Noise and toluene are among the numerous physical and chemical pollutants that can induce adverse effects on different body tissues and systems; nevertheless, most studies have only experimented the auditory changes induced by co-exposure to them. The present in-vivo study aimed to examine the endocrine effects of co-exposure to toluene and noise on the testes and adrenal glands. In this experimental study, 24 healthy male New Zealand White rabbits were used. The noise intensity was 100 dB (white noise) and the toluene concentration was 1000 ppm for two consecutive weeks. The luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The hematoxylin and eosin stain method (H&E) was performed for the histopathological analysis. Comparing different parameters in different groups on post-exposure days was carried out using GEE (generalized estimating equations) method. The results indicated that noise and toluene increased cortisol, LH and FSH levels during different days after the exposure. Exposure to toluene and noise made vacuolization and reduction of primary spermatogonial cells in the testes. Moreover, lymphocyte infiltration, congestion, swelling and vacuolization were detected in adrenal glands through exposure to toluene and noise. Toluene and noise induced different destructive effects on the endocrine system. More studies are required to elucidate other endocrine changes induced by exposure to toluene and noise.

The induction of oxidative stress in plants grown on crude oil-contaminated soils was investigated using a diesel contaminated soils model. Twelve cassava stems were grown in four garden pots containing different amounts of diesel oil as contaminants: 150 ppm, 300 ppm, 600 ppm and control (0 ppm). The growth of the plants was monitored for 12 weeks, after which chlorophyll contents, total proteins, lipid peroxidation and activities of catalase, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase (antioxidant enzymes) were determined from the leaves. Significant decreases (p<0.05) were observed in the antioxidant enzymes (67-86%), total proteins (79%) and total chlorophyll content (67%) in the cassava grown on diesel contaminated soil (600 ppm) compared to the control. Consequently, there were significant increase (p<0.05) in the leaf ratio and malondialdehyde (a marker for lipid peroxidation) 0.1909 ± 04 and 1.77 ± 0.34, when compared to the control 0.1530 ± 08 sq.cm/g and 0.10±0.01 µmol/mg protein respectively. It was thus concluded that stunted growth of plants and their death in diesel or crude oil contaminated soil could be traced to oxidative stress.

The present study investigates the influence of an organophosphorus pesticide, namely Dimethoate, and cadmium on biomarkers of the green alga, Spirogyra sp., in a 14-day experiment. For so doing, it has exposed Spirogyra sp. to 0.0, 100, 200, and 400 mg L-1 of Dimethoate and/or 1 mg L-1 of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) to observe a reduction in chlorophyll a and b level in Spirogyra sp., exposed to 200 and 400 mg L-1 of Dimethoate as well as algae treated with cadmium alone or in combination with Dimethoate. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant in cells, as well as the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) soar in Spirogyra sp., exposed to Dimethoate and/or cadmium (alone or simultaneously). Also Spirogyra’sexposure to cadmium and/or Dimethoate significantly increases catalase (CAT) activity. However, levels of carotenoids in Spirogyra sp., treated with both cadmium and Dimethoate, decline significantly, with no significant change found in catalase activity of Spirogyra sp., exposed to 100 and 200 mg L-1 of Dimethoate, in comparison to the control group. However, CAT activity rises significantly in Spirogyra sp., treated with 400 mg L-1 of Dimethoate. Cadmium can cause cytotoxicity in 1 mg L-1 concentration of the green algae(Spirogyra sp.). On the whole, investigating the biological and biochemical markers in Spirogyra sp., exposed to different concentrations of Dimethoate, has revealed some concentration-dependent toxicity. Furthermore, Dimethoate can synergistically increase toxicity and bioavailability of cadmium in Spirogyra sp.

The performance of every plant in an environment is an indicator of how the plant can withstand the various environmental conditions. This study investigated the toxicity of crude oil on the growth performance, chlorophyll contents, enzymatic activities and oxidative stress biomarkers of eight accessions of Zea mays. The growth enzyme (amylase and invertase) activities, as well as oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) in Z. mays were assayed using spectrophotometric method. The maize accessions were grown in the experimental pots containing crude oil treatments (2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) and harvested after 14 days of seedling emergence. The results showed that the percentage seedling emergence, leaf area, root length, stem girth and shoot length of each accession were significantly reduced (p

Comparative analysis of microbiological indicators (heterotrophic and hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria) in bottom sediments and biochemical parameters (level of oxidized proteins (OP) and lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities) in hepatopancreas of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lam.) from three Sevastopol bays - Laspi, Kazach’ya, Streletskaya (the Black Sea) was carried out. The results obtained allowed to identify certain differences between the studied areas and characterize their ecological state. The maximum abundance of heterotrophic and hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria was found in the most polluted Streletskaya Bay (95,000 and 250 cells/g respectively), the minimum - in the conventionally pure Laspi Bay (2,500 and 1.5 cells/g respectively). Parameters of prooxidant-antioxidant system (level of OP and LPO, SOD and CAT activities), as well as ALT activity in the hepatopancreas of mussels from Streletskaya Bay were found higher as compared to those in other tested areas. Most significant differences (more than twofold) in SOD activity, LPO content and basic ketone forms of OP levels were found between Laspi and Streletskaya bays. The results obtained indicate the severe pollution and less favorable living conditions for aquatic organisms in Streletskaya Bay, as well as demonstrate the high level of biochemical adaptation of mussels to complex environmental pollution. The studied parameters can be applied in the ecological monitoring of the coastal sea water areas.

peer reviewed | Metconazole (MEZ), a chiral triazole fungicide, produces enantioselective adverse effects in non-target organisms. Among MEZ's isomers, cis-MEZ displays robust antimicrobial properties. Evaluating MEZ and cis-MEZ's toxicity may mitigate fungicide usage and safeguard non-target organisms. Our study evaluated the toxicity of MEZ and its cis-isomers at concentrations of 0.02, 0.2, 2, and 4 mg L−1. We report stereoselectivity and severe cardiovascular defects in zebrafish, including pericardial oedema, decreased heart rate, increased sinus venous and bulbous arteries distances, intersegmental vessel defects, and altered cardiovascular development genes (hand2, gata4, nkx2.5, tbx5, vmhc, amhc, dll4, vegfaa, and vegfc). Further, MEZ significantly increased oxidative stress and apoptosis in zebrafish, primarily in the cardiac region. Isoquercetin, an antioxidant found in plants, partially mitigates MEZ-induced cardiac defects. Furthermore, MEZ upregulated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes (wnt3, β-catenin, axin2, and gsk-3β) and β-catenin protein expression. Inhibitor of Wnt Response-1 (IWR-1) rescued MEZ-induced cardiotoxicity. Our findings highlight oxidative stress, altered cardiovascular development genes, and upregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling as contributors to cardiovascular toxicity in response to MEZ and cis-MEZ treatments. Importantly, 1R,5S-MEZ exhibited greater cardiotoxicity than 1S,5R-MEZ. Thus, our study provides a comprehensive understanding of cis-MEZ's cardiovascular toxicity in aquatic life. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd

A comprehensive approach to chemical accumulation and biological effects of short-term Cu exposure in juveniles of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) has been achieved. Fish were exposed to 0.01–10 mg L− 1 nominal Cu concentrations for 24–96 h. Metal concentrations in water and gills, liver, muscle and brain tissues were studied along with oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, lipid peroxidation). Induction of oxidative damage was observed in all the organs with differential antioxidant responses; gills appearing as the most sensitive from low environmentally water Cu concentrations as 0.01 mg L− 1. Histopathological alterations were also observed in liver and gills, even without a significant Cu accumulation. The results show that the combination of oxidative stress parameters, particularly lipid peroxidation and glutathione peroxidase activities, and histopathological alterations provide a good model fish and reliable early biomarkers for monitoring Cu pollution in seawater and might call for the protection agencies to revise the Cu environmental standards.

The Paraná River basin is one of the most important in South America and is affected by human activities that take place on its margins. In particular, the De la Cruz stream flows through an industrial pole and the Arrecifes River goes mainly through agricultural fields. The aim of this study was to evaluate the water quality of the De la Cruz stream (S1) and the Arrecifes River (S2) by means of physicochemical parameters, including metals and pesticides concentrations. Since amphibians are good indicators of environmental quality, bioassays with Rhinella arenarum were carried on. For lethal and sublethal parameters, embryos and larvae were exposed to a dilution gradient of water samples and AMPHITOX Solution (AS) as negative control for 504 h. For the determination of oxidative stress biomarkers (Catalase -CAT-, Glutathione S-Transferase -GST-, Reduced Glutathione -GSH-, and lipid peroxidation -TBARS-), embryos and larvae were exposed to undiluted water samples and AS. For the determination of micronuclei, larvae at hind limb bud stage (S.28) were exposed to undiluted water samples, simultaneously with negative and positive controls (AS and cyclophosphamide 40 mg/L, respectively). Dissolved oxygen was low in both sites and the copper levels exceeded the Argentine limit for the protection of aquatic life. In embryos exposure, water sample from S1 caused lethal effects (504h-LC50 = 49 (28–71.6)%), increased TBARS levels, and GST and CAT activities. In larvae exposure, water sample from this site decreased CAT activity, while the water sample from S2 caused important lethal effects (504h-LC50 = 98.72 (60.60–302.52)%), low GSH levels and increased GST activity. Water samples from both sites induced higher micronuclei frequency than the negative control. This study alerts about the degradation of water quality of the studied sites including lethal and sublethal effects in R. arenarum that can jeopardize the native populations of this species. | Fil: Peluso, Julieta. Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM). Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. | Fil: Aronzon, Carolina Mariel. Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM). Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Argentina. | Fil: Ríos de Molina, María del Carmen. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto Tecnología de Alimentos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. | Fil: Rojas, Dante Emanuel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto Tecnología de Alimentos; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Biológica. Instituto de Química Biológica; Argentina. | Fil: Cristos, Diego Sebastian. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto Tecnología de Alimentos; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Biológica. Instituto de Química Biológica; Argentina. | Fil: Pérez Coll, Cristina Silvia. Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM). Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Argentina.

International audience | Carbamazepine (CBZ) and Hg are widespread and persistent micropollutants in aquatic environments. Both pollutants are known to trigger similar toxicity mechanisms, e.g. reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Here, their effects were assessed in the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha, frequently used as a freshwater model in ecotoxicology and biomonitoring. Single and co-exposures to CBZ (3.9 µg•L-1) and MeHg (280 ng•L-1) were performed for 1 and 7 days. Metabolomics analyses evidenced that the co-exposure was the most disturbing after 7 days, reducing the amount of 25 metabolites involved in protein synthesis, energy metabolism, antioxidant response and osmoregulation, and significantly altering cells and organelles' structure supporting a reduction of functions of gills and digestive glands. CBZ alone after 7 days decreased the amount of α-aminobutyric acid and had a moderate effect on the structure of mitochondria in digestive glands. MeHg alone had no effect on mussels' metabolome, but caused a significant alteration of cells and organelles' structure in gills and digestive glands. Single exposures and the co-exposure increased antioxidant responses vs control in gills and digestive glands, without resulting in lipid peroxidation, suggesting an increased ROS production caused by both pollutants. Data globally supported that a higher number of hyperactive cells compensated cellular alterations in the digestive gland of mussels exposed to CBZ or MeHg alone, while CBZ+MeHg co-exposure overwhelmed this compensation after 7 days. Those effects were unpredictable based on cellular responses to CBZ and MeHg alone, highlighting the need to consider molecular toxicity pathways for a better anticipation of effects of pollutants in biota in complex environmental conditions.

International audience | Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent compounds that are massively used in industry, consumer goods and fire-fighting foams. Soil contamination by PFAS is a major environmental concern, and there is a lack of knowledge on both their ecotoxicological mechanisms and the concentrations that induce adverse effects especially to non-target organisms, particularly in the case of PFAS mixtures. This study contributes to filling these gaps by assessing and modelling the effects of PFAS (in single and in mixtures for PFOS and PFOA at different environmental doses) on juvenile endogeic earthworms of a common species in European soils (Aporrectodea caliginosa) at different levels of biological organization (sub-individual and individual). The results showed for the first time combined strong ecotoxicological effects of PFAS on earthworm survival, integumental integrity, growth, sexual maturity and on genomic stability notably with the induction of DNA breaks associated with no abnormal oxidative DNA-lesion levels. Our results demonstrated significant effects at 0.3 mg kg − 1 and additive effects in case of mixtures. ☆ This paper has been recommended for acceptance by Jiayin Dai.