Environmental Risk Assessment of Marine Sediments Affected by Contamination of Pharmaceutical Products: studies in laboratory and in situ.

Recientemente, los productos farmacéuticos se han identificado como contaminantes emergentes en el medio ambiente, cuya principal fuente de contaminación son las aguas residuales. La exposición a estos compuestos puede afectar a la salud de los organismos expuestos, aumentando el estrés oxidativo, genotoxicidad, neurotoxicidad y produciendo alteraciones en la reproducción. Hasta la fecha, la Directiva Europea del Marco del Agua (WFD) incluye estas sustancias emergentes como contaminantes de interés. Esta directiva prescribe que una evaluación de riesgos debe ser parte del procedimiento de aprobación de nuevas sustancias. Sin embargo, esta legislación recomienda una batería de ensayos ecotoxicológicos apropiados para evaluar la toxicidad aguda y crónica en ambientes de agua dulce y terrestre, pero sin tener en cuenta el ambiente marino. La presente tesis aborda el diseño y aplicación de una metodología integrada que permita la evaluación de la calidad ambiental de los ecosistemas marinos bentónicos afectados por productos farmacéuticos, y la identificación de nuevos riesgos en laboratorio e in situ. Esta metodología incluye tres líneas de evidencia (LOEs), estudiadas en sedimento dopado con distintos fármacos y en áreas afectadas por vertidos de aguas residuales de la Bahía de Cádiz (SO, España): contaminación; determinación de toxicidad en laboratorio (toxicidad aguda, la evaluación de la biodisponibilidad y efectos subletales) e in situ (biodisponibilidad y efectos subletales en los organismos expuestos en campo), utilizando especies pertenecientes a diferentes niveles tróficos. La integración de LOEs permitió la determinación de la biodisponibilidad de los productos farmacéuticos y los efectos adversos asociados. Esta metodología integrada podría contribuir a la mejora del marco regulador referente al ambiente marino, con el fin de minimizar y prevenir riesgos ambientales futuros causados por estos contaminantes emergentes. Como resultado, la Bahía de Cádiz presentó contaminación por HAP, metales, detergentes (SAS) y productos farmacéuticos. La mezcla de contaminantes, incluidos los productos farmacéuticos, presentes en los sedimentos marinos afectados por los vertidos de aguas residuales, podrían provocar efectos adversos en la biota, medidos en condiciones de laboratorio e in situ (de acuerdo a la estacionalidad), tales como estrés oxidativo, neurotoxicidad, genotoxicidad y efectos en la reproducción

Aquatic Pollution and Risks to Biodiversity: The Example of Cocaine Effects on the Ovaries of Anguilla anguilla

Pollution is one of the main causes of the loss of biodiversity, currently one of the most important environmental problems. Important sources of aquatic pollution are illicit drugs, whose presence in waters is closely related to human consumption; their psychoactive properties and biological activity suggest potential adverse effects on non-target organisms, such as aquatic biota. In this study, we evaluated the effect of an environmentally relevant concentration of cocaine (20 ng L-1), an illicit drug widely found in surface waters, on the ovaries of Anguilla anguilla, a species critically endangered and able to accumulate cocaine in its tissues following chronic exposure. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) the morphology of the ovaries; (2) the presence and distribution of enzymes involved in oogenesis; (3) serum cortisol, FSH, and LH levels. The eels exposed to cocaine showed a smaller follicular area and a higher percentage of connective tissue than controls (p < 0.05), as well as many previtellogenic oocytes compared with controls having numerous fully vitellogenic and early vitellogenic oocytes. In addition, the presence and location of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and P450 aromatase differed in the two groups. Finally, cocaine exposure decreased FSH and LH levels, while it increased cortisol levels. These findings show that even a low environmental concentration of cocaine affects the ovarian morphology and activity of A. anguilla, suggesting a potential impact on reproduction in this species

Chronic effects of fire suppressors on the reproduction of the copepod Nitocra sp.

Fire suppressors are widely used in firefighting and their chemical composition may present a mixture of perfluorochlorinated surfactants (PFCs), including the perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) which has been internationally banned due to its classification as a persistent organic pollutant (POP). PFCs have been found in environmental matrices and soft tissues of organisms, but the potential effect of such compounds on marine organisms has been overlooked. Here, it was evaluated whether the chronic exposures (i.e., seven days) to the fire suppressors Ageofoam, Cold Fire, Kidde and Argus could affect the reproduction of the copepod Nitocra sp. The tested concentrations consisted of those recommended on the products’ manuals and those ranging between 0.0001% and 1%. For each compound, the effective concentrations to 50% exposed organisms (EC50) and the lowest observed effect concentrations (LOEC) were estimated. All the fire suppressors exhibited high toxicity, causing fecundity reduction. At the recommended dilutions, 100% lethality occurred for all compounds. The EC50 values ranged from 0.00817% - Ageofoam - to 0.03081% - Argus. The LOECs ranged from 0.001% - Ageofoam - to 0.1% - Argus and Kidde; and were much lower than the concentrations recommended for commercial use. The fire suppressors showed high toxicity to the copepod, reducing the reproduction rates, even in very low concentrations, suggesting that the release of such substances in the estuary caused severe effects to the environment. This assessment provides subsides to the environmental regulation of fire suppressors in Brazil, because these compounds do not have national regulations for their use and disposal

