Biomonitoring Program Research Articles

Identification, Evaluation and Prioritization of Chemicals for National Human Biomonitoring Program: Insights from Latvia

Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a critical tool for assessing chemical exposure in populations and informing public health policies. This study aimed to prioritize chemical substances for the development of a national HBM program in Latvia, addressing the need for systematic evaluation of chemicals in the local context. Initially, 318 chemical substances were reviewed, of which 130 were shortlisted and assessed using an adapted Hanlon methodology. Substances were assessed based on their health significance, hazardous properties, exposure characteristics, national relevance, and public interest. The results identified 30 high-priority substances across various categories, providing a foundation for the HBM4LV program. This prioritization process highlighted the challenges of data gaps, resource limitations, and the need to balance national priorities with alignment to European frameworks. Despite addressing key methodological challenges, the study highlights the importance for ongoing refinement, robust data collection, and strengthened international collaboration to enhance the program’s scope and long-term sustainability. While the methodology addressed key challenges, further refinement and international collaboration are essential to enhance the program’s scope and sustainability.

The Transport of Sediments from the Cartagena-La Unión Mining District Leads to the Incorporation of Metal(loid)s into the Marine Environment

Extraction activities can have a significant impact on the environment due to the mobilization of trace elements. These elements can pose a risk to soils, biota, water, and human health when incorporated into nearby ecosystems. To evaluate the transfer of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn from mine areas to the marine environment, a study was conducted in the Cartagena-La Union mining district (SE Spain). The study area included the mouth of a stream affected by waste materials from tailing ponds. In addition, a maritime area without mining influence was selected as a control site. Sediment samples were collected (three transects with nine sampling points and three depths) at the El Gorguel shoreline, and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, total metal(loid)s content, water-soluble anions, and metal(loid)s in chemical fraction distribution. Water and biota samples (Paracentrotus lividus, Patella vulgata, Hexaplex trunculus, Anemonia viridis, and Trachinotus ovatus) were also collected for metal(loid) content analysis. The results showed that the metal(loid)s concentration in the sediment increased compared to the control site, which was not influenced by mining activities. The chemical composition of metal(loid)s in the sediments revealed that Cd is the most hazardous element due to its high concentration in the labile fractions (20%), suggesting easy transfer to the marine environment. However, transfer mechanisms should be studied in various scenarios with different climatic, wave, and tidal conditions. Marine biota metal(loid)s concentrations showed an increase in specimens collected under the influence of mining activities but without exceeding limits that would affect incorporation into the trophic chain. Consequently, bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes must be considered in a future biomonitoring program.

Environmental thresholds of semiaquatic bugs (Heteroptera, Gerromorpha) as an indicator of environmental change in Amazon streams.

Freshwater ecosystems under the influence of human activities are subject to multiple environmental stressors that lead to biodiversity loss and habitat modification. In recent years, various organisms have been used as bioindicators to detect environmental changes by their ability to perceive changes in community attributes. A good example is the semiaquatic bugs (Hemiptera, infra order Gerromorpha) that act as predators and are sensitive to subtle changes in environmental conditions. Our research aimed to investigate the responses of Gerromorpha communities, genera, and species along an environmental gradient in 45 Amazon streams. The environmental gradient was assessed utilizing the Habitat Integrity Index (HII) across the sampled streams, yielding a collection of 2.212 specimens representing three families, seven genera, and 36 species. The habitat integrity, represented by the HII, showed a positive relationship between species richness and the richness of genera of Gerromorpha, underscoring that both species and genera respond to environmental change in the analyzed habitats. Brachymetra lata (Gerridae), Rhagovelia jubata, and R. elegans (Veliidae) were the most sensitive taxa with a positive relationship to HII. Streams characterized by higher anthropogenic disturbance and reduced riparian vegetation were associated with a biodiversity pattern marked by increased abundance and frequency of generalist species and reduced genus frequency within the Veliidae family. We hope that the results of this study will contribute to future biomonitoring programs in response to habitat and species loss, aiming to assist decision-making to protect and restore riparian vegetation areas.

Active biomonitoring of stream ecosystems: untargeted metabolomic and proteomic responses and free radical scavenging activities in mussels.

