Development of an effective QSAR-based hazard threshold prediction model for the ecological risk assessment of aromatic hydrocarbon compounds.

The insufficient hazard thresholds of specific individual aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (AHCs) with diverse structures limit their ecological risk assessment. Thus, herein, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models for estimating the hazard threshold of AHCs were developed based on the hazardous concentration for 5% of species (HC5) determined using the optimal species sensitivity distribution models and on the molecular descriptors calculated via the PADEL software and ORCA software. Results revealed that the optimal QSAR model, which involved eight descriptors, namely, Zagreb, GATS2m, VR3_Dzs, AATSC2s, GATS2c, ATSC2i, ω, and Vm, displayed excellent performance, as reflected by an optimal goodness of fit (R2adj = 0.918), robustness (Q2LOO = 0.869), and external prediction ability (Q2F1 = 0.760, Q2F2 = 0.782, and Q2F3 = 0.774). The hazard thresholds estimated using the optimal QSAR model were approximately close to the published water quality criteria developed by different countries and regions. The quantitative structure-toxicity relationship demonstrated that the molecular descriptors associated with electrophilicity and topological and electrotopological properties were important factors that affected the risks of AHCs. A new and reliable approach to estimate the hazard threshold of ecological risk assessment for various aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants was provided in this study, which can be widely popularised to similar contaminants with diverse structures.

Immunotoxicity of Xenobiotics in Fish: A Role for the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR)?

The impact of anthropogenic contaminants on the immune system of fishes is an issue of growing concern. An important xenobiotic receptor that mediates effects of chemicals, such as halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Fish toxicological research has focused on the role of this receptor in xenobiotic biotransformation as well as in causing developmental, cardiac, and reproductive toxicity. However, biomedical research has unraveled an important physiological role of the AhR in the immune system, what suggests that this receptor could be involved in immunotoxic effects of environmental contaminants. The aims of the present review are to critically discuss the available knowledge on (i) the expression and possible function of the AhR in the immune systems of teleost fishes; and (ii) the impact of AhR-activating xenobiotics on the immune systems of fish at the levels of immune gene expression, immune cell proliferation and immune cell function, immune pathology, and resistance to infectious disease. The existing information indicates that the AhR is expressed in the fish immune system, but currently, we have little understanding of its physiological role. Exposure to AhR-activating contaminants results in the modulation of numerous immune structural and functional parameters of fish. Despite the diversity of fish species studied and the experimental conditions investigated, the published findings rather uniformly point to immunosuppressive actions of xenobiotic AhR ligands in fish. These effects are often associated with increased disease susceptibility. The fact that fish populations from HAH- and PAH-contaminated environments suffer immune disturbances and elevated disease susceptibility highlights that the immunotoxic effects of AhR-activating xenobiotics bear environmental relevance.

An in vitro model to assess the peripheral vestibulotoxicity of aromatic solvents.

Epidemiological and experimental studies indicate that a number of aromatic solvents widely used in the industry can affect hearing and balance following chronic exposure. Animal studies demonstrated that long-term exposure to aromatic solvents directly damages the auditory receptor within the inner ear: the cochlea. However, no information is available on their effect on the vestibular receptor, which shares many structural features with the cochlea and is also localized in inner ear. The aim of this study was to use an in vitro approach to assess and compare the vestibular toxicity of different aromatic solvents (toluene, ethylbenzene, styrene and ortho-, meta-, para-xylene), all of which have well known cochleotoxic properties. We used a three-dimensional culture model of rat utricles ("cysts") with preserved functional sensory and secretory epithelia, and containing a potassium-rich (K+) endolymph-like fluid for this study. Variations in K+ concentrations in this model were considered as biomarkers of toxicity of the substances tested. After 72 h exposure, o-xylene, ethylbenzene and styrene decreased the K+ concentration by 78 %, 37 % and 28 %, respectively. O- xylene and styrene both caused histopathological alterations in secretory and sensory epithelial areas after 72 h exposure, whereas no anomalies were observed in ethylbenzene-exposed samples. These in vitro results suggest that some widely used aromatic solvents might have vestibulotoxic properties (o-xylene, styrene and ethylbenzene), whereas others may not (p-xylene, m-xylene, toluene). Our results also indicate that variations in endolymphatic K+ concentration may be a more sensitive marker of vestibular toxicity than histopathological events. Finally, this study suggests that cochleotoxic solvents might not be necessarily vestibulotoxic, and vice versa.

