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Bandarra BS, Mesquita C, Passos H, Martins RC, Coelho PALF, Pereira JL, Quina MJ. An integrated characterisation of incineration bottom ashes towards sustainable application: Physicochemical, ecotoxicological, and mechanical properties. J Hazard Mater 2023; 455:131649. [PMID: 37210879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Environmental protection is a central concern regarding municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (IBA) management, but the assessment of waste Hazardous Property HP14 (ecotoxicity) is still under debate. Civil engineering applications may be a suitable management strategy. This work aimed at evaluating IBA regarding mechanical behaviour and environmental hazardous potential, including a biotest battery for ecotoxicity assessment (comprising miniaturised tests), to explore its potential for safe utilization. Physical, chemical, ecotoxicological (Aliivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Lemna minor, Daphnia magna, Lepidium sativum), and mechanical (one-dimensional compressibility, shear strength) analyses were performed. The low leaching for potentially toxic metals and ions complied with European Union (EU) limit values for non-hazardous waste landfills. No relevant ecotoxicological effects were found. The biotest battery seems suitable for ecotoxicological assessment in the aquatic ecosystem, providing wide information on waste impact on different trophic/functional levels and chemical uptake routes, simultaneously involving short-duration tests and reduced amounts of waste. IBA presented more compressibility than sand, but its mixture with sand (30%:70%) was closer to sand compressibility. IBA (lower stresses) and the mixture (higher stresses) showed slightly higher shear strength than sand. Overall, IBA presented the potential for valorisation as loose aggregates from an environmental and mechanical viewpoint in a circular economy framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Bandarra
- CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II-Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - C Mesquita
- CITTA, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Luís Reis Santos-Pólo II da Universidade, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - H Passos
- CICECO, Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - R C Martins
- CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II-Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - P A L F Coelho
- CITTA, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Luís Reis Santos-Pólo II da Universidade, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - J L Pereira
- CESAM, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - M J Quina
- CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II-Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Szara-Bąk M, Baran A, Klimkowicz-Pawlas A, Tkaczewska J, Wojtasik B. Mobility, ecotoxicity, bioaccumulation and sources of trace elements in the bottom sediments of the Rożnów reservoir. Environ Geochem Health 2021; 43:4701-4718. [PMID: 33969453 PMCID: PMC8528782 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-00957-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to use of geochemical, chemical, ecotoxicological and biological indicators for a comprehensive assessment of ecological risks related to the mobility, ecotoxicity and bioavailability of trace elements in the bottom sediment of the Rożnów reservoir. The study found three elements deserving attention in the sediments: cadmium, nickel and chromium. Cadmium proved to be the most mobile and bioavailable, although the total cadmium content and geochemical indicators did not reveal any risk to organisms. Geochemical indicators showed that the sediments are contaminated with nickel and chromium, but both elements had a low bioaccumulation factor. Fractional analysis also revealed relatively low mobility of Cr and Ni and a higher potential risk of bioavailability for nickel. Most of the tested sediment samples had low toxicity in relation to the tested organisms. For H. incongruens, 11% of the samples were non-toxic, 50% of the samples had low toxicity, and 39% of the samples were toxic. For A. fischeri, no toxicity was found in 7% of the samples, low toxicity in 76% of the samples and toxicity in 17% of the sediment samples. The As, Cd, Cu content in the F1 fraction correlated significantly positively with the content of these metals in mussel tissues. Both biotesting and chemical analysis can reveal a potential risk to aquatic organisms. For a real assessment of the ecological risks associated with trace elements, it is necessary to use bioindicators taken from the environment and exposed to trace elements in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Szara-Bąk
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 21, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Baran
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 21, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Klimkowicz-Pawlas
- Department of Soil Science Erosion and Land Protection, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation – State Research Institute, Czartoryskich 8, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Joanna Tkaczewska
- Department of Animal Product Processing, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Wojtasik
- Department of Genetics and Biosystematics, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Baran A, Urbaniak M, Szara M, Tarnawski M. Concentration of dioxin and screening level ecotoxicity of pore water from bottom sediments in relation to organic carbon contents. Ecotoxicology 2021; 30:57-66. [PMID: 33280055 PMCID: PMC7826296 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-020-02318-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The information about concentrations of dioxin in pore water, ecotoxicity and DOC and TOC content can be key factor for the prediction of the fate of dioxins in the aquatic environment as well as an ecological risk assessment. The aims of the study were to assess the concentration of PCDDs/PCDFs and ecotoxicity of pore water and to compare above results in relation to the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total organic carbon (TOC) content. The concentration of dioxins was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunoassay test, while the ecotoxicity of pore water was determined using a crustacean Daphnia magna and bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri. The