Ecological Toxicity Research Articles

Beyond Petrotoxic Apparatuses

Literature on petroleum and its toxicities understands both as simultaneously social and ecological. Beginning with scholarship on petroleum and its toxicity that captures that simultaneity and mutual constitution, this review definespetrotoxicityas the socioecological toxicity inherent in petroleum commodification. The term signals that petroleum’s social and ecological toxicities are not merely related, but always/already interdependent and inherent in petroleum commodification. Thinking about petrotoxicity this way frames it as something similar to repressive and ideological apparatuses. Althusserian apparatuses shape subjects and spaces in violent and bureaucratic ways. Generating and resisting petrotoxic apparatuses are consistent themes of literature on petrotoxicity. Thinking with Stuart Hall’s critique of Louis Althusser, this review concludes by highlighting scholarship showing the limits of this popular framing of power, ecology, and intervention vis-à-vis petroleum. Long-term fieldwork in North Dakota’s Bakken region informs this article at various points.

Targeted Hydrolysis of β-Lactam Antibiotics in Dry Suspension Residue: A Proposed Method to Reduce Ecological Toxicity and Bacterial Resistance

Within our therapeutic drug arsenal, antibiotics are of significant importance and are widely used in huge amounts to medicate, e.g., bacterial infections in humans and animals. Regarding the more than 10 types of antimicrobial drugs, the highly important orally taken β-lactams typically include dry suspension formulations. In many cases for this formulation, even after usage according to specification, residues remain in the prepared dry suspension bottle, which is often cleaned at home and the contents are flushed down into domestic wastewater. This plausible practice adds to the fact that, e.g., amoxicillin can be found in river waters, and is to be monitored in the EU, as given by resolution 2008/105/EG article 8b. When imported into the environment, β-lactam antibiotics can cause severe ecological problems, and equally importantly, therapeutic applications of these antibiotics are endangered by the forced development of pathogenic resistance. To avoid these issues, we developed and validated a fast, simple, robust, and cost-effective method using a 1 M sodium hydroxide solution to effectively hydrolyze and inactivate β-lactam residues. In this paper, we strongly propose a procedure involving pharmacists to take back residue of β-lactam dry suspension formulations. Subsequently, qualified pharmaceutical staff could inactivate β-lactam residue in the laboratory by the proposed method, and then dispose of the mixture into wastewater.

Comprehensive Evaluation of a Deep Eutectic Solvent Based CO2 Capture Process through Experiment and Simulation

As an emerging green and sustainable solvent, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) applied to the carbon capture process is considered to be a promising absorbent. This work aims to comprehensively evaluate the potential and effectiveness of DESs for CO2 capture. First, a hydrophobic DES, which is composed of tetrabutylammonium bromide as the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and decanoic acid as the hydrogen bond donor (HBD) with a molar ratio of 1:2, was screened out from 280 DESs by the conductor-like screening models–segment activity coefficient (COSMO-SAC) model. Then, quantum chemistry methods were used to investigate the interaction mechanism between the DES and CO2. The results show that the interactions between CO2 and the DES are mainly weak hydrogen bonds and van der Waals dispersion attraction forces. Next, gas–liquid equilibrium experiments were performed to investigate the effects of temperature and pressure, the types of HBAs and HBDs, and the molar ratios of HBA to HBD on the solubility of CO2. The results show that the process of DES absorbing CO2 obeys Henry’s law and confirm the reliability of the COSMO-SAC model prediction. Finally, a rigorous rate-based model for the DES-based postcombustion CO2 capture process was simulated, and the life cycle environmental sustainability was evaluated and compared with that of the traditional solvent monoethanolamine, confirming the advantages of the negligible vapor pressure, thermal stability, and low ecological toxicity of the DES. This study provides a technical reference for applying new solvents developed in the laboratory to practical industrial processes.

Study on the Mechanism of Manifestation of Ecological Toxicity in Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Using the Sensing System of Earthworm Movement

Study on the Mechanism of Manifestation of Ecological Toxicity in Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil Using the Sensing System of Earthworm Movement

Microbial debromination of hexabromocyclododecanes.

Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), a new sort of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), are globally prevalent and recalcitrant toxic environmental pollutants. HBCDs have been found in many environmental media and even in the human body, leading to serious health concerns. HBCDs are biodegradable in the environment. By now, dozens of bacteria have been discovered with the ability to transform HBCDs. Microbial debromination of HBCDs is via HBr-elimination, HBr-dihaloelimination, and hydrolytic debromination. Biotic transformation of HBCDs yields many hydroxylated and lower brominated compounds which lack assessment of ecological toxicity. Bioremediation of HBCD pollution has only been applied in the laboratory. Here, we review the current knowledge about microbial debromination of HBCDs, aiming to promote the bioremediation applied in HBCD contaminated sites. KEY POINTS: • Microbial debromination of HBCDs is via hydrolytic debromination, HBr-elimination, and HBr-dihaloelimination. • Newly occurred halogenated contaminants such as HBCDs hitch the degradation pathway tamed by previously discharged anthropogenic organohalides. • Strategy that combines bioaugmentation with phytoremediation for bioremediation of HBCD pollution is promising.

Toxic effects of norfloxacin in soil on fed and unfed Folsomia candida (Isotomidae: Collembola) and on gut and soil microbiota

Soils contaminated with antibiotics may exert effects on soil-dwelling animals. A systematic ecological toxicity assessment of norfloxacin on the soil collembolan Folsomia candida (F. candida) was therefore conducted in soil and Petri dish systems with and without feeding at the population, individual and cellular levels. The indicators survival, reproduction, antioxidant enzyme activities peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and gut microbiota were studied. The surrounding soil microbiota were also investigated because F. candida can ingest soil microbiota that may have effects on the gut microbiota. In general, the toxicity of norfloxacin to F. candida in contaminated soil without food addition was higher than in contaminated soil with food addition. Norfloxacin had little effect at population and individual levels but antioxidant enzyme activities changed significantly in treatments with longer exposure times or higher norfloxacin concentrations. CAT was more sensitive than SOD or POD. The diversity indices and composition at phylum level of the gut microbiota showed little change. However, the operational taxonomic units in the gut decreased in the presence of norfloxacin. The relative abundance of Wolbachia, the predominant bacterial genus in the gut, decreased significantly with increasing soil norfloxacin concentration. Wolbachia may therefore be a promising bioindicator in the assessment of norfloxacin pollution of soils at environmental concentrations.

Bioremediation of clay with high oil content and biological response after restoration

The clay with high oil content form soil lumps, which is hard for microbes to repair. In this paper, the bioaugmentation and biostimulation technology were applied to improve the bioremediation effect of the soil with high oil content, that modified by local cow dung and sandy soil, the ecological toxicity of the soil after restoration was further analyzed. After 53 days of bioremediation, the degradation efficiency with respect to the total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) content reached 76.9% ± 2.2%. The soil bacterial count of M5 group reached log10 CFU/g soil = 7.69 ± 0.03 and the results were better than other experimental groups. The relative abundances of petroleum-degrading bacteria added to M5 remained high (Achromobacter 9.44%, Pseudomonas 31.06%, and Acinetobacter 14.11%), and the proportions of some other indigenous bacteria (Alcanivorax and Paenibacillus) also increased. The toxicity of the bioremediated soil was reduced by seed germination and earthworm survival experiments.

Toxic effects of acute exposure to polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics on the model insect, silkworm Bombyx mori

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs, respectively) are major contaminants of environmental concern due to their potentially detrimental effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, little is known about their potential toxicity in terrestrial organisms. Here, we used the model insect silkworm (Bombyx mori) to evaluate the potential hazardous effects of acute exposure (72 h) to polystyrene (PS) MPs and NPs at physiological, molecular, and biochemical levels as well as their impact on pathogen infection. Our results revealed no significant changes in larval body mass or survival. Nevertheless, exposure led to significant alterations in the expression of immunity-related genes (Cecropin A, Lysozyme, SOD, and GST) and antioxidant-mediated protective response (SOD, GST, and CAT enzymes) which differed in the PS-MP and PS-NP groups. Interestingly, PS-MPs induced a stronger immune response (higher expressions of Lysozyme, SOD, and GST genes along with increased activities of SOD, GST, and CAT enzymes) while the PS-NP response was more that of an inhibitory nature (decreased SOD activity and expression). As a result, upon infection with the natural pathogen Serratia marcescens Bm1, the PS-MP-exposed individuals survived the infection better whereas, PS-NP-exposed individuals exhibited significantly higher mortality. Thus, we infer that PS-MPs/NPs present ecological toxicity, which is closely related to their size, and that their exposure may render the organisms vulnerable or confer resistance to pathogen infections and ecotoxicants. Given the suitability of silkworm as a model organism, this study may promote its application for further investigation of the mechanism of adverse outcome pathways and in studies on bio-nano interactions.

Ecological Risk from Toxic Metals in Sediments of the Yangtze, Yellow, Pearl, and Liaohe Rivers, China.

In this study, the concentrations of six toxic metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in surface sediments within the Yangtze, Yellow, Pearl, and Liaohe rivers, China, were analyzed, and their associated pollution statuses and potential ecological risks were assessed using the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), and the potential ecological risk index (RI). Relatively high toxic metal concentrations were observed in the Pearl and Yangtze rivers, whereas relatively low concentrations were observed in the Yellow and Liaohe rivers. In the Yangtze, Pearl, and Liaohe rivers, the concentrations of these six toxic metals were higher than their background values. Based on the SQGs, the concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Cu in the four rivers were found to be higher than the threshold effect levels (TELs) but lower than the probable effect levels (PELs); however, the concentration of Ni exceeded the PEL in the Pearl River sediments. The Igeo index indicated that all four rivers were heavily contaminated with Cd. The RI of the Pearl and Yellow rivers was classed as high and low, respectively, and that of the Yangtze and Liaohe rivers as moderate. The pollution status of the sediments in the four major rivers was explored in relation to the geochemical background, the ecological toxicity of metals, and the sensitivity of the local benthic communities. These results provide meaningful information for directing river management priorities.

Adsorptive removal of eriochrome black T (EBT) dye by using surface active low cost zinc oxide nanoparticles: A comparative overview

The ecological toxicity imparted by non-biodegradable organic dyes has been considered as a major risk to handle in front of mankind. In this view, the low-cost zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were facially synthesized by coating the surface with surfactant (CTAB) and ionic liquid (BMTF) molecules for the effective removal of Eriochrome Black T (EBT) from aqueous media. Various advanced characterization techniques have given insight into the morphological features, crystalline structure and physio-chemical properties of as-synthesized ZnO-NPs. The systematic analysis of the adsorption isotherms and kinetics models specifies that the adsorption of EBT follow Freundlich model and pseudo-second-order kinetics. The intraparticle diffusion model displayed a linear relationship (R2 = 0.98, 0.97 and 0.94 for BMTF@ZnO, CTAB@ZnO and bare ZnO-NPs), which shows that pore diffusion rate is affected by surface modification and effects the overall EBT adsorption process. Furthermore, after the removal of 87% and 84% of EBT dye by BMTF@ZnO-NPs and CTAB@ZnO-NPs, the fabricated nanoadsorbents of ZnO were successfully regenerated and reused after the treatments up to four times. The adsorption aptitude of ZnO-NPs towards EBT dye was systematically explored in real wastewater samples and interference study of inorganic metallic salts was also performed. The toxicity estimations of the treated dye solutions were made using floral and fungal activities, to ascertain their non-toxic nature before releasing into the environment. These outcomes have supported the immense potential of ZnO-NPs towards the removal of EBT in a cost effective manner.

Excavation Method Determination of Earth-Retaining Wall for Sustainable Environment and Economy: Life Cycle Assessment Based on Construction Cases in Korea

This study describes life cycle assessment (LCA) results of the excavation depth and ground condition of a medium-sized excavation ground in order to examine the effect of construction methods on environmental and economic feasibility for an earth-retaining wall. LCA is conducted in consideration of eight environmental impact categories according to the construction stage of the earth-retaining wall. In addition, the environmental cost of construction method for the earth-retaining wall was calculated, and its selection criteria were analyzed based on the calculation results. The evaluation results of the environmental load of construction methods for the earth-retaining wall show that the H-Pile+Earth plate construction method has low economic efficiency because the construction method significantly increased the environmental load due to the increased ecological toxicity. The environmental load characteristics have a greater effect on the selection of construction methods in sandy soil than in composite soil when the excavation depth is the same. The evaluation result of the environmental cost of the construction methods for the earth-retaining wall shows that the environmental cost increased as the excavation depth increased, and the sandy soil conditions have higher environmental costs than complex soil conditions.

Methylation of Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside with Dimethyl Carbonate.

The approach presented in this study is the first for the hemisynthesis of methylated anthocyanins. It was possible to obtain cyanidin-3-O-glucoside derivatives with different degrees of methylation. Cautious identification of 4′-, 5-, and 7-OH monomethylated derivatives was also accomplished. The methylation agent used was the “green chemical” dimethyl carbonate (DMC), which is characterized by low human and ecological toxicity. The influence of the temperature, reaction time, and amount of the required diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-en (DBU) catalyst on the formation of the products was examined. Compared to conventional synthesis methods for methylated flavonoids using DMC and DBU, the conditions identified in this study result in a reduction of reaction time, and an important side reaction, so-called carboxymethylation, was minimized by using higher amounts of catalyst.

Analysis of Research Trends Based on Text Mining in the Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineering

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to analyze research trends based on text mining technology from the published papers in the Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineering.Methods : From 2000 to 2019, a total of 2,743 published papers were analyzed using text mining techniques. Term frequency, TF-IDF for document classification, word association analysis were applied to find the characteristics of text data.Results and Discussion : When confirming the high appearance of the word in the published paper during 2000-2019, ‘adsorption’, ‘heavy metals’, ‘activated carbon’, ‘sediment’, ‘sewage sludge’ was found in order. It implies that large number of studies in the journal were focused on the water quality field mainly. TF-IDF analysis classified the studies into five groups; 1) drinking water treatment field, 2) water quality modeling field, 3) heavy metal adsorption field, 4) biological sewage treatment field, 5) environmental catalyst field. These results by TF-IDF show that a large proportion of studies were published in the field of water quality modeling and biological sewage treatment. When we analyzed the term frequency every five years, “adsorption” and “heavy metals” were the highly-frequency occurrence words from 2000 to 2009, but in the last 5 years, new words such as “fine dust”, “cesium”, and “ecological toxicity” were appeared. It seems that the research was reflected in the recent environmental issues.Conclusions : A lot of studies has been focused on the field of water quality but in recent years, new research topics are being studied related to atmosphere, toxicity, and radiation. Applying a more sophisticated and diverse text mining technique will be of great help to improve the environmental engineering research field.

Long-term monitoring of soil quality and trace elements to evaluate land use effects and temporal change in the Wellington region, New Zealand

Soil quality monitoring is used to assess the soil's ability to maintain agricultural productivity, ecological, and environmental quality. Very few soil quality monitoring studies have reported on multiple samplings over the long-term. Several regional authorities in New Zealand have monitored soil quality since the late 1990s. In the Wellington region, dairy, mixed cropping, market garden, drystock (sheep/beef), horticulture, exotic forestry and indigenous land use systems, and four soil orders have been monitored over 19 years, with up to five repeat samplings per site. This study reports on key soil quality indicators and Cu, Zn, and Cd concentrations. For the most recent sampling per land use, all land use system sites, except drystock, had Zn concentrations below recommended ecological toxicity guidelines. Dairy land use had 21%, and 36% of sites within recommended soil quality target ranges, for Olsen P, and macroporosity, respectively. Compared with indigenous land, across all samplings, Cu concentrations were elevated in horticultural and market gardens sites, while several land uses had lower total nitrogen and higher Olsen P concentrations. Across all samplings, significant increases over time were observed in Zn for dairy, total nitrogen for drystock, and Olsen P for mixed cropping. Significant decreases over time were observed for Cu in forestry, Cd for indigenous and forestry, and bulk density for drystock. No changes over time were detected for macroporosity, anaerobically mineralised nitrogen, or organic carbon. This study shows the programme and our analysis of multiple samplings are valuable for detecting significant trends as an early warning, e.g. Zn and Olsen P changes. The study provides evidence for recommending additional sites for several land uses and increased sampling frequency to ensure future robust statistical analysis. This study included only sites where land use systems did not change, providing a robust basis for detecting change over time, for informing policy, resource and environmental decision-making.

The toxicological mechanism of two typical imidazole ionic liquids in textile industry on Isatis tinctoria

Ionic liquids (ILs1) which are called “green solvents”, are used widely in the textile industry as adjuvants due to their many advantages. However, their persistent residues may cause ecotoxicity. The aim of the study is to explore the toxicity of different anions on imidazole ILs and their toxicological mechanism. For the experiments 1-butyl-3-methylimidazole tetrafloroborate ([C4mim]BF4) and 1- butyl -3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl) were selected to study their toxic effects on Isatis tinctoria. ILs may affect the germination rate. Fresh weight, dry weight and Hill reaction activity decreased continuously with increasing of IL concentrations, showing an effect-dose relationship. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that cell walls were fuzzy, starch granules had accumulated and the chloroplast structure was damaged. These changes will affected the function and electron transport efficiency of photosystemⅡ. Superoxide anion accumulation stimulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) and caused lipid peroxidation as well as an increased malondialdehyde content. ILs also reduced indirubin and total flavonoids contents, which reduced the pharmacological efficacy of Isatis tinctoria. This is demonstrated by three-dimensional fluorescence chromatogram. [C4mim]Cl was more toxic than [C4mim]BF4. ILs caused toxic effects to Isatis tinctoria. The ecological toxicity of ILs should be considered when using them as additives in the textile industry.

Control quantity or toxicity of textile chemicals? A case study of denim jeans in the warp-dyeing phase

The extensive use and discharge of chemicals is one of the main factors leading to serious environmental pollution in the textiles and apparel industry. The chemical footprint (ChF) is a toxicity-based chemical management method that is used to quantitatively evaluate the potential toxic effects of chemical pollutants discharged during the production of textiles and apparel products on human health and environmental safety. Compared with the traditional quantity-based method, this method needs to simulate the entire process of chemicals from discharge to impact, involving a series of steps of fate, exposure and effect, which greatly increases the difficulty of modeling. A scientific question is whether it is worth spending so much effort to quantify the toxicity of chemicals. Taking the warp-dyeing phase of denim jeans as an example, this paper calculated the ChFs for both human and ecological toxicities of textile chemicals based on the USEtox model, and compared them with the values of discharge quantities. The results reveal that there is a certain inconsistency between the discharge quantity and toxicity of chemical substances. Relying solely on the amount of chemicals discharged can sometimes lead to misjudgments, emphasizing the importance of controlling the toxicity of chemicals.

Toxic Metal Pollution and Ecological Risk Estimation in the Sediment around Hopa Harbor, Turkey (SE)

AbstractThe objective of this article is to determine the spatial changes occurring because of natural and anthropogenic toxic metal pollution in accordance with different indexes using the geographic information system (GIS) method. In this context, the distribution of toxic metals, i.e., chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and arsenic (As), is investigated using sediment samples from the Hopa Harbor situated in the Southeastern Black Sea region. Sediment samples are collected from nine different stations in June 2017. Metal concentrations (in dry weight) vary from 23.2 to 94.7 for Cr, 62.1 to 301.7 for Cu, 89.3 to 287.9 for Zn, 67.6 to 137.1 for Pb, 20.1 to 99.1 for Ni, and 14.2 to 57.4 µg g−1 for As. The samples with highest concentrations are situated in the inner part of the harbor, where the water circulation system to remove the impurities is very poor. It is evident that Hopa Port activities negatively affect sediment quality, with metal concentration values increasing at stations close to the port. The data of this study reveal that Cu, Pb, and As are the main contributors to the ecological toxicity in and around Hopa Harbor. However, if the results are evaluated according to the longer time series, more precise data on the toxic effects of metals can be obtained.

A review on the role of eco-friendly inhibitors for mitigation of microbial influenced corrosion of steel and its impacts

Microbially induced corrosion (MIC) is a localized corrosion caused due to the presence of micro-organism. Such micro-organisms found in oil wells are responsible for localized changes in the aqueous atmosphere (e.g., modify the composition of electrolytes, materials, pH and oxygen level). Conventionally,inorganic corrosion inhibitors were used to deter the microbial corrosion. However, ecological toxicity of inorganic corrosion inhibitors has sparked the hunt for eco-friendly inhibitors because they are biologically degradable, absence of toxic elements. Plant goods are affordable, readily available and can be recycled, as well as being environmentally friendly and socially appropriate. There is an intense initiative underway to use corrosion inhibitors of plant origin for metals that are susceptible to different environmental conditions. Both efforts were inspired by a need to replace the chemical additives used in aqueous solutions to reduce the deterioration of metals and various alloys. Plants constitute a type of fascinating compound source currently being investigated for use in the safety of metal corrosion in most structures and as a potential substitute for toxic synthetic inhibitors. Research results on the use of eco-friendly phytochemicals as inhibitors of microbially influenced corrosion are summarized in this review article. A general introduction to the subject of inhibitor for biocorrosion mitigation is addressed accompanied by comprehensive literature review on the use of natural inhibitors in aerobic or anaerobic condition of management for corrosion of steel metals and various alloys in biotic corrosive media.

Experimental Investigation into the Effect of Pyrolysis on Chemical Forms of Heavy Metals in Sewage Sludge Biochar (SSB), with Brief Ecological Risk Assessment.

Experimental investigations were carried out to study the effect of pyrolysis temperature on the characteristics, structure and total heavy metal contents of sewage sludge biochar (SSB). The changes in chemical forms of the heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Cd) caused by pyrolysis were analyzed, and the potential ecological risk of heavy metals in biochar (SSB) was evaluated. The conversion of sewage sludge into biochar by pyrolysis reduced the H/C and O/C ratios considerably, resulting in stronger carbonization and a higher degree of aromatic condensation in biochar. Measurement results showed that the pH and specific surface area of biochar increased as the pyrolysis temperature increased. It was found that elements Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni were enriched and confined in biochar SSB with increasing pyrolysis temperature from 300–700 °C; however, the residual rates of Pb and Cd in biochar SSB decreased significantly when the temperature was increased from 600 °C to 700 °C. Measurement with the BCR sequential extraction method revealed that the pyrolysis of sewage sludge at a suitable temperature transferred its bioavailable/degradable heavy metals into a more stable oxidizable/residual form in biochar SSB. Toxicity of heavy metals in biochar SSB could be reduced about four times if sewage sludge was pyrolyzed at a proper temperature; heavy metals confined in sludge SSB pyrolyzed at about 600 °C could be assessed as being low in ecological toxicity.

Effect of maduramicin on crayfish (Procambius clarkii): Hematological parameters, oxidative stress, histopathological changes and stress response

Maduramicin, an extensively used anticoccidial drug, has been introduced into environment due to poorly absorbed in the intestine of broiler chicken. To understand the potential ecological toxicity of maduramicin on aquatic organisms, acute and subacute toxicity, hemolymph biochemistry, histopathology and the expressions of drug metabolism and stress response genes of crayfish (Procambius clarkii) were investigated in this study. For the first time, the 96 h median lethal concentration (LC50) of maduramicin on crayfish was 67.03 mgL−1 with a 95% confidence interval (54.06–81.32 mgL−1). Then, the crayfish were exposed to 0.7 mgL−1 (1/100 LC50), 3.5 mgL−1 (1/20 LC50) and 7.0 mgL−1 (1/10 LC50) maduramicin for 28 days. Maduramicin significantly altered biochemical parameters including AST, ALT, CK, LDH and ALP of hemolymph in crayfish at several time points. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) of crayfish gills, hepatopancreas and abdominal muscle were significantly decreased or elevated by different concentrations of maduramicin treatment at varying time points. Furthermore, histopathological damage of crayfish gills, hepatopancreas and abdominal muscle were observed in a concentration-dependent manner. The expressions of metabolic and stress response genes (CYP450, GST, COX1, COX2, HSP70 and MT) in hepatopancreas of crayfish were significantly up-regulated by maduramicin (7.0 mgL−1) treatment for 8 h to 7 d, and returned to normal levels after the removal of maduramicin for 3–7 days. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that environmental exposure of maduramicin threaten to the health of crayfish living in the areas nearby livestock farms or pharmaceutical factory. Crayfish exhibited resistance to the stress of maduramicin via activating drug metabolite and detoxification pathways.