Examination of xylene exposure in the U.S. Population through biomonitoring: NHANES 2005-2006, 2011-2016.

Aim: Xylenes are aromatic hydrocarbons used for industrial applications such as the production of petrochemicals and plastics. Acute xylene exposures can negatively impact health through neurotoxicity and irritation of respiratory and dermal tissues. We quantified urinary biomarkers of xylene exposure [2-methylhippuric acid (2MHA) and a mixture of 3- and 4-methylhippuric acids (34MH)] in a representative sample of the U.S. population. Methods: Spot urine obtained during the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006 and 2011-2016 was analysed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Exclusive smokers were distinguished from non-users using a combination of self-report and serum cotinine data. Results: The median 2MHA and 34MH levels were higher for exclusive smokers (100 µg/g and 748 µg/g creatinine, respectively) than for non-users (27.4 µg/g and 168 µg/g creatinine, respectively). Participants who smoked cigarettes had significantly higher 2MHA and 34MH levels (p < 0.0001) than unexposed participants. Smoking 1-10, 11-20, and >20 cigarettes per day (CPD) was significantly associated with 181%, 339% and 393% higher 2MHA levels, respectively. For 34MH, smoking 1-10, 11-20, and >20 CPD was significantly associated with 201%, 398%, and 471% higher 34MH levels, respectively. Conclusion: We confirm that tobacco smoke is a significant source of xylene exposure as measured by urinary 2MHA and 34MH levels.

Short and long-term effects of low-sulphur fuels on marine zooplankton communities.

International shipping is responsible for the release of numerous contaminants to the air and the marine environment. In order to reduce airborne emissions, a global 0.5 % sulphur limit for marine fuels was implemented in January 2020. Recently, a new generation of so-called hybrid fuels that meet these new requirements have appeared on the market. Studies have shown that these fuels have physical properties that make conventional clean-up methods difficult, but few have studied their effects on marine life. We conducted short and long-term microcosm experiments with natural mesozooplankton communities exposed to the water accommodated fractions (WAFs) of the hybrid fuel RMD80 (0.1 % sulphur) and a Marine Gas Oil (MGO). We compared the toxicity of both fuel types in 48h short-term exposures, and studied the effects of the hybrid fuel on community structure over two generations in a 28-day experiment. The F0 generation was exposed for eight days and the F1 generation was raised for 22 days without exposure. GC-MS and GC-FID analysis of the WAFs revealed that the hybrid fuel was dominated by a mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), whereas the MGO was mainly composed of VOCs. We observed significant short-term effects on copepod egg production from exposure to 25 % hybrid fuel WAF, but no effects from the MGO WAF at equivalent WAF dilution. In the long-term experiment with RMD80, the feeding rate was initially increased after exposure to 0.5-1.1 % hybrid fuel WAF, but this did not increase the copepod egg production. Significant change in community structure was observed after eight days in the F0 community at 0.5-3.3 % WAF. Indications of further alterations in species abundances was observed in the F1 community. Our results demonstrate that the MGO is a less toxic low-sulphur alternative to the hybrid fuel for marine zooplankton, and that a hybrid fuel spill could result in altered diversity of future generations of copepod communities.

Exposure to organic solvents and hepatotoxicity.

The purpose of this study was to identify the long-term effect of chemical exposure on the liver. Laboratory tests included alanine aminotransferase (ALT) dosage and oxidative stress tests, such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in plasma and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase analysis in erythrocytes. The cross-sectional study comprised 70 workers, 30 of them exposed to organic solvents and 40 not exposed. All those exposed presented at least 5 years of exposure to solvents. Hepatitis B and C, known hepatic disease, comorbidities, use of alcohol, illicit drugs or hepatotoxic medications, smoking, body mass index >30, female sex and age (<18 or >65) were excluded from the sample. Results indicated that elevated ALT was more frequent in the exposed group compared to controls: 33% vs. 10.5%, with a statistical significance (p < 0.05). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly elevated (p < 0.01) in the exposed group in comparison to controls. Antioxidant enzymes were more elevated in the exposed group compared to controls: SOD 7.29 (4.30-8.91) USOD/mg of protein vs. 3.48 (2.98-5.28) USOD/mg of protein and GST 2.57 µmol/min/mg of protein (1.80-4.78) vs. 1.81 µmol/min/mg of protein (1.45- 2.30) µM/min/mg of protein. The results suggest an association between exposure to organic solvents and hepatotoxicity.

