A review of the occurrence, analyses, toxicity, and biodegradation of naphthenic acids

Naphthenic acids occur naturally in crude oils and in oil sands bitumens. They are toxic components in refinery wastewaters and in oil sands extraction waters. In addition, there are many industrial uses for naphthenic acids, so there is a potential for their release to the environment from a variety of activities. Studies have shown that naphthenic acids are susceptible to biodegradation, which decreases their concentration and reduces toxicity. This is a complex group of carboxylic acids with the general formula CnH(2n+Z)O2, where n indicates the carbon number and Z specifies the hydrogen deficiency resulting from ring formation. Measuring the concentrations of naphthenic acids in environmental samples and determining the chemical composition of a naphthenic acids mixture are huge analytical challenges. However, new analytical methods are being applied to these problems and progress is being made to better understand this mixture of chemically similar compounds. This paper reviews a variety of analytical methods and their application to assessing biodegradation of naphthenic acids.     

Fluoride toxicity to aquatic organisms: a review

Published data on the toxicity of fluoride (F-) to algae, aquatic plants, invertebrates and fishes are reviewed. Aquatic organisms living in soft waters may be more adversely affected by fluoride pollution than those living in hard or seawaters because the bioavailability of fluoride ions is reduced with increasing water hardness. Fluoride can either inhibit or enhance the population growth of algae, depending upon fluoride concentration, exposure time and algal species. Aquatic plants seem to be effective in removing fluoride from contaminated water under laboratory and field conditions. In aquatic animals, fluoride tends to be accumulated in the exoskeleton of invertebrates and in the bone tissue of fishes. The toxic action of fluoride resides in the fact that fluoride ions act as enzymatic poisons, inhibiting enzyme activity and, ultimately, interrupting metabolic processes such as glycolysis and synthesis of proteins. Fluoride toxicity to aquatic invertebrates and fishes increases with increasing fluoride concentration, exposure time and water temperature, and decreases with increasing intraspecific body size and water content of calcium and chloride. Freshwater invertebrates and fishes, especially net-spinning caddisfly larvae and upstream-migrating adult salmons, appear to be more sensitive to fluoride toxicity than estuarine and marine animals. Because, in soft waters with low ionic content, a fluoride concentration as low as 0.5 mg F-/l can adversely affect invertebrates and fishes, safe levels below this fluoride/l concentration are recommended in order to protect freshwater animals from fluoride pollution.     

The chronic toxicity of aluminium, cadmium, mercury, and lead in birds: a review

The toxicity of chronic dietary metal exposure in birds is reviewed. It is concluded that significant physiological and biochemical responses to such exposure conditions occur at dietary metal concentrations insufficient to cause signs of overt toxicity. Particularly important are reproductive effects which include decreased egg production, decreased hatchability, and increased hatchling mortality. Young, growing birds are typically more sensitive to the toxic effects of chronic metal exposure than adults, and altricial species are often more sensitive than precocial species. Factors which modify the absorption and toxicity of heavy metals, such as Se for the case of Hg, and Ca for the case of Pb and Cd, are discussed. Monitoring strategies for assessing environmental metal exposure in birds are evaluated.     

Photocatalytic and biodegradation treatments of paracetamol: investigation of the in vivo toxicity

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Medicines and drugs consumption by all populations of the world can be expected to result in the contamination of the environment since 30–90%...     

Environmental impact of diuron transformation: a review

Diuron is a biologically active pollutant present in soil, water and sediments. A synthesis of literature data on its physicochemical properties, partitioning behaviour, abiotic and biotic transformations, toxicological and ecotoxicological impacts has been here performed. Data have shown that diuron is generally persistent in soil, water and groundwater. It is also slightly toxic to mammals and birds as well as moderately toxic to aquatic invertebrates. However, its principal product of biodegradation, 3,4-dichloroaniline exhibits a higher toxicity and is also persistent in soil, water and groundwater. Thus, diuron indirectly possesses a significant amount of toxicity and could be a potential poisoning pesticide contaminant of groundwater. Unfortunately, groundwater contamination will still persist despite the progressive suppression of diuron (Directive 200/60/CE). Therefore, determining the main factors influencing its degradation and its ecotoxicological effects on the environment and health could provide a basis for further development of bioremediation processes.     

Studies on cadmium toxicity in plants: a review

This review emphasises cadmium toxicity on plants with regards to ecological, physiological and biochemical aspects. Cadmium toxicity in plants and problems concerning tolerance and ecological performance are discussed briefly. Efforts have been made to compare the relative sensitivity of various plant groups including micro-and macro-flora. This review may help in interdisciplinary studies to assess the ecological significance of metal stress.     

