Bromate Toxicity Research Articles

Adequate nutrient intake mitigate the toxic effects of bromate on the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus.

Bromate is receiving increased attention as a typical disinfection by-product in aquatic environments, but bromate toxicity tests on invertebrate such as Brachionus calyciflorus rotifer are inadequate. In the present study, the long-term toxicity tests on B. calyciflorus were performed during 21 days under the exposure of different bromate concentrations and two algal density conditions. Furthermore, we evaluated the feeding behaviors of the rotifers under the impact of bromate. The maximum population density of rotifers was significantly reduced at 100 and 200 mg/L bromate exposure at the two algal density conditions. However, we observed that the maximum population density and population growth rate of rotifers were higher at 3.0 × 106 cells/mL algal density than those at 1.0 × 106 cells/mL under the same conditions of bromate exposure. These results suggest that higher food density may have alleviated the negative effects of bromate on rotifers. Meanwhile, the ingestion rate at an algal density of 3.0 × 106 cells/mL was higher than that at 1.0 × 106 cells/mL. The present study provides a basic reference to comprehensively evaluate the toxic effects of bromate on aquatic organisms.

Ameliorative Effects of Vitamin C and Vanillin against Potassium Bromate Toxicity in Male Albino Rats: Biochemical, Hematological and Histological study

Ameliorative Effects of Vitamin C and Vanillin against Potassium Bromate Toxicity in Male Albino Rats: Biochemical, Hematological and Histological study

Overlooked Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity to Mammalian Cells Caused by the Oxidant Peroxymonosulfate during Wastewater Treatment Compared with the Sulfate Radical-Based Ultraviolet/Peroxymonosulfate Process.

Byproduct formation (chlorate, bromate, organic halogen, etc.) during sulfate radical (SO4•-)-based processes like ultraviolet/peroxymonosulfate (UV/PMS) has aroused widespread concern. However, hypohalous acid (HOCl and HOBr) can form via two-electron transfer directly from PMS, thus leading to the formation of organic halogenated byproducts as well. This study found both PMS alone and UV/PMS can increase the toxicity to mammalian cells of wastewater, while the UV/H2O2 decreased the toxicity. Cytotoxicity of two wastewater samples increased from 5.6-8.3 to 15.7-29.9 mg-phenol/L, and genotoxicity increased from 2.8-3.1 to 5.8-12.8 μg 4-NQO/L after PMS treatment because of organic halogen formation. Organic halogen formation from bromide rather than chloride was found to dominate the toxicity increase. The SO4•--based process UV/PMS led to the formation of both organic halogen and inorganic bromate and chlorate. However, because of the very low concentration (<20 μg/L) and relatively low toxicity of bromate and chlorate, contributions of inorganic byproducts to toxicity increase were negligible. PMS would not form chlorate and bromate, but it generated a higher concentration of total organic halogen, thus leading to a more toxic treated wastewater than UV/PMS. UV/PMS formed less organic halogen and toxicity because of the destruction of byproducts by UV irradiation and the removal of byproduct precursors. Currently, many studies focused on the byproducts bromate and chlorate during SO4•--based oxidation processes. This work revealed that the oxidant PMS even needs more attention because it caused higher toxicity due to more organic halogen formation.

Potassium bromate in bread, health risks to bread consumers and toxicity symptoms amongst bakers in Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon

This study evaluated the occurrence of potassium bromate in bread, its overall health risks to bread consumers, and its toxicity symptoms amongst bakers in Bamenda. Thirteen bakeries were included in a cross-sectional survey to gather information about the quantities of bread produced and the symptoms of potassium-bromated toxicity experienced by bakers during baking. The concentration of potassium bromate in the most consumed bread types was determined using a spectrophotometric method. The hazard quotient and hazard ratio were computed for each bread type to determine its chemical and carcinogenic risks. Results showed that all bakers had experienced symptoms of potassium bromate toxicity, and painful eyes, cough, diarrhea, and sore throat were the most recurrent symptoms of toxicity. The concentration of potassium bromate in all bread samples (100%) ranged from 48.50 mg/kg to 10148.50 mg/kg, exceeding the maximum acceptable limits by 9–203 times the dose (50 mg/kg) recommended by Food and Drug Administration. There was no significant difference (p = 0.109) in potassium bromate concentration between bread types, and simple bread, milk bread, and French bread had the highest concentration of potassium bromate. The chronic hazard quotient ranged from 277.93 to 2459.36, and the hazard ratio ranged from 251434.30 to 32862.86, indicative of possible chemical and carcinogenic risks after prolonged regular consumption. From the hazard ratios, the chances of having cancer from an average daily consumption of either simple bread or milk bread, or French bread are approximately 290,000 in 1,000,000 or 220,000 in 1,000,000 or 190,000 in 1,000,000. Thus regulatory authorities need to monitor, control or prohibit the use of potassium bromate as a flour additive.

