Comparative partition coefficients of BTEX and OCPs between host Synodontis clarias and parasite Wenyonia acuminata

Abstract

Background

The study was aimed at comparing the bioaccumulation of BTEX and organochlorine pesticides (OCP) in the intestine of host fish—Synodontis clarias relative to water and in its parasite—Wenyonia acuminata relative to host intestine. The study was carried out in Lekki lagoon, Nigeria, between April and August, 2017. BTEX was analyzed in water, fish, and parasite tissues using the EPA method 8260B Agilent 7890B gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS). Organochlorophosphate (OCP) was analyzed in tested media using Agilent 7890B gas chromatograph coupled to flame ionization detector (FID).

Results

High concentrations of most BTEX components such as benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, meta- and para-xylene (m + p-xylene), and ortho-xylene (o-xylene) bioaccumulated into the intestinal tissues of S. clarias from the water medium. This is partly attributable to the fact that the S. clarias is a detritus and bottom feeder and to the hydrophilic properties of the components of BTEX. Despite the significant concentrations of benzene, toluene, and chlorobenzene accumulated in the intestine of S. clarias, no intestine-parasite partition coefficient was observed in the W. acuminata, i.e., the chemicals were not accumulated by the intestinal parasite. This is attributable to very low bioaccumulation factors of the chemicals in W. acuminata. W. acuminata exhibited significant bioaccumulation of 4,4-DDT, endosulfan 1, aldrin, and heptachlor, irrespective of their concentrations in the water and intestine of S. clarias. This indicates high affinity for the OCPs in the parasites.

Conclusion

Synodontis clarias of Lekki lagoon showed higher vulnerability to the BTEX than the OCPs in the aquatic habitat. This implies that Lekki lagoon was impacted by oil-related anthropogenic activities. Weyonia acuminata exhibited some tendency to alleviate concentrations of the OCPs in S. clarias. It is more imperative to mitigate the activities that release BTEX into the aquatic environment.

Background

The acronym BTEX refers to specific family of chemicals which are volatile organic compounds. Such compounds include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. Natural sources of BTEX are forest fires and volcanoes. These compounds are constituents of crude oil, hence their occurrence in sea water is associated with natural gas and petroleum-related anthropogenic activities. BTEX compounds are among the most produced chemicals in the world. They are associated with the production of petroleum products, paints, lacquers, pharmaceutical products, thinners, rubber products, adhesives, ink, and cosmetic products (Akinsanya, Goh, Lim, & Tinga, 2015). Benzene is recognized as a carcinogenic compound, while the others (toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) are regarded as non-carcinogenic. Several studies have demonstrated the effects of exposure to BTEX on fish. Exposure of fish to other hydrocarbons have also been widely reported (Akinsanya, Goh, Lim, & Tinga, 2015; Sogbanmu et al., 2016).

The organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) on the other hand, are broad-spectrum insecticides, and are the most widely used in many countries including Nigeria for agricultural purposes and control of mosquitoes (Blaso, Font, & Pico, 2005; Bouman, 2004). Organochlorine pesticides are very stable compounds and it has been cited that the degradation of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in soil ranges from 4 to 30 years, while other chlorinated compounds are stable for many years after application, due to a high resistance to chemical and biological degradations (Afful, Anim, & Serfor-Armah, 2010).

The top position of man in the food chain exposes him to consequences of biomagnification through alimentation (Belta et al., 2006; Raposo, Marks, & Cutler, 2007). BTEX and OCPs are persistent liposoluble compounds, i.e. they are capable of bio-accumulating in fatty tissues of biota via the food chain. They have also been detected in breast milk and blood (William et al., 2008)

BTEX and OCPs have become ubiquitous contaminants. They are implicated in a broad range of deleterious health effects such as reproductive failures (Bouman, 2004), immune system malfunction (Kolpin, Thurman, & Lingart, 1998), endocrine disruption (Ize-Iyamu, Asia, & Egwakhide, 2007), and breast cancers (Garabrant, Held, Langholz, Peter, & Mark, 1992). Previous studies have shown that DDT has the ability to block potassium influx across membranes of nerve fibers, thereby causing increased negative after-potentials. It also induces mixed function oxidize system, thereby alters the metabolism of xenobiotics and steroid hormones (Colborn & Smolen, 1996). The persistence of BTEX and OCPs, their bioaccumulation tendency, and global contamination resulted in their ban and restriction in many countries. Despite their restriction, these compounds are still detected in the environment and in tissue samples.

The Squeaker or upside-down catfish—Synodontis clarias (Linnaeus, 1758)—is a benthopelagic, potamodromous fresh water fish that inhabits water with a pH range of 6.5–9.5 (Riede, 2004). The fish exhibits dioecism with external fertilization (Breeder & Rosen, 1966) which is easily impacted by xenobiotics. Nigerian coastal fishes, including S. clarias have been reported to contain some residues of BTEX and OCPs (Adeyemi, Ukpo, Anyakora, & Unyimadu, 2008; Osibanjo & Bamgbose, 1990; Osibanjo et al., 2002; Unyimadu & Udochu, 2002).

Due to low fat composition, fish endoparasites are not able to bioconcentrate lipophilic substances above the levels of the host tissues (Akinsanya, Ukwa, & Hassan, 2014). However, they more readily bioaccumulate toxicants than more than many free-living sentinel species (Akinsanya, Goh, Lim, & Tinga, 2015).

Ecotoxicological effects linked to OCPs and BTEX in Lekki lagoon are from municipal sources (Yao et al., 2013), and oil companies (Akinsanya et al., 2019) respectively. Comparative analysis of OCPs and BTEX may give an insight to the source of greater impacts on the aquatic environment. Results of the findings may advance ecotoxicological mitigation efforts

The study was therefore aimed at comparing the bioaccumulation of two groups of BTEX and OCPs in the intestine of Synodontis clarias and ultimately in its parasite Wenyonia acuminata.

Materials and methods

Description of study area

The study was carried out on Lekki lagoon (freshwater), which makes up a part of large and diverse system of water ways. It is a combination of different lagoons found along the part of the land adjoining of the South-western Nigeria, stretching over a distance of about 200 km. The Osun and Oni River are the main rivers discharging into the North-Western and North-Eastern parts of the lagoon. Vegetation around the lagoon is characterized by stilt rooted trees with dense undergrowth of shrubs and herbs such as Raphia sudanica, Elaeis guineensis, and the Cocos nucifera (coconut palms) which is found widespread in the surrounding villages (Edokpayi, Uwadiae, Asoro, & Badru, 2008; Lawal et al., 2010). The rich fish of the lagoon includes Heterotis niloticus, Gymnarchus niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, Malapterurus electricus, Synodontis clarias, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Parachanna obscura, Mormyrusrume, Calabaricus calamoichthys, Tilapia zilli, Tilapia galilae, Hemichromis fasciatus, and Sarotherodon melanotheron (Kusemiju, 1981).The lagoon is located in Lagos State, South-West, Nigeria. It lies between longitudes 4° 00′ and 4° 15′ E and between latitudes 6° 25′ and 6° 37′ N, has a surface area of about 247 km² with a maximum depth of 6.4 m, though a greater portion of the lagoon is shallow with less than 3.0 m deep (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1

Map showing Epe Lagoon (Inyang et al., 2016)

Sample collection and analysis

Fishes from the wild were randomly collected at the sample location. This fish were purchased at Oluwo Market from local fishmongers who are based at the Epe jetty, Lagos, Nigeria. A total of 120 (SL = 14.6–22.5 cm) samples were collected most of which were still living. The specimens were collected on nine trips over a period of 5 months (April to August, 2017). The sex and maturity of the collected specimens were determined by gross examination of the gonad.

The standard lengths and total lengths of the fishes also were recorded using a measuring ruler. Each fish was slit open from the urogenital opening through the operculum. Specific internal organs (Liver and gastrointestinal tract) were then carefully extracted and placed in an arranged petri dishes filled with saline solution. Examination of parasites present within the intestinal tract was carried out using the techniques of Akinsanya, Otubanjo and Hassan (2007).

The intestines were eviscerated and open from the anterior to the posterior end to aid parasite emergence using sterile blades. The emergence of parasite was carefully observed through its movement in the solution with the aid of a hand lens. The viewed parasites were counted and recorded before being kept in saline solution. Intestines were stored in labeled universal sample bottles with saline while some were in Bouin’s fluid before taking for analysis. The parasites were also kept in sample bottles containing saline solution.

BTEX was analyzed in water, fish, and parasite tissues using the EPA method 8260B Agilent 7890B gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrophotometer (ASTM, 1997). The stationary phase of separation of the compounds used was a DB-5 capillary column coated with 95% dimethyl—5% diphenyl polysiloxane (30 m length × 0.32 mm diameter × 1.0 μm film thickness) (Agilent Technologies). Then, 1 μL of the samples was injected in split mode with split ratio 100:1 at an injection temperature of 125 °C, oven was initially programmed at 35 °C (held for 2 min) then ramped at 4 °C/min to 50 °C and then 10 °C/min to 220 °C, helium flow rate was set at 1.5 mL/min, while the mass range was set at 35–260 amu and scan time at 0.6*2 s/scan.

OCP was analyzed in tested media using Agilent 7890B gas chromatograph coupled to flame ionization detector (FID), according to the description of Yao et al. (2013). The stationary phase of separation of the compounds used was a HP-5 capillary column coated with 5% phenyl methyl siloxane (30 m length × 0.32 mm diameter × 0.25 μm film thickness) (Agilent Technologies). Then, 1 μL of the samples was injected in splitless mode at an injection temperature of 300 °C, at a pressure of 13.74 psi, and a total flow of 21.364 mL/min. Purge flow to split vent was set at 15 mL/min at 0.75 min. Oven was initially programmed at 40 °C (1 min) then ramped at 12 °C/min to 300 °C (10 min). FID temperature was 300 °C with hydrogen:air flow at 30 mL/min:300 mL/min while nitrogen was used as makeup gas at a flow of 22 mL/min.

Water samples were collected from 14 selected stations (Fig. 1) in pretreated sampling bottles and preserved in ice chest for laboratory analysis of BTEX and OCP concentrations. Physicochemical parameters of water at the selected stations were measured in-situ.

Temperature was measured using a mercury-in-glass-thermometer, while salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), and total dissolved solids (TDS) and conductivity were measured using a handheld multi-parameter probe (Horiba Water Checker Model U-10).

Quality assurance

Samples were carefully handled to avoid contamination. Appropriate sample preservation and labeling were ensured. Glasswares were properly cleaned, and reagents were of analytical grades. Deionized water was used throughout the study. Reagent blank determinations were used to correct the instrument readings, and rLekkiated calibration of analytical equipment was done. Fish used for the experiment were purchases fresh. All experiments procedures and methods were performed in accordance with standard scientific guidelines and regulations.

Statistical analysis

All indices were statistically analyzed at significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 20) and Microsoft Office Excel software were deployed in this study. Tables and graphs were plotted with the use of MS Words and Excel 2016 while QP 3.0 (Quantitative parasitology software) was used to analyze the prevalence, mean, and median intensity of parasite infestation.

The parasites discovered were identified as Wenyonia acuminata (Akinsanya, Ukwa, & Hassan, 2014). Parasites were counted, fixed in 70% alcohol, and recorded accordingly.

Parasitic mean intensity was calculated using the formula stated by Ezewanji et al. (2005) and Saliu et al. (2014).

$$ \%\mathrm{Prevalence}=\frac{\mathrm{Number}\ \mathrm{of}\ \mathrm{infected}\ \mathrm{fish}}{\mathrm{Number}\ \mathrm{of}\ \mathrm{fish}\ \mathrm{examined}}\ \mathrm{X}\ 100\ \left(\mathrm{Ezewanji}\ \mathrm{et}\ \mathrm{al}.,2005\right) $$

$$ \mathrm{Parasite}\ \mathrm{abundance}=\frac{\mathrm{Number}\ \mathrm{of}\ \mathrm{collected}\ \mathrm{parasites}}{\mathrm{Number}\ \mathrm{of}\ \mathrm{fish}\ \mathrm{examined}}\ \mathrm{X}\ 100\ \left(\mathrm{Saliu}\ \mathrm{et}\ \mathrm{al}.,2014\right) $$

