Assessing the effects of textile leachates in fish using multiple testing methods: From gene expression to behavior
Bethanie Carney Almroth1, Josefin Cartine2, Christina Jönander2
1Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 463, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|October 29, 2020
Summary
Chemicals leaching from textiles like sportswear and towels harm aquatic life. Studies show textile leachates cause fish cell damage, mortality, and behavioral changes, posing an ecotoxicological threat.
Area of Science:
- Ecotoxicology
- Environmental Chemistry
- Aquatic Toxicology
Background:
- The textile industry releases numerous chemicals into aquatic environments.
- Understanding the ecotoxicological impact of textile chemical residues is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the harmful effects of chemical leachates from sportswear, children's bath towels, and denim on fish.
- To assess toxicity using various fish models and biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in vitro (cell lines) and in vivo (zebrafish embryos, larval and juvenile fish) test systems.
- Measured biomarkers including gene expression (Cyp1a mRNA), cytotoxicity, biochemical analysis (EROD activity, VTG), and behavior (locomotion).
- Analyzed leachates from three textile types: sportswear, towels, and denim.
Main Results:
- Textile leachates induced cytotoxicity in fish cell lines (RTgill-W1).
- Sportswear and towel leachates caused mortality in zebrafish embryos and adverse effects in larval fish.
- Sportswear and towel leachates altered gene expression and enzyme activity in trout liver, indicating toxic effects.
Conclusions:
- Chemicals leaching from textiles pose a significant ecotoxicological threat to aquatic environments.
- Exposure to textile leachates can cause a range of adverse reactions in fish, from cellular damage to behavioral changes.
- Extraction temperature can influence the toxicity of textile leachates, as seen with towel extracts.
