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[Display omitted] It has been a challenge to prepared polyether block amide (PEBA) fibrous membrane via solution electrospinning. The only few reported methods though involved hazardous solvents and surfactants which were against the principle of green chemistry. In this work, uniform fibrous membrane of PEBA was successfully fabricated by solution electrospinning with a bio-based solvent dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene). To further improve the mechanical strength and adsorption performance of the PEBA membrane, a hierarchical magnesium hydrogen phosphate (MgHPO 4 ·1.2H 2 O, MHP) was synthesized to blend evenly into the PEBA matrix. A Janus MHP/PEBA membrane with one side of hydrophobic surface and the other side of hydrophilic surface was subsequently prepared, which exhibited fast adsorption, high capacity, good selectivity and reusability towards ibuprofen, acetaminophen, carbamazepine and triclosan. In addition, the Janus membrane showed high removal efficiency of the above contaminants in secondary wastewater effluent with good long term stability. It demonstrated that this Janus MHP/PEBA membrane had a good potential in practical wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), and heavy metals (HMs), were measured in water and sediment of the Ganga River during summer and winter seasons for two consecutive years. Additionally, this study estimated the ecological and human health risks associated with PPCPs, EDCs, and HMs. HMs detected in the range of not detected (n.d.) to 23.59 μg/L and 0.01–391.44 μg/g in water and sediment samples, respectively. All studied HMs were within the permissible limits, except for As in water, and Cr and Ni in sediment. The geo-accumulation index (I geo) indicated that Cr (0.71–5.98) and Pb (0.90–3.90) had high I geo compared to other metals in sediment samples. Pb showed the highest ecological risk, followed by Cd, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, As, and Zn. The maximum potential ecological risk index was observed at site G8. The hazard index (HI) value for water (0.08–0.89) and sediment (0.02–0.29) intake by adults remained within the acceptable limits, except at sites G8 (1.27) and G9 (1.34) for water intake. However, for children, the HI value was above the acceptable limit for water intake at sites G4 to G13 and for sediment at site G8. Among the studied compounds, metformin, triclosan, triclocarban, diclofenac, and methylparaben were the most abundant compounds present in the Ganga River. PPCPs and EDCs detected in the range of n.d. to 5850.04 ng/L and n.d. to 1080.41 ng/g in water and sediment samples, respectively. The environmental risk assessment identifies the maximum ecological risk in water exhibited by triclocarban followed by 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), diclofenac, and triclosan, while in sediment, the maximum ecological risk exhibited by triclocarban, followed by EE2, 17 β-estradiol (E2), triclosan, and diclofenac. However, none of the compounds showed human health risk, except for EE2, E2, and atenolol. [Display omitted] • Metformin was present at the highest concentration among the targeted compounds. • Concentration of emerging contaminants exhibited seasonal variation. • Levels of chromium and arsenic in river pose human health risks. • Triclocarban, triclosan, diclofenac, and 17-α-ethinylestradiol pose ecological risks. • 17-α-ethinylestradiol, 17β-estradiol, and atenolol pose human health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclocarban (TCC), an antimicrobial ingredient in personal care products, is associated with immunosuppression and physiological dysfunctions of aquatic organisms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether TCC can induce common carp NETosis (neutrophil death by neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) release) and then to attempt to identify the potential molecular mechanisms. Herein, scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometric assays showed that revealed that TCC triggers DNA-containing web-like structures and increases extracellular DNA content. In the proteomic analysis, we observed that NET-related proteins, extracellular regulated protein kinase (Mapk1, Mapk14, Jak2) and apoptotic protein (caspase3) were significantly increased, and defender against cell death 1 (Dad1) was significantly decreased after TCC treatments. Meanwhile, we confirmed that TCC stress can trigger NETosis in common carp by activating the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/ERK1/2/p38 signaling. We think that the upregulated NDUFS1 expression is closely related to oxidative stress induced by TCC. Importantly, we discovered that SIRT3 expression was significantly decreased in the process of TCC-induced NETs. Importantly, pretreatment with the SIRT3 agonist honokiol (HKL) effectively suppressed TCC-induced NET release. In contrast, the SIRT3 antagonist 3-TYP escalated TCC-induced NET formation. Mechanistically, SIRT3 degradation serves as a potential mediator for regulating oxidative stress crosstalk between ERK1/2/p38 signals in the process of TCC-induced NET formation. These findings unveil new insights into the TCC-evoked health risk of fish and other aquatic organisms and suggest that SIRT3 is a potential pharmacological intervention target to alleviate TCC-induced common carp NETosis. [Display omitted] • Triclocarban (TCC) induce carp NETosis by activating the ROS/ERK1/2/p38 signaling. • Upregulated NDUFS1 expression is closely related to oxidative stress induced by TCC. • Upregulated SOD1 reflects the first signs of unbalanced redox status in neutrophils. • Sirt3 agonist honokiol pre-treatment suppressed TCC-induced carp NETs release. • Sirt3 degradation serve as a potential mediator for regulating ROS/ERK1/2/p38 signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The employment of traditional bait and medicament in freshwater aquaculture causes the frequent occurrence of environmental pollution and disease. Effluent collected after Rubrivivax gelatinosus- mediated wastewater treatment could be re-utilized as microbial feeds, medicament, and aquaculture water to culture Crucian carp. Therefore, a novel integrated system of wastewater treatment using effluent containing R. gelatinosus that improves yield, increases disease resistance, and enhances the quality of aquaculture water for Crucian carp culture was proposed and investigated. Crucian carp can grow well in effluent containing R. gelatinosus (ER). The survival rate, yield, and whole body composition of the ER group were all increased compared to the control group (CK). The biochemical (B vitamin) and other substances in the effluent of R. gelatinosus enhanced the activity of proteases, amylases, lipases, AKP, ACP, phagocytic, SOD, CAT by up-regulating the expression of akp, acp, sod, and cat genes. Theoretical analysis showed that biochemicals regulate the expression of these gene and enzyme activities by acting as a signal that stimulates the active center. Moreover, R. gelatinosus and biochemical substances improved mTOR and NF-kB signaling pathway and intestinal microbiota. Furthermore, R. gelatinosus inhibited Aeromonas hydrophila that increases resistance against fish disease and promotes the growth of intestinal bacteria. Meanwhile, R. gelatinosus in the effluent also improved the aquaculture water quality. This technology would save the aquaculture water, reduce water pollution and wastewater discharge, and increase the output and disease resistance of Crucian carp, simultaneously. • To culturing Crucian carp by the effluent containing R. gelatinosus. • The effluent improved yield and survival rate, digestion system, intestinal microbiota. • The effluent enhanced nonspecific immunity, antioxidant, disease resistance capacities. • The effluent improved mTOR, NF-kB signaling pathway and purified aquaculture water quality. • New strategy promoted the wastewater treatment, yield and aquaculture water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic antimicrobials known as parabens, triclosan (TCS), and triclocarban (TCC) are emerging environmental contaminants. Limited studies on these contaminants have been conducted in coastal environments. In our study, parabens, their metabolites, TCS, and TCC were measured in sediment collected along the Korean coast, to investigate contamination status, spatial distribution, and potential health risks to coastal environments. Methyl paraben and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid were detected in all sediment samples, suggesting widespread contamination. Total concentrations of parent parabens, their metabolites, TCS, and TCC ranged from 0.19 to 11.2 (mean: 2.40) ng/g dry weight, 9.65 to 480 (mean: 120) ng/g dry weight, and < limit of quantification (LOQ)–6.10 (mean: 0.41) ng/g dry weight, and from < LOQ–41.0 (mean: 2.78) ng/g dry weight, respectively. The overall contamination of parabens and antimicrobials in sediment was different from that reported for persistent organic pollutants due to different contamination sources among chemical groups. Significant correlation was found among target contaminants in sediment, suggesting the existence of a common source. Total organic carbon (TOC) was significantly correlated with the concentrations of target contaminants, implying a major factor for coastal distribution of parabens and antimicrobials. The concentrations of parabens and TCS measured in sediment did not exceed a hazard quotient (HQ), implying low potential health risks associated with exposure to these contaminants. This is the first study to report the nationwide distribution of parabens, their metabolites, and antimicrobials in the coastal environments of Korea. Image 1 • Parabens and antimicrobials were detected in all sediments from Korean coastal waters. • Methyl paraben and 4-HB were the predominant parabens and metabolite. • Significant correlation was found between target contaminants and total organic carbon. • Low ecological risks were observed for parabens and triclosan in a coastal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research paper, response surface methodology (RSM), generalized regression neural network (GRNN), and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) were employed to develop prediction models for Triclosan (TCS) removal by a novel inclusion complex (host–guest complex). Hence, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) host–guest complex loaded on the multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT/PEG/β-CD) was prepared and characterized by Raman, NMR, TGA, XRD, SEM, TEM, and point of zero charge (pH pzc) technique. The effects of MWCNT/PEG/β-CD dose (g), temperature (°C), antibiotic concentration (mg L−1), and sonication time (min), each at five levels were investigated as independent factors. Central composite design (CCD) of RSM setup was applied in combination with ANFIS and GRNN training dataset for evaluation purposes. Moreover, the kinetic, isotherm equilibrium, and thermodynamic parameters of adsorption of TCS on MWNT–PEG/β-CD nanocomposite was examined. To assess the accuracy of results, several statistics such as R2, RMSE (root mean square error), mean squared error (MSE), MAE (mean absolute error), sum of the absolute error (SAE), %AAD (absolute average deviation), average relative error (ARE), hybrid fractional error function (HYBRID), Marquart's percentage standard deviation (MPSD), and Pearson's Chi–square measure (χ) were checked. The results of ANFIS approach were found to be more trustworthy than GRNN model since better statistical analysis were attained. However, it was known that the GRNN is easier and take a little time for modeling than the ANFIS approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To evaluate the occurrence and ecological risk of organic contaminants in aquatic environment in China, a method for simultaneously detecting 130 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and 35 pesticides has been established using solid phase extraction-ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-UPLC-MS/MS) method. In the present survey, a total of 122 target compounds (103 PPCPs and 19 pesticides) were detected in seven major watersheds in China, with average concentrations ranged from 0.02 ng/L (sulfamerazine) to 332.75 ng/L (bisphenol A), revealing that PPCPs and pesticides were widely distributed in surface water of China. Antibiotics and organophosphorus were the most ubiquitously PPCPs and pesticides, respectively; quinolones were the predominant antibiotics, most of which were detected in more than 96% sampling sites, with average concentrations ranged from 2.14 to 309.67 ng/L; six pesticides including isoprocarb, fenobucarb, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, acetochlor and bentazone were detected in more than 80% sampling sites, with average concentrations ranged from 5.62 to 225.93 ng/L; more than half of the non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals were hormones; and diethyltoluamide (DEET) was predominant personal care products; The risk assessment showed that each watershed was at potential medium ecological risk based on their mean concentration (RQ Total > 1), and pesticides were the main compounds arising risks. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • A method for simultaneously detecting 130 PPCPs and 35 pesticides in water were established using SPE-UPLC-MS/MS. • 122 PPCPs and 19 pesticides were detected, ranged from 0.02 ng/L to 332.75 ng/L. • Antibiotics and organophosphorus were the most ubiquitously PPCPs and pesticides, respectively. • More than half of the non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals were hormones. • All the surface watersheds were estimated to be potential medium ecological risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Various water treatment processes may be ineffective to remove pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs) and their by-products, leading to endocrine-disruptive activity that might be detrimental to wildlife and human health. This study investigated the degradation of carbamazepine (CBZ), diclofenac (DCF), ibuprofen (IBP), and their intermediates, as well as estrogenic activity that is not effectively removed by conventional methods. A consortium of isolated South African indigenous fungi A. niger, M. circinelloides, T. polyzona, T. longibrachiatum and R. microsporus, was used in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) to remove PhCs, their intermediates and strongly reduce their estrogenic activity. The fungal ligninolytic enzymatic activity was determined for laccase (Lac), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and lignin peroxidase (LiP) using a spectrophotometric method. The biodegradation of PhCs and their intermediates was monitored by SPE-UPLC/MS. The in vitro estrogenic activity was assessed in the T47D-KBluc reporter gene assay. Lac, MnP and LiP production appeared to be biomass growth dependent. During a lag phase of growth, a constant biomass of about 122.04 mg/100 mL was recorded with average enzymatic activity around 63.62 U/L for Lac, 151.91 U/L for MnP and 42.12 U/L for LiP. The exponential growth phase from day 7 to day 17, was characterised by a biomass increase of 124.46 units, and an increase in enzymatic activity of 9.91 units for Lac, 99.03 units for MnP and 44.24 units for LiP. These enzymes played an important synergistic role in PhCs degradation in the cytochrome P450 system. A decrease of 13.89%, 29.7% and 16.15% in PhC concentrations was observed for CBZ, DCF and IBP, respectively, and their intermediates were identified within 4 h of incubation. The removal efficiency achieved after 24 h in the SBR was about 89.77%, 95.8% and 91.41% for CBZ, DCF and IBP, respectively. The estradiol equivalent (EEq) values of 1.71 ± 0.30 ng/L and 2.69 ± 0.17 ng/L were recorded at the start-up time and after 4 h, respectively. The presence of intermediates was found to induce estrogenic activity. The EEq values after 24 h incubation was found to be below the LoQ and below the LoD of the assay. None of the samples exhibited any anti-estrogenic activity. The fungal consortium inoculum was found to induce toxicity at a 0.4× concentration, as observed under a microscope. This study revealed that the use of the fungal consortium can remove the estrogenic activity of pharmaceutical metabolites, which appeared to be the most significant contributors to the endocrine-disrupting activity of the wastewater treatment plant effluents. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A fungal consortium was successful for the bioremediation of synthetic wastewater. • Simultaneous degradation of carbamazepine, diclofenac and ibuprofen was observed. • Estrogenic activity was detected with metabolites compounds than parents. • Fungal consortium was found to remove the metabolites' estrogenic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Prenatal exposure to certain xenobiotics has been associated with adverse birth outcomes. We examined the associations of triclocarban, phenols and parabens in a cohort of 922 pregnant women in Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats Program (PROTECT). Methods: Urinary triclocarban, phenols and parabens were measured at three time points in pregnancy (visit 1: 16–20 weeks, visit 2: 20–24 weeks, visit 3: 24–28 weeks gestation). Multiple linear regression (MLR) models were conducted to regress gestational age and birthweight z-scores against each woman's log average concentrations of exposure biomarkers. Logistic regression models were conducted to calculate odds of preterm birth, small or large for gestational age (SGA and LGA) in association with each of the exposure biomarkers. An interaction term between the average urinary biomarker concentration and infant sex was included in models to identify effect modification. The results were additionally stratified by study visit to look for windows of vulnerability. Results were transformed into the change in the birth outcome for an inter-quartile-range difference in biomarker concentration (Δ). Results: Average benzophenone-3, methyl- and propyl-paraben concentrations were associated with an increase in gestational age [(Δ 1.90 days; 95% CI: 0.54, 3.26); (Δ 1.63; 95% CI: 0.37, 2.89); (Δ 2.06; 95% CI: 0.63, 3.48), respectively]. Triclocarban was associated with a suggestive 2-day decrease in gestational age (Δ − 1.96; 95% CI: −4.11, 0.19). Bisphenol A measured at visit 1 was associated with a suggestive increase in gestational age (Δ 1.37; 95% CI: −0.05, 2.79). Triclosan was positively associated with gestational age among males, and negatively associated with gestational age among females. Methyl-, butyl- and propyl-paraben were associated with significant 0.50–0.66 decreased odds of SGA. BPS was associated with an increase in the odds of SGA at visit 3, and a suggestive increase in the odds of LGA at visit 1. Conclusion: Benzophenone-3, methyl-paraben and propyl-paraben were associated with an increase in gestational age. Concentrations of triclocarban, which were much higher than reported in other populations, were associated with a suggestive decrease in gestational age. The direction of the association between triclosan and gestational age differed by infant sex. Parabens were associated with a decrease in SGA, and BPS was associated with both SGA and LGA depending on the study visit. Further studies are required to substantiate these findings. Highlights • Biomarker concentrations were measured at three time points in pregnant women. • Benzophenone-3 was associated with an increase in gestational age. • Methylparaben and propylparaben were associated with an increase in gestational age. • Triclocarban was associated with a decrease in gestational age. • Fetal sex and study visit moderated some associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclosan (TCS) and Triclocarban (TCC) are widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in personal care products (PCPs). Because of their potential for endocrine disrupting effects, human exposure to these chemicals is a concern. Biomonitoring studies of human exposure to TCS and TCC have shown widespread exposure of populations in western European countries and the USA. However, exposure to TCC and TCS by populations in Asian countries is less well known. In this study, concentrations of TCS and TCC were determined in human urine collected from seven Asian countries (China, India, Korea, Kuwait, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam), and Greece and the USA. A total of 430 urine samples were analyzed for TCS and TCC, of which 355 (83%) and 82 (19%), respectively, contained measurable levels of these chemicals. The overall geometric mean [GM] concentrations of TCS and TCC, were 1.36 and 0.03 ng/mL, respectively. The highest mean concentration of TCS was found in urine from China (100 ng/mL) and the lowest concentration was found in urine from Vietnam (2.34 ng/mL). We also analyzed urinary 8-OHdG, a marker of oxidative stress, to elucidate the association with TCS and TCC levels for samples from Saudi Arabia (n=130) and a positive correlation between Ln-transformed TCC levels and 8-OHdG was found, although this was not statistically significant. This is the first study to report urinary levels of TCS and TCC in several Asian countries, especially for Vietnam, Kuwait, and Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals, such as glucocorticoids and antibiotics, are inadequately removed from wastewater and may cause unwanted toxic effects in the receiving environment. This study aimed to identify contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater effluent with antimicrobial or glucocorticoid activity by applying effect-directed analysis (EDA). Effluent samples from six wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the Netherlands were collected and analyzed with unfractionated and fractionated bioassay testing. Per sample, 80 fractions were collected and in parallel high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) data were recorded for suspect and nontarget screening. The antimicrobial activity of the effluents was determined with an antibiotics assay and ranged from 298 to 711 ng azithromycin equivalents·L−1. Macrolide antibiotics were identified in each effluent and found to significantly contribute to the antimicrobial activity of each sample. Agonistic glucocorticoid activity determined with the GR-CALUX assay ranged from 98.1 to 286 ng dexamethasone equivalents·L−1. Bioassay testing of several tentatively identified compounds to confirm their activity revealed inactivity in the assay or the incorrect identification of a feature. Effluent concentrations of glucocorticoid active compounds were estimated from the fractionated GR-CALUX bioassay response. Subsequently, the biological and chemical detection limits were compared and a sensitivity gap between the two monitoring approaches was identified. Overall, these results emphasize that combining sensitive effect-based testing with chemical analysis can more accurately reflect environmental exposure and risk than chemical analysis alone. [Display omitted] • Antimicrobial and glucocorticoid activity was determined in six effluent extracts. • High-resolution fractionation of the effluent extracts was performed. • High-resolution mass spectrometry data of the samples was recorded in parallel. • Bioactive compounds were identified through suspect and nontarget screening. • A sensitivity gap was identified between chemical analysis and bioassay testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to terrestrial inputs from human-impacted areas. The prevalence of wastewater treatment plants, unable to remove contaminants such as pharmaceuticals (PhACs), leads to their continuous input into the marine environment. In this paper, the seasonal occurrence of PhACs in a semi-confined coastal lagoon (the Mar Menor, south-eastern Spain) was studied during 2018 and 2019 by evaluating their presence in seawater and sediments, and their bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms. Temporal variation in the contamination levels was evaluated by comparison to a previous study carried out between 2010 and 2011 before the cessation of permanent discharges of treated wastewater into the lagoon. The impact of a flash flood event (September 2019) on PhACs pollution was also assessed. A total of seven compounds (out of 69 PhACs analysed) were found in seawater during 2018–2019, with a limited detection frequency (<33%) and concentrations (up to 11 ng/L of clarithromycin). Only carbamazepine was found in sediments (ND–1.2 ng/g dw), suggesting an improved environmental quality in comparison to 2010–2011 (when 24 and 13 compounds were detected in seawater and sediments, respectively). However, the biomonitoring of fish and molluscs showed a still remarkable accumulation of analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs, lipid regulators, psychiatric drugs and β-blocking agents, albeit not higher than in 2010. The flash flood event from 2019 increased the prevalence of PhACs in the lagoon, compared to the 2018–2019 sampling campaigns, especially in the upper water layer. After the flash flood the antibiotics clarithromycin and sulfapyridine yielded the highest concentrations ever reported in the lagoon (297 and 145 ng/L, respectively), alongside azithromycin in 2011 (155 ng/L). Flash flood events associated with sewer overflows and soil mobilisation, which are expected to increase under climate change scenarios, should be considered when assessing the risks posed by pharmaceuticals to vulnerable aquatic ecosystems in the coastal areas. [Display omitted] • Lower pharmaceutical concentrations were found in Mar Menor lagoon (SE Spain) in 2018–2019 than in 2010–2011. • Reuse of WWTP effluents (since 2015) has likely contributed to the observed decrease in pharmaceutical levels. • A flash flood episode in 2019 increased the presence of pharmaceuticals in the upper seawater layer. • Biomonitoring more informative than grab water regarding pharmaceutical presence in the lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of PPCPs in aquatic environments and their potential adverse effects on aquatic organisms have raised worldwide concerns. To address this issue, a study was conducted to analyze 137 selected PPCPs in Korean surface waters, and an optimized risk-based prioritization was performed. The results revealed that 120 PPCPs were detected, with 98 quantified at concentrations ranging from few ng/L to 42,733 ng/L for metformin. The 95% upper confidence limit (UCL95) of the mean value of the measured environmental concentration (MEC) for Metformin was about eight times higher than the second highest compound, dimethyl phthalate, indicating that antidiabetic groups had the highest concentration among the therapeutic groups. An optimized risk-based prioritization was then assessed based on the multiplication of two indicators, the Frequency of Exceedance and the Extent of Exceedance of Predicted No-Effect Concentrations (PNECs), which can be calculated using the traditional risk quotient (RQ) approach. The study found that clotrimazole had the highest risk quotient value of 17.4, indicating a high risk to aquatic organisms, with seven and 13 compounds showing RQ values above 1 and 0.1, respectively. After considering the frequency of exceedance, clotrimazole still had the highest novel risk quotient (RQ f) value of 17.4, with 99.6% of its MECs exceeding PNECs. However, the number of compounds with RQ f values above 1 decreased from seven to five, with cetirizine and flubendazole being excluded. Furthermore, only 10 compounds exhibited RQ f values above 0.1. The study also observed significant differences in the results between risk-based and exposure-based prioritization methods, with only five compounds, cetirizine, olmesartan, climbazole, sulfapyridine, and imidacloprid, identified in both methods. This finding highlights the importance of considering multiple methods for prioritizing chemicals, as different approaches may yield different results. [Display omitted] • 120 PPCPs were detected at concentrations ranging from few ng/L to µg/L. • Metformin had highest concentration, up to 42,733 ng/L. • Clotrimazole was prioritized first due to their high RQ, F, and RQ f values. • Six PPCPs were prioritized as posing moderate to high risk in Korean surface water. • Differences in prioritization approaches highlight the need for multiple methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reuse of treated municipal sewage (‘biosolids’) on land is an effective method to divert waste away from landfill and to use an alternative, low cost method of fertilisation. While legislation has mainly focused on the control of nutrient and metal application rates to land, other potentially harmful emerging contaminants (ECs) may be present in biosolids. Up to 80% of municipal sewage sludge is reused in agriculture in Ireland, which is currently the highest rate of reuse in Europe. However, unlike other countries, no study has been conducted on the presence of ECs across a range of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in this country. This study evaluated the concentrations of two ECs in sewage sludge, the antimicrobials triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC), and their presence in surface runoff following land application in controlled rainfall simulation studies. In 16 WWTPs, concentrations of TCS and TCC were 0.61 and 0.08 µg g −1 , which is at the lower end of concentrations measured in other countries. The concentrations in runoff post land application were also mainly below the limits of detection (90 ng L −1 for TCS, 6 ng L −1 for TCC), indicating that runoff is not a significant pathway of entry into the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclocarban (TCC), a common antimicrobial agent widely used in many household and personal care products, has been widely detected in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Due to its high lipophilicity and persistence in the aquatic ecosystems, TCC is of emerging environmental concern. Despite the frequently reported detection of TCC in the environment and significant uncertainties about its long term effects on aquatic ecosystems, few studies have addressed the chronic effects of TCC in aquatic organisms at ecologically relevant concentrations. Therefore, we aimed at testing a broad range of biological responses in the amphipod Gammarus locusta following a chronic (60 days) exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of TCC (100, 500 and 2500 ng/L). This work integrated biochemical markers of oxidative stress (catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and lipid peroxidation (LPO)) and neurotransmission (acetylcholinesterase (AChE)) with several key ecological endpoints, i.e. behaviour, survival, individual growth and reproduction. Significant alterations were observed in all biochemical markers. While AChE showed a dose-response curve (with a significant increased activity at a TCC concentration of 2500 ng/L), oxidative stress markers did not follow a dose-response curve, with significant increase at 100 and/or 500 ng/L and a decreased activity in the highest concentration (2500 ng/L). The same effect was observed in the females' behavioural response, whereas males' behaviour was not affected by TCC exposure. The present study represents a first approach to characterize the hazard of TCC to crustaceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclocarban (TCC) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent used globally, and high concentrations of this harmful chemical exist in the environment. The human body is directly exposed to TCC through skin contact. Moreover, TCC is also absorbed through diet and inhaled through breathing, which results in its accumulation in the body. The safety profile of TCC and its potential impact on human health are still not completely clear; therefore, it becomes imperative to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of TCC. Here, we explored the effect of TCC on the early embryonic development of mice and its associated mechanisms. We found that acute exposure of TCC affected the early embryonic development of mice in a dose-dependent manner. Approximately 7600 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by sequencing the transcriptome of 2-cell mouse embryos; of these, 3157 genes were upregulated and 4443 genes were downregulated in the TCC-treated embryos. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that the enriched genes were mainly involved in redox processes, RNA synthesis, DNA damage, apoptosis, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, cytoskeleton, peroxisome, RNA polymerase, and other components or processes. Moreover, the Venn analysis showed that the zygotic genome activation (ZGA) was affected and the degradation of maternal effector genes was inhibited. TCC induced changes in the epigenetic modification of 2-cell embryos. The level of DNA methylation increased significantly. Further, the levels of H3K27ac, H3K9ac, and H3K27me3 histone modifications decreased significantly, whereas those of H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 modifications increased significantly. Additionally, TCC induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in the 2-cell embryos. In conclusion, acute exposure of TCC affected early embryo development, destroyed early embryo gene expression, interfered with ZGA and maternal gene degradation, induced changes in epigenetic modification of early embryos, and led to oxidative stress and DNA damage in mouse early embryos. • TCC inhibited the development of mouse preimplantation embryos. • TCC affected gene expression in early embryos. • TCC disrupted the Maternal-to-Zygotic transition of early embryos. • TCC changed epigenetic modifications in early embryos. • TCC induced DNA damage and oxidative stress in early embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are a growing concern for the environment and human health. The study investigates 20 commonly reported ECs in 10 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in urban to semi-urban settlements of north India over two years in the summer and winter. The selected plants were based on waste stabilization pond (WSP), up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB), activated sludge process (ASP), anoxic-aerobic process (AO), anaerobic-anoxic-oxic process, biodenipho process, sequencing batch reactor, and densadeg-biofor process. Of the 20 ECs, all 20 were identified in the influent and effluent, and 13 were identified in the final sludge on at least one occasion. The concentration in the influent, effluent, and sludge varied in the range from 2.5 ng/L to 77.4 μg/L, below limit of detection (LOD) to 1.984 μg/L, and < LOD to 1.41 μg/g, respectively. Acetaminophen and caffeine were predominately detected in the influent, whereas naproxen, ciprofloxacin, and carbamazepine were predominant in the effluent. The total removal in the plants was found in the range of 40.3–68.6%, mainly attributed to biodegradation/biotransformation. Removal of ECs by WWTPs, ranked by a relative removal criterion, followed the order: Biological nutrient removal based plants > WSP > UASB > densadeg-biofor > AO > ASP > combitreat-SBR. The risk assessment showed the risk to algae from antibiotics and triclosan, daphnia from triclosan, and fish from triclosan and hormones. • Naproxen, ciprofloxacin, and carbamazepine were predominant in the effluent. • The removal efficiency on of ECs in tthe plants remained unaffected by temperature variations. • Plants with distinct redox conditions and high HRT promote the removal of ECs. • Antibiotics, triclosan and hormones could pose a high potential risk to algae and fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1999, a tidal wetland located along the St. Lawrence River close to Ste. Croix de Lotbinière (Quebec, Eastern Canada) was the site of an experimental oil spill. Test plots were established and subjected to an experimental crude oil spill to evaluate natural attenuation, nutrient amendment and vegetation cropping as countermeasures. In 2020, this study re-visited the test plots to investigate residual oil and habitat recovery. Only concentrations of mid-chain length n-alkanes (C10–C36), but not of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were significantly above detection limit, and were detected in both test plot and control sediments. Hydrocarbon, total organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphate contents did not differ significantly between test plot and control sediments. Microbial analyses did not detect significant differences in microbial load, microbial diversity or microbial community composition between test plot and control sediments. Key genes for the aerobic