Study the protective effect of vitamin E against potassium bromate toxicity on some hematological, renal, and hepatic functions in male rats

Study the protective effect of vitamin E against potassium bromate toxicity on some hematological, renal, and hepatic functions in male rats

Health Risk Assessment and Symptoms of Potassium Bromate Toxicity Amongst Bakers in Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon

Health Risk Assessment and Symptoms of Potassium Bromate Toxicity Amongst Bakers in Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon

Detection of bromate in packaged drinking water and its removal using polyelectrolyte multilayer membranes

AbstractThe use of bottled water is increasing every day even after the reported presence of microbial and other contaminants. The present study analyzed bromate in bottled water samples collected from four major cities in Kerala, India. It was found that about 40% of the samples contain bromate with a maximum concentration of 9.68 μg/L with an average of 1.56 μg/L. The study also includes the development of a multilayer membrane for the removal of bromate from water. Bilayers of quaternary chitosan salt (QCS)/sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) were deposited on polyethersulfone (PES) microfiltration membrane and which are employed for bromate removal studies. Deposition of six bilayers of QCS/PSS increased the rejection efficiency from ∼4% to ∼84%. The influence of different fabrication and feed parameters on bromate removal efficiency was also studied. Six bilayers of QCS/PSS deposited at pH 2 with 0.5 M NaCl were found to be effective in removing &gt; 90% of bromate from marketed bottled water samples with low energy expense. This study is recommended to implement such a multilayer system as a polishing step in the final stage of water purification in bottling plants to avoid possible contamination and toxicity of bromate in bottled water users.

Glycine and Selenium (Separately and in Combination) Reduced Bromate-Mediated Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in U937 Cells

The toxicity of bromate is ascribed to DNA damage and alteration in carbohydrate mechanism that could result to lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. The effects of glycine and selenium on bromate-induced alterations on U937 cells and U937-derived macrophages were investigated. In the first experiment, U937 cells were incubated with or without glycine or selenium or both before subjecting cells to bromate exposure. Cell viability and production of ROS were assessed via MTT and DCHF-DA assays. In the other experiment, U937 cells were transformed to the macrophage form using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate before incubating with or without glycine and selenium before exposure to bromate. Secretion of nitric oxide and cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1 and interleukin 6) were later measured. The production of superoxide dismutase and catalase was also evaluated. The results revealed that bromate caused significant cytotoxicity and ROS production that was reduced when cells were pre-incubated by glycine and selenium (both separately and in combination). Bromate also increased macrophage secretion of nitric oxide and cytokines which was reduced by glycine and selenium. Bromate also suppressed the production of superoxide dismutase and catalase which was reversed by glycine and selenium (both separately and in combination) close to control values. The effects of glycine and selenium are ascribed to their antioxidant nature. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Effect of ethanol extract of &lt;i&gt;Aframomum angustifolium&lt;/i&gt; seeds on potassium bromate induced liver and kidney damage in Wistar rats

The continued use of potassium bromate in some food and cosmetic products in Nigeria against regulatory provision has continually exposed Nigerians to its deleterious effect. The mechanism of bromate induced damage in the liver and kidney is through oxidative stress. Phytochemicals have antioxidant capacity and have gained research interest in the management of oxidative stress. In this study, the effect of the ethanol extract of Aframomum angustifolium seed on kidney and liver damage induced by exposure to an acute dose of potassium bromate was measured using appropriate biomarkers. Eighteen male Wistar rats, randomly divided into 3 groups were used for the study. Group I (normal control) received distilled H2O; Group II (positive control) received 400 mg/kgbw bromate once while Group III (test) received same acute dose as Group II but thereafter treated with an oral dose of ethanol extract (750 mg/kgbw) for 10days. Half the populations of each group were sacrificed on day 3 while the remaining was sacrificed on day 10 of treatment. Liver and kidney tissues as well as blood samples were collected for analysis. Biochemical parameters; malondialdehyde, creatinine, electrolytes (Na+ and K+) concentration as well as catalase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were measured using standard spectrophotometric procedures. In the kidney tissue, malondialdehyde concentration increased significantly in all groups from day 3 to day 10 but was highest in Group II. A similar trend was observed in the liver tissue but only group III increased significantly. Catalase activity was inhibited in Group II in both kidney and liver tissues and was significantly lower than test group. Serum Na+ decreased and K+ increased respectively but Group III were comparable to the Group I. Creatinine concentration increased in all groups but was highest in Group II though it was not significant. ALP activity was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in Group III on day 3 compared to Group I but was not significantly different (p&gt;0.05) on day 10. The results of this study suggests that ethanol extract of Aframomum angustifolium seeds can accelerate the in vivo repair of bromate induced hepato- and reno- toxicity in Wistar rats.&#x0D; Keywords: Aframomum angustifolium, bromate toxicity, malondialdehyde, antioxidant, phytochemicals.

Propolis prevents inhibition of apoptosis by potassium bromate in CCD 841 human colon cell.

Previously, we demonstrated that biotransformation of propolis by some special strains of Lactobacillus plantarum might decrease the allergenic molecules in propolis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of biotransformation of propolis on its antioxidant effect and its protective effect against potassium bromate-induced cancer in human colon cell line. Propolis samples were treated with different solutions (ethanol, polyethylene glycol, and water), and ultrasonication was applied at 40 Hz (5, 10, and 15 minutes) in order to facilitate solvation of solid samples. Fermentations were performed by L. plantarum strains (ISLG-2, ATCC-8014, and Visbyvac). The phenolic content of propolis was determined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS). The antioxidant activity (antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation) and apoptosis markers (caspase 3,8,9, cytochrome-c, tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-R1 and R2 [TRAIL], and apoptosis protease activating factor-1 [APAF-1] levels) were determined in CCD 841-human colon cell line after induction of oxidative stress by potassium bromate. All propolis samples in different solvents induced apoptosis and 4 biotransformed (by L. plantarum ISL-2 strain and L. plantarum ATCC 8014 strain) propolis samples with low allergenic molecules demonstrated similar inductions of apoptosis in CCD841 cell line. In conclusion, reduction of allergenic molecules in propolis via biotransformation did not change the antioxidant and protective effects of propolis, and it is suggested as a potential therapeutic molecule in prevention of colon cancer caused by oxidative stress for all patients. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: This study is the first investigation that shows protective effect of propolis against potassium bromate toxicity by means of decreasing lipid peroxidation and reversing the main molecule levels in intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Biotransformed propolis samples by L. plantarum ISL-2 and ATCC 8014 strain with low allergen molecule content has also the same effect in potassium bromate toxicity in CCD841 colon cell. Our data contributed that propolis as a natural compound might be a good candidate due to its minimal toxicity and lack of any adverse effects to prevent carcinogenic effect of potassium bromate.

The protective effect of taurine and/or vanillin against renal, testicular, and hematological alterations induced by potassium bromate toxicity in rats

BackgroundPotassium bromate (KBrO3) causes toxicity in humans and experimental animals. The wide exposure to KBrO3 in water disinfection and as a food additive necessitates finding of available antidotes for its hazards as taurine and/or vanillin.AimThe present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of taurine and/or vanillin against potassium bromate toxicity on renal, testicular, and hematological parameters in adult male albino rats.MethodsFor this purpose, 30 rats were divided as follows: control group, rats were fed balanced diet and served as normal control; group 2, rats were fed balanced diet and served as positive control; group 3, rats were fed balanced diet supplemented with taurine (100 mg/kg diet); group4, rats were fed balanced diet supplemented with vanillin (100 mg/kg diet); and group5, rats were fed balanced diet supplemented with taurine and vanillin at the same tested dose for 3 weeks. Groups from 2 to 5 were orally administered a single dose of KBrO3 (100 mg/kg diet) then sacrificed after 48 h.ResultsResults showed that KBrO3 administration induces testicular damage reflected in a significant decrease in total protein, glycogen, sialic acid with a significant increase in MDA level in testicular tissue. Also, there was a significant decrease in total spermatic count accompanied by an increase in the total number of malformed sperms (head, tail, and head and tail) in the pot bromate intoxicated group. Also, KBrO3 toxicity induce renal damage manifested in a significant increase in serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, and xanthine oxidase activity. Renal TNF-α, IL-6, Hcy, and MDA significantly increased in the pot-bromate intoxicated group. Finally, hematological results showed a significant decrease in Hb%, MCV, RBCs, and WBCs count in the pot-bromate intoxicated group as compared to normal control groups. Histological findings showed that impaired renal and testicular histology was concomitant with biochemical parameters.ConclusionTreatment with taurine and/or vanillin showed a significant ameliorative effect against deleterious effects of pot bromate toxicity on hematological parameters, renal and testicular tissues. Moreover, the recorded improvement of the studied parameters in rats pretreated with taurine and vanillin as antioxidants proves their synergistic effect.

THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF AFRICAN NUTMEG (Myristica fragrans) IN BROMATE-INDUCED SPLEEN AND CARDIAC TISSUE TOXICITIES USING MALE WISTAR ALBINO RATS

This study was aimed at investigating the toxic effects of potassium bromate on the spleen and heart of Wistar albino rat and to evaluate the protective effects of aqueous extract of African nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) against potassium bromate induced toxicity in the two organs. Twenty-four (24) male wistar albino rats weighing between 180g and 200g were divided into four groups of six animals each. Group I animals were served with rat feed and water as the control group, group II were administered daily with 30mg/kg bw potassium bromate while groups III and IV animals were administered with 0.5mL of 20% and 40% aqueous extracts of nutmeg seed in addition with 30mg/kg body weight potassium bromate respectively for two weeks. The animals were kept at optimum temperature within a 12 hours light/dark cycle while the experiment lasted. Enzyme biomarkers such as Aspartate Transaminase, Alanine Transaminase, Alkaline Phosphatase; antioxidant enzymes such as, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase; reduced Glutathione; some lipid profiles like Cholesterol, Triglyceride and malondialdehyde were measured in the spleen and heart homogenates of the animals in all the groups. Results of this study showed that potassium bromate exerted significant (P &lt; 0.05) toxic effects on the spleen and heart homogenates while the administration of aqueous extracts of African nutmeg seed caused a marked reversal in the toxicity in a dose dependent manner. However, the results of this study showed that aqueous extract of the seed of African nutmeg is a potential antioxidant against potassium bromate toxicity in the two organs. &#x0D; Keywords: Toxicity, Potassium bromate, Myristica fragrans, Cardiac tissue, Antioxidant

Drinking water toxicity study of the environmental contaminant––Bromate

Bromate is a byproduct of water disinfection that is produced when waters contain bromide treated with ozone. To investigate the level of the toxicity of bromate and find the most sensitive indicators in a short time, a series of toxicological assessments were conducted including the acute toxicity, cumulative toxicity, genetic toxicity and subacute toxicity of bromate (using Potassium Bromate to represent bromate). The LD50 of orally administered Potassium Bromate was 215 mg/kg in Wistar rats and 464 mg/kg in ICR mice. The cumulative toxicity of Potassium Bromate was not obvious. The Ames test, mouse bone marrow cell micronucleus test and mouse sperm abnormality test did not indicate mutagenicity. The results of the subacute study did not exhibit significant differences in most of the parameters, except the white blood cell count, which was significantly decreased in male rats. In addition, Potassium Bromate influenced the albumin, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels in male rats to various extents. A thorough analysis of the above tests clearly demonstrates that bromate has toxicity, not obvious cumulative toxicity and the white blood cell count can be used as an indicator to reflect the toxicity of bromate and investigate bromate's toxic mechanism.

A mineral and antioxidant-rich extract from the red marine Algae Alsidium corallinum exhibits cytoprotective effects against potassium bromate-induced erythrocyte oxidative damages in mice.

The present study was carried out to investigate potassium bromate toxicity in mice and the corrective effects of marine algae Alsidium corallinum. The red algae demonstrated its rich composition in phenols, triterpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, tropolones, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc. To confirm its antioxidant potential, an in vivo study was performed on adult mice. The animals were divided into four groups: group I were used as controls, group II received potassium bromate (0.5 g/L) via drinking water, group III received potassium bromate (0.5 g/L) by the same route as group II and 7% of A. corallinum ethanolic extract via their diet, and group IV received only 7% of algae. The potassium bromate-treated group showed a significant decrease in erythrocyte, platelet, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values and a significant increase in total white blood cells, compared to those of controls. While, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and vitamin C values were decreased by potassium bromate treatment, lipid peroxidation (as malondialdehyde) and erythrocyte osmotic fragility values were increased. Interestingly, potassium bromate treatment showed significant genotoxic effects, as demonstrated by DNA degradation. These changes were confirmed by blood smears histopathological observations which were marked by a necrosis and a decrease of erythrocytes number. A. corallinum extract appeared to be effective against hematotoxic and genotoxic changes induced by potassium bromate, as evidenced by the improvement of the parameters cited above.

Early alterations in protein and gene expression in rat kidney following bromate exposure

Bromate, a common disinfectant byproduct of drinking water ozonation, has been linked to human and animal renal toxicity, including renal cell carcinomas in multiple animal species. Here, we evaluate changes in protein and gene expression through two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and Affymetrix arrays to identify potential modes of action involved in potassium bromate carcinogenicity. Male rats were exposed to potassium bromate in drinking water at concentrations of 0, 1, 20 and 400ppm for two weeks. Differential expression of glycolytic proteins including enolase 1 (Eno1), triosephosphate isomerase 1 (Tpi1) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh) suggests that bromate toxicity is associated with changes in energy consumption and utilization in renal cells involving up-regulation of glycolytic processes that may be the result of altered mitochondrial function. Several alterations in glycolysis and mitochondrial gene transcripts were also observed to be consistent with this mode of action. These studies provide insight into early events in renal cell physiology altered by bromate exposure.

Research strategy for developing key information on bromate's mode of action

Bromate is produced when ozone is used to treat waters that contain trace amounts of bromide ion. It is also a contaminant of hypochlorite solutions produced by electrolysis of salt that contains bromide. Both ozone and hypochlorite are extensively used to disinfect drinking water, a process that is credited with reducing the incidence of waterborne infections diseases around the world. In studies on experimental animals, bromate has been consistently demonstrated to induce cancer, although there is evidence of substantial species differences in sensitivity (rat > mouse > hamster). There are no data to indicate bromate is carcinogenic in humans. An issue that is critical to the continued use of ozone as a disinfectant for drinking water in bromide-containing waters depends heavily on whether current predictions of carcinogenic risk based on carcinogenic responses in male rats treated with bromate are accurate at the much lower exposure levels of humans. Thiol-dependent oxidative damage to guanine in DNA is a plausible mode of action for bromate-induced cancer. However, other mechanisms may contribute to the response, including the accumulation of α2u-globulin in the kidney of the male rat. To provide direction to institutions that have an interest in clarifying the toxicological risks that bromate in drinking water might pose, a workshop funded by the Awwa Research Foundation was convened to lay out a research strategy that, if implemented, could clarify this important public health issue. The technical issues that underlie the deliberations of the workshop are provided in a series of technical papers. The present manuscript summarizes the conclusions of the workgroup with respect to the type and timing of research that should be conducted. The research approach is outlined in four distinct phases that lay out alternative directions as the research plan is implemented. Phase I is designed to quantify pre-systemic degradation, absorption, distribution, and metabolism of bromate and to associate these with key events for the induction of cancer and develop an initial pharmacokinetic (PK) model based on preliminary studies. Phase II will be implemented if it appears that there is a linear relationship between external dose and key event responses and is designed to gather carcinogenesis data in female rats in the absence of α2u-globulin-induced nephropathy which the workgroup concluded was a probable contributor to the responses observed in the male rats for which detailed dose–response data were collected. If the key events and external dosimetry are found not to be linear in Phase I, Phase III is initiated with a screening study of the auditory toxicity of bromate to determine if it is likely to be exacerbated by chronic exposure. If this occurs, auditory toxicity will be further evaluated in Phase IV. If auditory toxicity is determined unlikely to occur, an alternative chronic study in female rats to the one identified in Phase II will be implemented to include exposure in utero. This was recommended to address the possibility that the fetus may be more susceptible. One of the three options are to be implemented in Phase IV depending upon whether preliminary data indicated that chronic auditory toxicity, reproductive and/or developmental toxicities, or a combination of these outcomes is necessary to characterize the toxicology of low dose exposures to bromate. Each phase of the research will be accompanied by further development of pharmacokinetic models to guide collection of appropriate data to meet the needs of the more sophisticated studies. It is suggested that a Bayesian approach be utilized to develop a final risk model based upon measurement of prior observations from the Phase I studies and the set of posterior observations that would be obtained from whichever chronic study is conducted.

