well within the respective buffer; women with zero wells ≤10 miles (the largest buffer) served as a common referent group. We used logistic or linear regression with generalized estimating equations to assess associations between UGD-activity and preterm birth, small-for-gestational age (SGA), fetal death, or birthweight. Adjusted models of fetal death and birthweight included: maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, pre-pregnancy body mass index, parity, smoking, adequacy of prenatal care, previous poor pregnancy outcome, and infant sex. Preterm birth models included all of the above except parity; SGA models included all of the above except previous poor pregnancy outcome. RESULTS We found increased adjusted odds of preterm birth associated with UGD-activity in the highest tertiles of the ½- (odds ratio (OR) = 1.14; 95% confidence interval 1.03, 1.25), 2- (1.14; 1.07, 1.22), and 10-mile (1.15; 1.08, 1.22) metrics. Increased adjusted odds of fetal death were found in the second tertile of the 2-mile metric (1.56; 1.16, 2.11) and the highest tertile of the 10-mile metric (1.34; 1.04-1.72). We found little indication of an association with SGA or term birthweight. CONCLUSIONS Our results are suggestive of an association between maternal residential proximity to UGD-activity and preterm birth and fetal death. Quantifying chemical and non-chemical stressors among residents near UGD should be prioritized.
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McKenzie LM, Allshouse WB, Byers TE, Bedrick EJ, Serdar B, Adgate JL. Childhood hematologic cancer and residential proximity to oil and gas development. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170423. [PMID: 28199334 PMCID: PMC5310851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oil and gas development emits known hematological carcinogens, such as benzene, and increasingly occurs in residential areas. We explored whether residential proximity to oil and gas development was associated with risk for hematologic cancers using a registry-based case-control study design. METHODS Participants were 0-24 years old, living in rural Colorado, and diagnosed with cancer between 2001-2013. For each child in our study, we calculated inverse distance weighted (IDW) oil and gas well counts within a 16.1-kilometer radius of residence at cancer diagnosis for each year in a 10 year latency period to estimate density of oil and gas development. Logistic regression, adjusted for age, race, gender, income, and elevation was used to estimate associations across IDW well count tertiles for 87 acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) cases and 50 non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cases, compared to 528 controls with non-hematologic cancers. FINDINGS Overall, ALL cases 0-24 years old were more likely to live in the highest IDW well count tertiles compared to controls, but findings differed substantially by age. For ages 5-24, ALL cases were 4.3 times as likely to live in the highest tertile, compared to controls (95% CI: 1.1 to 16), with a monotonic increase in risk across tertiles (trend p-value = 0.035). Further adjustment for year of diagnosis increased the association. No association was found between ALL for children aged 0-4 years or NHL and IDW well counts. While our study benefited from the ability to select cases and controls from the same population, use of cancer-controls, the limited number of ALL and NHL cases, and aggregation of ages into five year ranges, may have biased our associations toward the null. In addition, absence of information on O&G well activities, meteorology, and topography likely reduced temporal and spatial specificity in IDW well counts. CONCLUSION Because oil and gas development has potential to expose a large population to known hematologic carcinogens, further study is clearly needed to substantiate both our positive and negative findings. Future studies should incorporate information on oil and gas development activities and production levels, as well as levels of specific pollutants of interest (e.g. benzene) near homes, schools, and day care centers; provide age-specific residential histories; compare cases to controls without cancer; and address other potential confounders, and environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M. McKenzie
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - William B. Allshouse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Tim E. Byers
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Edward J. Bedrick
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Mel &Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Berrin Serdar
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - John L. Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
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Cozzarelli IM, Skalak KJ, Kent DB, Engle MA, Benthem A, Mumford AC, Haase K, Farag A, Harper D, Nagel SC, Iwanowicz LR, Orem WH, Akob DM, Jaeschke JB, Galloway J, Kohler M, Stoliker DL, Jolly GD. Environmental signatures and effects of an oil and gas wastewater spill in the Williston Basin, North Dakota. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 579:1781-1793. [PMID: 27939081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.11.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Wastewaters from oil and gas development pose largely unknown risks to environmental resources. In January 2015, 11.4ML (million liters) of wastewater (300g/L TDS) from oil production in the Williston Basin was reported to have leaked from a pipeline, spilling into Blacktail Creek, North Dakota. Geochemical and biological samples were collected in February and June 2015 to identify geochemical signatures of spilled wastewaters as well as biological responses along a 44-km river reach. February water samples had elevated chloride (1030mg/L) and bromide (7.8mg/L) downstream from the spill, compared to upstream levels (11mg/L and <0.4mg/L, respectively). Lithium (0.25mg/L), boron (1.75mg/L) and strontium (7.1mg/L) were present downstream at 5-10 times upstream concentrations. Light hydrocarbon measurements indicated a persistent thermogenic source of methane in the stream. Semi-volatile hydrocarbons indicative of oil were not detected in filtered samples but low levels, including tetramethylbenzenes and di-methylnaphthalenes, were detected in unfiltered water samples downstream from the spill. Labile sediment-bound barium and strontium concentrations (June 2015) were higher downstream from the Spill Site. Radium activities in sediment downstream from the Spill Site were up to 15 times the upstream activities and, combined with Sr isotope ratios, suggest contributions from the pipeline fluid and support the conclusion that elevated concentrations in Blacktail Creek water are from the leaking pipeline. Results from June 2015 demonstrate the persistence of wastewater effects in Blacktail Creek several months after remediation efforts started. Aquatic health effects were observed in June 2015; fish bioassays showed only 2.5% survival at 7.1km downstream from the spill compared to 89% at the upstream reference site. Additional potential biological impacts were indicated by estrogenic inhibition in downstream waters. Our findings demonstrate that environmental signatures from wastewater spills are persistent and create the potential for long-term environmental health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Cozzarelli
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, Reston, VA 20192, USA.
| | - K J Skalak
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - D B Kent
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - M A Engle
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - A Benthem
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - A C Mumford
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - K Haase
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - A Farag
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Jackson Field Research Station, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - D Harper
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Jackson Field Research Station, Jackson, WY 83001, USA
| | - S C Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - L R Iwanowicz
- U.S. Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA
| | - W H Orem
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - D M Akob
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - J B Jaeschke
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, Reston, VA 20192, USA
| | - J Galloway
- U.S. Geological Survey, North Dakota Water Science Center, Bismarck, ND 58503, USA
| | - M Kohler
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - D L Stoliker
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - G D Jolly
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Research Program, Reston, VA 20192, USA
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Whitworth KW, Marshall AK, Symanski E. Maternal residential proximity to unconventional gas development and perinatal outcomes among a diverse urban population in Texas. PLoS One 2017. [PMID: 28732016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180966]] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess associations between unconventional natural gas development (UGD) and perinatal outcomes. METHODS We conducted a retrospective birth cohort study among 158,894 women with a birth or fetal death from November 30, 2010-November 29, 2012 in the Barnett Shale, in North Texas. We constructed three UGD-activity metrics by calculating the inverse distance-weighted sum of active wells within three separate geographic buffers surrounding the maternal residence: ≤½, 2, or 10-miles. We excluded women if the nearest well to her residence was >20 miles. Metrics were categorized by tertiles among women with ≥1 well within the respective buffer; women with zero wells ≤10 miles (the largest buffer) served as a common referent group. We used logistic or linear regression with generalized estimating equations to assess associations between UGD-activity and preterm birth, small-for-gestational age (SGA), fetal death, or birthweight. Adjusted models of fetal death and birthweight included: maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, pre-pregnancy body mass index, parity, smoking, adequacy of prenatal care, previous poor pregnancy outcome, and infant sex. Preterm birth models included all of the above except parity; SGA models included all of the above except previous poor pregnancy outcome. RESULTS We found increased adjusted odds of preterm birth associated with UGD-activity in the highest tertiles of the ½- (odds ratio (OR) = 1.14; 95% confidence interval 1.03, 1.25), 2- (1.14; 1.07, 1.22), and 10-mile (1.15; 1.08, 1.22) metrics. Increased adjusted odds of fetal death were found in the second tertile of the 2-mile metric (1.56; 1.16, 2.11) and the highest tertile of the 10-mile metric (1.34; 1.04-1.72). We found little indication of an association with SGA or term birthweight. CONCLUSIONS Our results are suggestive of an association between maternal residential proximity to UGD-activity and preterm birth and fetal death. Quantifying chemical and non-chemical stressors among residents near UGD should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina W Whitworth
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health in San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Amanda K Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health in San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Elaine Symanski
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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Shrestha N, Chilkoor G, Wilder J, Gadhamshetty V, Stone JJ. Potential water resource impacts of hydraulic fracturing from unconventional oil production in the Bakken shale. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 108:1-24. [PMID: 27865434 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Modern drilling techniques, notably horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, have enabled unconventional oil production (UOP) from the previously inaccessible Bakken Shale Formation located throughout Montana, North Dakota (ND) and the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The majority of UOP from the Bakken shale occurs in ND, strengthening its oil industry and businesses, job market, and its gross domestic product. However, similar to UOP from other low-permeability shales, UOP from the Bakken shale can result in environmental and human health effects. For example, UOP from the ND Bakken shale generates a voluminous amount of saline wastewater including produced and flowback water that are characterized by unusual levels of total dissolved solids (350 g/L) and elevated levels of toxic and radioactive substances. Currently, 95% of the saline wastewater is piped or trucked onsite prior to disposal into Class II injection wells. Oil and gas wastewater (OGW) spills that occur during transport to injection sites can potentially result in drinking water resource contamination. This study presents a critical review of potential water resource impacts due to deterministic (freshwater withdrawals and produced water management) and probabilistic events (spills due to leaking pipelines and truck accidents) related to UOP from the Bakken shale in ND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namita Shrestha
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E. St Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
| | - Govinda Chilkoor
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E. St Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
| | - Joseph Wilder
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E. St Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
| | - Venkataramana Gadhamshetty
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E. St Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA.
