Estrogenic hormones and UV-filters have attracted increased attention as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) due to their widespread occurrence in the environment. These CECs are hydrophobic and have been detected in different biota. However, limited information is available on their bioaccumulation and effects in invertebrates. The objective of this study was to investigate the accumulation of three estrogens and five UV-filters in red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and the corresponding estrogenicity using the vitellogenin (VTG) biomarker. Exposure experiments were conducted for 42 days at two spiked concentration levels (i.e., 500 and 5000 ng/L) of the eight target compounds, followed by a 14-day depuration period. A control reactor, with no CECs, was operated in parallel. Aqueous phase concentrations were monitored every other day and CECs were dosed based on the design levels. Fecal matter was collected during water changes, which happened every four days. Aggregated tissue (i.e., from three female or three male crayfish) and individual hemolymph samples were collected on a bi-weekly basis from the three reactors. Chemical analysis employed LC-MS/MS with solid-phase (aqueous samples) and liquid-liquid (tissue samples) extraction. CEC degradation was observed during the exposure period, and the actual mean aqueous concentrations ranged from 41 to 485 ng/L (500 ng/L) and 78 to 5789 ng/L (5000 ng/L). All CECs were found in the fecal matter at concentrations up to 1690 ng/g (500 ng/L treatment) and 8480 ng/g (5000 ng/L treatment) during the exposure period. In the first two weeks of the exposure period, all five UV-filters were detected in crayfish tissue with concentrations ranging from 2.2 to 265.3 ng/g dw, while estradiol was the only detected estrogen. No further bioaccumulation was observed over the next four weeks. With the exception of octocrylene and ethylhexylmethoxycinnamate, the other CECs exhibited a significant decrease in tissue concentration during the 14-day depuration period. Compared with the control group, an increase in VTG levels was observed for the two CEC conditions, suggesting that crayfish may serve as chemical- and bio-markers of CEC contamination.

Bioaccumulation and estrogenicity of hormones and UV-filters in Procambarus clarkii

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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