Many contaminants from scattered sources constantly endanger streams that flow through heavily inhabited areas, commercial districts, and industrial hubs. The responses of transplanted mussels in streams in active biomonitoring programs will reflect the dynamics of environmental stream conditions. This study evaluated the untargeted metabolomic and proteomic responses and free radical scavenging activities of transplanted mussels Sinanodonta woodiana in the Winongo Stream at three stations (S1, S2, S3) representing different pollution levels: low (S1), high (S2), and moderate (S3). The investigation examined untargeted metabolomic and proteomic responses in the gills and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) activities in the gills, mantle, and digestive glands. Metabolomic analysis revealed a clear separation between mussel responses from the three stations after 28 days of exposure, with specific metabolites responding to different pollution levels. Proteomic analysis identified β-Actin protein in all stations. The β-Actin protein sequence of unexposed mussels had coverage of 17%, and increased to 23% at S1 on day 28 and 34% at S2 and S3 on day 28. All tissues showed increased DPPH and ABTS activities from day 3 to day 28, mainly in stations S2 and S3. These findings underscore the impact of pollution levels on the metabolomic and proteomic responses of S. woodiana and the importance of these discoveries as early indicators (biomarkers) of long-term aquatic environmental problems. In the face of current environmental challenges, this research raises concerns about the health of water bodies. It underscores the importance of developing robust, standardized, and dependable analytical techniques for monitoring the health of aquatic environments.

Active biomonitoring of river pollution using an ex-situ exposure system with two model species.

In the context of increasing pollution pressure on aquatic ecosystems, it is essential to improve our knowledge of habitat quality and its suitability for organisms. It is particularly relevant to better integrate early life stages of fish into pollution biomonitoring programs, as they are reliable indicators of ecosystem integrity and because of their high sensitivity to pollutants. To avoid the influence of environmental parameters on their development, a lab-on-field approach, called the ex-situ exposure method, was developed. Aquatic organisms were exposed to a continuous flux of water under semi-controlled temperature, oxygen, and photoperiod conditions to avoid the influence of these confounding factors when interpreting the results. To investigate the potential role of water contamination, this active biomonitoring method was applied to the Garonne River (Southwest France), where migratory fish populations have declined. Two model species from different taxa were used: embryos of the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) and adults of the crustacean Gammarus fossarum. The results showed a significant impact of water quality on embryo mortality and early hatching in two separate experiments on Japanese medaka. In addition, an induction of feeding rate was observed in exposed gammarids, but no impact on their embryo survival, suggesting differences in sensitivity between the two species selected. Chemical and biological analyses did not identify trace metals, pesticides, or microorganisms as potential sources of toxicity in medaka embryos or G. fossarum. These results raise concerns about the quality of the water in the Garonne River and its toxicity to aquatic organisms.

A Kick in the Headwaters: Evaluating a Macroinvertebrate Sampling Method for Ecological Condition Monitoring in Small Streams

ABSTRACTSmall streams dominate river networks and collectively support high biodiversity, but are rarely included in regulatory biomonitoring programmes. Macroinvertebrate communities are effective biomonitors of ecological condition and are routinely collected using 3‐min ‘kick’ samples. However, this 3‐min duration may not be suitable for small streams, which typically support fewer taxa at lower densities than larger rivers of equivalent condition. We evaluated the kick‐sampling method at 30 sites representing a national small stream monitoring network. At each site, we collected three 5‐min kick samples in 10 0.5‐min component parts. We used the families collected in 15 min to represent ‘total’ site‐scale taxonomic richness, then determined the duration needed to sample ≥ 65% of these taxa (a method and target comparable to those used in larger rivers). We also determined the sampling duration at which an average score per taxon (ASPT) biomonitoring index stabilized. Considering all streams, on average, 2.5‐min durations captured ≥ 65% of taxa, but 3.5 min was required to reach this target in temporary streams, because numerous taxa occurred at low abundance. Only 54% of samples contained ≥ 65% of taxa after 2.5 min, compared to 70% after 3 min. In most streams, the ASPT stabilized after 2 min, whereas 3 min was required to meet this target in temporary streams. Considering the variation around any estimate of capture rates introduced by natural variability, taxonomic resolution and operator error, we suggest 3 min as the most robust sampling duration to enable condition monitoring in individual small streams and comparison with larger rivers.

