ALBERT

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 182〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sandrine Auger, Céline Henry, Christine Péchaux, Nathalie Lejal, Valentina Zanet, Maria Vesna Nikolic, Marisa Manzano, Jasmina Vidic〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The environmental contamination of soil by metal oxide nanomaterials is a growing global concern because of their potential toxicity. We investigated the effects of Mg doped ZnO (Mg-〈em〉n〈/em〉ZnO) nanoparticles on a model soil microorganism 〈em〉Bacillus subtilis〈/em〉. Mg-〈em〉n〈/em〉ZnO exhibited only a moderate toxic effect on 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 vegetative cells but was able to prevent biofilm formation and destroy already formed biofilms. Similarly, Mg-〈em〉n〈/em〉ZnO (≤1 mg/mL) was moderately toxic towards 〈em〉Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus〈/em〉, 〈em〉Escherichia coli〈/em〉, 〈em〉Salmonella enterica〈/em〉, 〈em〉Saccharomyces cerevisiae〈/em〉 and murine macrophages. Engineered Mg-〈em〉n〈/em〉ZnO produced H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉〈sup〉•−〈/sup〉 radicals in solutions of various salt and organic molecule compositions. A quantitative proteomic analysis of 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 membrane proteins showed that Mg-〈em〉n〈/em〉ZnO increased the expression of proteins involved in detoxification of ROS, translation and biofilm formation. Overall, our results suggest that Mg-〈em〉n〈/em〉ZnO released into the environment may hinder the spreading, colonization and biofilm formation by 〈em〉B. subtilis〈/em〉 but also induce a mechanism of bacterial adaptation〈em〉.〈/em〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319307511-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 182〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Meng Wang, Shibao Chen, Li Chen, Duo Wang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The objective of this study was to examine the response of soil archaeal communities to saline stress in different types of Cd-contaminated soils from the North China Plain. Increased soil salinity by addition of 0.5% sodium salts (NaCl: Na〈sub〉2〈/sub〉SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉: NaHCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉: Na〈sub〉2〈/sub〉CO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 = 1:9:9:1) increased available Cd concentration, resulting in decreased ratios of Cd〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉/Cd〈sub〉T〈/sub〉 and CdSO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉/Cd〈sub〉T〈/sub〉 and increased ratios of CdCl〈sub〉n〈/sub〉〈sup〉2−n〈/sup〉/Cd〈sub〉T〈/sub〉 in soil solution. Soil saline stress decreased archaeal abundance and diversity and changed major soil archaeal taxa. For example, increased saline stress enriched taxa in the archaeal phyla Thaumarchaeota and Euryarchaeota, and these enriched tolerant taxa had much stronger correlations with soil properties, such as soil pH, EC or Na〈sup〉+〈/sup〉. In addition, some microbes with low abundances like Bathyarchaeia (no rank) and 〈em〉Candidatus〈/em〉 Nitrosotenuis were found to closely correlate with soil pH, EC, Na〈sup〉+〈/sup〉, and Cl〈sup〉−〈/sup〉, indicating they might play disproportionate roles in regulating ecological functions in stressed habitats. These results suggest that saline stress modified the effect of Cd toxicity on soil archaeal communities in different types of Cd-contaminated soils.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 182〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Grazielle Castagna Cezimbra Weis, Charles Elias Assmann, Francine Carla Cadoná, Beatriz da Silva Rosa Bonadiman, Audrei de Oliveira Alves, Alencar Kolinski Machado, Marta Maria Medeiros Frescura Duarte, Ivana Beatrice Mânica da Cruz, Ijoni Hilda Costabeber〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Mancozeb (MZ), chlorothalonil (CT), and thiophanate methyl (TM) are pesticides commonly used in agriculture due to their efficacy, low acute toxicity to mammals, and short environmental persistence. Although the toxic effects of these pesticides have been previously reported, studies regarding their influence on the immune system are limited. As such, this study focused on the immunomodulatory effect of MZ, CT, and TM pesticides on macrophage cells. RAW 264.7 cells were exposed to a range of concentrations (0.1–100 μg/mL) of these pesticides. CT exposure promoted an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. The MTT and ds-DNA assay results demonstrated that MZ, CT, and TM exposure induced macrophage proliferation. Moreover, MZ, CT, and TM promoted cell cycle arrest at S phase, strongly suggesting macrophage proliferation. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) and caspases (caspase 1, 3, and 8) in macrophages exposed to MZ, CT, and TM pesticides increased, whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokine levels decreased. These results suggest that MZ, CT, and TM exert an immunomodulatory effect on the immune system, inducing macrophage activation and enhancing the inflammatory response.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S014765131930750X-fx1.jpg" width="363" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 182〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Beibei Liu, Chunyuan Wu, Pan Pan, Yiqing Fu, Zhenli He, Lin Wu, Qinfen Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Potentially toxic metal (PTM) contamination coupled with soil acidification has posed a severe threat to agricultural sustainability of tropical region in the world. In this study, a vermicopomst (VC) produced from vermicomposting cattle manure under tropical environment was applied to remediating a tropical acidic soil in Hainan, China. The effectiveness of VC in reducing available PTMs in soils was evaluated by incubation experiments with a Cd, Cr or Ni spiked soil and a Cd contaminated field soil. The dynamic changes of soil physical, chemical and biological properties after VC amendment were determined to understand the mechanisms of PTM immobilization. The results showed that VC amendment significantly reduced 0.01M CaCl〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 extractable amounts of Cd, Ni and Cr in the spiked soils, and CaCl〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 extractable Cd was reduced by 49.3% when VC was amended to the Cd contaminated field soil. Thermodynamic studies showed that VC had a high adsorption capacity for Cd, Ni and Cr, with the maximum adsorption (obtained from the Langmuir model) of 33.45, 26.17, and 20.88 mg/g, respectively. The reduction in CaCl〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 extractable metals after VC amendment was consistent with the order of maximum adsorption of VC for Cd, Ni, and Cr. Vermicompost amendment increased soil pH by 0.7 to 1.5 units, which is positively related with VC rate, but negatively with the decrease in extractable metals. These results indicates that adsorption of metals onto VC and an increase in soil pH after VC amendment are likely responsible for the decreased availability of Cd, Ni, and Cr in the contaminated soil. In addition, the addition of stable organic substances and subsequent formation of water-stable aggregates may be also beneficial for immobilizing PTMs and improving tropical soil quality.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319307158-fx1.jpg" width="417" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 182〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Raghda Habib, Sara A. Wahdan, Amany M. Gad, Samar S. Azab〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Cadmium(Cd) is a serious environmental and occupational contaminant that represents a serious health hazard to humans and other animals. Reproductive health problems have been reported in men exposed to Cd. Testicular damage is one of the deleterious effects due to Cd exposure. Cd-induced testicular toxicity is mediated through oxidative stress, inflammation, testosterone inhibition and apoptosis. Thus, the present study was performed to assess the possible protective role of infliximab (IFX), anti-TNFα agent, against Cd-induced testicular damage and spermiotoxicity in rats. The rats were randomly allotted into six experimental groups: control, Cd sulphate treated, Cd sulphate treated with infliximab (5 mg/kg), Cd sulphate with infliximab (7 mg/kg), infliximab alone (5 mg/kg), and infliximab alone (7 mg/kg). The control group received saline. To induce testicular damage, Cd sulphate (1.5 mg/100 gm body weight/day) was dissolved in normal saline and orally administrated for 3 consecutive weeks. The rats in infliximab-treated groups were given a weekly dose of 5 mg/kg/week or 7 mg/kg/week of infliximab intraperitoneally. In the current study Cd exposure reduced sperm count, markers of testicular function, sperm motility as well as gene expression of testicular 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD and serum testosterone level. Additionally, it increased testicular oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic markers. The histopathologic studies supported the biochemical findings. Treatment with infliximab significantly attenuated Cd-induced injury verified by the restoration of testicular architecture, enhancement of steroidogenesis, preservation of spermatogenesis, modulation of the inflammatory reaction along with suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis. It was concluded that infliximab, through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, represents a potential therapeutic option to protect the testicular tissue from the detrimental effects of Cd.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319307195-fx1.jpg" width="381" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 182〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xiaoling Jin, Yan Liu, Xiaocui Qiao, Rui Guo, Chengyou Liu, Xing Wang, Xingru Zhao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Organochlorine pesticides have been banned for many years, but the residual trace amount of organochlorine in water may still pose ecotoxicological risk. Meanwhile, the potential risk of organochlorine pesticides released from sediments, especially into drinking water sources, is receiving increasing attention. The present study assessed the pollution and potential risk of drinking water sources along the midstream and downstream Yangtze River. Residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in water, suspended particle matter (SPM), and sediment were evaluated with isotope dilution HRGC/HRMS. The results indicated that OCPs in water, SPM, and sediment ranged in 0.52–92.97 ng/L, 0.10–4.10 ng/L, and 0.038–11.36 ng/g, respectively. The predominant OCPs in water, SPM, and sediment were β-HCH, 〈em〉p〈/em〉,〈em〉p〈/em〉'-DDE and PeCB. At site Y1, 8, 13, 18, β-HCH has a higher proportion in sediment samples, while, α-HCH has a higher proportion in SPM samples. The industrial use of HCHs in the history was the main HCHs source for most water and sediment samples, which indicated an absence of fresh inputs of industrial HCHs. Meanwhile, the abundance of 〈em〉p〈/em〉,〈em〉p〈/em〉'-DDE in water, sediment and SPM samples could be attributed to long-term aerobic degradation of DDTs. The values of ffsw of HCHs, DDTs and PeCB indicate the transfer from water to sediment. Risk assessment showed that HCHs and DDTs posed low ecotoxicological risk to the Yangtze River.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 182〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Víctor Barba, Jesús M. Marín-Benito, Carlos García-Delgado, María J. Sánchez-Martín, M. Sonia Rodríguez-Cruz〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Adding organic amendments to soil could modify the bioavailability of herbicides and lead to changes in the microbial community’s activity and structure. The objective here was to study the dissipation and total mass balance of 〈sup〉14〈/sup〉C-labeled prosulfocarb applied at two rates (4 and 10 mg kg〈sup〉-1〈/sup〉) in unamended and green compost (GC)-amended soil. Soil dehydrogenase activity (DHA) and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profile analysis were determined to evaluate the effect of herbicide residues on microbial community's activity and structure over the dissipation period. The dissipation rate of prosulfocarb decreased after soil amendment due to higher herbicide adsorption by the amended soil. The 50% dissipation time (DT〈sub〉50〈/sub〉) increased 1.7 times in the unamended soil when the concentration of prosulfocarb increased 2.5 times. The mass balance results indicate that the sum of water and organic extractable fractions represented the highest amounts up to the dissipation of 50% 〈sup〉14〈/sup〉C-prosulfocarb. The 〈sup〉14〈/sup〉C-herbicide was then mainly mineralized (up to 11%-31%) or formed non-extractable residues (up to 35%-44%). The amount of 〈sup〉14〈/sup〉C-prosulfocarb residues extracted with methanol was slightly higher in amended soils than in unamended ones. 〈sup〉14〈/sup〉C-prosulfocarb mineralization was higher in unamended soils than in amended ones. The formation of non-extractable residues was continuous, and increased over time. Soil DHA decreased in the unamended soil and was maintained in the GC-amended soil at the end of the assay. The microbial structure was barely disturbed over the prosulfocarb degradation process, although it was clearly influenced by the application of GC. The results obtained reveal the influence organic amendment has on herbicide bioavailability to decrease its biodegradation and buffer its impact on the soil microbial structure.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S014765131930716X-fx1.jpg" width="482" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 182〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Stephanie D. Graves, Karsten Liber, Vince Palace, Markus Hecker, Lorne E. Doig, David M. Janz〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Selenium (Se) is a contaminant of concern in many aquatic ecosystems due to its narrow range between essentiality and toxicity in oviparous (yolk-bearing) vertebrates. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of Se, experimentally added to 〈em〉in situ〈/em〉 limnocorrals as selenite, on invertebrate communities and fathead minnow (〈em〉Pimephales promelas〈/em〉) at environmentally realistic Se concentrations. Nine limnocorrals were deployed in a mesotrophic lake at the International Institute for Sustainable Development – Experimental Lakes Area in Ontario, Canada in May 2017. From June 1 to August 17, 2017, selenite was added to six enclosures to attain mean measured aqueous Se concentrations of 1.0 ± 0.10 or 8.9 ± 2.7 μg/L Se (in triplicate) and three limnocorrals were untreated controls (background mean aqueous Se = 0.12 ± 0.03 μg/L). Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected throughout and at the end of the exposure period using artificial substrates to determine density, dry biomass, diversity, and taxa richness at the family level. Reproductively mature female fathead minnows (added on d 33 of the study) were collected throughout and at the end of the exposure period. After 77 d, Chironomidae and Gammaridae densities and biomass were significantly lower in the 8.9 μg/L Se treatment relative to the 1.0 μg/L Se treatment and the control. Invertebrate diversity (measured as Shannon’s and Simpson’s indices) significantly declined in the 1.0 μg/L and 8.9 μg/L Se treatments relative to the control (0.12 μg/L Se group). Fulton’s condition factor for fathead minnow was significantly less in the 8.9 μg/L treatment compared to 0.12 and 1.0 μg/L Se experimental groups. The results of this study indicated that exposure to relatively low aqueous selenite concentrations can negatively affect invertebrate density and biomass, as well as fish condition. More research is necessary to characterize the risk of selenite exposure to aquatic invertebrates under realistic field conditions, and future risk assessments may need to consider reduced food availability as a factor that may impair the health of higher trophic level organisms in areas with elevated selenite.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 182〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yang Liu, Rui Ding, Benben Pan, Lan Wang, Sijia Liu, Xiangping Nie〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Simvastatin (SV), as an hypocholesterolaemic drug, has been detected in various aquatic environment. However, limited information is available on the effects of SV on freshwater invertebrates. In the present study, we investigated the toxic effects of SV on 〈em〉Daphnia. magna〈/em〉 (〈em〉D. magna〈/em〉) through measuring the physiological changes (e.g., survival, growth rate, and reproduction) in a 21-d chronic toxicity test We also determined the expression of seven detoxification and reproduction-related genes (i.e. 〈em〉HR96〈/em〉, 〈em〉P-gp〈/em〉, 〈em〉CYP360〈/em〉A8, 〈em〉GST〈/em〉, 〈em〉CYP314〈/em〉, 〈em〉EcR〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Vtg〈/em〉) and several enzymes (i.e. APND, ERND, GST and CAT) in a acute test (24 h). Results showed that high concentration (e.g. 50 μg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) of SV for short time exposure (e.g. 24 h) significantly induced the expression of 〈em〉HR96〈/em〉 and 〈em〉P-gp〈/em〉 (e.g. up to 2.5 folds)and enzymes (e.g. increasing 4.0 folds for ERND and GST activity) in 〈em〉D. magna.〈/em〉. The long-term chronic exposure (21 days) may cause the changes of life history parameters such as decreasing total egg production number per individual and intrinsic growth rates etc. SV may act as a potential endocrine disruptor to 〈em〉D. magna〈/em〉 and the reproduction parameters were more sensitive endpoints than the survival and growth for evaluating SV exposure.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 184〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yi Li, Kehui Liu, Jing Zhu, Yongrong Jiang, Yuanyuan Huang, Zhenming Zhou, Chaoshu Chen, Fangming Yu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Manganese (Mn) pollution in soil, especially around the mining areas, is a severe problem in China. Seeking for effective remediation methods for Mn-contaminated soil is therefore urgent and necessary. 〈em〉Camellia oleifera〈/em〉 (〈em〉C. oleifera〈/em〉) is one of the world's four major woody oil plants, which is widely cultivated in subtropical acidic soils for oil production and has become an important economic and ecological resource in Guangxi Province. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most common limiting factors for plant growth and development in soils. We carried out this study to evaluate the effects of different N fertilization levels (0, 100, 300 and 500 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) on the morphological and physiological characteristics of 〈em〉C. oleifera〈/em〉 in two soils with different Mn-contamination degrees. The results indicate that N fertilization affected the plant growth and the content of photosynthetic pigments, while 〈em〉C. oleifera〈/em〉 accumulated great amounts of Mn in both soils. However, the plant biomass reduced significantly at the high-level N fertilization (≥300 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉), and the oxidative stress was stimulated under Mn contamination. As a comparison, the plant biomass remained unaffected at the low-level N fertilization (100 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉), and the ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity in 〈em〉C. oleifera〈/em〉 leaves were enhanced to alleviate the oxidative stress and therefore protecting the plant from Mn contamination. Meanwhile, plants supplemented with a low-level of N fertilizer (100 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) had appropriate antioxidant enzyme and nonenzymatic antioxidant activities, which indicates that this was favorable growth conditions for 〈em〉C. oleifera〈/em〉. Thus, the recommended N fertilization level for maintaining plant biomass and increasing Mn accumulation in plant is 100 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 N; at which level the efficiency of Mn phytoremediation by 〈em〉C. oleifera〈/em〉 can be further enhanced.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 184〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Shaochen Yang, Ping Li, Jinling Liu, Xiangyang Bi, Yongqiang Ning, Sheng Wang, Pengcong Wang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Potentially toxic metal (PTM) pollution in road dust is of great concern, however, our understanding of PTMs released by pyrotechnic displays and their adverse impacts on human health in road dust is limited. Here, we studied PTM pollution levels and Pb isotope signatures in pyrotechnic ash and road dust (aged dust and pyrotechnic-influenced dust) samples from eight cities in China during Chinese New Year and carried out a human health risk assessment. Pyrotechnic ash had higher values of Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr and Pb but lower values of Mn and Cd than Chinese background soil. Pyrotechnic-influenced dust had significantly higher Cu and Cr values than aged dust, with enrichment of Sr, Cu, Pb, Cr and Ni in road dust after pyrotechnic displays. Both 〈sup〉208〈/sup〉Pb/〈sup〉206〈/sup〉Pb and Sr values were used to confirm the presence of pyrotechnic ash in road dust. A positive matrix factorization demonstrated that pyrotechnic events contributed 70.1%, 50.4%, 36.6% and 35.5% of the Sr, Cu, Cr and Pb values to these road dust, respectively. We found that non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks related to PTMs in road dust were at safe levels during the Chinese New Year, although both risks were elevated following pyrotechnic events. Typically, PTM pollutants related to pyrotechnic events contributed 33.99% to non-carcinogenic and 21.83% to carcinogenic risks, suggesting that more attention needs to be paid to this source of PTM pollution in China. Current results improve our understanding of PTM pollution in pyrotechnic-influenced road dust and health risks related to pyrotechnic displays in China.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319309352-fx1.jpg" width="372" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 184〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hengzhi Wang, Penglei Sun, Xiaolin Zhang, Lipeng Wang, Wenlei Guo, Feng Bei, Weitang Liu, Jinxin Wang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A rapid and simple method based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) of sample preparation using QuEChERS was developed for detecting residues of QYR301, a new HPPD-inhibiting herbicide, in rice plant (straw), water, soil, rice hull and brown rice (BR). To eliminate matrix interference, matrix-matched calibrations with satisfactory linearity (R〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 〉 0.99) were used for accurate quantification. The method showed recoveries of 90.3–108.1% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) 〈 11%. The limits of quantification (LOQ) for QYR301 were 0.005 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 in all five matrixes. Furthermore, the dissipation kinetics and terminal residues of QYR301 were determined at two sites in 2018. The days for 50% dissipation (DT〈sub〉50〈/sub〉) of QYR301 in rice plants, water and soil were 3.6–4.4, 0.7–3.0 and 4.3–8.0 d, respectively, which indicated that QYR301 is a short-persistence herbicide. Moreover, no QYR301 residues were detected in BR, rice hull and straw collected at harvest following its application at 1.0 or 1.5 × of the recommended high rate. These results will help organizations and governments establish related principles/laws regarding the use of QYR301 in terms of environmental protection, food safety and other potential aspects.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308942-fx1.jpg" width="372" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): N. Garcia-Velasco, A. Irizar, E. Urionabarrenetxea, J.J. Scott-Fordsmand, M. Soto〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Earthworm immune cells (coelomocytes) have become a target system in ecotoxicology due to their sensitivity against a wide range of pollutants, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Presently, 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉 approaches (viability assays in microplate, flow cytometry, cell sorting) with primary cultures of 〈em〉Eisenia fetida〈/em〉 coelomocytes have been successfully used to test the toxicity and the dissimilar response of cell subpopulations (amoebocytes and eleocytes) after PVP-PEI coated AgNPs and AgNO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 exposures. In order to obtain reliable data and to accurately assess toxicity with coelomocytes, first an optimal culture medium and the most responsive assay were determined. AgNPs posed a gradual decrease in coelomocytes viability, establishing the LC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 value in RPMI-1640 medium at 6 mg/l and discarding that the observed cytotoxicity was attributable to its coating agent PVP-PEI. Exposure to AgNPs caused selective cytotoxicity in amoebocytes, which correlated with the Ag concentrations measured in sorted amoebocytes and reinforced the idea of dissimilar sensitivities among amoebocytes and eleocytes. Silver nano and ionic forms exerted similar toxicity in coelomocytes. The 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉 approaches with coelomocytes of 〈em〉E. fetida〈/em〉 performed in this study have the capacity to predict impairments caused by pollutants at longer exposure levels and thus, provide rapid and valuable information for eco(nano)toxicology.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308760-fx1.jpg" width="440" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Enrico Mendes Saggioro, Danielli Gundes do Espírito Santo, Sidney Fernandes Sales Júnior, Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis, Fábio Veríssimo Correia〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The neonicotinoid acetamiprid has been suggested as a worldwide substitute for organophosphates, due to its lower toxicity. The present study assessed several acetamiprid effects on 〈em〉Eisenia andrei〈/em〉 earthworms in acute contact (ranging from 1.6 × 10〈sup〉−5〈/sup〉 to 0.16 μg cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉 acetamiprid), behavioral (0.1, 0.5, 1 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) and chronic (0.001, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 acetamiprid) assays carried out in natural soil. Reproduction, cytotoxicity (coelomocyte density and viability), immune cell typing (eleocytes and amoebocytes) and antioxidant defense system (glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)) responses were determined. The LC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 in the acute contact test was calculated as 1.86 × 10〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉 μg cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉. Acetamiprid concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 led to earthworm avoidance responses (NR = 61.09 ± 10.01%) and habitat loss (NR = 78.02 ± 12.03%), respectively. Reproduction was also affected, with a decreased number of cocoons and hatchlings per cocoon observed at 0.05 and 0.1 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉. Amoebocytes were the predominant immune system cells during the 15th and 30th assay days, while eleocytes were the main cells observed at the 45th day. CAT activities on the 30th and 45th day of exposure were increased at the lowest acetamiprid concentrations (0.001 and 0.01 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) and decreased with increasing pesticide concentration (0.05 and 0.1 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉). Maximum GST activities and GSH levels were noted at 0.01 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 acetamiprid. However, increasing concentrations led to GST inhibition, while GSH levels were maintained. A long-term acetamiprid exposure affected earthworm reproduction, behavior and immune and antioxidant systems, which could affect the ecological soil balance and, consequently, the entire food chain.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Umarah Zahoor Banday, Sadiya Binte Swaleh, Nazura Usmani〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉There is a dire need to assess the quality of fishes transported for human consumption as lately, their health is challenged because of anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals with a long environmental persistence are toxic to fishes and the humans. The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of heavy metals on 〈em〉Clarias gariepinus〈/em〉 inhabiting popular Ganges rivulet at Narora (28.18° E, 78.39° N). The limnological values deviated from the international Standards (USEPA, WHO). Higher total dissolved solids (859 mg/L), total suspended solids (406 mg/L), low dissolved oxygen (5.60 mg/L), and pH (5.21) indicated the presence of contaminants. Heavy metals estimated followed the order Cd 〉 Ni 〉 Cu 〉 Cr. Serum enzymes (hepatic and renal markers) viz., aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were higher than the normal, whereas, creatine kinase (CK) was considerably low in both male and female fish. Stress induced was marked by elevation in cortisol and glucose. This had its impact on hematological parameters as well, as a decline in Total leucocyte count (TLC) & mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and increase in Mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) was observed. Erythrocytes also showed altered morphology. Marked histopathological alterations were observed in all immune organs (head-kidney, liver, spleen, thymus). Oxidative stress induced by heavy metals leads to the production of metal scavenging protein metallothionein (MT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Maximum fold change in metallothionein (〈em〉MT)〈/em〉 gene expression was observed in the liver, followed by spleen, thymus, blood, and head-kidney. Glutathione peroxidase (〈em〉GPX〈/em〉) gene expression was highest in the liver, followed by thymus, spleen, blood, and head-kidney. The gene expression studies further validated the increased level of heavy metals as potent contaminants of water and the non-condusive abiotic factors.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319309157-fx1.jpg" width="266" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Cheng Zhang, Qingkai Hao, Sisheng Zhang, Zhengyi Zhang, Xianghui Zhang, Peng Sun, Hongyu Pan, Hao Zhang, Fengjie Sun〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Chlorimuron-ethyl is a sulfonylurea herbicide with a long residual period in the field and is toxic to rotational crops. 〈em〉Klebsiella jilinsis〈/em〉 2N3 is a gram-negative bacterium that can rapidly degrade Chlorimuron-ethyl. In this study, the gene expression changes in strain 2N3 during degradation of Chlorimuron-ethyl was analyzed by RNA-Seq. Results showed that 386 genes were up-regulated and 453 genes were down-regulated. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed the highest enrichment ratio in the pathway of sulfur metabolism. On the basis of the functional annotation and gene expression, we predicted that carboxylesterase, monooxygenase, glycosyltransferase, and cytochrome P450 were involved in the metabolism of Chlorimuron-ethyl biodegradation. Results of qRT-PCR showed that the relative mRNA expression levels of these genes were higher in treatment group than those in control group. The cytochrome P450 encoded by 〈em〉Kj〈/em〉-CysJ and the alkanesulfonate monooxygenase encoded by 〈em〉Kj〈/em〉-SsuD were predicted and further experimentally confirmed by gene knockout as the key enzymes in the biodegradation process. Cultured in basal medium containing Chlorimuron-ethyl (5  mg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) in 36 h, the strains of 〈em〉ΔKj〈/em〉-CysJ, 〈em〉ΔKj〈/em〉-SsuD, and WT reached the highest OD〈sub〉600〈/sub〉 values of 0.308, 0.873, and 1.085, and the highest degradation rates of Chlorimuron-ethyl of 11.83%, 96.21%, and 95.62%, respectively.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yuan Zhang, Guangliang Shi, Jingzeng Cai, Jie Yang, Yingying Zheng, Dahai Yu, Qi Liu, Yafan Gong, Ziwei Zhang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), widely used as a plasticizer, is a ubiquitous artificial pollutant. DEHP can induce biological toxicity in various organs, with an especially high potential for toxicity to the cardiovascular system. Taxifolin (TAX) is used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases due to its antioxidative capacities. However, it is not clear whether TAX can alleviate apoptosis induced by DEHP exposure through the cytochrome P450 (CYP) pathway in cardiomyocytes. To understand the role of TAX in attenuating cardiomyocyte toxicity induced by DEHP, primary cardiomyocytes were divided into 4 groups (control group, DEHP group, TAX group and DEHP + TAX group). The results showed that in the cardiomyocytes, DEHP initiated apoptosis by increasing the expression of caspase-3, caspase-9, cyt c, and Bax at both the mRNA and protein levels and by decreasing the Bcl-2 levels compared with that of the control group. In addition, the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) were clearly decreased (P 〈 0.05), while in the DEHP group, the malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) levels were observably increased (P 〈 0.05), compared with those in control group. Furthermore, compared with the control group, the DEHP group demonstrated a clear partial decrease in the expression of the mRNA levels of CYP1B1 and CYP2C18 (P 〈 0.05), and DEHP/TAX cotreatment partially prevented apoptosis and oxidative stress damage (P 〈 0.05). These results showed that exposure to DEHP induced apoptosis in chicken cardiomyocytes, while TAX could antagonize the toxicity of DEHP on cardiomyocytes by attenuating oxidative stress responses and modulating CYPs.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Joseph F. Mudge, Jeffrey E. Houlahan〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Community-scale impacts of glyphosate-based herbicides on wetland plant communities and the magnitude of those impacts that should be considered biologically relevant are poorly understood. We contrast three different thresholds for setting biologically meaningful critical effect sizes for complex ANOVA study designs. We use each of the of the critical effect sizes to determine optimal α levels for assessment of how different concentrations of glyphosate-based herbicides affect wetland plant communities over two years of herbicide application (alone and in combination with agricultural fertilizers) and two subsequent years without herbicide (or fertilizer) application. The application of glyphosate-based herbicides was found to result in a decrease in macrophyte species richness, an increase in macrophyte species evenness, a decrease in macrophyte cover and a reduction in community similarity. There was little evidence that nutrient additions directly or indirectly affected plant community endpoints. The glyphosate effects were evident in the first year of herbicide application in 2009, and became more pronounced in the second year of herbicide application in 2010. However, when herbicides were not applied in 2011, recovery was observed in most endpoints, with the exception being species evenness, for which partial recovery was not observed until 2012. Optimal α levels differed among the three critical effect sizes for each ANOVA term and endpoint combination, however regardless of differences in α levels, conclusions were generally consistent across all critical effect sizes.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308061-fx1.jpg" width="367" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ritu Chaturvedi, Paulo JC. Favas, João Pratas, Mayank Varun, Manoj S. Paul〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A pot study was conducted to assess the phytoremediation potential of Spinach plants along with their physiological and biochemical response when grown in soil contaminated with heavy metal(loid)s (HMs). Plants were grown under different doses of Pb, Cd and As; and their metal(loid) accumulation efficiency was studied upon harvest; expressed in terms of bioabsorption coefficient (BAC), bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF). Results showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference in physiological and biochemical mechanisms of plants as detected through decrease in concentration of cellular constituents (pigments, carbohydrates, total nitrogen content); and increase in antioxidants (both enzymatic and non-enzymatic). Despite of accumulating high amount of HMs in tissues, no visible signs of toxicity were seen; and hence the efficient survival and defense mechanism shown by spinach plants conclude that they are a viable option to be used for phytoremediation of sites contaminated with Cd and Pb. Since the content of Cd and Pb in edible part was higher than safe limits prescribed by USEPA, the present investigation also highlights the ecological hazards that may result upon cultivation of spinach in contaminated soil for agricultural purpose; or its accidental exposure to food chain when grown for phytoremediation.