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Complex mixtures, complex responses: Assessing pharmaceutical mixtures using field and laboratory approaches.
Heiko L Schoenfuss1, Edward T Furlong2, Pat J Phillips3
1Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
|November 13, 2015
Summary
Pharmaceuticals in wastewater impact fish health, affecting growth, behavior, and reproduction. Effects vary, highlighting the need for broad testing across different fish life stages and biological levels.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Aquatic ecotoxicology
- Pharmaceutical pollution
Background:
- Pharmaceuticals are common contaminants in wastewater effluents.
- Elevated concentrations can occur near pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
- Understanding the ecological impact of these contaminants is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of various pharmaceuticals on fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas).
- To investigate impacts in both laboratory settings and complex effluent exposures.
- To evaluate responses across different life stages and biological endpoints.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory exposures of larval and mature fathead minnows to specific pharmaceutical mixtures and individual compounds.
- Exposure to municipal wastewater effluent with varying pharmaceutical loads.
- Assessment of multiple biological endpoints including growth, behavior, immune response, and reproductive indicators.
Main Results:
- Inconsistent effects observed in larval minnows across different exposure years (growth vs. behavior).
- Mature minnows showed altered liver indices (hepatosomatic) and reduced nest defense behavior.
- Increased splenic T lymphocytes observed with tramadol or antidepressant exposure; elevated vitellogenin in males exposed to whole effluent.
Conclusions:
- Pharmaceuticals in wastewater effluents, particularly from formulation facilities, can adversely affect fish populations.
- Observed impacts on key endpoints suggest potential risks to fish population sustainability.
- The study underscores the importance of assessing diverse biological endpoints and life stages for comprehensive contaminant risk assessment.
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