Name: screening for endocrine activity in water using commercially-available in vitro transactivation bioassays
Uploaded: 2016-12-04T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Screening for Endocrine Activity in Water Using Commercially-available In Vitro Transactivation Bioassays at JoVE.com

Funding was provided by State Water Resources Control Board (Agreements No. 10-096-250 and 14-090-270). We thank S. Abbasi, M. Connor, S. Engelage, K. North, J. Armstrong, S. Asato, M. Dojiri, D. Schlenk, S. Snyder, S. Westerheide, B. Escher, F. Leusch, G. Pelanek, K. Bi, and J. Printen. The authors declare no conflict of interest, and reference to trade names does not imply endorsement.

1. Collect and Process Water Sample (Modified from Escher et al.9)
<ol>
	<li>Fill a clean 1 L amber glass bottle containing 1 g sodium azide and 50 mg ascorbic acid to the top with water sample of interest. Store sample at 4 &#176;C and process within 72 hr. 
	NOTE: Sodium azide is highly toxic and must be handled with caution. Use protective gear (eye/face, gloves, clothing) and weigh in a properly functioning fume-hood. Do not use a metal spatula for weighing.</li>
	<li>Pass the sample throug...

<ol>
	<li>Dix, D. J., Houck, K. A., Martin, M. T., Richard, M. A., Setzer, R. W., Kavlock, R. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+ToxCast+program+for+prioritizing+toxicity+testing+of+environmental+chemicals.">The ToxCast program for prioritizing toxicity testing of environmental chemicals.</a> Toxicol. Sci. 95 (1), 5-12 (2007).</li><li>Reif, D. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endocrine+profiling+and+prioritization+of+environmental+chemicals+using+ToxCast+data.">Endocrine profiling and prioritization of environmental chemicals using ToxCast data.</a> Environ. Health Perspect. 118 (12), 1714-1720 (2010).</li><li>Maruya, K. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+tiered,+integrated+biological+and+chemical+monitoring+framework+for+contaminants+of+emerging+concern+(CECs)+in+aquatic+ecosystems.">A tiered, integrated biological and chemical monitoring framework for contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in aquatic ecosystems.</a> Integr. Environ. Assess. Manag. , (2015).</li><li>Van der Linden, S. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Detection+of+multiple+hormonal+activities+in+wastewater+effluents,+surface+water,+using+a+panel+of+steroid+receptor+CALUX+bioassays.">Detection of multiple hormonal activities in wastewater effluents, surface water, using a panel of steroid receptor CALUX bioassays.</a> Environ. Sci. Technol. 42 (15), 5814-5820 (2008).</li><li>Leusch, F. D. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+five+in+vitro+bioassays+to+measure+estrogenic+activity+in+environmental+waters.">Comparison of five in vitro bioassays to measure estrogenic activity in environmental waters.</a> Environ. Sci. Technol. 44 (10), 3853-3860 (2010).</li><li>Jarosova, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Europe-wide+survey+of+estrogenicity+in+wastewater+treatment+plant+effluents:+the+need+for+effect-based+monitoring.">Europe-wide survey of estrogenicity in wastewater treatment plant effluents: the need for effect-based monitoring.</a> Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 21 (18), 10970-10982 (2014).</li><li>Sonneveld, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+in+vitro+and+in+vivo+screening+models+for+androgenic+and+estrogenic+activities.">Comparison of in vitro and in vivo screening models for androgenic and estrogenic activities.</a> Toxicol. Sci. 89 (1), 173-187 (2006).</li><li>Piersma, A. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+an+alternative+in+vitro+test+battery+for+detecting+reproductive+toxicants.">Evaluation of an alternative in vitro test battery for detecting reproductive toxicants.</a> Reprod. Toxicol. 38, 53-64 (2013).</li><li>Escher, B. I., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Benchmarking+organic+micropollutants+in+wastewater,+recycled+water+and+drinking+water+with+in+vitro+bioassays.">Benchmarking organic micropollutants in wastewater, recycled water and drinking water with in vitro bioassays.</a> Environ. Sci. Technol. 48 (3), 1940-1956 (2014).</li><li>U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Prioritization of the endocrine disruptor screening program universe of chemicals for an estrogen receptor adverse outcome pathway using computational toxicology tools. , (2012).</li><li>Leusch, F. D. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessment+of+wastewater+and+recycled+water+quality:+a+comparison+of+lines+of+evidence+from+in+vitro,+in+vivo+and+chemical+analyses.">Assessment of wastewater and recycled water quality: a comparison of lines of evidence from in vitro, in vivo and chemical analyses.</a> Water Res. 50, 420-431 (2014).</li><li>Jia, A., Wu, S., Daniels, K. D., Snyder, S. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Balancing+the+budget:+accounting+for+glucocorticoid+bioactivity+and+fate+during+water+treatment.">Balancing the budget: accounting for glucocorticoid bioactivity and fate during water treatment.</a> Environ. Sci. Technol. 50 (6), 2870-2880 (2016).