Benzophenone-3 Research Articles

Combined toxic effects of polystyrene microplastic and benzophenone-4 on the bioaccumulation, feeding, growth, and reproduction of Daphniamagna

The potential toxicity of microplastics (MPs) and UV filter Benzophenone-4 (BP4) to aquatic organisms has caused widespread concern among the public. However, the combined effects of MPs and BP4 on aquatic organisms are not well understood. This study sought to examine the combined impacts of 10 μg/L BP4, 1 mg/L Polystyrene (PS, 10 μm), and a mixture of both on the feeding, behavior, growth, and reproduction of Daphnia magna (D. magna) over a period of 21 days. The results showed that the combined exposure led to a reciprocal facilitation of bioaccumulation, along with a decrease in the second antenna beats frequency in D. magna. While the co-exposure did not change the body size or growth rate of D. magna, it did affect their feeding efficiency, leading to a decrease in Chlorella ingestion within a 24-h period. Furthermore, there was a high occurrence of malformations in two generations of D. magna exposed to BP4 and PS. The combined exposure also negatively affected reproductive parameters, such as the cumulative number of neonates and the days of first brood, suggesting a decline in overall reproductive success possibly due to feeding inhibition, with available energy potentially being redistributed between reproduction and growth in the daphnids. Co-exposure to BP4 and PS also led to elevated levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), Malonydialdehyde (MDA), and Glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as mRNA levels related to reproduction, growth, and detoxification in D. magna. Overall, this study delved into the consequences of BP4 and PS on bioaccumulation, feeding, behavior, growth, and reproduction, demonstrating that simultaneous exposure to BP4 and PS could pose a synergistic ecological hazard, potentially threatening aquatic organisms. These findings are critical and should be taken into account for accurate environmental risk assessments.

Single and mixture toxicity of benzophenone-3 and its metabolites on Daphnia magna

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) is one of the organic ultraviolet (UV) filters widely used in personal care products, resulting in its ubiquitous occurrence in aquatic systems. This study discovered the potential risks of benzophenone-3 and its metabolites (BP-1 and BP-8) in aquatic environments. This study investigated the toxicity of three single BPs and their mixtures' effects on the survival of Daphnia magna. All three BP types were found to have toxic effects on D. magna, with median effective concentration (EC50) values of 22.55 mg/L for BP-1, 1.89 mg/L for BP-3, and 2.36 mg/L for BP-8, after 48 h of exposure. When the three BPs were binary and ternary mixtures, the EC50 values fell within 2.74–32.26 mg/L. Binary and tertiary mixtures of the three BPs indicated no strong synergistic or antagonistic effects. The mixture toxicity predictions using the classical mixture concept of concentration addition and measured toxicity data showed good predictability. The ecological risks of BPs were assessed using the maximum measured environmental concentrations of BPs collected from a river in Taiwan, divided by their respective predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) values derived from the assessment factor (AF) method. The result showed a low ecological risk for the sum of three BPs. However, BP-3 had the highest potential risk, while BP-1 was the lowest among the three BPs. Therefore, BP-3 should pay attention to long-term environmental monitoring and management. This study provides valuable information for establishing scientifically-based water quality criteria for BPs and evaluating and managing the potential risk of BPs in the aquatic environment.

Prenatal exposure to low doses of benzophenone-3 elicits disruption of cortical vasculature in fetuses through perturbations in Wnt/β-catenin signaling correlating with depression-like behavior in offspring mice

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3), commonly used in personal care products, is routinely detected in environmental and human matrices. Evidence delineates a correlation between gestational BP-3 exposure and emotional and social disorders in children and adolescents. However, sensitive target cells and the mode of action underlying the early responses to environmentally relevant level of BP-3 exposure remain unclear. In this study, 0.3 and 3 mg/kg of BP-3 were administered to pregnant mice. Compared with the control group, the cortical blood vessel development process manifested the highest susceptibility to BP-3 exposure using transcriptomic sequencing at embryonic day 14 (E14). Notably, the diminution in vascular density and tight junction proteins presence was observed in the fetal cortex at E14, concomitant with the suppressed transcriptional activity of genes essential to angiogenesis and barrier formation. Strikingly, the investigation revealed that BP-3 exposure impeded vascular sprouting in aortic ring explants and neuroendothelial migration, implicating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, BP-3 exposure compromised perivascular neural stem cell differentiation. Cortical vascular injury correlated with the exhibition of depression-like behavior in four-week postnatal progeny. These insights underscore the cerebrovasculature as an early sensitive target for low doses of BP-3 exposure, fostering the development of biomarkers and the establishment of the adverse outcome pathway framework for BP-3 hazard evaluation.