Hematological analysis of Micropogonias Furnieri, Desmarest, 1823, Scianidae, from two estuaries of Baixada Santista, São paulo Brazil

Alterações hematológicas em peixes são consideradas uma importante ferramenta para avaliar processos patológicos decorrentes da exposição a poluentes ambientais. Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest, 1823) (corvina) é comumente encontrada em regiões estuarinas e eventualmente está exposta a inúmeros contaminantes. No presente estudo foi avaliado o quadro hematológico de indivíduos de M. furnieri coletados na Baixada Santista: o Sistema Estuarino de Santos, considerado poluído, e o estuário do Rio Itanhaém (controle). Foram avaliados o número de Eritrócitos (Er), o Hematócrito (Ht), a taxa de Hemoglobina (Hb), o Volume Corpuscular Médio (VCM) e a Concentração de Hemoglobina Corpuscular Média (CHCM). Nos peixes coletados no Sistema Estuarino de Santos, os níveis de Ht foram significativamente menores, enquanto os níveis de CHCM e Hb foram significativamente mais altos, indicando que os prováveis efeitos estejam atribuídos aos diferentes níveis de contaminação encontrados nos estuários.Hematological alterations in fish are considered a useful tool to evaluate pathological processes resulting from the exposure to environmental pollutants. The whitemouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri is a common species in estuarine areas and potentially exposed to many contaminants. In the present study, the hematological characteristics of fish collected at two sites in Baixada Santista (Santos Estuarine System - SES, a polluted site; and the Estuary of Itanhaém River - EIR, unpolluted site) del was analysed. The following blood descriptors were analyzed: number of Erythrocytes (Er), Hematocrit (Ht), Hemoglobin (Hb), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Fish from SES exhibited significant lower levels of Ht and increase on MCHC and Hb. Such differences are likely related to the different contamination levels found in these estuaries

Sector industrial

A continuación se exponen los resultados obtenidos a partir del relevamiento a empresas industriales del Partido de General Pueyrredon (PGP), realizado por el Grupo Análisis Industrial (CIEyS, FCEyS, UNMdP), durante el segundo semestre del año 2013 y primeros meses de 2014. Se encuestaron un total de 570 empresas industriales, con una tasa de respuesta del 62%. La información está agregada por ramas de actividad según la segmentación que emplea el Observatorio Pyme, a partir Código Industrial Internacional Uniforme (CIIU) Revisión 3.1 2. La industria del PGP se caracteriza por una predominancia de firmas pequeñas y familiares, con una única planta productiva. A su vez, dos de cada tres empresas realizan producción en serie, y una de cada tres firmas subcontratan parte del proceso productivo. El 65% de las firmas industriales del PGP tienen una marca registrada. También se destaca que un 23% de las empresas vendieron parte de su producción al exterior entre 2011 y 2013, siendo Mercosur, Brasil, Unión Europea, resto de América Latina y el Caribe los principales destinos. Las ramas más exportadoras son Alimenticia pesquera y Maquinarias, equipos y aparatos eléctricos. Asimismo, el 72% de las firmas invirtieron en dicho período, y la capacidad instalada utilizada se ubica en promedio en un 69%. Por último, los esfuerzos de innovación están vinculados principalmente a la adquisición de maquinarias y equipos (43%) y a la Investigación y Desarrollo (31%). Estos resultados y otros serán desarrollados a continuación.Fil: Mauro, Lucía Mercedes. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Sociales; Argentina.Fil: Graña, Fernando Manuel. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Sociales; Argentina.Fil: Liseras, Natacha. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Sociales; Argentina.Fil: Belmartino, Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Sociales; Argentina

Chronic effects of fire suppressors on the reproduction of the copepod Nitocra sp.

Fire suppressors are widely used in firefighting and their chemical composition may present a mixture of perfluorochlorinated surfactants (PFCs), including the perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) which has been internationally banned due to its classification as a persistent organic pollutant (POP). PFCs have been found in environmental matrices and soft tissues of organisms, but the potential effect of such compounds on marine organisms has been overlooked. Here, it was evaluated whether the chronic exposures (i.e., seven days) to the fire suppressors Ageofoam, Cold Fire, Kidde and Argus could affect the reproduction of the copepod Nitocra sp. The tested concentrations consisted of those recommended on the products’ manuals and those ranging between 0.0001% and 1%. For each compound, the effective concentrations to 50% exposed organisms (EC50) and the lowest observed effect concentrations (LOEC) were estimated. All the fire suppressors exhibited high toxicity, causing fecundity reduction. At the recommended dilutions, 100% lethality occurred for all compounds. The EC50 values ranged from 0.00817% - Ageofoam - to 0.03081% - Argus. The LOECs ranged from 0.001% - Ageofoam - to 0.1% - Argus and Kidde; and were much lower than the concentrations recommended for commercial use. The fire suppressors showed high toxicity to the copepod, reducing the reproduction rates, even in very low concentrations, suggesting that the release of such substances in the estuary caused severe effects to the environment. This assessment provides subsides to the environmental regulation of fire suppressors in Brazil, because these compounds do not have national regulations for their use and disposal.Los supresores de incendios son usados ampliamente en la lucha contra incendios y su composición química puede presentar una mezcla de tensioactivos perfluoroclorados (PFC), incluido el sulfonato de perfluorooctano (PFOS) que ha sido prohibidos internacionalmente debido a su clasificación como un contaminante orgánico persistente (POP). Se han encontrado PFC en matrices ambientales y tejidos blandos de organismos, pero se ha pasado por alto el efecto potencial de tales compuestos en los organismos marinos. Aquí, se evaluó si las exposiciones crónicas (es decir, siete días) a los supresores de fuego Ageofoam, Cold Fire, Kidde y Argus podrían afectar la reproducción del copépodo Nitocra sp. Las concentraciones probadas consistieron en las recomendadas en los manuales de los productos las cuales oscilan entre 0.0001% y 1%. Para cada compuesto, se estimaron las concentraciones efectivas al 50% de organismos expuestos (CE50) y el efecto de las concentraciones más bajas observadas (LOEC). Todos los supresores de incendios exhibieron alta toxicidad, causando una reducción de la fecundidad. A las diluciones recomendadas, se produjo un 100% de letalidad para todos los compuestos. Los valores de CE50 variaron de 0.00817% - Ageofoam - a 0.03081% - Argus. Los LOEC variaron de 0.001% - Ageofoam - a 0.1% - Argus y Kidde; y fueron mucho más bajas que las concentraciones recomendadas para uso comercial. Los supresores de incendio mostraron una alta toxicidad para el copépodo, reduciendo las tasas de reproducción, incluso en concentraciones muy bajas, lo que sugiere que la liberación de tales sustancias en el estuario causó graves efectos en el medio ambiente. Esta evaluación proporciona insumos a la regulación ambiental de los supresores de incendios en Brasil, porque estos compuestos no tienen regulaciones nacionales para su uso y eliminación

Using large amounts of firefighting foams releases per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into estuarine environments: A baseline study in Latin America

We analyzed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) used to extinguish a major fire in a petrochemical terminal from the Port of Santos (Brazil). Eight AFFFs from seven known commercial brands and one unknown sample (AFFF-1 to AFFF-8) were evaluated. 17 PFAS were identified and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (LC/MS). The concentrations of Σ17 PFAS in the AFFFs ranged from 500 to 9000 ng/g, with prevalence of short chain PFAS (~85 %), followed by long chain PFAS. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), included in the global treaty of the Stockholm Convention, were also detected. We estimated that at least 635.96 g of PFAS were introduced in the estuary, representing a massive input of these substances. This investigation reports the PFAS composition of AFFFs used in firefighting in the GRULAC Region (Group of Latin American and Caribbean countries).Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)FAPESP: 2020/00068-8FAPESP: 2021/08471-9CNPq: 308649/2011-7CNPq: 311609/2014-7CNPq: 308533/2018-6CNPq: 455280/2014-

A candidate short-term toxicity test using Ampelisca brevicornis to assess sublethal responses to pharmaceuticals bound to marine sediments

Lethal and sublethal responses related to different phases of metabolism (phases I and II enzymatic activities), neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase activity), oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities), and genetic damage (DNA strand breaks) were analysed to assess the possible adverse effects of pharmaceuticals bound to marine sediments. The crustacean amphipod Ampelisca brevicornis was chosen as the bioindicator species. Organisms were exposed for 10 days to sediment spiked with pharmaceutical compounds frequently used and previously detected in the environment: carbamazepine (CBZ), ibuprofen (IBP), fluoxetine (FX), 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2), propranolol (PRO), and caffeine (CAF). Short-term bioassay to evaluate amphipod mortality was recommended to assess pollution by CBZ, FX, and PRO. IBP and PRO were metabolized by phases I and II detoxification enzymatic activities. Oxidative stress was caused by PRO and CAF. Contrary to expected results, DNA damage (strand breaks) decreased after the exposure of amphipods to sediment spiked with IBP, FX, EE2, PRO, and CAF (including environmental concentrations). FX was neurotoxic to amphipods. The battery of biomarkers tested allowed the assessment of bioavailability, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and neurotoxicity of the pharmaceuticals analysed. The results of this study suggested that pharmaceutical products at concentrations currently found in the environment might cause a wide variety of adverse effects (based on laboratory studies). The results obtained here are useful for environmental risk assessment of marine sediments contaminated by pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, more research is needed using field-based marine sediments.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES