Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030224
Authors: Murat Huseyin Unsal Gytautas Ignatavičius Arunas Valiulis Nina Prokopciuk Roberta Valskienė Vaidotas Valskys
The main objective of this study is to thoroughly evaluate the diversity and sources of heavy metals in the school environment. Specifically, this study examines the presence of heavy metals in the dust found and collected from 24 schools in Vilnius. Employing hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and positive matrix factorization, we identified combustion-related activities as primary contributors to elevated metal concentrations, notably zinc, scandium, and copper, with PM2.5/PM10 ratios indicating a combustion source. They reveal significant differences in the levels of elements such as arsenic (4.55–69.96 mg/kg), copper (51.28–395.37 mg/kg), zinc, and lead, which are affected by both local environmental factors and human activities. Elevated pollution levels were found in certain school environments, indicating environmental degradation. Pollution assessment and specific element pairings’ strong positive correlations suggested shared origins or deposition processes. While this study primarily assesses non-carcinogenic risks to children based on a health risk assessment model, it acknowledges the well-documented carcinogenic potential of substances such as lead and arsenic. The research emphasizes the immediate necessity for efficient pollution management in educational environments, as indicated by the elevated hazard index for substances such as lead and arsenic, which present non-carcinogenic risks to children. This research offers important insights into the composition and origins of dust pollution in schools. It also promotes the need for broader geographic sampling and prolonged data collection to improve our understanding of pollution sources, alongside advocating for actionable strategies such as environmental management and policy reforms to effectively reduce exposure risks in educational settings. Furthermore, it aims to develop specific strategies to safeguard the health of students in Vilnius and similar urban areas.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030223
Authors: Antonio Medina-Ruiz Juan Jiménez-Millán Isabel Abad Rosario Jiménez-Espinosa
Illite-rich sediments from the Laguna Honda wetland, an eutrophicated hypersaline wetland with waters enriched in Mg and Ca surrounded by olive groves in the Guadalquivir Basin River (South Spain), are polluted by elevated concentrations of gold (up to 21.9 ppm) due to agricultural practices. The highest gold contents appear in the shore sediments of the lake, where up to 20 µm homoaggregates of fused gold nanoparticles (AuNp) are found. Small nanoaggregates of up to six fused gold nanoparticles and very few isolated nanoparticles around 1 nm in size can also be observed to form heteroaggregates of AuNp-mica, especially in the deeper sediments in the central part of the wetland, where Au concentrations are lower (up to 1.89 ppm). The high nanoparticle concentration caused by the inappropriate application of pesticides favors nanoparticle collision in the wetland’s Mg- and Ca-rich waters and the fast coagulation and deposition of Au homoaggregates in the gold-rich shore sediment of the lake. The interaction of gold nanoparticles with the abundant illite particles in the wetland’s hypersaline waters promotes the simultaneous formation of low-density Au-illite heteroaggregates, which are transported and deposited in the less-rich-in-gold sediments of the central part of the lake. The small sizes of the isolated AuNp and AuNp-fused contacts of the aggregates suggest modifications in the original nanoparticles involving dissolution processes. The presence of bacterial communities resistant to heavy metal stress (Luteolibacter and Maricaulis), as well as the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and particularly sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) communities from the shore sediments, favored the high-Eh and low-pH conditions adequate for the destabilization and transport of AuNp.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030222
Authors: Jianyun Sun Chunyan Gui Ya Xiao Runxue Ma Ce Liu Li He Hao Zhao Bin Luo
Background: While mounting evidence suggests a connection between environmental contaminants and sleep problems, it remains uncertain whether exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) specifically is associated with such problems. Methods: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey program’s five survey cycles (2005–2006, 2011–2018) were used to conduct cross-sectional research. Data on short sleep duration (SSD) and self-reported trouble sleeping were collected from questionnaire data. Data on urine VOCs were gathered from laboratory data. The association between urinary VOCs and sleep problems was examined using weighted generalized linear models and the restricted cubic spline (RCS), weighted quantile sum (WQS), and quantile-based g-calculation (QGC) methods. Results: In all, a total of 4131 general adult individuals were included in this study. The prevalence of SSD and self-reported trouble sleeping was 34.11% and 25.03%, respectively. 3,4-MHA, AAMA, AMCC, SBMA, and MA were risk factors for SSD after adjusting several covariates, with the largest effect being AMCC (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.02). Risk factors for sleep issues included AAMA, AMCC, CEMA, CYMA, DGBMA, 2HPMA, 3HPMA, MA, and PGA, with AMCC having the highest impact with an OR of 1.69 (95% CI: 1.28, 2.22). Both the WQS model and the QGC model showed that the co-exposure to VOCs was positively associated with SSD and self-reported trouble sleeping, with AMCC being the most influential VOC. Conclusions: According to our research, high levels of single or mixed urine VOCs are linked to a higher prevalence of SSD and self-reported trouble sleeping in the general adult population of the United States. Further prospective and experimental studies are needed in the future to validate these potential relationships and explore the underlying mechanisms.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030221
Authors: Shizhan Tang Lei Gao Dongli Qin Haitao Wang Li Huang Song Wu Shuyan Bai Ningning Du Yanchun Sun Peng Wang Zhongxiang Chen
Inorganic arsenic is a well-known carcinogen that is much more toxic than its organic counterpart. While much is known about the accumulation and transformation of arsenic in marine organisms, little is known regarding these processes in freshwater aquatic species. In this study, the acute toxicity and toxicological effects of inorganic arsenic on four freshwater organisms (Cyprinus carpio, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, Pseudorasbora parva, Eriocheir sinensis) commonly found in rice-fish farming systems were investigated. The organisms exhibited different levels of sensitivity to inorganic arsenic, with crustaceans being more sensitive than fish. Fish were found to be more tolerant to As(V) than As(III). The study also investigated the accumulation, transformation, and release of inorganic arsenic in crucian carp, an omnivorous species with high environmental tolerance. The fish accumulated As(III) rapidly in various tissues, and were able to transport it to other tissues through gills, intestines, and skin. The accumulated As(III) was converted into less toxic forms, such as monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), via methylation. The fish also converted As(III) into arsenate (AsV) via enzymatic and oxidative reactions. After the transferal to clean water, the forms of arsenic in the various tissues decreased rapidly, but the rates of excretion of the four forms of arsenic were not the same among the different tissues. Our results suggest that crucian carp can reduce the environmental toxicity of As(III) at certain concentrations by transforming it into less toxic forms within their bodies.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030220
Authors: William R. Howard Joyce G. Rohan Kimberly S. B. Yeager Chester P. Gut Kathleen A. Frondorf Shawn M. McInturf Nathan M. Gargas Karen L. Mumy
Recent events concerning jet fuel contamination of drinking water have shown that we need a better understanding of the effects of ingested jet fuel. To this end, a reproductive study with ingested jet fuel in rats was undertaken with relatively high concentrations of Jet Propellant (JP)-5 along with a human estrogen receptor activation in vitro assay using JP-5, JP-8, and an alternative jet fuel derived from the camelina plant referred to as HydroRenewable Jet (HRJ) fuel, to help evaluate potential effects of ingested jet fuel. The results of the in vivo study provide evidence that JP-5 can act as an endocrine disruptor, with specific observations including altered hormone levels with JP-5 exposure (significantly lower estradiol levels in male rats and significantly increased Dehydroepiandrosterone levels in females), and a decreased male/female offspring ratio. The in vitro hormone receptor activation assay indicated that JP-5 and JP-8 are capable of upregulating human estrogen receptor (ER) activity, while HRJ was not active in the ER assay. The jet fuels were not able to activate androgen or glucocorticoid receptors in further in vitro assays. These results infer potential endocrine disruption associated with JP-5, with activation of the estrogen receptor as one potential mechanism of action.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030219
Authors: Tiago Lourenço Eduardo Rocha José Fernando Gonçalves Maria João Rocha Tânia Vieira Madureira
The impacts of hypolipidemic pharmaceuticals on fish lipid metabolism remain unexplored. However, data points to similar effects and mechanisms of action between fish and humans. Therefore, fish may be a strong model for screening hypolipidemic drug candidates and water pollution by lipid-modulating agents. This study aimed to test a new hypolipidemic model assay with juvenile brown trout using atorvastatin (ATV)—a hypolipidemic chemical. We selected 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), known to cause hyperlipidemia in fish, to ensure model functionality. Fish received intramuscular injections of 4 μL/g for two weeks under the following experimental conditions: control—C (0.7% NaCl), solvent control—SC (0.7% NaCl, 0.9% ethanol, 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide), ATV (0.3 μg/g), EE2 (2 μg/g), and a mixture of both compounds—MIX (0.3 μg/g ATV and 2 μg/g EE2). Endpoints included blood lipid biochemistry, hepatic lipid droplet quantification, and liver mRNA expression of lipid-related target genes (related to lipogenesis, lipid transport, and β-oxidation pathways). ATV lowered blood total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels, whilst triglycerides and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) were highest under EE2. Hepatic lipid droplet deposition significantly increased in the ATV, EE2, and MIX groups. ATV and MIX caused a significant downregulation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (pparγ) and acetyl Co-A oxidase 3 (acox3). EE2 upregulated acyl-CoA long-chain synthetase 1 (acsl1) and downregulated both fatty acid binding protein 1 (fabp1) and acetyl Co-A oxidase 1-3I (acox1-3I). ATV caused hypolipidemic effects in juvenile brown trout and could even counteract EE2-stimulated hyperlipidemia, reinforcing the potential of fish hypo- and hyperlipidemic models.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030218
Authors: Darlene Mae D. Ortiz Juyoung Park Handule Lee Kwangsik Park
Pyrethroids, which are derived from natural insecticides found in chrysanthemum flowers, are widely utilized in various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, horticulture, and personal insect protection. Due to their widespread use, concerns have arisen regarding their potential estrogenic effects on female reproductive health. This review aims to address data gaps and inconsistencies in previous studies by defining molecular initiating events and key events within the adverse outcome pathway associated with pyrethroid-induced estrogenic effects. To achieve this, we propose utilizing Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA), which incorporate in vitro assays and in vivo assessments to comprehensively investigate the estrogenic effects of pyrethroids. An initial search was conducted in the PubMed database to identify relevant articles. Subsequently, the findings were classified according to the IATA strategy. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of pyrethroids and their estrogenic effects, identifies data gaps, and highlights the use of IATA in existing studies on the estrogenic effects of various pyrethroids. It emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive research on the estrogenic effects of pyrethroids and highlights the importance of standardized testing methods like IATA to accurately assess their impact on human and environmental health. By promoting the use of Integrated Testing Strategies (ITSs) and addressing data gaps, researchers and regulators can enhance the accuracy of assessments, ensuring better protection of human and environmental health from the potential estrogenic effects of pyrethroid exposure.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030217
Authors: Feng-Ling Huang Li-Tang Qin Ling-Yun Mo Hong-Hu Zeng Yan-Peng Liang
Ampicillin (AMP) and cefazolin (CZO) are commonly used β-lactam antibiotics which are extensively globally produced. Additionally, AMP and CZO are known to have relatively high ecotoxicity. Notably, the mix of AMP and CZO creates a synergistic effect that is more harmful to the environment, and how exposure to AMP-CZO can induce synergism in algae remains virtually unknown. To yield comprehensive mechanistic insights into chemical toxicity, including dose–response relationships and variations in species sensitivity, the integration of multiple endpoints with de novo transcriptomics analyses were used in this study. We employed Selenastrum capricornutum to investigate its toxicological responses to AMP and CZO at various biological levels, with the aim of elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Our assessment of multiple endpoints revealed a significant growth inhibition in response to AMP at the relevant concentrations. This inhibition was associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and perturbations in nitrogen metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and energy metabolism. Growth inhibition in the presence of CZO and the AMP-CZO combination was linked to reduced viability levels, elevated ROS production, decreased total soluble protein content, inhibited photosynthesis, and disruptions in the key signaling pathways related to starch and sucrose metabolism, ribosome function, amino acid biosynthesis, and the production of secondary metabolites. It was concluded from the physiological level that the synergistic effect of Chlorophyll a (Chla) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity strengthened the growth inhibition of S. capricornutum in the AMP-CZO synergistic group. According to the results of transcriptomic analysis, the simultaneous down-regulation of LHCA4, LHCA1, LHCA5, and sodA destroyed the functions of the photosynthetic system and the antioxidant system, respectively. Such information is invaluable for environmental risk assessments. The results provided critical knowledge for a better understanding of the potential ecological impacts of these antibiotics on non-target organisms.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030216
Authors: Pan Yang
In recent decades, the decline in human fertility has emerged as a significant public health concern, garnering global attention [...]