Environmental noise in hospitals: a systematic review

Environmental noise has been growing in recent years, causing numerous health problems. Highly sensitive environments such as hospitals deserve special attention, since noise can aggravate patients’ health issues and impair the performance of healthcare professionals. This work consists of a systematic review of scientific articles describing environmental noise measurements taken in hospitals between the years 2015 and 2020. The researchers started with a consultation of three databases, namely, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. The results indicate that for the most part, these studies are published in journals in the fields of medicine, engineering, environmental sciences, acoustics, and nursing and that most of their authors work in the fields of architecture, engineering, medicine, and nursing. These studies, which are concentrated in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, use as reference values sound levels recommended by the World Health Organization. L_eq measured in hospital environments showed daytime values ranging from 37 to 88.6 dB (A) and nighttime values of 38.7 to 68.8 dB (A). L_eq values for outdoor noise were 74.3 and 56.6 dB (A) for daytime and nighttime, respectively. The measurements were taken mainly inside hospitals, prioritizing more sensitive departments such as intensive care units. There is a potential for growth in work carried out in this area, but research should also include discussions about guidelines for improvement measures aimed at reducing noise in hospitals.

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Mechanisms of cardiovascular toxicity induced by PM2.5: a review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - An increasing number of studies have shown that exposure to particulate matter with a diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) could affect the onset and...     

Use of reporter-gene based bacteria to quantify phenanthrene biodegradation and toxicity in soil

A phenanthrene-degrading bacterium, Sphingomonas paucimobilis EPA505 was used to construct two fluorescence-based reporter strains. Strain D harboring gfp gene was constructed to generate green fluorescence when the strain started to biodegrade phenanthrene. Strain S possessing gef gene was designed to die once phenanthrene biodegradation was initiated and thus to lose green fluorescence when visualized by a live/dead cell staining. Confocal laser scanning microscopic observation followed by image analysis demonstrates that the fluorescence intensity generated by strain D increased and the intensity by strain S decreased linearly at the phenanthrene concentration of up to 200 mg/L. Such quantitative increase and decrease of fluorescence intensity in strain D (i.e., from 1 to 11.90 ± 0.72) and strain S (from 1 to 0.40 ± 0.07) were also evident in the presence of Ottawa sand spiked with the phenanthrene up to 1000 mg/kg. The potential use of the reporter strains in quantitatively determining biodegradable or toxic phenanthrene was discussed.     

Environmental properties and effects of nonionic surfactant adjuvants in pesticides: a review

Little is known about the environmental fate of adjuvants after application on the agricultural land. Adjuvants constitute a broad range of substances, of which solvents and surfactants are the major types. Nonionic surfactants such as alcohol ethoxylates (AEOs) and alkylamine ethoxylates (ANEOs) are typically examples of pesticide adjuvants. In view of their chemical structure this paper outlines present knowledge on occurrence, fate and effect on the aquatic and terrestrial environment of the two adjuvants: AEOs and ANEOs.Both AEOs and ANEOs are used as technical mixtures. This implies that they are not one single compound but a whole range of compounds present in different ratios. Structurally both groups of substances have a mutual core with side chains of varying lengths. Each of these compounds besides having the overall ability to distribute between different phases also possesses some single compound behaviour. This is reflected in the parameters describing the fate e.g. distribution coefficient, leaching, run-off, adsorption to soil, degradation and effects of these substances. The adsorption behaviour of ANEOs in contrast to AEOs is particularly variable and matrix dependent due to the ability of the compound to ionise at environmentally relevant pH. Probably because the compounds exceeds high soil adsorption and are easily degradable which is reflected in the low environmental concentrations generally found in monitoring studies. The compounds generally possess low potency to both terrestrial and aquatic organisms. The major environmental problem related to these compounds is the ability to enhance the mobility of other pollutants in the soil column.     

Reducing the reproductive toxicity activity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: a review of mechanisms and prospects

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Food pollution can cause a variety of negative effects on human health, especially reproductive toxicity. Common food contaminants include biological...     

Evaluation of biodegradation of nonylphenol ethoxylate and lignin by combining toxicity assessment and chemical characterization

The aerobic biodegradation of commercial nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) mixture and alkali lignin was studied using the OECD headspace test accompanied by the simultaneous measurement of ecotoxicity directly from the biodegradation liquors and by the follow-up of the chemical composition of the studied chemicals. NPE degradation was dependent on the inoculum source: approximately 40% of NPE was mineralized into CO₂ during the 4-week experiment when inoculum from Helsinki City wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was used, and only 12% was mineralized when inoculum from Jyväskylä City WWTP was used. Chemical analyses revealed a shift in the ethoxylate chain length from longer to shorter soon after the beginning of the NPE biodegradation tests. At the same time also toxicity (reverse electron transport assay, RET) and estrogenic activity (human estrogen receptor yeast) measured directly from the biodegradation liquors decreased. In case of alkali lignin, approximately 11% was mineralized in the test and chemical analysis showed in maximum a 30% decrease in lignin concentration. Toxicity of lignin biodegradation liquors started to decrease in the beginning of the test, but became more toxic towards the end of the test again. Especially RET assay proved to be sensitive enough for measuring toxicity changes directly from biodegradation liquors, although a concentrating treatment of the liquors is recommended for a more detailed characterization and identification of toxic metabolites.     