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319309017-fx1.jpg" width="289" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Katharina Heye, Stephanie Graumnitz, Marcus Rybicki, Christoph Schür, Johannes Völker, Arne Wick, Jörg Oehlmann, Dirk Jungmann, Matthias Oetken〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The toxicity and environmental risk of chemicals, such as the antiepileptic drug carbamazepine (CBZ), is commonly assessed using standardized laboratory tests and laboratory-to-field extrapolation. To investigate the toxicity of CBZ to aquatic key organisms in a more complex and environmentally relevant scenario, we conducted a 32-day multiple-stress experiment in artificial indoor streams. We exposed the non-biting midge 〈em〉Chironomus riparius〈/em〉, the blackworm 〈em〉Lumbriculus variegatus〈/em〉, and the New Zealand mud snail 〈em〉Potamopyrgus antipodarum〈/em〉 to 80 and 400 μg CBZ/L in six artificial indoor streams. In addition to hydraulic stress, species’ interaction, and low organic content in the sediment, organisms were co-exposed to the herbicide terbutryn (TBY) as a second chemical stressor at a concentration of 6 μg/L. The exposure to CBZ under multiple stress conditions resulted in a 10- to more than 25-fold higher toxicity in 〈em〉C. riparius〈/em〉 and 〈em〉P. antipodarum〈/em〉 when compared to a previous, standardized laboratory experiment. The co-exposure to TBY enhanced the adverse effects of CBZ on snails (reduced production of embryos). This effect was additive as the single exposure to TBY also reduced the reproduction of snails, most likely through the reduction of biofilm biomass. The emergence of 〈em〉C. riparius〈/em〉 declined at a CBZ concentration of 400 μg/L (without the co-exposure to TBY) and at 80 μg/L in combination with TBY. The difference in sensitivity between laboratory and indoor stream experiments is indicative of a potential underestimation of risk when toxicity data are extrapolated to field conditions. The present results suggest the inclusion of non-chemical and chemical stressors in environmental hazard and risk assessments.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hao Yang, Hui Zhang, Xiaole Tong, Jialu Zhang, Yaoqin Shen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Tibial Dyschondroplasia (TD), a metabolic disease of fast growing poultry birds that effects the growth of bone and cartilage, is characterized by anorexia, mental depression and lameness. Wnt/β-catenin pathway can mediate the occurrence of TD, and previous study showed the therapeutic effect of TanshinoneⅡA to TD Broilers. However there is no report about the effect of TanshinoneⅡA treating TD broiler chicken through wnt/β-catenin pathway. The objective of this study was to explore the potential mechanism of how Tanshinone II A treats TD. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to study histologic pathology of growth plates. Key gene expressions were tested by western blot and reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR. Results compared with control groups, showed the TD broilers' growth plate performed significantly better by treating with TanshinoneⅡA. After chickens treated by TanshinoneⅡA, the gene and protein expression of WNT5α and BMP-2 were increased (P 〈 0.05), but the β-catenin were decreased (P 〈 0.05), which are all key genes expressed in wnt/β-catenin pathway. Therefore, TanshinoneⅡA can potentially treat TD by affecting the expression of genes in wnt/β-catenin pathway and it has availability to use as treatment for TD broilers.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Fuyong Wu, Kai Tian, Jinfeng Wang, Huanyu Bao, Wanqing Luo, He Zhang, Huachang Hong〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are universal organic pollutants in the agro ecosystems in China, therefore, it is important to understand the uptake and accumulation of PAHs in crops growing on PAHs contaminated soils for human health risk assessments. Water management is a common practice to maintain high grain yields during wheat production. However, the effects of soil water content on the accumulation and translocation of PAHs in wheat are still not clear. The main objectives of the present study were to investigate the effects of soil water content on the accumulation of three selected PAHs (Σ〈sub〉3〈/sub〉PAHs, phenanthrene, anthracene and pyrene) in wheat during whole plant growth stage and on translocation or remobilization of Σ〈sub〉3〈/sub〉PAHs from vegetative tissues to wheat grains. Winter wheat (〈em〉Triticum aestivum〈/em〉 cv. Xiaoyan22) were grown on Σ〈sub〉3〈/sub〉PAHs spiked soils maintaining 80%, 60% or 40% water-holding capacity during the whole plant growth stage. Plant samplings were performed at jointing, anthesis or maturity stage, respectively. The present study showed that grain yield and biomass of the crop increased with soil water content increasing. Transpiration rate of wheat leaf under 80% and 60% water-holding capacity treatments was significantly (〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.05) higher than that under 40% water-holding capacity treatment at both anthesis and filling stage. Soil water content and plant growth stage had significant (〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.0001) effects on concentrations of phenanthrene, anthracene and pyrene in winter wheat. When exposed to 0, 15, 60, and 150 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 Σ〈sub〉3〈/sub〉PAHs in soils, Σ〈sub〉3〈/sub〉PAHs concentrations in the grains under 60% water-holding capacity treatment were 46.6%, 69.9%, 89.5% and 81.7% of those under 80% water-holding capacity treatment, respectively. The highest concentrations of Σ〈sub〉3〈/sub〉PAHs in the crop were recorded at anthesis stage. The distribution of PAHs in different tissues of wheat varied among different soil water treatments and plant growth stages. The present study indicated that optimizing soil water content during winter wheat production could apparently reduce concentrations of Σ〈sub〉3〈/sub〉PAHs in grains via influence root uptake of Σ〈sub〉3〈/sub〉PAHs and translocation of Σ〈sub〉3〈/sub〉PAHs from stem or leaf into grain, suggesting the potential of water management to cope with PAHs contamination in crops growing on PAHs contaminated soils.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S014765131930898X-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Boda Ravi Kiran, M.N.V. Prasad〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Soil contamination with lead (Pb) is a serious global concern, adversely affecting crop production. Pot experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of 〈em〉Prosopis〈/em〉 biochar and rice husk ash for plant growth and mitigating Pb translocation in 〈em〉Ricinus communis〈/em〉. Physico-chemical characterization of both the amendments was carried out on a dry weight basis. Seedlings of 〈em〉R.communis〈/em〉 were grown in 0, 400 and 800 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 Pb spiked soil amended with 〈em〉Prosopis juliflora〈/em〉 biochar (PJB) and rice husk ash (RHA) at 0, 2.5% and 5% (w/w) of soil for 60 days. Addition of biochar and rice husk ash to soils increased the Pb tolerance in 〈em〉R.communis〈/em〉, improved soil pH, nutrient intake, and antioxidant enzymatic activities. The biochar amendment significantly (p 〈 0.05) increased plant growth parameters (height, leaf diameter, nodes, and leaf number), protein (72%) and chlorophyll contents (38–52%), as did RHA to a lesser extent (increase of 10–31% in chlorophyll and 77% protein content) compared to unamended plants. Soil usage of RHA resulted in a more consistent decrease in Pb accumulation in the root, shoot, and leaf relative to PJB. Treatment with PJB at 5% decreased the accumulation of Pb in roots by 59% whereas RHA decreased Pb concentration in roots by 87%. The two distinct amendments significantly reduced the availability of soil Pb and decreased oxidative damage, as evidenced by the lower production of proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) in plants. Changes in infrared spectra confirmed that oxygenated phosphate, amide, ester and ether functional groups played a key role in binding accumulated Pb in roots as well as alleviation of Pb-induced phytotoxicity. Our findings conclude the amendments can be used as a stress regulator in mitigating Pb toxicity, which is important for all economic crop plants, including 〈em〉R.communis〈/em〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319309054-fx1.jpg" width="309" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sivagnanam Silambarasan, Peter Logeswari, Alexander Valentine, Pablo Cornejo〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Aluminum (Al) bioaccumulation by a novel Al and drought tolerant 〈em〉Curtobacterium herbarum〈/em〉 strain CAH5 isolated from rhizosphere soil of 〈em〉Beta vulgaris〈/em〉 grown in acidic Andisols were examined. The rhizobacterial strain also presented important plant growth promoting traits even with Al and drought stresses under 〈em〉in-vitro〈/em〉 conditions in broth. In experiments with a 2–6 mM as initial Al concentrations, the percentages of Al removal by bacteria were 89–93% and 78–91% within 72 h incubation under the normal and drought conditions, respectively. Cytogenotoxicity assay revealed that the toxicity of Al was reduced after bioaccumulation process. In the greenhouse study, formulated bio-inoculant CAH5 significantly improves the 〈em〉Lactuca sativa〈/em〉 growth under Al and drought stress by reducing oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and Al accumulation in plant parts. Our results highlighted that strain CAH5 could be used as a promising bioresource for restoration of agricultural soil with presence of phytotoxic Al improving crop production even under drought conditions.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319309042-fx1.jpg" width="225" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Silvério O. Campos, Isabella V. Santana, Cleomar Silva, Oscar F. Santos-Amaya, Raul Narciso C. Guedes, Eliseu José G. Pereira〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The biphasic dose-response of a stressor where low amounts of a toxicant may stimulate some biological processes is a recent focus of attention in insecticide ecotoxicology. Nonetheless, the importance and management consequences of this phenomenon of pesticide-induced hormesis remain largely unrecognized. Curiously, the potential induction of hormesis by insecticidal proteins such as 〈em〉Bacillus thuringiensis〈/em〉 toxins (i.e., Bt toxins), a major agriculture pest management tool of widespread use, has been wholly neglected. Thus, we aimed to circumvent this shortcoming while assessing the potential occurrence of hormesis induced by the Bt toxin Cry1Fa in its main target pest species – the fall armyworm 〈em〉Spodoptera frugiperda〈/em〉. Concentration-response bioassays were carried out in a Bt-susceptible and a Bt-resistant population providing the purified Cry1Fa toxin in artificial diet and recording the insect demographic parameters. As significant hormetic effect was detected in both populations with a significant increase in the net reproductive rate and the intrinsic rate of population growth, the potential occurrence of Bt-induced hormesis was subsequently tested providing the insects with leaves from transgenic Bt maize expressing the toxic protein. The performance of the Bt-resistant insects was not different in both maize genotypes, indicating that the leaf expression of the Bt protein did not promote hormesis in the resistant insects. Thus, despite the Bt-induced hormesis detected in the purified protein bioassays, the phenomenon was not detected with current levels of Bt expression in maize minimizing the risk of this additional efficacy constraint besides that of field occurrence of Bt resistance.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Shuang Wang, Qianru Chi, Xueyuan Hu, Yimei Cong, Shu Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Hydrogen sulfide (H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S), as an environmental gas pollutant, has harmful effects on many tissues and organs, including myocardium. However, the underlying mechanisms of H2S-induced myocardia toxicity remain poorly understood. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S on myocardia injury in broilers from the perspective of apoptosis. 30 ppm H2S was administered in the broiler chamber for 2, 4 and 6 week, respectively, and the myocardial samples in control groups and H2S groups were collected immediately after euthanized broilers. Transmission electron microscope, test kits, qRT-PCR and western blot were performed. Results showed that H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S exposure decreased the activities of catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capability (T-AOC), whereas the content of hydrogen peroxide (H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) and the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enhanced. Besides, we found the excessive expression of mitochondrial fission genes (Drp1 and Mff) by H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S, the dynamic balance of mitochondrial fission and fusion is destroyed. Furthermore, the levels of pro-apoptotic gene (including CytC, Cas3, Cas8, Cas9, TNF-α and Bax) increased after H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S exposure, as well as the expression level of anti-apoptotic gene bcl-2 decreased. At the same time, the activities of ATPase (including Na〈sup〉+〈/sup〉-K〈sup〉+〈/sup〉-ATPase, Ca〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉-ATPase, Mg〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉-ATPase and Ca〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉-Mg〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉-ATPase) weakened under H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S exposure. Therefore, we conclude that H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S induced oxidative stress and then leaded to excessive mitochondrial fission, which involved in apoptosis and damage broiler myocardia.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319309091-fx1.jpg" width="277" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Shilpi Singh, Shio Kumar Singh〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are anthropogenic compounds used globally in a variety of commercial products. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), a member of PFAAs, is detected in human blood and this has been reported to cause hepatotoxic, immunotoxic, and developmental and testicular toxic effects in laboratory animals. We have recently shown that the acute exposure to PFNA in prepubertal Parkes (P) mice impairs spermatogenesis by inducing oxidative stress and inhibiting testosterone biosynthesis in the testis. The present study was aimed to examine the effect of acute exposure to PFNA in prepubertal P mice on germ cell dynamics and to understand the possible mechanisms of action of this compound on testicular functions. PFNA (2 and 5 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to male mice for 14 days from postnatal day 25–38. The treatment caused a decrease in overall germ cell transformation. The results also reveal that impairment in testicular functions in treated mice is associated with alterations in cholesterol and glucose homeostasis; further, an inhibition in expressions of growth hormone receptor (GHR), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), androgen receptor (AR), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPAR α) in the testis is also implicated in this action. The findings thus suggest involvement of multiple factors which altogether contribute to the alterations in spermatogenic process and testosterone production following acute exposure to PFNA in prepubertal mice.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308309-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Haihong Li, Fang Zhu, Siying He〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Biochar supported nano zero-valent iron (BC-nZVI) synthesized through liquid phase reduction method was used to activate persulfate (PS) for the removal of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) in the soil. The morphology, structure and composition of BC-nZVI were determined by SEM, XRD, XPS and FTIR. Batch experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of different factors, such as the molar ratio of PS to BC-nZVI, pH value of PS solution and reaction temperature, on the degradation efficiency of BDE209. Results showed that when the molar ratio of PS/BC-nZVI was 3:1, pH value was 3, reaction temperature was 40 °C, 82.06% of BDE209 could be removed within 240 min. The process fitted pseudo-first-order kinetics model well and the apparent activation energy (Ea) was 48.92 kJ mol〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, indicating that the process was controlled by surface reaction. The quenching experiments showed that ·SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 was predominate radical species in the degradation process in acid and neutral condition. However, ·OH played more important role in alkaline condition. GC-MS was used to determine the reaction products for inferring the degradation pathway of BDE209 in soil by BC-nZVI/PS system.