| | - James J Stone
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E. St Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
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Konkel L. Salting the Earth: The Environmental Impact of Oil and Gas Wastewater Spills. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:A230-A235. [PMID: 27905276 PMCID: PMC5132645 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.124-a230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
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Wylie S, Schultz K, Thomas D, Kassotis C, Nagel S. Inspiring Collaboration: The Legacy of Theo Colborn's Transdisciplinary Research on Fracking. New Solut 2016; 26:360-388. [PMID: 27624785 DOI: 10.1177/1048291116666037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This article describes Dr Theo Colborn's legacy of inspiring complementary and synergistic environmental health research and advocacy. Colborn, a founder of endocrine disruption research, also stimulated study of hydraulic fracturing (fracking). In 2014, the United States led the world in oil and gas production, with fifteen million Americans living within one mile of an oil or gas well. Colborn pioneered efforts to understand and control the impacts of this sea change in energy production. In 2005, her research organization The Endocrine Disruption Exchange (TEDX) developed a database of chemicals used in natural gas extraction and their health effects. This database stimulated novel scientific and social scientific research and informed advocacy by (1) connecting communities' diverse health impacts to chemicals used in natural gas development, (2) inspiring social science research on open-source software and hardware for citizen science, and (3) posing new scientific questions about the endocrine-disrupting properties of fracking chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Wylie
- 1 Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kim Schultz
- 2 The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, Paonia, CO, USA
| | | | - Chris Kassotis
- 4 Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan Nagel
- 5 University of Missouri System, Columbia, MO, USA
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50
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Kassotis CD, Bromfield JJ, Klemp KC, Meng CX, Wolfe A, Zoeller RT, Balise VD, Isiguzo CJ, Tillitt DE, Nagel SC. Adverse Reproductive and Developmental Health Outcomes Following Prenatal Exposure to a Hydraulic Fracturing Chemical Mixture in Female C57Bl/6 Mice. Endocrinology 2016; 157:3469-81. [PMID: 27560547 PMCID: PMC5393361 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas operations using hydraulic fracturing can contaminate surface and groundwater with endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We have previously shown that 23 of 24 commonly used hydraulic fracturing chemicals can activate or inhibit the estrogen, androgen, glucocorticoid, progesterone, and/or thyroid receptors in a human endometrial cancer cell reporter gene assay and that mixtures can behave synergistically, additively, or antagonistically on these receptors. In the current study, pregnant female C57Bl/6 dams were exposed to a mixture of 23 commonly used unconventional oil and gas chemicals at approximately 3, 30, 300, and 3000 μg/kg·d, flutamide at 50 mg/kg·d, or a 0.2% ethanol control vehicle via their drinking water from gestational day 11 through birth. This prenatal exposure to oil and gas operation chemicals suppressed pituitary hormone concentrations across experimental groups (prolactin, LH, FSH, and others), increased body weights, altered uterine and ovary weights, increased heart weights and collagen deposition, disrupted folliculogenesis, and other adverse health effects. This work suggests potential adverse developmental and reproductive health outcomes in humans and animals exposed to these oil and gas operation chemicals, with adverse outcomes observed even in the lowest dose group tested, equivalent to concentrations reported in drinking water sources. These endpoints suggest potential impacts on fertility, as previously observed in the male siblings, which require careful assessment in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - John J Bromfield
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Kara C Klemp
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Chun-Xia Meng
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Andrew Wolfe
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - R Thomas Zoeller
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Victoria D Balise
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Chiamaka J Isiguzo
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Donald E Tillitt
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Animal Sciences (J.J.B.) and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program (J.J.B.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M.,V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.) and Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; Department of Pediatrics (A.W.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Department of Biology (RTZ), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and United States Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
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