Introducing the OECD guidance document on occupational biomonitoring: A harmonized methodology for deriving occupational biomonitoring levels (OBL).

Derivation of occupational biomonitoring levels (OBLs) is needed to effectively utilize biomonitoring for assessing exposures to chemical substances, and consequently, implement risk reduction measures to reduce health risks among workers. OBLs are the appropriate option for chemical substances that can be absorbed through the skin. This methodology for derivation of OBLs has been developed in collaboration with scientific and regulatory experts from more than 40 institutes in 15 countries within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) framework. This manuscript provides a summary of the guidance on derivation of OBLs destined for scientists, risk assessors, and regulators who are tasked with establishing OBLs for regulatory purposes and implementing occupational biomonitoring programs. The derivation methodology follows a tiered approach based on the strength of evidence and quality of the data that we have labeled level of confidence. The tiered approach serves as a practical framework in occupational health risk assessment and management. We distinguish between four OBL levels depending on the strength of scientific evidence and confidence level: health-based derivation of OBL based on robust epidemiological data showing causal exposure-health effect relationship and Provisional OBL (POBL) based on robust toxicological animal data showing dose-response relationship as well as two assessment values which are not health based: reference levels in the general population (Reference OBL or (ROBL)), and Technical achievable OBL or (TOBL). Four case studies illustrating the derivation methods for OBLs and POBLs are also provided. Using this state-of-the-art approach (OECD guidance document no. 370) will lead to a harmonized derivation of OBLs and subsequently to evidence-based risk management measures.

Nationwide human biomonitoring strategy in Korea: Prioritization of novel contaminants using GC/TOF-MS with suspect and non-target screening

According to global regulations on hazardous chemicals, numerous alternatives have been manufactured and used in various consumer products. Suspect and non-target analyses are advanced analytical techniques used for identifying novel contaminants. In the present study, suspect and non-target analytical approaches using a gas chromatography coupled to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer were applied to identify novel contaminants in 40 pooled serum samples from a sub-population (n = 400) of the 2015–2017 national biomonitoring program. Suspect screening analysis was performed using an in-house library based on retention times and quantifier and qualifier ions for 222 contaminants, including persistent organic pollutants and emerging contaminants. Non-target analysis was performed by matching deconvoluted mass spectra to the spectral library from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The suspect screening analysis identified organochlorinated pesticides, organophosphate esters, phthalate esters, and alternative plasticizers. Among the 68 compounds identified in the non-target analysis, siloxanes, novel organophosphate esters, and UV ink photoinitiators were considered candidates for future inclusion in the biomonitoring program based upon significant human exposure. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of suspect and non-target analysis to identify novel contaminants to prioritize for inclusion within a national human biomonitoring program.

Associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and alternatives with subclinical hypothyroidism in children: A cross-sectional study in China

There is growing experimental and epidemiological evidence linking perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure to thyroid dysfunction; however, the association between PFAS and their alternatives to subclinical hypothyroidism in children remains to be elucidated. This study investigated the association between 30 PFASs and thyroid function using serum samples from 194 children (aged 3–17 years) who participated in the Zhejiang Human Biomonitoring Program. Various thyroid function indicators, including free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine (FT4), and thyrotropin, were tested, and subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed. Linear regression was employed to examine the associations between individual PFASs and thyroid hormone levels, and logistic regression was applied to assess their associations with subclinical hypothyroidism. The quantile g-computation (qgcomp) method was used to examine the combined and individual effects of PFAS mixtures on thyroid function. Both PFASs and their alternatives were associated with altered thyroid hormone levels and subclinical hypothyroidism. A higher level of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHpA) was associated with decreased FT4 with a reduction of −0.028 pmol/L (95 % confidence interval [95 % CI]: −0.047, −0.008) per unit increase as well as increased odds of subclinical hypothyroidism (odds ratio [OR] = 1.95; 95 % CI: 1.11, 3.53). Moreover, a higher PFAS mixture was associated with elevated odds of subclinical hypothyroidism (OR = 3.72; 95 % CI: 1.08, 12.85), in which PFHpA, in conjunction with 6:2 chlorinated perfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid, accounted for the greatest proportion of the variance. These findings augment our understanding of the adverse effects of PFASs and their alternatives on thyroid homeostasis, underscoring the need for further epidemiological research.

Human biomonitoring health-based guidance values: A case study of the HB2GV Dashboard and DEHP

In 2022, the International Society of Exposure Science (ISES) International Human Biomonitoring (i-HBM) Working Group launched a free, online repository of biomonitoring guidance values referred to as the Human Biomonitoring Health-Based Guidance Value (HB2GV) Dashboard. The goal of the Dashboard is to assist global human biomonitoring data users (e.g., risk assessors, risk managers) and human biomonitoring programs with a readily available compilation of guidance values for the general population. The Dashboard contains approximately 600 HB2GVs for over 150 chemicals or their metabolites. Although there are many different types of HB2GVs, most are Biomonitoring Equivalents (BEs), Human Biomonitoring (HBM-I and HBM-II) values, or Human Biomonitoring Guidance Values (HBM-GVs). For users new to human biomonitoring, understanding how the different types of HB2GVs are derived and how to interpret those values in the context of human biomonitoring data can be difficult. Therefore, there is a need to inform users of the differences among available guidance values and to help users identify the HB2GV that could be most suitable for their purposes. Here, we summarize the derivation of HB2GVs for a case study chemical, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). We selected DEHP as there are 36 unique HB2GVs available from three of the most common types of guidance values (i.e., BE, HBM-I value, HBM-GV). We also compare the available HB2GVs with a focus on the differences among their derivation methods, relative quality and confidence, and interpretation. This case study provides guidance on the use of existing HB2GVs for health-based interpretation of human biomonitoring data that may be applied to other chemicals. As with any other type of guidance or regulatory value (e.g., RfDs, MRLs), thoughtful selection and use are strongly encouraged. Appropriately interpreting HBM data with the aid of guidance values can result in improved decision making which, ultimately, could lead to better protection of public health.

The Exposure Status of Environmental Chemicals in South Korea: The Korean National Environmental Health Survey 2018-2020.

In South Korea, a Human Biomonitoring (HBM) program, known as the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS), was launched in 2009. This study aims to provide an overview of environmental chemical exposures in South Korea based on data from the KoNEHS cycle 4 (2018-2020). To ensure population representativeness, Koreans aged 3 years and older were recruited from 426 sites across the country. A total of 6381 participants joined in the collection of biospecimens, which were subsequently analyzed for 33 environmental chemicals or their metabolites, including nine that were not included in the previous cycle. The five most common PFASs were detected in more than 99.7% of the participants. The GM of serum PFOS was the highest in adults at 15.1 µg/L (13.9, 16.4) and in adolescents at 7.97 µg/L (7.42, 8.56). In adults, there was a gradual decrease in the detection rate and concentration of some heavy metals and phthalate metabolites. In children and adolescents, the detection rate of BPA in urine decreased, while the rate of its substitutes BPF and BPS increased, and the rate of propyl paraben in urine decreased significantly. The results of the KoNEHS cycle 4 indicate that exposure levels to certain environmental chemicals are still high, highlighting further monitoring and on-going surveys to determine their trends, especially for newly investigated substances, such as PFASs.

The Bioaccumulation of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Organs of Phragmites australis and Their Application as Indicators of Pollution (Bug River, Poland)

The bioaccumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in aquatic plants is critical in assessing the quality of aquatic environments and the risks associated with anthropogenic activities. This research involved using Phragmites australis as a bioindicator in a comprehensive assessment of the spatial variation in pollution within the Bug River catchment, employing advanced statistical methods to identify pollution sources. The study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation of PTEs in different parts of the P. australis plant and to evaluate their suitability as bioindicators of contamination. Plant samples were collected from 32 locations in the Bug River catchment, and the concentrations of metals such as Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated that PTE accumulation was highest in the roots, underscoring their crucial role in monitoring metal concentrations. Metal concentrations differed based on land use within the catchment area, with the highest levels observed in urbanized regions, highlighting the significant impact of human activities like wastewater discharge and transport emissions. The highest concentrations were observed for Fe, Mn, and Zn, while Cd concentrations were notably elevated in agricultural areas. The analyses confirmed that P. australis serves as an effective bioindicator of heavy metal contamination and can be employed in long-term biomonitoring programs.

Evaluation of various mass spectrometry mode based on gas chromatography for quantifying the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites in human urine

Hydroxyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs) are frequently used as biomarkers to assess human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are typically present in minute concentrations in the human body. Although several studies have outlined methods for measuring OH-PAHs in human urine, these approaches may have limitations concerning the range of compounds detected, the sample volume required for pre-treatment, accuracy, and instrument maintenance costs. Advances in mass spectrometry technology have facilitated the use of various mass spectrometry modes based on gas chromatography. It is essential to evaluate different mass spectrometry modes to identify a more reliable and practical method for quantifying OH-PAHs in urine. Our comparative analysis of three gas chromatography-mass spectrometry modes revealed that advanced electron ionization (AEI) mode exhibited greater sensitivity for determination compared to electron ionization (EI) mode in tandem mass spectrometry. The method validation criteria were satisfied by GC-AEI-MS/MS, which demonstrated acceptable measurement errors (MEs) ranging from -23.0 % to 19.5 %, recoveries between 81.6 % and 112.1 %, and precision levels below 10.1 %. Furthermore, the reliability and accuracy of the GC-AEI-MS/MS method were corroborated through Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) evaluation (values > 0.75), participation in external proficiency testing programs (G-EQUAS), and analysis of certified reference materials, which exhibited a relative deviation of <6.1 %. In summary, GC-AEI-MS/MS is a robust and reliable method for analyzing urine samples and conducting large-scale human biological monitoring. It was employed to determine 16 OH-PAHs in human urine as part of the China National Human Biomonitoring Program (CNHBM).

Three new species of plexippine jumping spiders (Salticidae, Salticinae, Plexippini) from dry forest in Boeny region, north-western Madagascar

Despite being the most diverse family of spiders, Salticidae (jumping spiders) are poorly studied in Madagascar with only 47 of the total 105 species recorded in the last 100 years. Here, we describe three new species of Plexippini Simon, 1901 from dry forests in North-western Madagascar as part of an ongoing biomonitoring programme. This paper increases the number of species in the genus Evarcha Simon, 1902 from 93 to 95 and Thyene Simon, 1885 from 55 to 56. Additionally, we publish specimen records of Plexippus petersi (Karsch, 1878) from Madagascar for the first time. All new species are diagnosed and illustrated through photographs and drawings.

Exploring the link between COVID-19 and gut microbiome at the community level

Abstract Introduction/Objective Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 virus through wastewater has been adopted as an effective surveillance approach for combating the COVID-19 pandemic. To understand the interplay between this virus and the human microbiome, this study examined the longitudinal co-dynamics between the virus and the microbiome across various sewage samples representing diverse demographic populations in Houston. Methods/Case Report We collected wastewater through manholes and the viral RNA levels of SARS-CoV-2 were monitored from December 2020 to 2021. The sampling sites serve nursing homes, rehabs, and shelters across the metro Houston area, respectively. The viral load was analyzed by the gold standard RT-qPCR method, and the microbiome load and composition by qPCR and amplicon sequencing of the 16S and ITS DNA. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Preliminary results on the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 viral load indicated diverse trends among sampling sites. These viral trends could be classified into three basic categories: flat, up and down, and up, suggesting disparities in COVID-19 infections among communities. A full analysis of the microbiome is underway, but a preview of the data revealed that bacteria and fungi commonly seen in the human gut predominated the wastewater samples. This paves the way to exploring the link between COVID-19 and the gut microbiome, which could shed light on the observed COVID-19 disparities. Conclusion As a proof-of-concept, our sewage bio-monitoring program was able to capture COVID-19 viral, bacterial, and fungal signals longitudinally from manholes serving a wide range of communities. Because these signals are predominantly human-associated, further analysis of these signals could offer insight on COVID-19 related disparities among these communities.