</li><li>Huang, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chemical+genomics+profiling+of+environmental+chemical+modulation+of+human+nuclear+receptors.">Chemical genomics profiling of environmental chemical modulation of human nuclear receptors.</a> Environ. Health Perspect. 119 (8), 1142-1148 (2011).</li><li>Mehinto, A. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Interlaboratory+comparison+of+in+vitro+bioassays+for+screening+of+endocrine+active+chemicals+in+recycled+water.">Interlaboratory comparison of in vitro bioassays for screening of endocrine active chemicals in recycled water.</a> Water Res. 83, 303-309 (2015).</li><li>Ternes, T. A., Joss, A., Siegrist, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Scrutinizing+pharmaceuticals+and+personal+care+products+in+wastewater+treatment.">Scrutinizing pharmaceuticals and personal care products in wastewater treatment.</a> Environ. Sci. Technol. 38 (20), 392A-399A (2004).</li><li>Tang, J. Y. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Toxicity+characterization+of+urban+stormwater+with+bioanalytical+tools.">Toxicity characterization of urban stormwater with bioanalytical tools.</a> Water Res. 47, 5594-5606 (2013).</li><li>Scott, P. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+assessment+of+endocrine+activity+in+Australian+rivers+using+chemical+and+in+vitro+analyses.">An assessment of endocrine activity in Australian rivers using chemical and in vitro analyses.</a> Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 21 (22), 12951-12967 (2014).</li><li>Vidal-Dorsch, D. E., Bay, S. M., Maruya, K., Snyder, S. A., Trenholm, R. A., Vanderford, B. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Contaminants+of+emerging+concern+in+municipal+wastewater+effluents+and+marine+receiving+water.">Contaminants of emerging concern in municipal wastewater effluents and marine receiving water.</a> Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 31 (12), 2674-2682 (2012).</li><li>WateReuse Research Foundation (WRRF). <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Direct potable reuse: a path forward. , (2011).</li><li>Leusch, F. D. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessment+of+the+application+of+bioanalytical+tools+as+surrogate+measure+of+chemical+contaminants+in+recycled+water.">Assessment of the application of bioanalytical tools as surrogate measure of chemical contaminants in recycled water.</a> Water Res. 49, 300-315 (2014).</li><li>Schriks, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Occurrence+of+glucocorticoid+activity+in+various+surface+waters+in+the+Netherlands.">Occurrence of glucocorticoid activity in various surface waters in the Netherlands.</a> Chemosphere. 93 (2), 450-454 (2013).</li><li>Suzuki, G., Sato, K., Isobe, T., Takigami, H., Brouwer, A., Nakayama, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Detection+of+glucocorticoid+receptor+agonist+in+effluents+from+sewage+treatment+plants+in+Japan.">Detection of glucocorticoid receptor agonist in effluents from sewage treatment plants in Japan.</a> Sci. Tot. Environ. 527-528, 328-334 (2015).</li><li>Purdom, C. E., Hardiman, P. A., Byea, V. V. J., Enoa, N. C., Tyler, C. R., Sumpter, J. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Estrogenic+effects+of+effluents+from+sewage+treatment+works.">Estrogenic effects of effluents from sewage treatment works.</a> Chemistry and Ecology. 8 (4), 275-285 (1994).</li><li>Kidd, K. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Collapse+of+a+fish+population+after+exposure+to+a+synthetic+estrogen.">Collapse of a fish population after exposure to a synthetic estrogen.</a> Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 104 (21), 8897-8901 (2007).</li><li>Kojima, H., Katsura, E., Takeuchi, S., Niiyama, K., Kobayashi, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Screening+of+estrogen+and+androgen+receptor+activities+in+200+pesticides+by+in+vitro+reporter+gene+assays+using+Chinese+hamster+ovary+cells.">Screening of estrogen and androgen receptor activities in 200 pesticides by in vitro reporter gene assays using Chinese hamster ovary cells.</a> Environ. Health Perspect. 112 (5), 524-531 (2004).</li><li>Kugathas, S., Sumpter, J. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Synthetic+glucocorticoids+in+the+environment:+First+results+on+their+potential+impacts+on+fish.">Synthetic glucocorticoids in the environment: First results on their potential impacts on fish.</a> Environ. Sci. Technol. 45, 2377-2383 (2011).</li><li>Van der Linden, S. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+a+panel+of+high-throughput+reporter-gene+assays+to+detect+genotoxicity+and+oxidative+stress.">Development of a panel of high-throughput reporter-gene assays to detect genotoxicity and oxidative stress.</a> Mutat. Res. Genet. Toxicol. Environ. Mutagen. 760, 23-32 (2014).</li><li>Cwiertny, D. M., Snyder, S. A., Schlenk, D., Kolodziej, E. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Environmental+designer+drugs:+when+transformation+may+not+eliminate+risk.">Environmental designer drugs: when transformation may not eliminate risk.</a> Environ. Sci. Technol. 48, 11737-11745 (2014).</li></ol>

