Toxics

9 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urinary Biomarkers of Phthalates Exposure, Blood Lead Levels, and Risks of Thyroid Nodules

by Jingsi Chen, Yi Chen, Shaojie Liu, Bo Chen, Yingli Lu and Ruihua Dong

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030068 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2341

Thyroid nodules (TNs) are becoming increasingly prevalent. However, few studies have reported the effects of phthalates and lead (Pb) on TNs. In this study, we aimed to explore the associations of phthalates and Pb with the risks of TN. We sex-age-matched 220 TNs [...] Read more.

Thyroid nodules (TNs) are becoming increasingly prevalent. However, few studies have reported the effects of phthalates and lead (Pb) on TNs. In this study, we aimed to explore the associations of phthalates and Pb with the risks of TN. We sex-age-matched 220 TNs patients and 220 healthy controls from Zhejiang Shangyu, China. We measured 13 phthalate metabolites in spot urine samples. Blood lead levels (BLLs) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between urinary phthalate metabolites and BLLs and the risks of TNs. We found BLLs were associated with increased risk of TNs in total population. Female-specific positive associations of mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentylphthalate (MECPP), mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexylphthalate (MEHHP), mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexylphthalate (MEOHP), mono-2-carboxymethyl-hexyl phthalate (MCMHP), and mono-isononyl phthalate (MiNP) with increased risk of TNs were also observed. Moreover, the positive association between phthalates and TNs was modified by BLLs. At the highest tertile of BLLs, monoethylphthalate (MEP), MECPP, MEHHP, MEOHP, and MiNP were significantly associated with increased risk of TNs. Our results indicated that certain phthalate metabolites and BLLs may contribute to increased risks of TNs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Exposome)

19 pages, 5482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Prevalence of Inorganic Mercury in Human Kidneys Suggests a Role for Toxic Metals in Essential Hypertension

by Roger Pamphlett, Philip A. Doble and David P. Bishop

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030067 - 21 Mar 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3999

Abstract

The kidney plays a dominant role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension, but the initial pathogenic events in the kidney leading to hypertension are not known. Exposure to mercury has been linked to many diseases including hypertension in epidemiological and experimental studies, so [...] Read more.

The kidney plays a dominant role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension, but the initial pathogenic events in the kidney leading to hypertension are not known. Exposure to mercury has been linked to many diseases including hypertension in epidemiological and experimental studies, so we studied the distribution and prevalence of mercury in the human kidney. Paraffin sections of kidneys were available from 129 people ranging in age from 1 to 104 years who had forensic/coronial autopsies. One individual had injected himself with metallic mercury, the other 128 were from varied clinicopathological backgrounds without known exposure to mercury. Sections were stained for inorganic mercury using autometallography. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used on six samples to confirm the presence of autometallography-detected mercury and to look for other toxic metals. In the 128 people without known mercury exposure, mercury was found in: (1) proximal tubules of the cortex and Henle thin loops of the medulla, in 25% of kidneys (and also in the man who injected himself with mercury), (2) proximal tubules only in 16% of kidneys, and (3) Henle thin loops only in 23% of kidneys. The age-related proportion of people who had any mercury in their kidney was 0% at 1–20 years, 66% at 21–40 years, 77% at 41–60 years, 84% at 61–80 years, and 64% at 81–104 years. LA-ICP-MS confirmed the presence of mercury in samples staining with autometallography and showed cadmium, lead, iron, nickel, and silver in some kidneys. In conclusion, mercury is found commonly in the adult human kidney, where it appears to accumulate in proximal tubules and Henle thin loops until an advanced age. Dysfunctions of both these cortical and medullary regions have been implicated in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension, so these findings suggest that further studies of the effects of mercury on blood pressure are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mercury Cycling and Potential Impacts on Ecosystems and Human Health: Current Research and Emerging Trends)

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16 pages, 2214 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of the Contamination Index and the LWPI Index to Assess the Quality of Groundwater in the Area of a Municipal Waste Landfill

by Tomasz Knopek and Dominika Dabrowska

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030066 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2433

Abstract

Environmental degradation caused by the migration of pollutants from landfills is one of the biggest problems for urban areas. Systematic monitoring of groundwater in the vicinity of waste dumps allows for an assessment of the degree of risk to the soil and water [...] Read more.

Environmental degradation caused by the migration of pollutants from landfills is one of the biggest problems for urban areas. Systematic monitoring of groundwater in the vicinity of waste dumps allows for an assessment of the degree of risk to the soil and water environment. In this paper, spatiotemporal variation of groundwater pollution near a municipal landfill in Sosnowiec (southern Poland) was investigated. For this purpose, the monitoring results of five physicochemical indicators from 2014–2019 were used. This study presents an example of the application of the Landfill Water Pollution Index (LWPI) and the C_d Contamination Index. The obtained results indicated that the tested waters were negatively influenced by municipal landfills, especially in the southern part (piezometers P8 and P10). The values of the Contamination Index even reached a value equal of about 1400, while the values of the LWPI index reached 305. Significantly lower values of both indicators were obtained using the results of monitoring studies for other piezometers located upstream from the landfill but belonging to the observation network of a neighboring facility. The indices used permit a determination of the level of groundwater contamination from the described landfill and can be used in similar research areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occurrence, Fate and Environmental Risk Assessment of the Organic Microcontaminants in Groundwater)

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10 pages, 832 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Contamination of Flamed and Braised Chickens and Health Risk Assessment in Burkina Faso

by Bazoin Sylvain Raoul Bazié, Caroline Douny, Thomas Judicaël Ouilly, Djidjoho Joseph Hounhouigan, Aly Savadogo, Elie Kabré, Marie-Louise Scippo and Imaël Henri Nestor Bassole

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030065 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2741

Abstract

Charcoal- or wood-cooked chicken is a street-vended food in Burkina Faso. In this study, 15 samples of flamed chicken and 13 samples of braised chicken were analyzed for 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with a high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector. A face-to-face survey [...] Read more.

Charcoal- or wood-cooked chicken is a street-vended food in Burkina Faso. In this study, 15 samples of flamed chicken and 13 samples of braised chicken were analyzed for 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with a high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector. A face-to-face survey was conducted to assess the consumption profiles of 300 men and 300 women. The health risk was assessed based on the margin of exposure (MOE) principle. BaP (14.95–1.75 μg/kg) and 4PAHs (BaP + Chr + BaA + BbF) (78.46–15.14 μg/kg) were eight and five times more abundant at the median level in flamed chickens than in braised ones, respectively. The contents of BaP and 4PAHs in all flamed chicken samples were above the limits set by the European Commission against 23% for both in braised chickens. Women had the highest maximum daily consumption of both braised (39.65 g/day) and flamed chickens (105.06 g/day). At the estimated maximum level of consumption, women were respectively 3.64 (flamed chicken) and 1.62 (braised chicken) times more exposed to BaP and 4PAHs than men. MOE values ranged between 8140 and 9591 for men and between 2232 and 2629 for women at the maximum level of consumption of flamed chickens, indicating a slight potential carcinogenic risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment of POPs)

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20 pages, 4444 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

High-Throughput Screening of Psychotropic Compounds: Impacts on Swimming Behaviours in Artemia franciscana

by Shanelle A. Kohler, Matthew O. Parker and Alex T. Ford

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030064 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4921

Abstract

Animal behaviour is becoming increasingly popular as an endpoint in ecotoxicology due to its increased sensitivity and speed compared to traditional endpoints. However, the widespread use of animal behaviours in environmental risk assessment is currently hindered by a lack of optimisation and standardisation [...] Read more.

Animal behaviour is becoming increasingly popular as an endpoint in ecotoxicology due to its increased sensitivity and speed compared to traditional endpoints. However, the widespread use of animal behaviours in environmental risk assessment is currently hindered by a lack of optimisation and standardisation of behavioural assays for model species. In this study, assays to assess swimming speed were developed for a model crustacean species, the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana. Preliminary works were performed to determine optimal arena size for this species, and weather lux used in the experiments had an impact on the animals phototactic response. Swimming speed was significantly lower in the smallest arena, whilst no difference was observed between the two larger arenas, suggesting that the small arena was limiting swimming ability. No significant difference was observed in attraction to light between high and low light intensities. Arena size had a significant impact on phototaxis behaviours. Large arenas resulted in animals spending more time in the light side of the arena compared to medium and small, irrespective of light intensity. The swimming speed assay was then used to expose specimens to a range of psychotropic compounds with varying modes of action. Results indicate that swimming speed provides a valid measure of the impacts of behaviour modulating compounds on A. franciscana. The psychotropic compounds tested varied in their impacts on animal behaviour. Fluoxetine resulted in increased swimming speed as has been found in other crustacean species, whilst oxazepam, venlafaxine and amitriptyline had no significant impacts on the behaviours measured. The results from this study suggest a simple, fast, high throughput assay for A. franciscana and gains insight on the impacts of a range of psychotropic compounds on the swimming behaviours of a model crustacean species used in ecotoxicology studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Impairment in Aquatic Organisms Exposed to Neurotoxic Pollutants)

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18 pages, 1803 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In-Vitro and In-Silico Assessment of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Binding to Human Serum Albumin

by Wenting Li, Yuhong Hu and Heather N. Bischel

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030063 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5803 | Correction

Abstract

Drinking water contaminated by fluorosurfactant-based aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) is a source of human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, assessment of bioaccumulation potentials of diverse PFAS in commercial products such as AFFF have been insufficient and challenging, especially due to [...] Read more.

Drinking water contaminated by fluorosurfactant-based aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) is a source of human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, assessment of bioaccumulation potentials of diverse PFAS in commercial products such as AFFF have been insufficient and challenging, especially due to a lack of analytical standards. Here we explore the value of suspect screening, equilibrium dialysis, and molecular-docking simulations to identify potentially bioaccumulative PFAS. We exposed human serum albumin (HSA) protein to dilutions of a legacy AFFF produced by 3M in 1999 using equilibrium dialysis and screened in-vitro protein-binding affinities using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Through suspect screening, we identified 32 PFAS and 18 hydrocarbon surfactants in the AFFF that bound to HSA. Quantification of noncovalent association constants for 26 PFAS standards confirmed that many PFAS, including the short-chain perfluoropropane sulfonic acid (log K_a= 4.1 ± 0.2 M⁻¹), exhibit strong binding affinities with HSA. At least five PFAS in AFFF (including three PFAS with less than five perfluorocarbons) remained bound to the precipitated HSA pellet after extensive solvent washing—an indication of high PFAS binding potential. Three PFAS (PFBS, PFOS, and PFOA) were confirmed in the protein pellet with analytical standards and quantified after acid digestion—this sample fraction accounted for 5 to 20% of each compound mass in the sample. We calculated pseudo-bioconcentration factors (BCF_pseudo) for PFAS that suspect screening flagged as noncovalently bound or potentially covalently bound. Most PFAS exhibiting high BCF_pseudo, especially those with seven perfluorocarbons, contained a carboxylic acid or a sulfonic acid. Finally, we used molecular docking to simulate HSA binding affinities for 62 ligands (26 PFAS targets, 18 PFAS qualified in AFFF, and 18 hydrocarbon surfactants qualified in AFFF). We found that molecular docking can effectively separate HSA-binding and -nonbinding compounds in AFFF. In-vitro and in-silico approaches described in this study provide replicable, high-throughput workflows for assessing bioaccumulation potentials of diverse PFAS in commercial products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Fate and Potential Hazards of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS))

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10 pages, 2715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Skin Sensitization Evaluation of Carbon-Based Graphene Nanoplatelets

by Sung-Hyun Kim, So-Hye Hong, Jin Hee Lee, Dong Han Lee, Kikyung Jung, Jun-Young Yang, Hyo-Sook Shin, JeongPyo Lee, Jayoung Jeong and Jae-Ho Oh

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030062 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2685

Abstract

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are one of the major types of carbon based nanomaterials that have different industrial and biomedical applications. There is a risk of exposure to GNP material in individuals involved in their large-scale production and in individuals who use products containing [...] Read more.

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are one of the major types of carbon based nanomaterials that have different industrial and biomedical applications. There is a risk of exposure to GNP material in individuals involved in their large-scale production and in individuals who use products containing GNPs. Determining the exact toxicity of GNP nanomaterials is a very important agenda. This research aimed to evaluate the skin sensitization potentials induced by GNPs using two types of alternative to animal testing. We analyzed the physicochemical characteristics of the test material by selecting a graphene nanomaterial with a nano-size on one side. Thereafter, we evaluated the skin sensitization effect using an in vitro and an in vivo alternative test method, respectively. As a result, we found that GNPs do not induce skin sensitization. In addition, it was observed that the administration of GNPs did not induce cytotoxicity and skin toxicity. This is the first report of skin sensitization as a result of GNPs obtained using alternative test methods. These results suggest that GNP materials do not cause skin sensitization, and these assays may be useful in evaluating the skin sensitization of some nanomaterials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Toxicology)

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17 pages, 2368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Whole-Body Acute Contact Toxicity of Formulated Insecticide Mixtures to Blue Orchard Bees (Osmia lignaria)

by Joseph Belsky, David J. Biddinger and Neelendra K. Joshi

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030061 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5836

Abstract

Blue orchard bees, [Osmia lignaria (Say) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)], have been developed as an important pollinator for orchard crops in North America over the last 40 years. The toxicity of several pesticides to O. lignaria and other Osmia species has been previously reported. [...] Read more.

Blue orchard bees, [Osmia lignaria (Say) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)], have been developed as an important pollinator for orchard crops in North America over the last 40 years. The toxicity of several pesticides to O. lignaria and other Osmia species has been previously reported. However, the field-realistic toxicity of formulated premix insecticides comprised of multiple active ingredients (each with a different mode of action) to O. lignaria has not been assessed. Here, we use a customized spray tower in a laboratory setting to assess adult male and female whole-body direct contact exposure to four formulated pesticide mixtures: thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin (TLC), imidacloprid + beta-cyfluthrin (IBC), chlorantraniliprole + lambda-cyhalothrin (CLC) and methoxyfenozide + spinetoram (MS) by directly spraying anesthetized bees in Petri dishes. Separately, adult male and female whole-body direct contact exposure to formulated imidacloprid (I), beta-cyfluthrin (BC) and their 1:1 binary combination (IBC) was assessed using the same experimental method. Resulting mortality in each study was screened up to 96 h post-treatment to determine acute whole-body contact toxicity. In the first study, TLC and IBC resulted in statistically higher mortality at 24 and 48 h than the two other insecticide combinations tested. The CLC and MS combinations were slower acting and the highest mortality for O. lignaria exposed to these mixtures was recorded at 96 h. We did observe significant differences in toxicity between CLC and MS. In the second study, exposure to the 1:1 binary combination of IBC caused overall significantly higher mortality than exposure to I or BC alone. Both active ingredients alone, however, demonstrated equivalent levels of mortality to the 1:1 binary combination treatment at the 96 h observation reading, indicating increased speed of kill, but not necessarily increased toxicity. Significant differences in the onset of mortality following acute contact whole-body exposure to the formulated insecticide mixtures and individual active ingredients tested were consistently observed across all experiments in both studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wildlife Toxicology: An Update on Contaminant Exposure and Effects)

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14 pages, 2384 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Toolbox for the Determination of Nitroaromatic Explosives in Marine Water, Sediment, and Biota Samples on Femtogram Levels by GC-MS/MS

by Tobias Hartwig Bünning, Jennifer Susanne Strehse, Ann Christin Hollmann, Tom Bötticher and Edmund Maser

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030060 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3947

Abstract

To determine the amount of the explosives 1,3-dinitrobenzene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, and its metabolites in marine samples, a toolbox of methods was developed to enhance sample preparation and analysis of various types of marine samples, such as water, sediment, and different kinds of biota. [...] Read more.

To determine the amount of the explosives 1,3-dinitrobenzene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, and its metabolites in marine samples, a toolbox of methods was developed to enhance sample preparation and analysis of various types of marine samples, such as water, sediment, and different kinds of biota. To achieve this, established methods were adapted, improved, and combined. As a result, if explosive concentrations in sediment or mussel samples are greater than 10 ng per g, direct extraction allows for time-saving sample preparation; if concentrations are below 10 ng per g, techniques such as freeze-drying, ultrasonic, and solid-phase extraction can help to detect even picogram amounts. Two different GC-MS/MS methods were developed to enable the detection of these explosives in femtogram per microliter. With a splitless injector, limits of detection (LODs) between 77 and 333 fg/µL could be achieved in only 6.25 min. With the 5 µL programmable temperature vaporization—large volume method (PTV-LVI), LODs between 8 and 47 fg/µL could be achieved in less than 7 min. The detection limits achieved by these methods are among the lowest published to date. Their reliability has been tested and confirmed by measuring large and diverse sample sets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New and Novel Analytical Approaches to Measurement of Emerging Environmental Contaminants)

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17 pages, 3941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel QSAR Models for Molecular Initiating Event Modeling in Two Intersecting Adverse Outcome Pathways Based Pulmonary Fibrosis Prediction for Biocidal Mixtures

by Myungwon Seo, Chong Hak Chae, Yuno Lee, Ha Ryong Kim and Jongwoon Kim

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030059 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5948

Abstract

The adverse outcome pathway (AOP) was introduced as an alternative method to avoid unnecessary animal tests. Under the AOP framework, an in silico methods, molecular initiating event (MIE) modeling is used based on the ligand-receptor interaction. Recently, the intersecting AOPs (AOP 347), including [...] Read more.

The adverse outcome pathway (AOP) was introduced as an alternative method to avoid unnecessary animal tests. Under the AOP framework, an in silico methods, molecular initiating event (MIE) modeling is used based on the ligand-receptor interaction. Recently, the intersecting AOPs (AOP 347), including two MIEs, namely peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), associated with pulmonary fibrosis was proposed. Based on the AOP 347, this study developed two novel quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for the two MIEs. The prediction performances of different MIE modeling methods (e.g., molecular dynamics, pharmacophore model, and QSAR) were compared and validated with in vitro test data. Results showed that the QSAR method had high accuracy compared with other modeling methods, and the QSAR method is suitable for the MIE modeling in the AOP 347. Therefore, the two QSAR models based on the AOP 347 can be powerful models to screen biocidal mixture related to pulmonary fibrosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Exposome Analysis and Risk Assessment)

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13 pages, 2427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deriving Soil Quality Criteria of Chromium Based on Species Sensitivity Distribution Methodology

by Yuxia Liu, Qixing Zhou, Yi Wang, Siwen Cheng and Weiduo Hao

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030058 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2296

Abstract

Chromium (Cr) is one of the most severe heavy metal contaminants in soil, and it seriously threatens ecosystems and human health through the food chain. It is fundamental to collect toxicity data of Cr before developing soil quality criteria/standards in order to efficiently [...] Read more.