studies were conducted on two different dammed reservoirs Rożnów (catchment basin of an agricultural character) and Rybnik (catchment basin of an industrial character) located in southern Poland. The concentration of dioxins in pore water was between 8.56 to 90.92 ng EQ/L, with a significantly higher concentration in the pore water from the Rożnów Reservoir than the Rybnik Reservoir. The DOC content in pore water was from 30.29 to 63.02 mg/L (Rożnów Reservoir) and from 35.46 to 60.53 mg/L (Rybnik Reservoir). Higher toxic responses were recorded for A. fischeri than for D. magna. Moreover a significantly higher toxicity for both tested organisms was indicated in pore water from the Rożnów Reservoir. Besides of TOC and DOC, the fine fractions of the sediments were particularly important in the concentration of dioxin in pore water. The other pore water parameters, such as pH and EC can influence the toxicity of water for organisms. The result indicate complex relationships between the PCDD/F, ecotoxicity and DOC, TOC concentration in pore water and confirms that these parameters are important in terms of water environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Baran
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Urbaniak
- European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Tylna 3, 90-364, Lodz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Szara
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marek Tarnawski
- Department of Hydraulic Engineering and Geotechnics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
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Grabarczyk Ł, Mulkiewicz E, Stolte S, Puckowski A, Pazda M, Stepnowski P, Białk-Bielińska A. Ecotoxicity screening evaluation of selected pharmaceuticals and their transformation products towards various organisms. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2020; 27:26103-26114. [PMID: 32358747 PMCID: PMC7332481 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08881-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The intensive development of medical science has led to an increase in the availability and use of pharmaceutical products. However, nowadays, most of scientific attention has been paid to the native forms of pharmaceuticals, while the transformation products (TPs) of these substances, understood herein as metabolites, degradation products, and selected enantiomers, remain largely unexplored in terms of their characterization, presence, fate and effects within the natural environment. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of seven native compounds belonging to different therapeutic groups (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioid analgesics, beta-blockers, antibacterial and anti-epileptic drugs), along with the toxicity of their 13 most important TPs. For this purpose, an ecotoxicological test battery, consisting of five organisms of different biological organization was used. The obtained data shows that, in general, the toxicity of TPs to the tested organisms was similar or lower compared to their parent compounds. However, for example, significantly higher toxicity of the R form of ibuprofen to algae and duckweed, as well as a higher toxicity of the R form of naproxen to luminescent bacteria, was observed, proving that the risk associated with the presence of drug TPs in the environment should not be neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grabarczyk
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ewa Mulkiewicz
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Stefan Stolte
- Institute of Water Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alan Puckowski
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Pazda
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Piotr Stepnowski
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Białk-Bielińska
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
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Hagner M, Romantschuk M, Penttinen OP, Egfors A, Marchand C, Augustsson A. Assessing toxicity of metal contaminated soil from glassworks sites with a battery of biotests. Sci Total Environ 2018; 613-614:30-38. [PMID: 28903077 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The present study addresses toxicological properties of metal contaminated soils, using glassworks sites in south-eastern Sweden as study objects. Soil from five selected glassworks sites as well as from nearby reference areas were analysed for total and water-soluble metal concentrations and general geochemical parameters. A battery of biotests was then applied to assess the toxicity of the glassworks soil environments: a test of phytotoxicity with garden cress (Lepidium sativum); the BioTox™ test for toxicity to bacteria using Vibrio fischeri; and analyses of abundancies and biomass of nematodes and enchytraeids. The glassworks- and reference areas were comparable with respect to pH and the content of organic matter and nutrients (C, N, P), but total metal concentrations (Pb, As, Ba, Cd and Zn) were significantly higher at the former sites. Higher metal concentrations in the water-soluble fraction were also observed, even though these concentrations were low compared to the total ones. Nevertheless, toxicity of the glassworks soils was not detected by the two ex situ tests; inhibition of light emission by V. fischeri could not be seen, nor was an effect seen on the growth of L. sativum. A decrease in enchytraeid and nematode abundance and biomass was, however, observed for the landfill soils as compared to reference soils, implying in situ toxicity to soil-inhabiting organisms. The confirmation of in situ bioavailability and negative effects motivates additional studies of the risk posed to humans of the glassworks villages.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hagner
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Lahti, Finland; Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Jokioinen, Finland
| | - M Romantschuk
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Lahti, Finland; Institute of Environmental Sciences, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - O-P Penttinen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Lahti, Finland
| | - A Egfors
- Department Biology and Environmental Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - C Marchand
- Department Biology and Environmental Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - A Augustsson
- Department Biology and Environmental Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.