The well documented potency of environmental estrogens, such as 17&#946;-estradiol (E2), warrants screening for these chemicals at ng/L concentrations23,24. In this study, the ER response for wastewater effluents (BEQ range: 2.3 to 17 ng E2/L) was somewhat higher than reported for secondary effluent from Australian WWTPs20, whereas the BEQs for surface water (&#60;0.5 to 4 ng E2/L) were within the range reported for surface and stormwater elsewhere (&#60;1 to 11 ng E2/L)16. Despite the lo...

Current water quality monitoring is predicated on the ability to accurately and precisely measure the occurrence of chemical contaminants as a proxy for exposure to wildlife and humans. However, this chemical-by-chemical monitoring and assessment paradigm cannot keep pace with the ever-changing chemical universe that we face. As we learn more about the fate and effects of synthetic and natural chemicals, we continue to search for measurement tools that address expected biological impacts, and that at the same time are immune to changes in chemical production, usage and environmental input. Such tools are especially relevant for understanding whether unknown or new chemicals, and transformation products, deserve our attention. Moreover, complex mixtures of chemicals present in water are poorly addressed by individual chemical monitoring. Thus, we face the challenge of modernizing the existing monitoring toolbox to better address these issues in surface waters that receive discharge of treated wastewater effluent and urban/stormwater runoff.
In recent years, bioanalytical techniques have shown promise as screening tools for water quality assessment. In particular, in&#39;vitro bioassays that respond to chemicals acting via known, specific modes of action1,2 are of great interest to the environmental monitoring community3. Numerous investigations have employed in vitro bioassays to quantify the endocrine activity of drinking, surface and wastewaters4 -6. Moreover, a number of bioassays target molecular initiating events (e.g., receptor activation) which can potentially be linked to deleterious effects via adverse outcome pathway analyses7,8.
The evolution of bioscreening for water quality assessment has been relatively rapid, with hundreds of different in vitro bioassay endpoints having been evaluated for their utility9,10. Currently, only a handful of bioassays have been shown to achieve good measurement precision (within laboratories) while demonstrating the ability to differentiate among water qualities5,6. For treated wastewater effluent in particular, the occurrence of estrogens and glucocorticoid steroids has been successfully accounted for using in vitro transactivation assays11,12. However, most studies to date have employed bioassays whose cell lines are proprietary (and thus not widely available), require continuous care and manipulation, or both. As a result, the ability to standardize protocols, perform inter-laboratory calibration exercises, and ultimately to transfer this screening technology to the water resources community remains hindered.
At least one supplier of in vitro bioassays vetted through the U.S. ToxCast program is commercially available13 in easy to use &#34;freeze and thaw&#34; formats. These division-arrested cell &#34;kits&#34; have been shown to be robust in measuring the activity of chemicals extracted from water representing different levels of treatment14. Although vendor protocols are available to screen the bioactivity of individual chemicals or mixtures, some of them require modification before they can be applied to water samples. Treated wastewater effluent15, stormwater runoff16, receiving waters17,18 and more recently recycled water19,20 are prime examples of aqueous media that are of interest to the water quality community.
This study presents a single, standardized protocol to measure the endocrine activity in water samples using commercially available, division-arrested in vitro transactivation bioassays. We demonstrated robustness of the protocol through a comprehensive assessment of background, dose responsivity and repeatability of response for two endpoints of particular interest Estrogen and Glucocorticoid Receptor transactivation (ER and GR, respectively). The protocol was applied to screen samples of treated wastewater effluent and surface water from freshwater systems in California.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="826">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:43px;width:275px;">GeneBLAzer ER alpha DA assay kit</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">ThermoFisher</td>
			<td style="width:115px;">K1393</td>
			<td style="width:313px;">Kit includes ER division arrested (DA) cells and LiveBLAzer FRET loading kit.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:43px;width:275px;">GeneBLAzer GR DA assay kit</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">ThermoFisher</td>
			<td style="width:115px;">K1391</td>
			<td style="width:313px;">Kit includes GR division arrested (DA) cells and LiveBLAzer FRET loading kit.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:275px;">PrestoBlue cell viability reagent&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">ThermoFisher</td>
			<td style="width:115px;">A-13261</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:275px;">Trypan blue, 0.4% in PBS</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Sigma-Aldrich&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:115px;">T8154</td>
			<td>Also available at ThermoFisher</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:275px;">Corning 96 well black wall, clear-bottom plate</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Corning</td>
			<td style="width:115px;">3603</td>
			<td style="width:313px;">Individually wrapped, sterile with lid</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:275px;">Whatman glass fiber filters, GF/A, 1.6 &#181;M</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Sigma-Aldrich&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:115px;">WHA1820025</td>
			<td style="width:313px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:275px;">Microplate aluminum sealing film</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">E&#38;K Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:115px;">T592100</td>
			<td style="width:313px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:275px;">Oasis HLB 6 cc cartridge, 200 mg sorbent</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Waters</td>
			<td style="width:115px;">WAT106202</td>
			<td style="width:313px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:275px;">17&#946; Estradiol</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Sigma-Aldrich&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:115px;">E2758</td>
			<td style="width:313px;">CAS #50-28-2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:275px;">Ascorbic acid</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:115px;">A61-100</td>
			<td style="width:313px;">Also available at Sigma-Aldrich</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:275px;">Dexamethasone&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Sigma-Aldrich&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:115px;">D4902</td>
			<td style="width:313px;">CAS #50-02-2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:275px;">Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Sigma-Aldrich&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:115px;">D8418</td>
			<td>Molecular grade</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:275px;">Solvents (acetone, hexane, methanol)</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:115px;"></td>
			<td style="width:313px;">HPLC grade</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="83">
			<td height="83" style="height:83px;width:275px;">Sodium azide</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Sigma-Aldrich&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:115px;">S2002</td>
			<td style="width:313px;">Chemical is highly toxic and must be handled with caution. Use protective clothing and weigh under a fumehood. Also available at EMD Millipore.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="46">
			<td height="46" style="height:47px;width:275px;">Automated cell counter or hemocytometer</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Various*</td>
			<td style="width:115px;"></td>
			<td style="width:313px;">Suppliers include Bio-Rad, Fisher Scientific, Sigma-Aldrich and ThermoFisher.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:275px;">Class II biological safety cabinet</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Various*</td>
			<td style="width:115px;"></td>
			<td style="width:313px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:23px;width:275px;">CO2 incubator</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Various*</td>
			<td style="width:115px;"></td>
			<td style="width:313px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:43px;width:275px;">Cryogenic freezer&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Various*</td>
			<td style="width:115px;"></td>
			<td style="width:313px;">Liquid nitrogen storage dewar is recommended.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:43px;width:275px;">Fluorescence microplate reader</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Various*</td>
			<td style="width:115px;"></td>
			<td style="width:313px;">&#160;The reader must have bottom read capabilities.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td colspan="4" height="21" style="height:21px;">* No recommended source, the choice of this equipment depends on budget, frequency of use, and lab space.</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

screening for endocrine activity in water using commercially-available in vitro transactivation bioassays

