Biomarkers Of Environmental Pollution Research Articles

Toxicity and transcriptome sequencing analyses of Acipenser schrenckii under titanium dioxide nanoparticles stress

Increasing utilization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs), with a wide range of applications, has resulted in the increased release of the material into the environment. In this study, we combined Illumina short-line RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and PacBio Iso-sequencing methods to obtain the transcriptome of Acipenser schrenckii livers treated with 5.27 (TH), 0.527 (TM), and 0.0527 mg/L (TL) TiO2-NPs for 14 days to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of TiO2-NPs on sturgeons. In total, 39.67G subread bases and 31092 de-redundant transcripts (8929 unigenes) were obtained from A. schrenckii livers, with a mean length of 2289 bp. Moreover, 293 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to TiO2-NP stress were identified using DESeq; 175, 174, and 62 DEGs were identified in the TH vs. TC, TM vs. TC, and TL vs. TC groups. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways of DEGs related to immunity (neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, rheumatoid arthritis, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, and graft-versus-host disease) were significantly altered by TiO2-NP exposure, and the expression of interleukin-8, a possible biomarker for environmental pollution, was significantly upregulated. The pathways of alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism associated with the defense against oxidative stress were also influenced by TiO2-NP exposure. The activity of carboxyl ester lipase involved in glycerolipid metabolism was rapidly downregulated in the TH and TM groups which may play a major role in glycerolipid metabolism regulation. The expression patterns of eight selected genes were generally consistent with the quantitative real-time PCR analysis results.

Haematology and biochemistry of Clarias gariepinus from rivers benue and donga as biomarkers of environmental pollution

The study sought to assess the haematological and biochemical alteration in Clarias gariepinus as environmental contamination biomarkers in rivers Benue and Donga. water samples were taken for physiochemical examination while fish blood was obtained for haematological and biochemical analysis using a Haemacytometer. When compared to the reference standard there was a substantial (P>0.05) difference in the RBC of the C. gariepinus in both rivers, but no difference in the WBC, HB, PCV, MCV and MCHC. However, there were no statistically significant (P0.05) difference in the ALT, ALP, AST and glucose levels of C. gariepinus in either river. The ALT, ALP and glucose levels of C. gariepinus in both rivers differed from the reference standard. Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and nitrate levels were higher in Benue river than in the Donga River, but ammonia levels were higher in the Donga river. As a result of these finding, it is possible that Benue river is more polluted than the Donga river, and the C. gariepinus in Donga river is healthier than those in the Benue river. Hence, adequate water management and pollution control should be implemented to halt the flow of the Benue river.

Haemato-biochemical, mutagenic, and histopathological changes in Oreochromis niloticus exposed to BTX

The study of the DNA damage response in erythrocytes after exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can present evidence for its potential effect as genotoxic- biomarkers for environmental pollution. Although VOCs are dangerous pollutants, still little is known about hemotoxic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic effects of such pollutants on fish. We optimized an assay method for apoptosis and DNA damage in erythrocytes of adult tilapia fish after 15 days exposure to benzene (0.762 ng/L), toluene (26.614 ng/L), and xylene (89.403 ng/L). The highest level of apoptosis and DNA damage were recorded in benzene-exposed fish, as was the highest level of histopathological alterations in gills, liver, and kidney. The imbalance of the antioxidants profile explained the stress-case reported in exposed fish. These results suggest that hemotoxic, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and tissue damage were recorded after exposure to BTX in Oreochromis niloticus.

Morphological parameters of hepatocytes in the European mole (Talpa europaea) and herb field mouse (Sylvaemus uralensis) under industrial pollution: Qualitative and quantitative assessment.