and anaerobic degradation of n-alkanes as well as for the aerobic degradation of PAHs were detected in all sediment samples. Associated gene abundances did not differ significantly between test plot and control sediments. This study shows that oil-exposed test plot sediments of the Ste. Croix wetland can be considered completely recovered after 21 years irrespective of the performed countermeasure. • An experimental oil spill in a tidal freshwater wetland was re-visited after 21 years. • Hydrocarbon and nutrient content no longer differ between test plots and controls. • Microbial diversity and composition show no residual effect of prior oil application. • The abundance of oil degradation genes was not linked to historic oil application. • The ecosystem at the test site seems to have fully recovered from the oil spill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of chemical mixtures at environmentally relevant concentrations on endocrine systems of aquatic organisms are of concern. Triclocarban (TCC) and inorganic mercury (Hg 2+ ) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, and are known to interfere with endocrine pathways via different mechanisms of toxic action. However, effects of mixtures of the two pollutants on aquatic organisms and associated molecular mechanisms were unknown. This study examined effects of binary mixtures of TCC and Hg 2+ on histopathological and biochemical alteration of reproductive organs in zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) after 21 d exposure. The results showed that: 1) At concentrations studied, TCC alone caused little effect on hepatic tissues, but it aggravated lesions in liver caused by Hg 2+ via indirect mechanisms of disturbing homeostasis and altering concentrations of hormones; 2) Histological lesions were more severe in gonads of individuals, especially males, exposed to the binary mixture. Exposure to TCC alone (2.5 or 5 μg/L) (measured concentration 140 or 310 ng/L) or Hg 2+ alone (5 μg/L or 10 μg/L (measured concentration 367 or 557 ng/L) slightly retarded development of oocytes, whereas co-exposure to nominal concentrations of 5 μg/L TCC and 10 μg /L Hg 2+ promoted maturation of oocytes. In males, maturation of sperm was slightly delayed by exposure to either TCC or Hg 2+ , while their combinations caused testes to be smaller and sperm to be fewer compared with fish exposed to either of the contaminants individually; 3) Lesions observed in fish exposed to binary mixtures might be due to altered transcription of genes involved in steroidogenesis, such as cyp19a, 3beta-HSD, cyp17, 17beta-HSD and modulated concentrations of testosterone and estradiol in blood plasma. The observed results further support the complexity of toxic responses of fish exposed to lesser concentrations of binary chemical mixtures. Since it is impossible to collect empirical information in controlled studies of all possible combinations of toxicants, the application of omics methods might improve the predictive capabilities of results of single classes of chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Different Triclosan-mimicking diaryl ether derivatives 7 – 25 were synthesized. • All new derivatives were screened as inhibitors of sensitive, multi- and extensive drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. • Compounds 14 , 19 and 24 showed superior anti-TB activities (potent MIC values) and improved ClogP compared to Triclosan (the standard drug). • Compounds 14 , 19 and 24 , were evaluated as inhibitors of InhA enzyme. • Compound 24 is the most potent InhA inhibitor with IC 50 value of 0.29 µM (31-fold higher activity than Triclosan). • Molecular docking of compounds 14 , 19 and 24 into InhA was investigated. A new series of triclosan (TCL)-mimicking diaryl ether derivatives 7 – 25 were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase InhA enzyme. In addition, these derivatives were screened as inhibitors of drug-susceptible (DS), multidrug-resistant (MDR), and extensive drug-resistant (XDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strains. Most compounds exihibted superior anti-TB activities and improved ClogP compared to TCL as a standard drug. The present work has led to the identification of compounds 14 , 19 and 24 which possess remarkable activities against DS, MDR and XDR MTB strains with MIC values of 1.95, 3.9 and 15.63 µg/ml, respectively for compound 14 , 1.95, 3.9 and 7.81 µg/ml, respectively for compound 19 and 0.98, 1.95 and 3.9 µg/ml, respectively for compound 24. Most compounds did not exhibit toxicity to HePG2 normal cell line. Compounds 14 , 19 and 24 , presenting the best MIC values, were further evaluated as inhibitors of InhA enzyme. They showed high binding affinities in the micromolar range with IC 50 values of 1.33, 0.6, and 0.29 µM for compounds 14 , 19 , and 24 , respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking approach was utilized to understand the difference in bioactivities between the new compounds. In particular, the results revealed strong binding interactions and high docking scores of compounds 14 , 19 and 24 , which could correlate with their high activities. Mainly, the molecular modelling study of compound 24 provides an excellent platform for understanding the molecular mechanism regarding InhA inhibition. Thus, compound 24 could be a lead compound for future development of new antitubercular drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclocarban, one of the emerging pollutants, has been accumulating, and it is frequently detected in wastewater. Due to its toxicity and persistence, the efficient removal of triclocarban from wastewater systems is challenging. Genetic bioaugmentation with transferable catabolic plasmids has been considered to be a long-lasting method to clean up pollutants in continuous flow wastewater treatment systems. In this study, bioaugmentation with Pseudomonas putida KT2440, harboring the transferrable triclocarban-catabolic plasmid pDCA-1- gfp-tccA2 , rapidly converted 50 μM triclocarban in wastewater into 3,4-dichloroaniline and 4-chloroaniline, which are further mineralized more easily. RT-qPCR results showed that the ratio of the copy number of pDCA-1- gfp-tccA2 to the cell number of strain KT2440 gradually increased during genetic bioaugmentation, suggesting horizontal transfer and proliferation of the plasmid. By using DNA stable isotope probing (SIP) and amplicon sequencing, OTU86 (Escherichia - Shigella), OTU155 (Citrobacter), OTU5 (Brucella), and OTU15 (Enterobacteriaceae) were found to be the potential recipients of the plasmid pDCA-1- gfp-tccA2 in the wastewater bacterial community. Furthermore, three transconjugants in the genera of Escherichia , Citrobacter , and Brucella showing triclocarban-degrading abilities were isolated from the wastewater. This study develops a new method for removing triclocarban from wastewater and provides insights into the environmental behavior of transferrable catabolic plasmids in bacterial community in wastewater systems. • Bioaugmentation with pDCA-1- gfp-tccA2 greatly removed triclocarban in wastewater. • Triclocarban reduced microbial diversity and richness in wastewater. • Triclocarban enhanced spread and maintenance of pDCA-1- gfp-tccA2 among species. • Transconjugants could be successfully labeled by feeding 13C-3,4-DCA. • Three isolated transconjugants acquired the ability to degrade triclocarban. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study provides baseline information on the concentration levels, distribution characteristics and pollution sources of environmental contaminants, such as phthalic acid esters (PAEs or phthalates) and petroleum hydrocarbons in surface sediments of the tropical estuaries (Mandovi and Ashtamudi) from western Peninsular India. Total PAEs (∑ 5 PAEs), hopanes, steranes and diasteranes concentrations from Ashtamudi estuary ranged from 7.77 to 1478.2 ng/g, n.d.-363.2 ng/g, n.d.-121.5 ng/g and n.d.-116.6 ng/g, respectively. Likewise, PAEs (∑ 6 PAEs), steranes and diasteranes concentrations from Mandovi estuary ranged from 60.1 to 271.9 ng/g, 2.33–40.1 ng/g and 2.28–23.0 ng/g, respectively. The PAEs comprising di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), an isomer peak for DBP, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-isononyl phthalate were dominant in Ashtamudi estuary sediments, while PAEs including diethyl phthalate, DIBP, DBP and its isomer, DEHP, di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate were detected in the Mandovi sediment samples. The results of this study show an insignificant correlation of TOC with PAEs, and indicates that the varying spatial distributions of the PAEs in both the estuaries can be the result of discharge sources. The higher concentration of PAE congeners was noticed in Ashtamudi, a Ramsar wetland site, that can be attributed to land-based plastic waste. The petroleum biomarkers were abundantly present in Mandovi estuary due to anthropogenic activities such as boating and spillage from oil tankers. The findings of the present study will serve as a reference point for future investigation of organic contaminants in Indian estuaries, and calls for attention towards implementing effective measures in controlling the pervasion of the PAEs and petroleum biomarkers. • PAEs and petroleum hydrocarbons were quantified from tropical estuaries. • DIBP and DBP are dominant PAEs in the Mandovi estuary. • DBP and DINP constitute dominant PAEs in the Ashtamudi estuary. • Petroleum biomarkers were abundant close to marine side of both estuaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to assess different technologies for the on-site treatment of hospital wastewater (HWW) to remove pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs) as sustances of emerging concern at a bench, pilot, and full scales from 2014 to 2020. Moreover, a rough characterisation of hospital effluents is presented. The main detected PhCs are antibiotics and psychiatric drugs, with concentrations up to 1.1 mg/L. On the one hand, regarding the presented technologies, membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are a good alternative for treating HWW with PhCs removal values higher than 80% in removing analgesics, anti-inflammatories, cardiovascular drugs, and some antibiotics. Moreover, this system has been scaled up to the pilot plant scale. However, some target compounds are still present in the treated effluent, such as psychiatric and contrast media drugs and recalcitrant antibiotics (erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole). On the other hand, ozonation effectively removes antibiotics found in the HWW (>93%), and some studies are carried out at the pilot plant scale. Even though, some families, such as the X-ray contrast media, are recalcitrant to ozone. Other advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), such as Fenton-like or UV treatments, seem very effective for removing pharmaceuticals, Antibiotic Resistance Bacteria (ARBs) and Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs). However, they are not implanted at pilot plant or full scale as they usually consider extra reactants such as ozone, iron, or UV-light, making the scale-up of the processes a challenging task to treat high-loading wastewater. Thus, several examples of biological wastewater treatment methods combined with AOPs have been proposed as the better strategy to treat HWW with high removal of PhCs (generally over 98%) and ARGs/ARBs (below the detection limit) and lower spending on reactants. However, it still requires further development and optimisation of the integrated processes. [Display omitted] • This review focuses on 2014 to 2020 papers related to hospital effluents treatments. • Membrane bioreactors remove pharmaceuticals (>80%) at pilot plant scale. • Advanced Oxidation processes require further development at high scales. • Combined technologies also remove antibiotic resistance bacteria and genes. • Advanced oxidation processes are promising alternatives to treat hospital effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorinated antimicrobial triclocarban (3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanilide, TCC) is an emerging refractory contaminant omnipresent in various environments. Preferential microbial hydrolysis of TCC to chloroanilines is essential for