The Potential of Sewage Sludge to Predict and Evaluate the Human Chemical Exposome.

Journal: Environmental science & technology letters
Published Date: Nov 12, 2021

Abstract

Chemicals are part of our daily lives, and we are exposed to numerous chemicals through multiple pathways. Relevant scientific evidence contributing to the regulation of hazardous chemicals require a holistic approach to assess simultaneous exposure to multiple compounds. Biomonitoring provides an accurate estimation of exposure to chemicals through very complex and costly sampling campaigns. Finding efficient proxies to predict the risk of chemical exposure in humans is an urgent need to cover large areas and populations at a reasonable cost. We conducted an exploratory study to characterize the human chemical exposome in maternal blood and placenta samples of a population-based birth cohort in Barcelona (2018-2021). Ultimate HRMS-based approaches were applied including wide-scope target, suspect, and nontarget screening. Forty-two chemicals were identified including pesticides, personal care products, or industrial compounds, among others, in the range of ng/mL and ng/g. In parallel, sewage sludge from the wastewater treatment plants serving the residence areas of the studied population were also screened, showing correlations with the type and concentrations of chemicals found in humans. Our findings were suggestive for the potential use of sewage sludge as a proxy of the human exposure and its application in early warning systems to prevent bioaccumulation of hazardous chemicals.

Authors

  • Ruben Gil-Solsona
    Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research - Severo Ochoa Excellence Center (IDAEA), Spanish Council of Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain.
  • Maria-Christina Nika
    Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens 15771, Greece.
  • Mariona Bustamante
    ISGlobal, Barcelona 08003, Spain.
  • Cristina M Villanueva
    ISGlobal, Barcelona 08003, Spain.
  • Maria Foraster
    ISGlobal, Barcelona 08003, Spain.
  • Marta Cosin-Tomás
    Department of Human Genetics, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, McGill University, 845 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada.
  • Nikiforos Alygizakis
    Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens 15771, Greece.
  • Maria Dolores Gómez-Roig
    BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic), University of Barcelona, Esplugues de Llobregat, Passeig de Sant Joan de Déu, 2, Barcelona 08950, Spain.
  • Elisa Llurba-Olive
    Maternal and Fetal Medicine Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Sant Pau University Hospital, C. de Villarroel, 170, Barcelona 08036, Spain.
  • Jordi Sunyer
    ISGlobal, Barcelona 08003, Spain.
  • Nikolaos S Thomaidis
    Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens 15771, Greece.
  • Payam Dadvand
    ISGlobal, Barcelona 08003, Spain.
  • Pablo Gago-Ferrero
    Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research - Severo Ochoa Excellence Center (IDAEA), Spanish Council of Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain.

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