Morphological alterations of cells and tissues usually occur in biological organisms exposed to environmental contaminants, thereby acting as a biomarker of environmental pollution, thus, making this study highly pertinent. The effect of industrial pollution on the qualitativeand quantitative morphological parameters of hepatocytes (through histological analysis andcytomorphometry) was studied in two contrasting species of small mammals (Talpa europaea and Sylvaemus uralensis), taking into account the animal age (young and adult groups) and liver concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb). Studies were performed in the regions exposed to emissions from two currently operating copper smelters: Middle Ural Copper Smelter (Middle Urals, T. europaea catching area) and Karabash Copper Smelter (Southern Urals, S. uralensis catching area). Seven morphometric parameters of hepatocytes were measured, of which two key parameters were selected by the method of principal components-the cell packing density and nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (N/C). It was found that cell packing density in T. europaea from the impact zone decreased relative to the background area in young animals. At the same time, the differences in this parameter between the age groups from the background zone were leveled in the impact area of catching. The N/C ratio in T. europaea hepatocytes showed no correlation with either animal age or site of capture (background or impact area). In S. uralensis, both parameters, even taking into account the age, were found to be insensitive to indicate an effect of industrial pollution. Dystrophic changes (tested through histological analysis) in the liver tissue were revealed in all animal groups, but their frequency did not depend on any of the factors (age, zone) as well as the level of accumulation of toxicheavy metals (Cd, Pb). Morphometric parameters of hepatocytes have proved to be more reliable indicators of pollution, compared to the frequency of liver histopathology, due to lower subjectivity in their evaluation.

Research on Some Freshwater Fish Catalase Activity - As a Potential Biomarker for Environmental Pollution

In the last decade studies show that water pollution is a very serious problem, especially since the degree of water pollution plays a key role in the growth and fish multiplication. As a biomarker of environmental pollution, antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6) play an essential role in preventing the harmful effects of heavy metals in the tissues of fish. These researches were carried out to investigate the effect of various environment conditions and some pollutant agents on oxidative stress in some aquatic organisms. The enzymatic assay of CAT (in fish organs, e.g., liver, kidney, gill, intestine and brain, as well as in mixture of these organs) was carried out according to standard enzyme assay protocol.
 The results showed decrease of CAT activity: the enzymatic activity was 35.89 ± 1.02 µmol H2O2/min/mg protein to pH 7 and 6.59 ± 0.47 µmol H2O2/min/mg protein to pH 12. More, the enzymatic activity was 38.1 ± 0.3 µmol H2O2/min/mg protein to pH 3. Also, the catalase activity increased with 23 enzymatic units to a less dissolved oxygen concentration (6.2877 mg/L).
 Furthermore, this study indicated that heavy metals, such as Cr, Cu and Zn can inhibit biochemical reactions in various organs of fish. During exposure duration of the fish to a mixture of metal ions the catalase activity decreases from 35.89 ± 1.02 µmol H2O2/min/mg protein to 23.51 ± 2.85 µmol H2O2/min/mg protein. On the other hand, as a result of the response of the enzyme system, the catalase activity increases to 36.25 ± 3.22 µmol H2O2/min/mg protein.

EFFECT OF CADMIUM AND ZINC HEAVY METALS ON THE SOIL BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM COAL MINE REGION

Study of growth pattern of isolated soil bacteria from Raniganj coal mine area shows an unusual increase in growth rate of the isolated bacteria when treated with heavy metal stress in the culture media. The metals used were Cadmium (Cd) and Zinc (Zn). Utilization of metal ions by the bacterial cells was studied by detection of leftover metal in the culture medium after optimal growth, by Dithizone method and surface adsorption of metal ions on bacterial cell by FTIR technique. The amount of total thiol and non-protein thiol of the bacterial culture was assayed for the presence of thiol containing protein like Metallothionein. Metallothionein production was also studied using SDS-PAGE and Western blot technique to find if the cells were stressed in the presence of increasing concentration of Zn2+ and Cd2+. Metallothioneins (MTs) are proteins rich in cysteine residues having low molecular weight. They perform different functions like scavenging of free radicals, involvement in maintaining metal balance, regulation of metabolic activities and protective role against damage caused by heavy metals. Metallothioneins can be correlated with heavy metal contamination of an environment and thus may be considered as bio-marker for environmental pollution.

