https://recipp.ipp.pt/bitstream/10400.22/3012/4/ART_LuciaSantos_2010_GRAQ.pdf

Ecotoxicological aspects related to the presence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment

Recently, there has been rapid growth in research related to the synthesis and application of flame retardant polymer–layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites. In order to outline the potential and to promote further developments in the field we have prepared a critical review of the most recent progress in the area. We discuss the techniques and indices (e.g. micro calorimetery, limiting oxygen index, cone calorimetry and UL-94) for evaluating the flame retardant properties. The flame retardant mechanism of LDHs, the types of polymers studied, the effect of LDH chemical composition and the synergistic effect with other fire retardants are reviewed. It is hoped that this review will not only introduce the synthesis, characterisation and application of polymer–LDH nanocomposites for flame retardancy, but also prompt new discussion on the use of LDH dispersions in polymer-based materials.

Flame retardant polymer/layered double hydroxide nanocomposites

The incidence of microplastics in marine environments has been increasing over the past several decades. The objective of the present study was to characterize the size- and shape-dependent effects of microplastic particles (spheres, fibers, and fragments) on the adult daggerblade grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio). Grass shrimp were exposed to 11 sizes of plastic: spheres (30, 35, 59, 75, 83, 116, and 165 μm), fragments (34 and 93 μm), and fibers (34 and 93 μm) at a concentration of 2000 particles/400 mL (= 50 000 particles/L) for 3 h. Following exposure, grass shrimp were monitored for survival, ingested and ventilated microplastics, and residence time. Mortality ranged from 0% to 55%. Spheres and fragments 50 μm ranged from 5% to 40%. Mortality was significantly higher in the exposure to 93-μm fibers than other sizes tested (p < 0.001). The shape of the particle had a significant influence on the number of particles ingested by the shrimp (p < 0.001). The residence time of particles in the gut ranged from 27 to 75 h, with an average of 43.0 ± 13.8 h. Within the gills, the residence time ranged from 27 to 45 h, with an average of 36.9 ± 5.4 h. The results suggest that microplastic particles of various sizes and shapes can be ingested and ventilated by adult daggerblade grass shrimp, resulting in acute toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3074-3080. © 2017 SETAC.

Size- and shape-dependent effects of microplastic particles on adult daggerblade grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio)

Antifouling processes and toxicity effects of antifouling paints on marine environment. A review.

Widespread detection of human pharmaceuticals in the environment, ranging between ng/L and mg/L levels in surface waters and effluents and ng/kg to mg/kg levels in aquatic and terrestrial organisms, has caused increased concern of potential ecological effects and hazards to aquatic species and fomented new investigations of potential effects of biosolids and effluents from wastewater treatment plants. Here, we critically review such recent research on the aquatic toxicity of human pharmaceuticals to aquatic organisms. Toxicity testing considerations are examined for differences in sensitivities among aquatic organisms and acute and chronic response thresholds. We further provide perspectives and recommendations, including integration of adverse outcome pathway approaches, during future ecotoxicological studies of human pharmaceuticals in the environment.

Human Pharmaceuticals in the Aquatic Environment: A Review of Recent Toxicological Studies and Considerations for Toxicity Testing

Effects of the insecticide permethrin on three life stages of the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio.

Toxicity and physiological effects of brominated flame retardant PBDE-47 on two life stages of grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio.

This study investigated lethal effects (i.e., survival) and sublethal effects (glutathione, GSH; lipid peroxidation, LPx; cholesterol, CHL; and acetylcholinesterase, AChE) of the antihyperlipidemic drug simvastatin on larval and adult grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio). The 96-h LC50 test for larvae resulted in an estimated LC50 of 1.18 mg/L (95% confidence interval 0.98-1.42 mg/L). The adult 96-h LC50 was >10.0 mg/L. GSH and AChE levels for both the larvae and the adults were not significantly affected by simvastatin exposure. LPx levels in the larvae were significantly higher than controls in the lowest and the highest simvastatin exposures. In adult grass shrimp, LPx levels were highest in the three lowest simvastatin exposures. CHL levels were significantly reduced in larvae at the highest simvastatin exposure level of 1 mg/L while adult CHL was not affected. Both lethal and sublethal effects associated with simvastatin exposure were only observed at concentrations well above those reported in the environment.

Effects of the statin antihyperlipidemic agent simvastatin on grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio.

This study investigated the effects of simvastatin, a lipid-regulating drug; irgarol, an antifouling biocide; and PBDE-47, a brominated flame retardant, on the estuarine fish, Fundulus heteroclitus. Sublethal effects (changes in glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPx), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and cholesterol (CHL) levels) and lethal effects (survival) were determined after individual exposure to the three compounds. There were no significant differences in GSH or CHL levels in fish exposed to any of the test compounds. LPx levels significantly decreased with increasing irgarol concentrations. AChE levels were significantly lower in fish exposed to simvastatin at the 1.25 mg/L concentration and significantly higher at the PBDE-47 concentration of 0.0125 mg/L. The LC50 values were 2.68, 3.22, and > 0.1 mg/L for simvastatin, irgarol and PBDE-47, respectively.

Lethal and sublethal effects of simvastatin, irgarol, and PBDE-47 on the estuarine fish, Fundulus heteroclitus.

This study investigated the lethal and sublethal effects of the pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin on adult and larval grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, and adult sheepshead minnows, Cyprinodon variegatus. The effects were determined by conducting 96-h aqueous static renewal tests and 24-h static tests with sediment. Oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and catalase were also assessed. The 96-h aqueous LC50 value for adult shrimp was 0.020 μ g/L (95% CI: 0.015–0.025 μ g/L) and for larval shrimp was 0.013 μ g/L (95% CI: 0.011–0.016 μ g/L). The 96-h aqueous LC50 for adult sheepshead minnow was 19.806 μ g/L (95% CI: 11.886–47.250 μ g/L). The 24-h sediment LC50 for adult shrimp was 0.339 μ g/L (95% CI: 0.291–0.381 μ g/L) and for larval shrimp was 0.210 μ g/L (95% CI: 0.096–0.393 μ g/L). The oxidative stress assays showed some increasing trends toward physiological stress with increased bifenthrin concentrations but they were largely inconclusive. Given the sensitivity of grass shrimp t...

Jennifer Hoguet

Papers

Effects of the insecticide permethrin on three life stages of the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio.

Toxicity and physiological effects of brominated flame retardant PBDE-47 on two life stages of grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio.

Effects of the statin antihyperlipidemic agent simvastatin on grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio.

Lethal and sublethal effects of simvastatin, irgarol, and PBDE-47 on the estuarine fish, Fundulus heteroclitus.

Lethal and sublethal effects of the pyrethroid, bifenthrin, on grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) and sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus)