Tool For Environmental Risk Assessment Research Articles

Stochastic model for simulating levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in small tuna and planktons using Metropolis – Hastings algorithm

This paper proposes a stochastic model to simulate the occurrence and levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in juvenile tuna. This model can calculate the transport of PCBs in the ocean (macroscopic phenomena) and biomagnification in fish (microscopic phenomena). The uncertainty in the concentration of the PCBs encountered by fish was treated by adopting a random sampling from the probability distribution function using Metropolis–Hastings algorithm. The model was applied to one-dimensional cases with transported PCBs and swimming fish. The simulated PCBs levels in the fish agreed well with levels observed by previous studies. Influences of PCBs spatial distribution patterns and current velocity on the PCBs levels in fish body was examined. The results showed that the model was sensitive to the distribution pattern and moderately sensitive to the current velocity. The model has the potential to be extended to more realistic situations and to serve as a tool for environmental risk assessment.

Possible use of terrestrial gastropod (Helix aspersa aspersa) and its life stages as a tool for environmental risk assessment

ABSTRACT This paper presents a laboratory study using terrestrial gastropods. Two different life stages of a cosmopolitan terrestrial gastropod Helix aspersa aspersa (syn. Cantareus aspersus or Cornu aspersum) were used. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cadmium on a target organism (H. aspersa aspersa) and the possible transfer of cadmium to the snail tissues. The sensitivity of different snails’ life stages exposed to different levels of cadmium was evaluated. The ecotoxicity tests for juvenile snails were performed according to ISO 15952:2018 standard and lasted for 28 days. During that period, the growth inhibition (both in mass and shell diameter) was observed. The embryotoxicity experiments lasted for 14 days and the hatching success was evaluated. The IC50 (inhibition concentration) values for juveniles and eggs were calculated as 68.2 and 7.6 mg/L of Cd2+, respectively. All individuals were frozen for the determination of cadmium content by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The results proved the increased levels of cadmium in the tissues while the mass of the snails decreased. Our results confirm that snail H. aspersa aspersa (and its life stages) is a very suitable laboratory organism for soil ecotoxicity assessment.

ERA Acute – Extending an Environmental Risk Assessment Model to the Marginal Ice Zone

ERA Acute is a globally applicable method and software tool for environmental risk assessment (ERA) of acute oil spills (Stephansen et. al, 2017a and 2017b; Libre et al, 2018), and is to be implemented as the new industry standard ERA methodology on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). This paper describes the proposed adaptation and further development of the established ERA Acute method to enhance the functionality for ERA of acute oil spills in the Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ). Due to the highly dynamic nature of the MIZ, the pilot ERA Acute MIZ proposes to use high temporal resolution data on ice concentrations and presence of Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs) in newly developed functions to calculate impacts in the MIZ. Based on literature and preliminary sensitivity tests; parameter values and risk functions have been proposed for the MIZ (ice concentrations in intervals between 10–80 %). The functions reflect that presence of ice reduces the available space for surface activities; foraging, diving, entering and exiting the water and concentrates the oil in the same space between ice floes. These functions will now be further revised, tested and implemented in a software tool. This paper presents the proposed ERA Acute MIZ methodology.

Comparison of the Coupled Model for Oil spill Prediction (CMOP) and the Oil Spill Contingency and Response model (OSCAR) during the DeepSpill field experiment

An oil spill model is an important tool for environmental risk assessment, strategic planning, and tactical decision making in the event of an oil spill. However, limited data exist to evaluate such models and their performance. During the DeepSpill field campaign, a unique dataset was acquired by monitoring a deliberate deep-water oil blowout. In this work, we evaluate and compare two oil spill models – the Coupled Model for Oil spill Prediction (CMOP) and the Oil Spill Contingency and Response model (OSCAR) against the DeepSpill experiment. We find that the general plume trajectory is captured well with a default model setup for both models. However, to accurately model the surface slick development, it was necessary to alter modeling parameters and incorporate model changes to increase scenario flexibility. Through this work, we build further confidence in the two models and provide suggestions for improvements.

Environmental risk assessment of using antifouling paints on pleasure crafts in European Union waters

To ensure sustainable use of antifouling paints, the European Union have developed a new environmental risk assessment tool, which a product must pass prior to its placement on the market. In this new tool, environmental concentrations are predicted based on estimated release rates of biocides to the aquatic environment and risk characterization ratios are calculated in regional spreadsheets. There are currently two methods in use to predict release rates of biocides; a calculation method and a laboratory method. These methods have been believed to overestimate environmental release of biocides and therefore fixed correction factors to reduce the release rate can be applied. An alternative method, known as the XRF method, has recently been developed and used to derive field release rates from antifouling paints. The aim of this study was to review the new environmental risk assessment tool and assess how the choice of release rate method and application of correction factors impact the approval of antifouling paint products. Eight coatings were environmentally risk assessed for usage in four European marine regions; Baltic, Baltic Transition, Atlantic and Mediterranean; by applying release rates of copper and zinc determined with the different methods. The results showed none of the coatings to pass the environmental risk assessment in the Baltic, Baltic Transition and the Mediterranean if field release rates were used. In contrast, most of the coatings passed if the correction factors were applied on the release rates obtained with the calculation or laboratory method. The results demonstrate the importance of release rate method choice on the outcome of antifouling product approval in EU. To reduce the impact of antifouling paints on the marine environment it is recommended that no correction factors should be allowed in the environmental risk assessment or preferably that site-specific field release rates are used. If the regulation in the European Union (and elsewhere) continues to allow correction factors, the pressure of biocides to the environment from leisure boating will result in degradation of marine ecosystems.

Assessment of immunohematological, hematological and biochemical responses in cultivable fish Cyprinus carpio exposed to an antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SMX)

Abstract Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is a member of the sulfonamides group of antibiotics which is used extensively in aquaculture throughout the world. In this study, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was used as the bioindicator to assess the toxicity potential of SMX. Effects were based on chronic toxicity of environmentally relevant dosages of 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/L of SMX for 28 days. Cytotoxicity through hematology and biochemistry showed a dose–response relationship. Numerous variations were recorded in blood profile and biochemical parameters in SMX-exposed groups when compared to control. Hemoglobin, platelet, and erythrocyte levels were significantly decreased. Leukocyte level was significantly increased with values ranging from 131 to 303 (×103/μL). Changes in biochemical indices: glucose, total protein, and triglycerides showed biphasic trend, but alanine transaminase secretion was significantly increased from 25.13 to 204 U/L at higher concentration compared to control, suggesting liver damage. Spectrophotometric nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assay showed that respiratory burst activity increased as a function of SMX dose and exposure time (0.48–1.33 absorbance) ultimately leading to reduction in immunity. The present study highlights that prolonged exposure of SMX affects biochemistry, hematology, and immunohematology of fish and these biomarkers act as an effective tool for environmental risk assessment of drugs in the aquatic environment.

High-resolution mass spectrometry; where chemistry meets biology

Background: Genomics has realized major breakthroughs in precision medicine. Yet its limitations have become clear: despite large-scale genomic studies, genetic contributions can only explain an estimated 30% of the chronic disease burden. The other 70% needs to be explained by environmental factors. The environment hence has a major impact on public health as a major risk factor for common non-communicable diseases. However, until recently the scientific community lacked the tools to adequately identify on an OMIC-scale the (mechanistic) relations between disease and exposure to these environmental factors. In turn, this hampers effective intervention strategies.Methods: Untargeted high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) provides a key platform for robust and comprehensive mapping of molecular snapshots of exposures and associated biological effects. Different technologies exist but the combined use of both gas-chromatography (Exposome scan) and liquid chromatography ( Metabolome scan) provides opportunities for the broad exploration of environmental disease associations.Results: In the last year, we have implemented HRMS in several exposure and health studies. In combination with advancements in computational technologies this has resulted in proof-of-principle (PoP) studies on specific exposure circumstances, including occupational (e.g. trichloroethylene, benzene, diesel and environmental (e.g. plastics, air pollution), as well as disease phenotypes (cardiovascular disease, lung health, Parkinson’s disease). These studies have demonstrated the opportunities and limitations in how HRMS can support an important role in suspect and agnostic screening of chemical exposures, and in elucidating the mechanistic relations between disease and exposure.Conclusion: HRMS can be a powerful tool in environmental risk assessment. However, to fully harness the promise of HRMS, technical and computational advancements need to be made to increase the sensitivity of the analytical methods, to improve annotation of chemicals and metabolites, to better interface observational and experimental HRMS studies, and to increase global standardization of HRMS.

Modelling the Dynamics of VOCs and BTEXs Bioaccumulation as Tool for Environmental Risk Assessment

Modelling the Dynamics of VOCs and BTEXs Bioaccumulation as Tool for Environmental Risk Assessment

High-throughput analysis of single particles by micro laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Multi-elemental analysis of particulate matters is highly desirable for the identification of their emission sources. However, the traditional techniques for single particle analysis usually require time-consuming sample preparation procedures. We report here a system that combines bright-field microscopy with laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), allowing rapid and multi-elemental analysis of single particles. The improved throughput of the system was benefited from the use of ultra-thin polyethylene films for particle immobilization such that their spectra were collected successively. The simple composition of the films avoided their interferences in the particles’ LIBS spectra. Moreover, the small thickness of the films allowed their rapid vaporization during laser ablation such that the plasma emissions from the particles were not quenched by their substrates. The performances of the system were demonstrated by studying the heterogeneity in particles’ compositions and discriminating dust particles with very similar chemicals, suggesting that it is a promising tool for environmental risk assessment.

Ecological networks simulation by fuzzy ecotoxicological rules

This paper emphasizes the integration of ecology and ecotoxicology. The main objective is to present the development of an early warning tool for environmental risk assessment. First, a reference ecological network of a plankton community was built from in situ flow cytometry data. Next, a set of fuzzy ecotoxicological rules to explain impacts from three pollutants were constructed from the scientific literature and expert knowledge. These rules were applied to the plankton network to simulate disturbance and produce an impacted network. Network indices were used to assess the consequences of this simulated disturbance, and a regime shift in the planktonic system was noted. Coastal zone ecosystem managers could use this type of model to anticipate early warnings in disturbance scenarios, allowing estimates of possible impacts to the marine ecosystem.

TOOLS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT (TERA) - RUSSIAN INFORMATION-FORECASTING SYSTEMS, EXPERIENCE OF APPLICATION FOR HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT

There is presented a unique Russian computer information and predictive TERA (Tools for Environmental Risk Assessment) system aimed to carry on studies of the assessment of health risk related to the impact of chemical compounds that pollute the various environmental objects. There are considered main calculation modules of specialized databases, as well as the main identification table - TERAbase, allowing to observe all the methodological requirements and recommendations provided by the sanitary legislation, for doing so and for the examination of scientific and practical work on risk assessment to public health, accreditation and certification for risk assessment bodies. There is indicated the direction of solving the problem of information support for risk assessment work for health.

Permethrin induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity on the freshwater beetle Laccophilus minutus

ABSTRACTBiomonitoring has become a useful tool in environmental risk assessment of anthropogenic activities releasing disturbing pollutants. Permethrin, used worldwide to control a wide range of pest insects, can threaten aquatic biota, potentially useful as precocious bioindicators in ecotoxicology. This study seeks to assess the acute toxicity permethrin to the freshwater beetle, its availability in water, as well as, its uptake. The acute toxicity of permethrin to non-target species was studied under laboratory conditions to assess its effect, after the exposure 48 h, on the freshwater beetle Laccophilus minitus considering changes in some enzymatic activities; a specific biomarker of neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase) and a non-specific biomarker of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase and catalase). The rates of permethrin in water and insects were determined using gas chromatography. The low measured concentration of the pesticide 0.0013 μg/L didńt modify the SOD and CAT activities in comparison with controls, only the high concentrations (0.023 and 0.18 μg/L) induced a significant increase in the enzyme activity. A similar profile was recorded for the H2O2 level. The permethrin treatment induced a drastic depletion of AChE activity. As outcomes, uptake at a low level (<6.8 ± 0.43 ng/g dry weight) showed to be the factor underlying the alterations in the beetles exposed to permethrin. Such findings provide information on the behaviour of permethrin within the environment and its biological target through its neurotoxicity and induction of oxidative stress in a freshwater beetle.