A Review of the Effects of Bromate on Aquatic Organisms and Toxicity of Bromate to Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Embryos

A critical literature review has been undertaken of the effects that bromate (BrO−3) has on aquatic organisms. Chronic (multigeneration) studies using four marine phytoplankton species indicate a stimulation of cell division at concentrations up to 13.6 mg BrO−3liter−1, such that the EC50is >13.6 mg BrO−3liter−1(exposure period unspecified). No published data were available for any freshwater algal or phytoplankton species. For freshwater invertebrates, the available data are limited to acute studies using two species: the water flea,Daphnia magna,with a 48-h LC50of 179 mg BrO−3liter−1; and the planarian (“flatworm”),Polycelis nigra,with a 48-h LC50of 2258 mg BrO−3liter−1. For saltwater invertebrates, there is a greater variety in the spread of species sensitivity to bromate. For crustaceans, the lowest reported acute value is a 24-h LC50of 176 mg BrO−3liter−1for mysid shrimp. For molluscs, the published data are somewhat contradictory, with different workers reporting EC50values to oyster embryo–larvae of either 0.05–0.1 or 30 mg BrO−3liter−1. Following repeated attempts to resolve these differences using the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) embryo development assay, a 24-h EC50of 170 mg BrO−3liter−1was observed. Reported 96-h LC50values for juvenile saltwater fish range from 427 to 512 mg BrO−3liter−1, while a 10-day LC50of 279 mg BrO−3liter−1is also reported. For fish early lifestages, newly hatched larvae are more sensitive than embryo hatching, with a larval 96-h LC50of 31 mg BrO−3liter−1being observed. Less severe effects have been reported for older larvae (pro-larvae), for which a 96-h LC50of 404 mg BrO−3liter−1is reported. In conclusion, a number of studies provide evidence for the acute toxicity of bromate to invertebrates and fish in the lowest region of 30 mg BrO−3liter−1. Applying the factor of 10 used to extrapolate from acute to potential chronic toxicity, the available data suggest that to protect aquatic organisms from long-term adverse effects, concentrations should not exceed approximately 3.0 mg BrO−3liter−1.

Studies on Protective Effect of the Potassium Bromate Toxicity by Dietary Enriched Ascorbyl Stearate in Rats.

Studies on Protective Effect of the Potassium Bromate Toxicity by Dietary Enriched Ascorbyl Stearate in Rats.

Measurements of Oxidants in Ozonized Seawater and Some Biological Reactions

Ozonization of seawater oxidizes bromide ion to bromine (hypobromus acid and hypobromite ion) and then to bromate. If seawater is ozonized for more than 60 min, essentially all bromide is converted to bromate. Ozonization of high purity sodium chloride solution did not produce significant oxidants. However, ozonization of sodium bromide solution produced both bromine and bromate. Ozone is unstable in seawater and was undetectable several minutes after the ozonization was completed. Bromate toxicity tests on marine animals indicate the levels of bromate produced by chlorination or ozonization of power plant cooling waters are not acutely toxic. The LC50 ranged from 30 mg/L bromate for Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, larva to several hundred mg/L for fish, shrimp, and clams. Key words: ozone, oxidants, bromate, bromine, seawater, toxicity

POTASSIUM BROMATE POISONING

BROMIDE intoxication is well defined in its manifestations and represents a not uncommon clinical entity. Bromate poisoning is rare, however, and it is only briefly mentioned in textbooks of pharmacology and toxicology.1In contrast to the many investigations on the chlorates, experimental studies of bromate action are few.2A review of the literature reveals only 1 recorded instance of bromate poisoning in man.3The case reported here is of interest, accordingly, not only from the point of view of rarity but also as an instructive example of bromate toxicity which is distinct from the toxicity of a bromide salt. REPORT OF A CASE The patient, a 17 month old boy, was seen at the Children's Memorial Hospital on Sept. 9, 1946, four hours after swallowing an unknown quantity of a neutralizing solution for use on the hair after the application of a cold wave hair lotion. The