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030215
Authors: Shuai Zhang Ruikang Li Jing Xu Yan Liu Yanjie Zhang
Background: Inhalation exposure to carcinogenic metals such as cadmium (Cd) is a significant global health concern linked to various cancers. However, the precise carcinogenic mechanism underlying inhalation exposure remains elusive. Methods: In this study, CT26 mouse colon cancer (CC) cells were implanted into BALB/c mice to establish CC mouse models. Some of the CC mice were implanted with intestinal stents. The mice were exposed to atomized oxygen and nitrogen (O2/N2) gas containing Cd. Results: Atmospheric Cd intensified inflammation in CC cells and heightened Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) Oxidase 1 (NOX1) activity, which is an indirect measurement of increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. This escalated ROS production triggered abnormal Wnt protein secretion, activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and stimulated CC cell proliferation. No discernible body weight effect was seen in the CC mice, possibly due to the later-stage tumor weight gain, which masked the changes in body weight. Cd facilitated colon tumor restructuring and cell migration at the later stage. The implantation of intestinal stents inhibited the expression of Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1) in the colon tumors of the CC mice, with no evident effects on the expression levels of NOX1, SOD2, and Catalase (CAT) enzymes. Elevated ROS levels, indirectly reflected by enzyme activity, did not substantially impact the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and even contributed to slowing its imbalance. Stent implantation eased the inflammation occurring in colon tumors by reducing CC cell proliferation but it induced discomfort in the mice, leading to a reduction in food intake and weight. Conclusions: Cd partially fosters CC tumorigenesis via the ROS-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The effect of Cd on the invasive effect of intestinal stents in the cancerous colon is not significant.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030214
Authors: Yaru Tian Miao Xu Hailin Shang Lijuan You Jing Yang Xudong Jia Hui Yang Yongning Wu Xingfen Yang Yi Wan
Phthalic acid esters (PAEs), commonly used as plasticizers, are pervasive in the environment, leading to widespread human exposure. The association between phthalate exposure and metabolic disorders has been increasingly recognized, yet the precise biological mechanisms are not well-defined. In this study, we explored the effects of monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) and monocyclohexyl phthalate (MCHP) on glucose and lipid metabolism in human hepatocytes and adipocytes. In hepatocytes, MEHP and MCHP were observed to enhance lipid uptake and accumulation in a dose-responsive manner, along with upregulating genes involved in lipid biosynthesis. Transcriptomic analysis indicated a broader impact of MEHP on hepatic gene expression relative to MCHP, but MCHP particularly promoted the expression of the gluconeogenesis key enzymes G6PC and FBP1. In adipocytes, MEHP and MCHP both increased lipid droplet formation, mimicking the effects of the Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist rosiglitazone (Rosi). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that MEHP predominantly altered fatty acid metabolism pathways in mature adipocytes (MA), whereas MCHP exhibited less impact. Metabolic perturbations from MEHP and MCHP demonstrate shared activation of the PPARs pathway in hepatocytes and adipocytes, but the cell-type discrepancy might be attributed to the differential expression of PPARγ. Our results indicate that MEHP and MCHP disrupt glucose and lipid homeostasis in human liver and adipose through mechanisms that involve the PPAR and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways, highlighting the nuanced cellular responses to these environmental contaminants.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030213
Authors: Ahmet Çelebi Bülent Şengörür Ali Torabi Haghighi Ali Danandeh Mehr
The accumulation of pollutants in the sediment along surface water may negatively affect riparian zones and increase ecological risk. This article investigates the effects of metal sediments on riparian soil via field monitoring and ICP-OES analysis. To this end, pollution levels, seasonal changes, and potential sources of the pollutants were determined for the Melen River watershed, Turkey. The ecological statuses (contamination factor, enrichment factor, index of geo-accumulation, pollution index, modified pollution index, and potential and modified ecological risk indexes) of the watershed were also analyzed. Although no significant seasonal differences in the metal sediments were observed, their spatial distribution in the sediments and riparian soils varied markedly. Cr (11.4 to 136), Co (7.7 to 21.52), Cu (11.4 to 76.6), and Ni (14.06 to 128.2) recorded as mg/kg significantly increased from the upstream to the downstream. The metals possessing the highest risk in the sediment and riparian soil regarding the river health were Cu, Co, and Ni. The risk values were found to be heavily polluted (PI > 3 and MPI > 10), and the risk indexes were above the “desired environment without the risk”. The risk index was found to be more than 50, and the modified risk indexes exceeded 200 at many points. The transportation of pollutants in surface water became evident in the sediment, resulting in adverse effects on the riparian zone and the ecological system.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030212
Authors: Bruno H. Rebouças Gabriel T. Kubota Rogério A. A. Oliveira Bruna D. Pinto Roberta M. Cardoso Ana C. S. Vasconcellos Paulo C. Basta
Widespread contamination of the Amazon basin with mercury has been reported to occur since at least the mid-80s due to heavy gold mining activity. Although initial studies have indicated that this may lead to deleterious neurological consequences to the indigenous populations living in the region, further research is needed to better characterize the neurological burden of such long-term exposure. With this aim, a cross-sectional exploratory study has been conducted with the Yanomami indigenous population residing in a northern Amazon region. All participants underwent a structured interview; detailed neurological examination, including assessment for cognitive, motor, coordination, and sensory functions; and laboratorial testing for serum hemoglobin, blood glucose, and methylmercury levels in hair samples. This study enrolled 154 individuals of 30.9 ± 16.8 years of age, of which 56.1% were female. Mean methylmercury levels in hair were 3.9 ± 1.7 µg/g. Methylmercury levels in hair > 6.0 µg/g were found in 10.3%. Among participants with hair methylmercury levels ≥ 6.0 μg/g, the prevalences of peripheral neuropathy and reduced cognitive performance were, respectively, 78.8% (95%CI 15–177%, p = 0.010) and 95.9% (95%CI 16–230.8%, p = 0.012) higher than those of individuals with lower levels. These results suggest that chronic mercury exposure may lead to significant and potentially irreversible neurotoxicity to Yanomami population living in the northern Amazon basin.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030211
Authors: Patrícia Pereira Joana Luísa Pereira Ana Marques Carlos Marques Fátima Brandão Rute Cesário Silja Frankenbach João Serôdio Fernando J. M. Gonçalves João Canário Mário Pacheco
The saltmarsh plant Halimione portulacoides was shortly exposed to realistic levels of inorganic mercury (iHg) with the aim of investigating the adaptative processes of the roots and leaves regarding redox homeostasis, physiology, and Hg accumulation. Plants were collected at a contaminated (CONT) and a reference (REF) site to address the interference of contamination backgrounds. The influence of major abiotic variables (i.e., temperature and light) was also examined. Total Hg levels, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and photosynthetic activity were analyzed after 2 and 4 h of exposure. A poor accumulation of Hg in the roots was noticed, and no translocation to the stems and leaves was found, but plants from the CONT site seemed more prone to iHg uptake (in winter). Despite this, antioxidant modulation in the roots and leaves was found, disclosing, in winter, higher thresholds for the induction of enzymatic antioxidants in CONT leaves compared to REF plants, denoting that the former are better prepared to cope with iHg redox pressure. Consistently, CONT leaves exposed to iHg had remarkably lower LPO levels. Exposure did not impair photosynthetic activity, pinpointing H. portulacoides’ ability to cope with iHg toxicity under very-short-term exposure. Biochemical changes were noticed before enhancements in accumulation, reinforcing the relevance of these responses in precociously signaling iHg toxicity.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030210
Authors: Pongsiri Julapong Palot Srichonphaisarn Thidarat Meekoch Carlito Baltazar Tabelin Onchanok Juntarasakul Theerayut Phengsaart
The use of washing machines to wash textiles gradually breaks down synthetic fibers like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyester (PES) in diverse clothing materials, a process that is growing in notoriety because it generates microplastics (MPs). In this study, we investigated the emission of microfibers, including both microplastic fibers (MPFs) and natural fibers (MFs), from top-loading washing machines. Our investigation focused on four popular textiles with prevalent weave structures (plain, satin, and twill): (i) PES, (ii) tetron cotton (TC), (iii) chief value cotton (CVC), and (iv) cotton (CO) fabrics. This study also examined the effects of textile weight and detergent dosage on MF emissions. After washing, MFs were collected through filtration, and their concentrations were determined using micro-Fourier Transform Interferometry (μFTIR). The results showed varying concentrations of MFs in the washing effluent depending on the type of textile. Specifically, CVC exhibited the highest emission at 4022 particles/L, followed by TC, PES, and CO at 2844 particles/L, 2382 particles/L, and 2279 particles/L, respectively. The hydrophobic nature of PES makes this type of textile prone to rapid degradation in detergent-rich environments, leading to high MF emissions. Additionally, the mechanical properties of textiles, such as tensile and bending strengths, may play a crucial role in the generation of MFs in washing machines. Textiles made of CO with twill weaves demonstrated superior strength and correlated with lower emissions of MFs. In comparison, textiles made of CVC and satin weave exhibited lower mechanical properties, which could explain their high emissions of MFs. Finally, the MF emissions of textiles composed of PES and TC, which are plain weaved, could be attributed to their intermediate mechanical properties compared with those of CVC and CO.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030209
Authors: Zhuo Han Chao Zhao Yuhua Li Meng Xiao Yuewei Yang Yizhuo Zhao Chunyu Liu Juan Liu Penghui Li
The effects of air pollution on physical health are well recognized, with many studies revealing air pollution’s effects on vision disorder, yet no relationship has been established. Therefore, a meta-analysis was carried out in this study to investigate the connection between vision disorder and ambient particles (diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5), diameter ≤ 10 µm (PM10)) and gaseous pollutants (nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3)). Twelve relevant studies published by 26 February 2024 were identified in three databases. A pooled odds ratios (ORs) of 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using random-effects meta-analysis models. Meta-analysis results revealed that for every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and NO2 exposure, a substantially higher incidence of vision disorder was observed (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.19; OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.16). No significant correlation existed between exposure to PM10, SO2 and CO and vision disorder. However, O3 exposure was negatively associated with vision disorder. In addition, subgroup analyses revealed that PM2.5 exposure was significantly correlated with the risk of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration and that children and adolescents were more susceptible to NO2 and PM2.5 than adults. Overall, exposure to air pollutants, especially PM2.5 and NO2, may increase the incidence of vision disorder.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030208
Authors: Thayson Araujo Canela Lucas Cabrera Monteiro Cássio da Silva Cabral Fábio da Silva Ximenes Iuri Aparecida da Silva Oliveira José Vicente Elias Bernardi Ronaldo de Almeida Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
Mercury (Hg) is a chemical element that poses risks to human health due to its high toxicity and environmental persistence. We determined the total Hg (THg) and methyl Hg (MeHg) concentrations in hair samples from residents of the Demarcação District (Porto Velho, Rondônia) in the Brazilian Amazon, as well as in water and fish samples, to evaluate factors influencing human exposure. The average THg concentration in human hair was 7.86 ± 6.78 mg kg−1 and it was significantly higher in men, with an increasing trend related to age. There was no significant difference between female age groups. Human exposure to Hg through water was negligible compared to fish consumption. The average weekly intake estimates in the community varied between 1.54 and 4.62 μg kg−1, substantially higher than the recommended limit. The fish species with the highest amounts safe for daily consumption were herbivores and detritivores. Our results contribute to an understanding of how exposure to Hg affects the health of riverside populations and provide insights for new research to develop methods to mitigate such exposure and thus improve the quality of life of Amazonian people.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030207
Authors: Youxin Xu Chenxi Zhang Haobing Zou Guangrong Chen Xiaomin Sun Shuguang Wang Huifang Tian
Persulfate-based advanced oxidation process has been proven to be a promising method for the toxic pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPY) degradation in wastewater treatment. However, due to the limitation for the short-lived intermediates detection, a comprehensive understanding for the degradation pathway remains unclear. To address this issue, density functional theory was used to analyze the degradation mechanism of CPY at the M06-2X/6-311++G(3df,3pd)//M06-2X/6-31+G(d,p) level, and computational toxicology methods were employed to explore the toxicity of CPY and its degradation products. Results show that hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and sulfate radicals (SO4•−) initiate the degradation reactions by adding to the P=S bond and abstracting the H atom on the ethyl group, rather than undergoing α-elimination of the pyridine ring in the persulfate oxidation process. Moreover, the addition products were attracted and degraded by breaking the P–O bond, while the abstraction products were degraded through dealkylation reactions. The transformation products, including 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridynol, O,O-diethyl phosphorothioate, chlorpyrifos oxon, and acetaldehyde, obtained through theoretical calculations have been detected in previous experimental studies. The reaction rate constants of CPY with ·OH and SO4•− were 6.32 × 108 and 9.14 × 108 M−1·s−1 at room temperature, respectively, which was consistent with the experimental values of 4.42 × 109 and 4.5 × 109 M−1 s−1. Toxicity evaluation results indicated that the acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms gradually decreased during the degradation process. However, some products still possess toxic or highly toxic levels, which may pose risks to human health. These research findings contribute to understanding the transformation behavior and risk assessment of CPY in practical wastewater treatment.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030206
Authors: Li Tian Yujing Zhu Ruiming Yu Xiaobo Zheng
Although extensive research has been carried out on the occurrence of mercury (Hg) in biota, bioaccumulation and tissue distribution of Hg in songbirds have not been well characterized. In the present study, Hg was investigated in insects and barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) to explore the bioaccumulation characteristics of Hg. Hg in swallow feathers and tissues including muscle, liver, and bone was investigated to determine the tissue distribution of Hg. The concentrations of Hg were 1.39 ± 1.01 μg/g, 0.33 ± 0.09 μg/g, 0.47 ± 0.10 μg/g, and 0.23 ± 0.09 μg/g in feather, muscle, liver, and bone samples, respectively. The trophic magnification factor of Hg in swallows and insects was higher than 1. However, the Hg concentrations in swallow feathers were not significantly correlated with stable isotope values of carbon or nitrogen, which implies the complex food sources and exposure processes of Hg for swallows. Feathers had significantly higher concentrations of Hg than liver, muscle, and bone samples (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). Feather, muscle, bone, and other organs had fractions of 64.4 ± 11.9%, 6.07 ± 2.06%, 20.0 ± 8.19%, and 9.56 ± 2.96% in total body burden of Hg in swallows. Hg in feathers contributed more than half of Hg in the whole body for most swallow individuals. Swallows may efficiently eliminate Hg by molting, and the excretion flux of Hg and other contaminants via molting deserves more investigation.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030205
Authors: Eric J. F. Franssen
This Special Issue addresses the challenges faced in detecting the exposure and intoxications of various (recreative) drugs and novel active psychoactive drugs [...]
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030204
Authors: Irvin Martoredjo Lenize Batista Calvão Santos Jéssica Caroline Evangelista Vilhena Alex Bruno Lobato Rodrigues Andréia de Almeida Carlos José Sousa Passos Alexandro Cezar Florentino
Mercury contamination in the Amazon arising from both natural sources and intensive mining activities in the region is a significant public health concern. This metal is used to separate Au from sediments. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the impact of mining on mercury contamination in the animal and human populations of the Amazon. This overall objective was pursued through a systematic review of the existing literature to assess the impact of Hg and identify gaps in geographic coverage arising from this assessment. Herein, we employed PECO and PRISMA-ScR protocols to select articles published between 2017 and 2023 based on projected points on a map within the biogeographic boundaries of the Amazon. We found that mercury concentrations increase with trophic levels, reaching high values of 3.7 µg/g in the muscles of predatory fish and 34.9 µg/g in human hair. The mean level of mercury in human hair in the whole (Amazon) region exceeds 6 µg/g, surpassing tolerance levels. Although mining regions show high concentrations of Hg, the highest incidence was observed among populations with fish-based diets. It was concluded that continuous research and monitoring of fish in the region are required in order to accurately assess the risk associated with Hg contamination, especially since fish are the main source of protein in this region.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030203
Authors: Shuhai Sun Zhonghe Wang Qikun Pu Xinao Li Yuhan Cui Hao Yang Yu Li
The degradation of fluoroquinolones (FQs) via advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) is a promising avenue, yet the complete mineralization of certain FQ molecules remains elusive, raising concerns about the formation of toxic by-products. This study delineates five primary AOP degradation pathways for 16 commercially available FQ molecules, inferred from existing literature. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to calculate the bond dissociation energies within these pathways to elucidate the correlation between bond strength and molecular architecture. Subsequently, Comparative Molecular Similarity Index Analysis (CoMSIA) models were constructed for various degradation reactions, including piperazine ring cleavage, defluorination, hydroxylation, and piperazine ring hydroxylation. Three-dimensional contour maps generated from these models provide a deeper understanding of the interplay between FQ molecular structure and bond dissociation energy. Furthermore, toxicity predictions for 16 FQ molecules and their advanced oxidation intermediates, conducted using VEGA 1.2.3 software, indicate that degradation products from pathways P2 and P5 pose a heightened health risk relative to their parent compounds. Furthermore, the application of the Multwfn program to compute the Fukui function for FQ molecules discerns the disparity in degradation propensities, highlighting that N atoms with higher f0 values can augment the likelihood of piperazine ring cleavage. HOMO-LUMO distribution diagrams further confirm that methoxy substitution at the 1-position leads to a dilution of HOMOs on the piperazine ring and an increased energy gap for free radical reactions, diminishing the reactivity with hydroxyl radicals. This study elucidates the pivotal role of structural characteristics in FQ antibiotics for their degradation efficiency within AOPs and unveils the underlying mechanisms of bond dissociation energy disparities. The toxicity parameter predictions for FQ molecules and their intermediates offer unique perspectives and theoretical underpinnings for mitigating the use of high-risk FQs and for devising targeted degradation strategies to circumvent the generation of toxic intermediates in AOPs through molecular structure optimization.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030202
Authors: Wenkai Lei Xingru Li Zhongyi Yin Lan Zhang Wenji Zhao
Black carbon (BC) aerosols are important for absorbing aerosols, affecting global climate change and regional air quality, and potentially harming human health. From March to May 2023, we investigated black carbon aerosol levels and air pollution in Beijing. Employing methods such as linear regression, Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) and Concentration-Weighted Trajectory (CWT), we analyzed the characteristics and sources of black carbon aerosols in the region. Results indicate that the light absorption coefficients of BC and BrC decrease with increasing wavelength, with BrC accounting for less than 40% at 370 nm. Daily variations in BC and PM2.5 concentrations exhibit similar trends, peaking in March, and BC displays a distinct bimodal hourly concentration structure during this period. Aethalometer model results suggest that liquid fuel combustion contributes significantly to black carbon (1.08 ± 0.71 μg·m−3), surpassing the contribution from solid fuel combustion (0.31 ± 0.2 μg·m−3). Furthermore, the significant positive correlation between BC and CO suggests that BC emissions in Beijing predominantly result from liquid fuel combustion. Potential source area analysis indicates that air masses of spring in Beijing mainly originate from the northwest (40.93%), while potential source areas for BC are predominantly distributed in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, as well as parts of the Shandong, Shanxi and Henan provinces. Moreover, this study reveals that dust processes during spring in Beijing have a limited impact on black carbon concentrations. This study’s findings support controlling pollution in Beijing and improving regional air quality.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030201
Authors: Filipa Esteves Klara Slezakova Joana Madureira Josiana Vaz Adília Fernandes Simone Morais Maria do Carmo Pereira João Paulo Teixeira Solange Costa
The characterization of wildland firefighters’ occupational exposure must consider different exposures, including those at the fire station. The present study aimed to characterize the occupational exposure of 172 Northern Portuguese wildland firefighters in fire stations during the pre-wildfire season of 2021. The biological impact of estimated inhaled doses of PM10 and PM2.5 (indoor/outdoor) was accessed through a buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay in exfoliated buccal cells of a subgroup of 80 firefighters. No significant association was found between estimated inhaled doses of PM10 and PM2.5 (mean 1.73 ± 0.43 µg kg−1 and 0.53 ± 0.21 µg kg−1, respectively) and biological endpoints. However, increased frequencies of cell death parameters were found among subjects of the Permanent Intervention Teams (full-time firefighters). The intake of nutritional supplements was associated with a significant decrease in micronucleus frequencies (i.e., DNA damage or chromosome breakage). In addition, our findings showed a significantly increased frequency of cell death endpoints (i.e., nuclear fragmentation) with coffee consumption, while daily consumption of vegetables significantly decreased it (i.e., nuclear shrinkage). Our results provide data on the occupational exposure of wildland firefighters while working in fire stations during the pre-wildfire season, providing the essential baseline for further studies throughout the wildfire season.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030200
Authors: Jean Marc Pujo Yann Simon Guy Roger Lontsi Ngoulla Boubacar Signaté Rémi Mutricy Alexis Frémery Antoine Burin Bertrand de Toffol Ibtissem Ben Amara Stephanie Houcke Amina Nasri Dabor Resiere Hatem Kallel
Background: Acute poisonings (AP) are a significant public health problem, accounting for a high number of emergency department visits and thousands of deaths worldwide. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology of AP in an adult population admitted to Cayenne Hospital (French Guiana) and to investigate the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: We conducted a monocentric retrospective study from January 2010 to December 2022, including patients over eighteen years of age who had been admitted to the emergency department of Cayenne Hospital for acute poisoning. Results: We included 425 patients. The median age was 34 years (IQR: 25–47). The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.52. A psychiatric disorder was found in 41.9% of patients. The Poisoning Severity Score (PSS) on admission was 1 or 2 for 84% of patients, and the mortality rate was 3.9%. The main involved toxicants were psychotropic drugs (43.1%), benzodiazepines (34.8%), and paracetamol (25.6%). The most lethal toxic was paraquat (5.2%). Intoxication was due to intentional self-poisoning in 84.2% of cases. Independent factors associated with severe poisoning (PSS 3 or 4) were chloroquine, neuroleptics, or paraquat poisoning; metabolic acidosis; and hyperglycemia (>5.5 mmol/L). The mortality rate was 3.9%, and the most involved toxic in death was paraquat. Conclusion: This study shows the frequent and deadly use of paraquat in APs in French Guiana. Urgent attention should be given to establishing a toxicovigilance monitoring framework and an antipoison center in the region.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030199
Authors: Rita de Cássia Araújo de Medeiros Tatiane Severo Silva Taliane Maria da Silva Teófilo Francisca Daniele da Silva Matheus de Freitas Souza Ana Beatriz Rocha de Jesus Passos Bruno Caio Chaves Fernandes Hamurábi Anizio Lins Paulo Sergio Fernandes das Chagas Carolina Malala Martins Souza Ioná Santos Araújo Holanda Daniel Valadão Silva
The leaching of herbicides into the soil is essential to control germinating seeds and parts of vegetative weeds. However, herbicide transportation to deeper soil layers can result in groundwater contamination and, consequently, environmental issues. In this research, our objective was to investigate differences in herbicide leaching between commercial formulations and analytical standards using three different soils. Leaching experiments were carried out for diuron, hexazinone, and sulfometuron-methyl herbicides isolated and in binary and ternary mixtures. The herbicide residue quantification was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Diuron had less mobility in soils and was retained in the most superficial layers. Hexazinone and sulfometuron-methyl were more mobile and leached into deeper layers. The leaching process was more intense for hexazinone and sulfometuron-methyl. The additives present in the commercial formulation favored the leaching in soils of diuron, hexazinone, and sulfometuron-methyl herbicides isolated and mixture compared to the analytical standard. This fact highlights the importance of considering these effects for the positioning of herbicides in the field to increase the efficiency of weed control and minimize the potential for environmental contamination.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030198
Authors: Weerakit Taychaworaditsakul Chalermpong Saenjum Nongkran Lumjuan Kriangkrai Chawansuntati Suphunwadee Sawong Kanjana Jaijoy Mingkwan Na Takuathung Seewaboon Sireeratawong
Carica papaya L. leaves, traditionally utilized in dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, exhibit a broad spectrum of potentially therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and wound healing properties. This study examined the acute and chronic toxicity of 10% ethanolic-extracted C. papaya leaf in Sprague Dawley rats. The acute toxicity assessment was a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight, while the chronic toxicity assessment included daily oral doses of 100, 400, 1000, and 5000 mg/kg over 180 days. Systematic monitoring covered a range of physiological and behavioral parameters, including body and organ weights. End-point evaluations encompassed hematological and biochemical analyses, along with gross and histopathological examinations of internal organs. Findings revealed no acute toxicity in the C. papaya leaf extract group, although a significant decrease in uterine weight was observed without accompanying histopathology abnormalities. In the chronic toxicity assessment, no statistically significant differences between the control and the C. papaya leaf extract groups were detected across multiple measures, including behavioral, physiological, and hematological indices. Importantly, histopathological examination corroborated the absence of any tissue abnormalities. The study results indicate that C. papaya leaf extract exhibited no adverse effects on the rats during the 180-day oral administration period, affirming its potential safety for prolonged usage.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030197
Authors: Yinghan Wu Jia Xu Ziqi Liu Bin Han Wen Yang Zhipeng Bai
Various geostatistical models have been used in epidemiological research to evaluate ambient air pollutant exposures at a fine spatial scale. Few studies have investigated the performance of different exposure models on population-weighted exposure estimates and the resulting potential misclassification across various modeling approaches. This study developed spatial models for NO2 and PM2.5 and conducted exposure assessment in Beijing, China. It explored three spatial modeling approaches: variable dimension reduction, machine learning, and conventional linear regression. It compared their model performance by cross-validation (CV) and population-weighted exposure estimates. Specifically, partial least square (PLS) regression, random forests (RF), and supervised linear regression (SLR) models were developed based on an ordinary kriging (OK) framework for NO2 and PM2.5 in Beijing, China. The mean squared error-based R2 (R2mse) and root mean squared error (RMSE) in leave-one site-out cross-validation (LOOCV) were used to evaluate model performance. These models were used to predict the ambient exposure levels in the urban area and to estimate the misclassification of population-weighted exposure estimates in quartiles between them. The results showed that the PLS-OK models for NO2 and PM2.5, with the LOOCV R2mse of 0.82 and 0.81, respectively, outperformed the other models. The population-weighted exposure to NO2 estimated by the PLS-OK and RF-OK models exhibited the lowest misclassification in quartiles. For PM2.5, the estimates of potential misclassification were comparable across the three models. It indicated that the exposure misclassification made by choosing different modeling approaches should be carefully considered, and the resulting bias needs to be evaluated in epidemiological studies.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030196
Authors: Tommaso Stecconi Arianna Stramenga Tamara Tavoloni Simone Bacchiocchi Martina Ciriaci Francesco Griffoni Paolo Palombo Gianni Sagratini Melania Siracusa Arianna Piersanti
This study investigated the concentrations and profiles of 19 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the muscle and liver of four freshwater species from Lake Trasimeno (Italy): Anguilla anguilla (European eel), Carassius auratus (goldfish), Perca fluviatilis (European perch), and Procambarus clarkii (red swamp crayfish). In livers, the amount of PFASs ranged from 3.1 to 10 µg kg−1, significantly higher than that in muscle (0.032–1.7 µg kg−1). The predominant PFASs were perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and long-chain carboxylic acids (C8–C14). Short-chain compounds (C4–C5), as well as the long-chain sulfonic acids (C9–C12), were not quantified. The contamination patterns were similar among species with few differences, suggesting the influence of species-specific accumulation. The PFAS concentrations in livers were comparable among species, while in muscle, the higher values were measured in European eel, followed by goldfish, European perch, and red swamp crayfish. The levels were generally lower than those reported for fish from Northern Italian lakes and rivers. The concentrations of regulated PFASs were lower than the maximum limits set by Regulation EU 2023/915 and did not exceed the Environmental Quality Standards (PFOS in biota). This study provides the first valuable insights on PFASs in freshwater species from Lake Trasimeno.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030195
Authors: Xingwei Song Sheng Zhu Ling Hu Xiaojia Chen Jiaqi Zhang Yi Liu Qingwei Bu Yuning Ma
As a replacement for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) have been widely used and detected in different indoor environments all over the world. This paper comprehensively describes the concentration levels and distribution information of 11 kinds of OPFRs from 33 indoor dust and 10 air environments, from which TBOEP, TCIPP, and TDCIPP were observed to have higher concentrations in indoor environments. The ΣOPFRs displayed higher concentrations in indoor dust than in indoor air due to the higher molecular weight and vapor pressure of ΣOPFRs in building decoration materials, specifically for TCIPP and TDCIPP compounds. Considering that it is inevitable that people will be exposed to these chemicals in the indoor environments in which they work and live, we estimated their potential health risks through three human exposure pathways and found that the ingestion exposure to TBOEP for toddlers in Japan may reach up to 1270.80 ng/kg/day, which comprises a significant pathway compared to dermal contact and indoor air inhalation. Specifically, the combined total exposure to OPFRs by air inhalation, dust ingestion, and dermal contact was generally below the RfD values for both adults and toddlers, with a few notable higher exposures of some typical OPFRs.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030194
Authors: Madalina-Elena Ristea Otilia Zarnescu
Indigo carmine has a variety of uses in foods, textiles, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. There are studies reporting the toxic potential of indigo carmine on human health and the environment. In this study, we investigated the cytogenotoxic effects of indigo carmine using apical root cells of Allium cepa. Allium cepa bulbs were subjected to four treatments with indigo carmine (0.0032, 0.0064, 0.0125, and 0.2 mg/mL) and to ultrapure water as a control. After 5 days, root growth, root length, mitotic index, mitotic inhibition, chromosomal anomalies, and cell morphology were analyzed. According to our results, a decrease in root length and mitotic index was observed at all concentrations of indigo carmine. Additionally, several types of chromosomal abnormalities were observed, such as disturbed metaphase, sticky chain metaphase, anaphase bridge, and laggard chromosomes. Moreover, histological observation indicated that indigo carmine induces alterations in various components of root tip tissue, such as deformation and alteration of the cell wall, progressive condensation of chromatin, shrinkage of the nuclei, and an increase in the number of irregularly shaped nuclei and nuclear fragments. Our results indicate that the tested concentrations of indigo carmine may have toxic effects and raise concerns about its intensive use in many fields.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030193
Authors: Adriana Duringer Jacques Mirian Akiko Furutani de Oliveira Mayara Calixto da Silva Cristina Barroso Hofer Paulo Cesar Basta
Despite legal safeguards, the Yanomami community faces challenges such as unauthorized incursions by gold miners, resulting in environmental degradation, particularly from mercury. This jeopardizes the health and food security of indigenous individuals, especially due to the consumption of contaminated fish. Ethnic and racial disparities persist in indigenous healthcare, marked by troubling health indicators such as malnutrition, anemia, and infectious diseases. This cross-sectional study, conducted in October 2022 in the Yanomami Indigenous Territory in the Amazon Forest, Brazil, presented clinical, laboratory, and neurodevelopmental findings in Yanomami children chronically exposed to methylmercury. The results revealed that Yanomami children exhibited weights and heights below expectations (median Z-scores of −1.855 for weight for age and −2.7 for height for age), a high prevalence of anemia (25%), low vaccination coverage (15%), and low IQ (average 68.6). The Total Hair Mercury (Total Hg) levels ranged from 0.16 µg/g to 10.20 µg/g (mean: 3.30 µg/g; median: 3.70 µg/g). Of 117 children tested, 93 children (79.4%) had levels ≥ 2.0 µg/g (had no significant difference between sex). Among the 58 children for whom it was possible to estimate the Total Intelligence Quotient (TIQ), the average value was 68.6, ranging from 42 to 92 points (median: 69.5; standard deviation: 10.5). Additionally, the lowest score on the IQ test was associated with 5 times the risk of having high levels of mercury in their hair, 2,5 fold the risk of having an older age, and almost 8 times the risk of consuming fish, adjusting for nut consumption. Notwithstanding the study’s limitations, results suggest that mercury contamination from illegal mining activities on indigenous lands may negatively impact neurodevelopment in older indigenous children, particularly those fish consumers, despite the inherent benefits of fish consumption. Addressing other socio-environmental concerns is crucial for enhancing the overall health of the population.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030192
Authors: Janice Albers John Mylroie Ashley Kimble Catherine Steward Kacy Chapman Mitchell Wilbanks Edward Perkins Natàlia Garcia-Reyero
The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in aquatic environments is often persistent and widespread. Understanding the potential adverse effects from this group of chemicals on aquatic communities allows for better hazard characterization. This study examines impacts on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo physiology, behavior, and lipid levels from exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and heptadecafluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Embryos were exposed to lethal and sublethal levels of each chemical and monitored for alterations in physiological malformations, mortality, lipid levels, and behavior (only PFOA and PFHxS). The predicted 50% lethal concentrations for 120 hpf embryos were 528.6 ppm PFOA, 14.28 ppm PFHxS, and 2.14 ppm PFOS. Spine curvature and the inability of the 120 hpf embryos to maintain a dorsal-up orientation was significantly increased at 10.2 ppm PFHxS and 1.9 ppm PFOS exposure. All measured 120 hpf embryo behaviors were significantly altered starting at the lowest levels tested, 188 ppm PFOA and 6.4 ppm PFHxS. Lipid levels decreased at the highest PFAS levels tested (375 PFOA ppm, 14.4 PFHxS ppm, 2.42 ppm PFOS). In general, the PFAS chemicals, at the levels examined in this study, increased morphological deformities, embryo activity, and startle response time, as well as decreased lipid levels in 120 hpf zebrafish embryos.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030190
Authors: Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca Francisco Medina-Paz Mira Sapozhnikov Isaac Hurtado-Guerrero Leticia Rubio Stella Martín-de-las-Heras Nerea Requena-Ocaña María Flores-López María del Mar Fernández-Arjona Patricia Rivera Antonia Serrano Pedro Serrano Sara C. Zapico Juan Suárez
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major component in the etiology of cognitive decline and dementia. Underlying mechanisms by which long-term alcohol abuse causes cognitive dysfunction include excessive oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, activated by increased reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1). In a pilot study, we examine the potential clinical value of circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress including ROS/RNS, HMGB1, the soluble receptor for AGE (sRAGE), the brain biomarker of aging apolipoprotein D (ApoD), and the antioxidant regulator nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) as predictive indices for cognitive impairment (CI) in abstinent patients with AUD (n = 25) compared to patients with established Alzheimer’s disease (AD, n = 26) and control subjects (n = 25). Plasma concentrations of sRAGE were evaluated with immunoblotting; ROS/RNS with a fluorometric kit; and HMGB1, ApoD, and NRF2 by ELISA. Abstinent AUD patients had higher sRAGE, ROS/RNS (p < 0.05), and ApoD (p < 0.01) concentrations, similar to those of AD patients, and lower NRF2 (p < 0.01) concentrations, compared to controls. These changes were remarkable in AUD patients with CI. HMGB1, and sRAGE correlated positively with duration of alcohol use (rho = 0.398, p = 0.022; rho = 0.404, p = 0.018), whereas sRAGE correlated negatively with periods of alcohol abstinence (rho = −0.340, p = 0.045). A predictive model including ROS/RNS, HMGB1, sRAGE, alcohol use duration, and alcohol abstinence periods was able to differentiate AUD patients with CI (92.3% of correct predictions, ROC-AUC= 0.90) from those without CI. In conclusion, we propose ROS/RNS, HMGB1, and sRAGE as stress biomarkers capable of predicting cognitive impairment in AUD patients.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030191
Authors: Rae T. Benedict Franco Scinicariello Henry G. Abadin Gregory M. Zarus Roberta Attanasio
Hearing loss (HL) is associated with poorer language development and school performance. Ototoxic substances such as metals and solvents, including benzene, are a risk factor associated with HL. This study examines potential associations between the benzene metabolite trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) and HL in youth of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Logistic regression calculated adjusted odds ratio (aOR) associations between HL and urinary t,t-MA quartiles, natural-log transformed, and doubled urinary t,t-MA. Hearing threshold pure-tone average (PTA) at speech frequencies (SF) 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz and high frequencies (HF) 3, 4, and 6 kHz were analyzed for slight HL (PTA > 15 dB) and mild HL (PTA > 20 dB). Urinary t,t-MA was statistically significantly associated with both slight SF and HF HL. For each doubling of t,t-MA there were increased odds of having slight SFHL (aOR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.92), slight HFHL (aOR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.66), mild SFHL (aOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.32), and mild HFHL (aOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.04). To our knowledge, this is the first population-based report of an association between SFHL, HFHL, and the benzene metabolite t,t-MA in youth 6 to 19 years old.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030189
Authors: Balázs Göbölös Rózsa E. Sebők Gyula Szabó Gergő Tóth Sándor Szoboszlay Balázs Kriszt Edit Kaszab Judit Háhn
Xenobiotics never appear as single, isolated substances in the environment but instead as multi-component mixtures. However, our understanding of the ecotoxicology of mixtures is far from sufficient. In this study, three active pharmaceutical ingredients (carbamazepine, diclofenac, and ibuprofen) and three pesticides (S-metolachlor, terbuthylazine, and tebuconazole) from the most frequently detected emerging micropollutants were examined for their acute cytotoxicity, both individually and in combination, by bioluminescence inhibition in Aliivibrio fischeri (NRRL B-11177). Synergy, additive effects, and antagonism on cytotoxicity were determined using the combination index (CI) method. Additionally, PERMANOVA was performed to reveal the roles of these chemicals in binary, ternary, quaternary, quinary, and senary mixtures influencing the joint effects. Statistical analysis revealed a synergistic effect of diclofenac and carbamazepine, both individually and in combination within the mixtures. Diclofenac also exhibited synergy with S-metolachlor and when mixed with ibuprofen and S-metolachlor. S-metolachlor, whether alone or paired with ibuprofen or diclofenac, increased the toxicity at lower effective concentrations in the mixtures. Non-toxic terbuthylazine showed great toxicity-enhancing ability, especially at low concentrations. Several combinations displayed synergistic effects at environmentally relevant concentrations. The application of PERMANOVA was proven to be unique and successful in determining the roles of compounds in synergistic, additive, and antagonistic effects in mixtures at different effective concentrations.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030188
Authors: Yu-Cheng Zhu Yuzhe Du Xiaofen Liu Maribel Portilla Jian Chen Yanhua Wang
The tarnished plant bug (TPB, Lygus lineolaris) remains a major pest for a variety of crops. Frequent sprays on row crops, especially cotton, prompted resistance development in field populations. To maintain chemical control as an effective tool against the pest, knowledge of global gene regulations is desirable for better understanding and managing the resistance. Novel microarray expressions of 6688 genes showed 685 significantly upregulated and 1382 significantly downregulated genes in oxamyl-selected TPBs (Vyd1515FF[R]) from a cotton field. Among the 685 upregulated genes (participated in 470 pathways), 176 genes code 30 different enzymes, and 7 of the 30 participate in 24 metabolic pathways. Six important detoxification pathways were controlled by 20 genes, coding 11 esterases, two P450s, two oxidases, and three pathway-associated enzymes (synthases, reductase, and dehydrogenase). Functional analyses showed substantially enhanced biological processes and molecular functions, with hydrolase activity as the most upregulated molecular function (controlled by 166 genes). Eleven esterases belong to the acting on ester bond subclass of the 166 hydrolases. Surprisingly, only one GST showed significant upregulation, but it was not involved in any detoxification pathway. Therefore, this research reports a set of 20 genes coding 6 enzyme classes to detoxify a carbamate insecticide oxamyl in Vyd1515FF. Together with three previous reports, we have obtained the best knowledge of resistance mechanisms to all four conventional insecticide classes in the economically important crop pest. This valuable finding will greatly facilitate the development of molecular tools to monitor and manage the resistance and to minimize risk to environment.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030187
Authors: Sebastian-Barbu Barbeş Alina Bărbulescu Lucica Barbeș
The article aims to analyze the pollution with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emitted from the biggest refinery in Romania, using the daily and monthly series registered for two years in two sites on the industrial platform, and the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks for workers at the industrial plant. Since the values of the basic statistics (minimum, maximum, and average) and outliers indicate that most recorded values exceed the maximum admissible limits established by law, the Peaks Over Threshold (POT) method was utilized to model the maximum values of the series and determine the return levels for benzene and total VOC (TVOC). Given the high values obtained for relatively short return periods, indicating potential danger for the workers, we assessed the noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to benzene and TVOC exposure by computing the hazard index (HI) and lifetime cancer risk (LCR). The results indicate that 43.75% of the HI values are above 1, indicating a relatively high noncarcinogenic risk for different categories of workers. LRC indicates a high LRC for 93.75% of the workers in all considered categories exposed to TVOC.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030185
Authors: Laura García-Cansino María Luisa Marina María Ángeles García
Chiral analysis is a very relevant topic in environmental chemistry. This is due to the different properties of the stereoisomers of chiral compounds. In the case of agrochemicals, the desired activity, degradation rate, or toxicity, among other characteristics, may differ between stereoisomers, and the same is true for emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Therefore, the development of chiral analytical methodologies enabling their determination in samples of environmental interest is paramount. Although other techniques have been widely employed to carry out chiral separations, such as HPLC, GC, and SFC, capillary electrophoresis (CE) has attracted a lot of attention in the field of chiral analysis due to its simplicity, flexibility, and low cost. In fact, chromatographic columns are not needed, and the consumption of reagents and samples is very low due to the small dimensions of the separation capillaries. This article reviews the characteristics of the chiral methodologies developed by CE for the stereoselective analysis of pesticides and emerging contaminants in environmental samples (water and soil), as well as pesticides in food samples and commercial agrochemical formulations. Applications of the developed CE methodologies in stability and toxicity studies of these chiral contaminants are also reviewed.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030186
Authors: Balázs Ádám Pierluigi Cocco Lode Godderis
Pesticides, a major group of biocides, are designed to control harmful and/or unwanted organisms [...]
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030184
Authors: Zhengqing Zhou Yuzhe Liu Huiling Jiang Zhiming Bai Lingxia Sun Jia Liu Wenwen Zhao
In order to investigate the impact of environmental temperature and atmospheric humidity on the leakage and diffusion of hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas, this study focused on the real scenario of an HF chemical industrial park. Based on the actual dispersion scenario of HF gas, a proportionally scaled-down experimental platform for HF gas leakage was established to validate the accuracy and feasibility of numerical simulations under complex conditions. Using the validated model, the study calculated the complex scenarios of HF leakage and diffusion within the temperature range of 293 K to 313 K and the humidity range of 0% to 100%. The simulation results indicated that different environmental temperatures had a relatively small impact on the hazardous areas (the lethal area, severe injury area, light injury area, and maximum allowable concentration (MAC) area) formed by HF gas leakage. At 600 s of dispersion, the fluctuation range of hazardous area sizes under different temperature conditions was between 3.11% and 13.07%. In contrast to environmental temperature, atmospheric relative humidity had a more significant impact on the dispersion trend of HF leakage. Different relative humidity levels mainly affected the areas of the lethal zone, light injury zone, and MAC zone. When HF continued to leak and disperse for 600 s, compared to 0% relative humidity, 100% relative humidity reduced the lethal area by 35.7%, while increasing the light injury area and MAC area by 27.26% and 111.6%, respectively. The impact on the severe injury area was relatively small, decreasing by 1.68%. The results of this study are crucial for understanding the dispersion patterns of HF gas under different temperature and humidity conditions.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030183
Authors: Sophie Fouyet Marie-Caroline Ferger Pascale Leproux Patrice Rat Mélody Dutot
Efforts are being made globally to improve the evaluation and understanding of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Recognition of their impact on human health and the environment has stimulated attention and research in this field. Various stakeholders, including scientists, regulatory agencies, policymakers, and industry representatives, are collaborating to develop robust methodologies and guidelines for assessing these disruptors. A key aspect of these efforts is the development of standardized testing protocols and guidelines that aim to provide consistent and reliable methods for identifying and characterizing endocrine disruptors. When evaluating the potential endocrine-disrupting activity of chemicals, no single test is capable of detecting all relevant endocrine-disrupting agents. The test battery approach is designed to reduce the risk of false negative results for compounds with toxic potential. A weight-of-evidence approach is therefore necessary for endocrine disruptor evaluation. This approach considers various types of data from multiple sources, assessing the overall strength, consistency, and reliability of the evidence. OECD guidelines are highly regarded for their scientific rigor, transparency, and consensus-based development process. It is crucial to explore and develop new methodologies that can effectively evaluate the risks associated with potential endocrine disruptors. Integrating these methods into a comprehensive weight-of-evidence framework will enhance risk assessments and facilitate informed decisions regarding the regulation and management of these substances, ensuring the protection of human health and the environment from their adverse effects.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030182
Authors: Ottavia Giampaoli Fabio Sciubba Giovanna Tranfo Renata Sisto Daniela Pigini Michele De Rosa Adriano Patriarca Alfredo Miccheli Anna Rita Fetoni Laura Tricarico Mariangela Spagnoli
Due to its chemical properties, styrene is largely employed in the manufacturing of several products including rubber, polymers and resins, and it is particularly suitable for shipbuilding industry purposes. In this context, the main exposure to styrene occurs in occupational settings. Despite its widespread use, its long-term effects on human health at the occupational level are still unclear. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate changes in styrene exposure biomarkers related to the metabolic and oxidative stress profiles in the urine of seventeen shipyard workers and seventeen non-exposed subjects. Urinary metabolites were assessed by means of NMR spectroscopy, including mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acids; four oxidative stress biomarkers, namely 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine, and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine and 3-nitrotyrosine, were evaluated via HPLC-MS/MS. The metabolic profiles of exposed workers showed both long- and short-term metabolic responses to styrene exposure compared to non-exposed subjects. From the comparison between non-exposed and before-shift workers, only 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine levels were significantly different (long term exposure response). At the same time, comparing the non-exposed group with after-shift workers, we observed lower levels of pseudouridine and 1-methylnicotinamide and higher glutamine levels in after-shift workers. The comparison between before-shift and after-shift workers showed that 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine significantly increased after the shift, suggesting its involvement in the exposure to styrene (short-term exposure response). The obtained results, although preliminary, allow us to lay the basis for further human studies aimed at establishing a global understanding of styrene metabolism.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030181
Authors: Cong Li Chao Xie Tianjiao Jiang Lifeng Chen Shunyan Ning Caiwu Luo Qi Zheng Ji Wang Yuezhou Wei
Ruthenium is required to separate from high-level liquid waste (HLLW) because Ru is a valuable resource and is negatively influential on the vitrification process of HLLW. However, the separation of Ru is very challenging due to its complicated complexation properties. In this study, the adsorption and desorption characteristics of ruthenium on a synthesized SiPyR-N3 (weak-base anion exchange resin with pyridine functional groups) composite were investigated in nitric acid and nitrite–nitric acid systems, respectively, and the adsorption mechanism was explored. The experimental results showed that SiPyR-N3 has a significantly better adsorption effect on Ru in the nitrite–nitric acid system than in the nitric acid system, with an increase in the adsorption capacity of approximately three times. The maximum adsorption capacity of Ru is 45.6 mg/g in the nitrite–nitric acid system. The SiPyR-N3 possesses good adsorption selectivity (SFRu/other metal ions is around 100) in 0.1 M NO2−–0.1 M HNO3 solution. The adsorption processes of Ru in the two different systems are fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model for uptake kinetics and adsorption isotherms, respectively. The results obtained from the FT-IR, XPS, and UV absorption spectrometry indicate that NO2− was involved in the adsorption process either as a complexing species with the metal ions or as free NO2− from the solution. A 0.1 M HNO3 + 1 M thiourea mixed solution shows effective desorption performance, and the desorption efficiency can reach 92% at 328 K.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030180
Authors: Noel J. Leigh Michelle K. Page Denisha L. Robinson Scott D. Heldwein Richard J. O’Connor Maciej L. Goniewicz
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) purport to reduce exposure to tobacco-related toxicants compared to combustible cigarettes. This cross-sectional study examined the content of nicotine, two humectants (propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG)), and four tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs: NNN, NNK, NAT, and NAB) in the tobacco filler of a popular HTP brand (IQOS). Non-menthol and menthol IQOS sticks were purchased from nine countries between 2017 and 2020 and were classified into two versions (“Bold” and “Light”) using Philip Morris’s flavor descriptors. The average nicotine concentration was 4.7 ± 0.5 mg/stick, and the highest nicotine concentration was found in products from Japan (5.1 ± 0.2 mg/stick). VG was the dominant humectant found in all sticks, with an average concentration of (31.5 ± 2.3 mg/stick). NNN, NNK, and NAT were substantially higher in the “Bold” sticks than the “Light” sticks. Significant differences between countries for TSNAs were also observed: the NAT and NAB contents were the highest in the “Light” products from Canada (192.5 ± 24.1 and 22.9 ± 1.0 ng/stick, respectively); the NNK concentration was the highest in the “Bold” products from Poland (64.8 ± 7.9 ng/stick); and the highest NNN concentrations were observed in the “Bold” products from South Africa (488.9 ± 26.7 ng/stick). As NNN and NNK are known human carcinogens, and as humectants like PG and VG can degrade into toxic carbonyl compounds upon heating, monitoring the concentration of these chemicals in HTPs is important for protecting users’ health and ensuring compliance with regulations.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030179
Authors: Yousong Zhou Yuancheng Li Donglei Fu Yongqiang Zhang Kai Xiao Ke Jiang Jinmu Luo Guofeng Shen Wenxin Liu Shu Tao
Coke production is an important source of environmental polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), including parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives. The focus near coking plants has primarily been on parent-PAH contamination, with less attention given to highly toxic derivatives. In this study, soil samples were collected from both within and outside of a coking plant. The concentrations of parent-PAHs and their derivatives, including methylated-PAHs, oxygenated-PAHs, and nitrated-PAHs, were examined. Spatial interpolation was employed to determine their spatial distribution patterns. Methods for identifying potential sources and conducting incremental lifetime cancer risk analysis were used. This could achieve a comprehensive understanding of the status of PAC pollution and the associated health risks caused by coke production. The concentrations of total PACs inside the plant ranged from 7.4 to 115.8 mg/kg, higher than those outside (in the range of 0.2 to 65.7 mg/kg). The spatial distribution of parent-PAH concentration and their derivatives consistently decreased with increasing distance from the plant. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) among parent-PAHs and their derivatives was observed, indicating relatively consistent sources. Based on diagnostic ratios, the potential emission sources of soil PACs could be attributed to coal combustion and vehicle emissions, while principal component analysis–multiple linear regression further indicated that primary emissions and secondary formation jointly influenced the PAC content, accounting for 60.4% and 39.6%, respectively. The exposure risk of soil PACs was dominated by 16 priority control PAHs; the non-priority PAHs’ contribution to the exposure risk was only 6.4%.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030178
Authors: Baihui Wu Haiyang Yu Jia Yi Pengyu Lei Jiaxuan He Jing Ruan Peiye Xu Runchao Tao Libo Jin Wei Wu Qinsi Yang Da Sun Xiaoqun Zhang
The escalating prevalence of microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic environments is a major challenge affecting the behavior and reproductive health of aquatic organisms while posing potential risks to human health and ecosystems. This review focuses on the neurobehavioral changes and reproductive toxicity of MNPs in zebrafish and their relationships. At the same time, the neurobehavioral changes caused by MNPs were studied, and the synergistic effects of the interaction of these pollutants with other environmental contaminants were explored. In addition, zebrafish, as a model organism, provide valuable insights into the subtle but important effects of MNPs on reproductive behavior, which is critical for understanding reproductive success, suggesting that behavioral changes can serve as an early biomarker of reproductive toxicity. In addition, based on classical endocrine disruptor models and behavioral research methods, the current status of the research on the reproductive toxicity of MNPs in zebrafish was reviewed, which further indicated that the behavioral parameters of zebrafish can be used as an effective and rapid tool to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of MNPs. However, behavioral methods for rapidly assessing the toxicity of MNPs are still an area of exploration. To address limitations and challenges in the current scope of research, this review outlines future research directions with the aim of improving our understanding of the environmental and health impacts of MNPs. This work aims to inform targeted environmental policies and advance public health strategies to address the growing challenge of MNPs pollution.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030177
Authors: Youssef Saliba Alina Bărbulescu
This study offers a detailed analysis of the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) series in the Arabian Gulf zone, employing three interpolation models, Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), Bicubic Spline Smoothing (BSS) and Spatio-Temporal Kriging (STK). Unique advancements include the use of complete temporal records in IDW, the management of edge effects in S with synthetic buffer points, and the application of STK to detrended data residuals. The results indicated that the BBS, particularly adept at handling boundary conditions, significantly outperformed the other methods. Compared to IDW, the Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) decreased by 21%, 15%, and 21%, respectively, in BSS. Compared to STK, MAE, RMSE, and MAPE were lower with around 60%, 61%, and 58%, respectively in BSS. These findings underscore the efficacy of the BSS method in spatial interpolation for environmental monitoring, contributing to enhanced PM2.5 analysis and public health management in the region.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030176
Authors: Paola M. Peltzer Ana P. Cuzziol Boccioni Andrés M. Attademo María F. Simoniello Germán Lener Rafael C. Lajmanovich
The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute lethality and chronic sublethal effects of lithium (Li) on Rhinella arenarum tadpoles as model organisms. First a 96 h toxicity assay was performed by exposing tadpoles to Li concentrations from 44.08 to 412.5 mg L−1 to estimate the mortality, and lethal and sublethal effects. Another bioassay was carried out by exposing tadpoles to two environmentally relevant Li concentrations (2.5 and 20 mg L−1) for one and two weeks. The sublethal effects of Li on tadpoles were evaluated by analyzing biochemical, genotoxic, and physiological biomarkers. The mortality in Li-exposed tadpoles increased over time. The median lethal concentration (LC50) ranged from 319.52 (281.21–363.05) mg L−1 at 48 h to 66.92 (52.76–84.89) mg L−1 at 96 h. Exposure to Li at 2.5 and 20 mg L−1 induced alterations in enzymes related to detoxification, antioxidant, and hepatic mechanisms, endocrine disruption of thyroid hormones, genotoxicity, and effects on the physiology of the heart and gastrointestinal systems. Tadpoles exposed to the highest concentration in the chronic bioassay (20 mg L−1 Li), which is the concentration commonly recorded in Li mining sites, showed significant mortality after one week of exposure. These results warn about the high ecotoxicological risk of Li as a contaminant of emerging concern for amphibians.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030175
Authors: Min Won Shin Hyo-Bin Kim Ahreum Kwon Mi Jung Park Shin-Hye Kim
Investigating the impact of urinary mercury and cadmium on anthropometric parameters in Korean children is crucial amid growing concerns about heavy metal exposure and childhood growth. Using data from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2015–2017), we assessed age- and sex-specific associations of urinary mercury and cadmium with height and body mass index (BMI) z-scores in 1458 children aged 3–5 (n = 571) and 6–11 years (n = 887). Overall, 5.0% had stunted height (3–5 years: 6.9%, 6–11 years: 3.8%), whereas older children exhibited higher overweight/obesity prevalence (29.2%) than younger ones did (22.2%). In 3–5-year-old boys, urinary mercury correlated negatively with height z-scores (p < 0.001), whereas in girls, urinary cadmium correlated positively (p = 0.015). Boys aged 6–11 years showed positive associations between mercury/cadmium levels and BMI z-scores (p = 0.012). Logistic regression indicated associations between urinary mercury and stunted height likelihood (p = 0.001) and between urinary cadmium and reduced overweight likelihood (p = 0.039) in 3–5-year-old boys. In boys aged 6–11 years, urinary cadmium levels were positively associated with overweight likelihood (p = 0.003). This study underscores the link between elevated urinary mercury, cadmium levels, and growth disruptions in Korean children, emphasizing the need for public health strategies for reducing childhood heavy metal exposure.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030174
Authors: Jegak Seo Frank Kloprogge Andrew M. Smith Kersti Karu Lena Ciric
While the use of antibiotics has been reported as extensive in the rearing of agricultural animals, insufficient information is available on the antibiotic residues in animal products and the adverse impact that consistent low-level exposure to antibiotics might have on the human body and its microbiome. The aim of this study was to estimate the antibiotic concentrations that humans are exposed to via their diet using the concentration of antibiotics in animal food products and water and an online survey on dietary intake. A total of 131 participants completed the dietary intake survey, with the majority belonging to the omnivorous diet group (76.3%). Distinct dietary trends were observed in the omnivorous and unknown groups eating animal products, with specific food types dominating each meal: pork (e.g., ham) and dairy products (e.g., milk, yoghurt) during breakfast, beef (e.g., burgers) and chicken (e.g., chicken breast) products during lunch, and fish (e.g., salmon fillet) during dinner. In total, 34 different animal-based food and drink products were tested for the presence of ten different antibiotics. Of all the products tested, over 35% exceeded the acceptable daily antibiotic intake for amoxicillin, ampicillin, and enrofloxacin.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030173
Authors: Fei Xing Liang Duan Haiya Zhang Hengliang Zhang Shilong Li
A biological treatment is the core process for removing organic pollutants from industrial wastewater. However, industrial wastewater often contains large amounts of toxic and harmful pollutants, which can inhibit the activity of microorganisms in a treatment system, precipitate the deterioration of effluent quality, and threaten water ecological security from time to time. In most of the existing anaerobic biological treatment processes, toxic effects on microorganisms are determined according to the amounts of end-products of the biochemical reactions, and the evaluation results are relatively lacking. When microorganisms contact toxic substances, changes in biological metabolic activity precede the accumulation of reaction products. As sensitive units, electroactive microorganisms can generate electrical signals, a change in which can directly reflect the toxicity level. The applications of electroactive microorganisms for the toxicity monitoring of wastewater are very promising. Further attention needs to be paid to considering the appropriate evaluation index, the influence of the environment on test results, mechanisms, and other aspects. Therefore, we reviewed the literature regarding the above aspects in order to provide a research foundation for the practical application of electroactive microorganisms in toxicant monitoring.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030172
Authors: Luana Fiorella Mincarelli Alexander Turner George Anderson Katharina Wollenberg Valero
The endocrine disruptive chemical DEHP is a plasticiser often found in marine waters. Here, we assessed the effect of this additive on the number and size of eggs spawned by female mussels during a synchronised spawning event. After achieving the ripeness of the gonads, mussels of both sexes were exposed to two environmentally relevant concentrations of DEHP (nominal concentrations 0.5 and 50 µg/L) for one week. A spawning event was then induced and eggs were collected, counted, and their size measured (area and diameter). A slight but not significant effect was observed in lowering the number of eggs spawned when increasing the DEHP concentration. This effect was greater when adding spent gonads (possibly fully spawned females) to the total number of females. A significant effect of the lower dose on the average egg sizes was noticed, with a smaller area and diameter measured with respect to the control and the higher concentrated treatments. These results once again underline the importance for ecotoxicological studies to address the nonlinear dose-response effects of endocrine disruptive chemicals environmentally present at concentrations in the order of just a few µg/L that could not elicit a strong defence mechanism at low levels and be absorbed by filter feeder animals such as mussels.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030171
Authors: Yonghao Huangfu Qingshan Li Weiwei Yang Qingwei Bu Lei Yang Jianfeng Tang Jie Gan
Various studies have shown that the heavy use of pharmaceuticals poses serious ecological risks, especially in metropolitan areas with intensive human activities. In this study, the spatial distribution, sources, and ecological risks of 29 pharmaceuticals in 82 surface waters collected from the North Canal Basin in Beijing were studied. The results showed that the pharmaceutical concentrations ranged from not detected to 193 ng/L, with ampicillin being undetected while ofloxacin had a 100% detection frequency, which indicates the widespread occurrence of pharmaceutical pollution in the North Canal Basin. In comparison with other freshwater study areas, concentrations of pharmaceuticals in the North Canal Basin were generally at moderate levels. It was found that pharmaceutical concentrations were always higher in rivers that directly received wastewater effluents. Source analysis was conducted using the positive matrix factorization model. Combining the spatial pollution patterns of pharmaceuticals, it has been found that wastewater effluents contributed the most to the loads of pharmaceuticals in the studied basin, while in suburban areas, a possible contribution of untreated wastewater was demonstrated. Risk assessment indicated that approximately 55% of the pharmaceuticals posed low-to-high ecological risks, and combining the results of risk analyses, it is advised that controlling WWTP effluent is probably the most cost-effective measure in treating pharmaceutical pollution.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030170
Authors: Aaron Dixon Evelyn G. Rowan Allison N. Yackley Erin P. Hines
Various PFAS have been identified as potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals due to estrogen receptor activation, impacts on puberty timing, or impacts on hormonally sensitive endpoints in fish. This study screened multiple PFAS in the rat uterotrophic assay to determine potential estrogenic effects on the uterus with PFAS exposure. This study also explored PFAS-dependent uterine signaling with an osmotic stress mRNA gene expression array. Briefly, Sprague–Dawley rats (26–39 days old) were ovariectomized, and uterine tissue was allowed to regress for a 3-week period of recovery. Animals were then exposed daily via oral gavage to PFAS for 4 days, and then uterine weight was determined. In contrast to the positive control estrogens, the PFAS tested (4:2, 6:2, and 8:2FTOH; perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), nafion byproduct 2 (NBP2), 1H,1H,8H,8H-perfluorooctane-1,8-diol (FC8-diol) and 1H,1H,10H,10H-perfluorodecane-1,10-diol (FC10-diol)) caused no significant changes in the uterine weight. Hormonally active compounds can act as carcinogens, and because earlier rodent work has demonstrated that chronic PFOA exposure is associated with increased risk of uterine cancer, uterine mRNA gene expression was explored with an osmotic stress RT-qPCR array. PFAS exposure significantly upregulated multiple genes across the array, with PFOSA being the compound most similar to the reference estrogens (estradiol benzoate and ethinyl estradiol) in its expression pattern. Also, across all PFAS, pathway analysis revealed that the paxillin pathway, a pathway important in tumor suppressor gene SHP-2 signaling, was significantly upregulated with PFAS exposure. These results demonstrate that in vitro estrogen screens or impacts in fish may show different responses from direct impacts on mammalian uterine weight as assessed with the uterotrophic assay. This study also builds out new mechanisms that may contribute to understanding of carcinogenic changes seen in the uterus after PFAS exposure.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030169
Authors: Junde Han Ronghua Zhang Jun Tang Jiang Chen Chenyang Zheng Dong Zhao Jikai Wang Hexiang Zhang Xiaojuan Qi Xiaoli Wu Qin Weng Jinping Zeng Jiaolan Du Min Zhang Yinyin Wu Biao Zhou
Nickel (Ni) is a silver-white metal with high antioxidative properties, often existing in a bivalent form in the environment. Despite being the fifth most abundant metal on Earth, anthropogenic activities, including industrial processes, have elevated Ni levels in environmental media. This study investigated Ni contamination in various food groups in Zhejiang Province, China, mainly focusing on Ni levels in beans, vegetables, aquatic foods, meat products, cereal products, and fruits. A total of 2628 samples were collected and analyzed. Beans exhibited the highest Ni content in all samples. The overall detection rate of Ni was 86.5%, with variation among food categories. For plant-origin foods, legumes had the highest Ni concentration while for animal-origin foods, shellfish showed the highest median Ni concentration. The results indicate generally acceptable Ni exposure levels among Zhejiang residents, except for children aged 0–6. Beans were identified as the primary contributor to high Ni exposure risk. The paper suggests monitoring Ni contamination in food, especially for vulnerable populations, and provides insights into exposure risks in different age groups.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030168
Authors: Thomas Dippong Maria-Alexandra Resz
Chemical data compiled from field and laboratory studies were analysed on drinking water sources from a mountain area (Gutai Mountains) in Romania. Six physico-chemical indicators, nine anions, and twenty-one metals were determined and analysed. The results of this study showed that waters are generally rich in NH4+ and NO2−, exceeding the recommended limit of 0.5 mg NH4+/L, while some waters are rich in As, Cd, Mn and Pb, but with concentrations below the limits concerning the use of waters with drinking purposes. The applied heavy metal pollution indices (scores: 0.56–47.9) indicate that more than 50% of samples are characterized by medium pollution degrees. Based on the results obtained, it was determined that geological and human activities were influential in enriching the studied waters with the chemicals considered. Emphasizing this aspect related to pollution sources and the importance of a clean chemical status that must characterize waters used for drinking purposes, a human health risk assessment for heavy metals was implemented. The results indicated that even though the studied waters are rich in heavy metals, scores related to the risk assessment of heavy metals indicated a lack of non-carcinogenic risks for As, Mn, Cd and Cu. Nevertheless, this study and the results obtained are significant at national and international levels by offering a perspective on determining the potential pollution and associated human health risks at heavy metals in drinking water sources from a mountain area.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030167
Authors: Ivana Guševac Stojanović Dunja Drakulić Ana Todorović Jelena Martinović Nenad Filipović Zoran Stojanović
While the effects of chronic exposure to microplastic particles (MPs) are extensively studied, the outcomes of a single treatment have received relatively less attention. To investigate MPs’ potential acute toxicity, including their impact on general health status (victual consumption, sensorimotor deficits, and clinical toxicity signs) and serum biochemical parameters (markers of organ/tissue function and oxidative stress indicators), we administered thoroughly characterized MPs (1.4, 35, or 125 mg/kg), generated from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, to adult male Wistar rats via oral gavage. The MPs’ short-term effects were assessed with well-established tests and methods. The results point to the absence of sensorimotor deficits and clinical toxicity signs, while levels of markers of liver, heart, and kidney function were altered in all MP groups. Decreased victual consumption and increased levels of oxidative stress indicators were evident following treatment with the two higher MP doses. Presented data indicate that examined MPs are able to initiate the development of local changes in tissues and organs within a short time frame, potentially leading to their damage and dysfunction. This study may increase the awareness of the detrimental effects of plastic contamination, as even a single exposure to MPs may provoke adverse health outcomes.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030166
Authors: María José Casanueva-Marenco María Dolores Galindo-Riaño María Dolores Granado-Castro Margarita Díaz-de-Alba
Biotic samples from Algeciras Bay (South-west Europe) were studied to assess its ecological status, complementing the previous abiotic monitoring of trace metals in water and sediments. This bay is a densely populated area with intense port traffic and is highly industrialised with metal inputs. To study the impact of this, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu contents were determined in tissues of benthic (Solea senegalensis) and benthopelagic species (Scorpaena porcus, Trigloporus lastoviza, and Diplodus sargus sargus). Notable levels of Zn and Cu were found in the liver and gills of all fish species. Compared to international muscle guidelines, Pb sometimes exceeded the most restrictive values, outstanding S. porcus with 27% of samples above the permissible value. Metal pollution indexes revealed that the liver and gills of benthic species were more affected by metal pollution than benthopelagic species, especially in most industrialised sites. Particularly, S. senegalensis presented a higher accumulation factor from sediment of Cd and Cu in the liver (30.1 and 345.1), probably due to the close interaction as benthic species. Among the species studied, S. senegalensis and D. sargus sargus proved to be the best representative and useful bioindicators of metal-polluted environments as this bay. The results were consistent with the findings from the abiotic samples.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030165
Authors: Sucheewan Krobthong Tipawan Rungsawang Naphatson Khaodara Napat Kaewtrakulchai Kanit Manatura Khewika Sukiam Donchida Wathinputthiporn Sawitree Wongrerkdee Chatdanai Boonruang Sutthipoj Wongrerkdee
Water hyacinth (Wh) is an aquatic weed considered a nuisance in agricultural and fishing activities. Therefore, this study proposed repurposing this plant into activated carbon (AC). First, the ZnO-AC was precipitated and applied as a photocatalyst for degrading methylene blue. The preliminary photocatalytic test under UV irradiation identified the optimum ZnO-AC photocatalyst to degrade methylene blue (MB). The ZnO-AC photocatalyst recorded the highest degradation rate constant of 11.49 × 10−3 min−1, which was almost two-fold higher than that of ZnO (5.55 × 10−3 min−1). Furthermore, photocatalytic degradation of MB and carbaryl under sunlight irradiation by ZnO-AC demonstrated degradation rate constants of 74.46 × 10−3 min−1 and 8.43 × 10−3 min−1, respectively. To investigate the properties of ZnO-AC, several techniques were performed. ZnO-AC and ZnO exhibited similar results in morphology, crystalline structure, and Raman characteristics. However, ZnO-AC presented smaller pore diameters than those of ZnO, which enlarged pore surface area, and the presence of carbon-related groups implied the presence of AC on ZnO-AC surfaces. This can be attributed to the presence of AC on the ZnO surface, increasing the capture of surrounding toxic molecules and elevating the reaction density. This mechanism is attributed to promoting the degradation of toxic molecules. Therefore, using Wh as a carbon source for the transformation of AC can alternatively solve the problems of aquatic weed management and carbon storage strategies, and the application of AC in ZnO-AC photocatalysts can enhance photocatalysis.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030164
Authors: Daoming Li Shijie Cui Yun Wu Junfeng Wang Xinlei Ge
Aerosol liquid water content (ALWC) affects the mass loading, optical properties, and toxicity of aerosols. However, the measurement of ALWC is very rare due to its requirement of sophisticated instruments and its high operational costs. In this work, we improved on our previous simple, low-cost method by using a combination of one real-time fine particulate matter (PM2.5) monitor and two turbidimeters and successfully applied these for the direct measurement of ALWC in PM2.5 in Nanjing during the summer of 2023. The average ALWC during this measurement period occupied ~1/6 of the total PM2.5 mass, and this contribution was even greater with the elevation in the PM2.5 concentration. The ALWC was, as anticipated, closely related to the relative humidity (RH) and PM2.5 concentrations, but it did not always increase with the air quality index (AQI) due to the fact that polluted periods in summer were often governed by high O3 levels, not PM2.5 levels. The ALWC also had a great impact on visibility; it could decrease the visibility rapidly to hazy conditions when the dry PM2.5 was not high (~30 μg m−3) or the AQI was “good” (75~100), indicating that the air quality classified as “good” using the dry PM2.5 concentration might actually be “lightly polluted” if the ALWC is included. We also found that the air mass originating from Northeast China had the lowest PM2.5 mass concentration yet the highest ALWC values due to its high RH. Moreover, the quantification of ALWC levels can help us understand the solubility/bioavailability and thus the toxic effects of some specific components (for example, heavy metals or organics). Moreover, the influence of ALWC on air quality classifications should also be considered in the assessment of the health effects of air pollution and in public health early warning and protection.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12030163
Authors: María José Casanueva-Marenco María Dolores Galindo-Riaño María Dolores Granado-Castro Margarita Díaz-de-Alba
The ecological status of Algeciras Bay (South-west Europe), highly influenced by anthropogenic activities, was assessed by monitoring Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu in water and sediment samples. Total contents and metal fractions with different availabilities and their spatial-seasonal distribution were determined. The trend in water and sediment contents were Zn > Pb ≈ Cu > Cd, without significant seasonal variations. Sites 3 and 4, closest to industrial activities, had the highest metal concentrations, mainly in sediments. Cd showed low partition coefficient in water, indicating higher bioavailability. Total metal content in sediments exceeded the threshold effect level for Cu and were close to Pb. The BCR procedure revealed the highest availabilities for Cd and Pb, due to its higher content in exchangeable and reducible fractions. Higher Pb levels (21.4 ± 5.1 mg/kg) were found in sediments of this bay compared with other ecosystems. Pollution indexes for sediment quality revealed that site 3 was the most polluted (CF = 7.12 and Igeo = 2.25). For an integrative study of the ecological status of this significant bay, these results have been complemented with the metal evaluation in benthic and benthopelagic fish tissues in Ecological status of Algeciras Bay, in a highly anthropised area in south-west Europe, through metal assessment—Part II: Biotic samples.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020162
Authors: Irene Passarelli Michelle Vanessa Villacis Verdesoto Samantha Jiménez-Oyola Ana Gabriela Flores Huilcapi Demmy Mora-Silva Giorgio Anfuso Jose Fernando Esparza Parra Mirian Jimenez-Gutierrez Luis Santiago Carrera Almendáriz Victor Gabriel Avalos Peñafiel Salvatore Straface Carlos Mestanza-Ramón
Gold mining activity is a source of supply in many areas of the world, and especially in developing countries, it is practiced illegally and by applying unsafe techniques. Particularly in Ecuador, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is widespread, and it is based on the use of toxic substances, such as mercury (Hg), in gold recovery. Hg is a heavy metal that is water-insoluble, which, once mobilized, poses a threat to both the environment and human health. This study analyzes Hg concentrations in the six provinces of Napo, Sucumbíos, Orellana, Pastaza, Morona Santiago, and Zamora Chinchipe of the Ecuadorian Amazon region to conduct a human health risk assessment. Significant differences in Hg levels were found between provinces, but concentrations were below MPL imposed by Ecuadorian regulations everywhere. Nevertheless, a worrisome picture emerges, especially with regard to the most vulnerable receptors represented by the child population. There are multiple factors of incidence that may affect the possible future development of the phenomenon, and with reference to the social, economic, and environmental context of the region, it can be concluded that it may be appropriate to plan further investigation to arrive at a more comprehensive assessment. The results of this study can be used by decision makers to plan further investigation and to implement monitoring networks, risk mitigation strategies, and groundwater protection measures.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020161
Authors: Yujin Ahn Yong-Hyeon Yim Hee Min Yoo
Numerous toxicological studies have highlighted the association between urban particulate matter (PM) and increased respiratory infections and lung diseases. The adverse impact on the lungs is directly linked to the complex composition of particulate matter, initiating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and consequent lipid peroxidation. Excessive ROS, particularly within mitochondria, can destroy subcellular organelles through various pathways. In this study, we confirmed the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, upon exposure to an urban PM using RT-qPCR and signaling pathway analysis. We used KRISS CRM 109-02-004, the certified reference material for the analysis of particulate matter, produced by the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS). To validate that ferroptosis causes lung endothelial toxicity, we assessed intracellular mitochondrial potential, ROS overproduction, lipid peroxidation, and specific ferroptosis biomarkers. Following exposure to the urban PM, a significant increase in ROS generation and a decrease in mitochondrial potential were observed. Furthermore, it induced hallmarks of ferroptosis, including the accumulation of lipid peroxidation, the loss of antioxidant defenses, and cellular iron accumulation. In addition, the occurrence of oxidative stress as a key feature of ferroptosis was confirmed by increased expression levels of specific oxidative stress markers such as NQO1, CYP1B1, FTH1, SOD2, and NRF. Finally, a significant increase in key ferroptosis markers was observed, including xCT/SLC7A11, NQO1, TRIM16, HMOX-1, FTL, FTH1, CYP1B1, CHAC1, and GPX4. This provides evidence that elevated ROS levels induce oxidative stress, which ultimately triggers ferroptosis. In conclusion, our results show that the urban PM, KRISS CRM, induces cellular and mitochondrial ROS production, leading to oxidative stress and subsequent ferroptosis. These results suggest that it may induce ferroptosis through ROS generation and may offer potential strategies for the treatment of lung diseases.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020160
Authors: Júlia Robert de Sousa Teixeira Augusto Monteiro de Souza João Vitor de Macedo-Sampaio Fabiano Peres Menezes Bruno Fiorelini Pereira Silvia Regina Batistuzzo de Medeiros Ana Carolina Luchiari
Diflubenzuron (DFB) and pyriproxyfen (PPF) are larvicides used in crops to control insect plagues. However, these pesticides are known to impact non-target organisms like fish and mammals. Here, we aimed at assessing the embryotoxicity of purified DFB, PPF, and their mixtures in a non-target organism—zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations for 120 h: 0.025, 0.125, 0.25, 1.25, 2.5, and 10 mg/L of purified PPF and purified DFB, while we used 0.025 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix A), 0.125 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix B), and 0.25 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix C) for the mixtures of PPF + DFB. We observed mortality, teratogenicity, and cardiotoxicity. For the neurotoxicity tests and evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the brain, embryos were exposed for 120 h to 0.379 and 0.754 mg/L of PPF and 0.025 and 0.125 mg/L of DFB. We established the LC50 for PPF as 3.79 mg/L, while the LC50 for DFB was not determinable. Survival and hatching were affected by PPF concentrations above 0.125 mg/L, DFB concentrations above 1.25 mg/L, and the lower pesticide mixtures. PPF exposure and mixtures induced different types of malformations, while a higher number of malformations were observed for the mixtures, suggesting a potentiating effect. Pesticides diminished avoidance responses and increased the levels of ROS across all concentrations, indicating neurotoxicity. Our findings underscore the detrimental impact of PPF and DFB exposure, spanning from biochemistry to morphology. There is a critical need to reconsider the global use of these pesticides and transition to more ecologically friendly forms of pest control, raising an alarm regarding repercussions on human and animal health and well-being.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020159
Authors: Rosario Planelló Mónica Aquilino Laureen Beaugeard Lola Llorente Óscar Herrero David Siaussat Charlotte Lécureuil
Over the past decade, multiple studies have suggested that the secondary metabolites produced by plants against herbivorous insects could be used as biopesticides. However, as the molecular mechanism of action of these compounds remains unknown, it is difficult to predict how they would affect non-target insects; thus, their innocuity needs to be clarified. Here, we investigate, from the molecular level to the organism, the responses of a useful parasitic insect Nasonia vitripennis (Walker, 1836) being exposed at the pupae stage for 48 h (up to 6 days) to sublethal doses (5 µg/L and 500 µg/L) of 2-Dodecanone. 2-Dodecanone altered the gene expression of genes related to ecdysone-related pathways, biotransformation, and cell homeostasis. A significant induction of ecdysone response-genes (EcR, usp, E78, Hr4, Hr38) was detected, despite no significant differences in ecdysteroid levels. Regarding the cell homeostasis processes, the gene l(2)efl was differentially altered in both experimental conditions, and a dose-dependent induction of hex81 was observed. 2-Dodecanone also triggered an induction of Cyp6aQ5 activity. Finally, 2-Dodecanone exposure had a significant effect on neither development time, energy reserves, nor egg-laying capacity; no potential genotoxicity was detected. For the first time, this study shows evidence that 2-Dodecanone can modulate gene expression and interfere with the ecdysone signalling pathway in N. vitripennis. This could lead to potential endocrine alterations and highlight the suitability of this organism to improve our general understanding of the molecular effects of plant defences in insects. Our findings provide new insights into the toxicity of 2-Dodecanone that could potentially be explored in other species and under field conditions for plant protection and pest management as a means to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020158
Authors: Jeong-In Jeon Ji-Yun Jung Shin-Young Park Hye-Won Lee Jeong-Il Lee Cheol-Min Lee
Particulate matter (PM) can cause illness, including respiratory diseases, and PM2.5 compositions are likely to vary according to the emission profiles of industrial complexes. This study analyzed and compared the concentrations and distributions of PM2.5 and heavy metals in two regions of Republic of Korea: Yeosu·Gwangyang, which houses a massive national industrial complex, and Dangjin, which houses power plants. Further, we conducted a health risk assessment on the residents of the areas near these industrial complexes. Measurements were taken at five different points in each setting over a two-year period from August 2020 to August 2022. We found differences in PM2.5 concentrations and heavy metal composition ratios across the sites. Specifically, PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the standard of 1 at all measurement sites, while the specific heavy metals exceeding the standard varied across the sites. Ultimately, we observed regional differences in PM2.5 composition across measurement sites across and within the two regions and variations in health risks and according health effects due to the absence of PM2.5 toxicity values, and compared the health risks of two industrial complexes with different characteristics. These findings underscore the importance of considering not only PM2.5 but also its composition in exposure and health risk assessments.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020157
Authors: Qing Liu Yuan Ding Yuqi Lai Yan Long Hong Shi Min Liu
This study investigated the impact of soil colloidal characteristics on the transfer patterns of different Cu and Cd speciation in contaminated soil treated with three different amendments: lime (L), zero-valent iron (ZVI), and attapulgite (ATP). It seeks to clarify the activation hazards and aging processes of these modifications on Cu and Cd. Compared with the control (CK), the available Cu concentrations treated with amendments reduced in the short term (6 months) by 96.49%, 5.54%, and 89.78%, respectively, and Cd declined by 55.43%, 32.31%, and 93.80%, respectively. Over a 12-year period, there was no significant change in the immobile effect with L, while Cu and Cd fell by 19.06% and 40.65% with ZVI and by 7.63% and 40.78% with ATP. Short- and long-term increases in the readily reducible iron and manganese oxide fraction of Cu and Cd were accompanied by a considerable rise in the concentrations of amorphous iron oxide in the soil and colloid after amendment treatment. This suggested that Cu and Cd were immobilized and stabilized in part by amorphous iron oxide.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020156
Authors: Xiaofeng Tang Zhiquan Jin Rui Zou Yi Zhu Xia Yao Mengxuan Li Shuang Song Shuangliu Liu Tao Zeng
This study presents an electrolysis system utilizing a novel self-circulation process of sulfate (SO42−) and persulfate (S2O82−) ions based on a boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode and an activated carbon fiber (ACF) cathode, which is designed to enable electrochemical remediation of environmental contaminants with reduced use of chemical reagents and minimized residues. The production of S2O82− and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the BDD anode and ACF cathode, respectively, is identified as the source of active radicals for the contaminant degradation. The initiator, sulfate, is identified by comparing the degradation efficiency in NaSO4 and NaNO3 electrolytes. Quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy confirmed that the SO4−· and ·OH generated on the ACF cathode are the main reactive radicals. A comparison of the degradation efficiency and the generated S2O82−/H2O2 of the divided/undivided electrolysis system is used to demonstrate the superiority of the synergistic effect between the BDD anode and ACF cathode. This work provides evidence of the effectiveness of the philosophy of “catalysis in lieu of supplementary chemical agents” and sheds light on the mechanism of the generation and transmission of reactive species in the BDD and ACF electrolysis system, thereby offering new perspectives for the design and optimization of electrolysis systems.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020155
Authors: Dan Su Wangwang Li Zhaowei Zhang Hui Cai Le Zhang Yuanlong Sun Xiaoning Liu Zhiquan Tian
Nanoplastics, as a hot topic of novel contaminants, lack extensive concern in higher plants; especially the potential impact and mechanism of nanoplastics on legume crops remains elusive. In this study, the toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 200 nm) with diverse doses (control, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 mg/L) to soybean and mung bean plants grown hydroponically for 7 d was investigated at both the macroscopic and molecular levels. The results demonstrated that the root length of both plants was markedly suppressed to varying degrees. Similarly, mineral elements (Fe, Zn) were notably decreased in soybean roots, consistent with Cu alteration in mung bean. Moreover, PS-NPs considerably elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels only in soybean roots. Enzyme activity data indicated mung bean exhibited significant damage only at higher doses of PS-NPs stress than soybean, implying mung bean is more resilient. Transcriptome analysis showed that PS-NPs stimulated the expression of genes associated with the antioxidant system in plant roots. Furthermore, starch and sucrose metabolism might play a key role in coping with PS-NPs to enhance soybean resistance, but the MAPK pathway was enriched in mung bean. Our findings provide valuable perspectives for an in-depth understanding of the performance of plants growing in waters contaminated by nanoplastics.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020154
Authors: Yinhai Chen Xiurong Chen Wenchi Lin Jinghong Chen Yuejun Zhu Zhanghong Guo
In this study, 245 representative samples of aquatic products were selected from local markets in Shenzhen by stochastic sampling. The samples comprised eight species and fell into three aquatic product categories: fish, crustaceans, and bivalves. A total of eight BPs were determined by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, namely, bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol AF (BPAF), bisphenol AP (BPAP), bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol P (BPP), bisphenol Z (BPZ), and bisphenol F (BPF). All BPs were detected in aquatic products, except for BPAF, indicating pervasive contamination by BPs in aquatic products. BPS demonstrated the highest detection rate both before and after enzymatic hydrolysis, whereas BPAP exhibited the lowest detection rate before enzymatic hydrolysis and BPB displayed the lowest detection rate after enzymatic hydrolysis. The concentration difference before and after enzymatic hydrolysis proved to be statistically significant. Moreover, 49–96% of BPs in aquatic products were found in the combined state, underscoring the essentiality of conducting detections on aquatic product samples following enzymatic hydrolysis. While the health risks associated with ingesting BPs residues through aquatic product consumption were found to be minimal for residents at risk of exposure, the results suggest the necessity for more stringent regulations governing the consumption of aquatic products.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020153
Authors: Jae-Hee Kwon Jihye Kim Kyung-Min Lim Myeong Gyu Kim
Natural language processing (NLP) technology has recently used to predict substance properties based on their Simplified Molecular-Input Line-Entry System (SMILES). We aimed to develop a model predicting human skin sensitizers by integrating text features derived from SMILES with in vitro test outcomes. The dataset on SMILES, physicochemical properties, in vitro tests (DPRA, KeratinoSensTM, h-CLAT, and SENS-IS assays), and human potency categories for 122 substances sourced from the Cosmetics Europe database. The ChemBERTa model was employed to analyze the SMILES of substances. The last hidden layer embedding of ChemBERTa was tested with other features. Given the modest dataset size, we trained five XGBoost models using subsets of the training data, and subsequently employed bagging to create the final model. Notably, the features computed from SMILES played a pivotal role in the model for distinguishing sensitizers and non-sensitizers. The final model demonstrated a classification accuracy of 80% and an AUC-ROC of 0.82, effectively discriminating sensitizers from non-sensitizers. Furthermore, the model exhibited an accuracy of 82% and an AUC-ROC of 0.82 in classifying strong and weak sensitizers. In summary, we demonstrated that the integration of NLP of SMILES with in vitro test results can enhance the prediction of health hazard associated with chemicals.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020152
Authors: Tomás R. López Arias Deidamia Franco Leonida Medina César Benítez Verónica Villagra Shaun McGahan Giselle Mariza Duré Hajime G. Kurita-Oyamada
Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) is a contaminant with toxic activity. Its presence in waters and soils is usually related to industrial activities such as tanneries. The aim of this study was to compare the removal of Cr(III) in hydroponic solutions and tannery effluents using two floating macrophytes: Salvinia auriculata and Eichhornia crassipes. First, to determine the chromium removal capacity in solution and the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) in tissues of each plant, experiments were set up with contaminated solutions with Cr(III) concentrations of 2, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/L. Subsequently, both plant species were exposed to a primary tannery effluent contaminated with 12 mg/L of Cr(III) in order to study the removal capacity of organic and inorganic matter, as well as the acute toxicity in the water flea (Daphnia magna) and genotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Tests carried out on nutrient solutions revealed that both plants have a high capacity for removing Cr(III) in solution. The BAF in tissues was higher in E. crassipes compared to S. auriculata. In the experiments with a tannery effluent, both species presented low nutrient and organic matter removal efficiency, but they showed good Cr(III) removal capacity, with average reduction values of 57% for S. auriculata and 54% for E. crassipes after 72 h of exposure. E. crassipes contributed most to the reduction in acute toxicity in D. magna, while S. auriculata did not show a similar effect. However, both plant species managed to reduce the genotoxicity marker in D. rerio when compared with the initial effluent and the control.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020151
Authors: Gilles-Eric Seralini
Everything began with the discovery that pesticides have long had unintended side effects on non-target species, which is illustrated by Ponepal et al [...]
