Trichloroethylene (TCE) in underground water and its relationship with urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) and N-Acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase (NAG)

Abstract

Background/objective: Trichloroethylene (TCE) is commonly used in various industries. If wastewater in factories is not effectively treated, the inflow to and subsequent contamination of underground water is likely. Our study assessed the association of exposure to TCE in underground water with oxidative stress and renal function. Materials and Methods: We selected 579 residents from areas with underground water contaminated with TCE. Each participant was interviewed via questionnaire. We also assessed their urinary trichloroacetic acid (TCA) levels by gas chromatography (GC)-FID. Urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) and N-Acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase (NAG) were taken as indicators of oxidative stress and renal tubule damage. Results: We found about 73% of the residents to have consumed underground water. The average duration of consumption was 26 years with an average of 1.6 liters per day. Presently, only 1.5% of the residents still continuously consume underground water. The consumption of underground water was positively correlated with heightened urinary TCA levels (r=0.554). Heightened urinary TCA levels, in turn, were positively associated with NAG levels (r=0.180) but negatively associated with MDA levels (r=-0.193). The results held even after we had segmented urinary TCA levels into three groups of different levels. Conclusion: The elimination of the source of heightened TCE levels from various industrial effluents is essential. Residents exposed to TCE-laden underground water should periodically undergo health inspections.