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The toxicity assessment of 14 biocides for industrial circulating cooling water system by damage/repair pathway

Heyun Yang1, Xiaoliang Li2, Xin Cao2

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in North west Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China; School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science & Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydro-Electric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710048, China.

Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
|May 22, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This study evaluated 14 biocides in cooling water systems, finding they trigger DNA, oxidative, and membrane stress. Some biocides like MTC show extreme toxicity, while others like THPS have low exposure concentrations.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Toxicology
  • Chemical Engineering

Background:

  • Biocides are crucial for controlling microbial growth in circulating cooling water systems.
  • Understanding biocide toxicity is essential for environmental protection and system efficiency.
  • Previous research has not comprehensively assessed the complex toxicity pathways induced by common biocides.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the toxicity of 14 commonly used biocides in circulating cooling water systems.
  • To identify molecular toxicity endpoints and compare the normalized toxicity of different biocides.
  • To investigate the correlation between biocide molecular structure and toxicity, and the effects of combined exposures.

Main Methods:

  • Dose-response assessments were conducted for 14 biocides.
  • Molecular toxicity endpoints were derived from dose-response curves.
  • Normalized toxicity was compared using Total-TELI (Total Effect Level Index) values.
  • Correlation analysis was performed between molecular structure and toxicity.
  • Combined biocide exposures were evaluated for synergistic or additive toxic effects.

Main Results:

  • Biocide exposure induced complex damage/repair pathways, including DNA, oxidative, protein, general, and membrane stress, all increasing with concentration.
  • MTC demonstrated high toxicity at extremely low concentrations (1.00 × 10-17 mg/L).
  • THPS, MTC, and DBNPA showed the lowest toxic exposure concentrations (2.180 × 10-27, 1.015 × 10-14, and 3.523 × 10-6 mg/L, respectively).
  • TBTC, MTC, and 2,4-DCP exhibited the highest Total-TELImax values (861.70, 526.30, and 248.30, respectively).
  • A strong correlation (R2 = 0.43-0.97) was observed between biocide molecular structure and toxicity.
  • Combined biocide exposures amplified toxicity pathways and effects, mirroring single-component mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Biocides used in cooling water systems induce a range of cellular stresses, with toxicity escalating with concentration.
  • Specific biocides like THPS, MTC, and DBNPA present significantly lower toxic exposure risks.
  • Biocide molecular structure is a key determinant of toxicity, and combined exposures can enhance adverse effects.
Keywords:
14 biocidesCirculating cooling water systemsMolecular toxicity endpointsQuantitative molecular descriptorsToxic mechanism

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