1
|
Balasem Z, Salamat N, Mojiri-Forushani H. Using cell culture systems from the Persian Gulf Arabian yellowfin sea bream, Acanthopagrus arabicus, to assess the effects of dexamethasone on gonad and brain aromatase activity and steroid production. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 97:105803. [PMID: 38431060 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105803] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Dexamethasone (DEX) is a synthetic glucocorticoid widely used as pharmaceutical and usually exists in effluents with varying degrees of concentrations. In this study, cultivated Brain, ovary and testis cells from Arabian Sea bream, Acanthopagrus arabicus, were treated by DEX at concentrations of 0, 0.3, 3.0, 30.0 and 300.0 μg/ml for 48 h. The aromatase activity and steroid (17-β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and testosterone (T)) production by cells were measured at 12, 24 and 48 h of the experiment. The results showed that the sensitivity of cultivated ovarian, testicular and brain cells to DEX increased dose dependently. DEX was potent inhibitor of aromatase activity at specially 30.0 and 300.0 μg/ml in the cultivated ovarian and testicular cells at different sampling time. On the other hand, DEX was found to stimulate the aromatase activity of fish brain. DEX also decreased E2, P and T production by cultivated ovarian and testicular cells during the experiment. While, DEX caused an increase in the production of E2 and P by brain cells, which seems logical considering the stimulating effect of this drug on brain aromatase activity. In conclusion, results highlight that DEX is able to change the activity of aromatase, and disrupt the biosynthesis of estrogens and thus affect reproduction in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Balasem
- Department of Marine Biology, School of Marine Science, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology in Khorramshahr University of Marine Sciences and Technology, Iran
| | - Negin Salamat
- Department of Marine Biology, School of Marine Science, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology in Khorramshahr University of Marine Sciences and Technology, Iran.
| | - Hoda Mojiri-Forushani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Long XB, Yao CR, Li SY, Zhang JG, Lu ZJ, Ma DD, Chen CE, Ying GG, Shi WJ. Screening androgen receptor agonists of fish species using machine learning and molecular model in NORMAN water-relevant list. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133844. [PMID: 38394900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133844] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) agonists have strong endocrine disrupting effects in fish. Most studies mainly investigate AR binding capacity using human AR in vitro. However, there is still few methods to rapidly predict AR agonists in aquatic organisms. This study aimed to screen AR agonists of fish species using machine learning and molecular models in water-relevant list from NORMAN, a network of reference laboratories for monitoring contaminants of emerging concern in the environment. In this study, machine learning approaches (e.g., Deep Forest (DF)), Random Forests and artificial neural networks) were applied to predict AR agonists. Zebrafish, fathead minnow, mosquitofish, medaka fish and grass carp are all important aquatic model organisms widely used to evaluate the toxicity of new pollutants, and the molecular models of ARs from these five fish species were constructed to further screen AR agonists using AlphaFold2. The DF method showed the best performances with 0.99 accuracy, 0.97 sensitivity and 1 precision. The Asn705, Gln711, Arg752, and Thr877 residues in human AR and the corresponding sites in ARs from the five fish species were responsible for agonist binding. Overall, 245 substances were predicted as suspect AR agonists in the five fish species, including, certain glucocorticoids, cholesterol metabolites, and cardiovascular drugs in the NORMAN list. Using machine learning and molecular modeling hybrid methods rapidly and accurately screened AR agonists in fish species, and helping evaluate their ecological risk in fish populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Bing Long
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chong-Rui Yao
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Si-Ying Li
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jin-Ge Zhang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Lu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dong-Dong Ma
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chang-Er Chen
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wen-Jun Shi
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chaúque BJM, Jank L, Benetti AD, Rott MB. Preliminary insights on the development of a continuous-flow solar system for the photocatalytic degradation of contaminants of emerging concern in water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:26984-26996. [PMID: 38499929 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32879-w] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquity and impact of pharmaceuticals and pesticides, as well as their residues in environmental compartments, particularly in water, have raised human and environmental health concerns. This emphasizes the need of developing sustainable methods for their removal. Solar-driven photocatalytic degradation has emerged as a promising approach for the chemical decontamination of water, sparking intensive scientific research in this field. Advancements in photocatalytic materials have driven the need for solar reactors that efficiently integrate photocatalysts for real-world water treatment. This study reports preliminary results from the development and evaluation of a solar system for TiO2-based photocatalytic degradation of intermittently flowing water contaminated with doxycycline (DXC), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), dexamethasone (DXM), and carbendazim (CBZ). The system consisted of a Fresnel-type UV solar concentrator that focused on the opening and focal point of a parabolic trough concentrator, within which tubular quartz glass reactors were fixed. Concentric springs coated with TiO2, arranged one inside the other, were fixed inside the quartz reactors. The reactors are connected to a raw water tank at the inlet and a check valve at the outlet. Rotating wheels at the collector base enable solar tracking in two axes. The substances (SMX, DXC, and CBZ) were dissolved in dechlorinated tap water at a concentration of 1.0 mg/L, except DXM (0.8 mg/L). The water underwent sequential batch (~ 3 L each, without recirculation) processing with retention times of 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. After 15 min, the degradation rates were as follows: DXC 87%, SMX 35.5%, DXM 32%, and CBZ 31.8%. The system processed 101 L of water daily, simultaneously removing 870, 355, 256, and 318 µg/L of DXC, SMX, DXM, and CBZ, respectively, showcasing its potential for real-world chemical water decontamination application. Further enhancements that enable continuous-flow operation and integrate highly effective adsorbents and photocatalytic materials can significantly enhance system performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beni Jequicene Mussengue Chaúque
- Laboratory of Protozoology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Sarmento Leite Street, N 500, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90050-170, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, UFRGS, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Center of Studies in Science and Technology (NECET), Biology Course, Universidade Rovuma, Niassa Branch, Lichinga, Mozambique
| | - Louise Jank
- Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Marilise Brittes Rott
- Laboratory of Protozoology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Sarmento Leite Street, N 500, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90050-170, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Barquín C, Rivero MJ, Ortiz I. Photodegradation kinetics and halogens release of the emerging concern pollutants dexamethasone and S-metolachlor on TiO 2/rGO composites. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140806. [PMID: 38040252 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140806] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
This work studies the photocatalytic degradation of solutions containing 0.11 mM of a glucocorticoid (dexamethasone, DEX) and 0.11 mM of an herbicide (S-metolachlor, MTLC), organohalogenated compounds containing fluorine and chlorine atoms in their molecules, respectively. To treat 1 L volume, a mass of 0.5 g of TiO2/rGO composite in suspension has been used as photocatalyst, irradiated with UV-A LEDs with 200 W m-2 of irradiance. MTLC is partially adsorbed on the surface of the catalyst, while DEX is not adsorbed, showing different degradation kinetics. The halogen ions released into the solution from the breakage of the parent molecules, F- and Cl- respectively, were analysed. In the case of MTLC, the released Cl- followed two different kinetic trends, being faster, and with a rate that matched the rate of MTLC disappearance, the part corresponding to non-adsorbed MTLC. In the experiments with DEX solutions a different behaviour was observed; the released F- in the photocatalytic degradation was partially adsorbed on the catalyst surface, but the adsorption capacity decreased with the use of the photocatalyst in consecutive cycles until the solubilised F- matched the degraded concentration of DEX. Furthermore, the mass balance between the degraded contaminant and the solubilised halogen anion, for both contaminants, allowed to conclude the absence of halogenated intermediates under the final operating conditions, that is a remarkable outcome in water remediation processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Barquín
- Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros, s/n, 39005, Santander, Spain
| | - María J Rivero
- Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros, s/n, 39005, Santander, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Ortiz
- Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros, s/n, 39005, Santander, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schröder S, Ortiz I, San-Román MF. Electrochemical degradation of key drugs to treat COVID-19: Experimental analysis of the toxic by-products formation (PCDD/Fs). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167660. [PMID: 37813253 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167660] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Drug consumption has grown exponentially in recent decades, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to their presence in various water sources. In this way, degradation technologies for pollutants, such as electrochemical oxidation (ELOX), have become crucial to safeguard the quality of natural resources. This study has as its starting point a previous research, which demonstrated the efficacy of ELOX in the removal of COVID-19 related-drugs, such as dexamethasone (DEX), paracetamol (PAR), amoxicillin (AMX), and sertraline (STR), using the electrolytes NaCl and Na2SO4. The present research aims to study the potential risks associated with the generation of toxic by-products, during the ELOX of cited drugs, specifically focusing on the highly chlorinated persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Dioxins and furans can be formed potentially in electrochemical systems from precursor molecules or non-precursor molecules in chloride medium. First, the degradation of the parent compounds was found to be complete. At this point, a comprehensive investigation was conducted to identify and analyse the by-products formed during the degradation process; precursors of PCDD/Fs, such as chlorophenols or hydroquinones were identified. Additionally, in continuation of the previous study, PCDD/Fs congeners were investigated, revealing elevated concentrations; the highest concentration obtained was for the congener 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF (234.6 pg L-1 in NaCl) during degradation of the AMX. Finally, an assessment of the toxicity based on TEQ values was conducted, with DEX exhibiting the highest concentration among all compounds: 30.1 pg L-1 for NaCl medium. Therefore, the formation of minor by-products should not be underestimated, as they can significantly enhance the toxicity of the final sample, so the selection of the appropriate remediation technology, as well as the optimization of experimental operating variables, is determining in the treatment of pharmaceutical-contaminated waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Schröder
- Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, ETSIIyT, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Ortiz
- Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, ETSIIyT, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Ma-Fresnedo San-Román
- Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, ETSIIyT, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros, 39005 Santander, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gutiérrez-Noya VM, Gómez-Oliván LM, Casas-Hinojosa I, García-Medina S, Rosales-Pérez KE, Orozco-Hernández JM, Elizalde-Velázquez GA, Galar-Martínez M, Dublán-García O, Islas-Flores H. Short-term exposure to dexamethasone at environmentally relevant concentrations impairs embryonic development in Cyprinus carpio: Bioconcentration and alteration of oxidative stress-related gene expression patterns. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165528. [PMID: 37451451 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165528] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
In recent years and as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the consumption of dexamethasone (DXE) has increased. This favors that this corticosteroid is highly released in aquatic environments, generating deleterious effects in aquatic organisms. The information on the toxic effects of DXE in the environment is still limited. Thus, the objective of this work was to determine whether DXE at short-term exposure can cause alterations to embryonic development and alteration of oxidative stress-related gene expression patterns in Cyprinus carpio. For this purpose, common carp embryos (2 hpf) were exposed to realistic concentrations of DXE until 96 hpf. Alterations to embryonic development were evaluated at 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hpf. In addition, oxidative stress in carp embryos at 72 and 96 hpf was evaluated by cellular oxidation biomarkers (lipoperoxidation level, hydroperoxide and carbonyl protein content) and antioxidant enzymes activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase). Oxidative stress-related gene expression (sod, cat and gpx1) was also evaluated. Our results showed that DXE concentrations above 35 ng/L are capable of producing alterations to embryonic development in 50 % of the embryo population. Furthermore, DXE was able to induce alterations such as scoliosis, hypopigmentation, craniofacial malformations, pericardial edema and growth retardation, leading to the death of half of the population at 50 ng/L of DXE. Concerning oxidative stress, the results demonstrated that DXE induce oxidative damage on the embryos of C. carpio. In conclusion, DXE is capable of altering embryonic development and generating oxidative stress in common carp C. carpio.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Margarita Gutiérrez-Noya
- 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.
