scholarly journals Estrogenic activity, selected plasticizers and potential health risks associated with bottled water in South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie H. Aneck-Hahn ◽  
Magdalena C. Van Zijl ◽  
Pieter Swart ◽  
Barry Truebody ◽  
Bettina Genthe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Water Consumption ◽  
Estrogenic Activity ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Gene Assay ◽  
17Β Estradiol

Abstract Potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are present in bottled water from various countries. In South Africa (SA), increased bottled water consumption and concomitant increases in plastic packaging create important consequences for public health. This study aimed to screen SA bottled water for estrogenic activity, selected target chemicals and assessing potential health risks. Ten bottled water brands were exposed to 20 °C and 40 °C over 10 days. Estrogenic activity was assessed using the recombinant yeast estrogen screen (YES) and the T47D-KBluc reporter gene assay. Solid phase extracts of samples were analyzed for bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), selected phthalates, bisphenol-A (BPA), 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), 17β-estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and ethynylestradiol (EE2) using gas chromatography–mass spectrophotometry. Using a scenario-based health risk assessment, human health risks associated with bottled water consumption were evaluated. Estrogenic activity was detected at 20 °C (n = 2) and at 40 °C (n = 8). Estradiol equivalent (EEq) values ranged from 0.001 to 0.003 ng/L. BPA concentrations ranged from 0.9 ng/L to 10.06 ng/L. Although EEqs and BPA concentrations were higher in bottled water stored at 40 °C compared to 20 °C, samples posed an acceptable risk for a lifetime of exposure. Irrespective of temperature, bottled water from SA contained chemicals with acceptable health risks.

scholarly journals Biological Activity of Wastewater Assessed Using in Vitro Cell-Based Assays

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adamo R. Petosa ◽  
Monica Nowierski ◽  
Viviane Yargeau
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Estrogenic Activity ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Chemical Analyses ◽  
Untreated Wastewater ◽  
17Β Estradiol ◽  
Receiving Waters

Abstract Bioanalytical tools, namely in vitro bioassays, can be employed in tandem with chemical analyses to assess the efficacy of wastewater treatment and the potential for adverse effects from the discharges of wastewater into receiving waters. In the present study, samples of untreated wastewater (i.e. influent) and treated wastewater (i.e. effluent) were collected from two wastewater treatment plants and a wastewater treatment lagoon serving municipalities in southern Ontario, Canada. In addition, grab samples of surface water were collected downstream of the lagoon discharge. After solid phase extraction (SPE) using ion-exchange columns for basic/neutral and acidic compounds, respectively, the extracts were analyzed for a suite of 16 indicator compounds. The two SPE extracts were combined for analysis of biological responses in four in vitro cell-based bioassays. The concentrations of several indicator compounds, including the estrogens, 17β-estradiol and 17α-ethinylestradiol, were below the limits of detection. However, androstenedione and estrone were detected in several influent samples. The concentrations of these steroid hormones and some of the other indicator compounds declined during treatment but acesulfame K, carbamazepine, trimethoprim and DEET persisted in the effluent. The MTS- CellTiter 96® AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay (MTS) indicated that cell viability was not affected by exposure to the extracts. The Qiagen Nuclear Receptors 10-Pathway Reporter Array indicated that several cellular pathways were upregulated, with the greatest upregulation observed with the estrogen receptor (i.e. induction ratios 12 to 47) and the liver X receptor (i.e. induction ratios 10 to 45). The ERα CALUX assay indicated that estrogenic activity was lower in effluents compared to influents, with the greatest estrogenic activity observed for grab samples of influent from the lagoon (i.e. 56-215 ng L-1 17β-estradiol equivalents). Finally, the results of the Nrf2 Luciferase Luminescence Assay indicated a lower oxidative stress in the effluent samples. Overall, the present study demonstrates that chemical analyses are limited in their ability to predict or explain reductions in the toxicity of treated wastewater. There are thus advantages to using a combination of chemical analyses and in vitro bioassays to monitor the treatment efficiency of wastewater treatment plants and to predict the potential impacts of wastewater discharges into receiving waters.

scholarly journals Molecular Basis for Endocrine Disruption by Pesticides Targeting Aromatase and Estrogen Receptor

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Zhang ◽  
Tiziana Schilirò ◽  
Marta Gea ◽  
Silvia Bianchi ◽  
Angelo Spinello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Inhibition ◽  
Estrogenic Activity ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Binding Mode ◽  
Inhibition Mechanism ◽  
Aromatase Activity ◽  
Docking Simulations ◽  
Potential Binding ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
17Β Estradiol

The intensive use of pesticides has led to their increasing presence in water, soil, and agricultural products. Mounting evidence indicates that some pesticides may be endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), being therefore harmful for the human health and the environment. In this study, three pesticides, glyphosate, thiacloprid, and imidacloprid, were tested for their ability to interfere with estrogen biosynthesis and/or signaling, to evaluate their potential action as EDCs. Among the tested compounds, only glyphosate inhibited aromatase activity (up to 30%) via a non-competitive inhibition or a mixed inhibition mechanism depending on the concentration applied. Then, the ability of the three pesticides to induce an estrogenic activity was tested in MELN cells. When compared to 17β-estradiol, thiacloprid and imidacloprid induced an estrogenic activity at the highest concentrations tested with a relative potency of 5.4 × 10−10 and 3.7 × 10−9, respectively. Molecular dynamics and docking simulations predicted the potential binding sites and the binding mode of the three pesticides on the structure of the two key targets, providing a rational for their mechanism as EDCs. The results demonstrate that the three pesticides are potential EDCs as glyphosate acts as an aromatase inhibitor, whereas imidacloprid and thiacloprid can interfere with estrogen induced signaling.

scholarly journals Potential Health Risks of Heavy Metal Contents in Bottled Water from Lagos State and Its Environs, Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 173 ◽  
pp. 012021
Author(s):  
Omeje Maxwell ◽  
O. Adewoyin Olusegun ◽  
S. Joel Emmanuel ◽  
T.A. Okolie Sociis ◽  
Ayowe Omorotemu Efemena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Metal Contents ◽  
Lagos State

2D/2D Bi2WO6/Protonated g-C3N4 Step-scheme Heterojunctions for Enhancing Photodegradation of 17β-Estradiol: Promotional Role of Electrostatic Interaction

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yashi Qing ◽  
Yanxiang Li ◽  
Dan Hu ◽  
Zhiwei Guo ◽  
Yujie Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Electrostatic Interaction ◽  
Estrogenic Activity ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
17Β Estradiol

17β-Estradiol (E2) is a type of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with the strongest estrogenic activity which poses a huge threat to the ecosystems and human health even at extremely low...

scholarly journals Short communication: Detection of selected agricultural pesticides in river and tap water in Letsitele, Lomati and Vals–Renoster catchments, South Africa

Water SA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (4 October) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Machete ◽  
JM Shadung
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Health And Environmental Effects ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Agricultural Pesticides ◽  
Catchment Areas

This paper presents the levels of detection of selected agricultural pesticides in river and tap water in the Letsitele, Lomati and Vals–Renoster catchments, South Africa. Agriculture plays a major role in the development of communities through job creation and poverty eradication. However, exposure to agricultural pesticides can result in serious human health and environmental effects. This study, therefore, identified critical areas where specific pesticides might result in high environmental and human health risks. Three water catchment areas, namely, Letsitele, Lomati and Vals–Renoster, were identified for raw and tap water analysis. The results confirmed the presence of selected agricultural pesticides:  atrazine, terbuthylazine, imidacloprid, metolachlor, simazine and alachlor. Although low concentrations of most of these pesticides were detected, pesticides such as atrazine, alachlor and simazine are known for endocrine disruption. A critical finding of this study is the detection of these pesticides in tap water (drinking water) of a primary school in the Lomati catchment. This reveals a high exposure potential for human health. It is thus recommended that further research be conducted to determine the potential health risks associated with these pesticides among vulnerable communities, through epidemiological studies.

scholarly journals Estrogenic activity in reused water: comparison of concentration methods

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-130
Author(s):  
Natasha Berendonk Handam
Keyword(s):  
Solid Phase Extraction ◽  
Estrogenic Activity ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Total Concentration ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Phase Extraction ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
17Β Estradiol ◽  
Concentration Methods

Determining the presence of endocrine disrupting substances in waters is a relevant aspect for monitoring environmental health. Given its relevance, it is important to use methods that can make the total concentration of substances with estrogenic activity (eg endocrine disruptors), being faster, and without the use of compounds that pollute the environment. The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of the methods of concentration by lyophilization and by vacuum concentration of substances with estrogenic activity present in reused water, using the commonly used methodology, solid phase extraction. Three methods were compared: solid phase extraction, lyophilization, and vacuum centrifugation. Sample aliquots of reused water received 17β-estradiol at a final concentration of 2 μg L-1 and were concentrated by the three methods. The analysis of estrogenic activity was performed by the in vitro YES (Yeast Estrogen Screen) assay. The results showed that the vacuum centrifugation, solid phase extraction and lyophilization methods had different percentages in the recovery of substances with estrogenic activity, being 45%, 40%, and 31%, respectively. The study pointed out that the lyophilization and vacuum centrifugation methods were effective as alternative methods for concentrating samples containing substances with estrogenic activity.

scholarly journals Exploring the Potential Health Risks Faced by Waste Pickers on Landfills in South Africa: A Socio-Ecological Perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 2059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherina J Schenck ◽  
Phillip F Blaauw ◽  
Jacoba MM Viljoen ◽  
Elizabeth C Swart
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Ecological Framework ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Free Environment ◽  
Collaborative Efforts ◽  
Material Saving ◽  
Waste Pickers

