Microcystin-LR bioaccumulation and depuration kinetics in lettuce and arugula: Human health risk assessment

Author(s)

Cordeiro-Araujo, Micheline Kezia ; Chia, Mathias Ahii ; de Toledo Arruda-Neto, Joao Dias ; Tornisielo, Valdemar Luiz ; Vilca, Franz Zirena ; Bittencourt-Oliveira, Maria do Carmo

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Science of The Total Environment; v. 566, p. 1379-1386, OCT 1 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 13

Abstract

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is one of the most toxic and common microcystins (MCs) variant found in aquatic ecosystems. Little is known about the possibility of recovering microcystins contaminated agricultural crops. The objectives of this study were to determine the bioaccumulation and depuration kinetics of MC-LR in leaf tissues of lettuce and arugula, and estimate the total daily intake (ToDI) of MC-LR via contaminated vegetables by humans. Arugula and lettuce were irrigated with contaminated water having 5 and 10 mu g L-1 of MC-LR for 7 days (bioaccumulation), and subsequently, with uncontaminated water for 7 days (depuration). Quantification of MC-LR was performed by LC-MS/MS. The one-compartment biokinetic model was employed for MC-LR bioaccumulation and depuration data analysis. MC-LR was only accumulated in lettuce. After 7 days of irrigation with uncontaminated water, over 25% of accumulated MC-LR was still retained in leaf tissues of plants treated with 10 mu g L-1 MC-LR. Total daily toxin intake by adult consumers (60 kg-bw) exceeded the 0.04 mu g MC-LR kg(-1) limit recommended by WHO. Bioaccumulation was found to be linearly proportional to the exposure concentration of the toxin, increasing over time; and estimated to become saturated after 30 days of uninterrupted exposure. On the other hand, MC-LR depuration was less efficient at higher exposure concentrations. This is because biokinetic half-life calculations gave 2.9 and 3.7 days for 5 and 10 mu g L-1 MC-LR treatments, which means 29-37 days are required to eliminate the toxin. For the first time, our results demonstrated the possibility of MC-LR decontamination of lettuce plants. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/11306-3 - The Effects of anatoxin-a and cylindrospermopsin at different nitrogen concentrations and photon irradiances on the physiology of Microcystis aeruginosa (Cyanobacteria) and Scenedesmus acuminatus (Chlolrophyta)
• Grantee: Mathias Ahii Chia
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 14/01934-0 - Bioaccumulation and detoxification study of cyanobacteria toxins (microcystins and cilindrospermopsin) in lettuce and arugula
• Grantee: Maria Do Carmo Bittencourt de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/17397-6 - CIRCADIAN RHYTHM IN THE PRODUCTION AND RELEASE OF MICROCYSTINS, EXPRESSION OF mcyE GENE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS IN CYANOBACTERIA: IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGES
• Grantee: Micheline Kézia Cordeiro de Araújo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral