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Yao L, Wang L, Zhang R, Soukas AA, Wu L. The direct targets of metformin in diabetes and beyond. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(24)00198-X. [PMID: 39227192 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Metformin, an oral antihyperglycemic drug that has been in use for over 60 years, remains a first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Numerous studies have suggested that metformin promotes health benefits beyond T2D management, including weight loss, cancer prevention and treatment, and anti-aging, through several proposed mechanistic targets. Here we discuss the established effects of metformin and the progress made in identifying its direct targets. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of elucidating the structural bases of the drug and its direct targets. Ultimately, this review aims to highlight the current state of knowledge regarding metformin and its related emerging discoveries, while also outlining critical future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxia Yao
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Runshuai Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Alexander A Soukas
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lianfeng Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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2
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Dong L, Li S, Huang J, Li WJ, Ali M. Co-occurrence, toxicity, and biotransformation pathways of metformin and its intermediate product guanylurea: Current state and future prospects for enhanced biodegradation strategy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171108. [PMID: 38395159 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Accumulation of metformin and its biotransformation product "guanylurea" are posing an increasing concern due to their low biodegradability under natural attenuated conditions. Therefore, in this study, we reviewed the unavoidable function of metformin in human body and the route of its release in different water ecosystems. In addition, metformin and its biotransformation product guanylurea in aquatic environments caused certain toxic effects on aquatic organisms which include neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, production of ROS, and acetylcholinesterase disturbance in aquatic organisms. Moreover, microorganisms are the first to expose and deal with the release of these contaminants, therefore, the mechanisms of biodegradation pathways of metformin and guanylurea under aerobic and anaerobic environments were studied. It has been reported that certain microbes, such as Aminobacter sp. and Pseudomonas putida can carry potential enzymatic pathways to degrade the dead-end product "guanylurea", and hence guanylurea is no longer the dead-end product of metformin. However, these microbes can easily be affected by certain geochemical cycles, therefore, we proposed certain strategies that can be helpful in the enhanced biodegradation of metformin and its biotransformation product guanylurea. A better understanding of the biodegradation potential is imperative to improve the use of these approaches for the sustainable and cost-effective remediation of the emerging contaminants of concern, metformin and guanylurea in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; School of Life Science, Jiaying University, Meizhou, China
| | - Jie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China.
| | - Mukhtiar Ali
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Advanced Water Technology Laboratory, National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China..
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3
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Barbieri PA, Lupepsa L, Paupitz BR, de Andrade CO, Gigliolli AAS, de Brito Portela-Castro AL, Ribeiro RP, Fernandes CA, Borin-Carvalho LA. Erythrocyte alterations in specimens of Danio rerio caused by exposure to metformin. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 106:104373. [PMID: 38244880 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The antidiabetic drug metformin is widely prescribed around the world. However, its permanence in different environmental concentrations has been associated with adverse toxicological effects in organisms that do not target its therapeutic action. In the aquatic environment, fish such as the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been considered potential bioindicators of environmental impacts and used as experimental models in toxicological studies due to the sensitivity of these species to different types of contaminants, including pharmaceuticals. Thus, this study aimed to analyze metformin's cytotoxic effects on Danio rerio erythrocytes. The animals were submitted to different concentrations of the drug (50 µg/L, 100 µg/L, 150 µg/L, and 10000 µg/L) for 365 days and subsequently observed employing light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the alterations that occurred. Exposure of animals to metformin led to significant erythrocyte cell abnormalities across all tested concentrations, with a particularly pronounced effect at the higher concentration previously defined as the NOEC (No Observed Effect Concentration). Remarkable abnormalities included cytoplasmic vacuoles, echinocytes, and vesicle-like cytoplasmic fragments. These findings suggest that metformin, even at concentrations similar to those found in nature and at the NOEC level, exhibits cytotoxic potential in D. rerio, raising concerns about its potential health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luara Lupepsa
- Biological Sciences Postgraduate Program, State University of Maringá, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ana Luiza de Brito Portela-Castro
- Department of Biotechnology, Genetics and Cellular Biology, State University of Maringá, Brazil; Research Center in Limnology, Ichthyology and Aquaculture (Nupélia), State University of Maringá, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Alexandre Fernandes
- Department of Biotechnology, Genetics and Cellular Biology, State University of Maringá, Brazil; Research Center in Limnology, Ichthyology and Aquaculture (Nupélia), State University of Maringá, Brazil
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4
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Barros S, Alves N, Pinheiro M, Ribeiro M, Morais H, Montes R, Rodil R, Quintana JB, Coimbra AM, Santos MM, Neuparth T. Are Fish Populations at Risk? Metformin Disrupts Zebrafish Development and Reproductive Processes at Chronic Environmentally Relevant Concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1049-1059. [PMID: 36580485 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The antidiabetic drug Metformin (MET), one of the most prevalent pharmaceuticals in the environment, is currently detected in surface waters in the range of ng/L to low μg/L. As current knowledge regarding the long-term effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of MET in nontarget organisms is limited, the present study aimed at investigating the generational effects of MET, in concentrations ranging from 390 to 14 423 ng/L in the model organism Danio rerio (up to 9 mpf), including the effects on its nonexposed offspring (until 60 dpf). We integrate several apical end points, i.e., embryonic development, survival, growth, and reproduction, with qRT-PCR and RNA-seq analyses to provide additional insights into the mode of action of MET. Reproductive-related parameters in the first generation were particularly sensitive to MET. MET parental exposure impacted critical molecular processes involved in the metabolism of zebrafish males, which in turn affected steroid hormone biosynthesis and upregulated male vtg1 expression by 99.78- to 155.47-fold at 390 and 14 432 MET treatment, respectively, pointing to an estrogenic effect. These findings can potentially explain the significant decrease in the fertilization rate and the increase of unactivated eggs. Nonexposed offspring was also affected by parental MET exposure, impacting its survival and growth. Altogether, these results suggest that MET, at environmentally relevant concentrations, severely affects several biological processes in zebrafish, supporting the urgent need to revise the proposed Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC) and the Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) for MET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Barros