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020150
Authors: Guan Yang Dongzhi Gou Ling-Kang Bu Xing-Yi Wei Huan Hu Wen-Bo Huo Marriya Sultan De-Sheng Pei
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a conductive polymer commonly used in various technological applications. However, its impact on aquatic ecosystems remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the toxicity effects of PEDOT:PSS on zebrafish. We first determined the lethal concentration (LC50) of PEDOT:PSS in zebrafish and then exposed AB-type zebrafish embryos to different concentrations of PEDOT:PSS for 120 h. Our investigation elucidated the toxicity effects of zebrafish development, including morphological assessments, heart rate measurements, behavioral analysis, transcriptome profiling, and histopathological analysis. We discovered that PEDOT:PSS exhibited detrimental effects on the early developmental stages of zebrafish, exacerbating the oxidative stress level, suppressing zebrafish activity, impairing cardiac development, and causing intestinal cell damage. This study adds a new dimension to the developmental toxicity of PEDOT:PSS in zebrafish. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the ecological repercussions of PEDOT:PSS and highlight the importance of responsible development and application of novel materials in our rapidly evolving technological landscape.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020149
Authors: Noemi Meraz-Cruz Natalia Manzano-León Daniel Eduardo Sandoval-Colin María del Carmen García de León Méndez Raúl Quintana-Belmares Laura Sevilla Tapia Alvaro R. Osornio-Vargas Miatta A. Buxton Marie S. O’Neill Felipe Vadillo-Ortega
Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that particulate matter (PM) in air pollution can be involved in the genesis or aggravation of different cardiovascular, respiratory, perinatal, and cancer diseases. This study assessed the in vitro effects of PM10 on the secretion of cytokines by a human monocytic cell line (THP-1). We compared the chemotactic, pro-inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory cytokines induced by PM10 collected for two years during three different seasons in five different Mexico City locations. MIP-1α, IP-10, MCP-1, TNF-α, and VEGF were the main secretion products after stimulation with 80 μg/mL of PM10 for 24 h. The THP-1 cells showed a differential response to PM10 obtained in the different sites of Mexico City. The PM10 from the north and the central city areas induced a higher pro-inflammatory cytokine response than those from the south. Seasonal pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion always exceeded anti-inflammatory secretion. The rainy-season-derived particles caused the lowest pro-inflammatory effects. We concluded that toxicological assessment of airborne particles provides evidence supporting their potential role in the chronic exacerbation of local or systemic inflammatory responses that may worsen the evolution of some chronic diseases.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020148
Authors: Drewyan Minelly Harrison Wei-Chung Chang Hsin-Tang Lin
Tea is an integral part of Taiwanese culture and is a popular drink as it contains many beneficial compounds. However, during the processing of tea, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may form. This study investigated the concentrations of PAH4 in different black tea leaves and tea infusions based on the origin of the tea. The samples were extracted using QuEChERS, while the content of PAH4 was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The content of PAH4 in the tea leaves ranged from 2.88 µg/kg to 218.2 µg/kg (dry weight), with the highest concentration being found in teas from Vietnam. The concentration of BaP ranged from ND to 47.92 µg/kg. The release of PAH4 from tea leaves to tea infusions was significantly low, with the highest transfer being 25.8%. In this study, all PAH4 compounds in commercial black tea leaves can be detected by QuEChERS extraction with a simple HPLC method.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020147
Authors: Cheng Lin Kevin J. Lane Virginia R. Chomitz Jeffrey K. Griffiths Doug Brugge
In this article, we explored the effects of ultrafine particle (UFP) peak exposure on inflammatory biomarkers and blood lipids using two novel metrics—the intensity of peaks and the frequency of peaks. We used data previously collected by the Community Assessment of Freeway Exposure and Health project from participants in the Greater Boston Area. The UFP exposure data were time-activity-adjusted hourly average concentration, estimated using land use regression models based on mobile-monitored ambient concentrations. The outcome data included C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor 2 (TNF-RII), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides and total cholesterol. For each health indicator, multivariate regression models were used to assess their associations with UFP peaks (N = 364–411). After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status and education level, an increase in UFP peak exposure was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with an increase in TNF-RII and a decrease in HDL and triglycerides. Increases in UFP peaks were also significantly associated with increased IL-6 and decreased total cholesterol, while the same associations were not significant when annual average exposure was used. Our work suggests that analysis using peak exposure metrics could reveal more details about the effect of environmental exposures than the annual average metric.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020146
Authors: Jiqin Feng Xintong Xu Wenfei Huang Honghong Gong Xiaohui Sun Jinsong Liu Chao Xu Weiping Liu
Chiral pesticides exhibit enantioselective differences in processes such as biological absorption, metabolism, and toxic effects. Organisms have different physiological characteristics at different developmental stages. Therefore, conducting enantiomeric toxicity studies at different developmental stages of organisms can help deepen the understanding of the ecological effects of chiral pesticides. This study focused on trans-tetramethrin (Tet) and investigated the enantioselectivity in bioconcentration, developmental toxicity, estrogenic effects, and immunotoxicity of Tet’s racemate ((±)-Tet) and its two enantiomers ((+)-Tet and (−)-Tet) in three developmental stages of zebrafish: embryos, yolk sac larvae, and juveniles. The results showed that Tet exhibited different enantioselectivity in lethal, bioconcentration, and teratogenic effects on zebrafish at different developmental stages. The LC50 value was (+)-Tet > (±)-Tet > (−)-Tet, with embryos being the most sensitive, followed by juveniles and yolk sac larvae. The enantioselective bioconcentration was (±)-Tet > (+)-Tet > (−)-Tet, and the bioconcentration effect was greater in embryos than that in yolk sac larvae and juveniles. Developmental toxicity indicated that (+)-Tet and (±)-Tet had higher teratogenic effects on yolk sac larvae than on embryos. Tet exhibited different enantioselective effects on the expression of zebrafish estrogen-related genes and innate immune-related genes at different developmental stages. These results will contribute to a more comprehensive assessment of the aquatic toxicity and environmental risks of chiral pesticides.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020145
Authors: Tianyu Lu Huihui Huang Guifen Lv Fei Li Ren-jie Song Yuting Cai
1,4-dioxane is a potential carcinogen in water and is difficult to deal with due to its robust cycloether bond and complete miscibility with water. To remove 1,4-dioxane in an economically viable and environmentally friendly way, a series of carbon aerogels were synthesized as adsorbents for 1,4-dioxane. The experiment results showed that adsorption performances were closely related to the preparation conditions of carbon aerogels, such as the molar ratio, heating rate, pyrolysis temperature and residence time, which were carefully controlled. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed the presence of a three-dimensional porous network structure in carbon aerogels. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis results demonstrated an increase in specific surface area (673.89 m2/g) and total pore volume after carbonization, with an increase in mesoporous porosity and a decrease in microporosity. When considering each variable individually, the highest specific surface area of prepared carbon aerogels was achieved at a pyrolysis temperature of 800 °C, a holding time of 1 h, and a heating rate of 2 °C/min. Under optimal experimental conditions, the adsorption removal of 1,4-dioxane by carbon aerogels exceeded 95%, following quasi-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isothermal adsorption isotherms, indicating that monolayer adsorption on the surface of carbon aerogels occurred. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained was 67.28 mg/g at a temperature of 318 K, which was attributed to the presence of a large proportion of mesopores and abundant micropores simultaneously in carbon aerogels. Furthermore, with the interference of chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE), the removal efficiency of 1,4-dioxane had no obvious inhibition effect. Regeneration experiments showed that after five continuous cycles, the carbon aerogels still kept a comparable adsorption capacity, which illustrates its potential application in 1,4-dioxane-polluted water purification.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020144
Authors: Luiz Drude de Lacerda Ronaldo de Almeida Wanderley Rodrigues Bastos
This study presents a 35-year record of total mercury (Hg) concentrations in the detritivore fish Prochilodus nigricans (Curimatã) and the carnivore Cichla pleiozona (Tucunaré), two of the most widely distributed, ecologically important and consumed fish species in the upper Madeira River Basin in the Western Brazilian Amazon. Fish samples from the major Madeira River and marginal lakes and tributaries were compared. Irrespective of site, Hg concentrations were higher in the carnivore fish compared to the detritivore. Hg concentrations increased 5-fold in C. pleiozona in the past three decades, whereas they remained relatively constant in P. nigricans when analyzing the entire 35-year period. When analyzed separately, fish in the main river and marginal lake and tributaries presented the same pattern of Hg variation, with a significant increase in Hg concentrations in the carnivore and in the detritivore in marginal lakes and tributaries but not in the main river. This was in line with the increase in methyl-Hg production in tributaries, mostly associated with deforestation in the past decade in the basin. Although an increase in direct emissions from artisanal gold mining also occurred in the past decade, this caused virtually no impact on fish Hg concentrations, suggesting atmospheric emission and deposition in forests and further export to water systems as an intermediate link with fish Hg concentrations.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020143
Authors: Shaojie Liu Yifei Wang Zhanren Liu Zhiping Yang Liang Chen Bo Chen
Objectives: The ecofriendly and sustainable concept of bamboo- and wheat straw-made tableware has gained attention in recent years. However, it is necessary to note that these kinds of tableware are composed of melamine (MEL)–formaldehyde resin with the addition of bamboo fibers or wheat straw. This study aims to explore the potential migration of MEL and its derivatives from the tableware and conduct a risk assessment. Methods: The study involved 46 bowls or cups purchased from Internet markets or retail shops in China, whose raw materials included MEL, bamboo, and wheat straw. There were four pieces of glass- or ceramic-made tableware used as the control group. Migration testing was performed according to the test conditions selected from the European Union Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Materials. Considering the realistic worst-case scenario, we measured the concentrations of MEL and its derivatives in food simulants using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and estimated the exposure risks for adults and 1-year-old infants. Results: MEL and its derivatives could migrate from MEL-, bamboo-, and wheat straw-made tableware with varying concentrations. The total migration was ranked as follows: bamboo-made tableware > MEL-made tableware > wheat straw-made tableware > glass- or ceramic-made tableware (p < 0.001). The primary contributor to the total concentration for MEL- and bamboo-made tableware was MEL, whereas cyanuric acid (CYA) was the main contributor for wheat straw-made tableware. Based on the total concentration of MEL and its derivatives and the strictest TDI value, the proportions of the calculated hazard quotient ≥1 for MEL-, bamboo-, and wheat straw-made tableware in adults were 53.50%, 92.30%, and 1.90%; and the proportions in 1-year-old infants increased to 86.00%, 100.00%, and 7.40%. Conclusion: The utilization of MEL-, bamboo-, and wheat straw-made tableware could be regarded as a significant source of human exposure to MEL and its derivatives. It is advisable for both adults and infants to refrain from using tableware manufactured with MEL and bamboo fiber, as it may increase the susceptibility to MEL-related diseases.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020142
Authors: David Hernández-Moreno Marta Fernández-Díaz Isabel Rucandio José Navas María Fernández-Cruz
The peculiar physico-chemical characteristics of nanomaterials (NMs) and the use of different coatings to improve their expected properties result in a huge amount of nanoforms, which vary in chemical composition, size, shape and surface characteristics. This makes it almost impossible to test all the nanoforms available, and efforts have been made to establish grouping or read-across strategies. The aim of this work was to find a behavior pattern of effect among nanoforms of different metallic core nanoparticles (NPs) (TiO2, CeO2 and Ag NP) with the same coatings (sodium citrate, poly (ethylene glycol), dodecylphosphonic acid or oleylamine). Daphnia magna, rainbow trout and two fish cell lines (PLHC-1 and RTH-149) were exposed to a range of concentrations (up to 100 mg/L) of the uncoated or coated NPs. Ag NPs were the most toxic, followed by CeO2 NPs and finally by TiO2 NPs. The results show that a clear pattern of toxicity in the studied species could not be established related to the coatings. However, it was possible to confirm different inter-species sensitivities. RTH-149 was the most sensitive cell line, and Daphnia magna was more sensitive than fish. Moreover, some differences in coating-core interactions were found between the metal oxide and the metal NPs in Daphnia magna.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020141
Authors: Rafael Torronteras Margarita Díaz-de-Alba María Dolores Granado-Castro Estrella Espada-Bellido Francisco Córdoba García Antonio Canalejo María Dolores Galindo-Riaño
The aim of this work was to compare the potential induction of oxidative stress and the antioxidant enzymatic response after a short-term waterborne exposure to copper (Cu) and arsenic (As) with that of the nanoparticles (NPs) of these elements (Cu-NPs and As-NPs) in fish larvae of the species Dicentrarchus labrax. Larvae were grouped in several tanks and exposed to different concentrations of contaminants (0 to 10 mg/L) for 24 or 96 h under laboratory conditions. Copper and arsenic concentrations were analysed in larval tissues using ICP-MS. A set of oxidative stress biomarkers, including the levels of hydroperoxides (HPs), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were assessed. The trace element concentrations (mg/kg d.w.) in larvae ranged as follows: 3.28–6.67 (Cu at 24 h) and 2.76–3.42 (Cu at 96 h); 3.03–8.31 (Cu-NPs at 24 h) and 2.50–4.86 (Cu-NPs at 96 h); 1.92–3.45 (As at 24 h) and 2.22–4.71 (As at 96 h); and 2.19–8.56 (As-NPs at 24 h) and 1.75–9.90 (As-NPs at 96 h). In Cu tests, the oxidative damage (ROOH levels) was induced from 0.1 mg/L at both exposure times, while for Cu-NPs, this damage was not observed until 1 mg/L, which was paralleled by concomitant increases in SOD activity. The CAT activity was also increased but at lower metal concentrations (0.01 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L for both chemical forms). No oxidative damage was observed for As or As-NPs after 24 h, but it was observed for As after 96 h of treatment with 0.01 mg/L. A decrease in SOD activity was observed for As after 24 h, but it turned out to be increased after 96 h. However, As-NPs did not alter SOD activity. The CAT activity was stimulated only at 96 h by As and at 24 h by As-NPs. Therefore, the two chemical forms of Cu exhibited a higher bioaccumulation and toxicity potential as compared to those of As. Importantly, the association of both Cu and As in NPs reduced the respective trace metal bioaccumulation, resulting also in a reduction in the toxic effects (mortality and biochemical). Furthermore, the assessment of oxidative stress-related biomarkers in seabass larvae appears to be a useful tool for biomonitoring environmental-occurring trace elements.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020140
Authors: Zhe Chen Ying Chen Jing Liang Zhiyu Sun Haoren Zhao Yi Huang
In recent decades, chromium contamination in soil has emerged as a serious environmental issue, demanding an exploration of chromium’s behavioral patterns in different soil conditions. This study aims to simulate the release, migration, and environmental impact of chromium (Cr) in contaminated soils under natural rainfall conditions (wet–dry cycles). Clean soils sourced from Panzhihua were used to cultivate chromium-containing soils. Simulated rainfall, prepared in the laboratory, was applied to the cultivated chromium-containing soils in indoor simulated leaching experiments. The experiments simulated three years of rainfall in Panzhihua. The results indicate that soils with higher initial Cr contents result in higher Cr concentrations in the leachate, but all soils exhibit a low cumulative Cr release. The leachate shows similar patterns in total organic carbon (TOC), pH, electrical conductivity, and Cr content changes. An analysis of the speciation of Cr in the soil after leaching reveals a significant decrease in the exchangeable fraction for each Cr species, while the residual and oxidizable Cr fractions exhibit notable increases. The wet–dry cycle has the following effects on the soil: it induces internal reduction reactions in the soil, leading to the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III); it alters the binding of Cr ions to the soil, affecting the migration of chromium; and it involves microorganisms in chemical processes that consume organic matter in the soil. After three years of rainwater leaching, chromium-containing soils released a relatively low cumulative amount of total chromium, resulting in a reduced potential risk of groundwater system contamination. Most of the chromium in the chromium-containing soil is fixed within the soil, leading to less biotoxicity.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020139
Authors: Viorela Nițescu Andreea Lescaie Dora Boghițoiu Coriolan Ulmeanu
The use of disinfectants, particularly those containing quaternary ammonium compounds (QUACs), has dramatically escalated globally since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We report a case that highlights the risks associated with ingesting low-concentration QUAC solutions and emphasize the importance of effective management in resolving severe lesions without sequelae. A 17-month-old boy experienced severe respiratory failure after ingesting a disinfectant containing benzalkonium chloride (BAC). The child was initially treated at a local emergency department and was subsequently transferred to a pediatric poison center. Upon evaluation, the child was found to have grade III-A corrosive esophageal lesions and chemical pneumonitis. Several complications, including massive pneumothorax and candidemia, occurred during the clinical course of the disease. However, with timely medical intervention and appropriate supportive care, the patient completely recovered without any long-term sequelae. The properties of BAC and the comprehensive management approach may have been responsible for the patient’s full recovery, despite the potentially life-threatening effects of ingesting disinfectants.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020138