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Stefaniuk M, Oleszczuk P. Addition of biochar to sewage sludge decreases freely dissolved PAHs content and toxicity of sewage sludge-amended soil. Environ Pollut 2016; 218:242-251. [PMID: 27461750 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Due to an increased content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) frequently found in sewage sludges, it is necessary to find solutions that will reduce the environmental hazard associated with their presence. The aim of this study was to determine changes of total and freely dissolved concentration of PAHs in sewage sludge-biochar-amended soil. Two different sewage sludges and biochars with varying properties were tested. Biochars (BC) were produced from biogas residues at 400 °C or 600 °C and from willow at 600 °C. The freely dissolved PAH concentration was determined by means of passive sampling using polyoxymethylene (POM). Total and freely dissolved PAH concentration was monitored at the beginning of the experiment and after 90 days of aging of the sewage sludge with the biochar and soil. Apart from chemical evaluation, the effect of biochar addition on the toxicity of the tested materials on bacteria - Vibrio fischeri (Microtox®), plants - Lepidium sativum (Phytotestkit F, Phytotoxkit F), and Collembola - Folsomia candida (Collembolan test) was evaluated. The addition of biochar to the sewage sludges decreased the content of Cfree PAHs. A reduction from 11 to 43% of sewage sludge toxicity or positive effects on plants expressed by root growth stimulation from 6 to 25% to the control was also found. The range of reduction of Cfree PAHs and toxicity was dependent on the type of biochar. After 90 days of incubation of the biochars with the sewage sludge in the soil, Cfree PAHs and toxicity were found to further decrease compared to the soil with sewage sludge alone. The obtained results show that the addition of biochar to sewage sludges may significantly reduce the risk associated with their environmental use both in terms of PAH content and toxicity of the materials tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Stefaniuk
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, 3 Maria Curie-Skłodowska Square, 20-031, Lublin, Poland
| | - Patryk Oleszczuk
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, 3 Maria Curie-Skłodowska Square, 20-031, Lublin, Poland.
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Kudłak B, Wieczerzak M, Yotova G, Tsakovski S, Simeonov V, Namieśnik J. Environmental risk assessment of Polish wastewater treatment plant activity. Chemosphere 2016; 160:181-8. [PMID: 27376857 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.06.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) play an extremely important role in shaping modern society's environmental well-being and awareness, however only well operated and supervised systems can be considered as environmentally sustainable. For this reason, an attempt was undertaken to assess the environmental burden posed by WWTPs in major Polish cities by collecting water samples prior to and just after wastewater release points. Both classical and biological methods (Microtox(®), Ostracodtoxkit F™ and comet assay) were utilized to assess environmental impact of given WWTP. Interestingly, in some cases, water quality improvement indicated as a toxicity decrement toward one of the bio-indicating organisms makes water worse for others in the systems. This fact is particularly noticeable in case of Silesian cities where heavy industry and high population density is present. It proves that WWTP should undergo individual evaluation of pollutant removal efficiency and tuned to selectively remove pollutants of highest risk to surrounding regional ecosystems. Biotests again proved to be an extremely important tool to fully assess the impact of environmental stressors on water bodies receiving effluents from WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Kudłak
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., Gdańsk 80-233, Poland.
| | - Monika Wieczerzak
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., Gdańsk 80-233, Poland
| | - Galina Yotova
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sofia, 1 James Bourchier Blvd, Sofia 1164, Bulgaria
| | - Stefan Tsakovski
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sofia, 1 James Bourchier Blvd, Sofia 1164, Bulgaria
| | - Vasil Simeonov
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sofia, 1 James Bourchier Blvd, Sofia 1164, Bulgaria
| | - Jacek Namieśnik
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., Gdańsk 80-233, Poland
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Wieczerzak M, Namieśnik J, Kudłak B. Bioassays as one of the Green Chemistry tools for assessing environmental quality: A review. Environ Int 2016; 94:341-361. [PMID: 27472199 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
For centuries, mankind has contributed to irreversible environmental changes, but due to the modern science of recent decades, scientists are able to assess the scale of this impact. The introduction of laws and standards to ensure environmental cleanliness requires comprehensive environmental monitoring, which should also meet the requirements of Green Chemistry. The broad spectrum of Green Chemistry principle applications should also include all of the techniques and methods of pollutant analysis and environmental monitoring. The classical methods of chemical analyses do not always match the twelve principles of Green Chemistry, and they are often expensive and employ toxic and environmentally unfriendly solvents in large quantities. These solvents can generate hazardous and toxic waste while consuming large volumes of resources. Therefore, there is a need to develop reliable techniques that would not only meet the requirements of Green Analytical Chemistry, but they could also complement and sometimes provide an alternative to conventional classical analytical methods. These alternatives may be found in bioassays. Commercially available certified bioassays often come in the form of ready-to-use toxkits, and they are easy to use and relatively inexpensive in comparison with certain conventional analytical methods. The aim of this study is to provide evidence that bioassays can be a complementary alternative to classical methods of analysis and can fulfil Green Analytical Chemistry criteria. The test organisms discussed in this work include single-celled organisms, such as cell lines, fungi (yeast), and bacteria, and multicellular organisms, such as invertebrate and vertebrate animals and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wieczerzak
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., Gdańsk 80-233, Poland.
| | - J Namieśnik
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., Gdańsk 80-233, Poland
| | - B Kudłak
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., Gdańsk 80-233, Poland
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Maier D, Blaha L, Giesy JP, Henneberg A, Köhler HR, Kuch B, Osterauer R, Peschke K, Richter D, Scheurer M, Triebskorn R. Biological plausibility as a tool to associate analytical data for micropollutants and effect potentials in wastewater, surface water, and sediments with effects in fishes. Water Res 2015; 72:127-144. [PMID: 25260601 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Discharge of substances like pesticides, pharmaceuticals, flame retardants, and chelating agents in surface waters has increased over the last decades due to the rising numbers of chemicals used by humans and because many WWTPs do not eliminate these substances entirely. The study, results of which are presented here, focused on associations of (1) concentrations of micropollutants in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents, surface waters, sediments, and tissues of fishes; (2) results of laboratory biotests indicating potentials for effects in these samples and (3) effects either in feral chub (Leuciscus cephalus) from two German rivers (Schussen, Argen) or in brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed in bypass systems to streamwater of these rivers or in cages directly in the rivers. The Schussen and Argen Rivers flow into Lake Constance. The Schussen River is polluted by a great number of chemicals, while the Argen River is less influenced by micropollutants. Pesticides, chelating agents, flame retardants, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were detected in effluents of a WWTP discharging to the Schussen as well as in surface water, and/or fishes from downstream of the WWTP. Results obtained by biotests conducted in the laboratory (genotoxicity, dioxin-like toxicity, and embryotoxicity) were linked to effects in feral fish collected in the vicinity of the WWTP or in fishes exposed in cages or at the bypass systems downstream of the WWTP. Dioxin-like effect potentials detected by reporter gene assays were associated with activation of CYP1A1 enzymes in fishes which are inducible by dioxin-like chemicals. Abundances of several PCBs in tissues of fishes from cages and bypass systems were not associated with these effects but other factors can influence EROD activity. Genotoxic potentials obtained by in vitro tests were associated with the presence of micronuclei in erythrocytes of chub from the river. Chemicals potentially responsible for effects on DNA were identified. Embryotoxic effects on zebrafish (Danio rerio), investigated in the laboratory, were associated with embryotoxic effects in trout exposed in streamwater bypass systems at the two rivers. In general, responses at all levels of organization were more pronounced in samples from the Schussen than in those from the Argen. These results are consistent with the magnitudes of chemical pollution in these two streams. Plausibility chains to establish causality between exposures and effects and to predict effects in biota in the river from studies in the laboratory are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Maier
- Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 20, D-72072 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Ludek Blaha
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - John P Giesy
- Department of Biomedical Veterinary Sciences and Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; Department of Biology & Chemistry and State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Anja Henneberg
- Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 20, D-72072 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heinz-R Köhler
- Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 20, D-72072 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bertram Kuch
- Estate Water Management, University of Stuttgart, Bandtäle 2, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Raphaela Osterauer
- Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 20, D-72072 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Peschke
- Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 20, D-72072 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Doreen Richter
- DVGW Water Technology Center, Karlsruher Straße 84, D-76139 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Marco Scheurer
- DVGW Water Technology Center, Karlsruher Straße 84, D-76139 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Rita Triebskorn
- Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 20, D-72072 Tübingen, Germany; Steinbeis Transfer-Center for Ecotoxicology and Ecophysiology, Blumenstraße 13, D-72108 Rottenburg, Germany
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