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Organic Micro-Pollutants and Human Exposure

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2017) | Viewed by 61482

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Dr. Emmanuelle Vulliet

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Institute of Analytical Sciences—UMR 5280, 5 rue de la Doua, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
Interests: sample preparation; gas chromatography; high-performance liquid chromatography; high-resolution mass spectrometry; trace analysis; quantification; organic micropollutants; metabolomics
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Dear Colleagues,

Tens of thousands of micro-pollutants are dispersed in the environmental matrices (waters, soil, sediment, air, organisms) due to industrial or agricultural activities or from domestic wastes. During the last decades, the impact of the environment on human health has been put in evidence and is now a recognized fact, perfectly illustrated by some studies, especially in the fields of health, environment, and epidemiology.

In this context, a new concept, “exposome”, was born in 2005 and encompasses all environmental exposures during the life of an individual. This concept provides a holistic view of human health and disease. It includes exposures from lifestyle, diet, and social environment, as well as the body’s responses to these exposures. The study of human exposure to organic micro-pollutants and the understanding of the impact on health require a multidisciplinary approach. It is closely related to the science of exposure, epidemiology, biology, analytical chemistry, statistics, and bioinformatics.

The development of tools and methods to assess how the micro-pollutants of the environment influence our health will help people to make better decisions in the personal lives of individuals and regulatory agencies could protect populations from risk exposures by triggering new preventative measures and regulations.

Dr. Emmanuelle Vulliet
Guest Editor

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Keywords

micro-pollutants
human exposure
exposome
human health
environmental matrices
biological matrices
analytical strategy
statistical tools
bioinformatics
epidemiology
toxicity

Published Papers (7 papers)

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1688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a New Microextraction Fiber Combined to On-Line Sample Stacking Capillary Electrophoresis UV Detection for Acidic Drugs Determination in Real Water Samples

by Maria Espina-Benitez, Lilia Araujo, Avismelsi Prieto, Alberto Navalón, José Luis Vílchez, Paola Valera, Ana Zambrano and Vincent Dugas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(7), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14070739 - 07 Jul 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4663

Abstract

A new analytical method coupling a (off-line) solid-phase microextraction with an on-line capillary electrophoresis (CE) sample enrichment technique was developed for the analysis of ketoprofen, naproxen and clofibric acid from water samples, which are known as contaminants of emerging concern in aquatic environments. New solid-phase microextraction fibers based on physical coupling of chromatographic supports onto epoxy glue coated needle were studied for the off-line preconcentration of these micropollutants. Identification and quantification of such acidic drugs were done by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) using ultraviolet diode array detection (DAD). Further enhancement of concentration sensitivity detection was achieved by on-line CE “acetonitrile stacking” preconcentration technique. Among the eight chromatographic supports investigated, Porapak Q sorbent showed higher extraction and preconcentration capacities. The screening of parameters that influence the microextraction process was carried out using a two-level fractional factorial. Optimization of the most relevant parameters was then done through a surface response three-factor Box-Behnken design. The limits of detection and limits of quantification for the three drugs ranged between 0.96 and 1.27 µg∙L⁻¹ and 2.91 and 3.86 µg∙L⁻¹, respectively. Recovery yields of approximately 95 to 104% were measured. The developed method is simple, precise, accurate, and allows quantification of residues of these micropollutants in Genil River water samples using inexpensive fibers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Micro-Pollutants and Human Exposure)

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2265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation, Characterization, and Degradation Performance of the 17β-Estradiol-Degrading Bacterium Novosphingobium sp. E2S

by Shunyao Li, Juan Liu, Minxia Sun, Wanting Ling and Xuezhu Zhu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(2), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14020115 - 25 Jan 2017

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5428

Abstract

A 17β-estradiol (E2)-degrading bacterium E2S was isolated from the activated sludge in a sewage treatment plant (STP). The morphology, biological characteristics, and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequence of strain E2S indicated that it belonged to the genus Novosphingobium. The optimal degrading conditions were 30 °C and pH 7.0. The ideal inoculum volume was 5% (v/v), and a 20-mL degradation system was sufficient to support the removal ability of strain E2S. The addition of extra NaCl to the system did not benefit the E2 degradation in batch culture by this strain. Strain E2S exhibited high degradation efficiency with initial substrate concentrations of 10–50 mg·L⁻¹. For example, in mineral salt medium containing 50 mg·L⁻¹ of E2, the degradation efficiency was 63.29% after seven days. In cow manure samples supplemented with 50 mg·L⁻¹ of E2, strain E2S exhibited 66.40% degradation efficiency after seven days. The finding of the E2-degrading strain E2S provided a promising method for removing E2 from livestock manure in order to reduce the potential environmental risks of E2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Micro-Pollutants and Human Exposure)

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4711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polypyrrole-Grafted Coconut Shell Biological Carbon as a Potential Adsorbent for Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether Removal: Characterization and Adsorption Capability

by Shanshan Li, Keke Qian, Shan Wang, Kaiqiang Liang and Wei Yan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(2), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14020113 - 24 Jan 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5086

Abstract

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) has been used as a common gasoline additive worldwide since the late twentieth century, and it has become the most frequently detected groundwater pollutant in many countries. This study aimed to synthesize a novel microbial carrier to improve its adsorptive capacity for MTBE and biofilm formation, compared to the traditional granular activated carbon (GAC). A polypyrrole (PPy)-modified GAC composite (PPy/GAC) was synthesized, and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. The adsorption behaviors of MTBE were well described by the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm models. Furthermore, three biofilm reactors were established with PPy/GAC, PPy, and GAC as the carriers, respectively, and the degradation of MTBE under continuous flow was investigated. Compared to the biofilm reactors with PPy or GAC (which both broke after a period of operation), the PPy/GAC biofilm column produced stable effluents under variable treatment conditions with a long-term effluent MTBE concentration <20 μg/L. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter pittii may be the predominant bacteria responsible for MTBE degradation in these biofilm reactors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Micro-Pollutants and Human Exposure)

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4543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Occurrence of Emerging Micropollutants in Water Systems in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and North West Provinces, South Africa

by Elijah M. M. Wanda, Hlengilizwe Nyoni, Bhekie B. Mamba and Titus A. M. Msagati

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(1), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14010079 - 13 Jan 2017

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 7438

Abstract

The ubiquitous occurrence of emerging micropollutants (EMPs) in water is an issue of growing environmental-health concern worldwide. However, there remains a paucity of data regarding their levels and occurrence in water. This study determined the occurrence of EMPs namely: carbamazepine (CBZ), galaxolide (HHCB), caffeine (CAF), tonalide (AHTN), 4-nonylphenol (NP), and bisphenol A (BPA) in water from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and North West provinces, South Africa using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-HRTOFMS). Kruskal-Wallis test and ANOVA were performed to determine temporal variations in occurrence of the EMPs. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Surfer Golden Graphics software for surface mapping were used to determine spatial variations in levels and occurrence of the EMPs. The mean levels ranged from 11.22 ± 18.8 ng/L for CAF to 158.49 ± 662 ng/L for HHCB. There was no evidence of statistically significant temporal variations in occurrence of EMPs in water. Nevertheless, their levels and occurrence vary spatially and are a function of two principal components (PCs, PC1 and PC2) which controlled 89.99% of the variance. BPA was the most widely distributed EMP, which was present in 62% of the water samples. The detected EMPs pose ecotoxicological risks in water samples, especially those from Mpumalanga province. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Micro-Pollutants and Human Exposure)

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779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serum Polychlorinated Biphenyls Increase and Oxidative Stress Decreases with a Protein-Pacing Caloric Restriction Diet in Obese Men and Women

by Feng He, Li Zuo, Emery Ward and Paul J. Arciero

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14010059 - 10 Jan 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 25167

Abstract

The purposes were to compare the effects of a: (1) 12-week P-CR weight loss (WL) diet (Phase 1) between obese men and women and; (2) 52-week modified P-CR (mP-CR) vs. heart healthy (HH) weight maintenance (WM) diet (Phase 2) on serum PCBs and oxidative stress biomarkers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS; total antioxidant capacity, TAC) in 40 obese participants (men, n = 21; women, n = 19). Participants received dietary counseling and monitoring of compliance. PCBs, TBARS, and TAC were assessed at weeks −1 (CON), 12 (WL), and 64 (WM). Following WL (Week 12), concomitant with reductions in TBARS (0.24 ± 0.15 vs. 0.18 ± 0.11 µM; p < 0.01), PCB serum concentrations (86.7 ± 45.6 vs. 115.6 ± 65.9 ng/g lipid; p < 0.01) and TAC (18.9 ± 2.6 vs. 19.9 ± 2.3 nmol/mL; p < 0.02) were increased similarly in men and women. At the end of WM (Week 64), a significant effect of time × group interaction was observed for % change in PCB 170 and 187; whereby mP-CR values were higher compared to HH (PCB170: 19.31% ± 26.48% vs. −6.61% ± 28.88%, p = 0.02; PCB187: −3.04% ± 17.78% vs. −21.4% ± 27.31%, p = 0.04). PCB changes were positively correlated with TBARS levels (r > 0.42, p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with body weight, fat mass, and abdominal fat (r < −0.46, p < 0.02). Our results support mobilization of stored PCBs as well as enhanced redox status following a 12-week P-CR WL diet. Additionally, a 52-week mP-CR WM diet demonstrated an advantage in preventing weight gain relapse accompanied by an increase in circulating PCBs compared to a traditional HH diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Micro-Pollutants and Human Exposure)

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629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predictors of Urinary 3-Phenoxybenzoic Acid Levels in 50 North Carolina Adults

by Marsha Morgan, Paul Jones, Jon Sobus and Dana Boyd Barr

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13(11), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13111172 - 23 Nov 2016

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4673

Abstract

Limited data are available on the non-chemical stressors that impact adult exposures to pyrethroid insecticides based on urinary biomonitoring. The urinary metabolite, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), is commonly used to assess human exposure to a number of pyrethroids. In a further analysis of published study data, we quantified urinary 3-PBA levels of 50 adults over a single, 24-h sampling period and examined the associations between the biomarker measurements and selected non-chemical stressors (demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors). A convenience sample of 50 adults was recruited in North Carolina in 2009–2011. Participants collected individual urine voids (up to 11) and filled out activity, food, and pesticide use diaries over a 24-h sampling period. Urine voids (n = 326) were analyzed for 3-PBA concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. 3-PBA was detected in 98% of the 24-h composited urine samples. The geometric mean urinary 3-PBA level was 1.68 ng/mL in adults. Time spent outside (p = 0.0006) was a highly significant predictor of natural log-transformed (ln) urinary 3-PBA levels, while consumption of coffee (p = 0.007) and breads (p = 0.019) and ln creatinine levels (p = 0.037) were significant predictors of urinary 3-PBA levels. In conclusion, we identified specific factors that substantially increased adult exposures to pyrethroids in their everyday environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Micro-Pollutants and Human Exposure)

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1983 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Distribution of Non-Persistent Endocrine Disruptors in Two Different Regions of the Human Brain

by Thomas P. Van der Meer, Francisco Artacho-Cordón, Dick F. Swaab, Dicky Struik, Konstantinos C. Makris, Bruce H. R. Wolffenbuttel, Hanne Frederiksen and Jana V. Van Vliet-Ostaptchouk

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(9), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14091059 - 13 Sep 2017

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 8361

Abstract

Non-persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals (npEDCs) can affect multiple organs and systems in the body. Whether npEDCs can accumulate in the human brain is largely unknown. The major aim of this pilot study was to examine the presence of environmental phenols and parabens in two distinct brain regions: the hypothalamus and white-matter tissue. In addition, a potential association between these npEDCs concentrations and obesity was investigated. Post-mortem brain material was obtained from 24 individuals, made up of 12 obese and 12 normal-weight subjects (defined as body mass index (BMI) > 30 and BMI < 25 kg/m², respectively). Nine phenols and seven parabens were measured by isotope dilution TurboFlow-LC-MS/MS. In the hypothalamus, seven suspect npEDCs (bisphenol A, triclosan, triclocarban and methyl-, ethyl-, n-propyl-, and benzyl paraben) were detected, while five npEDCs (bisphenol A, benzophenone-3, triclocarban, methyl-, and n-propyl paraben) were found in the white-matter brain tissue. We observed higher levels of methylparaben (MeP) in the hypothalamic tissue of obese subjects as compared to controls (p = 0.008). Our findings indicate that some suspected npEDCs are able to cross the blood–brain barrier. Whether the presence of npEDCs can adversely affect brain function and to which extent the detected concentrations are physiologically relevant needs to be further investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Micro-Pollutants and Human Exposure)

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