Chromium (Cr) is one of the most severe heavy metal contaminants in soil, and it seriously threatens ecosystems and human health through the food chain. It is fundamental to collect toxicity data of Cr before developing soil quality criteria/standards in order to efficiently prevent health risks. In this work, the short-term toxic effects of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) on the root growth of eleven terrestrial plants were investigated. The corresponding fifth percentile hazardous concentrations (HC₅) by the best fitting species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curves based on the tenth percentile effect concentrations (EC₁₀) were determined to be 0.60 and 4.51 mg/kg for Cr (VI) and Cr (III), respectively. Compared to the screening level values worldwide, the HC₅ values in this study were higher for Cr(VI) and lower for Cr(III) to some extent. The results provide useful toxicity data for deriving national or local soil quality criteria for trivalent and hexavalent Cr. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Biological Monitoring: Analytical Methods and Assessment)

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13 pages, 1895 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Direct and Indirect Neurotoxic Potential of Metal/Metalloids in Plants and Fungi Used for Food, Dietary Supplements, and Herbal Medicine

by Peter S. Spencer and Valerie S. Palmer

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030057 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3154

Abstract

Plants and mushrooms bioconcentrate metals/metalloids from soil and water such that high levels of potentially neurotoxic elements can occur in cultivated and wild species used for food. While the health effects of excessive exposure to metals/metalloids with neurotoxic potential are well established, overt [...] Read more.

Plants and mushrooms bioconcentrate metals/metalloids from soil and water such that high levels of potentially neurotoxic elements can occur in cultivated and wild species used for food. While the health effects of excessive exposure to metals/metalloids with neurotoxic potential are well established, overt neurological disease from prolonged ingestion of contaminated botanicals has not been recognized. However, the presence of metal elements may affect levels of botanical neurotoxins in certain plants and mushrooms that are established causes of acute and chronic neurological disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurotoxicity of Environmental Metal Toxicants)

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11 pages, 1014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vulnerability and Burden of All-Cause Mortality Associated with Particulate Air Pollution during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Observed Study in Italy

by Tingting Ye, Rongbin Xu, Wenhua Yu, Zhaoyue Chen, Yuming Guo and Shanshan Li

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030056 - 15 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3361

Abstract

Background: Limited evidence is available on the health effects of particulate matter (PM including PM_2.5 with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm; PM₁₀, ≤ 10 μm; PM_2.5–10, 2.5–10 μm) during the pandemic of COVID-19 in Italy. The aims [...] Read more.

Background: Limited evidence is available on the health effects of particulate matter (PM including PM_2.5 with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm; PM₁₀, ≤ 10 μm; PM_2.5–10, 2.5–10 μm) during the pandemic of COVID-19 in Italy. The aims of the study were to examine the associations between all-cause mortality and PM in the pandemic period and compare them to the normal periods (2015–2019). Methods: We collected daily data regarding all-cause mortality (stratified by age and gender), and PM concentrations for 107 Italian provinces from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2020. A time-stratified case-cross design with the distributed lag non-linear model was used to examine the association between PM and all-cause mortality. We also compared the counts and fractions of death attributable to PM in two periods. Results: Italy saw an increase in daily death counts while slight decreases in PM concentrations in pandemic period. Each 10 µg/m³ increase in PM was associated with much higher increase in daily all-cause mortality during the pandemic period compared to the same months during 2015–2019 (increased mortality rate: 7.24% (95%CI: 4.84%, 9.70%) versus 1.69% (95%CI: 1.12%, 2.25%) for PM_2.5; 3.45% (95%CI: 2.58%, 4.34%) versus 1.11% (95%CI: 0.79%, 1.42%) for PM₁₀; 4.25% (95%CI: 2.99%, 5.52%) versus 1.76% (95%CI: 1.14%, 2.38%) for PM_2.5–10). The counts and fractions of deaths attributable to PM were higher in 2020 for PM_2.5 (attributable death counts: 20,062 versus 3927 per year in 2015–2019; attributable fractions: 10.2% versus 2.4%), PM₁₀ (15,112 versus 3999; 7.7% versus 2.5%), and PM_2.5–10 (7193 versus 2303; 3.7% versus 1.4%). Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic increased the vulnerability and excess cases of all-cause mortality associated with short-term exposure to PM_2.5, PM_2.5–10, and PM₁₀ in Italy, despite a decline in air pollution level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Toxicology and Epidemiology)

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15 pages, 5723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dimethyl Sulfoxide: Morphological, Histological, and Molecular View on Developing Chicken Liver

by Lenka Luptakova, Simona Dvorcakova, Zuzana Demcisakova, Lassaad Belbahri, Katarina Holovska and Eva Petrovova

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030055 - 12 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2654

Abstract

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used as a solvent for small hydrophobic drug molecules. However, the safe volume allowing to avoid its embryotoxic effect has been poorly studied. In this study, we documented the effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the developing chicken [...] Read more.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used as a solvent for small hydrophobic drug molecules. However, the safe volume allowing to avoid its embryotoxic effect has been poorly studied. In this study, we documented the effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the developing chicken embryo at morphological, histological, and molecular levels. We focused on the developing chicken liver as the main organ involved in the process of detoxification. In our study, 100% DMSO was administered subgerminally onto the eggshell membrane (membrana papyracea) at various volumes (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 50 µL) on 4th embryonic day (ED). We focused on histopathological alterations of the liver structure, and noticed the overall impact of DMSO on developing chicken embryos (embryotoxicity, malformation). At the molecular level, we studied cytochrome P450 complex (CYP) isoform’s activities in relation to changes of CYP1A5, CYP3A37, and CYP3A80 gene expression. Total embryotoxicity after application of different doses of DMSO on ED 4, and the embryo lethality increased with increasing DMSO amounts. Overall mortality after DMSO administration ranged below 33%. Mortality was increased with higher amounts of DMSO, mainly from 20 µL. The highest mortality was observed for the highest dose of DMSO over 35 µL. The results also showed a decrease in body weight with increased application volumes of DMSO. At the histological level, we observed mainly the presence of lipid droplets and dilated bile canaliculi and sinusoids in samples over the administration of 25 µL of DMSO. While these findings were not statistically significant, DMSO treatment caused a significant different up-regulation of mRNA expression in all studied genes. For CYP1A5, CYP3A37, and CYP3A80 DMSO volumes needed were 15 µL, 10 µL, and 20 µL, respectively. A significant down-regulation of all studied CYP isoform was detected after application of a DMSO dose of 5 µL. Regarding the morphological results, we can assume that the highest safe dose of DMSO without affecting chicken embryo development and its liver is up to 10 µL. This conclusion is corroborated with the presence of number of malformations and body weight reduction, which correlates with histological findings. Moreover, the gene expression results showed that even the lowest administered DMSO volume could affect hepatocytes at the molecular level causing down-regulation of cytochrome P450 complex (CYP1A5, CYP3A37, CYP3A80). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Toxicology)

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17 pages, 2517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbial Population Dynamics in Model Sewage Treatment Plants and the Fate and Effect of Gold Nanoparticles

by Karsten Schlich, Cecilia Díaz, Benjamin Gomez Pizarro, Burkhard Knopf, Ruben Schlinkert, Franziska Frederike Wege, Anne Jurack and Kerstin Hund-Rinke

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030054 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2336

Abstract

Adequate functioning of a sewage treatment plant (STP) is essential to protect the downstream aquatic environment (ECHA 2017), and information on the degradability of chemicals and their toxicity to activated sludge microorganisms is required. An environmental realistic higher tier test is a STP [...] Read more.

Adequate functioning of a sewage treatment plant (STP) is essential to protect the downstream aquatic environment (ECHA 2017), and information on the degradability of chemicals and their toxicity to activated sludge microorganisms is required. An environmental realistic higher tier test is a STP simulation test as described in OECD 303A (2001) which for nanoparticles can also be used to study their sorption behavior to activated sludge. However, information is limited on the influence of synthetic sewage on the microbial community of the activated sludge. A modified community can result in modifications of the sludge floccules affecting the sorption behavior. The main objective of our study was to show whether a representative microbial diversity remains under standardized test conditions as described in OECD 303A (2001) using synthetic sewage as influent. Furthermore, we investigated whether just considering the functional properties of a STP (elimination of dissolved organic carbon; nitrification), is sufficient for an assessment of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) or whether the influence on microbial diversity also needs to be considered. AuNPs were used as a case study due to their rising medical applications and therefore increasing probability to reach the sewer and STP. The results can provide significant input for the interpretation of results from the regulatory point of view. To deliver these objectives, the general changes of the microbial population in activated sludge and its influence on the degradation activity (dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and inorganic nitrogen) using freshly collected sludge from the municipal STP in an artificial test system as a model STP in accordance with OECD 303A (2001) were assessed. Additionally, we evaluated the potential impact of AuNPs and its dispersant on the microbial composition and the overall impact on the function of the STP in terms of DOC degradation and nitrogen removal to observe if an assessment based on functional properties is sufficient. The bacteria composition in our study, evaluated at a class level, revealed commonly described environmental bacteria. Proteobacteria (β, α, δ) accounted for more than 50% but also nitrifying bacteria as Nitrospira were present. Our results show that mainly within the first 7 days of an acclimatization phase by addition of synthetic sewage, the bacterial community changed. Even though AuNPs can have antibacterial properties, no adverse effects on the function and structure of the microorganisms in the STP could be detected at concentrations of increased modeled PEC values by a factor of about 10,000. Complementary to other metallic nanomaterials, gold nanomaterials also sorb to a large extent to the activated sludge. If activated sludge is used as fertilizer on agricultural land, gold nanoparticles can be introduced into soils. In this case, the effect on soil (micro)organisms must be investigated more closely, also taking into account the structural diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fate and Impacts of Nanomaterials in Waste Water Treatment Plants and Effluents)

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12 pages, 2345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contamination Assessment of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soil, in the Liwa Area (UAE)

by Ahmed A. Al-Taani, Yousef Nazzal, Fares M. Howari, Jibran Iqbal, Nadine Bou Orm, Cijo Madathil Xavier, Alina Bărbulescu, Manish Sharma and Cristian-Stefan Dumitriu

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030053 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 6004

Abstract

The Liwa area is a primary food production area in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and has intensively been used for agriculture. This study investigates the pollution levels with heavy metals in agricultural soils from the Liwa area. Thirty-two soil samples were analyzed [...] Read more.

The Liwa area is a primary food production area in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and has intensively been used for agriculture. This study investigates the pollution levels with heavy metals in agricultural soils from the Liwa area. Thirty-two soil samples were analyzed for Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, Co, and As. Results revealed that heavy metal levels varied in the ranges 220.02–311.21, 42.39–66.92, 43.43–71.55, 32.86–52.12, 10.29–21.70, 2.83–8.84, 0.46–0.69, 0.03–0.37 mg/kg for Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, Co, and As, respectively. All samples presented low As concentrations with an average of 0.01 mg/kg. The variations in bulk metal contents in the soil samples were related to multiple sources, including agrochemicals, atmospheric dust containing heavy metals, and traffic-related metals. Enrichment factor analysis indicates that Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cr were highly enriched in soils, and they could originate from non-crustal sources. Based on the geo-accumulation index (I_geo), the soil samples appeared uncontaminated with Mn, Cr, Zn, Pb, Co, As, Cu, uncontaminated to moderately contaminated with Ni and moderately contaminated with Cd. The contamination factors suggest low contamination, except for Ni, which showed moderate contamination. The average pollution load index (PLI) revealed unpolluted to low pollution of all soil samples. The ecological risk assessment (PERI) showed that all heavy metals posed a low risk, except for Cd which exhibited a high ecological risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Statistical Assessment, Modeling, and Mitigation of Water and Soil Pollution)

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14 pages, 641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Sectional Associations of Smoking and E-cigarette Use with Self-Reported Diagnosed Hypertension: Findings from Wave 3 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study

by Connor R. Miller, Hangchuan Shi, Dongmei Li and Maciej L. Goniewicz

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030052 - 9 Mar 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4394

Abstract

Following their introduction a decade ago, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have grown in popularity. Given their novelty, knowledge of the health consequences of e-cigarette use remains limited. Epidemiologic studies have not comprehensively explored associations between e-cigarette use and hypertension, a highly prevalent health condition [...] Read more.

Following their introduction a decade ago, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have grown in popularity. Given their novelty, knowledge of the health consequences of e-cigarette use remains limited. Epidemiologic studies have not comprehensively explored associations between e-cigarette use and hypertension, a highly prevalent health condition and major contributor to cardiovascular disease burden. In this study, cross-sectional associations of cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use (vaping) with self-reported diagnosed hypertension were evaluated among 19,147 18–55 year old respondents in Wave 3 (2015–2016) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. Multivariable analyses first modeled smoking and vaping as separate 2-category variables, then as a 6-category composite variable accounting for former smoking. After adjusting for potential confounders, current vaping (aOR = 1.31; 95%CI: 1.05–1.63) and current smoking (aOR = 1.27; 95%CI: 1.10–1.47) were both associated with higher odds of hypertension. In analyses modeling smoking and vaping compositely, respondents who were concurrently smoking and vaping had the highest odds of hypertension (aOR = 1.77; 95%CI: 1.32–2.39 [referent: never smokers]). These results differ somewhat from prior epidemiologic studies of vaping and respiratory outcomes, which consistently report smaller point estimates for current vaping than for current smoking. Our findings reinforce the uncertainty surrounding long-term health consequences of vaping, as well as highlight important distinctions between respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes when considering the harm reduction potential of e-cigarettes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advantages and Disadvantages of Electronic Cigarettes)

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11 pages, 343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gossypol Exhibited Higher Detrimental Effect on Ruminal Fermentation Characteristics of Low-Forage in Comparison with High-Forage Mixed Feeds

by Wei-Kang Wang, Yan-Lu Wang, Wen-Juan Li, Qi-Chao Wu, Sheng-Li Li and Hong-Jian Yang

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030051 - 8 Mar 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2131

Abstract

Gossypol is a key anti-nutritional factor which limits the feeding application of cottonseed by-products in animal production. A 2 × 4 factorial in vitro experiment was conducted to determine the effect of gossypol addition levels of 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mg/g on [...] Read more.