Gill Histopathological Biomarkers in Fish Exposed to Trace Metals in the Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil.

Histopathologies are widely recognized as biomarkers of environmental pollution. In this sense, we evaluated the putative relationship of gill histopathologies and distinct ecological impacts in two regions of Todos os Santos Bay (BTS), Brazil, the largest bay in Northeastern Brazil, South Atlantic. We compared the presence and concentration of metals (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) in water, sediments, and gills and gill histopathologies of a demersal fish (Diapterus rhombeus) and a benthic fish (Ogcocephalus vespertilio). As expected, fish and sediment samples from historically contaminated areas (Aratu) showed more remarkable traces of metals than apparently low-impact areas (Jaguaripe). Likewise, the DTC (degree of tissue change) index and the volume densities were higher in fish caught in Aratu. In addition, the Diapterus rhombeus species showed more potential than Ogcocephalus vespertilio for risk assessment as it showed more responses to the environment reflected on more histopathologies. These data support the effectiveness of incorporating functional gill morphology to monitor impacts on estuarine biota that can be used as a reference to improve the management of ecosystems and prevent harm to human health.

First characterization of multixenobiotic activity in Collembola: An approach on cadmium-induced response

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux pumps mediate the activity of the Multixenobiotic Resistance (MXR) mechanism and have been proposed as a biomarker of environmental pollution mainly in aquatic invertebrates. MXR activity was never investigated in Collembola and represents a potential tool for soil biomonitoring. This study aimed to characterize for the first time the activity of ABC efflux pumps in the gut of collembolan species, and investigate its responsiveness to cadmium (Cd), a common stressor found in polluted soils. We performed in vitro rhodamine-B accumulation assays in the presence of model inhibitors of ABC efflux pumps: verapamil hydrochloride as P-gp (P-glycoprotein) inhibitor, and MK571, as MRPs (multidrug resistance-related proteins) inhibitor. We also performed rhodamine-B accumulation assays under Cd-exposure (209 μg/L;1 μM). Our results showed that all species presented basal (noninduced) level of MXR activity in their gut. Efflux pumps P-gp and/or MRPs activity were confirmed in Cyphoderus innominatus, Cyphoderus similis, and Folsomia candida, the standard species. The rhodamine-B accumulation assays performed with Cd, applied as soil pollutant, showed that the gut of non-standard species C. similis and Trogolaphysa sp. presented an increase of MXR activity for both P-gp and MRP transporters, indicating the potential of these species as test organisms for soil ecotoxicology studies in Neotropical region. Our findings suggest a functional role of ABC transporters in the collembolan gut and their cellular involvement in Cd defense response, corroborating that MXR phenotype in Collembola can be a promising tool for bioindication of soil contamination.

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Erythrocytes of Captive Pre-Juvenile Loggerhead Turtles Following Acute Exposure to Methylmercury

This study describes the use of erythrocytes (RBCs) of loggerhead turtles as in vitro models for evaluating their toxicity to methylmercury. Blood samples of loggerhead turtles that were born in the Colombian Caribbean were used. The LC50 of RBCs to methylmercury was determined at 96 h using methylmercury concentrations of 0.5–100 mg L−1. Next, the viability of the RBCs and the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde (MDA) at 6 and 12 h of exposure to acute concentrations of 0, 1, and 5 mg L−1 were evaluated. The LC50 for loggerhead turtle RBCs was 8.32 mg L−1. The cell viability bioassay of RBCs exposed for 12 h only showed 100% cell viability. Increasing in vitro MeHg concentrations caused a corresponding increase in MDA concentration as well as decreases in the activities of SOD and GST. The RBCs represent an excellent model for ecotoxicological studies and SOD, GST, and MDA are biomarkers of environmental pollution and oxidative stress in loggerhead turtles. This was the first study conducted on loggerhead turtle where the response of RBCs to MeHg-induced oxidative stress is evaluated.