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- CITAB - Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, Pavilhão 2, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Nélson Alves
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marlene Pinheiro
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Ribeiro
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo Morais
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosa Montes
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IAQBUS - Institute of Research on Chemical and Biological Analysis, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Constantino Candeira S/N, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rosario Rodil
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IAQBUS - Institute of Research on Chemical and Biological Analysis, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Constantino Candeira S/N, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Benito Quintana
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, IAQBUS - Institute of Research on Chemical and Biological Analysis, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Constantino Candeira S/N, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana M Coimbra
- CITAB - Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, Pavilhão 2, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Inov4Agro - Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, Pavilhão 2, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Santos
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto (U. Porto), Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Neuparth
- CIIMAR─Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Endocrine Disruptors and Emerging Contaminants Group, University of Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
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5
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Elizalde-Velázquez GA, Gómez-Oliván LM, García-Medina S, Rosales-Pérez KE, Orozco-Hernández JM, Islas-Flores H, Galar-Martínez M, Hernández-Navarro MD. Chronic exposure to realistic concentrations of metformin prompts a neurotoxic response in Danio rerio adults. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 849:157888. [PMID: 35952892 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Metformin (MET) is among the most consumed drugs around the world, and thus, it is considered the uppermost drug in mass discharged into water settings. Nonetheless, data about the deleterious consequences of MET on water organisms are still scarce and require further investigation. Herein, we aimed to establish whether or not chronic exposure to MET (1, 20, and 40 μg/L) may alter the swimming behavior and induce neurotoxicity in Danio rerio adults. After 4 months of exposure, MET-exposed fish exhibited less swimming activity when compared to control fish. Moreover, compared with the control group, MET significantly inhibited the activity of AChE and induced oxidative damage in the brain of fish. Concerning gene expression, MET significantly upregulated the expression of Nrf1, Nrf2, BAX, p53, BACE1, APP, PSEN1, and downregulated CASP3 and CASP9. Although MET did not overexpress the CASP3 gene, we saw a meaningful rise in the activity of this enzyme in the blood of fish exposed to MET compared to the control group, which we then confirmed by a high number of apoptotic cells in the TUNEL assay. Our findings demonstrate that chronic exposure to MET may impair fish swimming behavior, making them more vulnerable to predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Axel Elizalde-Velázquez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Leobardo Manuel Gómez-Oliván
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
| | - Sandra García-Medina
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Acuática, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n y cerrada Manuel Stampa, Col. Industrial Vallejo, Ciudad de México CP 07700, Mexico
| | - Karina Elisa Rosales-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - José Manuel Orozco-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Hariz Islas-Flores
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Marcela Galar-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Acuática, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n y cerrada Manuel Stampa, Col. Industrial Vallejo, Ciudad de México CP 07700, Mexico
| | - María Dolores Hernández-Navarro
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
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6
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Barbieri PA, Mari-Ribeiro IP, Lupepsa L, Gigliolli AAS, Paupitz BR, de Melo RF, de Souza Leite Mello EV, de Brito Portela-Castro AL, Borin-Carvalho LA. Metformin-induced alterations in gills of the freshwater fish Astyanax lacustris (Lütken, 1875) detected by histological and scanning electron microscopy. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:1205-1216. [PMID: 36042120 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-022-02580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The antidiabetic drug metformin is widely prescribed and found in different concentrations in the environment around the world, raising concern about potential impacts on aquatic life. Analyses of the effects of exposure of biological models to aquatic contaminants are important for assessing pollution effects on fish health. The gills of fishes represent primary targets of disturbance by pollutants, mainly because of the large surface of the respiratory epithelium and the high perfusion rate, which both help the entry of pollutants into this tissue. In this context, the aim of this work was to use gill histological analyses biomarkers to evaluate the toxicity of metformin on aquatic environmental systems, by means of chronic exposure for 90 days of Astyanax lacustris (lambari), an ecologically important neotropical species that can be used as an environmental bioindicator. Histopathological analyses were performed using Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The main changes were lamellar fusion, telangiectasia hyperplasia and disappearance of microridges. The morphological changes observed possibly interfere with the gill physiology, indicating an unfavorable situation to the presence of metformin in the water, pointing to a concern that metformin may pose a risk to Astyanax lacustris and likely to other fish species, compromising the dynamics of the aquatic ecosystem as a whole. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Americo Barbieri
- Pós-graduação em Genética e Melhoramento, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil.
| | - Isabelle Pereira Mari-Ribeiro
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Luara Lupepsa
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
| | | | - Brennda Ribeiro Paupitz
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael Fernando de Melo
- Pós-graduação em Genética e Melhoramento, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Luiza de Brito Portela-Castro
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Limnologia, Ictiologia e Aquicultura (Nupélia), Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brazil
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7
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Genotoxicity Evaluation of Metformin in Freshwater Planarian Dugesia japonica by the Comet Assay and RAPD Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2822605. [PMID: 36033573 PMCID: PMC9403254 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2822605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the genotoxicity of metformin on planarian with different concentrations and exposure times. Methods The planarians were treated, respectively, with 10 mmol/L and 50 mmol/L metformin for 1, 3, and 5 days, and then, the comet assay and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis were performed. 13 random primers were used for PCR amplification with the genomic DNAs as templates. Planarians cultured in clear water were used as the control. Genomic template stability (GTS) was calculated by comparing and analyzing the RAPD patterns of the control group and the treatment groups. Results In the comet assay, DNA damage of planarians treated with 10 mmol/L metformin for 1, 3, and 5 days was 10.2%, 25.4%, and 36.8%, respectively, and that of planarians treated with 50 mmol/L metformin was 40.6%, 62.8%, and 65.4%, respectively. GTS values of planarians exposed to 10 mmol/L metformin for 1, 3, and 5 days were 64.1%, 62.8%, and 52.6%, respectively, and those of planarians exposed to 50 mmol/L metformin for 1, 3, and 5 days were 52.6%, 51.3%, and 50%, respectively. DNA damage increased and GTS values decreased with the increasing metformin exposure concentration and exposure time. Conclusion Metformin has certain genotoxicity on planarian in a dose- and time-related manner. The comet assay and RAPD analysis are highly sensitive methods for detecting genotoxicity with drugs.
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Nielsen KM, DeCamp L, Birgisson M, Palace VP, Kidd KA, Parrott JL, McMaster ME, Alaee M, Blandford N, Ussery EJ. Comparative Effects of Embryonic Metformin Exposure on Wild and Laboratory-Spawned Fathead Minnow ( Pimephales promelas) Populations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10193-10203. [PMID: 35748754 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Metformin is routinely detected in aquatic ecosystems because of its widespread use as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. Laboratory studies have shown that exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of metformin can alter metabolic pathways and impact the growth of early life stage (ELS) fish; however, it is unknown whether these effects occur in wild populations. Herein, we evaluate whether findings from laboratory studies are representative and describe the relative sensitivities of both populations. Duplicate exposures (0, 5, or 50 μg/L metformin) were conducted using wild- and lab-spawned fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) embryos. Apart from the water source, exposure conditions remained constant. Wild embryos were exposed to previously dosed lake water to account for changes in bioavailability, while reconstituted freshwater was used for the laboratory study. Developmental metformin exposure differentially impacted the growth and morphology of both cohorts, with energy dyshomeostasis and visual effects indicated. The fitness of wild-spawned larvae was impacted to a greater extent relative to lab-spawned fish. Moreover, baseline data reveal important morphological differences between wild- and lab-spawned ELS fatheads that may diminish representativeness of lab studies. Findings also confirm the bioavailability of metformin in naturally occurring systems and suggest current exposure scenarios may be sufficient to negatively impact developing fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Nielsen
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, USA
| | - Lily DeCamp
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, USA
| | - Mona Birgisson
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, USA
| | - Vince P Palace
- International Institute for Sustainable Development─Experimental Lakes Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0T4, Canada
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Karen A Kidd
- Department of Biology & School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Joanne L Parrott
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Mark E McMaster
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Mehran Alaee
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | | | - Erin J Ussery
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
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9
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Adedara IA, Souza TP, Canzian J, Olabiyi AA, Borba JV, Biasuz E, Sabadin GR, Gonçalves FL, Costa FV, Schetinger MRC, Farombi EO, Rosemberg DB. Induction of aggression and anxiety-like responses by perfluorooctanoic acid is accompanied by modulation of cholinergic- and purinergic signaling-related parameters in adult zebrafish. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 239:113635. [PMID: 35605321 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a contaminant of global concern owing to its prevalent occurrence in aquatic and terrestrial environments with potential hazardous impact on living organisms. Here, we investigated the influence of realistic environmental concentrations of PFOA (0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/L) on relevant behaviors of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) (e.g., exploration to novelty, social preference, and aggression) and the possible role of PFOA in modulating cholinergic and purinergic signaling in the brain after exposure for 7 consecutive days. PFOA significantly increased geotaxis as well as reduced vertical exploration (a behavioral endpoint for anxiety), and increased the frequency and duration of aggressive episodes without affecting their social preference. Exposure to PFOA did not affect ADP hydrolysis, whereas ATP and AMP hydrolysis were significantly increased at the highest concentration tested. However, AChE activity was markedly decreased in all PFOA-exposed groups when compared with control. In conclusion, PFOA induces aggression and anxiety-like behavior in adult zebrafish and modulates both cholinergic and purinergic signaling biomarkers. These novel data can provide valuable insights into possible health threats related to human activities, demonstrating the utility of adult zebrafish to elucidate how PFOA affects neurobehavioral responses in aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac A Adedara
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Thiele P Souza
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Julia Canzian
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Ayodeji A Olabiyi
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Functional Food and Nutraceuticals Unit, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - João V Borba
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Eduarda Biasuz
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Giovana R Sabadin
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Falco L Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fabiano V Costa
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Maria R C Schetinger
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Ebenezer O Farombi
- Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Research Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Denis B Rosemberg
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA.
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10
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Elizalde-Velázquez GA, Gómez-Oliván LM, Rosales-Pérez KE, Orozco-Hernández JM, García-Medina S, Islas-Flores H, Galar-Martínez M. Chronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of guanylurea induces neurotoxicity of Danio rerio adults. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:153095. [PMID: 35038519 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown guanylurea (GUA) alters the growth and development of fish, induces oxidative stress, and disrupts the levels and expression of several genes, metabolites, and proteins related to the overall fitness of fish. Nonetheless, up to date, no study has assessed the potential neurotoxic effects that GUA may induce in non-target organisms. To fill the current knowledge gaps about the effects of this metabolite in the central nervous system of fish, we aimed to determine whether or not environmentally relevant concentrations of this metabolite may disrupt the behavior, redox status, AChE activity in Danio rerio adults. In addition, we also meant to assess if 25, 50, and 200 μg/L of GUA can alter the expression of several antioxidant defenses-, apoptosis-, AMPK pathway-, and neuronal communication-related genes in the brain of fish exposed for four months to GUA. Our results demonstrated that chronic exposure to GUA altered the swimming behavior of D. rerio, as fish remained more time frozen and traveled less distance in the tank compared to the control group. Moreover, this metabolite significantly increased the levels of oxidative damage biomarkers and inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase of fish in a concentration-dependent manner. Concerning gene expression, environmentally relevant concentrations of GUA downregulated the expression GRID2IP, PCDH17, and PCDH19, but upregulated Nrf1, Nrf2, p53, BAX, CASP3, PRKAA1, PRKAA2, and APP in fish after four months of exposure. Collectively, we can conclude that GUA may alter the homeostasis of several essential brain biomarkers, generating anxiety-like behavior in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Axel Elizalde-Velázquez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Leobardo Manuel Gómez-Oliván
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
| | - Karina Elisa Rosales-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - José Manuel Orozco-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Sandra García-Medina
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Acuática, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n y cerrada Manuel Stampa, Col. Industrial Vallejo, Ciudad de México, CP 07700, Mexico
| | - Hariz Islas-Flores
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Marcela Galar-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Acuática, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n y cerrada Manuel Stampa, Col. Industrial Vallejo, Ciudad de México, CP 07700, Mexico
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11
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Koagouw W, Hazell RJ, Ciocan C. Induction of apoptosis in the gonads of Mytilus edulis by metformin and increased temperature, via regulation of HSP70, CASP8, BCL2 and FAS. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113011. [PMID: 34649205 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113011] [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: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutically active compounds have been considered contaminants of emerging concern, in response to evidence that these substances may adversely affect aquatic organisms. Here we expose mussels for 7 days to metformin, the most commonly prescribed anti-diabetes treatment, at a concentration of 40 μg/L and a high temperature of 20 °C. The apoptosis-related genes HSP70, CASP8, BCL2 and FAS showed variation in expression in gonadal tissue. The results suggest that complex interactions between these genes are modulating the onset of apoptotic changes such as atresia and follicle degeneration. The temperature induced apoptosis may be initiated by overexpression of CASP8. Conversely, metformin may induce apoptosis by suppressing the anti-apoptotic gene BCL2, thus promoting the process. Interestingly, apoptosis and follicle degeneration are likely FAS-mediated, following the synergistic effect of metformin and temperature. The potential of metformin to act as a non-traditional EDC, due to its impact on the reproductive system in mussels is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wulan Koagouw
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4AT, United Kingdom; Centre for Aquatic Environments, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4AT, United Kingdom; National Research and Innovation Agency, Jl. M. H. Thamrin No. 8 Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Richard J Hazell
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom.
| | - Corina Ciocan
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4AT, United Kingdom; Centre for Aquatic Environments, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4AT, United Kingdom.
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12
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Phillips J, Akemann C, Shields JN, Wu CC, Meyer DN, Baker BB, Pitts DK, Baker TR. Developmental phenotypic and transcriptomic effects of exposure to nanomolar levels of metformin in zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 87:103716. [PMID: 34311114 PMCID: PMC8446320 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103716] [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: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Metformin is found in the majority of lakes and streams in the United States, leading to widespread environmental exposure. Results of the present study indicate that extended duration metformin exposure at critical developmental periods leads to decreased survival rates in zebrafish (danio rerio), an NIH approved human model. Significant abnormalities are seen with extended duration metformin exposure from 4 h post fertilization up to 5 days post fertilization, although short term metformin exposure for 24 h at 4-5 days post fertilization did not lead to any significant abnormalities. Both extended and short term duration did however have an impact on locomotor activity of zebrafish, and several genes involved in neurological and cardiovascular development were differentially expressed after exposure to metformin. The changes seen in behavior, gene expression and morphological abnormalities caused by metformin exposure should be examined further in future studies in order to assess their potential human health implications as metformin prescriptions continue to increase worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Phillips
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, 540 E Canfield, Detroit, MI, 28201, USA
| | - Camille Akemann
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, 540 E Canfield, Detroit, MI, 28201, USA
| | - Jeremiah N Shields
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Chia-Chen Wu
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Danielle N Meyer
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, 540 E Canfield, Detroit, MI, 28201, USA
| | - Bridget B Baker
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - David K Pitts
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Tracie R Baker
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 6135 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, 540 E Canfield, Detroit, MI, 28201, USA.
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13
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Macoretta CL, Miranda LA. Cooling of Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens (Teleostei, Osphronemidae) embryos at low temperatures. Cryobiology 2021; 101:78-86. [PMID: 34081926 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) has great importance as an ornamental aquarium fish as well as laboratory model species. Due to its rapid development, a cooling-embryo protocol could provide some advantages in their transportation, embryonic synchronization, and optimization of hatcheries. In this context, this work aimed to develop a protocol to storage B. splendens embryos at two temperatures (5 and 14 °C), testing three cryoprotective solutions (S1: 0.5 M sucrose, 1.5 M methanol; S2: 0.25 M sucrose, 0.75 M methanol; and S3: 0.125 M sucrose, 0.375 M methanol) and evaluating the quality of the larvae obtained. Moreover, a method to isolate the embryos from the bubble nest constructed by the male and to incubate them without parental care was applied in this study. The cooling assays were done using embryos of 24-h-post-fertilization at 26 °C and the results demonstrated that it is possible to store these embryos deprived of cryoprotectants at 5 °C for at least 6-h without negative effects. Meanwhile, S2 and S3 were the most suitable solutions for its storage for 9-h at 5 °C or 24-h at 14 °C, obtaining 77% hatching and 52% normal larvae in the first case or 88% hatching and 81% larvae with mild abnormalities in the second one. Indeed, type and frequency of larval abnormalities were evaluated and, remarkably, a partial recovery was described on malformed larvae from embryo cooled at 14 °C. Finally, this work is the first report about the cooling of B. splendens embryos and establishes the conditions for further studies on this field with this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Leandro Macoretta
- Laboratorio de Ictiofisiología y Acuicultura, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, (CONICET-UNSAM), Intendente Marino Km. 8.200, B7130IWA, Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leandro Andrés Miranda
- Laboratorio de Ictiofisiología y Acuicultura, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, (CONICET-UNSAM), Intendente Marino Km. 8.200, B7130IWA, Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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14
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Schwartz H, Marushka L, Chan HM, Batal M, Sadik T, Ing A, Fediuk K, Tikhonov C. Pharmaceuticals in source waters of 95 First Nations in Canada. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2021; 112:133-153. [PMID: 34181229 PMCID: PMC8239108 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-021-00499-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pharmaceuticals are emerging contaminants in the environment. Little has been published about the presence of pharmaceuticals in waterbodies nearby or on reserve land of First Nations in Canada. The objectives of this study were to (1) quantify the level of pharmaceuticals in First Nations' surface waters, (2) calculate the human health risks of the mixtures found, and (3) measure the exposure to pharmaceuticals in First Nations' drinking water where source water was highly contaminated. METHODS This participatory study measured the levels of 43 pharmaceuticals from surface water samples taken at three water sampling sites chosen by the 95 participating First Nations. The sites were in proximity to recreational areas, fishing areas, drinking water sources, and/or wastewater outflows. When elevated levels of pharmaceutical mixtures were found in samples, drinking water samples were obtained and analyzed for potential pharmaceuticals. Human health risks were calculated by an established protocol. RESULTS In total, 432 samples were collected at 302 water sampling sites (285 surface water, 11 drinking water, and 6 wastewater sites). Quantifiable levels of 35 pharmaceuticals were found in 79 of the 95 (83%) participating First Nations at 193 of the 285 surface water sites (68%). Overall, the levels found were comparable to or lower than those found in other studies in Canada and worldwide. CONCLUSION In almost all participating First Nations, there is no human health risk from consuming surface water for drinking. However, surface water in the vicinity of major urban centres should not be used as secondary untreated water sources due to the elevated human health risk associated with exposure to the mixtures of multiple pharmaceuticals detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold Schwartz
- First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Indigenous Services Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lesya Marushka
- First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Indigenous Services Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Malek Batal
- Département de Nutrition, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Liliane de Stewart, C.P. 6128, succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3T 1A8, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSS du Centre-sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CReSP), 7101 avenue du Parc, Montréal, H3N 1X7, QC, Canada
| | - Tonio Sadik
- Assembly of First Nations, 55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1600, Ottawa, ON, K1P 6L5, Canada
| | - Amy Ing
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Karen Fediuk
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSS du Centre-sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CReSP), 7101 avenue du Parc, Montréal, H3N 1X7, QC, Canada
| | - Constantine Tikhonov
- First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Indigenous Services Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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15
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Ambrosio-Albuquerque EP, Cusioli LF, Bergamasco R, Sinópolis Gigliolli AA, Lupepsa L, Paupitz BR, Barbieri PA, Borin-Carvalho LA, de Brito Portela-Castro AL. Metformin environmental exposure: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 83:103588. [PMID: 33460803 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
