Occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern and their risks to the Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense aquatic biota, Brazil.

The Aquidauana River is an important ecological corridor in the Pantanal biome. However, the growth of agricultural and urban areas along its banks has contributed to the deterioration of its water quality, consequently putting the aquatic biota at risk. Our objectives were to evaluate: 1) the composition of the landscape around six sampling sites located in the Aquidauana River middle section; and 2) the quality of its water by determining limnological parameters, concentrations of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), and the risks to native aquatic biota. Water samples were collected in November 2020. We observed the conversion of native riparian vegetation to extensive pasture areas and anthropic occupation around the sampling sites. We observed that the chlorophyll and total ammoniacal nitrogen values were above the standards established by Brazilian legislation in all samples. Studies focused on the quantification of CECs in the Pantanal waters are scarce, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the presence of pharmaceuticals in the Aquidauana River. All 30 CECs analyzed were detected in at least one water sample. Eleven CECs were quantified with eight pesticides (atrazine, diuron, hexazinone, tebuthiuron, azoxystrobin, carbendazim, tebuconazole, and fipronil) and one atrazine degradation product (atrazine-2-hydroxy), caffeine, and bisphenol A. The concentrations of atrazine herbicide observed in the water samples pose risks for protecting aquatic biota (RQs >1). Therefore, the native biota of the Pantanal biome is vulnerable to several types of toxic contaminants observed in the water, which can cause the disappearance of native and endemic species in this region. Establishing a monitoring program, improving sanitation infrastructure, and intensifying good agricultural practices are essential for reducing and controlling the entry of CECs into the Aquidauana River and the Pantanal water system.

Genotoxicity biomarkers on native fish species from the Araguari River (Amazon biome).

The Araguari River, one of the most important waterways in the Brazilian state of Amapá, is ecologically relevant and essential for the conservation of Amazonian fish biodiversity. Our previous studies demonstrated contamination of water and fish by metals. In particular, water samples showed genotoxic damage in Danio rerio. Here, we extended our studies of potential genotoxic damage to native fish from sampling sites located in the Araguari River lower section. To accomplish this, we collected samples of fish with different feeding behaviors, but in the same sampling sites, and evaluated the same genotoxicity biomarkers in erythrocytes. All eleven species of fish collected in the Araguari River lower section showed profiles and frequencies of genotoxic damage similar to those previously observed in tests with D. rerio, confirming that genotoxic pollutants present in these waters are also causing damage to native fish species.

Metal bioaccumulation in fish from the Araguari River (Amazon biome) and human health risks from fish consumption.

Recently, high concentrations of metals have been found in the waters from sampling sites located in the Araguari River lower section. These metals can be bioaccumulated by fish, but also biomagnified, representing a potential risk through human consumption. Here, we aimed to (1) determine the metal concentrations in muscle samples from fish; (2) evaluate bioaccumulation of metals in muscle tissue of fish species with different feeding behaviors; and (3) investigate the risks of single metals, as well as mixture of metals, to human fish consumption. Eleven fish species were sampled (3 carnivorous, 5 omnivorous, and 3 detritivorous). In four fish species, Cd and Pb concentrations exceeded the Brazilian maximum limits (MLs) for human consumption. Individually, Pb and Cd concentrations in the muscle of these fish indicate risks to human health. When considering the mixture of metals, the consumption of all fish species represents risks. The highest risks implicate detritivorous species. For all fish species evaluated, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of Hg shows values above its reference dose (RfD). Our results suggest the need to establish an environmental monitoring program that aims to preserve environmental quality, biodiversity, and human health. It is also necessary to develop actions that aim to educate Amazonian populations on safe fish preparation and consumption.

Bioaccumulation, genotoxicity, and risks to native fish species from inorganic contaminants in the Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense, Brazil.

The Aquidauana River is one of the most important rivers in the Pantanal region, Brazil. However, its waters have been contaminated by nearby anthropogenic activities, threatening native fish species. In this study, our objectives were: 1) to determine the concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in water and sediment samples from the Aquidauana River and to assess the risks posed to aquatic biota; 2) to quantify the concentration of these elements in muscle and liver tissue samples from four native fish species; 3) to evaluate the potential bioaccumulation of inorganic elements in the muscles and liver; and 4) to investigate genotoxicity biomarkers and their association with the inorganic element concentrations present in the muscle tissue. Water and fish samples were collected in November 2020. The concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, and Pb in the water samples were in disagreement with the Brazilian legislation and presented risks to the aquatic biota. In terms of mixtures of inorganic elements, there was a great increase in the risk to biota. The As concentration did not meet the Brazilian standard for sediments in the sample collected at sampling site 6. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in the muscle tissue of Hypostomus regani, Prochilodus lineatus, Brycon hilarii, and Mylossoma duriventre exceeded the Brazilian standards for human consumption. H. regani showed greater genotoxic damage, and the higher the Al and Fe concentrations in the muscle tissue, the higher the frequencies of lobulated nuclei and nuclear invaginations. Together, our results demonstrate the negative impacts on native fish species from the Aquidauana River contamination and indicate risks to Pantanal biodiversity.

Surface water contamination from pesticide mixtures and risks to aquatic life in a high-input agricultural region of Brazil.

The environmental risks of pesticides found in surface waters of an important agricultural basin in Brazil were estimated by adopting two approaches: individual pesticides risk quotients (RQ) and concentration addition model for pesticide mixtures (∑RQs) contained in each water sample. Monitoring was carried out in the Mogi Guaçu River basin, Brazil, from October 2017 to May 2018. Four sampling points were selected in the Mogi Guaçu River and seven in its tributaries A multiresidue method with solid-phase extraction and subsequent analysis by UPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS was developed to quantify 19 pesticides. Herbicides, except for simazine, presented the highest detection frequencies with values above 70%. Tebuthiuron was found in all 55 analyzed samples, presenting the highest concentration (6437 ng L-1) over the monitoring period. Fungicides and insecticides showed similar detection frequency (DF) values, ranging from 1.8% to 21.8%. Tebuconazole and carbofuran were the fungicides and insecticides most frequently detected, respectively. January 2018 sampling showed the highest total concentration of pesticides, differing from March 2018 and May 2018 (p < 0.05). The MG2 > TMG8 > MG1 > TMG6 sites showed the highest concentration total of pesticides while MG4 > TMG4 > TMG3 (p < 0.05) sites showed the lowest values: MG4 > TMG4 > TMG3 (p < 0.05). Most pesticide occurrences presented no risks to aquatic organisms. Only 19 out of the 175 pesticide occurrences > LOQ presented individual risks to aquatic biota. Contrary to the results obtained by the individual risk assessment, most pesticide mixtures presented risks to aquatic biota. In 36 out of the 55 samples analyzed during monitoring, pesticide mixtures presented risks to aquatic life.

High concentrations of metals in the waters from Araguari River lower section (Amazon biome): Relationship with land use and cover, ecotoxicological effects and risks to aquatic biota.

The Araguari River is one of the most important water body in the Brazilian state of Amapá. However, the quality of its waters has been deteriorating and, recently, high concentrations of metals were found in water samples collected from its lower section. Overall, we aimed to evaluate land use and cover around three sampling sites located in the Araguari River lower section and its contribution to water pollution by metals; correlate land use pattern with detected metal concentrations; assess acute toxicity using the Daphnia similis test and genotoxicity using the Danio rerio bioassay of water samples from the three sampling sites; and investigate the risks arising from metals present in waters to aquatic biota. Riparian forest around all sampling sites is fragmented owing to the expansion of pasture areas, which showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with the concentrations of Hg and Cu in water samples. Water samples from sampling sites 2 and 3 presented acute toxicity for D. similis, and the D. rerio bioassay confirmed the presence of genotoxic pollutants in the waters from all sampling sites. Our preliminary risk assessment showed that individual concentrations and the mixture of metals posed a high risk to aquatic biota. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the conversion of native forest to pastureland contributes to water contamination by metals, which contributes to the risks to aquatic biota.

