Application Of ToxCast To Assess Potential Adverse Biological Effects In An Impacted Watershed

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Levi Rose (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
Advisor
Jeff Colby

Abstract: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ToxCast program uses a wide array of high-throughput screening assays to evaluate the potential toxicity of environmental chemicals. To prioritize organic contaminants with the potential for adverse biological effects, researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey have developed a bioeffects su¬rveillance tool, ToxEval, that links environmental analytic chemistry to published toxicology data from the ToxCast program. ToxEval and other screening methods were used to evaluate environmental chemicals for potential adverse biological effects in an impacted watershed. In September 2016, water samples collected across an impacted watershed detected 91 organic waste compounds, 19 water quality benchmark exceedances were observed, and 17 endocrine disrupting chemicals were identified. Using ToxEval, we identified contaminants that may be potentially harmful to human health and aquatic life despite lacking water quality benchmarks. If this study was done in the traditional manner, the potential of these contaminants to cause adverse effects may have gone unnoticed. Given the large number of chemicals in common use without water quality benchmarks or toxicity information, the application of ToxCast is an effective tool that can be used to assess the potential adverse effects of environmental contaminants on aquatic life or human health.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Rose, L. (2016). "Application of ToxCast to Assess Potential Adverse Biological Effects in an Impacted Watershed." Unpublished Master's Thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
Language: English
Date: 2016
Keywords
bioeffects surveillance, organic waste compounds, potential adverse biological effects, ToxCast, ToxEval

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