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Environment International Mar 2023Bioaccumulation is a key factor in understanding the potential ecotoxicity of substances. While there are well-developed models and methods to evaluate bioaccumulation... (Review)
Review
Bioaccumulation is a key factor in understanding the potential ecotoxicity of substances. While there are well-developed models and methods to evaluate bioaccumulation of dissolved organic and inorganic substances, it is substantially more challenging to assess bioaccumulation of particulate contaminants such as engineered carbon nanomaterials (CNMs; carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene family nanomaterials (GFNs), and fullerenes) and nanoplastics. In this study, the methods used to evaluate bioaccumulation of different CNMs and nanoplastics are critically reviewed. In plant studies, uptake of CNMs and nanoplastics into the roots and stems was observed. For multicellular organisms other than plants, absorbance across epithelial surfaces was typically limited. Biomagnification was not observed for CNTs and GFNs but were observed for nanoplastics in some studies. However, the reported absorption in many nanoplastic studies may be a consequence of an experimental artifact, namely release of the fluorescent probe from the plastic particles and subsequent uptake. We identify that additional work is needed to develop analytical methods to provide robust, orthogonal methods that can measure unlabeled (e.g., without isotopic or fluorescent labels) CNMs and nanoplastics.
Topics: Nanotubes, Carbon; Fullerenes; Microplastics; Graphite; Bioaccumulation
PubMed: 36848829
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107650 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2020Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds that are widely distributed in the air, water, and soil. Recently, the amount of PAHs derived from fuels... (Review)
Review
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds that are widely distributed in the air, water, and soil. Recently, the amount of PAHs derived from fuels and from incomplete combustion processes is increasing. In the aquatic environment, oil spills directly cause PAH pollution and affect marine organisms. Oil spills correlate very well with the major shipping routes. Furthermore, accidental oil spills can seriously impact the marine environment toxicologically. Here, we describe PAH toxicities and related bioaccumulation properties in aquatic animals, including invertebrates. Recent studies have revealed the toxicity of PAHs, including endocrine disruption and tissue-specific toxicity, although researchers have mainly focused on the carcinogenic toxicity of PAHs. We summarize the toxicity of PAHs regarding these aspects. Additionally, the bioaccumulation properties of PAHs for organisms, including invertebrates, are important factors when considering PAH toxicity. In this review, we describe the bioaccumulation properties of PAHs in aquatic animals. Recently, microplastics have been the most concerning environmental problem in the aquatic ecosystem, and the vector effect of microplastics for lipophilic compounds is an emerging environmental issue. Here, we describe the correlation between PAHs and microplastics. Thus, we concluded that PAHs have a toxicity for aquatic animals, indicating that we should emphasize the prevention of aquatic PAH pollution.
Topics: Animals; Aquatic Organisms; Bioaccumulation; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Microplastics; Petroleum Pollution; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 32093224
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041363 -
Chemosphere Jun 2024Arthropods represent an entry point for pesticide transfers in terrestrial food webs, and pesticide accumulation in upper chain organisms, such as predators can have... (Review)
Review
Arthropods represent an entry point for pesticide transfers in terrestrial food webs, and pesticide accumulation in upper chain organisms, such as predators can have cascading consequences on ecosystems. However, the mechanisms driving pesticide transfer and bioaccumulation in food webs remain poorly understood. Here we review the literature on pesticide transfers mediated by terrestrial arthropods in food webs. The transfer of pesticides and their potential for bioaccumulation and biomagnification are related to the chemical properties and toxicokinetic of the substances, the resistance and detoxification abilities of the contaminated organisms, as well as by their effects on organisms' life history traits. We further identify four critical areas in which knowledge gain would improve future predictions of pesticides impacts on terrestrial food webs. First, efforts should be made regarding the effects of co-formulants and pesticides mixtures that are currently understudied. Second, progress in the sensitivity of analytical methods would allow the detection of low concentrations of pesticides in small individual arthropods. Quantifying pesticides in arthropods preys, their predators, and arthropods or vertebrates at higher trophic level would bring crucial insights into the bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential of pesticides in real-world terrestrial food webs. Finally, quantifying the influence of the trophic structure and complexity of communities on the transfer of pesticides could address several important sources of variability in bioaccumulation and biomagnification across species and food webs. This narrative review will inspire future studies aiming to quantify pesticide transfers in terrestrial food webs to better capture their ecological consequences in natural and cultivated landscapes.
Topics: Food Chain; Pesticides; Animals; Arthropods; Bioaccumulation; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants
PubMed: 38615963
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142036 -
Environment International Dec 2021The effect of manure application on the distribution and accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in tissue of root vegetables remains unclear, which poses a...
The effect of manure application on the distribution and accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in tissue of root vegetables remains unclear, which poses a bottleneck in assessing the health risks from root vegetables due to application of manure. Towards this goal, experiments were conducted in pots to investigate the distribution and bioaccumulation of ARGs in carrot tissues due to application of pig manure. The 144 ARGs targeting nine types of antibiotics were quantified by high throughput qPCR in the soil and plant samples. The rhizosphere was a hot spot for ARGs enrichment in the manured soil. The abundance, diversity, and bioaccumulation factors of ARGs in the phyllosphere were significantly higher than those of carrot root skin and tuber. Manure application increased bioaccumulation of 12 ARGs and 2 MGEs in carrot tuber with 124 the highest factor. The application of manure increased transfer of 10 ARGs and 3 MGEs from carrot skin to inner tuber by factors of 0.1-11.8. The average gene copy number of ARGs of per gram carrot root was about 4.8 × 10 and 1.1 × 10 in the control and the manured treatment, respectively. Children and adults may co-ingest 2.7 × 10 and 3.2 × 10 of ARGs copies/d from carrots grown with pig manure, using estimated human intake values. However, peeling may reduce the intake of ARGs by 28-91% and of MGEs by 46-59%. In conclusion, the application of pig manure increased the accumulation of ARGs in the skin of carrots, whereas peeling was an effective strategy to reduce the risk.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bioaccumulation; Daucus carota; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Genes, Bacterial; Manure; Soil; Soil Microbiology; Swine
PubMed: 34418848
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106830 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Dec 2022Due to intensive human activities, most of Chinese lakes are suffering from the pollution of heavy metals and metalloids. Previous studies on heavy metals and metalloids... (Review)
Review
Due to intensive human activities, most of Chinese lakes are suffering from the pollution of heavy metals and metalloids. Previous studies on heavy metals and metalloids in Chinese lakes were limited to a few lakes and mainly focused on sediments, to date the knowledge on heavy metals and metalloids in multiple media of Chinese lakes from a national perspective is scarce. We collected the data of nine heavy metals and metalloids including Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), and Manganese (Mn) in water, surface sediments, and fish of 87 Chinese lakes sampled in the period from 2009 to 2019 from the literature, summarized the distribution of heavy metals and metalloids, evaluated their pollution, and apportioned their sources from a national perspective. Concentration of individual heavy metal and metalloid in water, surface sediments, and fish in Chinese lakes was in the ranges of 0.0080-282 μg/L, 0.020-33858 μg/g, and 0.00030-207 μg/g, respectively. 5.6 % and 33.3 % of lake water were polluted by Cd and As. 88.2 %, 78.6 %, and 66 % of lake sediments were polluted by Cd, Hg, and As. 35.3 %, 11.3 %, 52.4 %, and 12.8 % of Cd, Pb, As, and Cr concentrations in lake fish exceeded the food limits. Concentrations of heavy metals and metalloids in fish viscera were higher than those in other organs. Higher partition coefficient and bioaccumulation factors were found for Pb and Cd, Hg and Zn, respectively. Concentrations of heavy metals and metalloids in both water and sediments of lakes in eastern China were higher than those in western China. Concentrations of heavy metals and metalloids in both lake water and sediments of urban lakes were higher than those of rural lakes. Lakes with extremely high ecological risk of heavy metals and metalloids were mainly located in central China and eastern China. Pollution of heavy metals and metalloids in Chinese lakes was closely correlated with regional economic development. Heavy metals and metalloids in Chinese lakes were mainly derived from industrial, domestic, and mixed discharges. Cd and Hg were selected as the heavy metals for priority control in Chinese lakes.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Metalloids; Bioaccumulation; Lakes; Cadmium; Lead; Metals, Heavy; Risk Assessment; Arsenic; Mercury; Zinc; Chromium; Water
PubMed: 36403301
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114293 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Dec 2022Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), the primary constituent of a widely used flame retardant formulation, is often present in high levels in avian derived products and...
Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), the primary constituent of a widely used flame retardant formulation, is often present in high levels in avian derived products and could be transferred to humans through consumption. The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxicokinetics and bioaccumulation patterns of BDE-209 in different tissues of broilers, which would benefit the evaluation of chicken product safety. Male broilers received a single oral administration of BDE-209 at 25 mg/kg.BW and then BDE-209 concentrations in the plasma, liver, leg muscle, breast muscle, and other tissues were measured using gas chromatography-electron capture detection (GC-ECD). The changes of BDE-209 concentrations in the plasma were fitted to a non-compartmental model for kinetic analysis. Peak values were observed at 24 h (t =168.28 h), and trace levels remained for four weeks. Additionally, C in the liver was much higher than that in leg and breast muscles, and T from the liver and muscle were 12 and 24 h, respectively. Residual BDE-209 was detected in all broiler tissues after 2 weeks, and concentrations were ranked as follows: fat > liver > thymus gland > heart > testis > thigh muscle > skin > lung > kidney > breast muscles > spleen (wet weight (ww)). Our results suggested that BDE-209 was widely distributed in different tissues after intestinal absorption, and preferentially accumulated in adipose and liver tissues. Observations of bioaccumulation and slow elimination in the liver and muscles provide critical insight into the toxicity of BDE-209 and risk assessment of edible tissues from broilers.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Male; Toxicokinetics; Bioaccumulation; Chickens; Kinetics; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Pectoralis Muscles
PubMed: 36434998
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114324 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2021This review is a survey of recent advances in studies concerning the impact of poly- and perfluorinated organic compounds in aquatic organisms. After a brief... (Review)
Review
This review is a survey of recent advances in studies concerning the impact of poly- and perfluorinated organic compounds in aquatic organisms. After a brief introduction on poly- and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) features, an overview of recent monitoring studies is reported illustrating ranges of recorded concentrations in water, sediments, and species. Besides presenting general concepts defining bioaccumulative potential and its indicators, the biodistribution of PFCs is described taking in consideration different tissues/organs of the investigated species as well as differences between studies in the wild or under controlled laboratory conditions. The potential use of species as bioindicators for biomonitoring studies are discussed and data are summarized in a table reporting the number of monitored PFCs and their total concentration as a function of investigated species. Moreover, biomolecular effects on taxonomically different species are illustrated. In the final paragraph, main findings have been summarized and possible solutions to environmental threats posed by PFCs in the aquatic environment are discussed.
Topics: Aquatic Organisms; Bioaccumulation; Biological Monitoring; Fluorocarbons; Half-Life; Tissue Distribution
PubMed: 34207956
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126276 -
Environmental Science & Technology Jul 2022Sediments represent the main reservoir of mercury (Hg) in aquatic environments and may act as a source of Hg to aquatic food webs. Yet, accumulation routes of Hg from...
Sediments represent the main reservoir of mercury (Hg) in aquatic environments and may act as a source of Hg to aquatic food webs. Yet, accumulation routes of Hg from the sediment to benthic organisms are poorly constrained. We studied the bioaccumulation of inorganic and methylmercury (Hg and MeHg, respectively) from different geochemical pools of Hg into four groups of benthic invertebrates (amphipods, polychaetes, chironomids, and bivalves). The study was conducted using mesocosm experiments entailing the use of multiple isotopically enriched Hg tracers and simulation of estuarine systems with brackish water and sediment. We applied different loading regimes of nutrients and terrestrial organic matter and showed that the vertical localization and the chemical speciation of Hg and MeHg in the sediment, in combination with the diet composition of the invertebrates, consistently controlled the bioaccumulation of Hg and MeHg into the benthic organisms. Our results suggest a direct link between the concentration of MeHg in the pelagic planktonic food web and the concentration of MeHg in benthic amphipods and, to some extent, in bivalves. In contrast, the quantity of MeHg in benthic chironomids and polychaetes seems to be driven by MeHg accumulation via the benthic food web. Accounting for these geochemical and dietary drivers of Hg bioaccumulation in benthic invertebrates will be important to understand and predict Hg transfer between the benthic and the pelagic food web, under current and future environmental scenarios.
Topics: Amphipoda; Animals; Bioaccumulation; Diet; Environmental Monitoring; Food Chain; Invertebrates; Mercury; Methylmercury Compounds; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 35770966
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03265 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jul 2021The fate, toxicity and bioaccumulation of copper oxide nanoparticles (nCuO) was investigated in soil, with and without biosolids amendment, through chronic exposures...
The fate, toxicity and bioaccumulation of copper oxide nanoparticles (nCuO) was investigated in soil, with and without biosolids amendment, through chronic exposures using the earthworm, Eisenia andrei, and the collembolan, Folsomia candida. The effects of copper sulphate (CuSO) were included so as to compare the behavior of nCuO to a readily soluble counterpart. The fate of nCuO was evaluated through characterization of dissolved and nano-particulate fractions (via single particle ICP-MS) as well as extractable Cu throughout the duration of select tests. Neither Cu form was particularly toxic to F. candida, but effects on E. andrei reproduction were significant in all treatments (IC50 range: 98 - 149 mg Cu kg dry soil). There were no significant differences in toxicity between the Cu forms, nor in extractable Cu activities, indicative that particle dissolution within the soil and, subsequent activity of Cu was likely the primary mode of toxicity in the nCuO exposures. The presence of biosolids did not significantly alter toxicity of nCuO, but did affect Cu activity over time. Bioaccumulation of total Cu in E. andrei when exposed to nCuO (kinetic bioaccumulation factor (BAF): 0.80 with biosolids and 0.81 without) was lower than exposure to CuSO (BAF: 2.31 with biosolids and 1.12 without). Enhanced dark-field hyperspectral imaging showed accumulation of nCuO along the epidermis and gut of E. andrei, with trace amounts observed in muscle and chloragogenous tissue, providing evidence of nCuO translocation within the organism. The present study demonstrates that the current risk assessment approach for trace metals in the environment, based on substance solubility and bioavailability of the dissolved free ion, are applicable for nCuO exposure to soil invertebrates, but that the rate of particle dissolution in different soil environments is an important factor for consideration.
Topics: Animals; Arthropods; Bioaccumulation; Biological Availability; Biosolids; Copper; Copper Sulfate; Invertebrates; Nanoparticles; Oligochaeta; Oxides; Soil; Soil Pollutants
PubMed: 33895496
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112222 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jan 2024Colorectal cancer is a major public health concern, with increasing incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Environmental factors, including exposure to toxic metals,... (Review)
Review
Colorectal cancer is a major public health concern, with increasing incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Environmental factors, including exposure to toxic metals, such as lead, chromium, cadmium, aluminium, copper, arsenic and mercury, have been suggested to play a significant role in the development and progression of this neoplasia. In particular, the bioaccumulation of toxic metals can play a significant role in colorectal cancer by regulating biological phenomenon associated to both cancer occurrence and progression, such as cell death and proliferation. Also, frequently these metals can induce DNA mutations in well-known oncogenes. This review provides a critical analysis of the current evidence, highlighting the need for further research to fully grasp the complex interplay between toxic metal bioaccumulation and colorectal cancer. Understanding the contribution of toxic metals to colorectal cancer occurrence and progression is essential for the development of targeted preventive strategies and social interventions, with the ultimate goal of reducing the burden of this disease.
Topics: Humans; Bioaccumulation; Metals; Arsenic; Cadmium; Mercury; Heavy Metal Poisoning; Colorectal Neoplasms; Metals, Heavy
PubMed: 37813250
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167667