its efficient mineralization. However, the microbial mineralization of TCC in domestic wastewater is poorly understood. Here, the bioelectrochemical catabolism of TCC to chloroanilines (3,4-dichloroaniline and 4-chloroaniline) and then to CO 2 was realized through the cascade acclimation of TCC-hydrolyzing and chloroanilines-oxidizing microbial communities. The biodegradation of chloroanilines was obviously enhanced in the bioelectrochemical reactors. Pseudomonas , Diaphorobacter , and Sphingomonas were the enriched TCC or chloroanilines degraders in the bioelectrochemical reactors. The addition of TCC enhanced the synergistic effect within functional microbial communities based on the feature of the phylogenetic ecological networks. This study provides a new idea for the targeted domestication and construction of functionally differentiated microbial communities to efficiently remove TCC from domestic wastewater through a green and low-carbon bioelectrochemical method. • Triclocarban (TCC) hydrolysis to chloroanilines (CAN) is essential for mineralization. • TCC-hydrolyzing and CAN-oxidizing microbial communities were successively enriched. • Cascade microbial catabolism of TCC to CAN and then to CO 2 was realized. • TCC addition enhanced the synergistic effect within functional microbial communities. • Pseudomonas , Diaphorobacter , and Sphingomonas were dominant TCC/CAN degraders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic, paper and cardboard are widely used as food contact materials (FCMs), due to its numerous favourable characteristics. However, they are usually coated with hazardous substances, such as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs). PFASs, with its functional properties of oil- and water-repellency, can migrate from FCMs into the food and cause potential risk to human health. There are also increasing concerns about the harm that FCMs can cause to the environment. These concerns include accumulation of non-degradable plastics in the environment, generation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics, and release of PFASs from FCMs. While many reviews have been conducted on PFASs in the environment, including their occurrence, fate, toxicity, biodegradation, migration in ecosystems and remediation technologies, a systematic review of PFASs in FCMs and MPs is currently lacking. In addition, our knowledge of the PFAS sorption processes on MPs is rather limited, and in particular their desorption processes. Thus, this review aims to (1) review the presence of various classes of PFASs in FCMs and their migration into food, (2) review the PFASs in MPs and summarize the sorption mechanisms, and factors that influence their sorption behaviour on MPs in the aquatic environment, and (3) identify the current research gaps and future research directions to predict the risks associated with the presence and sorption of PFASs in FCMs and MPs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Triclocarban exposure induces breast epithelial cell carcinogenesis. [•] Triclocarban induces the Erk–Nox pathway, ROS elevation, and DNA damage. [•] Physiological doses of triclocarban induce cellular carcinogenesis. [•] Non-cytotoxic curcumin blocks triclocarban-induced carcinogenesis and pathways. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The plant uptake of emerging organic contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) is receiving increased attention. Biosolids from municipal wastewater treatment have been previously identified as a major source for PPCPs. Thus, plant uptake of PPCPs from biosolids applied soils needs to be understood. In the present study, the uptake of carbamazepine, diphenhydramine, and triclocarban by five vegetable crop plants was examined in a field experiment. At the time of harvest, three compounds were detected in all plants grown in biosolids-treated soils. Calculated root concentration factor (RCF) and shoot concentration factor (SCF) are the highest for carbamazepine followed by triclocarban and diphenhydramine. Positive correlation between RCF and root lipid content was observed for carbamazepine but not for diphenhydramine and triclocarban. The results demonstrate the ability of crop plants to accumulate PPCPs from contaminated soils. The plant uptake processes of PPCPs are likely affected by their physico-chemical properties, and their interaction with soil. The difference uptake behavior between plant species could not solely be attributed to the root lipid content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present study, the total concentrations of three cyclic methylsiloxanes (ΣCMSs), including octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6), in surface water and sediment samples of five main rivers draining into the Bohai Sea were in the range of 1.62–1.39 × 103 ng/L and 1.92–1.69 × 103 ng/g dw, respectively. Riverine input had great influence on the coastal distribution of siloxanes in the Bohai Sea. The concentrations of ΣCMSs in coastal sediments farthest away (40–50 Km) from the estuaries were only 4–33% of those close to the estuaries. But surprisingly, compared with those in coastal sediments (1.03–1.44 × 103 ng/g dw), the concentrations of CMSs (1.56–2.67 × 103 ng/g dw) in some deep-sea sediments were higher, and certain positive correlation existed between sediment ΣCMSs in this area with the total petroleum hydrocarbons concentration (R2 = 0.92, p < 0.05) suggested offshore oil exploitation as one important emission source of siloxanes. Overall, calculated based on their sediment concentrations, D4–D6 had negligible ecological risks to the benthic organisms in river-Bohai Sea system, i.e. HQs < 1. However, sediment-accumulation of siloxanes should be paid attention, especially for some deep-sea sediments nearby drilling platforms, where it will take only less than 1 year for D4 to reach its threshold. • Siloxanes were widely found in five main rivers draining into the Bohai Sea. • Riverine input had great influence on the coastal siloxanes in the Bohai Sea. • Offshore oil exploitation was important emission source of siloxanes in deep sea. • D4-D6 had negligible ecological risks to the benthos in river-Bohai Sea system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The supercritical technology has been considered as an appropriate alternative for separation of biomaterials from cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical products. The solid solubility of biological compounds is the most important thermodynamic parameter in the supercritical extraction and purification. The equilibrium solubility of two biocides, climbazole, and triclocarban was measured in supercritical carbon dioxide with static method in the pressure range from (10 to 40)MPa and at temperatures equal to (313.2, 323.2, and 333.2)K. The experimental data were correlated by Peng–Robinson equation of state and quasi-chemical nonrandom lattice fluid model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent years, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) have surfaced as a novel class of pollutants due to their incomplete degradation in wastewater treatment plants and their inherent ability to promote physiological predicaments in humans even at low doses. The occurrence of the most common NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen) in river water, groundwater, finished water samples, WWTPs, and hospital wastewater effluents along with their toxicity effects were reviewed. The typical concentrations of NSAIDs in natural waters were mostly below 1 μg/L, the rivers receiving untreated wastewater discharge have often showed higher concentrations, highlighting the importance of effective wastewater treatment. The critical analysis of potential, pathways and mechanisms of microbial degradation of NSAIDs were also done. Although studies on algal and fungal strains were limited, several bacterial strains were known to degrade NSAIDs. This microbial ability is attributed to hydroxylation by cytochrome P450 because of the decrease in drug concentrations in fungal cultures of Phanerochaete sordida YK-624 on incubation with 1-aminobenzotriazole. Moreover, processes like decarboxylation, dehydrogenation, dechlorination, subsequent oxidation, demethylation, etc. also constitute the degradation pathways. A wide array of enzymes like dehydrogenase, oxidoreductase, dioxygenase, monooxygenase, decarboxylase, and many more are upregulated during the degradation process, which indicates the possibility of their involvement in microbial degradation. Specific hindrances in upscaling the process along with analytical research needs were also identified, and novel investigative approaches for future monitoring studies are proposed. [Display omitted] • NSAIDs are present in various water environments across all continents worldwide. • Toxicity effects of NSAIDs relates to reproduction and physiological implications. • Persistence of NSAIDs varies largely, depending on environmental conditions. • Processes that decides microbial degradation pathways for NSAIDs are summarized. • Mixed culture enrichment in treatment units may lead to higher removal of NSAIDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a two-step bioaugmentation strategy (TSBS) was implemented by using indigenous bacterial consortium to enhance the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) from petroleum refinery sludge (PRS). A bacterial consortium was developed using four indigenous isolated strains, Dietzia sp. IRB191, Dietzia sp. IRB192, Staphylococcus sp. BSM19 and Stenotrophomonas sp. IRB19 from PRS. The optimum conditions of pH, temperature, and sludge concentration were 7, 34 °C, and 2% (w/v), respectively, for maximum TPH degradation, obtained using one variable at a time approach. Under the optimal culture conditions, the developed consortium was inoculated twice to the culturing medium, at the beginning (0th day) and again on the 10th day for implementing a novel TSBS. The maximum TPH degradation of 91.5 ± 2.28% was found with TSBS, which was 1.18 times higher than that of SSBS (77.3 ± 2.6%) in 15 days of incubation. GC-FID study also confirmed that the TPH present in the PRS was effectively degraded by the bacterial consortium with TSBS. The TPH degradation by using TSBS proceeded according to the first-order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.155 d−1. Hence, biodegradation using a TSBS can be considered an effective and eco-friendly process for safe disposal of petroleum refinery sludge. • First report on two-step bioaugmentation strategy for degradation of TPH. • A two-step bioaugmentation strategy enhanced TPH degradation successfully. • The consortium used in this study has potential for efficient TPH degradation. • TPH degradation fitted to first and second order kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substituted diphenylamine antioxidants (SDPAs) are additives used in various commodities and are commonly found in environmental samples. However, limited information was available on their fate and removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This paper reports the results on the occurrence and removal efficiency of ten selected SDPAs in six WWTPs equipped with different treatment processes in Northeast China. Quite similar distributions of different SDPA congeners were shown in the studied WWTPs, with ditertoctyl-diphenylamine (C8/C8-DPA), tertbutyl-tertoctyl-diphenylamine (C4/C8-DPA), and tertoctyl-diphenylamine (C8-DPA) being always dominant in the influent, effluent, and sludge (total > 80%). A cyclic activated sludge system combined with a V-shape filter achieved the highest removal efficiencies of SDPAs among various treatment processes. Styrenated-diphenylamine1 (S-DPA1) (96 ± 10%), C8-DPA (95 ± 5.5%), and distyrenated-diphenylamine1 (DS-DPA1) (94 ± 9.3%) showed high and stable removal efficiencies, whereas C4/C8-DPA (85 ± 31%) and C8/C8-DPA (84 ± 62%) showed considerably varied removal efficiencies. Per-day discharges of SDPAs to the receiving environment through effluent and sludge were estimated as 828 ± 350 and 5578 ± 5196 mg, respectively. A median of 85% of the initial mass loadings of SDPAs was found in the sludge samples, suggesting that the observed removal of SDPAs in the WWTPs was caused by their sorption to the sludge, rather than