Contaminants, mutagenicity and toxicity in the surface waters of Kyiv, Ukraine
Citation:
Ho, K., I. Konovets, A. Terletskaya, M. Milyukin, A. Lyashenko, L. Shitikova, L. Shevchuk, S. Afanasiev, Y. Krot, K. Zorina-Sakharova, V. Goncharuk, M. Skrynnyk, M. Cashman, AND R. Burgess. Contaminants, mutagenicity and toxicity in the surface waters of Kyiv, Ukraine. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 155:111153, (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111153
Impact/Purpose:
This research was part of the United States Department of States’ Former Weapons Bio-Chemical Scientist Redirect Program. It was developed and executed as a research collaboration between the United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine. Water and biota in the Dnieper River were sampled for PAHs, PCBs, metals and emerging contaminants including pharmaceuticals, personal care products and newer synthetic pesticides. The effects of surface waters in the Dnieper were evaluated using the Ames, chronic and acute daphnia and a ciliate (Colpoda stennii) assay.This research benefited the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of our National Water Program Research Strategy 2009-2014 which sought to study emerging contaminants such pharmaceuticals, personal care products, antimicrobial chemicals, fire retardants, and nanomaterials. For the U.S. EPA, such a study would provide valuable comparative information on the extent and patterns of emerging contaminant pollution. For Ukraine, the study would provide important data about the status and potential risks of emerging contaminants in their drinking waters, aquatic foods and aquatic environments. This study provides the first snapshot of possible human health and ecological risks associated with surface waters of the Dnieper River, Finally, this research gave Ukrainian scientists the opportunity to develop new analytical methodology for detection of emerging contaminants in their environment.
Description:
Kyiv is Ukraine's capital and largest city. Home to 3 million people, this area has a rich history of agriculture and industry. The Dnieper River is Ukraine's largest river and it passes through the center of Kyiv. Little information on emerging and legacy compounds or their toxicity in the Dnieper River exists. For this investigation, water was sampled for PAHs, PCBs, metals and emerging contaminants including pharmaceuticals and personal care products. The effects of surface waters in the Dnieper were evaluated using the Ames, chronic and acute daphnia, and a ciliate (Colpoda stennii) assays. Concentrations of legacy and emerging contaminants were found in seven stations near the municipal water treatment plant (MWTP) and receiving waters. The MWTP appeared to remove some of the emerging contaminants, however the legacy compounds (PCBs and PAHs) were not affected by the MWTP and appeared to be more wide-spread indicating a number of sources to the Dnieper River. Acute and chronic toxicity were associated with the influent and effluent of the MWTP, however mutagenicity was noted in surface waters throughout the Dnieper River including upstream of the MWTP. This study provides the first snapshot of possible human health and ecological risks associated with surface waters of the Dnieper. More research on seasonal changes and sources of toxicity, mutagenicity and contaminants would aid in completing a more comprehensive risk assessment of surface waters of the Dnieper River.
