Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites zearalanone (ZAN), α-zearalenol (α-ZEL), β-zearalenol (β-ZEL) α-zearalanol (α-ZAL), and β-zearalanol (β-ZAL) in the surface waters of northern São Paulo state (Brazil) and to evaluate the associated potential estrogenic contribution to the aquatic environment. The determination of the estrogenic mycotoxins in water samples from the Rico Stream microbasin yielded levels of up to 59 ng L-1 and their corresponding calculated estrogenic equivalent (cEEQ) values were between < 0.03 and 1.4 ng L-1, which are associated with negative effects on the reproduction and growth of some fish species. The physicochemical and microbiological parameters were evaluated to determine the water quality in the Rico stream region. This study revealed the first data about the presence of estrogenic mycotoxins in the Brazilian river waters and emphasizes the need to include these substances in future public policies concerning water quality, since these compounds are not yet legally regulated. From an environmental aspect, it is necessary to take into account the continuous introduction into surface water of microcontaminants associated with wastewater effluent, such as estrogenic mycotoxins.
Highlights
Among the hundreds of mycotoxin-producing fungi, the genus Fusarium is considered one of the most prevalents in terms of animal health implications and economic damage[1]
This study revealed the first data about the presence of estrogenic mycotoxins in the Brazilian river waters and emphasizes the need to include these substances in future public policies concerning water quality, since these compounds are not yet legally regulated
The purpose of this study was to examine for the first time the occurrence of estrogenic mycotoxins in Brazilian water samples, using dispersive liquidliquid microextraction (DLLME) followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and to identify possible sources of contamination, seasonal variations and potential contribution to total estrogenic activity in the southeast region of Brazil (São Paulo state)
Summary
Among the hundreds of mycotoxin-producing fungi, the genus Fusarium is considered one of the most prevalents in terms of animal health implications and economic damage[1]. Resorcyclic acid lactones (RALs) are compounds that exhibit endocrine disruptive behavior and are produced by fungi of the genus Fusarium[2]. The representative mycotoxin of this class of RALs is zearalenone (ZEN), cited among the most common mycotoxins worldwide[3]. The occurrence of ZEN was reported in maize[4], rice[5] and wheat[6] in the south and southeast Brazilian regions. Fusariotoxins are mostly produced under high humidity and at temperatures of approximately 20 to 26 °C. The Brazilian climate offers good conditions for these toxins to be present in grains used in the diets of animals and humans[7]
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