Identification of structural fingerprints for in vivo toxicity by using Monte Carlo based QSTR modeling of nitroaromatics.

Monte Carlo based method by using either SMILES based or combination of SMILES and Graph-based descriptors is an important strategy to build the QSAR/QSTR model for prediction of different biological endpoints. In this study, Monte Carlo based QSTR approach was applied to the dataset of 90 nitroaromatic compounds related to their in vivo toxicity, represented by 50% lethal dose concentration for rats (LD50). Both classification and regression-based QSTR models were developed to get an idea about different fingerprints for promoters and hinderers of nitroaromatics toxicity. The best classification model was obtained by using SMILES and graph-based (GAO) descriptor with 1ECK connectivity (sensitivity = 0.7143, specificity = 1.0000, accuracy = 0.8889, and MCC = 0.7774). The best regression model calculated by using SMILES and hydrogen-suppressed graph descriptors with 0ECk connectivity (R2 = 0.7386, Q2 = 0.6315, S = 0.467, and MAE = 0.340). Finally, a consensus QSTR model was generated to predict efficiently the toxicity of new compounds. The study highlighted that the comparative QSTR models by using the Monte Carlo method can also be generated and will be a useful tool for structural fingerprint analysis in case of nitroaromatics for preliminary evaluation of its toxicity to mammals.

Prediction on the mutagenicity of nitroaromatic compounds using quantum chemistry descriptors based QSAR and machine learning derived classification methods.

Nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) are an important type of environmental organic pollutants. However, it is lack of sufficient information relating to their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment due to the limited resources. Thus, using in silico technologies to assess their potential hazardous effects is urgent and promising. In this study, quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) and classification models were constructed using a set of NACs based on their mutagenicity against Salmonella typhimurium TA100 strain. For QSAR studies, DRAGON descriptors together with quantum chemistry descriptors were calculated for characterizing the detailed molecular information. Based on genetic algorithm (GA) and multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses, we screened descriptors and developed QSAR models. For classification studies, seven machine learning methods along with six molecular fingerprints were applied to develop qualitative classification models. The goodness of fitting, reliability, robustness and predictive performance of all developed models were measured by rigorous statistical validation criteria, then the best QSAR and classification models were chosen. Moreover, the QSAR models with quantum chemistry descriptors were compared to that without quantum chemistry descriptors and previously reported models. Notably, we also obtained some specific molecular properties or privileged substructures responsible for the high mutagenicity of NACs. Overall, the developed QSAR and classification models can be utilized as potential tools for rapidly predicting the mutagenicity of new or untested NACs for environmental hazard assessment and regulatory purposes, and may provide insights into the in vivo toxicity mechanisms of NACs and related compounds.

A simple approach for assessment of toxicity of nitroaromatic compounds without using complex descriptors and computer codes.

A simple approach is introduced to assess the toxicity of nitroaromatic compounds in terms of an oral LD50 dose (50% lethal dose) for rats. Most of the presented Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) models for prediction of in vivo toxicity of nitroaromatics are calculated by quantum computing descriptors which are more difficult to interpret and apply, while the new model requires only the molecular structure of a desirable nitroaromatic compound. The novel model is based on the constitutional descriptors, such as the number of oxygen, sulphur, phosphorous and molecular fragments. Experimental data of 90 nitroaromatics are used to derive and test the new model as the logarithm of LD50 values, i.e. -log (LD50). Although it is based on only simple structural parameters, the reliability of the new model is also higher than the complex QSAR model because the values of the root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of -log (LD50) for the new and the outputs of the latest QSAR method are 0.342 and 0.377, respectively.

Preparation and Measuring of Brain GABAA R-coupled Cl- /HCO3- - Activity for Integral Assessment of Aquatic Toxicity.

The wide use of aromatic hydrocarbons in various industries is having a negative effect on the environment and human health. Therefore, a key focus of current toxicology is the development and use of protein reporters with high sensitivity to various aromatic hydrocarbons (including phenolics and drugs). One molecular target for a wide range of pharmacology drugs and aromatic hydrocarbons (including phenol) is the neuronal GABAA R-coupled Cl- /HCO3- -ATPase. In this study, we present a protocol for isolation of the membrane-bound Cl- /HCO3- -ATPase from neuronal cells of animal brain. We then describe an uncomplicated in vitro method for measuring this ATPase activity for assessment of toxicity after interaction of this protein with an aquatic sample. This assay offers new avenues for using the Cl- /HCO3- -ATPase as a biomarker of water toxicity. This biotest is efficient, requires very little of the enzyme, and retains its sensitivity at low levels of various compounds. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Mechanism-based structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of aromatic amines and nitroaromatics carcinogenicity via statistical analyses based on CPDB.

Cancer is a leading cause of human mortality around the globe. In this study, mechanism-based SAR (Structure-Activity Relationship) was employed to investigate the carcinogenicity of aromatic amines and nitroaromatics based on CPDB. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used to construct the SAR model. Principle component analysis generated three principal components from 12 mechanism-based descriptors. The extracted principal components were later used for cluster analysis, which divided the selected 55 chemicals into six clusters. The three principal components were proposed to describe the "transport", "reactivity" and "electrophilicity" properties of the chemicals. Cluster analysis indicated that the relevant "transport" properties positively correlated with the carcinogenic potential and were contributing factors in determining the carcinogenicity of the studied chemicals. The mechanism-based SAR analysis suggested the electron donating groups, electron withdrawing groups and planarity are significant factors in determining the carcinogenic potency for studied aromatic compounds. The present study may provide insights into the relationship between the three proposed properties and the carcinogenesis of aromatic amines and nitroaromatics.

Aromatic hydrocarbon receptors in the immune system: Review and hypotheses.

Ah-receptors (AhRs) recognize and bind foreign environmental molecules as well as some target hormones of other nuclear receptors. As ligands activate transcription factors, they transmit the information on the presence of these molecules by binding to the DNA, which in turn activate xenobiotic metabolism genes. Cross talk with other nuclear receptors or some non-nuclear receptors also activates or inhibits endocrine processes. Immune cells have AhRs by which they are activated for physiological (immunity) or non-physiological (allergy and autoimmunity) processes. They can be imprinted by hormonal or pseudo-hormonal (environmental) factors, which could provoke pathological alterations for life (by faulty perinatal hormonal imprinting). The variety and amount of human-made new environmental molecules (endocrine disruptors) are enormously growing, so the importance of AhR functions is also expanding.

Toxicity of aromatic pollutants and photooxidative intermediates in water: A QSAR study.

Extensive commercial use of aromatic hydrocarbons results with significant amounts of these chemicals and related by-products in waters, causing a severe ecological and health threat, thus requiring an increased attention. This study was aimed at developing models for prediction of the initial toxicity of the aromatic water-pollutants (expressed as EC50 and TU0) as well as the toxicity of their intermediates at half-life of the parent pollutant (TU1/2). For that purpose, toxicity toward Vibrio fischery was determined for 36 single-benzene ring compounds (S-BRCs), diversified by the type, number and position of substituents. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) methodology paired with genetic algorithm optimization tool and multiple linear regression was applied to obtain the models predicting the targeted toxicity, which are based on pure structural characteristics of the tested pollutants, avoiding thus additional experimentation. Upon derivation of the models and extensive analysis on training and test sets, 4-, 4- and 5-variable models (for EC50 and TU0, TU1/2, respectively) were selected as the most predictive possessing 0.839

In vitro toxicological activity of particulate matter generated by coal combustion.

Herein, the toxicity of particles generated from the complete combustion of 1 g coal at 500, 700, and 900 °C were compared, and combustion at 700 °C generated the most toxins. Chemical analyses revealed that all components except catechol, resorcinol, and aromatic amines were most abundant at 700 °C. Toxicity results confirmed that the relative mutagenicity, cytotoxicity, redox cycling, and production of reactive oxygen species was highest for particles generated at 700 °C. Particles generated during combustion at 700 °C exhibited higher toxicity toward biological systems due to a higher content of toxic compounds.

Substrate selectivity of human aldehyde oxidase 1 in reduction of nitroaromatic drugs.

Human aldehyde oxidase 1 (AOX1) catalyzes the oxidation of various drugs and endogenous compounds. Recently, we found that AOX1 catalyzed the reduction of drugs such as nitrazepam and dantrolene. In this study, we aimed to clarify the substrate selectivity of human AOX1 for the reduction of nitroaromatic drugs to obtain helpful information for drug development. We investigated whether 11 nitroaromatic drugs were reduced by AOX1 using recombinant AOX1 and human liver cytosol (HLC) in the presence of N1-methylnicotinamide, an electron donor to AOX1. We found that clonazepam, flunitrazepam, flutamide, nilutamide, nimesulide, and nimetazepam were substantially reduced by recombinant AOX1 and HLC, whereas azelnidipine, nifedipine, and nimodipine were slightly reduced and metronidazole and tolcapone were not reduced. Via structural analysis, we observed that nitroaromatic drugs reduced by AOX1 possessed a relatively electron-deficient nitro group. Since the addition of NADPH to human liver microsomes (HLM) did not increase the reductase activities of the drugs that were reduced by recombinant AOX1, it was determined that NADPH-dependent enzymes in microsomes, such as cytochrome P450, were not involved in this process. Inhibition studies using known AOX1 inhibitors supported the role of AOX1 in the reduction of drugs in HLC. In conclusion, this provides new information related to the substrate selectivity of human AOX1 for the reduction of nitroaromatic drugs.

Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and toxicological activities of nitroaromatic Schiff bases.

Chagas disease is a major health problem not only in Latin America but also in Europe and North America due to the spread of this disease into nonendemic areas. In terms of global burden, this major tropical infection is considered to be one of the most neglected diseases, and there are currently only two available chemotherapies: benznidazole and nifurtimox. Unfortunately, although these chemotherapies are beneficial in the acute phase of the disease, benznidazole and nifurtimox lead to significant side effects, including hepatitis and neurotoxicity. Therefore, the search for and development of more effective, safe and inexpensive anti-Trypanosoma cruzi drugs are required. In this work, a series of 10 nitroaromatic Schiff bases bearing different (nitro) aromatic rings-was synthesized. Subsequently, the in vitro and in vivo anti-T. cruzi activities of the Schiff bases were investigated, as well as the in vivo toxicity and the biological effects. The basic structure of the most promising in vivo Schiff base, 10 would be useful in the synthesis of new compounds for Chagas disease treatment.

Pooled study of occupational exposure to aromatic hydrocarbon solvents and risk of multiple myeloma.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between occupational exposure to aromatic hydrocarbon solvents and risk of multiple myeloma (MM) in a large, consortium-based study. METHODS: We pooled data on 2854 cases and 10 743 controls from nine studies participating in the InterLymph consortium. Occupational exposures to benzene, toluene and xylene were assigned by a job-exposure matrix, coupled with 'correction' of exposure probability by self-reported or expert-assessed exposure from the individual studies. Cumulative intensity was calculated as the job-specific exposure intensity multiplied by job duration, summed across jobs. Associations were estimated using logistic regression, with inclusion of covariates for study matching factors and other potential confounders. We repeated our main analysis using random-effects meta-analysis to evaluate heterogeneity of effect. RESULTS: Benzene, toluene and xylene were each associated with MM. For the three solvents, the highest quartile of high-probability cumulative intensity exposure (vs unexposed) was associated with 42% to 63% increased risks of MM. Associations with toluene and xylene exposures were fairly consistent and robust to sensitivity analyses. The estimated effect for benzene was moderately heterogeneous between the studies. Each solvent's association with MM was stronger for exposure occurring within 20 years of diagnosis than with exposure lagged by more than 20 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our study adds important evidence for a role of aromatic hydrocarbon solvents in causation of MM. The difficulty in disentangling individual compounds in this group and a lack of data on potential carcinogenicity of toluene and xylene, in widespread current use, underscore a need for further epidemiological evaluation.

Four selected high molecular weight heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Ecotoxicological hazard assessment, environmental relevance and regulatory needs under REACH.

Little is known about the ecotoxicity of heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NSO-HETs) to aquatic organisms. In the environment, NSO-HETs have been shown to occur in a strong association with their unsubstituted carbocyclic analogues, the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), for which much more information is available. The present study addressed this issue by investigating the toxicity of four selected NSO-HETs in green algae (Desmodesmus subspicatus), daphnids (Daphnia magna) and fish embryos (Danio rerio). The four high molecular weight NSO-HETs dibenz[a,j]acridine (DBA), 7H-dibenzo[c,g]carbazole (DBC), benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-d]thiophene (BNT) and benzo[b]naphtho[1,2-d]furan (BNF) were selected, based on the results of a previous research project, indicating a lack of toxicity data and a high potential for persistence and bioaccumulation. The solubilities of the NSO-HETs in the test media were determined and turned out to be comparatively low (2.7-317 µg/L) increasing in the following order: DBA < BNT « DBC « BNF. Exposure concentrations during the toxicity tests were quantified with GC-MS and decreased strongly possibly due to sorption or metabolising during the test periods (48-96 h). Therefore, the estimated effect concentrations were related to the mean measured concentrations, as endpoints related to nominal concentrations would have underestimated the toxicity many times over. Within the range of the substance solubilities, BNF affected all test organisms with fish embryos being the most sensitive (fish: EC50 6.7 µg/L, algae: EC10 17.8 µg/L, daphnids: EC50 55.8 µg/L). DBC affected daphnids (EC50 2.5 µg/L,) and algae (EC10 3.1 µg/L), but not fish embryos. The lowest toxicity endpoint was observed for BNT affecting only algae (NOEC 0.556 µg/L) and neither daphnids nor fish embryos. DBA did not show any effects on the tested organisms in the range of the water solubility. However, we would expect effects in long-term toxicity studies to fish and aquatic invertebrates for all substances at lower concentrations, which needs further investigation. All four NSO-HETs were identified in mussels (Mytilus edulis) from the German coasts, in green kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) and in freshwater harbor sediment in concentrations between 0.07 and 2 µg/kg, highlighting their relevance as environmental contaminants. There is a need to regulate the four NSO-HETs within the REACH regulation due to their intrinsic properties and their environmental relevance. However, acquisition of additional experimental data appears to be pivotal for a regulation under REACH.

Toxicological Assessment of Mineral Hydrocarbons in Foods: State of Present Discussions.

The evaluation of mineral oils by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) provided high acceptable daily intakes for classes largely falling into the mass range strongly accumulated by humans. Because they are roughly 2 orders of magnitude above the present exposure, they authorize strongly increased exposure. An approach based on accumulation seems more adequate. Increased organ weights might be more critical than granulomas. Aromatic hydrocarbons with 1-2 aromatic rings should be distinguished from those with at least 3 aromatic rings. If mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon limits were low, no limit might be needed for the 1-2 ring aromatics. It should be considered to phase out substantial use of mineral oils in food application.

The sensitivity of a deep-sea fish species (Anoplopoma fimbria) to oil-associated aromatic compounds, dispersant, and Alaskan North Slope crude oil.

A predominant concern following oil spills is toxicity to aquatic organisms. However, few data are available on effects in deep-sea cold water fishes. The present study had 3 major objectives. The first was to investigate the relative sensitivity of the deep-sea species Anoplopoma fimbria (sablefish) to acute effects of 3 aromatic compounds (toluene, 2-methylnaphthalene, and phenanthrene), dispersant alone, and chemically enhanced water accommodated fractions (CEWAFs) of Alaskan North Slope crude oil. The second was to determine the critical target lipid body burden (CTLBB) for sablefish by fitting aromatic hydrocarbon toxicity data to the target lipid model (TLM), which then allowed expression of CEWAF exposures in terms of dissolved oil toxic units. The final aim was to apply a passive sampling method that targets bioavailable, dissolved hydrocarbons as an alternative analytical technique for improved CEWAF exposure assessment. The results indicate that sablefish exhibit sensitivity to Corexit 9500 (96-h median lethal concentration [LC50] = 72.2 mg/L) within the range reported for other fish species. However, the acute CTLBB of 39.4 ± 2.1 µmol/goctanol lies at the lower end of the sensitivity range established for aquatic species. The utility of both toxic units and passive sampling measurements for describing observed toxicity of dispersed oil is discussed. The present study is novel in that a new test species is investigated to address the uncertainty regarding the sensitivity of deep-sea fishes, while also employing modeling and measurements to improve exposure characterization in oil toxicity tests. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2210-2221. © 2018 SETAC.