Characterizing visual field loss from past mercury exposure in an Indigenous riverine community (Grassy Narrows First Nation, Canada): a cluster-based approach

BackgroundBetween 1962 and 1975, a chlor-alkali plant in Canada discharged approximately 9 metric tons of mercury (Hg) into the Wabigoon River. Over the following decades, biomarkers of Hg exposure of persons from Grassy Narrows First Nation (Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek), located downriver from the discharge, reflected Hg concentrations in fish. Hg exposure is known to target the calcarine fissure, resulting in visual field (VF) loss. Most studies and clinical reports focus solely on peripheral VF loss; little is known about the impact of Hg on the central and paracentral portions. The present study sought to characterize the patterns of VF loss with respect to past and current Hg.MethodsA 28-year hair-Hg (HHg) database, created from a 1970–97 government biomonitoring program, served to select study participants with ≥ 4 year-based HHg measurements (n = 81). Blood-Hg was assessed for current exposure. Light sensitivity thresholds across the VF were analyzed monocularly, using a Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA). Following post-hoc exclusions, based on HFA interpretation indices, 65 participants were retained. Both eyes were combined for analyses (n = 130 eyes). Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of HFA plot data was used to identify patterns of VF loss. A series of mixed effects models (MEM) were performed to test the associations for current Hg exposure with respect to HFA interpretation indices and clusters, as well as for longitudinal past Hg exposure.ResultsThe clustering approach decomposed the light sensitivity deficits into 5 concentric clusters, with greatest loss in the peripheral clusters. No relation was observed between any of the cluster scores and current blood-Hg. VF deficits increased with past Hg exposure. Longitudinal MEM showed that HHg was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with all peripheral, paracentral, and central cluster scores, as well as with HFA interpretation indices.ConclusionsPast Hg exposure in Grassy Narrows First Nation was associated with present day VF loss. The cluster-based location-specific approach identified patterns of VF loss associated with long-term Hg exposure, in both the peripheral and the central areas. The functional implications of this type of visual loss should be investigated.

Monitoring the short-term biological response of environmental noise in real-life sleep conditions

A protocol is developed to measure the short-term biological response to environmental noise during sleep. It is designed as potential component in the Human Biomonitoring Program of the Flemish Government. The focus of the protocol is the user-friendliness and the use of non-invasive but accurate technology. The sensor boxes are deployed without third party support using a simple set of instructions. The setup includes simultaneous indoor and outdoor spectral noise monitoring to discriminate between indoor and outdoor disturbances. Actimetry and heart rate are monitored on-torso to detect potential arousals and awakenings. The data analysis is performed in a 10 second resolution and is based on the heart rate variability (HRV) of nine teenage subjects. The bedroom insulation is included using the difference between outdoor and indoor noise. The relevant biomarker is the HF/LF ratio, a HRV parameter related to the activation of the autonomous nervous system, shows significant correlation with the environmental noise. Peak emergence and augmented background noise also result in enhanced activation of the autonomous nervous system. This novel approach delivers an objective measure of the short-term biological effect of noise during sleep in real-life conditions. The affordability and low-invasive design allow large-scale deployment in future health studies.

The development of rapid immunoassays for the urinary analysis of 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide facilitate both laboratory and on-site polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biomonitoring

Polycylic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are produced during the incomplete burning of organic materials. PAH sources include vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke and waste incineration. Environmental and occupational exposures to PAHs are known to occur. Cancer is a significant endpoint of PAH exposure and several occupations associated with high PAH exposure have been classified by IARC as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).Pyrene is a common component of PAH mixtures and metabolism of pyrene leads to the excretion of 1-hydroxypyrene glucuronide (1-OHPyrG) in urine. Laboratory measurement of urinary 1-OHPyrG is employed in occupational and environmental biomonitoring programmes. The production of an anti-1-OHPyrG monoclonal antibody would allow the development of a PAH biomonitoring ELISA facilitating large scale laboratory screening and routine testing.The development of a lateral flow immunoassay and the production of a field test (point of use test) would greatly increase the value of biomonitoring. A novel Lateral Flow has been developed which employs an anti-1-OHPyrG sheep monoclonal antibody (Mab) to capture the PAH metabolite. The captured metabolite is visualised through a second Mab raised against the Mab-1-OHPyrG immune complex. This sandwich assay provides a positive correlation between the assay signal and biomarker concentration.A Smartphone camera allows signal measurement and a carefully considered ‘app’ provides result interpretation and data analysis. Results are provided in an exposed/not-exposed format. Performance of the lateral flow was confirmed through a comparative study and field trial. The development of a lateral flow test provides "real-time" analysis to occupational health professionals. On-site screening allows the immediate confirmation of safe working practice, provides immediate reassurance to those involved in potentially hazardous activities and greatly increases the efficacy of biomonitoring.