biodegradation/transformation. This work provides an overall description of the occurrence, fate, and mass balance of SDPAs in WWTPs in Northeast China and highlights a new emission route to the environment via WWTPs. • SDPAs were frequently present in wastewater and sludge. • Sludge is a more important reservoir of SDPAs than wastewater. • First report of the relationship between removal efficiency and the Log Kd of SDPAs. • SDPAs loss via biodegradation/transformation was insignificant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effluent from anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) contains ammonia and would require post-polishing treatment before it can be disinfected by chlorine. However, additional post-treatment steps to remove nutrients offset the energetic benefits derived from anaerobic fermentation. The use of chlorine or ozone also promotes concerns associated with disinfection byproducts. This study evaluates UV/H 2 O 2 as a potential strategy suited for the removal of pharmaceutical compounds as well as antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from AnMBR effluent. Our findings indicate that 10 mg/L H 2 O 2 and 61.5 mJ/cm2 of UV fluence are able to achieve a 4-log removal of both Escherichia coli PI7 and Klebsiella pneumoniae L7. However, a higher fluence of 311 mJ/cm2 with the same amount of H 2 O 2 would be required to achieve >90% removal of atenolol, carbamazepine and estrone. The removal of the pharmaceutical compounds was driven by the hydroxyl radicals generated from H 2 O 2 , while UV exposure governed the inactivation of ARB and ARGs. UV/H 2 O 2 increased overall mutagenicity of the treated wastewater matrix but did not result in any changes to the natural transformation rates. Instead, UV significantly reduced natural transformation rates by means of DNA damage. Overall, UV/H 2 O 2 could be the ideal final disinfection strategy for AnMBR effluent without requiring additional post-treatment prior disinfection. [Display omitted] • 10 mg/L H 2 O 2 and 400 mJ/cm2 UV removes 1-log of chemical contaminants from anaerobic effluent. • UV was the main factor to remove antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and genes rather than H 2 O 2. • > 5-log removal of ARB was achieved at > 400 mJ/cm2 and >10 mg/L H 2 O 2. • UV/H 2 O 2 significantly increased mutagenicity after 200 mJ/cm2. • Extracellular DNA removed by > 2-log and cannot be transformed into competent host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are recognized as a group of emerging contaminants closely related to anthropogenic activities, which capture increasing attention worldwide. To evaluate the anthropogenic disturbances on PPCP distribution and sources, this study investigated the distribution and sources of 50 PPCPs along the 2300 km long Jinsha River and revealed different anthropogenic disturbances on PPCPs. Results showed that 40 out of the 50 PPCPs were ubiquitously detected among these river water samples, with the concentrations varied from less than 1 ng/L to more than 500 ng/L. Although most PPCPs concentrations were much lower in the Jinsha River than in highly developed rivers, the prevalence of PPCPs suggested the widespread use and improper disposal of PPCPs in the Jinsha River. The risk assessment also revealed that some PPCPs posed risks to aquatic organisms in the Jinsha River. Anthropogenic activities including human habitation and dam construction had different influence on PPCPs. PPCP distribution varied significantly across the "Hu Huanyong line", indicating human habitation significantly influenced PPCP distribution. Dam construction was insignificant in altering PPCP distribution throughout the Jinsha River. Moreover, the land use index indicated degradation level of multiple lands related to anthropogenic activities and represented the major sources of PPCPs in the Jinsha River. Most PPCPs were correlated with anthropogenic lands, for example, antibiotics, analgesics, and endocrine disrupting chemicals mainly originated from artificial surfaces, whereas other PPCPs mainly originated from cultivated lands. Together, this study indicates the disturbances of multiple anthropogenic activities on PPCP distribution and sources along the Jinsha River, which contributes to PPCP management in rural areas. • Complex sources and distribution of PPCPs were studied along large-scale rural river. • PPCPs were ubiquitous but present at relative low levels in the Jinsha River. • Due to human habitation, PPCP distribution varied across the "Hu Huanyong" line. • Land use index reflected major PPCP sources in less urbanized area. • This study has implications for the PPCP management in rural areas worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic pollution is frequently detected in fresh waters and wastewaters where they represent an environmental risk for the development of global antibiotic resistance. Due to their excessive use in personal care products, UV filters have also been found to be pseudo-persistent in the aquatic environment. In contrast to antibiotics, which can undergo photodegradation, UV filters are compounds designed to stably absorb UV radiation. This study explored the light based remediation of representative antibiotics from seven classes of antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, penicillins, macrolide, glycolpeptide, sulphonamides and trimethoprim) in order to assess whether antibiotic pollution persists longer in the presence of organic UV filters. We show that the presence of UV filters either completely supresses or significantly alters the photodegradation of antibiotics in water. Advanced technologies in wastewater treatment, such as the use of UV C radiation, both effectively minimise the effect of UV filters and degrade most of the tested antibiotics proving to be effective management strategy. However, the half-life of erythromycin and amoxicillin, widely used antibiotics from macrolide- and penicillin-like classes, is extended in the presence of UV filters, even during UV C irradiation. Overall, the UV filters present within environmental mixtures are identified as important drivers of mixture toxicity, as they prolong antibiotic contamination of aquatic and engineered environments. The ramification of such finding is that inadequate consideration of UV filters may result in an imperfect prediction of the solar and UV light-based remediation of antibiotics, lead to improper classification of antibiotics persistence in the environment and cause non-optimal chemical fate and transport model performance. Use of the more benign compounds and assessment of the UV filters were identified as feasible management options in minimizing the influence of UV filters onto the remediation of antibiotics in aquatic environments. [Display omitted] • UV filters supress the light based remediation of antibiotics in aqueous matrices. • Single substances risk assessments could lead to improper management decisions. • UV C radiation partly minimise effect of UV filters on photolysis of antibiotics. • UV filters are important drivers of pollutants mixture toxicity. • Management options for minimizing the influence of UV filters were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfills are sites for the disposal of waste over decades. The dynamics of contaminants during landfill treatment influence the functions and environmental risks of the landfill systems, but the patterns of these dynamics are not fully characterized, especially for antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs), an emerging contaminant of global concern. Here, seventeen typical ARG subtypes were quantitatively investigated in refuse samples from small and medium-sized landfills with ages of <3 years, ~5 years, and 8–10 years. The abundance of ARGs, including tetM , tetX , blaPER , emrB , sul1 and sul2 , increased significantly (p < 0.05), approaching 8- to 304-fold on average, from refuse of < 3years to that of 8–10 years, while there was no obvious change (p > 0.05) in abundance for other ARGs, including tetQ , tetW , ampC , blaCTX-M , blaSHV , emrA , mefA , qnrD , qnrS , and mexF. Accordingly, resistance to tetracyclines, macrolides, and sulfonamides increased with landfill age, while resistance to β -lactams and quinolones remained unchanged. The increase in ARG abundance with increasing refuse age was probably related with the increased horizontal gene transfer (HGT) (indicated by the increased abundance of mobile gene elements) and the enhanced co-selective pressure (suggested by the increased contents of heavy metals). These results indicated a potential risk from ARG enrichment with an increase in refuse age in small and medium-sized landfills, which should be managed to ensure landfill safety. • Pollution of small and medium-sized landfills is serious for ARGs enrichment in the ageing refuses. • Abundance of tetM , tetX , blaPER , emrB , sul1 and sul2 increased with refuse age. • ARG enrichment was positively related with MEGs and heavy metal accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several reports have elucidated the removal of pharmaceutical residues in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, there remains a need to determine the spatial distribution of pharmaceuticals in the unit processes of full-scale municipal WWTPs. Herein, spatial variations of fifteen pharmaceuticals in the unit processes of four full-scale municipal WWTPs were assessed by analyzing both solid and liquid samples. Furthermore, different pathways of each pharmaceutical such as biodegradation, adsorption, deconjugation, and electrostatic interaction were investigated. Pharmaceutical mass loading were measured at various points for the different unit process and evaluated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The average mass loading of acetaminophen and caffeine decreased tremendously in the first biological treatment process regardless of the process configuration. In contrast, a temporary increase was observed in the mass loading of ibuprofen in the anaerobic and/or anoxic processes, which was presumably caused by deconjugation. Additionally, the adverse effect of coagulation on ibuprofen removal was validated. The major removal mechanism for the selected antibiotics, except for sulfamethoxazole, was the adsorption by biosolids due to electrostatic interaction. Subsequently, a drastic decrease was observed in their mass loadings in the solid-liquid separation process of the WWTPs. The membrane bioreactor (MBR) shows excellent capability for mitigation of pharmaceuticals in municipal wastewater because it comprises a high concentration of biosolids that act as adsorbents. The evaluation of the spatial variations of the selected pharmaceuticals in different unit processes provides valuable information on their behavior and removal mechanisms. [Display omitted] • Spatial variations of pharmaceuticals in WWTPs have been assessed. • Pathways of pharmaceuticals by physicochemical properties have been investigated. • Adsorption to biosolids is the dominant removal mechanism of antibiotics. • Coagulation process has an adverse effect on the removal of ibuprofen. • Membrane bioreactor has an excellent capability for mitigation of pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refinery treatment plants produce large quantities of oily sludge during the petroleum refining processes. The hazardousness associated with the disposal of these wastes, make necessary the development of innovative technologies to handle it adequately, linked to the concepts of circular economy and environmental sustainability. This work provides for the first time a methodology for the deep characterization of this kind of wastes and consequently new insights regarding its valorization. A review of works dealing with the characterization of this type of wastes has been addressed evidencing the complexity and variability of these effluents. The oily sludge under study contains a high concentration of Chemical Oxygen Demand of 196 g COD/L, a Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen of 2.8 g TKN/kg, a phosphorous content as PO 4 3− of 7 g/kg, as well as a great presence of heavy metals in a different range of concentrations. This sludge is composed of three different phases: oily, aqueous and solid. The oily and the solid phases present high percentages of carbon content (84 and 26%, respectively), related to the presence of alkanes ranged from n-C 9 to n-C 44. Therefore, it could be possible their valorization by the synthesis of catalyst and/or adsorbents. A dark fermentation process could be also proposed for the oily phase to obtain H 2 as an alternative energy source. Finally, the aqueous phase contains low carbon and nutrients concentration. A previous thermal pre-treatment applied to the oily sludge might increase nutrient and organic loading in the aqueous phase due to solid destruction, making this aqueous effluent suitable for a further conventional biological treatment. [Display omitted] • Oily sludge is a complex and variable mixture having three different phases. • Oily sludge is composed of a broad of organic and inorganic compounds. • Deep characterization of the oily sludge phases is a key step for its valorization. • Different innovative approaches have been identified for oily sludge valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the extensive use and pseudo-persistence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), they are frequently detected in the aqueous environment, which has attracted global attention. In this paper, accumulation data of 81 PPCPs in surface water or sediment in China were reported. In addition, 20 kinds of PPCPs with high frequency were selected and their ecological risk assessment was conducted by risk quotient (RQs). The results indicated that the concentration detected in surface water and sediment ranged from ng/L (ng/kg) to μg/L (μg/kg) in China, which was similar to concentrations reported globally. However, contamination by certain PPCPs, such as caffeine, oxytetracycline, and erythromycin, was relatively high with a maximum concentration of more than 2000 ng/L in surface water. RQs revealed that 14 kinds of PPCPs pose no significant risk or low risk to aquatic organisms, while 6 kinds of PPCPs pose a high risk. Additionally, the pollution characteristics of PPCPs in each watershed are different. The Haihe River watershed and the central and lower Yangtze River were the regions of high concern for erythromycin. Triclosan has potential risks in the Pearl River watershed. This study determined the occurrence and risk of PPCPs in China in the past decade, providing a scientific basis for PPCPs pollution control and risk prevention. [Display omitted] • A comprehensive review of literature on PCPPs in aquatic environments was conducted. • Risk quotient was conducted to assess ecological impact of 20 frequent PCPPs. • Most studies were conducted in rivers near densely populated areas. • PCPPs in surface water was monitored more frequently than PPCPs in sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance is a global health emergency linked to unrestrained use of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) as prophylactic agent and therapeutic purposes across various industries. Occurrence of pharmaceuticals are identified in ground water, surface water, soils, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in ng/L to μg/L concentration range. The prevalence of organic compounds including antimicrobial agents, hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, disinfectants, synthetic musks etc. in environment have posed serious health concerns. The aim of this review is to elucidate the major sources accountable for emergence of antibiotic resistance. For this purpose, variety of introductory sources and fate of PPCPs in aquatic environment including human and veterinary wastes, aquaculture and agriculture related wastes, and other anthropogenic activities have been discussed. Furthermore, genetic and enzymatic factors responsible for transfer and appearance of antibiotic resistance genes are presented. Ecotoxicity of PPCPs has been studied in environment in order to present risk imposed to human and ecological health. As per published literature reports, the removal of antibiotics and related traces being difficult, couples the possibility of emergence of antibiotic resistance and hence sustainability in global water resources. Therefore, research on environmental behavior and control strategies should be conducted along with assessing their chronic toxicity to identify potential human and ecological risks. Image 1 • Menace of PPCPs in soil and aquatic system is jeopardizing and needs consideration. • Persistence of PPCPs causes antimicrobial resistance leading to health issues. • Microbes attain resistance via MGEs, enzymatic mechanisms, conjugative plasmids. • Quantitative framework and control strategies are necessary to analyze adversity. • Risk associated to PPCPs on environment and human health are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) can be incorporated into ecosystems and pose potential environmental and health hazards. These pollutants are becoming omnipresent in the environment because they are introduced by several sources, being particularly important the contribution of human-derived pharmaceuticals. The presence of PPCPs in waters has received increasing attention in recent years, resulting in great concern regarding their occurrence, transformation, fate and environmental risk. For that reason, the pharmaceuticals carbamazepine (CBZ), diclofenac (DIC), ibuprofen (IBU), ketoprofen (KET) and naproxen (NPX) were measured in the waters and sludge of several parts of a double step activated sludge wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) from Murcia (Spain). With these results, the biological degradation constant, the sorption coefficient and the pharmaceutical removal were calculated. Possible risks to humans and ecosystems were also evaluated. These showed good degradation of IBU and NPX (74.4 and 84.9%, respectively), while CBZ didn't display any degradation. DIC was the compound most likely to be sorbed into the sludge (3.09 L kg−1). The PPCPs removal in this double stage WWTP was compared to a previous data obtained in a WWTP of the same region with an activated sludge (single biological batch reactor). The results showed a decrease in the removal of the double stage plant, probably due to the lower hydraulic retention time employed. The study of the human and ecological risk quotients indicates a low risk of the selected pharmaceuticals (RQ < 0.1). • The pharmaceutical removal was higher than 70% for ibuprofen and naproxen. • The pharmaceutical biodegradation was negative for carbamazepine. • The highest sludge/water partitioning coefficient was obtained for diclofenac.. • Low Risk Quotients were observed for the selected pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in biosolids applied to farmland is of concern due to their potential accumulation in the environment and the subsequent effects on humans. Thermo-alkaline hydrolysis (TAH) is a method used for greater stabilization of biosolids after anaerobic digestion. In this work, the effect of TAH on five selected PPCPs including fluoroquinolone antibiotics, ciprofloxacin (CIP), and ofloxacin (OFLX), and three commonly used antimicrobial agents, miconazole (MIC), triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) was evaluated. At the onset, extraction and analytical methods were optimized for maximum simultaneous recovery and LC-MS quantification of the target PPCPs from both water and biosolids for improved accuracy. The compounds were detected in the range of 54 ± 3 to 6166 ± 532 ng/g in raw biosoilds collected from a local WWTP. Next, batch control adsorption experiments of the selected PPCPs were conducted in various sludges, which indicated about 89%–98% sorption of the PPCPs onto solid phase due to their high octanol-water coefficients. Subsequently, thermo-alkaline (pH 9.5, 75 °C, 45 min) hydrolysis (TAH) was conducted to determine the extent of degradation of these compounds in deionized (DI) water and biosolids due to treatment. The degradation of these compounds due to TAH ranged from 42% to 99% and 37%–41% in pure water and biosolids, respectively, potentially lowering their risk in the environment due to land application. A list of compounds for which the optimized analytical method potentially can be used for detection and quantification in environmental samples is provided in the supporting document. Image 1 • Optimum methods for the simultaneous extraction and analysis of five PPCPs were established. • Selected PPCPs were detected in municipal biosolids in the range 54 ± 3–6166 ± 532 ng/g. • Thermo-alkaline treatment degraded the PPCPs in sludge by 37%–41%, respectively. • Fluorinated antibiotics are the most resistant of the selected PPCPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental effects of additives have attracted increasing attention. Sodium dehydroacetate (DHA-S), as an approved preservative, is widely added in processed foods, cosmetics and personal care products. However, DHA-S has been recently reported to induce hemorrhage and coagulation aberration in rats. Yet little is known about the ecotoxicological effect and underlying mechanisms of DHA-S. Here, we utilized the advantage of zebrafish model to evaluate such effects. DHA-S induced cerebral hemorrhage, mandibular dysplasia and pericardial edema in zebrafish after 24 h exposure (48–72 hpf) at 50 mg/L. We also observed the defective heart looping and apoptosis in DHA-S-treated zebrafish through o-dianisidine and acridine orange staining. Meanwhile, DHA-S induced the deficiency of Ca2+ and vitamin D3 in zebrafish. We further demonstrated that DHA-S stimulated Ca2+ influx resulting in Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial damage in cardiomyocytes. Additionally, DHA-S inhibited glucose uptake and repressed the biosynthesis of amino acids. Finally, we identified that sodium bicarbonate could rescue zebrafish from DHA-S induced cardiovascular toxicity. Altogether, our results suggest that DHA-S is a potential risk for cardiovascular system. • DHA-S induces cerebral hemorrhage, mandibular dysplasia and pericardial edema in zebrafish. • DHA-S induces perturbations of calcium homeostasis. • DHA-S induces Ca2+ influx into mitochondria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclocarban (TCC), a typical emerging contaminant, was abundantly released into environment and frequently detected in practical wastewater treatment plants. However it is also an important material when being added to personal skin care products as a antibacterial agent. In this work, the behavior of TCC in wastewater treatment process was investigated. Experiments showed that ~82% of influent TCC was removed by activated sludge adsorption and its adsorption isotherm was well fitted with Linear model and Freundich model. High levels of TCC had seriously impact on the settleability, dewaterability and extracellular polymetric substance (EPS) of activated sludge, even on effluent turbidity after a long-term exposure. Furthermore, the performance of biological wastewater treatment was damaged by TCC long-term exposure as well. The removal rates of total nitrogen and phosphorus decreased from 91.2 ± 2.1% to 72.6 ± 2.2% and from 94.7 ± 3.1% to 78.4 ± 2.3%, respectively, with TCC level increasing from 0 to 100 μg/L. Mechanism analysis showed that TCC exposure significantly inhibited the relevant biological processes, such as ammonia oxidation, denitrification, phosphorus release and uptake, which were closely relevant to nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Image 1 • Triclocarban was mainly removed by activated sludge adsorption. • Triclocarban could significantly affected on activated sludge properties. • Triclocarban severely decreased nitrogen and phosphorus removal. • Triclocarban impacted the conversion of intracellular organic substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the toxicity of triclocarban at molecular level has been investigated, the metabolic networks involved in regulating the stress processes are not clear. Whether the cells would maintain specific phenotypic characteristics after triclocarban stress is also needed to be clarified. In this study, Escherichia coli was selected as a model to elucidate the cellular metabolism response associated with triclocarban stress and the recovery metabolic network of the triclocarban-treated cells using the proteomics and metabolomics approaches. Results showed that triclocarban caused systematic metabolic remodeling. The adaptive pathways, glyoxylate shunt and acetate-switch were activated. These arrangements allowed cells to use more acetyl-CoA and to reduce carbon atom loss. The upregulation of NH 3 -dependent NAD+ synthetase complemented the NAD+ consumption by catabolism, maintaining the redox balance. The synthesis of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate was suppressed, which would affect the accumulation of end products of its downstream pathway of isoprenoid synthesis. After recovery culture for 12 h, the state of cells returned to stability and the main impacts on metabolic network triggered by triclocarban have disappeared. However, drug resistance caused by long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentration of triclocarban is still worthy of attention. The present study revealed the molecular events under triclocarban stress and clarified how triclocarban influence the metabolic networks. Image 1 • Metabolic networks involved in regulating triclocarban stress were explored. • Glyoxylate shunt and acetate switch were activated by triclocarban. • Triclocarban disturbed the synthesis of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate. • Membrane proteins related to drug resistance were upregulated. • Normal metabolic pathways were recovered after triclocarbon withdrawal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays the occurrence and associated risks of Pharmaceutical Active Compounds (PhACs) in the aquatic environment comprises a major issue. In the present study, a comprehensive survey on contamination profiles, occurrence, removals, temporal variation and ecological risk of multiclass multiresidue PhACs, such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, lipid regulators and phsychiatrics, (including past and newly monitored PhACs as well as some of their metabolites) was performed in wastewaters from the WWTP of Ioannina University hospital along one year period on a monthly sampling basis. WWTP influent and effluent samples were analyzed for physicochemical quality parameters and PhACs concentration levels using Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Orbitrap-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS), after Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) through Oasis HLB cartridges. Influent concentrations ranged between < LOQ (Limit of Quantification) for diclofenac and tolfenamic acid and 48586 ng/L for caffeine, while effluent concentrations between < LOQ for tolfenamic acid and simvastatin and 3361 ng/L for caffeine. Removal efficiencies ranged between −132.6% for venlafaxine and 100% for caffeine. Environmental risk assessment by means of Risk Quotient (RQ) for maximum and minimum concentration levels as well as optimized by the frequency of exceeding toxicity threshold values, RQ f , was applied revealing that up to 12 PhACs posed acute toxicity (clofibric acid, fenofibrate, sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, amitryptiline, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, norfluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine, caffeine) while up to 4 compounds exerted long-term toxicity (sulfamethoxazole, fluoxetine, sertraline, caffeine) at least for one of the studied organisms. Furthermore, mixture RQ MEC/PNEC and RQ STU effect of multiple compounds showed high potential risks of the target groups in some cases, although some contaminants were not included due to lack of available data. Results can be used to prioritization of PhACs and their metabolites for surveillance in receiving water bodies as well as development of knowledge on toxicity and mechanism(s) of action. Image 1 • Hospital WWTP effluents contain multiclass mixtures among 35 PhACs monitored. • Caffeine, salicylic acid, fenofibrate were the most frequently detected compounds. • Removal efficiencies ranged between −132.6% and 100%. • Risk assessment was applied for single compounds and observed mixture cases. • Optimized RQs calculated using PhAC mean concentration and detection frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inland water is very susceptible to the input of pollutants. However, little is known about the occurrence of antibiotics in inland lakes. In this study, a total of 83 target antibiotics were quantified in water and sediment samples collected from the Qinghai Lake, the largest inland lake of China located on the northeast of Qinghai-Tibet plateau, and its inflowing rivers. The results showed that 27 and 25 antibiotics were detected in water and sediments, respectively, with the summed concentrations (SUM) of 1.14–17.3 ng/L and 0.72–8.31 ng/g. Compared with the input rivers, significantly higher levels of sulfonamides (SAs), quinolones (QNs), polyethers (PEs), and SUM in water samples were observed in Qinghai Lake water. The average proportions of SAs (50.9–52.7%) and QNs (22.0–28.3%) in Qinghai Lake water nearly doubled compared to those in input rivers. An enrichment factor (EF) was proposed to reveal the enrichment degree of antibiotics in Qinghai Lake compared to its input river water. Sulfaguanidine (SGD), flumequine (FLU), and nalidixic acid (NDA) were enriched in Qinghai Lake up to several ten times based on the calculated EF values, due to their persistence in such a cold saline lake. Risk assessment showed that most antibiotics except anhydrochlortetracycline (ACTC) had insignificant risks to aquatic organisms and antibiotic resistance selection in Qinghai Lake water. This study was the first to reveal the enrichment of antibiotics in Qinghai Lake water, and suggests the urgent need to investigate the possible long-term enrichment and environmental risks of antibiotics in inland lakes. Image 1 • First attempt on the occurrence and levels of antibiotics in Qinghai Lake in China. • Levels of antibiotics in Qinghai Lake were lower than in other freshwater lakes. • SAs and QNs were enriched in Qinghai lake water than in the input river water. • Enrichment factors of SGD, FLU and NDA in Qinghai lake were up to dozens. • Most antibiotics had insignificant ecological risks to aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposed pharmaceuticals constitute a significant threat to the environment due to the high consumption of drugs and inefficient treatment of wastewater. In this paper, we first described the efficient removal of a series of antidepressants and immunosuppressant from a cultivation medium carried out by white-rot fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus. We determined the removal efficiency of pharmaceuticals and the activity of fungal ligninolytic enzymes over time, as well as the toxicity of pre- and post-cultivation medium to Spirostomum ambiguum. We showed that P. ostreatus can remove from the model medium most of the pharmaceuticals studied, including clomipramine, mianserin, paroxetine, sertraline, and mycophenolic acid. Pharmaceuticals containing phenolic or benzene moieties, likewise in the natural monolignols, were removed in a high efficiency within a short time. The activity of the fungal ligninolytic enzymes, laccase, and lignin peroxidase, in the cultivation medium, was three times higher in the presence of the pharmaceuticals, which justifies their contribution to the degradation. The post-cultivation medium showed lower toxicity than pre-cultivation medium and toxic units were 7- and 2-fold lower for the sublethal and lethal response, respectively. Over twenty metabolites we detected resulted mostly from oxygenation or demethylation of parent pharmaceuticals. The biological treatment we developed using P. ostreatus -based system should be convenient and effective in mycoremediation of environmental wastewater polluted with emerging contaminants including monolignol-like antidepressants and immunosuppressant. • Pleurotus ostreatus removes well monolignol-like antidepressants from cultivation. • P. ostreatus degradation of antidepressants reduces toxicity towards S. ambiguum. • Oxidation and demethylation are main metabolic transformations of antidepressants. • Mycoremediation might be used to decontaminate environment from antidepressants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products are emerging contaminants that are increasingly detected in the environment worldwide. Certain classes of pharmaceuticals, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are a major environmental concern due to their widespread use and the fact that these compounds are designed to have biological effects at low doses. A complication in predicting toxic effects of SSRIs in nontarget organisms is that their mechanism of action is not fully understood. To better understand the potential toxic effects of SSRIs, we employed an ultra-low input RNA-sequencing method to identify potential pathways that are affected by early exposure to two SSRIs (fluoxetine and paroxetine). We exposed wildtype zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to 100 μg/L of either fluoxetine or paroxetine for 6 days before extracting and sequencing mRNA from individual larval brains. Differential gene expression analysis identified 1550 genes that were significantly affected by SSRI exposure with a core set of 138 genes altered by both SSRIs. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified 7 modules of genes whose expression patterns were significantly correlated with SSRI exposure. Functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes as well as network module genes repeatedly identified various terms associated with mitochondrial and neuronal structures, mitochondrial respiration, and neurodevelopmental processes. The enrichment of these terms indicates that toxic effects of SSRI exposure are likely caused by mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent neurodevelopmental effects. To our knowledge, this is the first effort to study the tissue-specific transcriptomic effects of SSRIs in developing zebrafish, providing specific, high resolution molecular data regarding the sublethal effects of SSRI exposure. • Ultra-low input RNA-seq methods assayed brain gene expression after SSRI exposure. • >1500 genes were differentially expressed in brain tissue with SSRI exposure. • Weighted co-expression network analysis expanded list of key genes to >10,000. • Gene ontology implicates mitochondrial & neurodevelopmental effects as a toxic mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclocarban (TCC) is an antimicrobial compound, widely used in personal care products, such as soaps, toothpaste, and shampoo. This agent is incompletely removed by wastewater treatment and represents an environmental contaminant. Studies show that TCC has been associated with some endocrine disruptions. In vitro , TCC demonstrated potent androgen-augmenting activity and aromatase inhibition. In this sense, exposure during critical periods of development (gestation and lactation) could lead to some adverse health outcomes in offspring. Therefore, the present study evaluated if maternal exposure to three different doses of TCC could interfere in the reproductive parameters of male offspring. Pregnant female Wistar rats were separated into four groups: vehicle Control (CTR); TCC 0.3 mg/kg (TCC 0.3); TCC 1.5 mg/kg (TCC 1.5); TCC 3.0 mg/kg (TCC 3.0). Dams were treated daily by oral gavage from gestational day 0 to lactational day 21. The males were evaluated in different timepoint: infancy (PND 21), puberty (PND 50) and adult life (PND 90–120). The histomorphometric analysis of testis and testosterone level were assessed on PND 21, 50, 120; sexual behavior and sperm parameters at adulthood. In the TCC 3.0 group, a decrease in the testis interstitial volume and an increase in testosterone levels were observed on PND 21. Moreover, there was a decrease in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules on PND 50, and a decrease in sexual competency in adulthood. These results suggest that exposure to a human relevant dose of TCC may interfere with reproduction and could have implications for human health. • Developmental exposure to Triclocarban (TCC) alters testis histomorphology. • In utero and lactational exposure to TCC increased testosterone levels in male pups. • The sexual competency of male offspring was impaired after maternal exposure to TCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]