Landfill and street waste pickers in South Africa are responsible for collecting substantial volumes of recyclable material, saving municipalities millions and contributing to a generally healthier and cleaner environment. Yet waste pickers continue to operate on the fringes of the economy and are exposed to many risks, particularly health risks which have a direct impact on the sustainability of their livelihoods. This article, using a mixed-methods approach, explores the health risks to which waste pickers working on nine different landfills in the country are exposed. The socio-ecological framework was used to analyse and present the results. A key finding was that waste picking, by its very nature, lends itself to innumerable health risks, but that these can be lessened through concerted and collaborative efforts on the part of landfill operators, local authorities and other stakeholders. Integrating the ‘self-employed’ waste pickers into the formal waste management system should be comprehensive in order to limit health risks. Waste pickers will never have a risk-free environment, but facilitative policies and supportive institutions can collaboratively help to mitigate these risks and create a more sustainable and dignified working environment towards sustaining their livelihoods.

scholarly journals Bottled water consumption habits in Estonian residents and their opinions of possible health hazards

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Vahur ◽  
I Ploomipuu ◽  
E Pastak
Keyword(s):  
Water Consumption ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Health Board ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Good Taste ◽  
Consumption Habits

Abstract Human needs about 28-15 mL/kg body weight of water daily (National Institute for Health Development). The sources of drinking water are either tap water, private wells or bottled water. According to the Health Board of Estonia, 89.13% of Estonian population used tap water in 2016 and 88.87% in 2017. Of all the consumers, 99.2% used water, for which the microbiological, chemical and indicator parameters did not exceed any normative (except for radiological parameters) (Joogivee..., 2017). However, more and more people are consuming bottled water and this trend is global (Kodumaine..., 2016). For example, in Estonia 72% of consumers used bottled water in 2007 (Noop & Riivits-Arkonsuo, 2007). Different authors bring out that convenience, purity, better taste, better odour and quality were the main reasons for consuming the bottled water (Foote, 2011; Akpinar & Gul 2014). Some studies have shown that socio-demographic factors influence bottled water consumptions (Rothwell, 2006; Dupont et al, 2010). The aim of this research was to determine the bottled water consumption habits of Estonian residents and their subjective assessment of the potential health impact of bottled water. The sample of this research were Estonian residents (n = 869) who agreed to take the online questionnaire through 21.11.2016-20.01.2017. For statistical analysis, X2 - test was used. The conclusions of the research were: 1. Most of the respondents use bottled water and the main reasons are convenience and good taste or odour. 2. Factors as gender, income, education or having children do not affect the consumption of bottled water, but age and marital status do as younger and single or married/in relationship respondents buy bottled water more frequently. 3. About half of the respondents could not tell if the consumption of bottled water can affect health or not. Those respondents who thought that it could, mentioned carcinogenicity, digestive problems, toxicity and bad influence on teeth. Key messages Most of the respondents use bottled water, even if the tap water is of good quality, safe and cheaper, and the main reasons are convenience and good taste or odour. About half of the respondents could not tell if the consumption of bottled water can affect health or not.

scholarly journals Exposure to DDT and HCH congeners and associated potential health risks through khat (Catha edulis) consumption among adults in South Wollo, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desta Woldetsadik ◽  
Marcel Pierre Simon ◽  
Dennis Knuth ◽  
Hillette Hailu ◽  
Araya Gebresilassie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Transformation Products ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Catha Edulis ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Treatment Uncertainties

AbstractKhat (Catha edulis) chewing is widespread in the region of East Africa. Even low levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in khat could induce public health concern. In a market-based study, from five popular khat varieties, a total of 35 composite khat samples were analyzed for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its main transformation products, and four hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers. Extraction was carried out by quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe method (QuEChERS). OCP concentrations were determined by head space solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC–MS). Every sample contained β-HCH above the maximum residue limit set by the European Commission. For total DDT, this was the case for 25.7% of the samples. The ratios of (p,p′-DDD + p,p′-DDE) to p,p′-DDT were less than one for 85% of khat samples, demonstrating recent use of DDT in khat farmlands. Conversely, the ratio of β-HCH to total HCH varied from 0.56 to 0.96, implying historical input of technical HCH. Assuming a daily chewable portion of 100 g, dietary intakes of p,p′-DDT, total DDT and total HCH by adults ranged from 3.12 to 57.9, 6.49 to 80.2 and 39.2 to 51.9 ng (kg body weight)−1 day−1, respectively. These levels are below acceptable levels suggested by international organizations. Chewing khat showed lower non-cancer health risk, but showed relatively higher cancer risk in terms of OCPs. Because khat is chewed without being subjected to any treatment, uncertainties associated with estimated intakes and health risks should be low. Therefore, this practice is of great concern.

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