Gossypol is a key anti-nutritional factor which limits the feeding application of cottonseed by-products in animal production. A 2 × 4 factorial in vitro experiment was conducted to determine the effect of gossypol addition levels of 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mg/g on ruminal fermentation of a high-forage feed (HF, Chinese wildrye hay/corn meal = 3:2) in comparison with a low-forage feed (LF, Chinese wildrye hay/corn meal = 2:3). After 48 h of incubation, in vitro dry matter disappearance was greater in the LF than the HF group, while the cumulative gas production and asymptotic gas production were greater in the HF than the LF group (p < 0.05). Regardless of whatever ration type was incubated, the increasing gossypol addition did not alter in vitro dry matter disappearance. The asymptotic gas production, cumulative gas production, molar percentage of CO₂ and H₂ in fermentation gases, and microbial protein in cultural fluids decreased with the increase in the gossypol addition. Conversely, the gossypol addition increased the molar percentage of CH₄, ammonia N, and total volatile fatty acid production. More than 95% of the gossypol addition disappeared after 48 h of in vitro incubation. Regardless of whatever ration type was incubated, the real-time PCR analysis showed that the gossypol addition decreased the populations of Fibrobactersuccinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Prevotella ruminicola, Selenomonas ruminantium, and fungi but increased Ruminococcus flavefaciens, protozoa, and total bacteria in culture fluids in comparison with the control (p < 0.01). Additionally, the tendency of a smaller population was observed for R. albus, B. fibrisolvens, and fungi with greater inclusion of gossypol, but a greater population was observed for F. succinogenes, R. flavefaciens, S. ruminantium, protozoa, and total bacteria. In summary, the present results suggest that rumen microorganisms indeed presented a high ability to degrade gossypol, but there was an obvious detrimental effect of the gossypol addition on rumen fermentation by decreasing microbial activity when the gossypol inclusion exceeded 0.5 mg/g, and such inhibitory effect was more pronounced in the low-forage than the high-forage group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Toxicology)

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16 pages, 2942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of 9-OH- and 7,8-diol-benzo[a]pyrene in Blood as Potent Markers of Cognitive Impairment Related to benzo[a]pyrene Exposure: An Animal Model Study

by Lynda Saber Cherif, Lei Cao-Lei, Sophie Farinelle, Claude P. Muller, Jonathan D. Turner, Henri Schroeder and Nathalie Grova

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030050 - 8 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3032

Abstract

The potent neurotoxicity of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) has been suggested to be a susceptibility factor accelerating the onset of brain tumours and the emergence of neurobehavioural disturbances. B[a]P has been shown to be neurotoxic, acting directly on both the central and peripheral nervous systems, [...] Read more.

The potent neurotoxicity of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) has been suggested to be a susceptibility factor accelerating the onset of brain tumours and the emergence of neurobehavioural disturbances. B[a]P has been shown to be neurotoxic, acting directly on both the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as indirectly via peripheral organs like liver and gut. By using a realistic B[a]P exposure scenario (0.02–200 mg/kg/day, 10 days) in mice, we elucidated brain-specific B[a]P metabolism and at identified hydroxylated B[a]P metabolites in serum which could be used as markers of cognitive impairment. Repeated oral administration of B[a]P led to, at the doses of 20 and 200 mg/kg/day, significant overexpression of Cyp1a1/Cyp1b1 in 2 out of the 3 brain regions considered, thereby suggesting the ability of the brain to metabolize B[a]P itself. At the same doses, mice exhibited a reduction in anxiety in both the elevated plus maze and the hole board apparatus. Concomitantly, B[a]P triggered dose-dependent changes in Nmda subunit expression (Nr1 and Nr2a/Nr2b) in areas involved in cognition. We detected 9-OH-B[a]P and 7,8-diol-B[a]P in serum at the level for which cognitive impairment was observed. We suggest that these metabolites may, in the future be exploited as potent biomarkers of B[a]P-induced cognitive impairments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomonitoring of Human Exposure: From Individual to Group Exposure Assessment)

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8 pages, 2703 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

2,2-Bis(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-1-Propanol—A Persistent Product of Bisphenol A Bio-Oxidation in Fortified Environmental Water, as Identified by HPLC/UV/ESI-MS

by Małgorzata Drzewiecka, Monika Beszterda, Magdalena Frańska and Rafał Frański

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030049 - 5 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2779

Abstract

Biodegradation of bisphenol A in the environmental waters (lake, river, and sea) has been studied on the base of fortification of the samples taken and the biodegradation products have been analyzed using HPLC/UV/ESI-MS. Analysis of the characteristic fragmentation patterns of [M-H]⁻ ions [...] Read more.

Biodegradation of bisphenol A in the environmental waters (lake, river, and sea) has been studied on the base of fortification of the samples taken and the biodegradation products have been analyzed using HPLC/UV/ESI-MS. Analysis of the characteristic fragmentation patterns of [M-H]⁻ ions permitted unambiguous identification of the biodegradation products as 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanol or as p-hydroxyacetophenone, depending on the type of surface water source. The formation of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanol was much more common than that of p-hydroxyacetophenone. Moreover, 2,2-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanol has not been further biodegraded, in contrast to the p-hydroxyacetophenone, which was further mineralized. It has been proved, for the first time, that 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanol can be regarded as persistent product of bisphenol A biodegradation in the fortified environmental waters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New and Novel Analytical Approaches to Measurement of Emerging Environmental Contaminants)

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12 pages, 2288 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Transcriptomic and Histopathological Effects of Bifenthrin to the Brain of Juvenile Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

by Jason T. Magnuson, Kara E. Huff Hartz, Corie A. Fulton, Michael J. Lydy and Daniel Schlenk

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030048 - 5 Mar 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3458

Abstract

The increased global use of pyrethroids raises concern for non-target aquatic species. Bifenthrin, among the most predominantly detected pyrethroids in the environment, is frequently measured in water samples above concentrations reported to induce neuroendocrine and neurotoxic effects to several threatened and endangered fish [...] Read more.

The increased global use of pyrethroids raises concern for non-target aquatic species. Bifenthrin, among the most predominantly detected pyrethroids in the environment, is frequently measured in water samples above concentrations reported to induce neuroendocrine and neurotoxic effects to several threatened and endangered fish species, such as the Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. To better characterize the neurotoxic effect of bifenthrin to salmonids, rainbow trout were treated with environmentally relevant concentrations of bifenthrin (15 and 30 ng/L) for two weeks and assessed for changes in transcriptomic profiles and histopathological alterations. The top bioinformatic pathways predicted to be impaired in bifenthrin-exposed trout were involved in gonadotropin releasing hormone signaling, the dysregulation of iron homeostasis, reduced extracellular matrix stability and adhesion, and cell death. Subsequent histopathological analysis showed a significant increase in TUNEL positive cells in the cerebellum and optic tectum of bifenthrin-treated trout, relative to controls (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that low, ng/L concentrations of bifenthrin are capable of dysregulating proper neuroendocrine function, impair the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix and cell signaling pathways in the brain, and induce apoptosis in neurons of juvenile salmonids following bifenthrin treatment, which is consistent with metabolomic profiles demonstrating a common target and mechanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Agrochemicals on Aquatic Ecosystems: Assessing Responses across Biological Scales)

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12 pages, 3847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exposure to Triclosan and Bisphenol Analogues B, F, P, S and Z in Repeated Duplicate-Diet Solid Food Samples of Adults

by Marsha K. Morgan and Matthew S. Clifton

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030047 - 3 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2981

Abstract

Triclosan (TCS) and bisphenol analogues are used in a variety of consumer goods. Few data exist on the temporal exposures of adults to these phenolic compounds in their everyday diets. The objectives were to determine the levels of TCS and five bisphenol analogues [...] Read more.

Triclosan (TCS) and bisphenol analogues are used in a variety of consumer goods. Few data exist on the temporal exposures of adults to these phenolic compounds in their everyday diets. The objectives were to determine the levels of TCS and five bisphenol analogues (BPB, BPF, BPP, BPS, and BPZ) in duplicate-diet solid food (DDSF) samples of adults and to estimate maximum dietary exposures and intake doses per phenol. Fifty adults collected 776 DDSF samples over a six-week monitoring period in North Carolina in 2009–2011. The levels of the target phenols were concurrently quantified in the DDSF samples using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. TCS (59%), BPS (32%), and BPZ (28%) were most often detected in the samples. BPB, BPF, and BPP were all detected in <16% of the samples. In addition, 82% of the total samples contained at least one target phenol. The highest measured concentration of 394 ng/g occurred for TCS in the food samples. The adults’ maximum 24-h dietary intake doses per phenol ranged from 17.5 ng/kg/day (BPB) to 1600 ng/kg/day (TCS). An oral reference dose (300,000 ng/kg/day) is currently available for only TCS, and the adult’s maximum dietary intake dose was well below a level of concern. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental and Biological Monitoring: Analytical Methods and Assessment)

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25 pages, 2056 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Biophysical Linkages between Coastal Forestry Management Practices and Aquatic Bivalve Contaminant Exposure

by Kaegan Scully-Engelmeyer, Elise F. Granek, Max Nielsen-Pincus, Andy Lanier, Steven S. Rumrill, Patrick Moran, Elena Nilsen, Michelle L. Hladik and Lori Pillsbury

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030046 - 2 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5668

Abstract

Terrestrial land use activities present cross-ecosystem threats to riverine and marine species and processes. Specifically, pesticide runoff can disrupt hormonal, reproductive, and developmental processes in aquatic organisms, yet non-point source pollution is difficult to trace and quantify. In Oregon, U.S.A., state and federal [...] Read more.

Terrestrial land use activities present cross-ecosystem threats to riverine and marine species and processes. Specifically, pesticide runoff can disrupt hormonal, reproductive, and developmental processes in aquatic organisms, yet non-point source pollution is difficult to trace and quantify. In Oregon, U.S.A., state and federal forestry pesticide regulations, designed to meet regulatory water quality requirements, differ in buffer size and pesticide applications. We deployed passive water samplers and collected riverine and estuarine bivalves Margaritifera falcata, Mya arenaria, and Crassostrea gigas from Oregon Coast watersheds to examine forestry-specific pesticide contamination. We used non-metric multidimensional scaling and regression to relate concentrations and types of pesticide contamination across watersheds to ownership and management metrics. In bivalve samples collected from eight coastal watersheds, we measured twelve unique pesticides (two herbicides; three fungicides; and seven insecticides). Pesticides were detected in 38% of bivalve samples; and frequency and maximum concentrations varied by season, species, and watershed with indaziflam (herbicide) the only current-use forestry pesticide detected. Using passive water samplers, we measured four current-use herbicides corresponding with planned herbicide applications; hexazinone and atrazine were most frequently detected. Details about types and levels of exposure provide insight into effectiveness of current forest management practices in controlling transport of forest-use pesticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Agrochemicals on Aquatic Ecosystems: Assessing Responses across Biological Scales)

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15 pages, 2822 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Perfluoroalkyl Acid Binding with Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors α, γ, and δ, and Fatty Acid Binding Proteins by Equilibrium Dialysis with a Comparison of Methods

by Manoochehr Khazaee, Emerson Christie, Weixiao Cheng, Mandy Michalsen, Jennifer Field and Carla Ng

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030045 - 26 Feb 2021

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 5616

Abstract

The biological impacts of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are linked to their protein interactions. Existing research has largely focused on serum albumin and liver fatty acid binding protein, and binding affinities determined with a variety of methods show high variability. Moreover, [...] Read more.