Thyroid, neurodevelopmental, and kidney toxicities of common organic UV filters in embryo-larval zebrafish (Danio rerio), and their potential links

Organic UV filters (OUVFs) have been commonly used in sunscreen and many consumer products. Following dermal application, these compounds can enter circulation and may cause systemic effects in humans. In the present study, we chose four OUVFs frequently detected in the environment, i.e., avobenzone (AVB), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), octocrylene (OC), and octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), and evaluated their thyroid, neurodevelopmental, and kidney toxicities. For this purpose, zebrafish embryos (<4 h post fertilization, hpf) were exposed to sublethal concentrations of AVB, BP-3, OC, or OMC until 120 hpf. Exposure to all OUVFs decreased thyroid hormone (TH) levels, probably by enhanced metabolism and excretion of THs (ugt1ab and/or sult1 st5) in the larval fish. Exposure to the OUVFs also induced hypoactivities and/or anxiety-like behaviors: Regulatory changes of mbp, gfap, c-fos, syn2a, sty1a, and stxbp1b genes, support the changes in normal neurobehavior of the larval fish. Moreover, the OUVFs exposure caused increased proteinuria in the fish, along with transcriptional changes of wt1, nephrin, podocin, and cdh17 genes, which could explain the observed reduction in kidney functions. Principal component analysis (PCA) implied the potential interplay of THs with neurogenesis, or podocyte differentiation of the larval fish. Toxicological consequences of altered TH homeostasis, neurobehavior, and kidney function at the early life stage warrant further investigations not only in humans but also in aquatic ecosystems.

Interplay of UV-filter pollution and temperature rise scenarios on Mytilus galloprovincialis health: Unveiling sperm quality and adult physiology, biochemistry, and histology insights

Addressing the impacts of emerging contaminants within the context of climate change is crucial for understanding ecosystem health decline. Among these, the organic UV-filters 4-methylbenzylidenecamphor (4-MBC) and benzophenone-3 (BP-3) are widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. Their unique physico-chemical properties, along with their growing commercialization and consumption, have made them ubiquitous in aquatic environments through both direct and indirect releases, raising significant concerns about their potential threats to inhabiting biota. Additionally, increasing surface water temperatures exacerbate ecological risks, making it imperative to understand the implications for non-target species at different biological levels. This study investigated the short- and long-term effects of UV-filters 4-MBC or BP-3, at ecologically relevant concentrations, combined with current and predicted warming scenarios, on the performance and male reproductive health of Mytilus galloprovincialis mussel populations. Using biomarkers across sub-cellular, cellular, tissue, and individual levels, the study revealed significant physiological and biochemical impairments in both sperm cells and adults exposed to UV-filters. Temperature emerged as the primary driver influencing mussel responses and modulating the impacts of 4-MBC/BP-3, emphasizing their sensitivity to temperatures outside the optimal range and interactive effects between stressors. Specifically, sperm motility declined with increasing UV-filter concentrations, while temperature alone influenced ROS production, leading to compromised mitochondrial activity and DNA damage in the presence of combined stressors, indicative of potential reproductive impairments. Adults exhibited high UV-filter bioconcentration potential in whole tissues, compromised physiological status, morphophysiological changes in digestive glands, oxidative stress, and alterations in metabolic capacity, antioxidant defences, and biotransformation mechanisms, correlating with UV-filter exposure and temperature increase. Among the UV-filters tested, 4-MBC was the most detrimental, especially when combined with warming. Overall, this study underscores the vulnerability of M. galloprovincialis to cumulative stressors and highlights the importance of employing a multi-biomarker approach to assess and mitigate the impacts of stressors on coastal ecosystems.