Environmental Sorption Behavior of Ionic and Ionizable Organic Chemicals.

Traditionally our tools for environmental risk assessment of organic chemicals have been developed for neutral chemicals. However, many commercial chemicals are ionic or ionizable and require different tools and approaches for their assessment. In recent years this task starts to obtain increasing attention but our understanding for their environmental fate is still far behind that for neutral chemicals. This review first gives an overview on the principles that govern ionic partitioning in environmental systems which are more complex than the simple partition processes of neutral chemicals. Second, a summary of our current knowledge on various topics such as bioaccumulation, sorption in soils, and nonspecific-toxicity reveals that ionic species can actually be quite hydrophobic contrary to commonly held beliefs. Eventually, we discuss existing models for the quantitative prediction of organic ions' sorption in soils and biota. We have to assert that the available model tools are quite restricted in their application range compared to neutral chemicals which is due to the higher complexity of the various ionic sorption processes. In order to further advance our understanding more high-quality sorption data are needed with a focus on multivalent and zwitterionic ions in all partition systems as well as cations in biological matrices.

Effect of oil spill stress on fatty acid stable carbon isotope composition of Ulva pertusa

Petroleum is one of the most important pollutants in the marine ecosystem, and oil spills have a long-term effect on the marine environment. After an oil spill, petroleum continues to diffuse, flowing to the intertidal zone where it accumulates. Ulva pertusa is the main macroalgae species in the intertidal zone of the ocean, and petroleum is toxic to marine macroalgae. Fatty acids, which are involved in various physiological activities, including metabolism, are indispensable substances in organisms. Thus, an organism's fatty acid composition reflects its physiological state. Because fatty acids are carbon-rich compounds, their stable carbon isotope composition can be measured to assess the state of the organism. In this study, the effects of the water accommodated fraction (WAF) of different concentrations of 180# fuel oil and 0# diesel oil on the chlorophyll a and fatty acid carbon stable isotope composition (δ13CFAs) of U. pertusa were assessed. The fatty acid carbon stable isotope value varied among the different petroleum treatments, and high WAF concentrations significantly inhibited the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Thus, exposure to petroleum products affected the synthesis of fatty acids in U. pertusa and also caused carbon stable isotope fractionation during the fatty acid synthesis process. The results indicate that the saturated fatty acid δ13C16:0 and the unsaturated fatty acid δ13C18:1 can be used as biomarkers to evaluate the degree of petroleum-induced stress in U. pertusa and that carbon stable isotope analysis of U. pertusa can be used as an environmental risk assessment tool in the intertidal zone.

Bacterial Bioreporter-Based Mercury and Phenanthrene Assessment in Yangtze River Delta Soils of China.

Genetically engineered bacterial whole-cell bioreporters were deployed to investigate bioavailable mercury (b-Hg) and phenanthrene (b-PHE). Characterized by high sensitivity and specificity in aqueous solutions, the bioreporter system could detect in amended soils the concentrations of b-Hg and b-PHE in the ranges of 19.6 to 111.6 and 21.5 to 110.9 μg kg, respectively. The sensitivity of the system allowed for the combined analysis of b-Hg and b-PHE from real environmental samples. Therefore, soil samples from three large refinery facilities were tested, and the results from the instrumental analysis strongly correlated with the ones obtained with the bioreporter method. Large-scale and fast screening of soil contamination across the Yangtze River Delta in Eastern China was conducted. More than 36% of the samples contained b-Hg, whereas the fractions of b-PHE were below the detection limit for all the samples. These results indicated a higher toxicity and more hazardous condition for Hg contamination than for PHE. Population densities and airborne 10-μm particulate matter (PM10) concentrations were used as parameters for comparison with the spatial distribution of the b-Hg and b-PHE fractions. The results revealed that the bioreporters could offer a rapid and cost-efficient method to test soil samples from contaminated areas and provide a screening tool for environmental risk assessment.