Occurrence of caffeine, fluoxetine, bezafibrate and levothyroxine in surface freshwater of São Paulo State (Brazil) and risk assessment for aquatic life protection.

The prioritization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for monitoring programmes and/or environmental risk assessment (ERA) purposes is based on several criteria, including environmental occurrence data. However, data on API occurrence in Brazilian surface freshwaters are still scarce. The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) provides several medicines free-of-charge, including medications that have bezafibrate, fluoxetine and levothyroxine as the API. Thus, our objective was to investigate the occurrence of bezafibrate, fluoxetine and levothyroxine in samples collected at sampling sites included in the surface freshwater monitoring program of the São Paulo State Environmental Agency (CETESB); caffeine was also included in the analysis because it is commonly used as an anthropogenic marker of aquatic environment contamination. Monitoring results showed that levothyroxine was not found in any of the analysed samples. Caffeine was ubiquitous in the analysed samples, thus indicating anthropic contamination in the studied water bodies. Caffeine and bezafibrate presented risk quotient (RQ) < 1 for all the sampling sites and periods evaluated in this study. For fluoxetine, RQs > 1 were found in all water samples in which this API was found, indicating a potential risk for freshwater pelagic biota. Thus, fluoxetine should be regulated in São Paulo State in order to protect the aquatic biota. Additional occurrence studies in other Brazilian states are still needed to evaluate if fluoxetine is a nationwide pollutant.

Sulphonates' mixtures and emulsions obtained from technical cashew nut shell liquid and cardanol for control of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

Aedes aegypti is the main mosquito vector of dengue, zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever diseases. The low effectiveness of vector control options is mainly related to the increased insect's resistance and to the toxicity of products used for non-target organisms. The development of new environmentally friendly and safer products is imperative. Technical cashew nut shell liquid (tCNSL), mostly composed by cardanol (C), is an abundant by-product of the cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) production chain, available at low cost, and with proven larvicidal activity. However, chemical modifications in both tCNSL and cardanol were required to increase their water solubilities. Our objectives were to synthesise and characterise sustainable, low-cost and easy-to-use multiple function products based on tCNSL, cardanol, and the sulphonates obtained from both; and to evaluate all these products efficacy as surfactants, larvicidal, and antimicrobial agents. None of the sulphonates presented antimicrobial and larvicidal activities. tCNSL and cardanol were successfully emulsified with sodium technical cashew nut shell liquid sulphonate (NatCNSLS, complex mixture of surfactants). The emulsions obtained presented larvicidal activity due to the presence of tCNSL and cardanol in their composition. Our results showed that the tCNSL+NatCNSLS mixture emulsion was an effective larvicide and surfactant multiple function product, with high availability and easy-to-use, which can facilitate its large-scale use in different environments. Graphical abstract.

Similar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and genotoxicity profiles of atmospheric particulate matter from cities on three different continents.

The extractable organic material (EOM) from atmospheric total suspended particles (TSP) contains several organic compounds including non-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkyl-PAHs, and nitro-PAHs. These chemicals seem to be among the key drivers of TSP genotoxicity. We have shown previously that the mutagenic potencies of the EOM from Limeira, Stockholm, and Kyoto, cities with markedly different meteorological conditions and pollution sources are similar. Here we compare the profiles of non-substituted PAHs (27 congeners), alkyl-PAHs (15 congeners), and nitro-PAHs (7 congeners) from the same EOM samples from these cities. We also compared the genotoxicity profiles using comet and micronucleus assays in human bronchial epithelial cells. The profiles of PAHs, as well as the cytotoxic and genotoxic potencies when expressed in EOM, were quite similar among the studied cities. It seems that despite the differences in meteorological conditions and pollution sources of the cities, removal, mixing, and different atmospheric transformation processes may be contributing to the similarity of the PAHs composition and genotoxicity profiles. More studies are required to verify if this would be a general rule applicable to other cities. Although these profiles were similar for all three cities, the EOM concentration in the atmospheres is markedly different. Thus, the population of Limeira (∼10-fold more EOM/m3 than Stockholm and ∼6-fold more than Kyoto) is exposed to higher concentrations of genotoxic pollutants, and Kyoto's population is 1.5-fold more exposed than Stockholm's. Therefore, to reduce the risk of human exposure to TSP genotoxins, the volume of emissions needs to be reduced.

Assessment of the ecotoxicity of the pharmaceuticals bisoprolol, sotalol, and ranitidine using standard and behavioral endpoints.

The pharmaceuticals bisoprolol (BIS), sotalol (SOT), and ranitidine (RAN) are among the most consumed pharmaceuticals worldwide and are frequently detected in different aquatic ecosystems. However, very few ecotoxicity data are available in the literature for them. To help fill these data gaps, toxicity tests with the algae Raphidocelis subcapitata, the macrophyte Lemna minor, the cnidarian Hydra attenuata, the crustacean Daphnia similis, and the fish Danio rerio were performed for assessing the ecotoxicity of these pharmaceuticals. Standard, as well as non-standard endpoint, was evaluated, including the locomotor behavior of D. rerio larvae. Results obtained for SOT and RAN showed that acute adverse effects are not expected to occur on aquatic organisms at the concentrations at which these pharmaceuticals are usually found in fresh surface waters. On the other hand, BIS was classified as hazardous to the environment in the acute III category. Locomotor behavior of D. rerio larvae was not affected by BIS and RAN. A disturbance on the total swimming distance at the dark cycle was observed only for larvae exposed to the highest test concentration of 500 mg L-1 of SOT. D. similis reproduction was affected by BIS with an EC10 of 3.6 (0.1-34.0) mg L-1. A risk quotient (RQ) of 0.04 was calculated for BIS in fresh surface water, considering a worst-case scenario. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first chronic toxicity data with BIS on non-target organisms.

Single and mixture toxicity of four pharmaceuticals of environmental concern to aquatic organisms, including a behavioral assessment.

Pharmaceuticals are frequently detected in aquatic environments as mixtures and can cause toxic effects to non-target organisms. We aimed to evaluate the single and mixture effects of the pharmaceuticals metformin, bisoprolol, ranitidine and sotalol using Daphnia similis and Danio rerio. In addition, we aimed to test the predictive accuracy of the mathematical models concentration addition and independent action and to evaluate the nature of the possible toxicological interactions among these pharmaceuticals using the combination index-isobologram model. The acute toxicity of these four pharmaceuticals individually and of their binary mixtures were evaluated using the D. similis tests. Developmental and behavioral effects induced by the pharmaceuticals in quaternary mixtures were evaluated using D. rerio embryos. We observed that most of the binary mixture effects were in the zone between the effects predicted by the concentration addition and the independent action model. The combination index-isobologram model showed to be adequate to describe the nature of possible interactions occurring between the combined pharmaceuticals. Developmental and behavioral acute adverse effects seem not to be induced by the joint action of the quaternary mixture of the evaluated pharmaceuticals on D. rerio embryos, at the concentrations at which they are usually found in surface fresh waters. However, from the results obtained with D. similis, we can conclude that assessing the ecological risk based on the effects of individual pharmaceuticals can underestimate the risk level posed by these environmental contaminants.

Metals and emerging contaminants in groundwater and human health risk assessment.

Groundwaters are normally consumed without previous treatment and therefore the monitoring of contaminants in order to guarantee its safety is necessary. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the groundwater contamination by metals and emerging contaminants, seeking to understand the relationship between their presence in the groundwater and the use and land cover profile of Itaporã and Caarapó. In addition, the contaminant concentrations observed were compared with maximum permitted values (MPV) and/or with calculated water quality criteria (WQC) for human consumption to investigate possible human health risks due to the groundwater intake. We collected one groundwater sample from each of the 12 wells located in Itaporã and 11 wells located in Caarapó. The metals were analyzed using ICP-OES and the emerging contaminants using LC-MS/MS. At least 1 of the 9 metals analyzed was found in each of the samples. In 12 samples, the metal concentrations verified exceeded the MPV or calculated WQC. A risk to human health has been observed for metals Co, Mn, Cr, and Ni. The emerging contaminant concentrations found in some samples were low (ng/L) and probably did not pose health risks, but their presence in the groundwater showed the impact of agriculture and the inadequate disposal of domestic sewage in the wells of both cities.

Comparative mutagenic activity of atmospheric particulate matter from limeira, stockholm, and kyoto.

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) organic fractions from urban centers are frequently mutagenic for the Salmonella/microsome assay. This mutagenicity is related to both primary and secondary pollutants, and meteorological conditions have great influence on the secondary pollutant's formation. Our objective was to compare the mutagenicity of atmospheric total suspended particulates (TSP) from three cities with marked different meteorological conditions and TSP concentrations: Limeira (Brazil) with 99.0 µg/m3 , Stockholm (Sweden) with 6.2 µg/m3 , and Kyoto (Japan) with 28.0 µg/m3 . For comparison, we used the same batch of filters, sample extraction method, and Salmonella/microsome testing protocol with 11 strains of Salmonella with and without metabolic activation. Samples were collected during winter and pooled into one single extract representing each city. All samples were mutagenic for all tested strains, except for TA102. Based on the strain's selectivity, nitroarenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and aromatic amines play a predominant role in the mutagenicity of these samples. The mutagenic potencies expressed by mass of extracted organic material (EOM; revertants/µg EOM) were similar (~twofold difference) among the cities, despite differences in meteorological conditions and pollution sources. In contrast, the mutagenic potencies expressed by air volume (rev/m3 ) varied ~20-fold, with Limeira > Kyoto ≈ Stockholm. These results are the first systematic assessment of air mutagenicity from cities on three continents using the same protocols. The results confirm that the mutagenic potency expressed by EOM mass is similar regardless of continent of origin, whereas the mutagenic potency expressed by air volume can vary by orders of magnitude. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

From collection to discharge: physical, chemical, and biological analyses for fish farm water quality monitoring.

The use of chemical substances for the management of fish farming activities may compromise the quality of the tank water itself and of water bodies that receive the effluents. As studies that assess the environmental effect caused by pisciculture are scarce, the present study aimed at evaluating the water quality in two fish farms in the region of Grande Dourados, Brazil, from the site of water collection to the site of water disposal. The tools used for this purpose were the analysis of land use and cover and the determination of physical, chemical, and biological parameters of water samples. Maps of land use and cover were created, and water samples were collected at four sampling sites in two fish farms. The Allium cepa test, assays with Astyanax lacustris, and the Salmonella/microsome assay were performed. In addition, physical and chemical parameters were measured and metal and emerging contaminants in the water samples were investigated. The A. lacustris demonstrated the genotoxicity and the Salmonella/microsome assay suggested the mutagenic potential of water samples from the fish farms and indicated higher genotoxicity in the disposal tanks than in the collection tanks of the Brilhante fish farm. However, all the samples at the Dourados fish farm were genotoxic, and mutagenicity was shown to start at the water collection site. With regard to the A. cepa test, there was no statistical difference between the collection sites in both fish farms. Moreover, the observed genetic damage may be associated with the presence of metals and emerging contaminants in the water samples, which suggests that these chemicals have potential genotoxic and mutagenic effects that are related to the type of land use and cover in the area of the region studied. Considering that contaminated waters can potentially disturb the structure and functioning of natural ecosystems, the present study demonstrated the importance of treating fish farm effluent to minimize the negative effect of this activity on water bodies.

Mutagenicity of Ayahuasca and Their Constituents to the Salmonella/Microsome Assay.

Ayahuasca is a beverage used in religious rituals of indigenous and nonindigenous groups, and its therapeutic potential has been investigated. Ayahuasca is obtained by decoction of the Banisteriopsis caapi that contains ß-carbolines (harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine) plus Psychotria viridis that contains N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Although plants used in folk medicine are recognized as safe, many of them have genotoxic potential. The Salmonella/microsome assay is usually the first line of the mutagenicity evaluation of products intended for therapeutic use. Our objective was to evaluate the mutagenicity of ayahuasca beverage and their constituents using the Salmonella/microsome assay with TA98 and TA100. We analyzed two ayahuasca samples, and also beverage samples prepared each individual plant P. viridis and B. caapi. Harmine and harmaline were also tested. All beverage samples were chemically characterized and both ayahuasca samples could be considered representative of the beverages consumed in religious rituals. Both ayahuasca samples were mutagenic for TA98 and TA100 with and without S9, with similar potencies. The beverage obtained from P. viridis was not mutagenic, and beverage obtained from B. caapi was mutagenic for TA98 with and without S9. Harmine was nonmutagenic and harmaline was mutagenic only for TA98 without S9. Harmaline fully explain the mutagenicity observed with TA98 without S9 of both ayahuasca samples and the B. caapi beverage samples. We conclude that the ayahuasca samples are mutagenic and this effect is partially explained by harmaline, one of the ß-carbolines present in the beverage. Other mutagenic compounds seem to be present and need to be further investigated. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:269-276, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ecotoxicological effects, water quality standards and risk assessment for the anti-diabetic metformin.

Metformin (MET) is among the most consumed pharmaceuticals worldwide. This compound has been frequently detected in fresh surface water. However, ecotoxicological information for MET is still too limited, particularly regarding chronic and behavioral data. This study aimed to help filling these knowledge gaps, by carrying out both acute and chronic studies with four different test organisms from three different trophic levels. We assessed different endpoints, including the swimming behavior of Danio rerio larvae. We also derived both short-term and long-term environmental quality standards (EQS) for the protection of freshwater pelagic biota towards MET adverse effects. A risk quotient (RQ) was calculated for MET in fresh surface water, considering a worst-case scenario. Daphnia similis was by far the most sensitive species evaluated. An EC10 of 4.4 mg L-1 was obtained from the reproduction test with D. similis. A long-term EQS of 88 µg L-1 was derived and a RQ of 0.38 was obtained. An ecological risk is not expected for the chronic exposure of pelagic freshwater species to MET, considering the endpoints and the standard bioassays usually recommended in standard protocols. However, endocrine disruptive effects and potential interactive effects of MET with other co-occurring contaminants cannot be ruled out. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first data related with MET effects on population endpoints of D. similis and Hydra attenuata, as well as on the locomotor activity of D. rerio.

Mutagenicity profile of atmospheric particulate matter in a small urban center subjected to airborne emission from vehicle traffic and sugar cane burning.

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is genotoxic and recently was classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. PM chemical composition varies depending on source and atmospheric conditions. The Salmonella/microsome assay is the most used mutagenicity test and can identify the major chemical classes responsible for observed mutagenicity. The objective of this work was to characterize the mutagenicity of PM samples from a countryside city, Limeira, Brazil, which is influenced by heavy traffic and sugar cane biomass burning. Six samples of total PM were collected. Air mass backward trajectories were calculated. Organic extracts were assayed using the Salmonella/microsome microsuspension mutagenicity assay using TA98, YG1041, and TA1538, with and without metabolic activation (S9). YG1041 was the most sensitive strain and mutagenicity reached 9,700 revertants per m(3) without metabolic activation. Potency for TA1538 was higher than TA98, indicating that this strain should be considered in air mutagenicity studies. The increased response to YG1041 relative to TA98, and the decreased response with S9, suggests that nitroaromatics are the major contributors. Limeira is among the most mutagenic cities in the world. High mutagenicity in Limeira seems to occur when the air mass from the area of sugarcane production is mixed with air from the region impacted by anthropogenic activities such as traffic. An increase in the formation of nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may result from longer contact time between the aromatic compounds and the atmosphere with high NOx and ozone concentration, although more studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.

Occurrence, ecotoxicological effects and risk assessment of antihypertensive pharmaceutical residues in the aquatic environment--A review.

This study presents a review of the investigated antihypertensives in different aquatic compartments. It aims to compare these data with those regarding ecotoxicity effects in order to find out ecotoxicological data gaps for these pharmaceuticals and to point out the need for future studies. In addition, part of this article is dedicated to the risk assessment of the parent compounds atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol and verapamil, which are of great environmental concern in terms of contamination levels and for which there are sufficient ecotoxicological data available. 79 articles were retrieved presenting quantization data for 34 different antihypertensives and/or their metabolites. Only 43 articles were found regarding acute and chronic ecotoxicological effects of antihypertensive drugs. The results indicated that the beta-blockers atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol are the antihypertensives most frequently detected in the aquatic environment. They are also the drugs which reached the highest maximum concentrations in surface waters in the data reported in the literature. The highest percentages of ecotoxicity data regarding antihypertensives were also related to these beta-blockers. On the other hand, there is clearly a lack of ecotoxicity data, especially the chronic ones, regarding other antihypertensives. The environmental risk assessment (ERA) showed that all three of the evaluated beta-blockers can pose a potential long-term risk for non-target organisms of both fresh and marine water species. However, more meaningful ecotoxicity data for antihypertensives, including saltwater species, are required to refine and enlarge these results. Additional studies focusing on potential interactions between pharmaceutical mixtures, including antihypertensives, are also an urgent need.

Ecotoxicological evaluation of propranolol hydrochloride and losartan potassium to Lemna minor L. (1753) individually and in binary mixtures.

Antihypertensive pharmaceuticals, including the beta-blockers, are one of the most detected therapeutic classes in the environment. The ecotoxicity of propranolol hydrochloride and losartan potassium was evaluated, both individually and combined in a binary mixture, by using the Lemna minor growth inhibition test. The endpoints evaluated in the single-pharmaceutical tests were frond number, total frond area and fresh weight. For the evaluation of the mixture toxicity, the selected endpoint was frond number. Water quality criteria values (WQC) were derived for the protection of freshwater and saltwater pelagic communities regarding the effects induced by propranolol and losartan using ecotoxicological data from the literature, including our data. The risks associated with both pharmaceutical effects on non-target organisms were quantified through the measured environmental concentration (MEC)/predicted-no-effect concentration (PNEC) ratios. For propranolol, the total frond area was the most sensitive endpoint (EC50 = 77.3 mg L(-1)), while for losartan there was no statistically significant difference between the endpoints. Losartan is only slightly more toxic than propranolol. Both concentration addition and independent action models overestimated the mixture toxicity of the pharmaceuticals at all the effect concentration levels evaluated. The joint action of both pharmaceuticals showed an antagonistic interaction to L. minor. Derived WQC assumed lower values for propranolol than for losartan. The MEC/PNEC ratios showed that propranolol may pose a risk for the most sensitive aquatic species, while acceptable risks posed by losartan were estimated for most of aquatic matrices. To the authors knowledge these are the first data about losartan toxicity for L. minor.

Ecotoxicity of raw and treated effluents generated by a veterinary pharmaceutical company: a comparison of the sensitivities of different standardized tests.

Pharmaceutical effluents have recently been recognized as an important contamination source to aquatic environments and the toxicity related to the presence of antibiotics in effluents has attracted great attention. Conventionally, these effluents have been treated using physico-chemical and aerobic biological processes, usually with low rates of pharmaceuticals removal. Due to the complexity of effluents, it is impossible to determine all pharmaceuticals and their degradation products using analytical methods. Ecotoxicity tests with different organisms may be used to determine the effect level of effluents and thus their environmental impacts. The objective of this work was to compare the sensitivities of five ecotoxicity tests using aquatic and terrestrial organisms to evaluate the toxicity of effluents from the production of veterinary medicines before and after treatment. Raw and chemically treated effluent samples were highly toxic to aquatic organisms, achieving 100,000 toxic units, but only few of those samples presented phytotoxicity. We observed a reduction in the toxicity in the biologically treated effluent samples, which were previously chemically pre-treated, however the toxicity was not eliminated. The rank of test organisms' reactions levels was: Daphnia similis > Raphidocelis subcapitata > Aliivibrio fischeri > Allium cepa ~ Lactuca sativa. Effluent treatment employed by the evaluated company was only partially efficient at removing the effluent toxicity, suggesting potential risks to biota. The acute toxicity test with D. similis proved to be the most sensitive for both raw and treated effluents and is a suitable option for further characterization and monitoring of pharmaceutical effluents.