Authors: Jessica Amacosta Tatyana Poznyak Sergio Siles Isaac Chairez
In this research, the decomposition of toxic organics from pulp and paper mill effluent by the sequential application of ozonation and biodegradation was studied. Ozonation, as a pre-treatment, was executed to transform the initial pollutants into less toxic compounds (such as organic acids of low molecular weights). Biodegradation was executed during three days with acclimated microorganisms that were able to complete the decomposition of the initial organic mixture (raw wastewater) and to achieve a higher degree of mineralization (85–90%). Experiments were performed under three different conditions: (a) only ozonation of the initial contaminants, (b) only biodegradation of residual water without previous treatment by ozone and (c) ozonation followed by biodegradation performed by acclimated microorganisms. In the case of 72 h of biodegradation, the mineralization efficiency reached 85% and 89% after 30 and 60 min of ozonation, respectively. The no significant difference in this parameter coincided with the calculated generalized microorganisms’ consortia specific growing rate μmax that was reduced from 2.08 × 10−3 h−1 to 6.05 × 10−4 h−1 when the ozonation time was longer. The identification of the organics composition by gas chromatography with mass detector (GC-MS) before and after treatments confirmed that the proposed combined process served as a more efficient alternative to secondary and tertiary treatments (mineralization degree between 60 and 80% in average) of the paper industry wastewater.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020137
Authors: Carmen Maftei Ashok Vaseashta Ionut Poinareanu
Air pollution poses one of the greatest dangers to public well-being. This article outlines a study conducted in the Central Romania Region regarding the health risks associated with particulate matter (PM) of two sizes, viz., PM10 and PM2.5. The methodology used consists of the following: (i) an analysis of the effects of PM pollutants, (ii) an analysis of total mortality and cardiovascular-related mortality, and (iii) a general health risk assessment. The Central Region of Romania is situated in the Carpathian Mountains’ inner arch (consisting of six counties). The total population of the region under investigation is about 2.6 million inhabitants. Health risk assessment is calculated based on the relative risk (RR) formula. During the study period, our simulations show that reducing these pollutants’ concentrations below the new WHO guidelines (2021) will prevent over 172 total fatalities in Brasov alone, as an example. Furthermore, the potential benefit of reducing annual PM2.5 levels on total cardiovascular mortality is around 188 persons in Brasov. Although health benefits may also depend upon other physiological parameters, all general health indicators point towards a significant improvement in overall health by a general reduction in particulate matter, as is shown by the toxicity assessment of the particulate matter in the region of interest. The modality can be applied to other locations for similar studies.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020136
Authors: Zitong Zhuang Dan Li Shiyu Zhang Zhaoyang Hu Wenfeng Deng Hualiang Lin
Background: The association between specific chemical components of PM2.5 and depression remains largely unknown. Methods: We conducted a time-stratified case-crossover analysis with a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) to evaluate the relationship of PM2.5 and its chemical components, including black carbon (BC), organic matter (OM), sulfate (SO42−), nitrate (NO3−), and ammonium (NH4+), with the depression incidence. Daily depression outpatients were enrolled from Huizhou, Shenzhen, and Zhaoqing. Results: Among 247,281 outpatients, we found the strongest cumulative effects of PM2.5 and its chemical components with the odd ratios (ORs) of 1.607 (95% CI: 1.321, 1.956) and 1.417 (95% CI: 1.245, 1.612) at the 50th percentile of PM2.5 and OM at lag 21, respectively. Furthermore, the ORs with SO42− and NH4+ at the 75th percentile on the same lag day were 1.418 (95% CI: 1.247, 1.613) and 1.025 (95% CI: 1.009, 1.140). Relatively stronger associations were observed among females and the elderly. Conclusions: Our study suggests that PM2.5 and its chemical components might be important risk factors for depression. Reducing PM2.5 emissions, with a particular focus on the major sources of SO42− and OM, might potentially alleviate the burden of depression in South China.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020135
Authors: Jin-Wook Kim Young-Kyu Hong Oh-Kyung Kwon Sung-Chul Kim
Released antibiotics from source to stream can influence bacterial communities and potentially alter the ecosystem. This research provides a comprehensive examination of the sources, distribution, and bacterial community dynamics associated with varied antibiotic release sources adjacent to the stream. The residual of antibiotics from different sources was determined, and the bacterial community structure was examined to reveal the differences in the bacteria community in the stream. The residual of antibiotics was quantified with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and the Illumina MiSeq platform was utilized to sequence bacterial 16S rRNA genes, providing comprehensive insights into the bacterial community structure in the sediment across five different sites. Results indicated that the presence and distribution of antibiotics were significantly influenced by released sources. In the case of the bacterial community, the Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the most dominant phyla in the sediment, and especially, the Firmicutes showed higher abundance in sites mostly affected by livestock sources. Additionally, livestock gut bacteria such as Clostridium saudiense, Proteiniclasticum ruminis, and Turicibacter sanguinis were prevalent in antibiotic-contaminated sites adjacent to livestock facilities. Overall, this study provides critical insights into the effect of antibiotic contamination by verifying the relationship between the occurrence of antibiotic residuals and the alteration in the bacterial community in the stream.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020134
Authors: Drewyan Minelly Harrison Wei-Chung Chang Hsin-Tang Lin
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds found in many foods and drinks, and there have been some concerns over these compounds due to their carcinogenic nature. This study evaluated the concentrations of PAH4 (BaP, BaA, BbF, and CHR) in different black tea infusions and drinks based on the origin of the tea. The release of PAH4 from tea leaves to tea infusions was significantly low, with the highest transfer being 25.81%. The mean concentrations of BaP and PAH4 in tea infusions were used to conduct a risk assessment for the Taiwanese population, which showed that the 19–65 age group had the highest estimated intake of PAH4 and BaP among all age groups. These results, however, also showed margin of exposure (MOE) values well above the benchmark of 10,000. This indicated that PAH exposure from black tea consumption for the Taiwanese population constitutes a low-level health concern.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020133
Authors: Liqiang Shen Tingting Ye Yehui Chen Bei Chu Hui Chen Jinxing Hu Yan Yu
With the development of modern industry, the issue of water pollution has garnered increasing attention. Photocatalysis, as a novel green environmental technology that is resource-efficient, environmentally friendly, and highly promising, has found extensive applications in the field of organic pollutant treatment. However, common semiconductor materials exhibit either a relatively low photocatalytic efficiency in the visible light range or an inefficient separation of photogenerated charges, resulting in their limited ability to harness solar energy effectively. Consequently, the development of new photocatalysts has become a pivotal focus in current photocatalysis research to enhance solar energy utilization. This research provides a brief explanation of the photocatalytic mechanism of the AgIO3/CTF heterojunction photocatalyst. Due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, the Ag nanoparticles demonstrate significant absorption in the visible light region, playing a crucial role in the highly efficient photocatalytic reduction of organic pollutants.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020132
Authors: Youssef Sari
This editorial introduces the Special Issue “Feature Papers in Drug Toxicity” [...]
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020131
Authors: Qingxin Meng Rong Huang Shunhua Yang Hui Li Dan Yue Xueyang Gong Wenzheng Zhao Yakai Tian Kun Dong
Honey bees play a critical role as pollinators. However, their reproduction success and survival face severe threats due to the deterioration of their living environment. Notably, environmental conditions during their preimaginal stage inside brood cells can influence their immune capabilities and overall health after emergence. During the in-cell developmental stage, workers are in close contact with cocoons, which can become a source of stress due to accumulated metals. To investigate this potential threat, experiments were conducted to examine the impact of cocoons in brood cells used to rear different generations on the metal content and detoxification gene expression levels in Apis cerana cerana. Our findings indicated significant differences in the layers, weight, base thickness, and metal contents like Cr, Cd, Pb, Mn, Ni, and As of cocoons in multi-generation brood cells compared to single-generation brood cells. These increases led to significant elevations in metal levels and upregulations of the four CYP450 detoxification genes in both six-day-old larvae and newly emerged workers. In conclusion, this study highlights the negative impact of cocoons in multi-generation brood cells on bee health and provides evidence supporting the development of rational apiculture management strategies for ecosystem stability.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020130
Authors: Zejiu Tan Linhua Deng Zhongjing Jiang Gang Xiang Gengming Zhang Sihan He Hongqi Zhang Yunjia Wang
Cobalt alloys have numerous applications, especially as critical components in orthopedic biomedical implants. However, recent investigations have revealed potential hazards associated with the release of nanoparticles from cobalt-based implants during implantation. This can lead to their accumulation and migration within the body, resulting in adverse reactions such as organ toxicity. Despite being a primary interface for cobalt nanoparticle (CoNP) exposure, skeletal muscle lacks comprehensive long-term impact studies. This study evaluated whether selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) could mitigate CoNP toxicity in muscle cells and zebrafish models. CoNPs dose-dependently reduced C2C12 viability while elevating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis. However, low-dose SeNPs attenuated these adverse effects. CoNPs downregulated myogenic genes and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in C2C12 cells; this effect was attenuated by SeNP cotreatment. Zebrafish studies confirmed CoNP toxicity, as it decreased locomotor performance while inducing muscle injury, ROS generation, malformations, and mortality. However, SeNPs alleviated these detrimental effects. Overall, SeNPs mitigated CoNP-mediated cytotoxicity in muscle cells and tissue through antioxidative and antiapoptotic mechanisms. This suggests that SeNP-coated implants could be developed to eliminate cobalt nanoparticle toxicity and enhance the safety of metallic implants.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020129
Authors: Brian M. Keyser Robert Leverette John Wertman Tom Shutsky Reagan McRae Ken Szeliga Patrudu Makena Kristen Jordan
Assessment of in vitro cytotoxicity is an important component of tobacco product toxicological evaluations. However, current methods of regulatory testing involve exposing monolayer cell cultures to various preparations of aerosols from cigarettes or other emerging products such as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), which are not representative of human exposure. In the present study, a whole aerosol (WA) system was used to expose lung epithelial cultures (2D and 3D) to determine the potential of six Vuse Alto ENDS products that varied in nicotine content (1.8%, 2.4%, and 5%) and flavors (Golden Tobacco, Rich Tobacco, Menthol, and Mixed Berry), along with a marketed ENDS and a marked cigarette comparator to induce cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. The WA from the Vuse Alto ENDS products was not cytotoxic in the NRU and MTT assays, nor did it activate the Nrf2 reporter gene, a marker of oxidative stress. In summary, Vuse Alto ENDS products did not induce cytotoxic or oxidative stress responses in the in vitro models. The WA exposures used in the 3D in vitro models described herein may be better suited than 2D models for the determination of cytotoxicity and other in vitro functional endpoints and represent alternative models for regulatory evaluation of tobacco products.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020128
Authors: Marie Lenski Gianni Zarcone Saïd Maallem Guillaume Garçon Jean-Marc Lo-Guidice Delphine Allorge Sébastien Anthérieu
Smoking is an established risk factor for various pathologies including lung cancer. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and heated tobacco products (HTPs) have appeared on the market in recent years, but their safety or, conversely, their toxicity has not yet been demonstrated. This study aimed to compare the metabolome of human lung epithelial cells exposed to emissions of e-cigs, HTPs, or 3R4F cigarettes in order to highlight potential early markers of toxicity. BEAS-2B cells were cultured at the air–liquid interface and exposed to short-term emissions from e-cigs set up at low or medium power, HTPs, or 3R4F cigarettes. Untargeted metabolomic analyses were performed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Compared to unexposed cells, both 3R4F cigarette and HTP emissions affected the profiles of exogenous compounds, one of which is carcinogenic, as well as those of endogenous metabolites from various pathways including oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and lipid metabolism. However, these effects were observed at lower doses for cigarettes (2 and 4 puffs) than for HTPs (60 and 120 puffs). No difference was observed after e-cig exposure, regardless of the power conditions. These results suggest a lower acute toxicity of e-cig emissions compared to cigarettes and HTPs in BEAS-2B cells. The pathways deregulated by HTP emissions are also described to be altered in respiratory diseases, emphasizing that the toxicity of HTPs should not be underestimated.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020127
Authors: Yue Kang Ying Lu Se Wang
Florfenicol (FLO) is a widely used antibacterial drug, which is often detected in the environment. In this paper, the photolysis mechanism of FLO in water was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The focus of the study is to elucidate the direct photolysis mechanism of FLO in the water environment and the indirect photolysis of free radicals (·OH, ·NO3, and ·SO4−) as active species. The effect of metal ions Ca2+/Mg2+/Zn2+ on the indirect photolysis was also investigated. The results show that the direct photolysis of FLO involves C–C/C–N/C–S bond cleavage, the C5–S7 bond cleavage is most likely to occur, and the C17–C18 cleavage reaction is not easy to occur during the direct photodegradation of FLO. The indirect photolysis of FLO is more likely to occur in the environment than direct photolysis. The main indirect photolysis involves OH-addition, NO3-addition, and SO4-addition on benzene ring. The order of difficulty in the indirect photolysis with ·OH is C2 > C3 > C4 > C5 > C6 > C1, Ca2+ can promote the indirect photolysis with ·OH, and Mg2+/Zn2+ has a dual effect on the indirect photolysis with ·OH. In other words, Mg2+ and Zn2+ can inhibit or promote the indirect photolysis with ·OH. These studies provide important information for theoretical research on the environmental behavior and degradation mechanism of drug molecules.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020126
Authors: Sunmi Kim Kyounghee Kang Haena Kim Myungwon Seo
To develop the risk prediction technology for mixture toxicity, a reliable and extensive dataset of experimental results is required. However, most published literature only provides data on combinations containing two or three substances, resulting in a limited dataset for predicting the toxicity of complex mixtures. Complex mixtures may have different mode of actions (MoAs) due to their varied composition, posing difficulty in the prediction using conventional toxicity prediction models, such as the concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) models. The aim of this study was to generate an experimental dataset comprising complex mixtures. To identify the target complex mixtures, we referred to the findings of the HBM4EU project. We identified three groups of seven to ten components that were commonly detected together in human bodies, namely environmental phenols, perfluorinated compounds, and heavy metal compounds, assuming these chemicals to have different MoAs. In addition, a separate mixture was added consisting of seven organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), which may have similar chemical structures. All target substances were tested for cytotoxicity using HepG2 cell lines, and subsequently 50 different complex mixtures were randomly generated with equitoxic mixtures of EC10 levels. To determine the interaction effect, we calculated the model deviation ratio (MDR) by comparing the observed EC10 with the predicted EC10 from the CA model, then categorized three types of interactions: antagonism, additivity, and synergism. Dose–response curves and EC values were calculated for all complex mixtures. Out of 50 mixtures, none demonstrated synergism, while six mixtures exhibited an antagonistic effect. The remaining mixtures exhibited additivity with MDRs ranging from 0.50 to 1.34. Our experimental data have been formatted to and constructed for the database. They will be utilized for further research aimed at developing the combined CA/IA approaches to support mixture risk assessment.
]]>Toxics doi: 10.3390/toxics12020125
Authors: Mengli Li Emma Ivantsova Xuefang Liang Christopher J. Martyniuk
Plastic additives that maintain integrity have been extensively studied for potential toxicity to fish; however, chemicals that protect polymers from (artificial) UV degradation are less studied. Benzotriazole UV stabilizers (BUVSs) are the most widely used UV stabilizers in plastics and are often used in sunscreens, cosmetics, paint, and food packaging. BUVSs can negatively affect aquatic wildlife when released into the environment via plastic degradation. In this review, we summarize the distribution of BUVSs globally and discuss neurotoxicological endpoints measured in fish to understand how these plastic additives can affect the neurological health of teleost fishes. BUVSs have been detected in aquatic environments at concentrations ranging from 0.05 up to 99,200 ng/L. Studies show that BUVSs affect behavioral responses and acetylcholinesterase activity, indicators of neurotoxicity. Our computational analysis using transcriptome data suggests certain pathways associated with neurodegeneration are responsive to exposure to BUVSs, like “Complement Activation in Alzheimer’s Disease”. Based on our review, we identify some research needs for future investigations: (1) molecular studies in the central nervous system to define precise mechanisms of neurotoxicity; (2) a wider range of tests for assessing aberrant behaviors given that BUVSs can affect the activity of larval zebrafish; and (3) histopathology of the nervous system to accompany biochemical analyses. These data are expected to enhance understanding of the neurotoxicity potential of benzotriazoles and other plastic additives.
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