Acrylamide in bread: a review on formation,health risk assessment,and determination by analytical techniques

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Acrylamide is a water-soluble toxicant found in high-protein and carbohydrate-containing foods exposed to high temperature like bread as the staple...     

A review of environmental occurrence,analysis, bioaccumulation,and toxicity of organophosphate esters

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The ban and restriction of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and major brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and...     

Sequential biodegradation of TNT,RDX and HMX in a mixture

We describe TNT's inhibition of RDX and HMX anaerobic degradation in contaminated soil containing indigenous microbial populations. Biodegradation of RDX or HMX alone was markedly faster than their degradation in a mixture with TNT, implying biodegradation inhibition by the latter. The delay caused by the presence of TNT continued even after its disappearance and was linked to the presence of its intermediate, tetranitroazoxytoluene. PCR–DGGE analysis of cultures derived from the soil indicated a clear reduction in microbial biomass and diversity with increasing TNT concentration. At high-TNT concentrations (30 and 90 mg/L), only a single band, related to Clostridium nitrophenolicum, was observed after 3 days of incubation. We propose that the mechanism of TNT inhibition involves a cytotoxic effect on the RDX- and HMX-degrading microbial population. TNT inhibition in the top active soil can therefore initiate rapid transport of RDX and HMX to the less active subsurface and groundwater.     

Environmental risks of chemicals and genetically modified organisms: a comparison. Part II: Sustainability and precaution in risk assessment and risk management

The principles of precaution and sustainability require more consideration in the assessment of environmental risks posed by chemicals and genetically modified organisms. Instead of applying risk reduction measures when there are serious indications for damage, full scientific certainty is often waited for before taking action. The precautionary principle particularly should be applied in those cases in which the extent and probability of damage are uncertain, e.g. in the case of persistent chemicals which are additionally bioaccumulative or highly mobile. Based on these principles, environmental action targets for risks associated with GMOs and chemicals can be developed. Risk management not only includes statutory measures but also instruments designed to influence behaviour indirectly are important to achieve the goals. Particularly for risks of GMOs which provoke fear, risk communication is important. Some rules to which attention should be paid in communication with the public are presented.     

Nitrate toxicity to aquatic animals: a review with new data for freshwater invertebrates

Published data on nitrate (NO3-) toxicity to freshwater and marine animals are reviewed. New data on nitrate toxicity to the freshwater invertebrates Eulimnogammarus toletanus, Echinogammarus echinosetosus and Hydropsyche exocellata are also presented. The main toxic action of nitrate is due to the conversion of oxygen-carrying pigments to forms that are incapable of carrying oxygen. Nitrate toxicity to aquatic animals increases with increasing nitrate concentrations and exposure times. In contrast, nitrate toxicity may decrease with increasing body size, water salinity, and environmental adaptation. Freshwater animals appear to be more sensitive to nitrate than marine animals. A nitrate concentration of 10 mg NO3-N/l (USA federal maximum level for drinking water) can adversely affect, at least during long-term exposures, freshwater invertebrates (E. toletanus, E. echinosetosus, Cheumatopsyche pettiti, Hydropsyche occidentalis), fishes (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Salmo clarki), and amphibians (Pseudacris triseriata, Rana pipiens, Rana temporaria, Bufo bufo). Safe levels below this nitrate concentration are recommended to protect sensitive freshwater animals from nitrate pollution. Furthermore, a maximum level of 2 mg NO3-N/l would be appropriate for protecting the most sensitive freshwater species. In the case of marine animals, a maximum level of 20 mg NO3-N/l may in general be acceptable. However, early developmental stages of some marine invertebrates, that are well adapted to low nitrate concentrations, may be so susceptible to nitrate as sensitive freshwater invertebrates.     

典型氯碱污染场地环境风险评价

以广东某氯碱化工污染场地为研究区域,采集了场地22个土壤及地下水样品,分析了25项污染物在不同区域的分布特征及其来源。监测结果表明,煤炭堆场与锅炉房区土壤受重金属铅、镍污染。六六六、四氯化碳、三氯甲烷、六氯苯、苯是场地的特征污染物,主要分布在危险品仓库、漂洗车间与四氯化碳车间。根据监测结果开展了不同暴露途径致癌风险值及非致癌危害商的计算。结果表明,部分样品表层土壤中上述有机污染物的基于人体健康致癌风险指数均超过10-6,最高达到1.65×10-2,表明风险水平高;非致癌危害在各暴露途径下也超过可接受值1,最高达5.59×104,表明风险水平高。说明对于存在高风险的区域必须进行采取合适的措施进行修复,减缓场地再利用后对人群健康的影响。     

Antibiotic exposure and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - To investigate the association between antibiotic exposure and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Four electronic databases, including PubMed,...