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308711-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Paula Renata Muniz Araújo, Caroline Miranda Biondi, Clístenes Williams Araújo do Nascimento, Fernando Bruno Vieira da Silva, Alfredo Montero Alvarez〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Botafogo river estuary poses the highest Hg concentration reported for mangrove soils in Brazil. Such high contamination took place owing to the improper waste disposal for 24 years from a chlor-alkali plant nearby the estuary. Here we determined Hg concentrations in soils, mangrove plants (〈em〉Rhizophora mangle〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Laguncularia racemosa〈/em〉), and an aquatic organism (the oyster species 〈em〉Crassostrea rhizophorae〈/em〉) to assess Hg bioavailability. Besides, a sequential extraction procedure was used to separate soil Hg into five fractions: water-soluble; ‘human stomach acid’ soluble; organically bound; elemental Hg; mercuric sulfide. Results showed that environmentally available concentration of Hg in the mangrove soils were up to 150-fold higher than a pristine mangrove under the same geological context used as a reference. Additionally, Hg concentration in soils was also above sediment quality guidelines and Hg adverse effects towards sensitive estuarine organisms are likely. Mercury concentrations in oysters were the highest reported in Brazil, but within safety standards according to the country food security agency. It seems that Hg stocks in the studied soils are governed by organic matter and redox conditions, but changing on environmental conditions and land use can alter this balance and convert these mangrove areas from sink to source of Hg to the environment.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Congting Ye, Qian Zhou, Xiaohui Wu, Guoli Ji, Qingshun Quinn Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is an important way to regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, and is extensively involved in plant stress responses. However, the systematic roles of APA regulation in response to abiotic and biotic stresses in rice at the genome scale remain unknown. To take advantage of available RNA-seq datasets, using a novel tool APAtrap, we identified thousands of genes with significantly differential usage of polyadenylation [poly(A)] sites in response to the abiotic stress (drought, heat shock, and cadmium) and biotic stress [bacterial blight (BB), rice blast, and rice stripe virus (RSV)]. Genes with stress-responsive APA dynamics commonly exhibited higher expression levels when their isoforms with short 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) were more abundant. The stress-responsive APA events were widely involved in crucial stress-responsive genes and pathways: e.g. APA acted as a negative regulator in heat stress tolerance; APA events were involved in DNA repair and cell wall formation under Cd stress; APA regulated chlorophyll metabolism, being associated with the pathogenesis of leaf diseases under RSV and BB challenges. Furthermore, APA events were found to be involved in glutathione metabolism and MAPK signaling pathways, mediating a crosstalk among the abiotic and biotic stress-responsive regulatory networks in rice. Analysis of large-scale datasets revealed that APA may regulate abiotic and biotic stress-responsive processes in rice. Such post-transcriptome diversities contribute to rice adaption to various environmental challenges. Our study would supply useful resource for further molecular assisted breeding of multiple stress-tolerant cultivars for rice.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yujing Zhang, Yiyuan Zhang, Yuanyuan Xiao, Caigao Zhong, Fang Xiao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Our group found that long-term low-dose exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] in L-02 hepatocytes resulted in premature senescence, which accompanied by the increased expression of Clusterin (CLU), but the functional role of CLU in premature senescence has never been explored. In the present study, the CLU overexpressed or silenced L-02 hepatocytes were established by lentiviral vector transfection. Cell viability assay, cell cycle analysis, western blotting, plate clone formation assay, and confocal microcopy were performed. The results indicated that Cr(VI)-induced premature senescence was associated with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway inhibition, and high expression of CLU in the senescent cells exerted its functional role of promoting cell proliferation. CLU could complex with eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit I (EIF3I) and prevent its degradation, leading to the increase of AKT activity in Cr(VI)-exposed senescent hepatocytes. Blockage of the PI3K/AKT pathway with its inhibitor LY294002 eliminated the inhibitory effect of CLU on Cr(VI)-induced premature senescence. We concluded that high expression of CLU suppressed Cr(VI)-induced premature senescence through activation of PI3K/AKT pathway, which will provide the experimental basis for the study of Cr(VI)-induced liver cancer, especially for the elucidation of the mechanism of liver cancer cells escaping from senescence.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Wenfeng Wang, Qun Wan, Yixin Li, Wenjun Xu, Xiangyang Yu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract:〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The extensive application of pesticides in agricultural activities has raised increasing concerns on crop contamination by pesticide residues. Vegetables seem more susceptible to pesticide contamination given the high-intensive application of pesticides during their entire growth, while information about transfer and cell diffusion characteristics of pesticides in vegetables is currently insufficient. Here, we investigated the uptake, translocation and subcellular distribution behaviors of four commonly used pesticides in Chinese cabbage (〈em〉Brassica rapa〈/em〉 var. 〈em〉chinensis〈/em〉) under laboratory hydroponic conditions. Root uptake of pesticides followed the order of fenbuconazole 〉 avermectin 〉 thiamethoxam 〉 spirotetramat. Thiamethoxam was more readily to be translocated from vegetable root to shoot, while spirotetramat, fenbuconazole and avermectin preferentially accumulated in vegetable root. Cell soluble components were the dominant storage compartment for thiamethoxam. The majority of spirotetramat, fenbuconazole and avermectin were partitioned into the cell walls. Hopefully, results of this study would extend the current knowledge of pesticide bioconcentration behavior in food-crops and assist in properly evaluating the threats of pesticide residues to human health via food chain.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Kiyan Sorgog, Masashi Kamo〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In ecological risk assessment, the Predicted No Effect Concentration (PNEC) of a substance is generally derived by one of two methods: either by applying an Assessment Factor (AF) or by using a Species Sensitivity Distribution (SSD). With the AF method, which is the conventional way, the PNEC is determined by dividing the lowest No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) by an AF of a certain fixed magnitude. With the SSD method, which is becoming increasingly used in the European Union and the United States, an HC5 value (Hazardous Concentration for 5% of species) is estimated from the NOEC and then divided by an AF to derive the PNEC. This study aimed to explore the most appropriate AF and the most effective application of each method. The performances of the SSD and AF methods were compared on the assumption that the better method is that in which more PNECs are lower than HC5. We concluded that the performance of these methods depends on sample size and variation in species sensitivity. As the sample size increases (i.e., if there are more toxicity data), the performance of each method increases. The performance of the AF method is better when variation in species sensitivity is small (i.e., all species tend to have a similar NOEC), but it declines as variation in sensitivity rises, implying that persisting with either of the methods may misrepresent the ecological risk. Our results suggest that the variation in sensitivity is an important factor affecting the ecological risk and more effort should be paid to understanding why the variation varies depending on chemical substances.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Chao Wang, Zhao Meng, Peiting Yao, Linlin Zhang, Zheng Wang, Yibing Lv, Yingze Tian, Yinchang Feng〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉To study source-specific carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) under diverse anthropogenic activities, PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉-bound PAHs were detected in Beijing in four periods. PAHs in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting (APEC) was much lower than that in after-APEC period. The highest PAHs concentration was in heating period (303 ng/m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉). Sources were quantified by Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF). In heating period, due to high emissions, weak diffusion, low degradation and evaporation, high contributions of all sources were observed, and both absolute and relative contributions of coal combustion increased. Changed contributions in during-APEC and after-APEC periods implied effectiveness of reinforced emission control, especially for coal combustion and vehicles. Furthermore, variations of sources-specific carcinogenicity and mutagenicity were investigated. In non-heating period, contributions of gasoline exhaust (38.4% TEQ: Toxic Equivalent Quantity, 33.7% MEQ: Mutagenic Equivalent Quantity) and diesel exhaust (53.8% TEQ, 57.9% MEQ) dominated both carcinogenic and mutagenic risks. Coal combustion sharply increased in heating period, attributing 27.5% TEQ and 21.7% MEQ. In during-APEC period, all contributions to carcinogenicity and mutagenicity were lower than those in after-APEC period, but “others” linked with regional transport contributed increased fractions (above 20%). Sources-specific carcinogenicity and mutagenicity under diverse anthropogenic activities, especially for APEC meeting with reinforced control, gave a new insight into assessment of control measures based on health risks.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Guangyang Liu, Lingyun Li, Yuhang Gao, Mingkun Gao, Xiaodong Huang, Jun Lv, Donghui Xu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A β-cyclodextrin-functionalized magnetic zinc-metal organic framework (M-MOF/β-CD) was synthesized via a facile one-pot reaction. M-MOF/β-CD was used as a magnetic porous absorbent for the extraction and determination of prochloraz and three triazole fungicides in vegetable samples. M-MOF/β-CD was prepared by creating MOF layers on the surface of a Fe〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉–graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite and bonding them with β-CD molecules. Characterization suggested that a 3D porous structure was formed, with M-MOF/β-CD exhibiting high superparamagnetism and a large surface area. As a new strategy, integrating MOFs with Fe〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉–GO could improve their water-resistance and mechanical strength by providing a rigid nanosupport interface. Combining M-MOF and β-CD resulted in excellent selective adsorption capacities for prochloraz and three triazole fungicides. The static adsorption process was evaluated and the results were in good agreement with the Freundlich model. Subsequently, M-MOF/β-CD was applied to extracting prochloraz and triazole fungicides from tomato and lettuce vegetables, followed by HPLC-MS/MS determination. The limits of detection for the above fungicides were found to be 0.25–1.0 μg/L at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, with spiked recoveries of 74.13%–119.83%, indicating that M-MOF/β-CD was promising for application to the extraction and determination of fungicides in complex matrices.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308772-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Fei Zang, Shengli Wang, Zhongren Nan, Chuanyan Zhao, Huiling Sun, Wen Huang, Lili Bao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Considerable studies have been done on heavy metal removing from aqueous solutions using loess. However, application of loess to heavy metal contaminated sediment is limited. The present study was to determine the effectiveness of loess to immobilize Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in sediment. The loess was incubated with 10 kg wet sediment in doses of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 kg for 70 d and then subjected to the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP). The possible mechanisms for heavy metal immobilization were illustrated using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Results from TCLP confirmed loess reduced leaching rate of Cu and Zn achieving up to 42.4% and 17.6% reductions, respectively, when compared with untreated sediment. The loess could significantly immobilize Cu and Zn in sediment, and the optimum dose of loess in 10 kg wet sediment was 5 kg. However, loess was inefficient for Cd and Pb immobilization. Correlation analysis showed that TCLP extraction method could be used to predict the toxicity of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the loess-amended sediment. The pH, EC, OM and CaCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 of the loess-amended sediment played predominant roles in the TCLP leaching test.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308929-fx1.jpg" width="277" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Kęstutis Jokšas, Rimutė Stakėnienė, Eva Raudonytė-Svirbutavičienė〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study provides an insight on a long-term butyltin pressure, spatio-temporal changes and current tributyltin distribution in the Klaipėda Port sediments. Moreover, it examines whether the restrictions on tributyltin use led to a decreased pollution in the area. Changes over a 9-year period in tributyltin and its metabolites concentrations were analyzed in surface sediments from semi-enclosed bays of the Port. Reduction in organotin level was observed after tributyltin ban came into force: tributyltin concentration reached 3000 ng Sn g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 d.w. in 2005 whereas 1793 ng Sng〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 d.w. was found to be the highest tributyltin concentration in 2013. The highest contamination was detected in the zones with ship maintenance activity. As late as in 2013, the latter areas still exhibited fresh tributyltin input while the progress of organotin degradation has been observed for other sampling stations along the Port.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308462-fx1.jpg" width="202" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhen Zhou, Biao Zhang, Haitao Liu, Xiaodong Liang, Wenlian Ma, Zhenya Shi, Suqin Yang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Presence of cadmium (Cd) in food poses serious risks to human health. Understanding the effects of zinc (Zn) on Cd absorption by crops could help provide a theoretical basis for the treatment with Zn on contaminated soils. In this study, two wheat varieties, differing in grain-Cd accumulation ability (L979, a Cd low-accumulation variety, and H27, a high-accumulation variety) were selected to investigate the effect of Zn addition on Cd toxicity. Cd was applied to nutrient solutions at 0 and 10 μM, and added Zn were 0, 50 and 100 μM. Zn supplements alleviated decreases in biomass induced by Cd toxicity for both varieties, and both varieties had different reduced concentrations of Cd in their shoots. Application of 50 μM Zn to H27 resulted in a 17% decrease in Cd concentrations. When treated with 100 μM Zn, only L979 showed a reduction in Cd concentration. The higher proportion of Cd in the soluble fraction was found in L979. In addition, ion-selective scanning at the root-surface indicated that Zn supplements reduced net root Cd〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉 flux by 55% for L979, and 69% for H27. These mitigating effects of Zn in both varieties involved mechanisms related to photosynthesis, root growth, and antioxidant production. Additionally, both Zn available in the medium and absorbed in plant tissue causes antagonistic effects on Cd absorption for wheat. It seemed that vacuolar compartmentation could contribute Cd detoxification especially for low accumulation variety.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Shuang Ding, Zhaoming Zhang, Yingjie Chen, Wen Qi, Yuezhu Zhang, Qi Xu, Hongbo Liu, Tianrong Zhang, Yaming Zhao, Xu Han, Xinyue Song, Tianyang Zhao, Lin Ye〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Background〈/h6〉 〈p〉Adolescence and young adulthood are critical periods of human growth and development. Phthalates are environmental endocrine disruptors, and their health hazards in adolescents and young adults cannot be ignored. This study was undertaken to assess phthalate exposure and determine the associations between lifestyle behaviors and phthalate metabolite levels in Chinese adolescents and young adults.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉Four hundred and seventy-eight adolescents and young adults aged 16–20 years were included in this study. The levels of mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) and mono-(2-carboxmethyl)-hexyl phthalate (MCMHP) in the subjects’ urine were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard index (HI) of phthalates were calculated based on urinary metabolite levels. Relevant information on the subjects was collected via questionnaires. The associations between phthalate metabolite levels and lifestyle behaviors were examined using the independent-sample 〈em〉t-〈/em〉test, Mann-Whitney test and multiple linear regression.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉In this study, the detection rates of all seven metabolites were 〉98%. The highest median metabolite concentration was MBP, which was 43.00 μg/L (33.11 μg/g creatinine). The highest median EDI was for di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which was 2.40 μg/kg-bw/day (volume-based) and 1.51 μg/kg-bw/day (creatinine-based). 