The biological impacts of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are linked to their protein interactions. Existing research has largely focused on serum albumin and liver fatty acid binding protein, and binding affinities determined with a variety of methods show high variability. Moreover, few data exist for short-chain PFAS, though their prevalence in the environment is increasing. We used molecular dynamics (MD) to screen PFAS binding to liver and intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (L- and I-FABPs) and peroxisome proliferator activated nuclear receptors (PPAR-α, -δ and -γ) with six perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and three perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs). Equilibrium dissociation constants, K_Ds, were experimentally determined via equilibrium dialysis (EqD) with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for protein-PFAS pairs. A comparison was made between K_Ds derived from EqD, both here and in literature, and other in vitro approaches (e.g., fluorescence) from literature. EqD indicated strong binding between PPAR-δ and perfluorobutanoate (0.044 ± 0.013 µM) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (0.035 ± 0.0020 µM), and between PPAR-α and perfluorohexanoate (0.097 ± 0.070 µM). Unlike binding affinities for L-FABP, which increase with chain length, K_Ds for PPARs showed little chain length dependence by either MD simulation or EqD. Compared with other in vitro approaches, EqD-based K_Ds consistently indicated higher affinity across different proteins. This is the first study to report PPARs binding with short-chain PFAS with K_Ds in the sub-micromolar range. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Fate and Potential Hazards of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS))

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15 pages, 2377 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Polystyrene Nanoplastics Can Alter the Toxicological Effects of Simvastatin on Danio rerio

by Angela Barreto, Joana Santos, Mónica J.B. Amorim and Vera L. Maria

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030044 - 26 Feb 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2884

Abstract

Once in the environment, nanoplastics (NPls) may interact with other contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, potentially acting as carriers and modulating their toxicity. Thus, the main aim of the current study is to investigate how polystyrene (PS) NPls (mean diameter: 60 nm) interact with [...] Read more.

Once in the environment, nanoplastics (NPls) may interact with other contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, potentially acting as carriers and modulating their toxicity. Thus, the main aim of the current study is to investigate how polystyrene (PS) NPls (mean diameter: 60 nm) interact with simvastatin (SIM), an anticholesterolemic drug, and modulate its toxicity to zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. PS NPls were carboxyl group functionalized, to promote the interaction/binding of NPls with SIM (worst-case scenarios) and it was fluorescently dyed, allowing to detect the intake. Exposure was 96 h to 0–150 mg/L NPls or 0–150 µg/L SIM, as well as to dual combinations (NPls 0.015 or 1.5 mg/L and SIM 12.5 or 15 µg/L). PS NPls alone did not exert effects whereas SIM (≥ 12.5 µg/L) significantly delayed the hatching, decreased the heartbeat, induced edemas and mortality. The combination of NPls (1.5 mg/L) and SIM (12.5 or 15 µg/L) had significant effects on the survival of the organisms while the correspondent NPls and SIM single exposures did not have significant effects on this endpoint. Concerning the malformations appearance, SIM alone had similar effects than when in co-exposures (0.015 mg/L NPls plus 12.5 or 15 µg/L SIM). Hatching and heartbeat increased after the co-exposures SIM and NPls comparing with SIM single exposures, showing that 0.015 mg/L NPls plus 12.5 or 15 µg/L SIM did not cause significant effects on these endpoints. This study shows that NPls effects on bioavailability and toxicity of other contaminants cannot be ignored when assessing the environmental behavior and risks of NPls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plastics (Macro-, Micro- and Nano-) as Vectors for Other Environmental Contaminants)

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12 pages, 1726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interaction between Styrofoam and Microalgae Spirulina platensis in Brackish Water System

by Hadiyanto Hadiyanto, Amnan Haris, Fuad Muhammad, Norma Afiati and Adian Khoironi

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030043 - 26 Feb 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3417

Abstract

Styrofoam is a thermoplastic with special characteristics; it is an efficient insulator, is extremely lightweight, absorbs trauma, is bacteria resistant, and is an ideal packaging material, compared to other thermoplastics. The aim of this study was to analyze the interaction between Styrofoam and [...] Read more.

Styrofoam is a thermoplastic with special characteristics; it is an efficient insulator, is extremely lightweight, absorbs trauma, is bacteria resistant, and is an ideal packaging material, compared to other thermoplastics. The aim of this study was to analyze the interaction between Styrofoam and S. platensis. The study examined the growth of S. platensis under Styrofoam stress, changes in Styrofoam functional groups, and their interactions. The research method was culture carried out in brackish water (12 mg/L salinity) for 30 days. S. platensis yields were tested by FTIR and SEM-EDX and Styrofoam samples by FTIR. The results showed the highest growth rate of S. platensis in cultures treated with 150 mg Styrofoam that is 0.0401 day⁻¹. FTIR analysis shows that there has been a change in the functional group on Styrofoam. At a wavelength of 3400–3200 cm⁻¹ corresponds to the alcohol group and there was an open cyclic chain shown by the appearance of a wavelength at 1680–1600 cm⁻¹ assignment to alkene. SEM-EDX test results show that Styrofoam can be a resource of nutrition, especially carbon for S. platensis to photosynthesize. Increased carbon content of 24.56% occurred in culture, meanwhile, Styrofoam is able to damage S. platensis cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Occurrence, Distribution and Effects)

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33 pages, 3847 KiB

Open AccessReview

Heavy Metals and Pesticides Toxicity in Agricultural Soil and Plants: Ecological Risks and Human Health Implications

by Ahmed Alengebawy, Sara Taha Abdelkhalek, Sundas Rana Qureshi and Man-Qun Wang

Toxics 2021, 9(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030042 - 25 Feb 2021

Cited by 989 | Viewed by 63203

Abstract

Environmental problems have always received immense attention from scientists. Toxicants pollution is a critical environmental concern that has posed serious threats to human health and agricultural production. Heavy metals and pesticides are top of the list of environmental toxicants endangering nature. This review [...] Read more.

Environmental problems have always received immense attention from scientists. Toxicants pollution is a critical environmental concern that has posed serious threats to human health and agricultural production. Heavy metals and pesticides are top of the list of environmental toxicants endangering nature. This review focuses on the toxic effect of heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)) and pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides) adversely influencing the agricultural ecosystem (plant and soil) and human health. Furthermore, heavy metals accumulation and pesticide residues in soils and plants have been discussed in detail. In addition, the characteristics of contaminated soil and plant physiological parameters have been reviewed. Moreover, human diseases caused by exposure to heavy metals and pesticides were also reported. The bioaccumulation, mechanism of action, and transmission pathways of both heavy metals and pesticides are emphasized. In addition, the bioavailability in soil and plant uptake of these contaminants has also been considered. Meanwhile, the synergistic and antagonistic interactions between heavy metals and pesticides and their combined toxic effects have been discussed. Previous relevant studies are included to cover all aspects of this review. The information in this review provides deep insights into the understanding of environmental toxicants and their hazardous effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecotoxicology)

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