Toxicity of nickel to tropical freshwater and sediment biota: A critical literature review and gap analysis.

More than two-thirds of the world's nickel (Ni) lateritic deposits are in tropical regions, and just less than half are within South East Asia and Melanesia (SEAM). With increasing Ni mining and processing in SEAM, environmental risk assessment tools are required to ensure sustainable development. Currently, there are no tropical-specific water or sediment quality guideline values for Ni, and the appropriateness of applying guideline values derived for temperate systems (e.g., Europe) to tropical ecosystems is unknown. Databases of Ni toxicity and toxicity tests for tropical freshwater and sediment species were compiled. Nickel toxicity data were ranked, using a quality assessment, identifying data to potentially use to derive tropical-specific Ni guideline values. There were no data for Ni toxicity in tropical freshwater sediments. For tropical freshwaters, of 163 Ni toxicity values for 40 different species, high-quality chronic data, based on measured Ni concentrations, were found for just 4 species (1 microalga, 2 macrophytes, and 1 cnidarian), all of which were relevant to SEAM. These data were insufficient to calculate tropical-specific guideline values for long-term aquatic ecosystem protection in tropical regions. For derivation of high-reliability tropical- or SEAM-specific water and sediment quality guideline values, additional research effort is required. Using gap analysis, we recommend how research gaps could be filled. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:293-317. © 2017 SETAC.

The effects of human drugs in Corbicula fluminea. Assessment of neurotoxicity, inflammation, gametogenic activity, and energy status

The constant release of pharmaceuticals products to aquatic environment even at low concentrations (ng L−1 to µg L−1) could lead to unknown chronic effects to non-target organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate neurotoxic responses, inflammation, gametogenic activity and energy status on the fresh water clam C. fluminea after exposure to different concentrations of caffeine (CAF), ibuprofen (IBU), carbamazepine (CBZ), novobiocin (NOV) and tamoxifen (TMX) for 21 days under laboratory conditions. During the assay, water was spiked every two days with CAF (0; 0.1; 5; 15; 50µgL−1), IBU (0; 0.1; 5; 10; 50µgL−1), CBZ, NOV, and TMX (0.1, 1, 10, 50µgL−1). After the exposure period, dopamine levels (DOP), monoamine oxidase activity (MAO), arachidonic acid cyclooxygenase activity (COX), vitellogenin-like proteins (VTG), mitochondrial electron transport (MET), total lipids (TLP), and energy expenditure (MET/TLP) were determined in gonad tissues, and acetyl cholinesterase activity (AChE) was determined in digestive gland tissues. Results showed a concentration-dependence response on biomarkers tested, except for MAO. Environmental concentrations of pharmaceuticals induced significant changes (p < 0.05) in the neurotoxic responses analyzed (CAF, CBZ and NOV increased DOP levels and CBZ inhibited AChE activity), inflammation (CAF induced COX), and energy status (MET and TLP increased after exposure to CBZ, NOV and TMX). Responses of clams were related to the mechanism of action (MoA) of pharmaceuticals. Biomarkers applied and the model organism C. fluminea constituted a suitable tool for environmental risk assessment of pharmaceutical in aquatic environment.

Temperature and food quantity effects on the harpacticoid copepod Nitocra spinipes: Combining in vivo bioassays with population modeling.