2.7% (volume-based) and 1.0% (creatinine-based) of the subjects showed excessive HI〈sub〉TDI〈/sub〉 (HI of the tolerable daily intake) values, which indicated the cumulative risk of anti-androgenic effects. Furthermore, factors significantly associated with phthalate metabolite levels included the use of plastic food packages (DEHP metabolites), physical exercise (MEOHP), the frequency of fast food consumption (MBP), and the frequency of skin care cosmetics and color cosmetics use (MEP).〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusion〈/h6〉 〈p〉Our results suggest that Chinese adolescents and young adults are widely exposed to phthalates and their metabolite levels are influenced by lifestyle behaviors.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Junho Jeon, Juliane Hollender〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The aim of the present study was to develop (i) a technique for identifying metabolites of organic contaminants by using an 〈em〉in vitro〈/em〉 system of trout S9 and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry-based identification method and (ii) to apply this technique to identify the interactive potential of carbamazepine on the formation rate of other metabolites. The pharmaceuticals carbamazepine and propranolol and the pesticides azoxystrobin, diazinon, and fipronil were selected as test contaminants. As a result, a total of ten metabolites were identified for the five parent substances, six of which were confirmed using reference standards. Metabolic reactions included hydroxylation, epoxidation, S-oxidation, and dealkylation. The metabolic transformation rate ranged from 0.2 to 3.5 pmol/mg protein/min/μmol substrate. In the binary exposure experiment with increasing carbamazepine concentration, the formation rates of diazinon and fipronil metabolites (MDI2 and MFP2, respectively) increased, while formation of metabolites of propranolol and azoxystrobin (MPR1, MPR2, MPR3, and MAZ1) slowed down. Meanwhile, S9 pre-exposed to carbamazepine produced diazoxon, a toxic metabolite of diazinon, and pyrimidinol, a less toxic metabolite, more rapidly. These results suggest that carbamazepine, a perennial environmental pollutant, might modulate the toxicity of other substances such as diazinon but further in vivo studies are needed.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Amna, Bashir Ud Din, Sidra Sarfraz, Ye Xia, Muhammad Aqeel Kamran, Muhammad Tariq Javed, Tariq Sultan, Muhammad Farooq Hussain Munis, Hassan Javed Chaudhary〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The potential of plant growth regulating microorganisms present in the soil can be explored towards the purpose of identifying salt tolerant strategies and crop cultivars. Current study was designed to elucidate the capabilities of salt stress tolerant plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) 〈em〉Bacillus siamensis〈/em〉 (PM13), 〈em〉Bacillus sp.〈/em〉 (PM15) and 〈em〉Bacillus methylotrophicus〈/em〉 (PM19) in undermining the effects of salt stress on wheat seedling. Strains were characterized for their IAA (81–113 μM/ml), ACC-deaminase (0.68–0.95 μM/mg protein/h) and exopolysaccharide (EPS) (0.62–0.97 mg/ml) producing activity both under normal and NaCl stressed conditions. Effects of bacterial inoculation on germination and seedling growth of wheat variety Pakistan-13 was observed under induced salinity stress levels (0, 4, 8, 16 dS/m). All the morpho-physiological characteristics of wheat seedlings were affected drastically by the NaCl stress and the growth parameters expressed a negative relationship with increased NaCl levels. PGPR application had a very positive influence on germination rate of wheat seedlings, root and shoot length, photosynthetic pigments etc. Elongated roots and enhanced vegetative shoot growth as well as seedling's fresh and dry weights were highest in plants treated with 〈em〉B. methylotrophicus〈/em〉 PM19. Sequestration of Na〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 ion by EPS production and degradation of exuded ACC into a-ketobutyrate and ammonia by ACCD bacteria efficiently reduced the impact of salinity stress on wheat growth. Current findings suggested that the used PGPR strains are potential candidates for improving crop growth in salt stressed agricultural systems. However further research validation would be necessary before large scale/field application.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Junghyun Lee, Taewoo Kim, Seo Joon Yoon, Seonju Kim, Aslan Hwanhwi Lee, Bong-Oh Kwon, Ahmed A. Allam, Abdulaziz A. Al-khedhairy, Hanbyul Lee, Jae-Jin Kim, Seongjin Hong, Jong Seong Khim〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉After the Gulf War Oil Spill, there have been many investigations about distributions of oil-derived pollutants nearby areas, but lacking in ecotoxicological assessment. We evaluated the potential toxicity of asphalt mats, sediments, and biota (polychaetes, chitons, snapping shrimps, and crabs) by combining two bioassays (H4IIE-〈em〉luc〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Vibrio fischeri〈/em〉) and 〈em〉in situ〈/em〉 microbial community (eDNA). Samples were collected from Abu Ali Island, and organic extracts were bioassayed and further fractionated according to the chemical polarity using silica gel column. Great aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated potencies and inhibition of bioluminescence were mainly found in aromatics (F2) and saturates (F1) fractions of asphalt mat and sediments, respectively, while great toxicological responses in biota samples were found in resins and polar (F3) fraction. We also confirmed that potential toxicities of biota were species-specific; great AhR-mediated potencies were found in polychaetes and great bioluminescence inhibitions were found in crabs. In microbial communities, most genera (up to 90%) were associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-degrading bacteria, supporting that PAHs are the primary stressors of the benthic community around Abu Ali Island. The present study provides useful information on the contamination status, risk assessment of environmental matrices and benthic organisms in Abu Ali Island.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308784-fx1.jpg" width="478" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Maria Isidoria Silva Gonzaga, Paulo Silas Oliveira da Silva, José Carlos de Jesus Santos, Luiz Fernando Ganassali de Oliveira Junior〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Biochar has been recently used as an alternative strategy to improve soil quality and plant growth in metal contaminated soils. However, the effects of biochar on gas exchange parameters such photosynthetic rate (A), water use efficiency (WUE) and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (ICE) in metal tolerant plant species in contaminated soils is still unknown. Such information is important to understand how different biochar types can influence plant biomass production and metal uptake. Hence, a greenhouse experiment was set up as a completely randomized design combining two types of crop residue biochar (coconut husk (CB) and orange shell (OB) and two rates of application (30 t ha〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 and 60 t ha〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉)). A control treatment (no biochar) was also included. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of biochar on the physiological performance, growth and concentration of copper (Cu) in the shoot of 〈em〉B. juncea〈/em〉 plants in a Cu-contaminated soil. Besides reduced growth on the control soil, all other treatments increased plant growth. No toxicity symptom was observed in the plant, confirming its Cu tolerance. Biochar increased plant biomass by approximately 170% and reduced Cu concentration up to 51%. Application of 30 t ha〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 biochar significantly increased net photosynthesis in 59% (CB) and in 34% (OB) while reducing stomatal conductance in 40% and transpiration rate in 14% (CB) and 19% (OB). Application of 60 t ha〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 of biochar reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration rate in 51% and 60% (CB) and 26% and 7% (OB), respectively. All biochars improved the water use efficiency (WUE) in the plants (52–182%) for the instantaneous WUE and 80–162% for the intrinsic (IWUE). Therefore, biochar, especially CB, caused an improved regulation of the stomata aperture so that plant could maintain a high photosynthetic rate while efficiently controlling the use of water. This could be an important mechanism to reduce the excessive uptake of Cu by the plant.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Prakash Gautam, Rishikesh Bajagain, Seung-Woo Jeong〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Chemical oxidation has been applied to remove soil contaminants and thereby reduce human and ecological risks from contaminated sites. However, few studies have been conducted on the natural infiltration of oxidant solutions into unsaturated soil. Moreover, the infiltration capacity of oxidant solutions at various concentrations in unsaturated soil has not yet been studied. This study investigated the natural infiltration tendency of oxidant solutions like hydrogen peroxide (H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉), potassium permanganate (KMnO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉), and sodium persulfate (Na〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉8〈/sub〉), in sand and sandy loam. Cumulative infiltration was recorded from a soil column equipped with a Mariotte reservoir. The infiltration rate, sorptivity, and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity were obtained from the cumulative infiltration results. Na〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉8〈/sub〉 showed the highest infiltration rate in both sand and sandy loam, and the infiltration of Na〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉8〈/sub〉 increased as the concentration was increased from 0.05 to 1%. However, the infiltration of KMnO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 and H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 solutions was governed more by chemical reaction behavior than by liquid physical properties or soil hydraulic properties. The production of oxides and gas due to reaction induced clogging in flow paths, resulting in less infiltration. Infiltration of H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 at concentrations greater than 0.5% was not observed in sand or sandy loam due to gas formation and swelling.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yijing Zhang, Leilei Zhou, Shufang Li, Junxia Liu, Shuangyuan Sun, Xiaofan Ji, Chonghuai Yan, Jian Xu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Objective〈/h6〉 〈p〉To explore the impacts of Pb exposure and the dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) chelation therapy on bone metabolisms in young rats of different ages, as well as the potential mechanisms.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Method〈/h6〉 〈p〉Young rats were exposed to 0.05%–0.1% Pb acetate for 19 days, during infanthood (postnatal day, PND2-20), childhood (PND21-39) and adolescenthood (PND40-58) respectively. In each developmental stage, rats were further divided into three subgroups: lead-exposed, one-course and two-course DMSA chelation therapy subgroups. Blood/bone lead concentrations, serum calciotropic hormones concentrations, and mRNA and protein expressions of bone turnover markers in the serum and bones were measured. Bone microstructures were analyzed using Micro-CT.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉Compared with lead-exposed during childhood and adolescenthood, increases in blood/bone lead levels, and the changes of blood/bone lead and trabecular bone microstructures after one-course DMSA chelation were most significant in rats lead-exposed during infanthood (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 .05). The serum osteocalcin (OC) concentrations, mRNA/protein expressions of OC and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in bones all decreased after Pb exposure, along with significant increases in serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) concentrations (〈em〉P〈/em〉 〈 .05). These effects were accompanied by changes of serum parathormone (PTH) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 (1,25-(OH〈sub〉2〈/sub〉)-D〈sub〉3〈/sub〉) concentrations. DMSA chelation partially reversed the changes of bone microarchitectures, bone formation and resorption markers, and calciotropic-hormones, and the efficiency was greatest when the therapy was provided during infanthood.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusion〈/h6〉 〈p〉Developmental Pb exposure impaired bone microstructures and interfered bone metabolism, and the exposure effect was more obvious during infanthood than during childhood and adolescenthood. Lead effects were partially reversed by chelation therapy, and the efficacy may be most significant when the therapy was provided at younger ages.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Inf: infanthood ; chd: childhood; adol: adolescenthood; Control group: receiving double distilled water; PbN: rats were lead exposed but not treated ; PbT1: one-course chelation therapy treatment groups ; PbT2: two-course chelation therapy treatment groups 〈sup〉*〈/sup〉〈em〉P〈/em〉：〈0.05.〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319307729-fx1.jpg" width="260" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Seir Antonio Salazar Mercado, Hanner Alejandra Maldonado Bayona〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of different concentrations of chlorpyrifos (CPF), using 〈em〉L. culinaris〈/em〉 apical cells as a biological indicator. 〈em〉L. culinaris〈/em〉 seeds were exposed to different concentrations of chlorpyrifos (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 15 mg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) and a control solution based on distilled water. Subsequently, root growth was measured during 24, 48 and 72 h. Therefore, the mitotic index (MI) and the number of cellular abnormalities were determined at 72 h. According to the obtained results, a decrease in root size was observed in the concentrations of T5 (8 mg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) and T6 (10 mg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉). On the other hand, it was evidenced that, through all the evaluated concentrations, the inhibition of mitosis in the concentrations of T5 (8 mg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉), T6 (10 mg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) and T7 (15 mg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) was greater than 50%. Additionally, a variety of chromosomal abnormalities were reported, such as Micronuclei, sticky chromosomes in anaphase, chromosome disruption, irregular anaphase, nucleus absence, nuclear lesions, chromosomes grouped in metaphase, anaphase bridges, metaphase sticky chromosomes, present in all concentrations evaluated. Consequently, the presence of micronuclei in the concentrations of 8 mg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, 10 mg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 and 15 mg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 indicates that the CPF is a highly cytotoxic substance to 〈em〉L. culinaris〈/em〉. Therefore, 〈em〉L. culinaris〈/em〉 is a plant species that offers a feasible experimental model to be implemented in laboratory studies with the purpose to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of pesticides.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308590-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Huage Liu, Zhiqiang Liu, Lin Meng, Xiangwei Fu, Yunpeng Hou〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Cigarette smoke can affect female reproductive health by causing follicle destruction and oocyte dysfunction. Third-hand smoke has received increasing attention as a public health issue. However, the effects of third-hand smoke on the female reproductive system, particularly the ovaries, remain unclear. 1-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridinyl)-4-butanal (NNA) can be used as a biomarker of third-hand smoke. We studied the 〈em〉in vivo〈/em〉 toxic effects of NNA on mice ovaries and offspring development. Three-week-old premature female mice were exposed to NNA at two different concentrations (0.075 μg/kg and 0.15 μg/kg body weight) and tap water (blank control) and diluted dimethylsulfoxide (solvent control) for 30 days. We found that oral administration of NNA (0.075 μg/kg and 0.15 μg/kg) significantly reduced ovary weight (the 0.15 μg/kg group was reduced to 18.69% ± 0.89%) and ovarian follicle number (reduced by about 30%) (〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.05). Consumption of 0.15 μg/kg NNA reduced the survival rate of superovulated oocytes from 91.36% to 60.55% (〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.05). In addition, treated female mice in each group were mated with normal male mice to observe the effects of NNA on the F1 offspring, and during mating and lactation, all groups were given tap water. Two different concentrations of NNA exposure also significantly reduced body weight and impaired ear opening, tooth eruption and eye opening in F1 offspring, especially those exposed to 0.15 μg/kg NNA (〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.05). Our study suggested that NNA exposure had toxic effects on the reproductive health of female mice and their offspring. The results obtained may help evaluate the risks of third-hand smoke to women's reproductive health and to the health of their offspring.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Tang Yang, Yunping Han, Mengzhu Zhang, Song Xue, Lin Li, Junxin Liu, Zhongping Qiu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Aerosols from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered to be potentially hazardous to on-site employees and surrounding residents. However, their harmful components and their effects remain poorly understood. In this study, the characteristics, responsible factors, sources and exposure risks of potential pathogens and toxic metal(loid)s in aerosols from four WWTPs were investigated. There were 21 potential pathogens and 15 toxic metal(loid)s detected in the aerosols. 〈em〉Arcobacter〈/em〉 and Fe were the dominant taxa responsible for the dissimilarity of the potential pathogen population and toxic metal(loid) composition between the aerosols and the wastewater/sludge, respectively. Both meteorological factors and sources affected pathogen and toxic metal(loid) composition. The potential pathogens and toxic metal(loid)s in indoor aerosols mainly originated from wastewater/sludge, while those in outdoor aerosols originated from wastewater/sludge and ambient air. The highest respirable fraction (〈3.30 μm) concentrations and proportions were detected at the aeration units. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of toxic metal(loid)s for both adults and children were found within and/or around WWTPs, and non-carcinogenic risks of bacteria for children were found at downwind, suggesting the need for active safeguard procedures, such as that employees wear masks and work clothes, covering the main emission sites, and collecting and destroying of aerosols.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308747-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Na Li, Wingkei Ho, Rudolf Shiu Sun Wu, Guang-Guo Ying, Zijian Wang, Kevin Jones, Wen-Jing Deng〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The urine levels of organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) and bisphenol A (BPA) in kindergarten children (n = 31, 4–6 years old, sampling performed in 2016) in Hong Kong were measured. The detection frequency of the target PFRs, tri(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), tris(chloroisopropyl)phosphate (TCIPP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) ranged from 52% to 84%. The 95th percentile urinary concentrations of TPHP, TDCIPP, TCIPP, EHDPP and TCEP were 1.70, 0.24, 0.03, 0.05, 0.68 and 0.03 ng/mL, respectively. The median urine level of BPA was 1.69 ng/mL, with a detection frequency of 77%. Due to the lack of metabolism information, two scenarios were used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of these compounds. Back-calculated EDIs of PFRs using the urinary excretion rates from 〈em〉in vivo〈/em〉 animal data (scenario 2) were up to 2.97 μg/kg/d (TDCIPP), which was only a little less than that observed in a sample of American infants, and the reference dose (RfD), meaning that the potential health risk of TDCIPP cannot be ignored. Dust ingestion was suggested to be the major pathway of exposure to PFRs, but when the levels in dust and air particles in kindergartens in Hong Kong were used to predict EDIs, these values were nearly half as much as those predicted from urinary TDCIPP in this study. This suggested that children's PFRs burden may be underestimated when considering only PFR levels in dust or air. There is thus a need for further studies with large-scale surveys and investigation of exposure routes.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Urine levels of organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) and bisphenol A (BPA) of kindergarten children (n = 31, 4–6 years old) in Hong Kong were measured. The 95 percentile urinary concentrations of TPHP, TDCIPP, TCIPP, EHDPP, and TCEP were 1.70, 0.24, 0.03, 0.05, 0.68 and 0.03 ng/mL, respectively. Two scenarios were used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI), and the EDI of TDCIPP were up to 2.97 μg/kg/d, which is a little less than those of infants in America, and its reference dose (RfD). The potential health risk of TDCIPP cannot be ignored. Using the levels in dust and air particles in kindergartens in Hong Kong, the predicted EDIs were nearly half as much as those predicted from urinary TDCIPP in the present study. Children's burden of some kind of PFRs might be underestimated when only considering their levels in dust or air.〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308334-fx1.jpg" width="464" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Qin Cheng, Chengxiao Hu, Wei Jia, Miaomiao Cai, Yuanyuan Zhao, Yanni Tang, Dandan Yang, Yingjie Zhou, Xuecheng Sun, Xiaohu Zhao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈em〉Sclerotinia sclerotiorum〈/em〉 (〈em〉S. sclerotiorum〈/em〉) is a devastating fungal pathogen with worldwide distribution, and threatened the agro-ecological safety in the long term. To control the damage caused by Sclerotinia diseases, as well as consider the fungicide resistance and chemical residues, strategy of which plant nutritional regulation, as an eco-friendly approach, is gaining much significance. Selenium (Se), as a beneficial microelement for plant, has been manifested to be effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of 〈em〉S.sclerotiorum〈/em〉 in our previous study. In the present study, we observed that Se (both selenate and selenite) inhibited the formation of sclerotia, which is an important life form in the disease cycle of 〈em〉S. sclerotiorum〈/em〉. And the inhibition ratios of number of sclerotia in treatments of Se(VI)〈sub〉5.0〈/sub〉 and Se(IV)〈sub〉5.0〈/sub〉 were 54.55% and 43.84%, respectively; the inhibition ratios of weight of sclerotia in treatments of Se(VI)〈sub〉5.0〈/sub〉 and Se(IV)〈sub〉5.0〈/sub〉 were 42.29% and 25.67%, respectively. Results suggested that Se inhibited mycelial growth, severely damaged sclerotial ultrastructure, reduced the capacity of acid production, decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, increased the content of hydrogen peroxide (H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) and superoxide anion (O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉) in mycelium, and all of these resulted in the reduction in sclerotial formation. Further studies revealed that Se application in medium increased Se concentration in sclerotia and thus inhibited sclerotial germination. Moreover, the pathogenicity of mycelia germinating from sclerotia that pretreated with Se, decreased significantly to rape leaves. These findings broadened our understanding of Se application in plant protection, as well as provided evidences for developing environment-friendly fungicide for 〈em〉S. sclerotiorum〈/em〉 control.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308346-fx1.jpg" width="365" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Henriette Meyer-Alert, Maria Larsson, Henner Hollert, Steffen H. Keiter〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Biotests like the fish embryo toxicity test have become increasingly popular in risk assessment and evaluation of chemicals found in the environment. The large range of possible endpoints is a big advantage when researching on the mode of action of a certain substance. Here, we utilized the frequently used model organism zebrafish (〈em〉Danio rerio〈/em〉) to examine regulative mechanisms in the pathway of the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in early development. We exposed embryos to representatives of two chemical classes known to elicit dioxin-like activity: benzo[a]pyrene for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 2,3-benzofuran for polar O-substituted heterocycles as a member of heterocyclic compounds in general (N-, S-, O-heterocycles; NSO-hets). We measured gene transcription of the induced P450 cytochromes (〈em〉cyp1〈/em〉), their formation of protein and biotransformation activity throughout the whole embryonic development until 5 days after fertilization. The results show a very specific time course of transcription depending on the chemical properties (e.g. halogenation, planarity, K〈sub〉ow〈/sub〉), the physical decay and the biodegradability of the tested compound. However, although this temporal pattern was not precisely transferable onto the protein level, significant regulation in enzymatic activity over time could be detected. We conclude, that a careful choice of time and end point as well as consideration of the chemical properties of a substance are fairly important when planning, conducting and especially evaluating biotests.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S014765131930836X-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 October 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 182〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Dannielle S. Green, Bas Boots, Jaime Da Silva Carvalho, Thomas Starkey〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Cigarette filters (butts) are currently the most abundant form of anthropogenic litter on the planet, yet we know very little about their environmental impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, including plant germination and primary production. When discarded, filters contain a myriad of chemicals resulting from smoking tobacco and some still contain unsmoked remnants. A greenhouse experiment was used to assess the impacts of discarded filters of regular or menthol cigarette, either from unsmoked, smoked, or smoked cigarettes with remnant tobacco, on the growth and development of 〈em〉Lolium perenne〈/em〉 (perennial ryegrass) and 〈em〉Trifolium repens〈/em〉 (white clover). After 21 days, shoot length and germination success were significantly reduced by exposure to any type of cigarette filter for the grass and clover. Although total grass biomass was not measurably affected, the root biomass and root:shoot ratio were less in the clover when exposed to filters from smoked regular cigarettes and those with remnant tobacco. Cigarette filters caused an increase in chlorophyll-a in clover shoots and an increase in chlorophyll-b in grass shoots. Accordingly, whilst the chlorophyll a:b ratio was increased in the clover exposed to cigarette filters, it was decreased in grass. This study indicates the potential for littered cigarette filters to reduce growth and alter short-term primary productivity of terrestrial plants.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319307481-fx1.jpg" width="482" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Y.Q. Wang, R.F. Wang, Q.L. Ma, X.T. Chen, Y.M. Li, Z.X. Zhang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈em〉Tephrosia vogelii〈/em〉 Hook was excellent insecticidal plant, it was introduced into China and planted over a large area in Guangdong province. The main active components of 〈em〉T. vogelii〈/em〉 was rotenone and it widely found in leaves and pods of 〈em〉T. vogelii〈/em〉. This paper study of the safety assessment of 〈em〉T. vogelii〈/em〉 flowers to worker bees. In this paper, the content of rotenone in 〈em〉T. vogelii〈/em〉 petal, nectar, pollen, pistil, and stamen samples were investigated by HPLC, and tested the toxicity of 〈em〉T. vogelii〈/em〉 flowers for 〈em〉Apis cerana cerana〈/em〉 during 24 h. The dissipation and dynamic of rotenone in 〈em〉A. c. cerana〈/em〉 different biological compartments were investigated under indoor conditions during 24 h. The results showed, The LT〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 of 〈em〉T. vogelii〈/em〉 flowers to worker bees were collected from the eastern, western, southern, northern and top were 13.95, 24.17, 12.55, 26.48, and 18.84 h, the haemolymph of worker bees have the highest content of rotenone, the least accumulation of rotenone in workers bee's thorax, and the rate of dissipation was slowly during the whole study. In conclusion, the results showed the 〈em〉T. vogelii〈/em〉 create security risks to worker bees under some ecosystems.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Daniela Zezza, Sabrina Tait, Leonardo Della Salda, Michele Amorena, Carmine Merola, Monia Perugini〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are brominated flame retardants. Biomonitoring studies have shown widespread presence of PBDEs in humans and their accumulation in food chain cause concern to human health, especially for foetus and infant development. The early-life stages are generally considered more sensitive to exposure to toxic compounds than juvenile or adults. For this reason the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the three most environmentally relevant BDE (BDE- 47, 99 and 209) on zebrafish embryos. The fish embryo toxicity (FET) OECD tests on zebrafish were performed followed by histopathogical examination to assess morphological changes. The gene expression of the thyroid stimulating hormone β (Tshβ), the transport proteins transthyretin (Ttr) and thyroxine-binding globulin (Tbg) as well as the enzyme iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (Dio1) was also assessed by Real-time PCR.〈/p〉 〈p〉BDE-47 and BDE-99 showed an increase of the severity of the effects at the lower concentrations while for the BDE-209 the effects were higher to the high concentrations. Although all compounds did not show any acute toxicity for none of the concentrations tested, they reported interesting sub-acute lesions, including yolk and pericardial edema, tail and head malformation, reduced and extremely reduced heart beat rate, blood stasis and spinal curvature, with the highest percentage recorded for BDE-209. Cardiac edema, damage of eye structure and hydrocephaly were confirmed also by histophatological examination. Furthermore, a toxic and dose-dependent liver vacuolization in BDE-209 was observed in all experimental groups.〈/p〉 〈p〉Although no statistically significant difference in gene expression was observed, BDE-209 up-regulated only Dio1 while the other congeners induced Tshβ, Ttr, Tbg and Dio1. Overall, this research highlighted that exposure to BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-209 at realistic concentrations caused lethal and sub-lethal alterations and impaired genes involved in thyroid hormones homeostasis leading to abnormal development of zebrafish embryos.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Guofa Ren, Xiaoling Yan, Xiaodong Chu, Yunmei Cai, Yichao Shi, Kewen Zheng, Zhiqiang Yu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Surface and columnar sediments were collected from four mangrove Wetlands in Shantou coastal areas of South China to investigate the level, distribution, possible sources and ecotoxicological risks of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Total concentration of 14 PBDEs (∑〈sub〉14〈/sub〉PBDEs) and 41 PCBs (∑〈sub〉41〈/sub〉PCBs) varied from 0.61 to 180 ng/g and 42–636 pg/g dry weight (dw) in surface sediments, respectively. The concentration of PBDEs was much higher than that of PCBs. Compared with other mangrove Wetlands around the world, PCBs levels in the studied area were relatively low, while the concentrations of PBDE were at higher level. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) was the predominant PBDEs homologue in all sediment samples, indicating the extensive use of deca-BDE in this area. Penta-CBs and hexa-CBs were the main homologues of PCBs. Spatial variations showed that the concentration of PBDEs might be mainly affected by anthropogenic activities in specific sites of this region, whereas dry and wet deposition might be an important input source of PCBs in this area. Although accurate sediment chronology was not available, higher concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs were still found in some deeper sediment layers, suggesting that new input quantity tends to decrease with the increase of control. Risk assessment showed that penta-BDEs and deca-BDE may have potential negative ecological effects on the ecological of Shantou mangrove sediments, while the effects of PCBs can be neglected.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jixian Zhang, Xuxu Zhang, Chaoting Wen, Yuqing Duan, Haihui Zhang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In the present study, to investigate the prevention mechanism of proanthocyanidins from lotus seedpod (LSPCs) on methyl mercuric chloride (MMC) induced neurotoxicity, neuron/astrocyte cells were co-cultured to simulate the microenvironment 〈em〉in vivo〈/em〉 to the greatest extent. The results showed that, compared with MMC group, pretreatment with LSPCs not only improved cell survival rate, decreased the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and prevented the increase of intracellular [Ca〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉]i, but also significantly increased the total anti-oxidation capacity (T-AOC) (〈em〉p〈/em〉＜0.05), the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (〈em〉p〈/em〉＜0.05), glutathione (GSH) (〈em〉p〈/em〉＜0.05), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) (〈em〉p〈/em〉＜0.01). Besides, LSPCs up-regulated the expression of transcriptional factor Nrf2/HO-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, LSPCs reduced the expression of Bax protein, significantly increased the expression of Bcl-xl, Bcl-2, β-Ⅲ-Tubulin, SYN, and Arc proteins. The expression of these proteins is mainly regulated by genes and reflects the changes of genes functions. Taken together, these results suggested that LSPCs could enhance cellular antioxidant defense capacity through regulating the activation of Nrf2/HO-1, and involving the inhibition of mitochondria-mediated apoptotic signaling pathway.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhaoyu Kong, Zijun Wu, Bernard R. Glick, Shiyao He, Cheng Huang, Lan Wu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Phytoremediation assisted by plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is an alternative method of cleaning up toxic metals from soil. However, the interactions among indigenous soil microorganisms following PGPB inoculation are far from fully understood, although these interactions are conducive to evaluate the effectiveness of PGPB. Here, we used Illumina Miseq sequencing and network analysis to decipher the co-occurrence patterns of bacterial communities following PGPB inoculation during phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil. Miseq sequencing revealed that PGPB inoculation changed the bacterial community composition one day after inoculation, with minor changes continuing to be observed ten days after inoculation. This suggested that PGPB inoculants did not proliferate extensively in a new environment. Network analysis showed that PGPB inoculation altered the co-occurrence patterns, dominant modules and topological roles of individual OTUs. In the presence of PGPB inoculants the bacterial community had more complex and compact associations. Moreover, PGPB inoculation increased the percentage of connectors, indicating that PGPB may contribute to more intensified interactions among OTUs from different modules; consequently, the microbial community would be more ordered and efficient. The enhanced co-occurrence associations in the PGPB-inoculated bacterial network may contribute to the plant growth-promoting effects of PGPB during phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jinli Cui, Chuanyong Jing〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Recent discoveries on arsenic (As) biogeochemistry in aquifer-sediment system have strongly improved our understanding of As enrichment mechanisms in groundwater. We summarize here the research results since 2015 focusing on the As interfacial geochemistry including As speciation, transformation, and mobilization. We discuss the chemical extraction and speciation of As in environmental matrices, followed by As redox change and (im)mobilization in typical minerals and aquifer system. Then, the microbial-assisted reductive dissolution of Fe (hydr)oxides and As transformation and liberation are summarized from the aspects of bacterial isolates, microbial community and gene analysis by comparing As rich groundwater cases worldwide. Finally, the potential effect of organic matter on As interfacial geochemistry are addressed in the aspects of chemical interactions and microbial respiring activities for Fe and As reductive release.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Chaoqun Wang, Xiao Liu, Zhen Han, Xu Zhang, Jingjing Wang, Kai Wang, Zhengtao Yang, Zhengkai Wei〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉As a new type of antibacterial agent, nanosilver has attracted great attention in biomedical applications. However, the safety of nanosilver to humans and the environment has not been well elucidated. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of nanosilver on novel effector mechanism of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and its possible molecular mechanisms. In this study, nanosilver (10, 20 and 40 μg/mL) was incubated with neutrophils for 90 min. Then, nanosilver-induced the release of NETs was observed by laser confocal microscopy. Nanosilver-induced NETs release was also quantitatively detected by pico Green®. In addition, the role of NADPH oxidase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 signaling pathways in nanosilver-induced NETs release were detected by the inhibitors and pico Green®. The results indicated that nanosilver significantly activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) to release NETs, which was a DNA-based network structure modified with histones (H3) and neutrophil elastase (NE). The inhibitors of NADPH oxidase, ERK and p38 signaling pathways significantly inhibited the formation of nanosilver-induced NETs. Furthermore, nanosilver did not alter the extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level of PMN cells. All these results showed that nanosilver significantly induced NETs release, and the potential molecular mechanisms were correlated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production-dependent on NADPH oxidase, ERK and p38 signaling pathways, which might provide a new perspective on nanosilver-induced excess NETs release related to the host immune damage.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308395-fx1.jpg" width="222" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Athanasios Besis, Elisavet Botsaropoulou, Constantini Samara, Athanasios Katsoyiannis, Linda Hanssen, Sandra Huber〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The occurrence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) was for the first time investigated in various working microenvironments (internet cafes, electronics shops, coffee shops, restaurants, etc.) in Thessaloniki, Greece, using the dust trapped by central air conditioner (A/C) filters. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was found in the range from 16 to 227 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, however it was detectable in only 30% of samples. On the contrary, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was found in 85% of samples in the range from 3.6 to 72.5 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, while 90–95% of samples exhibited perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDcA) and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA) in the range from 10–653 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, 3.2–7.4 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 and 3.8–13.1 ng g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, respectively. The PFAS profile varied largely among the different microenvironment categories suggesting different sources. Estimated daily intakes through dust ingestion were calculated.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308905-fx1.jpg" width="411" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Erica Janaina Rodrigues de Almeida, Dânia Elisa Christofoletti Mazzeo, Lais Roberta Deroldo Sommaggio, Maria Aparecida Marin-Morales, Adalgisa Rodrigues de Andrade, Carlos Renato Corso〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This work evaluated the degradation of the Acid Blue 161 and Procion Red MX-5B dyes in a binary solution by the filamentous fungus 〈em〉Aspergillus terreus〈/em〉 and the yeast 〈em〉Saccharomyces cerevisiae〈/em〉 in systems with and without electrochemical oxidation as the pretreatment process. UV–Vis spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography with (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and 〈em〉Salmonella/〈/em〉microsome assay (Ames test) were applied towards the degradation analysis of the dyes. Adsorption tests with white clay immobilized on alginate were also conducted after the discoloration treatments to remove intermediate metabolites formed during the degradation of the dye molecules. The discoloration treatments led to the complete color removal of the solutions in all the systems tested. The clay demonstrated affinity for the metabolites formed after discoloration treatments, the removal rates were variable, but the all systems has proved efficient. The 〈em〉Salmonella〈/em〉/microsome assay (Ames test) with strains TA98 and TA100 in the absence and presence of exogenous metabolism (S9 microsomal system, Moltox) revealed that the initial molecules and by-products of the metabolism of the dyes were direct mutagens. The electrochemical/〈em〉A. terreus〈/em〉/clay system was able to discolor the solutions and transform the direct mutagens into non-mutagenic compounds in addition to reducing the mutagenic potency of the pro-mutagens to the 〈em〉Salmonella〈/em〉 strain TA100/S9, which demonstrates the high efficiency of this system with regard to discoloring and degrading azo dye molecules and their by-products. Therefore, this study showed that although not having standard treatment system for this type of pollutant, the combination of treatments can be considered promising. The use of electrochemical oxidation along with microbiological treatment may lead to the degradation and mineralization of these compounds, reducing or eliminating the environmental impact caused by the improper disposal of these dyes in aquatic environments.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308152-fx1.jpg" width="326" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sengodan Karthi, Sengottayan Senthil-Nathan, Kandaswamy Kalaivani, Prabhakaran Vasantha-Srinivasan, Muthiah Chellappandian, Annamalai Thanigaivel, Athirstam Ponsankar, Haridoss Sivanesh, Vethamonickam Stanley-Raja, Kanagaraj Muthu-Pandian Chanthini, Narayanan Shyam-Sundar〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Entomopathogenic fungi are feasible and effective against the agricultural pest. In the current research we investigated the bioactive comparison of two widely accepted entmopathogens (〈em〉Beauveria bassiana〈/em〉 (Bals.) Vuill. and 〈em〉Metarhizium anisopliae〈/em〉, (basionym)) against the 〈em〉Spodoptera litura〈/em〉 (Fab.) through the assessment of larval tolerance and regulation of antioxidants and non-target impact on the earth worm, 〈em〉E. eugeniae,〈/em〉 along with commercial pesticides. The entomopathogenic fungus exposure resulted in the modification of the levels of detoxification enzymes as well as significant increases in catalase and superoxide dismutase activity after exposure to the entomopathogenic fungus. Bioassay results showed that 〈em〉B. bassiana〈/em〉 and 〈em〉M. anisopliae〈/em〉 displayed larval mortality against third and fourth instars. Correspondingly, sub-lethal concentrations of 〈em〉B. bassiana〈/em〉 showed development impairment as compared to 〈em〉M. anisopliae〈/em〉. Gut-histology revealed that mycotoxins dosage (4 × 10〈sup〉5〈/sup〉) showed significant changes in the midgut tissues as compared to control larvae. The non-target screening through artificial soil assay on the earth worm 〈em〉E. eugeniae,〈/em〉 with mycotoxins 〈em〉B. bassiana〈/em〉 (5 × 10〈sup〉8〈/sup〉 conidia/ml/kg) and 〈em〉M. anisopliae〈/em〉 (5 × 10〈sup〉8〈/sup〉 conidia/ml/kg) showed less toxicity as compared to Monocrotophos (10 ppm/kg). Current results suggest that the fungal mycotoxins of 〈em〉M. anisopliae〈/em〉 and 〈em〉B. bassiana〈/em〉 significantly reduce the development of lepidopteran pests, while having only lesser impact on beneficial earthworms.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S014765131930805X-fx1.jpg" width="311" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Marta Vargas-Pérez, Francisco Javier Egea González, Antonia Garrido Frenich〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉The aim of this study is to understand the levels and behaviour of the herbicide propoxycarbazone in environmental compartments, which are poorly characterized considering degradation products that might reach either surface water as groundwater or soil samples. To this end, an analytical method, based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS), has been developed to determine the parent compound and its transformation products in soils and water. In addition, a set of laboratory trials has been designed to address the dissipation process of propoxycarbazone formulation in both environmental substrates. The study revealed that the dissipation in water followed a first order kinetics and a non-linear “First Order Multi Compartment” model (FOMC) to soil.〈/p〉 〈p〉Relevant advances have been also achieved in terms of the analytical methodology, as far as the UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS technique allows the development of a retrospective screening of pesticide transformation products in water and soils. For this purpose, an accurate-mass database has been built and used for the post-run screening analysis with 9 transformation products. Photodegradation presumably plays an important role in the dissipation of propoxycarbazone. The results of UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS revealed that four transformation products were formed during the degradation process of the herbicide.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308371-fx1.jpg" width="310" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zeyu Wang, Cong Chen, Huan Liu, Dzmitry Hrynshpan, Tatsiana Savitskaya, Jianmeng Chen, Jun Chen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) promote biodegradation in water treatment, but the effect of MWCNT on denitrification under aerobic conditions is still unclear. This investigation focused on the denitrification performance of MWCNT and its toxic effects on 〈em〉Alcaligenes〈/em〉 sp. TB which showed that 30 mg/L MWCNTs increased NO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉-〈/sup〉 removal efficiency from 84% to 100% and decreased the NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉〈sup〉-〈/sup〉and N〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O accumulation rates by 36% and 17.5%, respectively. Nitrite reductase and nitrous oxide reductase activities were further increased by 19.5% and 7.5%, respectively. The mechanism demonstrated that electron generation (NADH yield) and electron transportation system activity increased by 14.5% and 104%, respectively. Cell membrane analysis found that MWCNT caused an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which had positive effects on electron transportation and membrane fluidity at a low concentration of 96 mg/kg but caused membrane lipid peroxidation and impaired membrane integrity at a high concentration of 115 mg/L. These findings confirmed that MWCNT affects the activity of 〈em〉Alcaligenes〈/em〉 sp. TB and consequently enhances denitrification performance.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308383-fx1.jpg" width="363" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Li-Jun Zhou, Jie Li, Yongdong Zhang, Lingyang Kong, Miao Jin, Xiangdong Yang, Qinglong L. Wu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Antibiotics have become a global public concern because of their extensively usage and high toxicity on aquatic organisms, especially leading to the widespread of antibiotic resistance genes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence, spatial distribution and ecological risks of multi-classes commonly used human and veterinary antibiotics in both aqueous and sedimentary phases of 65 shallow lakes in the lower-middle reaches of the Yangtze River, China. In the target area, antibiotic concentrations in most of lakes (〈20 ng/L in the water of 22 lakes and 〈20 ng/g in the sediments of 43 lakes) were generally lower than those documented in previous studies in China and other countries, and these differences were probably due to less pollutant sources, high temperatures and heavy rainfall in summer. The concentrations of antibiotics in water (〉100 ng/L) or sediments (〉100 ng/g) of nine lakes, such as Dianshan Lake, Ge Lake and Ce Lake, were comparable to those in rivers and lakes that were seriously polluted by urban and livestock wastewater in China. The Taihu lakes showed relatively higher antibiotic concentrations, followed by the Huaihe River lakes, Poyang lakes and Dongting lakes. The composition of antibiotics showed that agricultural source might be the main source of antibiotics in most of the lakes in the lower-middle reaches of the Yangtze River basin, China. The pseudo distribution coefficient (P-〈em〉K〈/em〉〈sub〉〈em〉d〈/em〉〈/sub〉) and significant relationship between antibiotics and environmental factors in the present study suggested the spatial of antibiotics in the lakes might be affected by antibiotics’ physiochemical properties and environmental factors. The environmental risk assessment results showed that in general, sulfamethoxazole (SMX), erythromycin (ETM) and ofloxacin (OFX) in the surface water could pose medium risks to algae or bacteria in the aquatic ecosystem, while antibiotics ETM, roxithromycin (RTM), enrofloxacin (EFX) and sulfadiazine (SDZ) in the sediment might pose medium risks to algae or bacteria populations. High potential risk might occur in winter in most lakes due to lower water storage and less degradation. Overall, our study reveals the pollution trends and potential sources of antibiotics in shallow lakes in the lower-middle reaches of the Yangtze River basin.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308425-fx1.jpg" width="272" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Teresa Neuparth, Ana I. Lopes, Nelson Alves, Jorge M.A. Oliveira, Miguel M. Santos〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The increasing use of Sertraline (SER) as antidepressant and its consequent presence in the aquatic environment is raising concern about the chronic effects of this pharmaceutical to aquatic organisms. As the current concentrations of SER in surface waters are typically in the low ng/L range, acute toxicity is unlikely to occur. However, prolonged exposure to low concentrations of SER may lead to sub-lethal effects in aquatic organisms, including alterations in important physiological functions like growth, reproduction, behaviour, and also in key biochemical processes, such as those associated with neurotransmission and redox balance. To test this hypothesis, we selected the amphipod 〈em〉Gammarus locusta〈/em〉, a keystone species used in ecotoxicological hazard assessment. In the present study, juveniles' 〈em〉G. locusta〈/em〉 from a permanent laboratory culture were chronically exposed to low concentrations of SER (8–1000 ng/L) in a bioassay that lasted for 48 days, allowing for a life-cycle study including effects on reproduction. At the lowest SER concentrations with environmental relevance (8, 40 and 200 ng/L) we detected no significant changes in key ecological endpoints such as survival, growth, reproduction and movement behaviour, or in any of the biochemical markers analysed. However, at 1000 ng/L SER (a concentration one order of magnitude higher than the levels reported in aquatic environments) females showed a significant increase in movement versus control, whereas no activity changes were observed in males. Overall, these findings indicate that 〈em〉G. locusta〈/em〉 females are potentially more susceptible to the chronic effects of SER. Moreover, the current environmental SER concentrations are unlikely to affect amphipod's ecological endpoints because only SER concentrations higher than the levels reported in aquatic environments produced effects on the behaviour of 〈em〉G. locusta〈/em〉 females. However, the increasing consumption of SER, highlights the importance of monitoring its chronic risk to the aquatic wildlife.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308176-fx1.jpg" width="363" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Qingxiang Zhou, Yuqin Wang, Junping Xiao, Yali Zhan〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Present study described a magnetic adsorption and removal method with prepared magnetic core-shell Fe〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉@polyaniline microspheres for the removal of two typical BFRs, tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) and decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) from water samples. Magnetic core-shell Fe〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉@polyaniline microspheres were prepared by a hydrothermal and two step polymerization method with cheap iron salts and aniline, which were characterized with transmission electron microscopic (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the Fe〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉@polyaniline microspheres earned a clear thickness shell of polyaniline (about 50 nm) and a saturation magnetization of 40.4 emu g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉. The Magnetic core-shell Fe〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉@polyaniline exhibited excellent adsorption capability and removal rate to TBBPA and BDE 209. The adsorption of TBBPA and BDE 209 all followed pseudo-second order kinetics and agreed well to the Freundlich adsorption isotherms model. The negative Gibbs free energy change (ΔG〈sup〉0〈/sup〉) and positive standard enthalpy change (ΔH〈sup〉0〈/sup〉) for TBBPA and BDE-209 suggested that the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. These results demonstrated that Fe〈sub〉3〈/sub〉O〈sub〉4〈/sub〉@PANI was a good adsorbent and would have a good application prospect in the removal of pollutants from environmental water.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Shaojun Liang, Shengxian Liang, Hui Zhou, Nuoya Yin, Francesco Faiola〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉2′,2′,4,4′-tetrabromo diphenyl ether (BDE-47), one of the most abundant congeners of commercial pentaBDE utilized as flame retardants, has been phased out of production due to its potential neural toxicity and endocrine disrupting activities, and yet still present in the environment. Several alternatives to BDE-47, including tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS), tetrachlorobisphenol A (TCBPA) and decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), are presently employed without restrictions and their potential toxic effects on human neural development are still unclear. In this study, we utilized a human neural stem cell (hNSC)-based system to evaluate the potential developmental neurotoxic effects of the above-mentioned five chemicals, at environment and human exposure relevant concentrations. We found that those compounds slightly altered the expression of hNSC identity markers (〈em〉SOX2〈/em〉, 〈em〉SOX3〈/em〉 and 〈em〉NES〈/em〉), without impairing cell viability or proliferation, in part by either modulating glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) signaling (TBBPS, TCBPA and BDE-47), and slightly disturbing the NOTCH pathway (TBBPA, TBBPS and TCBPA). Moreover, the five chemicals seemed to alter hNSC differentiation by perturbing triiodothyronine (T3) cellular signaling. Thus, our findings suggest that the five compounds, especially TBBPS, TCBPA, and BDE-47, may affect hNSC self-renewal and differentiation abilities and potentially elicit neural developmental toxicity.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308292-fx1.jpg" width="349" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yang Zhang, Wei Guo, Hui Chen, Jufang Gao, Zhiping Xu, Liming Tao, Zhong Li, Wenping Xu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Spinetoram is one of the most extensively used bio-pesticide in the world. The effects of pesticide in human health are mainly caused by its residue in food. The liver is the direct target of pesticides exposure, however the study of cytotoxicity on human liver cells caused by spinetoram remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of the spinetoram in human liver cells in vitro. We demonstrated that spinetoram could inhibit the proliferation of human liver HepG2 cells and induce the oxidative DNA damage. Intracellular biochemical assay indicated that decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, LC3-II conversion, accumulation of Beclin-1, degradation of p62 and the changes in the phosphorylation of AMPK, mTOR are contributed to the toxic effects of Spinetoram on HepG2 cells. These results showed that the cytotoxicity of spinetoram may be associated with the activity of AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy pathway. Meanwhile, the generation of 8-oxodG caused by the spinetoram suggested it has a potential genotoxic effect on human liver cells. We conclude that spinetoram has a significant cytotoxic effect by inducing AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy and oxidative DNA damage. This study would provide a theoretical basis for understanding its mechanisms of toxicity and supply an indication for recognizing the safety of spinetoram to human beings.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Baoyuan Guo, Jing Yin, Weiyu Hao, Meng Jiao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The present work investigated the changes in DNA methylation pattern of 〈em〉Tenebrio molitor〈/em〉 mitochondria genome at different development stages, which was fed with polyurethane foam as a sole diet. Polyurethane foam could influence the global methylation levels in mitochondria DNA of 〈em〉Tenebrio molitor〈/em〉. Different leves of 5-methylcytosine appeared at CpG and non-CpG sites of 〈em〉Tenebrio molitor〈/em〉 mtDNA while they were fed with polyurethane foam: 10 CpG and 49 non-CpG sites at larval stage, 4 CpG and 31 non-CpG sites at pupa stage, 7 CpG and 56 non-CpG sites at adult stage in general. Moreover, we observed the decreased levels of ATP generation with the mitochondria DNA methylation variation. The results demonstrated that mitochondria DNA gene could be methylated in response to environmental pollutants to modulate stage-specific functions. Moreover, mtDNA methylation of polyurethane-foam-feeding 〈em〉Tenebrio molitor〈/em〉 existed discrepancy in the developmental stage. The tentative methylation mechanism of mtDNA might be that polyurethane foam induced oxidative stress and increased the permeability of mitochondrial membranes, which resulted in transmethylase entry into mitochondria.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319307924-fx1.jpg" width="288" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sabrina Loise de Morais Calado, Maiara Vicentini, Gustavo Souza Santos, Ana Pelanda, Hayanna Santos, Lucila Andriani Coral, Valéria de Freitas Magalhães, Maritana Mela, Marta Margarete Cestari, Helena Cristina Silva de Assis〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Eutrophication is an ecological process that results in cyanobacterial blooms. Microcystin-LR is the most toxic variant of microcystins and may cause toxic effects in the organisms, mainly in hepatic tissues. The aims of this study were to use multiple biomarkers in order to evaluate the sublethal effects of a low concentration of MC-LR (1 μg/L) in fish 〈em〉Geophagus brasiliensis〈/em〉 by waterborne exposure〈em〉;〈/em〉 and evaluate the depuration of this toxin during 15 days. A group of 30 fish was exposed to 1 μg/L of MC-LR solution for 96 h in a static bioassay. After this time, blood, brain, muscle, liver, gonad and gills were collected from half of the exposed fish group in order to evaluate chemical, biochemical, histological and genotoxic biomarkers. The rest of the fish group was submitted to the depuration experiment with free MC-LR water for 15 days. After this time the same tissues were collected and evaluated using biomarkers analysis. Toxic effects were found mostly in the fish liver from depuration time as alterations on the antioxidant system and histopathologies. The results showed that even low concentrations can cause sublethal effects to aquatic organisms, and cyanotoxins monitoring and regulation tools are required.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Min Liu, Haowen Yin, Qiang Wu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A monitoring study of 71 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in tap water covered all districts of Shanghai. Nineteen PPCPs were detected in all samples, and most of them were detected with high concentration. Ten compounds were found with highest concentrations and their detection frequencies were over 80%, included thiamphenicol  (101.54 ng/L), florfenicol (84.56 ng/L), valsartan (66.84 ng/L), irbesartan (38.35 ng/L) hydrochlorothiazide (33.13 ng/L), 4-acetaminopyrine (48.16 ng/L), propylparaben (47.50 ng/L), dicyclohexylamine (42.33 ng/L), primidone (32.85 ng/L) and bisphenol A (31.51 ng/L). Only 6 PPCPs were not detected in all samples. Detection frequency of PPCPs was between 50% and 70% in most tap waters, but the total concentration of PPCPs ranged from 71.6 to 361 ng/L. Phenicols was the dominant type with average value of 100 ng/L, accounting for over 50% of most samples, followed by cardiovascular and psychotropic drugs with average value of 26.3 and 12.1 ng/L, respectively. In general, the residues of PPCPs in tap water of suburb were higher than those in central districts. The maximum residues happened in D district with the average concentration of 355 ng/L, followed by J, H and Cb districts with the average concentration of 269, 251 and 215 ng/L. In the same district, the content and distribution of PPCPs in tap waters were similar supplied by different water treatment plants. While those are some differences among tap waters inlet from the same water sources. Individual compound was expected to pose a negligible risk to human health with risk quotients (RQ) less than 1, except primidone which may pose potential risk to infants.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Julong Sun, Lingjun Bu, Shiyang Chen, Xianlei Lu, Yangtao Wu, Zhou Shi, Shiqing Zhou〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is the most widely distributed and harmful variant toxins released by cyanobacteria, which poses potential threaten to people and aquatic animals when entering natural water. In our research, solar/chlorine process was comprehensively investigated to degrade and detoxify MC-LR. Under the chlorine concentration of 1.0 mg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, MC-LR (1.0 μM) was decreased by 96.7%, 26%, and 9% by solar/chlorine process, chlorination, and solar irradiation respectively. Quenching experiments confirmed that reactive chlorine species (RCS) and hydroxyl radical (HO〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/rad"〉) were the predominant reactive species in solar/chlorine process at neutral condition, and ozone was generated because of the participation of triplet-state oxygen (O(〈sup〉3〈/sup〉P)). The respective contributions of each reactive species were calculated with the order as: RCS, HO〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/rad"〉, ozone, and solar irradiation. The presence of HCO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 and natural organic matter in water inhibited the degradation efficiency of MC-LR. Moreover, the transformation products of MC-LR generated during the solar/chlorine process were identified and a possible pathway was proposed. The hepatotoxicity of MC-LR and its transformation products was compared using protein phosphatase 2A. Our experimental results revealed that the concentration and hepatotoxicity of MC-LR both significantly decreased, and most products were not hepatoxic. Overall, the solar/chlorine process is a promising alternative technology to degrade MC-LR during eutrophication.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308401-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Rose Marie O.F. Sousa, Carla Amaral, Joana M.C. Fernandes, Irene Fraga, Sabrina Semitela, Fernando Braga, Ana Maria Coimbra, Albino A. Dias, Rui M. Bezerra, Ana Sampaio〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉Vinasses obtained from the distillation of winemaking by-products (WDV) are complex effluents with variable physicochemical properties. Frequently, WDVs are used to irrigate agricultural soil, and/or discharged into aquatic bodies, which may result in serious environmental pollution, due to the presence of organic acids and recalcitrant compounds (polyphenols, tannins and metals). The present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity impact of an untreated WDV on terrestrial and aquatic organisms, at different levels of biological organization. The effluent was collected at the distillation column exit and characterized according to several physicochemical properties. The WDV potential phytotoxicity was assessed by germination inhibition assays on six agricultural crops, and its acute toxicity was assessed on 〈em〉Aliivibrio fisheri〈/em〉 (microtox assay), 〈em〉Daphnia magna〈/em〉 neonates (freshwater crustacean), and zebrafish 〈em〉Danio rerio〈/em〉 (fish embryo toxicity test, FET).〈/p〉 〈p〉The WDV presented a low pH (3.88), high levels of electrical conductivity, ECond (6.36 dS m〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) and salinity (3.3 ppt), besides high level of potassium (2.1 g L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) and organic compounds (TOC = 17.7 g L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉), namely polyphenols (1.7 g L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉). The diluted WDV displayed variable inhibitory effects on the plant endpoints (percentage of inhibition of germination and radicle elongation and germination index). Overall, plants' susceptibility to increasing concentrations of WDV were differential (onion ≈ garden cress ≥ tomato 〉 lettuce 〉 maize 〉 green beans) and the germination index EC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 varied from 10.9 to 64.4% v/v. Also, the acute negative effects toward aquatic organisms were determined, decreasing from the more complex organism to the simpler one: zebrafish embryos (96 h-LC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 = 0.34% v/v)〉 〈em〉D. magna〈/em〉 (48 h-LC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 = 4.8% v/v)〉 〈em〉A. fisheri〈/em〉 (30min-EC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 = 7.0% v/v)〈em〉.〈/em〉 In conclusion, the findings suggest that WDVs might have a high toxicological impact on both terrestrial plants and aquatic organisms, even at high dilution levels, reinforcing the need for appropriate treatments before considering its discharge or reuse.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308243-fx1.jpg" width="381" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Nisha Shabnam, Minsoo Kim, Hyunook Kim〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Iron nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used for the removal of arsenic from water. In this study, we evaluated the interaction between arsenate (AsO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3−〈/sup〉) and Fe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-NPs on early seedling growth of 〈em〉Vigna radiata〈/em〉. Seedlings were raised in AsO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3−〈/sup〉 and Fe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-NPs, alone and in combination. While Fe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-NPs slightly promoted seedling growth, AsO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3−〈/sup〉 reduced seedling growth drastically. AsO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3-〈/sup〉-induced decline in the seedling growth was recovered by Fe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-NPs. In contrast, equivalent concentrations of FeCl〈sub〉3〈/sub〉, alone and together with AsO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3−〈/sup〉, inhibited seed germination completely. Lower arsenic content in seedlings raised in the presence of Fe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-NPs indicated that Fe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-NPs restricted arsenic uptake. Ability of Fe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-NPs to restrict the arsenic uptake of the seedlings was due to adsorption of AsO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3−〈/sup〉, as revealed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Non-toxic levels of iron in seedlings were due to restriction of Fe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-NPs to root-surface. AsO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3−〈/sup〉 enhanced the ferric chelate reductase activity of root which was recovered by Fe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-NPs. The AsO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3-〈/sup〉-induced oxidative stress, evident from high levels of proline, H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and malondialdehyde, and lowered root oxidisability was ameliorated by Fe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-NPs. AsO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉3〈/sup〉-induced enhancement in total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and decline in guaiacol peroxidase activity were antagonized by Fe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-NPs. Our findings reveal that Fe〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉-NPs provide effective resistance/amelioration to arsenic toxicity by reducing arsenic availability to plants.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651319308279-fx1.jpg" width="374" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 November 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Dan Song, Yu Chen, Binran Wang, Diana Li, Chao Xu, Hong Huang, Saifei Huang, Rong Liu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Bisphenol A (BPA) is an artificial xenoestrogen widely used in consumer products containing polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Exposure to BPA occurs through various channels, including ingestion of contaminated food and water. Autophagy is an important catabolic pathway that plays an important role in liver lipid metabolism. Evidence suggests that BPA exposure causes abnormal lipid droplet accumulation in liver, but the mechanism remains unknown. Here, we investigate the function of BPA in lipid metabolism and autophagy. BPA exposure increases lipid droplet and ROS accumulation which is accompanied by a defect in the fusion of the autophagosome to the lysosome. BPA exposure decreases the translocation of Stx17 to lysosome resulting in the autophagogome-lysosome fusion defect. There is no defect in the formation of the autophagosome indicated by increased LC3-II, p62 level, GFP/mRFP-LC3 ratios and decreased colocalization between LAMP2 with LC3. Mechanistically, BPA exposure reduces autophagy SNARE complex formation. Promoting autophagy by autophagy inducer (Torin2) partially reverses lipid droplet accumulation caused by BPA exposure. In summary, our results demonstrate BPA exposure inhibits autophagy resulting in decreased lipid droplet degradation and increased ROS levels. These results also provide a novel implication between autophagosome-lysosome fusion.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