Occurrence and bioconcentration of micropollutants in Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) in a reclaimed water reservoir

Abstract

This study examined the occurrence of 49 micropollutants in reclaimed water and Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) living in a reclaimed water reservoir. The numbers of micropollutants detected in reclaimed water, Silver Perch liver, and Silver Perch flesh were 20, 23, and 19, respectively. Concentrations of all micropollutants in reclaimed water, except benzotriazole, were well below the Australian Guideline for Recycled Water (AGRW) values for potable purposes. The concentration of benzotriazole in reclaimed water was 675 ± 130 ng/L while the AGRW value for this compound was 7 ng/L. Not all micropollutants detected in the water phase were identified in the Silver Perch flesh and liver tissues. Likewise, not all micropollutants detected in the Silver Perch flesh and liver were identified in the reclaimed water. In general, micropollutant concentrations in the liver were higher than in the flesh. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was detected at a trace level in reclaimed water well below the AGRW guideline value for potable purposes, but showed a high and medium bioconcentration factor in Silver Perch liver and flesh, respectively. In addition, the risk quotient for PFOS was medium and high when considering its concentration in Silver Perch liver and flesh, respectively. Results reported here highlight the need to evaluate multiple parameters for a comprehensive risk assessment. The results also single out PFOS as a notable contaminant of concern for further investigation.

Identification of Transformation Products for Benzotriazole, Triclosan, and Trimethoprim by Aerobic and Anoxic-Activated Sludge

“…These TOrCs were selected because they have been frequently detected in wastewater effluents throughout the world (Dickenson et al 2011;Loos et al 2013;Behera et al 2011;Rosal et al 2010;Santos et al 2007;Eggen et al 2014;Salveson et al 2012;Terechovs et al 2019), and because benzotriazole (Cancilla et al 1997;Harris et al 2007;Terechovs et al 2019), trimethoprim (Yang et al 2008), and triclosan (Tatarazako et al 2004;Veldhoen et al 2006;Capdevielle et al 2008) are known to elicit toxic effects to aquatic life forms, where measured environmental concentrations of triclosan and trimethoprim could be higher than ecotoxicity endpoint concentrations (Fekadu et al 2019;Rauch-Williams et al 2018). Terechovs et al (2019) recently reported benzotriazole in reclaimed water to exceed the Australian guidelines for water recycling for potable purposes, and their risk assessment of benzotriazole revealed a high risk in the liver of the Silver Perch fish and a medium risk in the fish's tissue. Lastly, these three TOrCs were selected because they have been observed to biotransform by activated sludge under both aerobic and anoxic conditions (Lakshminarasimman et al 2018).…”

Can Reclaimed Water Be Used for Sustainable Food Production in Aquaponics?

“…In a study by Terechovs et al (2019), 17β estradiol, diazepam, verapamil and trimethoprim were found in the liver of fish, which indicates that they can accumulate and be metabolized by this organ. Adhikari et al (2009) studied the concentration of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn in water, sediments and internal organs of fish cultivated in ponds with wastewater from Calcuta (India).…”

“…Nowadays, there are numerous studies dealing with the risks of using reclaimed water for crops irrigation or aquatic organisms and take into account the high probability of microbial pollution, toxic metals accumulation, and emerging contaminants. Terechovs et al (2019) evaluated the effect of 49 emerging contaminants in reclaimed water in fishes of the species Bidyanus bidyanus in the semi-rural region of Shoalhaven in Australia. They detected 20 emerging contaminants in the reclaimed water and 23 and 19 emerging contaminants in flesh and liver of the fishes, respectively.…”

“…Other studies have demonstrated that small densities of fishes in reservoirs filled with reclaimed water can help regulate the growth of microalgae and undesirable vectors such as mosquitoes and snails (Terechovs et al, 2019). The growth of microalgae in aquaponic systems has been used to promote the improvement of water quality by increasing its buffer capacity, dissolved oxygen levels and the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids that can be added to the diet of the fish.…”

Water reclamation and reuse

“…Various occurrences and concentrations of micropollutants in reclaimed water and Silver Perch (flesh and liver) living in a reclaimed water reservoir were detected (Terechovs et al, 2019). Twenty micropollutants were detected in the reclaimed water, and 19 of them were at concentrations well below the Australian Guideline for Recycled Water values for potable purposes.…”