| | - Idalia Casas-Hinojosa
- 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - Octavio Dublán-García
- 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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Picó Y, Barceló D. Microplastics and other emerging contaminants in the environment after COVID-19 pandemic: The need of global reconnaissance studies. CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH 2023; 33:100468. [PMID: 37139099 PMCID: PMC10085870 DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2023.100468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Evidence of the increase of emerging contaminants in the environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, pharmaceuticals, etc., has enlarged. Here we explain the variety of pathways of these emerging contaminants to enter the environment, including wastewater treatment plants, improper disposal of PPE, and runoff from surfaces treated with disinfectants. We also discuss the current state-of-art of the toxicological implications of these emerging contaminants. Initial research suggests that they may have harmful effects on aquatic organisms and human health. Future directions are suggested as further research is needed to fully understand the impacts of these contaminants on the environment and humans, as well as to develop effective approaches to mitigate their potential negative effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Picó
- Food and Environmental Research Group (SAMA-UV), Research Desertification Centre (CIDE) (CSIC-University of Valencia-GV), Moncada-Naquera Road, Km 4.5, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Damià Barceló
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), Parc Científic i Tecnològic de la Universitat de Girona, C/Emili Grahit, 101, Edifici H2O, 17003, Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schröder S, Ortiz I, San-Román MF. Formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) in the electrochemical oxidation of polluted waters with pharmaceuticals used against COVID-19. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 11:109305. [PMID: 36647535 PMCID: PMC9833857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2023.109305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced a huge impact on our lives, increasing the consumption of certain pharmaceuticals, and with this, contributing to the intensification of their presence in wastewater and in the environment. This situation demands the implementation of efficient remediation technologies, among them, electrochemical oxidation (ELOX) is one the most applied. This work studies the application of ELOX with the aim of eliminate pharmaceuticals used in the fight against COVID-19, assessing its degradation rate, as well as the risk of formation of toxic trace by-products, such as unintentional POPs like polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). To this end, model solutions containing 10 mg L-1 of dexamethasone (DEX), paracetamol (PAR), amoxicillin (AMX), and sertraline (STR) with two different electrolytes (NaCl and Na2SO4) have been evaluated. However, electrochemical systems that contain chloride ions in solution together with PCDD/Fs precursor molecules may lead to the formation of these highly toxic by-products. So, PCDD/Fs were quantified under conditions of complete degradation of the drugs. Furthermore, the presence of PCDD/Fs precursors such as chlorophenols was determined, as well as the role of Cl-, Cl• and SO 4 • - radicals in the formation of the by-products and PCDD/Fs. The maximum measured concentration of PCDD/Fs was around 2700 pg L-1 for the amoxicillin case in NaCl medium. The obtained results emphasise the importance of not underestimating the potential formation of these highly toxic trace by-products, in addition to the correct selection of oxidation processes and operation variables, in order to avoid final higher toxicity in the medium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Schröder
- Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, ETSIIyT, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros 46, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Ortiz
- Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, ETSIIyT, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros 46, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Ma-Fresnedo San-Román
- Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, ETSIIyT, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros 46, 39005 Santander, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ioannidi AA, Arvaniti OS, Miserli K, Konstantinou I, Frontistis Z, Mantzavinos D. Removal of drug dexamethasone from aqueous matrices using low frequency ultrasound: Kinetics, transformation products, and effect of microplastics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 328:117007. [PMID: 36521216 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117007] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Sonochemical oxidation was employed for the degradation of the drug dexamethasone (Dex). The oxidation at 20 kHz followed pseudo-first-order kinetics and increased with applied ultrasound power density. Acoustic cavitation at 71 W/L was able to eliminate 500 μg/L of dexamethasone from ultrapure water at inherent pH in less than 60 min. The oxidation was enhanced at pH 3 and decreased at increased Dex concentration. Scavenging experiments with tert-butanol showed that hydroxyl radicals play a crucial role in decomposition, where the reaction mainly occurs on the gas-liquid interface of the formed cavities. The addition of chloride did not affect Dex removal, while in the presence of 10 mg/L of humic acid or bicarbonate, the apparent kinetic constant decreased from 0.0423 ± 0.004 min-1 to about 0.03 ± 0.002 min-1. The rate in secondary effluent was 3.3 times lower than in ultrapure water due to the complexity of the actual matrix. Six transformation products were identified via high resolution LC-MS during the sonochemical oxidation of 3 mg/L Dex in ultrapure water. The presence of polyethylene or polystyrene microplastics slightly enhanced DEX sonodegradation. The effect of ultrasound irradiation at 71 W/L for 60 min on the microplastics surfaces was inconsiderable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra A Ioannidi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, Caratheodory 1, University Campus, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Olga S Arvaniti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, Caratheodory 1, University Campus, GR-26504, Patras, Greece; Department of Agricultural Development, Agrofood and Management of Natural Resources, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Psachna, 34400, Greece
| | - Kleopatra Miserli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, GR-45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Konstantinou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, GR-45110, Ioannina, Greece; Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, University Research Center of Ioannina (URCI), Ioannina, 45110, Greece
| | - Zacharias Frontistis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, GR-50132, Kozani, Greece; School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Dionissios Mantzavinos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, Caratheodory 1, University Campus, GR-26504, Patras, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang A, Luo Y, Jia A, Park M, Daniels KD, Nie X, Wu S, Snyder SA. Adsorption kinetics of 20 glucocorticoids at environmentally relevant concentrations in wastewater by powdered activated carbons and development of surrogate models. JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING 2022; 50:103279. [PMID: 36349294 PMCID: PMC9634149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2022.103279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used in the treatment of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), and the toxicity of GCs to aquatic organisms has aroused widespread concern. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) has proven effective in removing various trace organic pollutants. In this study, the adsorption behaviors of 20 typical GCs onto PACs were investigated at environmentally relevant concentrations (ng/L) in real wastewater, using four commercially available PACs (HDB, WPH, 20BF, PWA). The results showed that PAC adsorption was feasible for GC removal at ng/L concentrations. After adsorption for 60 min, the GC removal efficiencies obtained by HDB, WPH, 20BF, and PWA were 90-98 %, 89-97 %, 84-96 %, and 71-90 %, respectively. The adsorption processes of 20 GCs on PACs were well fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetics model (with R 2 >0.98). Among the four PACs, HDB achieved the highest rates because of the electrostatic attraction between HDB (positively charged) and the complex of GCs and natural organic matter (GC-NOM, negatively charged). Among the 20 GCs, compounds with substitutions of halogen atoms or five-membered rings at C-17 achieved higher adsorption rates because of the enhanced formation of hydrogen bonds and a resulting increase in electron density. In addition, surrogate models with total fluorescence (TF) and ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (UV254) were developed to monitor the attenuation trend of GCs during adsorption processes. Compared with the UV254 model, the TF model showed better sensitivity to GC monitoring, which could greatly simplify the water quality monitoring process and facilitate online monitoring of GCs in water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ai Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yuxin Luo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 2999 North Renmin Road, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Ai Jia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Harshbarger 108, Tucson, AZ 85721-0011, USA
- Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Water Quality Laboratory, La Verne, CA 91750, USA
| | - Minkyu Park
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Harshbarger 108, Tucson, AZ 85721-0011, USA
| | - Kevin D Daniels
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Harshbarger 108, Tucson, AZ 85721-0011, USA
- Stantec Inc., 3133 W Frye Rd Suite 300, Chandler, AZ 85226, USA
| | - Xuhao Nie
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Harshbarger 108, Tucson, AZ 85721-0011, USA
| | - Shimin Wu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Harshbarger 108, Tucson, AZ 85721-0011, USA
- Jiangsu Shuangliang Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., Jiangyin 214444, China
| | - Shane A Snyder
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, 1133 E. James E. Rogers Way, Harshbarger 108, Tucson, AZ 85721-0011, USA
- Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, #06-08, 637141, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sayed AEDH, Taher H, Soliman HAM, Salah El-Din AED. Immunological and hemato-biochemical effects on catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to dexamethasone. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1018795. [PMID: 36187758 PMCID: PMC9525139 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1018795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Dexamethasone (glucocorticoid) was recently shown to be a life-saving drug for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 disease. Water and sediments can be contaminated by sewage treatment plants when this product is widely used. Accordingly, we evaluated the effects of dexamethasone as pharmaceutical residue on Clarias gariepinus, following exposure and post-exposure recovery on blood biochemical, antioxidant, and cytokine markers. Three experimental groups were examined. Control, fish exposed to 0.3 mg/L of dexamethasone, and fish exposed to 3 mg/L of dexamethasone for 7 days, followed by a 15-days recovery period. Hematological indices, such as red blood cell number, hemoglobin (Hb), platelets, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and large lymphocytes, were significantly declined following the exposure to dexamethasone compared to control. In contrast, hematocrit (Ht), mean corpuscular volume, monocytes, small lymphocytes, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin increased significantly depending on the dose–concentration. Liver and kidney functions, other biochemical parameters (albumin and globulin), cortisol, and cytokine (IL-1β and IL-6) concentrations increased significantly after exposure to dexamethasone compared to control. Antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase enzymes were significantly decreased in catfish treated with dexamethasone cumulatively with doses. After a recovery period, blood biochemical, antioxidant, and cytokine markers were still elevated compared with the control group. In conclusion, dexamethasone at concentrations present in water bodies causes deleterious effects on blood biomarkers, biochemical, and antioxidant as well as immune upregulation in catfish until after depuration period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alaa El-Din H. Sayed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Alaa El-Din H. Sayed,
| | - Hesham Taher
- Department of Water Biology, Faculty of Fish and Fisheries Technology, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hayden KR, Jones M, Elkin KR, Shreve MJ, Clees WI, Clark S, Mashtare ML, Veith TL, Elliott HA, Watson JE, Silverman J, Richard TL, Read AF, Preisendanz HE. Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on pharmaceuticals in wastewater treated for beneficial reuse: Two case studies in central Pennsylvania. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2022; 51:1066-1082. [PMID: 35919971 PMCID: PMC9538887 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater surveillance was leveraged as a powerful tool for monitoring community-scale health. Further, the well-known persistence of some pharmaceuticals through wastewater treatment plants spurred concerns that increased usage of pharmaceuticals during the pandemic would increase the concentrations in wastewater treatment plant effluent. We collected weekly influent and effluent samples from May 2020 through May 2021 from two wastewater treatment plants in central Pennsylvania, the Penn State Water Reclamation Facility and the University Area Joint Authority, that provide effluent for beneficial reuse, including for irrigation. Samples were analyzed for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (influent only), two over-the-counter medicines (acetaminophen and naproxen), five antibiotics (ampicillin, doxycycline, ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim), two therapeutic agents (remdesivir and dexamethasone), and hydroxychloroquine. Although there were no correlations between pharmaceutical and virus concentration, remdesivir detection occurred when the number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 increased, and dexamethasone detection co-occurred with the presence of patients with COVID-19 on ventilators. Additionally, Penn State decision-making regarding instruction modes explained the temporal variation of influent pharmaceutical concentrations, with detection occurring primarily when students were on campus. Risk quotients calculated for pharmaceuticals with known effective and lethal concentrations at which 50% of a population is affected for fish, daphnia, and algae were generally low in the effluent; however, some acute risks from sulfamethoxazole were high when students returned to campus. Remdesivir and dexamethasone persisted through the wastewater treatment plants, thereby introducing novel pharmaceuticals directly to soils and surface water. These results highlight connections between human health and water quality and further demonstrate the broad utility of wastewater surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R. Hayden
- Dep. of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
| | - Matthew Jones
- Huck Institutes of Life SciencesThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
| | - Kyle R. Elkin
- USDA‐ARS Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research UnitUniversity ParkPA16802USA
| | - Michael J. Shreve
- Dep. of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
| | - William Irvin Clees
- Dep. of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
| | - Shirley Clark
- School of Science, Engineering, and TechnologyThe Pennsylvania State Univ.HarrisburgPA17057USA
| | - Michael L. Mashtare
- Dep. of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
| | - Tamie L. Veith
- USDA‐ARS Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research UnitUniversity ParkPA16802USA
| | - Herschel A. Elliott
- Dep. of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
| | - John E. Watson
- Dep. of Ecosystem Science and ManagementThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
| | - Justin Silverman
- College of Information Science and TechnologyThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
| | - Thomas L. Richard
- Dep. of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
- Institutes of Energy and the EnvironmentThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
| | - Andrew F. Read
- Huck Institutes of Life SciencesThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
- Dep. of EntomologyThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
| | - Heather E. Preisendanz
- Dep. of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
- Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Food, and Environmental ScienceThe Pennsylvania State Univ.University ParkPA16802USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Environmental Risk Assessment of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate and Tocilizumab Mixture in Zebrafish Early Life Stage (Danio rerio). TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10060279. [PMID: 35736888 PMCID: PMC9231124 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10060279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are widely regarded as a menace to the aquatic environment. The constant consumption of biologically active chemicals for human health has been matched by an increase in the leaking of these compounds in natural habitats over the last two decades. This study was aimed to evaluate the molecular pathway underling the developmental toxicity of exposure in the ecological environment. Zebrafish embryos were exposed at doses of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEX) 1 μmol/L, tocilizumab 442.1 μmol/L and dexamethasone + tocilizumab (1 μmol/L and 442.1 μmol/L, respectively) from 24 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 96 hpf. This study confirmed that DEX exposure in association with tocilizumab 442.1 μmol/L at 1 μmol/L (non-toxic concentration) affected the survival and hatching rate, morphology score, and body length. Additionally, it significantly disturbed the antioxidant defense system in zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, a DEX 1 μmol/L and tocilizumab 442.1 μmol/L association also increased the production of apoptosis-related proteins (caspase-3, bax, and bcl-2).
Collapse
|
14
|
Li JT, Zhang YD, Song XR, Li RJ, Yang WL, Tian M, Zhang SF, Cao GH, Song LL, Chen YM, Liu CH. The mechanism and effects of remdesivir-induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish: Blood flow dysfunction and behavioral alterations. J Appl Toxicol 2022; 42:1688-1700. [PMID: 35560222 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The antiviral drug remdesivir has been used to treat the growing number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. However, the drug is mainly excreted through urine and feces and introduced into the environment to affect non-target organisms, including fish, which has raised concerns about potential ecotoxicological effects on aquatic organisms. Moreover, studies on the ecological impacts of remdesivir on aquatic environments have not been reported. Here, we aimed to explore the toxicological impacts of microinjection of remdesivir on zebrafish early embryonic development and larvae and the associated mechanism. We found that 100 μM remdesivir delayed epiboly and impaired convergent movement of embryos during gastrulation, and dose-dependent increases in mortality and malformation were observed in remdesivir-treated embryos. Moreover, 10-100 μM remdesivir decreased blood flow and swimming velocity and altered the behavior of larvae. In terms of molecular mechanisms, eighty differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by transcriptome analysis in the remdesivir-treated group. Some of these DEGs, such as manf, kif3a, hnf1ba, rgn, prkcz, egr1, fosab, nr4a1, and ptgs2b, were mainly involved in early embryonic development, neuronal developmental disorders, vascular disease and the blood flow pathway. These data reveal that remdesivir can impair early embryonic development, blood flow and behavior of zebrafish embryos/larvae, probably due to alterations at the transcriptome level. This study suggests that it is important to avoid the discharge of remdesivir to aquatic ecosystems and provides a theoretical foundation to hinder remdesivir-induced ecotoxicity to aquatic environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Tong Li
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Kidney Disease Research, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yao-Dong Zhang
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Rui Song
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rui-Jing Li
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei-Li Yang
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ming Tian
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Kidney Disease Research, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shu-Feng Zhang
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Kidney Disease Research, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guang-Hai Cao
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Kidney Disease Research, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lu-Lu Song
- School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu-Ming Chen
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Cui-Hua Liu
- Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Pediatric Kidney Disease Research, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|