In vitro transactivation bioassays have shown promise as water quality monitoring tools, however their adoption and widespread application has been hindered partly due to a lack of standardized methods and availability of robust, user-friendly technology. In this study, commercially available, division-arrested cell lines were employed to quantitatively screen for endocrine activity of chemicals present in water samples of interest to environmental quality professionals. A single, standardized protocol that included comprehensive quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) checks was developed for Estrogen and Glucocorticoid Receptor activity (ER and GR, respectively) using a cell-based Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) assay. Samples of treated municipal wastewater effluent and surface water from freshwater systems in California (USA), were extracted using solid phase extraction and analyzed for endocrine activity using the standardized protocol. Background and dose-response for endpoint-specific reference chemicals met QA/QC guidelines deemed necessary for reliable measurement. The bioassay screening response for surface water samples was largely not detectable. In contrast, effluent samples from secondary treatment plants had the highest measurable activity, with estimated bioassay equivalent concentrations (BEQs) up to 392 ng dexamethasone/L for GR and 17 ng 17&#946;-estradiol/L for ER. The bioassay response for a tertiary effluent sample was lower than that measured for secondary effluents, indicating a lower residual of endocrine active chemicals after advanced treatment. This protocol showed that in vitro transactivation bioassays that utilize commercially available, division-arrested cell &#34;kits&#34;, can be adapted to screen for endocrine activity in water.

In the present study, 4x 24 hr composite samples of treated municipal wastewater effluent, 6 grab samples of surface water from freshwater systems in southern California and a field blank consisting of ultrapure water were selected to illustrate this protocol. 3 of the 4&#160;effluent samples were from conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plants (&#34;secondary effluent&#34;), and the fourth one from an advanced wastewater treatment plant with sand/carbon filtration added po...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Screening for Endocrine Activity in Water Using Commercially-available In Vitro Transactivation Bioassays at JoVE.com

Screening for Endocrine Activity in Water Using Commercially-available In Vitro Transactivation Bioassays

A protocol to screen for endocrine activity in organic extracts of water samples, including treated wastewater effluent and surface (receiving) water, was adapted using commercially available division-arrested ("freeze and thaw") in vitro transactivation bioassays.

Screening for Endocrine Activity in Water Using Commercially-available In Vitro Transactivation Bioassays

In vitro transactivation bioassays have shown promise as water quality monitoring tools, however their adoption and widespread application has been ...

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EPA Method 1615. Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. Part III. Virus Detection by RT-qPCR

EPA Method 1615 measures enteroviruses and noroviruses present in environmental and drinking waters. This method was developed with the goal of having a ...

A Duplex Digital PCR Assay for Simultaneous Quantification of the Enterococcus spp. and the Human Fecal-associated HF183 Marker in Waters

A Duplex Digital PCR Assay for Simultaneous Quantification of the Enterococcus spp. and the Human Fecal-associated HF183 Marker in Waters

This manuscript describes a duplex digital PCR assay (EntHF183 dPCR) for simultaneous quantification of Enterococcus spp. and the human fecal-associated ...

Characterization and Application of Passive Samplers for Monitoring of Pesticides in Water

Five different water passive samplers were calibrated under laboratory conditions for measurement of 124 legacy and current used pesticides. This study ...

A Simple Planting Technique for Re-establishing Trees Where Frequent Inundation Occurs

Many of the Everglades tree islands have lost elevation over the past century and most of their trees have died such that they are now covered with ...

Bioindication Testing of Stream Environment Suitability for Young Freshwater Pearl Mussels Using In Situ Exposure Methods

Bioindication Testing of Stream Environment Suitability for Young Freshwater Pearl Mussels Using In Situ Exposure Methods

Knowledge of habitat suitability for freshwater mussels is an important step in the conservation of this endangered species group. We describe a protocol ...

Optimized Procedure for Determining the Adsorption of Phosphonates onto Granular Ferric Hydroxide using a Miniaturized Phosphorus Determination Method

This paper introduces a procedure to investigate the adsorption of phosphonates onto iron-containing filter materials, particularly granular ferric ...

Colletotrichum fioriniae Development in Water and Chloroform-based Blueberry and Cranberry Floral Extracts

Colletotrichum fioriniae Development in Water and Chloroform-based Blueberry and Cranberry Floral Extracts

To accurately monitor the phenology of the bloom period and the temporal dynamics of floral chemical cues on fungal fruit rotting pathogens, floral ...

Using Deuterium Oxide as a Non-Invasive, Non-Lethal Tool for Assessing Body Composition and Water Consumption in Mammals

Body condition scoring systems and body condition indices are common techniques used for assessing the health status or fitness of a species. Body ...

Leaf Area Index Estimation Using Three Distinct Methods in Pure Deciduous Stands

Accurate estimations of leaf area index (LAI), defined as half of the total leaf surface area per unit of horizontal ground surface area, are crucial for ...

Measuring Phosphorus Release in Laboratory Microcosms for Water Quality Assessment

Phosphorus (P) is a critical limiting nutrient in agroecosystems requiring careful management to reduce transport risk to aquatic environments. Routine ...