Benzophenone-4 inhibition in marine diatoms: Physiological and molecular perspectives

Benzophenone-4 (BP-4), a widely utilized organic ultraviolet (UV) filter, is recognized as a pseudo-persistent contaminant in aquatic environments. To elucidate the effects and mechanisms of BP-4 on marine diatoms, an investigation was conducted on the growth rate, photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, cellular structure, and transcriptome profile of the model species, Phaeodactylum tricornutum. The results showed a pronounced inhibition of algal growth upon exposure to BP-4, with a 144 h-EC50 value of 201 mg·L−1. In addition, BP-4 exposure resulted in a significant reduction in biomass, disruption of cell membrane integrity, and increased MDA accumulation, with levels escalating 3.57-fold at 125 mg·L−1 of BP-4. In the BP-4-treated samples, 1556 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which 985 were upregulated and 571 were downregulated. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the carbon fixation and carbon metabolism processes in P. tricornatum were disrupted in response to BP-4 exposure, along with excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The upregulation of genes associated with photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll and carotenoids) synthesis, phospholipid synthesis, ribosome biogenesis, and translation-related pathways may be regarded as a component of P. tricornatum's tolerance mechanism towards BP-4. These results provide preliminary insights into the toxicity and tolerance mechanisms of BP-4 on P. tricornatum. They will contribute to a better understanding of the ecotoxicological impacts of BP-4 on the marine ecosystem and provide valuable information for elimination of BP-4 in aquatic environment by bioremediation.

Associations of prenatal maternal urinary concentrations of triclosan and benzophenone-3 with cognition in 7.5-month-old infants

BackgroundEndocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been linked to adverse health outcomes and prenatal exposure is known to impact infant and child development. However, few studies have assessed early developmental consequences of prenatal exposure to two common phenolic compounds, benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and triclosan (TCS). ObjectiveWe evaluated the relationship of prenatal exposure to BP-3 and TCS with infant cognition at 7.5 months via performance on a visual recognition memory (VRM) task. MethodsDrawing from the Illinois Kids Development Study (IKIDS) cohort, prenatal exposure to BP-3 and TCS was assessed in pools of five urine samples collected from each woman across pregnancy. Cognition was measured in 310 infants using a VRM task assessing information processing speed, attention, and recognition memory through infrared eye-tracking. Generalized linear regression estimated exposure-outcome associations, followed by stratification to investigate modification of associations by infant sex and stimulus set. ResultsSampled mothers were more likely to be white, college educated, and middle or high income relative to the US population. Mean chemical exposures were significantly higher than those of adult women in the NHANES cohort. In models adjusted for income, gestational age at birth, and testing age, prenatal BP-3 exposure was associated with an increase in run duration (average time spent looking at the stimuli before looking away) (β = 0.0011, CI -0.0001:0.0022), indicating slower information processing speed, while TCS was associated with significantly longer time to familiarization (time to accrue a total of 20 s of looking time to the stimuli) (β = 0.0686, CI 0.0203:0.1168, p < 0.01), indicating poorer attention. Stratum-specific analyses isolated both effects to male infants who viewed the second of two stimulus sets. ConclusionHigher prenatal exposure to triclosan was associated with poorer attention in infancy, while benzophenone-3 may be associated with slower information processing speed, particularly among males.

Deciphering mechanisms of UV filter (benzophenone-3)- and high temperature-induced adverse effects in the coral Acropora tenuis, using ecotoxicogenomics

Coral reefs are at risk of bleaching due to various environmental and anthropogenic stressors such as global warming and chemical pollutants. However, there is little understanding of stressor-specific mechanisms that cause coral bleaching. Therefore, conducting accurate ecotoxicological risk assessments and deciphering modes of action of potentially deleterious ultraviolet (UV) filters (sunscreen compounds) are crucial issues. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity and bleaching effect of benzophenone-3 (BP-3), which is widely used in sunscreen products, on the reef-building coral Acropora tenuis. Furthermore, to understand differences in UV filter- and temperature-induced adverse effects, a comparative ecotoxicogenomic approach using RNA-seq was integrated into a toxicity test to clarify differences in gene expression changes induced by BP-3 and heat stress (31 °C). The lethal concentration 50 % (LC50) was calculated as 3.9 mg/L, indicating that the aquatic environmental risk on corals posed by BP-3 was low based on the risk assessment in this study. Differentially expressed genes related to oxidative stress and extracellular matrix organization were involved in coral responses to both BP-3 and heat stress, but their patterns differed. Whereas immune and heat-shock responses were activated in response to heat stress, activation of a drug metabolism pathway and several signal transduction pathways were identified in BP-3 treatment groups. Our study enhances understanding of stress responses in corals induced by UV filters and thermal stress. Using potential gene markers identified in this study for eco-epidemiological surveys of stressed corals, we urgently need to develop effective countermeasures.

Molecularly Imprinted Polyaniline as Solid‐Phase Material for the Extraction of UV Filters From Waters

ABSTRACTSolid‐phase extraction (SPE) using a polyaniline molecularly imprinted polymer (PANI@MIP) is optimized for the extraction of benzophenone‐4 (BP4) from aqueous matrices. First, the three main variables influencing the washing step of the SPE method—type, composition, volume, and percolation flow rate of the washing solvent—were investigated. The optimal conditions for the washing step using the new PANI@MIP‐SPE for maximum retention of BP4 and elimination of interfering molecules (benzophenone‐3 [BP3] and benzophenone [BP]) were determined as follows: 1.25 mL acetonitrile/acetic acid/hexane (45/05/50 v/v/v) as wash solvent at a flow rate of 1 mL min−1. A multiple linear regression model was validated using Student's t‐test to identify the most significant variables affecting this step, including the type and volume of each eluent solvent and the volume of the ternary mixture solvents. The reliability of the model was further confirmed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher's F‐test at α = 0.05. The extraction recoveries of the target analyte exceeded 92% over the range of concentrations (from 0.1 to 120 mg L−1), and the maximum retention capacity of PANI@MIP‐SPE was 600 µg g−1, in contrast to 50 µg g−1 for PANI@NIP‐SPE.

Body dissatisfaction widens the racial disparities of Benzophenone-3, a chemical biomarker of personal care and consumer product usage.

Body dissatisfaction can drive individuals to use personal care products, exposing themselves to Benzophenone-3 (BP3). Yet, no study has examined the link between body dissatisfaction and elevated chemical exposures. Our study examines how body dissatisfaction impacts the racial differences in BP3 exposures. Using NHANES 2003-2016 data for 3,072 women, we ascertained body dissatisfaction with a questionnaire on weight perception. We ran two generalized linear models with log10-transformed urinary concentrations of BP3 as the outcome variable and the following main predictors: one with race/ethnicity and another combining race/ethnicity and body dissatisfaction. We also conducted stratified analyses by race/ethnicity. We adjusted for poverty income ratio, BMI, urinary creatinine, and sunscreen usage. BP3 levels in Mexican American, Other Hispanic, Other Race, non-Hispanic White, and non-Hispanic Asian women were on average 59%, 56%, 33%, 16%, and 9% higher, respectively, compared to non-Hispanic Black women. Racial differences in BP3 levels are accentuated with body dissatisfaction. For example, Other Hispanic women perceiving themselves as overweight had 69% higher BP3 levels than non-Hispanic Black women (p-value = 0.01), while those perceiving themselves as at the right weight had 32% higher levels (p-value = 0.31). Moreover, minority women perceiving themselves as overweight tended to have higher BP3 levels than those who do not. For example, BP3 levels in Other Hispanic women perceiving themselves as overweight are significantly higher compared to those who do not (73%, p-value = 0.03). In contrast, such differences in the non-Hispanic White women are minimal (-0.5%, p-value = 0. 98). Minority women with body dissatisfaction show elevated BP3 exposure independent of sunscreen usage, implying that their elevated exposures may stem from using other personal care and consumer products. Further research is needed to determine if increases of exposure to potential toxicants occur among minority women with body dissatisfaction.

Association of Phenols, Parabens, and Their Mixture with Maternal Blood Pressure Measurements in the PROTECT Cohort.

Phenols and parabens are two classes of high production volume chemicals that are used widely in consumer and personal care products and have been associated with reproductive harm and pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. However, studies examining their influence on maternal blood pressure and gestational hypertension are limited. We investigated associations between individual phenols, parabens, and their mixture on maternal blood pressure measurements, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and hypertension during pregnancy (defined as stage 1 or 2 hypertension), among Puerto Rico PROTECT study participants. We examined these relationships cross-sectionally at two time points during pregnancy (16-20 and 24-28 wks gestation) and longitudinally using linear mixed models (LMMs). Finally, we used quantile g-computation to examine the mixture effect on continuous (SBP, DBP) and binary (hypertension during pregnancy) blood pressure outcomes. We observed a trend of higher odds of hypertension during pregnancy with exposure to multiple analytes and the overall mixture [including bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), triclocarbon (TCC), triclosan (TCS), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP), methyl paraben (M-PB), propyl paraben (P-PB), butyl paraben (B-PB), and ethyl paraben (E-PB)], especially at 24-28 wk gestation, with an adjusted mixture (95% CI: 1.03, 2.38). Lower SBP and higher DBP were also associated with individual analytes, with results from LMMs most consistent for methyl paraben (M-PB) or propyl paraben (P-PB) and increased DBP across pregnancy [adjusted M-PB (95% CI: 0.17, 1.38) and adjusted P-PB (95% CI: 0.19, 1.51)] and for BPA, which was associated with decreased SBP (adjusted ; 95% CI: , ). Consistent with other literature, we also found evidence of effect modification by fetal sex, with a strong inverse association observed between the overall exposure mixture and SBP at visit 1 among participants carrying female fetuses only. Our findings indicate that phenol and paraben exposure may collectively increase the risk of stage 1 or 2 hypertension during pregnancy, which has important implications for fetal and maternal health. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14008.

Changes in combined toxicity of benzophenone-3 and humic acid on Daphnia magna and zebrafish during chlorination disinfection process

Conventional wastewater treatment methods cannot completely remove the ultraviolet (UV) filters or dissolved organic matter. The transformation characteristics of these substances during chlorination disinfection and the varying species-specific toxicities of their combinations remain unclear. Here, Daphnia magna and zebrafish were exposed to benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and humic acid (HA) before and after chlorination disinfection. The results from chemical indicators showed that chlorination treatment decreased UV254 values and changed the intensity of parallel factors in three-dimensional fluorescence. Based on chemical analysis, the chlorine concentration and chlorination time for the toxicity experiments were set at 5 mg/L and 6 h, respectively. Exposure to HA and BP-3 before and after chlorination decreased the heart rate (by 1.37–28.12 %) in both species. However, species-specific responses, including survival rate, swimming distance, and expression of genes related to neurodevelopment, growth, and oxidative stress, were induced by chlorination. Chlorination reduced the impact of HA exposure but worsened the effects of HA and BP-3 co-exposure on D. magna. However, in zebrafish, the toxic effects intensified in most of the exposure groups after chlorination. Correlation analysis showed that the parallel factors of three-dimensional fluorescence were correlated with toxic effects on zebrafish, whereas UV254 was more significantly correlated with toxic effects on D. magna. This study provides insights into the combined toxicity of UV filters and dissolved organic matter in different aquatic organisms during chlorination, which is useful for risk control and optimization of the chlorination process.

Distribution and accumulation of UV filters (UVFs) and conservation status of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows in a prominent Mediterranean coastal tourist hub

This study investigates the presence and impact of UV filters in Posidonia oceanica meadows in Formentera, a Mediterranean tourist hotspot. It highlights the distribution of inorganic (TiO2 and ZnO) and organic UV filters (UVFs) in different environmental matrices, their accumulation in seagrass tissues and their impact on the seagrass health.In the overlying and canopy waters of P. oceanica, Zn concentrations surpassed Ti, with three organic UVFs (benzophenone-3 [BP-3], avobenzone and homosalate [HMS]) consistently detected. Ti concentrations were generally higher than Zn in rhizosphere sediments, along with recurrent presence of octocrylene, HMS, 2-ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC). Maximum Zn concentrations were found in canopy waters (3052.9 ng L−1). Both Ti and Zn were found in all P. oceanica tissues and leaf epiphytes across all study sites. Additional UVFs like octocrylene, avobenzone, and BP-8 were also detected in P. oceanica tissues and epiphytes. Elevated levels of octocrylene in leaf epiphytes (2112.1 ng g−1 dw) and avobenzone in leaves (364.2 ng g−1 dw) and leaf epiphytes (199.6 ng g−1 dw) were observed in the Port of La Savina, the island's main entry port. Octocrylene concentrations (up to 2575 ng g−1 dw) in rhizosphere sediments near sewage discharge points exceeded reported maxima, highlighting wastewater treatment plants as significant sources of organic UVFs. Correlational analyses suggested that the accumulation of octocrylene, avobenzone, and BP-3 negatively impacted P. oceanica's conservation status, affecting global density, density at 100 % cover, and leaf morphometry. Positive correlations were observed between leaf polyphenols (antioxidants) and concentrations of avobenzone, benzophenone-8 (BP-8), and BP-3, indicating potential oxidative stress induced by UVFs in P. oceanica.Our study underscores the pervasive presence of UV filters in P. oceanica habitats, with implications for seagrass health and conservation, especially in areas of high tourism and sewage discharge.

Determination of 16 ultraviolet–absorbing compounds in marine invertebrates by using LC-USI-MS/MS coupled with QuEChERS

In this study, we examined multiple endocrine-disrupting ultraviolet-absorbing compounds (UVACs) in marine invertebrates used in personal care products and packaging. Modified QuEChERS and liquid chromatography UniSpray ionization tandem mass spectrometry were used to identify 16 UVACs in marine invertebrates. Matrix-matched calibration curves revealed high linearity (r ≥ 0.9929), with limits of detection and quantification of 0.006–1.000 and 0.020–3.000 ng/g w.w., respectively. In oysters, intraday and interday analyses revealed acceptable accuracy (93%–120%) and precision (≤18%), except for benzophenone (BP) and ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino) benzoate. Analysis of 100 marine invertebrate samples revealed detection frequencies of 100%, 98%, 89%, 64%, and 100% for BP, 4-hydroxybenzophenone, 4-methylbenzophenone, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, and benzophenone-3 (BP-3), respectively. BP and BP-3 were detected at concentrations of 4.40–27.39 and < 0.020–0.560 ng/g w.w., respectively, indicating their widespread presence. Overall, our proposed method successfully detected UVACs in marine invertebrates, raising concerns regarding their potential environmental and health effects.

Prenatal exposure to environmental phenols and phthalates and altered patterns of DNA methylation in childhood

IntroductionEpigenetic marks are key biomarkers linking the prenatal environment to health and development. However, DNA methylation associations and persistence of marks for prenatal exposure to multiple Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in human populations have not been examined in great detail. MethodsWe measured Bisphenol-A (BPA), triclosan, benzophenone-3 (BP3), methyl-paraben, propyl-paraben, and butyl-paraben, as well as 11 phthalate metabolites, in two pregnancy urine samples, at approximately 13 and 26 weeks of gestation in participants of the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) study (N = 309). DNA methylation of cord blood at birth and child peripheral blood at ages 9 and 14 years was measured with 450K and EPIC arrays. Robust linear regression was used to identify differentially methylated probes (DMPs), and comb-p was used to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in association with pregnancy-averaged EDC concentrations. Quantile g-computation was used to assess associations of the whole phenol/phthalate mixture with DMPs and DMRs. ResultsPrenatal BPA exposure was associated with 1 CpG among males and Parabens were associated with 10 CpGs among females at Bonferroni-level significance in cord blood. Other suggestive DMPs (unadjusted p-value < 1 × 10−6) and several DMRs associated with the individual phenols and whole mixture were also identified. A total of 10 CpG sites at least suggestively associated with BPA, Triclosan, BP3, Parabens, and the whole mixture in cord blood were found to persist into adolescence in peripheral blood. ConclusionsWe found sex-specific associations between prenatal phenol exposure and DNA methylation, particularly with BPA in males and Parabens in females. Additionally, we found several DMPs that maintained significant associations with prenatal EDC exposures at age 9 and age 14 years.

Analysis of the UV filter Benzophenone-3 assimilation in Crossostrea gigas oysters post-exposure in a controlled environment by LC-MS/MS

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3), utilized as a UV filter in cosmetic products, is an emerging contaminant that constitutes a threat to natural resources and environmental health. This study investigated the assimilation of the UV filter BP-3 in Crassostrea gigas oysters collected in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Lyophilized oyster tissue extracts were prepared using the QuEChERS method, and LC-MS/MS was employed to determine the BP-3 concentration in the samples. The method was applied to specimens intentionally exposed to two concentrations of the contaminant, for different periods of exposure (1 and 7 days). Samples from treatment 1 (T1) were exposed to a concentration of 1 μg L−1 of the BP-3 standard, and samples from treatment 2 (T2) were exposed to a concentration of 100 μg L−1 of the BP-3 standard. The results revealed rapid absorption of BP-3, with an increase of 126% for lower concentrations, reaching 1.13 μg of BP-3 per gram of oyster tissue, and 17% for higher concentrations, reaching 34.6 μg of BP-3 per gram of oyster tissue after 7 days. The presence of BP-3 even in samples not directly exposed to the contaminant indicates its widespread environmental distribution. The rapid bioaccumulation suggests the need to consider seasonal variations, such as increased tourism in the summer. The validated analytical method demonstrated efficacy in quantifying BP-3, providing an integrated approach for long-term monitoring of pollution levels and their dynamic variations over time. In addition, variation in BP-3 levels in the samples may be related to transport patterns influenced by tides and discharges from septic system, highlighting the need to improve wastewater treatment. These findings underscore the necessity for continuous biomonitoring and effective environmental management to safeguard the health of marine ecosystems and humans.

Ecotoxicological assessment of UV filters benzophenone-3 and TiO2 nanoparticles, isolated and in a mixture, in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio)

ABSTRACT The increasing use of UV filters, such as benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), has raised concerns regarding their ecotoxicological effects on the aquatic environment. The aim of the present study was to examine the embryo-larval toxicity attributed to BP-3 or TiO2 NPs, either alone or in a mixture, utilizing zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model after exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of these compounds. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to BP-3 (10, 100, or 1000 ng/L) or TiO2 NPs (1000 ng/L) alone or in a mixture (BP-3 10, 100, or 1000 ng/L plus 1000 ng/L of TiO2 NPs) under static conditions for 144 hr. After exposure, BP-3 levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). BP-3 levels increased in the presence of TiO2 NPs, indicating that the BP-3 degradation decreased in the presence of the NPs. In addition, in the presence of zebrafish, BP-3 levels in water decreased, indicating that zebrafish embryos and larvae might absorb BP-3. Data demonstrated that, in general, environmentally relevant concentrations of BP-3 and TiO2 NPs, either alone or in a mixture, did not significantly induce changes in heart and spontaneous contractions frequencies, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), morphological and morphometric parameters as well as mortality rates during 144 hr exposure. However, the groups exposed to TiO2 NPs alone and in a mixture with BP-3 at 10 ng/L exhibited an earlier significant hatching rate than the controls. Altogether, the data indicates that a potential ecotoxicological impact on the aquatic environment exists.

Comparative analysis of cosmetic ingredient degradation: Fungal vs. bacterial activity in diverse media as potential replacements