Development of a Macroinvertebrate Multimetric Index for the Evaluation of the Ecological Quality of Lake Nokoué

Nowadays, new tools for assessing the biotic integrity of aquatic environments are used. In Benin, the Macroinvertebrate MultiMetric Lake Index (M3LI) was designed to reveal the current state of Lake Nokoué. The inventory was carried out in eight seasonal data collection campaigns from 2019 to 2021 using an Eckman type grab and a trouble net. The composition, diversity and different metrics were calculated. Thirty-nine metrics grouped into five categories were defined and subjected to selection using a PCA in order to identify the relevant metrics for calculating the index. In the lake, 83 taxa divided into 25 orders and 54 families representing 32,770 specimens were determined. Insects, Molluscs, Crustaceans and Annelids constituted the essential macrofauna which was numerically dominated by Gastropods, Crustaceans, Bivalves and Insects. Of the 5 food functional groups obtained, crushers and collector-gatherers were dominant. Ten metrics relevant and well explained by environmental variables were used to calculate M3LI. The M3LI calculated varied from 6.44 at the station near Dantokpa to 3.38 at the Cotonou channel station with fluctuating water quality between poor quality and good quality. These results clearly explain the responses of the living communities of the lake faced with the various stresses due to daily marine intrusion, the role of receptacle of different continental waters and the various anthropogenic activities plunging the environment into a hypereutrophic state. It is therefore urgent to take measures to restoration of this environment to allow living species to regain their balance of life. This index is also a departure for the establishment of a biomonitoring program for the restoration of the lake.

Evidence for widespread human exposure to food contact chemicals.

Over 1800 food contact chemicals (FCCs) are known to migrate from food contact articles used to store, process, package, and serve foodstuffs. Many of these FCCs have hazard properties of concern, and still others have never been tested for toxicity. Humans are known to be exposed to FCCs via foods, but the full extent of human exposure to all FCCs is unknown. To close this important knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic overview of FCCs that have been monitored and detected in human biomonitoring studies according to a previously published protocol. We first compared the more than 14,000 known FCCs to five biomonitoring programs and three metabolome/exposome databases. In a second step, we prioritized FCCs that have been frequently detected in food contact materials and systematically mapped the available evidence for their presence in humans. For 25% of the known FCCs (3601), we found evidence for their presence in humans. This includes 194 FCCs from human biomonitoring programs, with 80 of these having hazard properties of high concern. Of the 3528 FCCs included in metabolome/exposome databases, most are from the Blood Exposome Database. We found evidence for the presence in humans for 63 of the 175 prioritized FCCs included in the systematic evidence map, and 59 of the prioritized FCCs lack hazard data. Notwithstanding that there are also other sources of exposure for many FCCs, these data will help to prioritize FCCs of concern by linking information on migration and biomonitoring. Our results on FCCs monitored in humans are available as an interactive dashboard (FCChumon) to enable policymakers, public health researchers, and food industry decision-makers to make food contact materials and articles safer, reduce human exposure to hazardous FCCs and improve public health. We present systematically compiled evidence on human exposure to 3601 food contact chemicals (FCCs) and highlight FCCs that are of concern because of their known hazard properties. Further, we identify relevant data gaps for FCCs found in food contact materials and foods. This article improves the understanding of food contact materials' contribution to chemical exposure for the human population and highlights opportunities for improving public health.