Freshwater mussels are one of the most imperiled groups of animals in the world and are among the most sensitive species to a variety of chemicals. However, little is known about the sensitivity of freshwater mussels to wastewater effluents. The objectives of the present study were to (1) assess the toxicity of a permitted effluent, which entered the Deep Fork River (DFR), Oklahoma, USA, to a unionid

DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane) is an organochlorine insecticide that was widely used from the late 1940s to the 1970s in fruit orchards in the Okanagan valley, British Columbia, Canada, and in the process, contaminated American robin (Turdus migratorius) food chains with the parent compound and metabolite p,p’-DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene). Here, we examined

The sediment–water interface of spiked-sediment toxicity tests is a complex exposure system, where multiple uptake pathways exist for benthic organisms. The freely dissolved concentration (Cfree) in sediment porewater has been proposed as a relevant exposure metric to hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in this system. However, Cfree has rarely been measured in spiked-sediment toxicity tests. We

The Capibaribe River provides water to a population of 1.7 million people in the Brazilian northeast, while receiving agricultural runoff and industrial and domestic effluents along its 280 km. The present study evaluated the ecotoxicity of surface waters along ten sites in rural and urban areas using zebrafish (Danio rerio) early-life stages and related it to water quality indices and chemical abiotic

Recently, the potent antiandrogen 4-methyl-7-diethylaminocoumarin (C47) and its potential transformation products 4-methyl-7-ethylaminocoumarin (C47T1) and 4-methyl-7-aminocoumarin (C47T2) were identified as novel environmental contaminants. We assessed for the first time the sources, distribution, and fate of these compounds in aquatic systems using the Holtemme River (Saxony-Anhalt, Germany), which

We analyzed the reproductive success of Eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) nesting in apple orchards and non-orchard nest-boxes in Southern Ontario, Canada, from 1988 to 2018. Using data from 2397 nest-boxes monitored at 20 orchard sites and 52 non-orchard sites we first modelled phenological parameters typically linked to climate change across both site-types. We found that the first egg of each brood

Microfibers are one of the most abundant microplastic particle types found in the environment, where they cause negative impacts on organisms and possibly on human health. Microfibers should be included in a wide range of laboratory studies, however, microfibers for scientific studies are not commercially available. Current methods to make microfibers generally create particles with large size ranges

Micronized copper azole (MCA) wood preservative formulations include Cu in nano form, and relatively little is known about longer-term effects of Cu leached from MCA into wetland ecosystems. Here we tested the hypothesis that changes in soil microbiomes within reconstructed freshwater wetlands will be associated with exposure to elevated Cu concentrations originating from immersed MCA treated wood

In the present study, chinonomus riparius larvae were selected as a model organism, and 11 sediment samples from the Xihe River in Shenyang underwent toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) to identify sediment toxic pollutants. Heavy metals and organic pollutants were the main toxic pollutants through toxicity screening and characterization. The results of toxicity identification showed that the

Anthropogenic debris including microparticles (<5 mm) are ubiquitous in marine environments. The Salish Sea experiences seasonal fluctuations in precipitation, river discharge, sewage overflow events, and tourism—all variables previously thought to have an impact on microparticle transport and concentrations. Our goals are two-fold: 1) describe long-term microparticle contamination data including concentration

Heterocyclic aromatic compounds can be found in crude oil and coal and often co-exist in environmental samples with their homocyclic aromatic counterparts. The target lipid model (TLM) is a modeling framework that relates aquatic toxicity to the octanol–water partition coefficient (KOW) that has been calibrated and validated for hydrocarbons. A systematic analysis of the applicability of the TLM to

The scientific understanding regarding sources, occurrence, and effects of microplastics in the aquatic environment has advanced rapidly, leaving some meaningful knowledge gaps virtually untouched. One of them is the interactions of microplastics and biofilms, microbial communities ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems and fundamental for a range of ecosystem-level processes. It is evident that biofilms

We studied biotic ligand model (BLM) predictions of the toxicity of nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) in natural waters from Illinois and Minnesota, USA, which had combinations of pH, hardness, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) more extreme than 99.7% of waters in a nationwide database. We conducted 7-day chronic tests with Ceriodaphnia dubia and 96-hour acute and 14-day chronic tests with Neocloeon triangulifer

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphorous pesticide, can be found in aquatic ecosystems at concentrations of up to several hundred nanograms per liter because of water runoff from treated crops. While some studies have shown that low concentrations of CPF may have adverse effects on aquatic species, comparatively little is known about its effect on fish embryos and larvae. To investigate the developmental

Environmental risk assessment of metal mixtures is challenging due to the large number of possible mixtures and interactions. Mixture toxicity data cannot realistically be generated for all relevant scenarios. Therefore, methods for prediction of mixture toxicity from single-metal toxicity data are needed. We tested how well toxicity of Cu-Ni-Zn mixtures to Daphnia magna populations can be predicted

Although there are not any direct studies linking persistent organic pollutants (POPs) accumulated on marine debris to human health, there are numerous studies showing human health impacts from repeated and high-level POP exposure, as well as studies showing that POPs accumulate on plastic debris in the marine environment. With this knowledge, there is a need for greater awareness of the risks of POP

The presence of pharmaceutically active compounds (PACs) in the environment and their associated hazards is a major global health concern; however, data on these compounds are scarce in developing nations. In the present study, the existence of 39 non-antimicrobial PACs and six of their metabolites in wastewater from hospitals and adjacent surface waters in Sri Lanka was investigated from 2016–2018

Occurrences of chlorinated and brominated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Cl/BrPAHs) in fine aerosol particles smaller than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) were investigated in urban and suburban sites in Mumbai, India, and discussed the possible sources from association with indicators, such as hopans, steranes, and trace elements. The mean concentrations of total ClPAHs and BrPAHs were 0.54 and 0.25

Increased focus on the development and application of bioavailability-based metal water quality guideline values requires increased understanding of the influence of water chemistry on metal bioavailability and toxicity. Development of empirical models, such as multiple linear regression models, requires the assessment of the influence of individual water quality parameters as toxicity-modifying factors

We investigated short-chain (C10–13) chlorinated paraffins (SCCP) in an Arctic marine food web. In zooplankton, fishes, and ringed seals from western Hudson Bay, Canada, SCCP concentrations ranged from 38.3 to 687 ng g–1 lipid weight. Monte Carlo–simulated trophic-adjusted biomagnification factors of individual SCCP congeners ranged from 0.07 to 0.55 for small pelagic fishes to seals. Despite relatively

Polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) devices have been suggested for measuring time-weighted averages (TWA) of contaminant concentrations in aquatic environments, resulting from chemical leak accidents. However, the response of the POCIS device in the emergency condition in natural water remains unclear. The response of the POCIS device to contaminant fluctuation was investigated using

Information on the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in fish have mostly been generated from standard laboratory species and short-term toxicity tests. However, there is significant uncertainty regarding AgNP toxicity to native species of concern in North America, particularly in northern freshwater ecosystems. Here, we assessed the chronic toxicity of AgNPs in early life stages of three North

Depression of growth rate due to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) has been documented in birds, mammals, amphibians, and fish at single temperatures. However, the underlying energetic mechanism for this effect and how it might change in relation to changing environmental temperature remains unstudied. Here, we used a simple energy budget to address hypotheses regarding PBDEs on tadpole (Lithobates

Many of the newly produced and registered substances are complex mixtures or UVCBs (substances of unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products and biological materials). The latter often consist of a large number of constituents and/or difficult to identify constituents, which makes their (eco)toxicological assessment difficult. In the current paper, through a series of examples, different

Around the globe, on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs) are critical for rural communities without access to a municipal sewer system. However, their treatment efficiency does not match that of modern wastewater treatment plants. The impact of OWTS discharge on nearby aquatic ecosystems and their resident fish species is poorly understood. In the present study, larval and adult fathead minnows

Wild birds and mammals that feed in agricultural habitats are potentially exposed to pesticides through various routes. Until recently, it has been implicitly assumed that the existing EU risk assessment scheme for birds and mammals also covered bats (Chiroptera). However, recent publications raised concerns and, in 2019, a scientific statement was published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

Current methodologies for microplastic polymer identification such as Fourier-transform infrared and differential scanning calorimetry are neither cost-efficient nor practical in fieldwork. Density analysis is an inexpensive and readily transportable alternative method. However, current density analysis methods use many different hazardous solutions to carry out separation and identification of plastics

The uptake potential of Fragrance Encapsulates (FEs) by aquatic or terrestrial organisms was investigated. Due to their size of below 5 mm and their polymeric nature, FEs fall under the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP) definition of microplastics (MPs). After use, FEs enter the sewer system and reach the sewage treatment plant (STP) where