This review discussed the occurrence, ecological impacts, and effects of metformin, a drug used for type 2 diabetes among other diseases. It is one of the most commonly found medicines in aquatic environments owing to its incomplete metabolism in the human body, and is eventually disposed in wastewater. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were followed as a guide. After searching various databases, 48 eligible studies were selected for the review. Metformin reportedly occurs in different environmental matrices, as measurable concentrations of metformin are found in sewage (urban and hospital), influent/sludge/effluent from wastewater treatment plants, surface water (rivers, lakes, estuaries, oceans, and non-specific sources), tap/drinking water, and sediment (lake and recipient seawaters). Data on metformin detection in aquatic environments in 14 countries were studied, but a consensus on the risk patterns of pharmaceutical products was not determined. Many studies have been conducted on different test organisms, demonstrating that metformin can drive the expression of diverse genes, particularly those responsible for endocrine hormone pathways. Chronic exposure to metformin can be tested using models and other tools to understand this field, which remains largely unexplored. Our results contribute to the current ecotoxicology knowledge related to typically used drugs and provide a basis for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rosângela Bergamasco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of Maringa, Maringá, Brazil
| | | | - Luara Lupepsa
- Ambiental Biotechnology Pos Graduated Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | | | - Pablo Américo Barbieri
- Ambiental Biotechnology Pos Graduated Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
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16
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Magnetic carbon composites as regenerable and fully recoverable adsorbents: Performance on the removal of antidiabetic agent metformin hydrochloride. Chem Eng Res Des 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2021.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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17
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Marshall MM, McCluney KE. Mixtures of co-occurring chemicals in freshwater systems across the continental US. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115793. [PMID: 33069045 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Trace chemicals are common in marine and freshwater ecosystems globally. It is recognized that in the environment, individual chemicals are rarely found in isolation. Insufficient work has examined which chemicals co-occur and which methods best identify these mixtures. Using an existing data set, we found evidence that simple correlation analysis is better at identifying mixtures of commonly co-occurring trace chemicals than more commonly used PCA methods. Moreover, simple correlation analysis, unlike PCA, can be used in cases with unbalanced designs and with data points below reportable limits. Application of this approach allowed identification of 10 groups of chemicals commonly found together in freshwaters of the continental US, representing common "chemical syndromes." Better identification of co-occurring chemical combinations could aid in our understanding of biological and ecological effects of aquatic contaminants. This research provides evidence of correlation analyses as a more effective method for identifying commonly co-occurring aquatic contaminants. We also examined the patterns of these mixtures with a dataset consisting of concentrations of 406 trace chemicals from 38 sample locations across the continental US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie M Marshall
- Wright State University - Lake Campus, Celina, OH, 45822, United States; Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States.
| | - Kevin E McCluney
- Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43402, United States
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18
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Knoll S, Jacob S, Mieck S, Triebskorn R, Braunbeck T, Huhn C. Development of a capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry method for the analysis of metformin and its transformation product guanylurea in biota. Anal Bioanal Chem 2020; 412:4985-4996. [PMID: 32572543 PMCID: PMC7334255 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-02759-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A method with capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry was optimized to determine the uptake of metformin and its metabolite guanylurea by zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) exposed under laboratory conditions. Metformin was extracted from fish tissues by sonication in methanol, resulting in an absolute recovery of almost 90%. For the extraction of guanylurea from brown trout, solid-phase extraction was implemented with a recovery of 84%. The use of a mixture of methanol and glacial acetic acid as a non-aqueous background electrolyte was vital to achieve robust analysis using a bare fused-silica capillary with an applied voltage of +30 kV. Problems with adsorption associated with an aqueous background electrolyte were eliminated using a non-aqueous background electrolyte made of methanol/acetic acid (97:3) with 25 mM ammonium acetate (for zebrafish embryos) or 100 mM ammonium acetate (for brown trouts), depending on the sample complexity and matrix influences. High resolution and high separation selectivity from matrix components were achieved by optimization of the ammonium acetate concentration in the background electrolyte. An extensive evaluation of matrix effects was conducted with regard to the complex matrices present in the fish samples. They required adapting the background electrolyte to higher concentrations. Applying this method to extracts of zebrafish embryos and brown trout tissue samples, limits of detection for both metformin and guanylurea in zebrafish embryos (12.2 μg/l and 15 μg/l) and brown trout tissues (15 ng/g and 34 ng/g) were in the low μg/l or ng/g range. Finally, metformin and guanylurea could be both quantified for the first time in biota samples from exposure experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Knoll
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Jacob
- Animal Physiological Ecology Group, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 5, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanna Mieck
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Group, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rita Triebskorn
- Animal Physiological Ecology Group, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 5, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Braunbeck
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Group, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carolin Huhn
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, Tübingen, Germany.
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19
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Elizalde-Velázquez GA, Gómez-Oliván LM. Occurrence, toxic effects and removal of metformin in the aquatic environments in the world: Recent trends and perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 702:134924. [PMID: 31726346 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Metformin (MET) is the most common drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, but also it is used as an anticancer agent and as a treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome. This drug is not metabolized in the human body, and may enter into the environment through different pathways. In wastewater treatments plants (WWTPs), this contaminant is mainly transformed to guanylurea (GUA). However, three further transformation products (TPs): (a) 2,4- diamino-1,3,5-triazine, 4-DAT; (b) 2-amino-4-methylamino-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-AMT; and (c) methylbiguanide, MBG; have also been associated with its metabolism. MET, GUA and MBG have been found in WWTPs influents, effluents and surface waters. Furthermore, MET and GUA bioaccumulate in edible plants species, fish and mussels potentially contaminating the human food web. MET is also a potential endocrine disruptor in fish. Phytoremediation, adsorption and biodegradation have shown a high removal efficiency of MET, in laboratory. Nonetheless, these removal methods had less efficiency when tried in WWTPs. Therefore, MET and its TPs are a threat to the human being as well as to our environment. This review comprehensively discuss the (1) pathways of MET to the environment and its life-cycle, (2) occurrence of MET and its transformation products (3) removal, (4) toxic effects and (5) future trends and perspectives of possible methods of elimination in water in order to provide potential options for managing these contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Axel Elizalde-Velázquez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan s/n, Col. Residencial Colón, 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Leobardo Manuel Gómez-Oliván
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan s/n, Col. Residencial Colón, 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
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Bradley PM, Journey CA, Button DT, Carlisle DM, Huffman BJ, Qi SL, Romanok KM, Van Metre PC. Multi-region assessment of pharmaceutical exposures and predicted effects in USA wadeable urban-gradient streams. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228214. [PMID: 31999738 PMCID: PMC6992211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-use pharmaceuticals in urban streams link aquatic-ecosystem health to human health. Pharmaceutical mixtures have been widely reported in larger streams due to historical emphasis on wastewater-treatment plant (WWTP) sources, with limited investigation of pharmaceutical exposures and potential effects in smaller headwater streams. In 2014-2017, the United States Geological Survey measured 111 pharmaceutical compounds in 308 headwater streams (261 urban-gradient sites sampled 3-5 times, 47 putative low-impact sites sampled once) in 4 regions across the US. Simultaneous exposures to multiple pharmaceutical compounds (pharmaceutical mixtures) were observed in 91% of streams (248 urban-gradient, 32 low-impact), with 88 analytes detected across all sites and cumulative maximum concentrations up to 36,142 ng/L per site. Cumulative detections and concentrations correlated to urban land use and presence/absence of permitted WWTP discharges, but pharmaceutical mixtures also were common in the 75% of sampled streams without WWTP. Cumulative exposure-activity ratios (EAR) indicated widespread transient exposures with high probability of molecular effects to vertebrates. Considering the potential individual and interactive effects of the detected pharmaceuticals and the recognized analytical underestimation of the pharmaceutical-contaminant (unassessed parent compounds, metabolites, degradates) space, these results demonstrate a nation-wide environmental concern and the need for watershed-scale mitigation of in-stream pharmaceutical contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Bradley
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Celeste A. Journey
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Daniel T. Button
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - Bradley J. Huffman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sharon L. Qi
- U.S. Geological Survey, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Kristin M. Romanok
- U.S. Geological Survey, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, United States of America
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Souza E, Bittencourt T, Ferreira R, Oliveira E, Silva N, Silva S, Cadena M, Cadena P. Exposição crônica ao cloridrato de metformina e à glibenclamida causa alterações comportamentais, glicêmicas e de mortalidade em Hemigrammus caudovittatus e Danio rerio. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-10907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Hemigrammus caudovittatus e Danio rerio foram expostos aos hipoglicemiantes orais (HOs) cloridrato de metformina a 40µg/L e 120µg/L e glibenclamida a 0,13µg/L e 0,39µg/L durante 100 dias. Foram avaliados os efeitos tóxicos dos fármacos em relação ao peso, ao comportamento animal, à glicemia e à mortalidade. H. caudovittatus expostos à menor concentração dos fármacos apresentaram aumento significativo (P<0,05) no evento Respiração Aérea. Ainda, foi observado aumento no comportamento Descansar quando os animais foram expostos à glibenclamida a 0,39µg/L. Em D. rerio expostos ao cloridrato de metformina a 120µg/L, foi observado aumento (P<0,05) no comportamento Descansar. A glibenclamida provocou redução (P<0,05) na glicemia de H. caudovittatus. Ambos os fármacos causaram efeito letal na espécie D. rerio, contudo a glibenclamida foi mais tóxica, causando 100% de mortalidade em 30 dias de exposição. Os animais que vieram a óbito apresentaram congestão nos arcos branquiais e hemorragia. Os HOs foram desenvolvidos para apresentarem efeitos fisiológicos em mamíferos, entretanto efeitos tóxicos foram encontrados nas duas espécies de peixe estudadas. Isso levanta a preocupação sobre possíveis efeitos tóxicos de HOs e sobre quais métodos serão utilizados para a sua degradação no ambiente aquático.
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Affiliation(s)
- E.Q. Souza
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - N.P.C. Silva
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | - P.G. Cadena
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil
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Jacob S, Knoll S, Huhn C, Köhler HR, Tisler S, Zwiener C, Triebskorn R. Effects of guanylurea, the transformation product of the antidiabetic drug metformin, on the health of brown trout ( Salmo trutta f. fario). PeerJ 2019; 7:e7289. [PMID: 31338260 PMCID: PMC6626654 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Guanylurea is the main transformation product of the antidiabetic drug metformin, which is one of the most prescribed pharmaceuticals worldwide. Due to the high rate of microbial degradation of metformin in sewage treatment plants, guanylurea occurs in higher concentrations in surface waters than its parent compound and could therefore affect aquatic wildlife. In this context, data for fish are scarce up to now which made us investigate the health of brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) in response to guanylurea. Methods In two experiments, eggs plus developing larvae and juvenile brown trout were exposed to three different concentrations of guanylurea (10, 100 and 1,000 µg/L) and, as a negative control, filtered tap water without this compound. Low internal concentrations were determined. The investigated parameters were mortality, length, weight, condition factor, tissue integrity of the liver and kidney, levels of stress proteins and lipid peroxides, as well as behavioural and developmental endpoints. It was found that guanylurea did not significantly change any of these parameters in the tested concentration range. Results In conclusion, these results do not give rise to concern that guanylurea could negatively affect the health or the development of brown trout under field conditions. Nevertheless, more studies focusing on further parameters and other species are highly needed for a more profound environmental risk assessment of guanylurea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Jacob
- University of Tübingen, Animal Physiological Ecology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Knoll
- University of Tübingen, Effect-based Environmental Analysis, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carolin Huhn
- University of Tübingen, Effect-based Environmental Analysis, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heinz-R Köhler
- University of Tübingen, Animal Physiological Ecology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Selina Tisler
- University of Tübingen, Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Zwiener
- University of Tübingen, Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rita Triebskorn
- University of Tübingen, Animal Physiological Ecology, Tübingen, Germany.,Steinbeis Transfer Center for Ecotoxicology and Ecophysiology, Rottenburg, Germany
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Badran I, Manasrah AD, Nassar N. A combined experimental and density functional theory study of metformin oxy-cracking for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. RSC Adv 2019; 9:13403-13413. [PMID: 35519592 PMCID: PMC9063927 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra01641d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmaceutical compounds are emerging contaminants that have been detected in surface water across the world. Because conventional wastewater treatment plants are not designed to treat such pollutants, new technologies are needed to degrade and oxidize such contaminants. The newly developed oxy-cracking process was utilized to treat the antidiabetic drug, metformin. The process, which involved partial oxidation of metformin in alkaline aqueous medium, proved to decompose the drug into small organic molecules, with minimum emission of CO2, therefore, increasing its biodegradability and removal from industrial treatment plants. The reaction gaseous products were probed by online gas chromatography. The liquid phase before and after oxy-cracking was analyzed for total carbon content by TOC and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The products formed from the nitrogen-rich drug included ammonia, amines, amidines, and urea derivatives. A reaction mechanism for the oxy-cracking process is proposed. Because the hydroxyl radical (˙OH) is believed to play a central role in the oxy-cracking process, the mechanism is initiated by ˙OH attacks on metformin, followed by single decomposition or isomerization steps into stable products. The reactions were investigated using density functional theory calculations and validated using high quality 2nd order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory energy calculations. Pharmaceutical compounds are emerging contaminants that have been detected in surface water across the world.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Badran
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
- University of Calgary
- Calgary
- Canada T2N 1N4
- Department of Chemistry
| | - Abdallah D. Manasrah
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
- University of Calgary
- Calgary
- Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Nashaat N. Nassar
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
- University of Calgary
- Calgary
- Canada T2N 1N4
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Tao Y, Chen B, Zhang BH, Zhu ZJ, Cai Q. Occurrence, Impact, Analysis and Treatment of Metformin and Guanylurea in Coastal Aquatic Environments of Canada, USA and Europe. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2018; 81:23-58. [PMID: 30471658 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2018.09.005] [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] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This review discusses the occurrence, impact, analysis and treatment of metformin and guanylurea in coastal aquatic environments of Canada, USA and Europe. Metformin, a biguanide in chemical classification, is widely used as one of the most effective first-line oral drugs for type 2 diabetes. It is difficult to be metabolized by the human body and exists in both urine and faeces samples in these regions. Guanylurea is metformin's biotransformation product. Consequently, significant concentrations of metformin and guanylurea have been reported in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and coastal aquatic environments. The maximum concentrations of metformin and guanylurea in surface water samples were as high as 59,000 and 4502ngL-1, respectively. Metformin can be absorbed in non-target organisms by plants and in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Guanylurea has a confirmed mitotic activity in plant cells. Analysis methods of metformin are currently developed based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The removal of metformin from aquatic environments in the target regions is summarized. The review helps to fill a knowledge gap and provides insights for regulatory considerations. The potential options for managing these emerging pollutants are outlined too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwen Tao
- The Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Bing Chen
- The Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.
| | - Baiyu Helen Zhang
- The Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Zhiwen Joy Zhu
- The Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Qinhong Cai
- The Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
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