SC300 - Sperm p53 concentration: A potential new biomarker for environmental pollution. Preliminary data. (EcoFoodFertility project)

SC300 - Sperm p53 concentration: A potential new biomarker for environmental pollution. Preliminary data. (EcoFoodFertility project)

Sperm p53 concentration: a potential new biomarker for environmental pollution. Preliminary data. (EcoFoodFertility Project)

Sperm p53 concentration: a potential new biomarker for environmental pollution. Preliminary data. (EcoFoodFertility Project)

Analysis of lipid peroxidation in animal and plant tissues as field-based biomarker in Mediterranean irrigated agroecosystems (Extremadura, Spain)

ABSTRACTThe development of field-based biomarkers can allow for a more reliable assessment of the exposure of organisms to pollutants. Different sampling sites, along two streams running through an irrigable agricultural area, were selected to evaluate the effect of agrochemical load on the measured endpoints. The levels of lipid peroxidation were evaluated in several organs of Procambarus clarkii. The same method was applied to leaves of two woody species. Determining levels of MDA (malonaldehyde) by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay allows measuring the levels of lipid peroxidation. Differences in lipid peroxidation levels were observed in P. clarkii individuals collected at different sites; however, the patterns varied depending on the organ (when accounting for variations due to sex). The use of a MDA-gills/MDA-hepatopancreas index allowed for discrimination between reference and polluted sites. Significant differences in oxidative damage between sites were found in the leaves of Quercus rotundifolia but not in Salix sp. The lipid peroxidation of crayfish organs and holm oak leaves as a suitable biomarker of environmental pollution deserves further investigation.

Evaluation of the haematology and biochemistry of the silver catfish, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus as biomarker of environmental pollution in a tropical lagoon

The objective of the present study was to examine the haematological and biochemical parameters of the silver catfish, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, from the Makoko area of a polluted tropical lagoon such as Lagos Lagoon, to serve as a baseline data for the assessment of the health status of the fish and as reference point for future studies. The mean values of the haematological parameters analyzed were: blood haemoglobin, Hb (97.29±4.35g/L); pack cell volume, PCV (29.28±1.23%); red blood cell/total erythrocyte count, RBC (2.97±0.12T/L); white blood cell count, WBC (10.69±0.37g/L); mean cell volume, MCV (95.19±2.28fl); mean corpuscular haemoglobin, MCH (30.53±0.67pg), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, MCHC (33.32±0.38g/dl), and the differential leucocytes. While the mean values of the biochemical parameters were: aspartate transaminase, AST (66.06±6.12 IU/L); alanine transaminase, ALT (12.98±1.10 IU/L), and alkaline phosphatase, ALP (88.01±8.60 IU/L). The findings from this study gave an indication of stress on the health status of the fishes in this lagoon and there is need for proper management strategies to be adopted in monitoring the conditions of the faunal communities in the lagoon. The lagoon indeed showed signs of environmental stress, which eventually pose devastating effect on the health status of the fishes. These have an indirect effect on the coastal communities. There is therefore the need for periodic monitoring and enforcement of environmental laws by respective organisations to ensure health safety of the people especially in the coastal communities.

The biological response chain to pollution: a case study from the "Italian Triangle of Death" assessed with the liverwort Lunularia cruciata.

The liverwort Lunularia cruciata, known for being a species tolerant to pollution able to colonize urban areas, was collected in the town of Acerra (South Italy) to investigate the biological effects of air pollution in one of the three vertices of the so-called Italian Triangle of Death. The ultrastructural damages observed by transmission electron microscopy in specimens collected in Acerra were compared with samples collected in the city center of Naples and in a small rural site far from sources of air pollution (Riccia, Molise, Southern Italy). The biological response chain to air pollution was investigated considering vitality, photosynthetic efficiency, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) induction and gene expression levels, and chlorophyll degradation and related ultrastructural alterations. Particularly, a significant increment in Hsp70 expression and occurrence, and modifications in the chloroplasts' ultrastructure can be strictly related to the environmental pollution conditions in the three sites. The results could be interpreted in relation to the use of these parameters as biomarkers for environmental pollution.

DO SPLEEN MACROPHAGE AGGREGATES UNDERGO SEASON-DEPENDENT CHANGES? A STEREOMICROSCOPIC INVESTIGATION IN WILD OHRID TROUT (SALMO LETNICA KAR.)

In past decades macrophage aggregates (MACs) were being used in many monitoring studies as useful immu-nological biomarkers of environmental pollution and they are still encountered in the so-called “future biomarkers”, since quantitative studies in aquaculture and/or field of their normal fluctuations as a result of the influence of natural factors are extremely rare. Our investigation was designed to quantitatively evaluate the influence of the seasons on MAC's relative volume, number and diameter in the Ohrid trout (Salmo letnica Kar.) spleen. Data showed that all investigated parameters had significantly higher values in fish collected during spring and winter. Correlation anal-yses revealed that the increasing of the relative volume of MACs is a result of the increasing of the relative volume of melanin loaded MACs, as well as the increasing of their number and diameter. These results confirmed that the sea-son can affect MACs variations and should be taken into consideration, especially when spleen MACs are used as pollution biomarkers in monitoring studies.

Structural and functional alterations in Malpighian tubules as biomarkers of environmental pollution: synopsis and prospective.

Although a number of biomarkers of pollutant exposure have been identified in invertebrate species, little is known about the effect on Malpighian tubules playing an essential role in excretion and osmoregulation. Analyses of structural and functional alterations on this organ can be useful to predict the effects at the organism and population level in monitoring studies of environmental pollution. The aim of the present review is to provide a synthesis of existing knowledge on cellular damages induced by xenobiotics in Malpighian tubules both under laboratory and field conditions. We compared studies of exposure to pesticides and heavy metals as mainly environmental contaminants from anthropogenic activities. This report provided evidence that the exposure to xenobiotics has an effect on this organ and reinforces the need for further research integrating molecular biomarkers with analysis on Malpighian tubules. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

2D-DIGE as a proteomic biomarker discovery tool in environmental studies with Procambarus clarkii.

Metal content in digestive gland and gills of P. clarkii crayfish reflects their contents in sediments at sites of Doñana National Park and its surroundings. Accumulation of essential and toxic transition metals is paralleled by clear signs of oxidative stress to lipids and proteins and by significant deregulation of many proteins involved in protein folding, mitochondrial respiratory imbalance and inflammatory response. These results indicate that P. clarkii is an excellent bioindicator to be used in aquatic ecosystems quality monitoring. Additionally, results evidence that the anthropogenic activities carried out around Doñana National Park represent an extremely serious threat to this unique Biosphere Reserve and pose a risk to the environment and their inhabitants health. The identified deregulated proteins provide information about the metabolic pathways and/or physiological processes affected by pollutant-elicited oxidative stress, may also be useful as biomarkers of environmental pollution and have the added value of providing information about the molecular responses of this environmentally and economically interesting animal.

Environmentally induced tissue responses of hematopoietic system in abu mullet (Liza abu) and tiger tooth croaker (Otolithes ruber) from the Persian Gulf

The present investigation aimed to assess the possibility of using plasma levels of erythropoietin (EPO) hormone and tissue changes of hematopoietic organs as biomarkers of environmental pollution in abu mullet (Liza abu) and tiger tooth croaker (Otolithes ruber) collected from Musa Creek (northwest of the Persian Gulf). 120 L. abu and O. ruber were collected from five stations at the Musa Creek: Petrochemical, Ghanam, Doragh, Zangi and Patil stations. Blood samples were obtained from the caudal vein. Tissue samples were also taken from the spleen and head kidney, and tissue sections were prepared according to routine histological methods. The concentrations of Hg, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd were also measured in the sediment samples. The minimum level of EPO and the most severe tissue changes were determined in fish collected near a Petrochemical station. This station is adjacent to the Imam Khomeini Petrochemical Complex and receives highly contaminated effluents from this complex. The highest degree of contamination (Cd) also belonged to this station. The fish collected from the Patil station represented the highest EPO level and the least tissue changes. This station exhibited a lesser degree of contamination. Based on the results, there was a significant correlation between the plasma level of EPO hormone and the degree of environmental contamination.

Multibiomarker responses in aquatic insect Belostoma elegans (Hemiptera) to organic pollution in freshwater system.

The present study analyzes a battery of biomarkers in the water bug Belostoma elegans from a stream polluted with organic matter (OMS), and another one considered as reference site (RS) during spring-summer season (December to March). Biochemical parameters of glucidic, lipidic and oxidative metabolic pathways were analyzed in males and females of this insect. In general, no significant differences were observed in all biomarkers assayed between both sexes, except lactate concentration which was higher in males than in females (p<0.0006) in the first three months. About carbohydrate metabolism parameters, only pyruvate-kinase showed significant differences between insects collected in both streams (p<0.05) during December. However, the total lipid content, saturated fatty acid, and mainly triacylglycerol were higher in insects from RS compared to those from OMS (p<0.002) in all sampled months. Levels of lipoperoxidation, protein oxidation, reduced glutathione and glutathione-S-transferase activity showed no differences between insects collected from both streams. Nevertheless, the significant increase observed in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities (p<0.004) could be due to the elevated oxidative metabolism in insects from RS compared to those from OMS with lower dissolved oxygen. Regarding those responding parameters, males accounted for the differences between the two sites during the study period. In conclusion, our results support that lipidic energetic reserves and antioxidant enzyme activities in B. elegans could be used as biomarkers of environmental pollution by organic matter.

Effect of Copper and Lead as Water Pollutants on Ectoparasitic Infested Oreochromis niloticus

In this study, the effects of 1/10 and 1/20 96 h LC50 of copper and lead on ectoparasitic infested Oreochromis niloticus (O. niloticus) were evaluated by measuring its impact on the intensity and vitality of Cichlidogyrus and Trichodina species. In addition, copper and lead effects on hematological, biochemical parameters and histopathological findings of infested O. niloticus gills were evaluated. Three hundred naturally infested O. niloticus with Cichlidogyrusand Trichodina species were divided into five equal groups, each with three replicates (20 fish/ replicate). The infested fish of the first group were kept as control. While, infested fish of the second and third groups were exposed to 1/10 (0.43 mg/L) and 1/20 (0.21 mg/L) of 96 h LC50of copper sulphate, respectively. Fish of fourth and fifth group were exposed to 1/10 (20.2 mg/L) and 1/20 (10.1 mg/L) of 96 h LC50 of lead acetate, respectively. The results revealed an inverse relationship between the different concentrations of copper and lead (1/10 and 1/20 96 h LC50) and the intensity of external parasites in the gills of fish where the increase of copper and lead concentrations resulted in decrease in the intensity and vitality of ectoparasites during the experimental period (30 days). Red blood cell count, platelets, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, lymphocyte, neutrophil, esinophil, Aspertate Transminase; Alanine Transferase, urea and creatinine showed the lowest significant value in groups 2 and 4 in comparison to group 1, besides, histopathological alterations, such as; congestion of blood vessels and fusion of secondary lamellae and complete absence of secondary lamellae in gills of the experimental groups. It could be concluded that, fish ectoparasites (Cichlidogyrus and Trichodina species) are considered as a biomarker for environmental pollution (copper and lead pollution).