The octanol-air equilibrium partition ratio, K OA, is frequently used to describe the volatility of organic chemicals, whereby n-octanol serves as a substitute for a variety of organic phases ranging from organic matter in atmospheric particles and soils, to biological tissues such as plant foliage, fat, blood and milk, and to polymeric sorbents. Because measured K OA values exist for just over 500

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants linked to adverse health effects in humans and wildlife. Marine mammals, particularly manatees, have shown potential as sentinels for evaluating the presence and effects of anthropogenic chemicals. However, traditional blood collection techniques with marine mammals can be challenging, highlighting the need for improved strategies

Anthropogenic microfibers, a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, can be categorized as synthetic, semisynthetic, or natural according to material of origin and production process. Although natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, originated from natural sources, they often contain chemical additives, including colorants (e.g., dyes, pigments) and finishes (e.g., flame retardants, antimicrobial agents

For the soluble metallic nanoparticles (NPs), which forms (particles [NP(particle)] vs. dissolved ions [NP(ion)]) are the main cause of toxicity of the NP suspension (NP(total)) remains uncertain. In the present study, soybean was exposed to Cu NPs in a hydroponic system to determine how natural organic matter (NOM; 10 mg/l) and concentration of Cu NP(total) (2–50 mg/l) affect the relative contributions

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic trace metal ubiquitously distributed in the environment. Inorganic mercury (as HgCl2) can cause immunotoxicity in birds, but the mechanisms of action are still not fully resolved, especially with respect to responses to viral infections. To investigate the potential immunomodulatory effects of Hg2+ on specific cell types of the avian immune system, chicken macrophage (HD-11)

Fragrance encapsulates (FEs) are designed to deliver fragrance components, notably in laundry care products. They are made of thermoset polymeric shells surrounding the fragrance content. These materials enter the environment mainly during laundry washing, but little is known about their distribution in and impact on the environment. The aim of the present study was to estimate the environmental concentrations

Nonpolar narcosis, also known as baseline toxicity, has been described as the minimal toxicity that an organic chemical may elicit based on its lipophilicity. Although lethal effects of narcosis-inducing chemicals (NICs) have been thoroughly investigated, knowledge of sublethal effects is still very limited. We investigated the effects of 3 well-known NICs (phenanthrene, 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene, and

Despite the co-occurrence of metals in aquatic environments, their joint effects are generally not considered during risk assessments. Data on the combined effects of zinc (Zn) and aluminum (Al) on aquatic animals are extremely scarce in the literature, although these metals are commonly used in domestic and industrial activities. In the present study, we investigated the effects of mixtures of Zn

Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFFs) are used in firefighting and are sources of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the environment through surface runoff and groundwater contamination at defense and transportation sites. Little is known regarding the toxicity and bioaccumulation of newer AFFF formulations containing novel PFAS. To mimic maternal transfer of PFAS, pre-fertilization rainbow

Deriving water quality criteria (WQC) for aquatic risk assessment requires sufficient toxicity data, which can determine the accuracy of WQC. Given that toxicity data vary between test species and endpoints, there is a great need to compare such data to generate the most suitable data set for WQC derivation. In the present study, a series of 11 ammonia exposure bioassays were conducted on Chironomidae

Population models are increasingly being used to extrapolate individual-level effects of chemicals, including metals, to population-level effects. For metals, it is also important to take into account their bioavailability to correctly predict metal toxicity in natural waters. However, to our knowledge, no models exist that integrate metal bioavailability into population modeling. Therefore, our main

Why the dramatic title? It could be the dozens of headlines each day in the news and scientific journals on climate change–driven disasters. Finally, it appears that reticent deniers are becoming fewer and fewer as ever-growing portions of the world are burning, drowning, or dying of thirst and starvation. These increasingly widespread emergencies will continue to dominate headlines, so much so that

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is one of the dominant perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected in aquatic ecosystems. It has been used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products for decades. The unique properties of PFOS, including its stability and resistance to degradation, have made it highly persistent in the aquatic environment. Because of its persistence, potential toxicity, and occurrence

Effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and a legacy aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing 91% PFOS (AFFF PFOS) on reproduction, chick survivability, and growth of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were determined. Day-old Japanese quail were administered PFOS or AFFF PFOS at 6 dietary concentrations ranging from 0 to 21 mg kg–1 feed for a total of 20 wk. At the age of 4 wk, 16 male/female