The study explores the resilience of fungi and bacteria in degrading three selected cosmetic ingredients, butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA), benzophenone 3 (BZ3), and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D4), across different pH levels and temperatures. Understanding microbial adaptability and optimizing degradation conditions are crucial for effective biodegradation processes, given the influence of pH and temperature on microbial activity. Trametes versicolor and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were chosen as representative fungal and bacterial species for degradation studies, with synthetic wastewater utilized alongside traditional growth media. Our research pioneers the utilization of synthetic wastewater alongside traditional growth media, recognizing its untapped potential in enhancing degradation efficiency. By subjecting fungi to environmental stressors, we illuminate the adaptive strategies employed by these organisms, crucial for optimizing biodegradation processes. The hypothesis posited that synthetic wastewater would enhance degradation efficiency, while subjecting fungi to environmental stressors would elucidate their adaptability. Two temperatures (25 °C & 37 °C) and two pH levels (2.5 & 6.89) were examined to mimic real-world conditions, employing advanced techniques like Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to assess degradation efficiency. Results revealed successful fungal degradation, particularly with complete D4 degradation in synthetic wastewater and partial degradation in PDB media at 25 °C. At 37 °C, complete BHA and BZ3 degradation occurred in PDB media, with higher rates in synthetic wastewater. However, bacterial degradation was incomplete, especially in synthetic wastewater. Leveraging synthetic wastewater as a medium for targeted degradation of multiple pollutants by specific microbial species represents an innovative advancement in biodegradation methodologies, highlighting the importance of microbial adaptability in biodegradation processes.

Single and mixture effects of bisphenol A and benzophenone-3 on in vitro T helper cell differentiation

Immune homeostasis is key to guarantee that the immune system can elicit effector functions against pathogens and at the same time raise tolerance towards other antigens. A disturbance of this delicate balance may underlie or at least trigger pathologies. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are increasingly recognized as risk factors for immune dysregulation. However, the immunotoxic potential of specific EDCs and their mixtures is still poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of bisphenol A (BPA) and benzophenone-3 (BP-3), alone and in combination, on in vitro differentiation of T helper (TH)17 cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells.Naïve T cells were isolated from mouse lymphoid tissues and differentiated into the respective TH population in the presence of 0.001–10 μM BP-3 and/or 0.01–100 μM BPA. Cell viability, proliferation and the expression of TH lineage specific transcription factors and cytokines was measured by flow cytometry and CBA/ELISA. Moreover, the transcription of hormone receptors as direct targets of EDCs was quantified by RT-PCR.We found that the highest BPA concentration adversely affected TH cell viability and proliferation. Moreover, the general differentiation potential of both TH populations was not altered in the presence of both EDCs. However, EDC exposure modulated the emergence of TH17 and Treg cell intermediate states. While BPA and BP-3 promoted the development of TH1-like TH17 cells under TH17-differentiating conditions, TH2-like Treg cells occurred under Treg polarization. Interestingly, differential effects could be observed in mixtures of the two tested compounds compared with the individual compounds. Notably, estrogen receptor β expression was decreased under TH17-differentiating conditions in the presence of BPA and BP-3 as mixture. In conclusion, our study provides solid evidence for both, the immune disruptive potential and the existence of cumulative effects of real nature EDC mixtures on T cell in vitro differentiation.

Removal of benzophenone-4 via chlorination and advanced oxidation processes in aqueous solution: kinetics, by-product identification, and mechanistic studies.

Benzophenone-4 (BP-4) is one of the UV filters widely used in personal care products (PCPs). BP-4 has been identified as an emergent contaminant detected in influent and effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) at high concentrations showing that conventional treatment is unable to remove it, subsequently, the presence of BP-4 in surface water is inevitable. In this study, we focus on the degradation of this compound by chlorine, and we report the efficiency of its removal from water by applying two advanced oxidation processes UV/TiO2 and UV/H2O2 aiming to achieve a superior mineralization result. The study was performed in purified water (pH = 6.5, temperature = 25 °C) with an initial concentration of BP-4 similar to that detected in WWTPs (10 mg/L). The results showed that 76% of BP-4 was degraded after 80 min of reaction with chlorine leading to the formation of one by-product persistent in the solution. The oxidation by UV/TiO2 and UV/H2O2 led to a total removal of BP-4 and their generated by-products after 50 and 10 min of reactions, respectively. The kinetic study showed that BP-4 degradation by UV/H2O2 and UV/TiO2 followed pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics and the apparent rate constants (kapp) were determined to be 0.48 min-1 and 0.08 min-1, respectively. The degradation of BP-4 by chlorine followed first-order reaction kinetics with kapp = 0.02 min-1. The identification of by-product structures was performed using liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS. The fragmentation of BP-4 and by-product ions at different collision energies allowed to propose the pathways of degradation and to predict the toxicity using a silico toxicity program which confirmed a higher toxicity of all generated by-products.