Bioindicators of wastewater ecotoxicity
Gabriela Jirova1,2, Zdenka Wittlingerova1, Magdalena Zimova1,2
1Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Praha, Czech Republic.
Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|March 7, 2017
Summary
Sensitive bioassays are crucial for assessing wastewater toxicity. The Fish Embryo Test (FET) offers a reliable in vitro alternative for ecotoxicological evaluation, aligning with animal welfare regulations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- In Vitro Toxicology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Wastewater, particularly hospital effluents, presents complex chemical mixtures.
- Conventional bioassays lack sensitivity for ecotoxicological evaluation of treated effluents.
- EU legislation mandates alternative toxicological methods respecting the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for sensitive bioassays for wastewater toxicity assessment.
- To present the Fish Embryo Test (FET) as a viable in vitro alternative.
- To explore the multiparametric potential of the FET.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on wastewater complexity and bioassay limitations.
- Identification of the Fish Embryo Test (FET) as a relevant in vitro method.
- Discussion of FET's capacity for assessing various toxicological endpoints.
Main Results:
- The Fish Embryo Test (FET) is a relevant, reliable, and efficient in vitro method for acute fish toxicity.
- FET allows investigation of organ-specific bioaccumulation, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and developmental toxicity.
- Multiparametric endpoints enhance the FET's utility as an alternative toxicological tool.
Conclusions:
- The FET is a powerful in vitro alternative for ecotoxicological assessment of wastewater.
- It meets regulatory demands for animal welfare and alternative testing methods.
- The FET's comprehensive endpoint analysis provides a robust measure of wastewater toxicity.
