Ecotoxicological Estimation of 4-Cumylphenol, 4-t-Octylphenol, Nonylphenol, and Volatile Leachate Phenol Degradation by the Microscopic Fungus Umbelopsis isabellina Using a Battery of Biotests

Abstract

The phenolic xenobiotics nonylphenol (NP), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP), and 4-cumylphenol (4-CP) have the potential to seriously disrupt the endocrine system. Volatile phenols (VPs), especially those present in landfill leachate, also adversely affect the health of numerous organisms. Microbial degradation of xenobiotics can result in the formation of intermediates with higher toxicity than the precursor substrates. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to assess the changes in environmental ecotoxicity during the biotransformation of nonylphenol, 4-tert-octylphenol, 4-cumylphenol and volatile phenols by Umbelopsis isabellina using a battery of biotests. The application of bioindicators belonging to different taxonomic groups and diverse trophic levels (producers, consumers, and reducers) indicated a significant reduction in toxicity during the cultivation of fungus cultures both for nonylphenol, 4-tert-octylphenol, 4-cumylphenol and volatile phenols. The rate of toxicity decline was correlated with the degree of xenobiotic biotransformation. Removal of 4-cumylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol also led to a decrease in the anti-androgenic potential. Moreover, this is the first report demonstrating the anti-androgenic properties of 4-cumylphenol. The results showed that U. isabellina is an attractive tool for the bioremediation and detoxification of contaminated environments.

Accelerated PAH Transformation in the Presence of Dye Industry Landfill Leachate Combined with Fungal Membrane Lipid Changes

“…For example, the ascomycetous fungus Myrothecium roridum IM 6482 has been shown to have a high potential to eliminate bisphenol A (BPA) [ 60 ] and textile dyes [ 61 ]. Janicki et al [ 62 ] described that the filamentous fungus Umbelopsis isabellina IM 833 adapted to LL and degraded nonylphenol, 4- tert -octylphenol, 4-cumylphenol, and volatile phenols to less-toxic intermediates.…”

“…A BOD 5 /COD ratio less than 0.2 means that the wastewater is practically nonbiodegradable, while values in the range of 0.5–0.7 indicate that the wastewater can be easily biodegraded. In the study by Janicki et al [ 62 ], the BOD 5 /COD ratio was 0.86, indicating that the leachate was readily biodegradable. LL also contains inorganic contaminants and petroleum hydrocarbons, which the fungus is known to be as a source of carbon and energy.…”

Exposure Profile and Characteristics of Parabens and Alkylphenols in Plasma among Rural Adults in Central China

“…Parabens mainly include methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), propylparaben (PrP), butylparaben (BuP), and benzylparaben (BzP), which are often used as antimicrobial preservatives in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products (PCPs) [1]. The common alkylphenol derivatives 4-tert-butylphenol (4-t-BP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP) are ingredients in non-ionic surfactants, lubricants, and foaming agents and are, therefore, widely used in the production of soaps, cosmetics, paints, polycarbonate (PC), and insecticides [2,3].…”

“…In addition, parabens have been found to disrupt the balance of thyroid hormones [20]. As for another common type of EDC, alkylphenols, several toxicological studies have shown that 4-t-BP and 4-t-OP can cause endocrine disruption and reproductive and developmental toxicity, and induce DNA damage and apoptosis in animals [3,[21][22][23][24]. Epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to 4-t-OP may increase the likelihood of male infertility [25].…”

“…In a study that reported paraben exposure levels in nine countries, the highest MeP, EtP PrP, and ToTPA (the sum of all parabens) concentrations in urine samples were found in South Korea, followed by China [28]. Additionally, 4-t-BP and 4-t-OP have been detected in large quantities in rivers and in industrial and domestic wastewater, which may pose a risk to human health [3]. However, there are limited studies related to their exposure for rural populations in China.…”