The harpacticoid copepod Nitocra spinipes has become a popular model species for toxicity testing over the past few decades. However, the combined influence of temperature and food shortage, two climate change-related stressors, has never been assessed in this species. Consequently, effects of three temperatures (15, 20 and 25°C) and six food regimes (between 0 and 5 × 105 algal cells/mL) on the life cycle of N. spinipes were examined in this study. Similarly to other copepod species, development times and brood sizes decreased with rising temperatures. Mortality was lowest in the 20°C temperature setup, indicating a close-by temperature optimum for this species. Decreasing food concentrations led to increased development times, higher mortality and a reduction in brood size. A sex ratio shift toward more females per male was observed for increasing temperatures, while no significant relationship with food concentration was found. Temperature and food functions for each endpoint were integrated into an existing individual-based population model for N. spinipes which in the future may serve as an extrapolation tool in environmental risk assessment. The model was able to accurately reproduce the experimental data in subsequent verification simulations. We suggest that temperature, food shortage, and potentially other climate change-related stressors should be considered in environmental risk assessment of chemicals to account for non-optimal exposure conditions that may occur in the field. Furthermore, we advocate combining in vivo bioassays with population modeling as a cost effective higher tier approach to assess such considerations.

Fatty acid profile of the sea snail Gibbula umbilicalis as a biomarker for coastal metal pollution

Metals are among the most common environmental pollutants with natural or anthropogenic origin that can be easily transferred through the food chain. Marine gastropods are known to accumulate high concentrations of these metals in their tissues. Gibbula umbilicalis ecological importance and abundant soft tissues, which enables extent biochemical assessments, makes this particular organism a potentially suitable species for marine ecotoxicological studies. Fatty acids are carbon-rich compounds that are ubiquitous in all organisms and easy to metabolize. Their biological specificity, relatively well-studied functions and importance, and the fact that they may alter when stress is induced, make fatty acids prospect biomarkers. This work aimed to assess fatty acid profile changes in the gastropod G. umbilicalis exposed to three metal contaminants. After a 168h exposure to cadmium, mercury, and nickel, the following lipid related endpoints were measured: total lipid content; lipid peroxidation; and fatty acid profile (FAP). The analysis of the FAP suggested an alteration in the fatty acid metabolism and indicated a link between metals exposure and homeoviscous adaptation and immune response. In particular, five fatty acids (palmitic, eicosatrienoic, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids), demonstrated to be especially good indicators of G. umbilicalis responses to the array of metals used, having thus the potential to be used as biomarkers for metal contamination in this species. This work represents a first approach for the use of FAP signature as a sensitive and informative parameter and novel tool in environmental risk assessment (ERA) of coastal environments, using G. umbilicalis as model species.

SYNOPS-WEB, an online tool for environmental risk assessment to evaluate pesticide strategies on field level

Strategy development for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) requires suitable environmental risk assessment to upscale risks based on environmental parameters, pesticide properties, multi-exposures toxicity assessments and field-specific information on pesticide usage on landscape level. This paper introduces the easy-to-use environmental risk assessment tool SYNOPS-WEB to assess acute and chronic pesticide risks to soil, surface water and pollinators, as well as via leaching to groundwater. SYNOPS-WEB is a free-to-use online tool available for advisors and policy makers within the European Union to compare and assess pesticide risk under realistic application patterns and environmental conditions. The proposed methodology and structure of SYNOPS-WEB are described along with brief usage instructions. Model predictions for aquatic exposure assessment were evaluated on a four-year pesticide monitoring dataset from a small agricultural catchment. SYNOPS-WEB reliably modelled the aquatic exposure of pesticides detected during monitoring and additionally revealed risks from pesticides that could not be detected in surface water due to their high toxicity at concentrations close to the limit of quantification. Further evaluation of the tool is needed to assess model outputs concerning exposure assessment for soil, groundwater and field margin biotopes. Overall, SYNOPS-WEB has the potential to provide relevant information to European farmers, authorities and agronomists for developing and optimizing IPM strategies with particular focus on minimizing environmental risks. The structure of the model allows for future adaption and integration of novel approaches to risk assessment for a wider range of reference organisms and a larger set of mitigation measures.