$$ \mathrm{Mean}\ \mathrm{intensity}=\frac{\mathrm{Number}\ \mathrm{of}\ \mathrm{collected}\ \mathrm{parasites}}{\mathrm{Number}\ \mathrm{of}\ \mathrm{infected}\ \mathrm{fish}}\ \mathrm{X}\ 100\kern0.50em \left(\mathrm{Saliu}\ \mathrm{et}\ \mathrm{al}.,2014\right) $$

Results

All physicochemical properties of water in Epe lagoon were within the standard regulatory limit of FEPA (Table 1).

Table 1 Physiochemical parameters of water in Epe lagoon

We studied the abundance of W. acuminata of 120 S. clarias collected from Epe Lagoon (Table 2). A total of 12 out of 107 males, and 8 out of 13 females were infected with W. acuminata. This amounted to low mean parasite intensity of 3 (14.6–16.5 cm), 3.5 (16.6–19.5 cm), and 2 (19.6–22.5 cm), while the mean intensity in the female was 1 (14.6–16.5 cm), 1 (16.6–19.5 cm), and 0.5 (19.6–22.5 cm) among the various length cohorts analyzed. Result shows that the parasites in the S. clarias of Epe lagoon are not of significant intensity.

Table 2 Intensity of W. acuminata in S. clarias relative to standard length

The concentrations of benzene and chlorobenzene detected in the intestine of the fish were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the concentrations detected in the water and parasite (Table 3). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the concentrations of toluene and 1,4-dichlorobenzene in the water and the intestine of fish; these concentrations were however higher than the concentration detected in the parasite. The concentrations of ethylbenzene, meta- and para-xylene (m + p-xylene), and o-xylene detected in the intestinal tissue of S. clarias and its endoparasite (Procamallanus aevionchus) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the concentrations detected in the water medium. The concentrations of 1,3-dichlorobenzene was significantly higher in the water than in the fish and its parasite, in which the chemical was completely absent. On the whole, the trend of total BTEX in the Lekki lagoon within the period of study was Fish intestine > Parasite > Water.

Table 3 Bio-concentration factor of BTEX in water-fish (Synodontis clarias)-parasite (Procamallanus laevionchus) transit

The intestine of S. clarias highly bioaccumulated benzene (6) and m + p-Xylene (7). Furthermore, the intestine of the fish considerably bioaccumulated almost all the components of BTEX from the aqueous phase except 1,3-dichlorobenzene and 1,2-dichlorobenzene. While the parasite bioaccumulated ethylbenzene, m + p-xylene, and o-xylene only, from the intestine of the host fish.

There was a significant regression (R² = 0.1947, p value = 0.878) of partition coefficients of BTEX in the parasite on the partition coefficients in the intestine of fish (Fig. 2). Concentration of BTEX in the intestine of fish was in the order of benzene > m + p-xylene > ethylbenzene > oxylene > toluene > chlorobenzene > 1,4-dichlorobenzene > 1,3-di-chlorobenzene.

Fig. 2

Linear regression of bioaccumulation factor of BTEX in parasite relative to intestine against bioaccumulation in intestine relative to water

The concentrations of alpha benzene hexachloride (α-BHC), beta benzene hexachloride (β-BHC), gamma benzene hexachloride (γ-BHC), delta benzene hexachloride (d-BHC), and 4,4-dichloro diphenyl dichloroethylene (4,4-DDE) were below detection limits in all the media (Table 4). The concentrations of 4,4-dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane 4,4-(DDT), endosulfan 1, and aldrin detected in W. acuminata was significantly higher than the concentrations in the fish host (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the concentrations of other OCPs among the environmental matrices (p > 0.05). The order of total OCPs in the tested environmental media was water (5.89 ± 0.38), parasite (0.868 ± 0.01), host fish (0.437 ± 0.02). The order of OCPs in the water medium was 4,4-DDT > aldrin > endosulfan 1 > heptachlor > others. Significant bioaccumulation factors of OCPs were observed only in the parasites in order of aldrin (8.00) > 4,4-DDT (1.91) > heptachlor (1.04) > endosulfan 1 (1.00) > others (0). No significant bioaccumulation was observed in host fish.

Table 4 Bio-concentration factor of OCPs in water-fish (S. clarias)-parasite (W. acuminata) OCP congeners

There was no significant regression (R² = 0.0013, p value = 0.214) of partition coefficients of OCPs in the parasite on the partition coefficients of the compounds in the intestine of the host fish (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3

Linear regression of bioaccumulation factor of OCP in parasite relative to intestine against bioaccumulation in intestine relative to water

Figure 4 shows BTEX was distinctively of higher concentration in the intestine of the S. clarias than OCPs across the comparisons (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4

Comparative concentrations of BTEX components and OCP congeners in the tissue of S. clarias. BTEX: benzene (C1), toluene (C2), chlorobenzene (C3), ethylbenzene (C4), m + p-xylene (C5), o-xylene (C6), 1,3-dichlorobenzene (C7), and 1,4-dichlorobenzene (C8). OCP: d-BHC (C1), 4,4-DDE (C2), 4,4-DDT (C3), endosulfan 1 (C4), aldrin (C5), dieldrin (C6), endrin (C7), and heptachlor (C8)

Discussion

The values recorded for the water parameters measured showed a slightly alkaline pH of 6.5 and an average electrical conductivity of 172.8 μS/cm. The relatively high dissolved oxygen of 8.7 mg/L can be attributed to the shallowness of the water body, lack of thermal stratification and an effective regular mixing due to tidal movement which are features of a well aerated water body, the total suspended solids value of 9 mg/L inferences a high water clarity which corroborates the observed relatively low turbidity of 8.57 NTU, total dissolved solids of 110.1 mg/L which is an indication of average nutrient content. A salinity of 4.5 ppt which is characteristic of estuarine.

High concentrations of most BTEX components such as benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, m + p-xylene, and o-xylene bioaccumulated into the intestinal tissues of S. clarias from the water medium. This implicated in this observation. Despite the bioavailability of BTEX components in the intestine of S. clarias, results show that the tissue of W. acuminata had low affinity for the constituent chemicals. The only exceptions were ethylbenzene, m + p-xylene, and o-xylene in which average bioaccumulations were observed. The significant regression of BAF in W. acuminate relative to that of S. clarias is a function of coefficient of partition of ethylbenzene, m + p-xylene, and o-xylene.

High partition coefficients are implicated in the significant bioaccumulations of benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, ethybenzene, m+p-xylene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene observed in the fish. In the parasite on the other hand, all BTEX compounds, except ethylebenzene and m+p-xylene had significant partition coefficients which was evidenced by the significant bioaccumulation factors of the compounds. Results showed high vulnerability of the fish to BTEX compounds in the aquatic habitat.

Furthermore, the parasites showed inability to absorb appreciable amounts of BTEX from its host, as evidenced in the insignificant regression of partition coefficient of BTEX in the parasite on the partition coefficient in the host. This implies that BTEX toxicity burden of S. clarias could not be ameliorated by W. acuminate. The trend of BTEX components in tested environmental media was fish intestine > parasite > water. The analyses of 100% WSF of petroleum of the present investigation showed low concentration of BTEX in parasite, high in fish intestine, and average in water. A similar composition has been reported by other authors (Anderson, Neef, Cox, Tatem, & Hightower, 1974; Neff, Ostazeski, Gardiner, & Stejskal, 2000).

Bioaccumulation factor of BTEX in S. clarias was in the order of benzene > chlorobenzene > toluene = ethylbenzene = (m + p-xylene) = (o-xylene) = 1,3-dichlorobenzene > 1,4-dichlorobenzene > 1,2-dichlorobenzene. This trend conforms to observations from previous studies (Anderson, Neef, Cox, Tatem, & Hightower, 1974; Neff, Ostazeski, Gardiner, & Stejskal, 2000; Saeed & Al-Mutairi, 1999; Simonato, Guedes, & Martinez, 2008).

Generally, low concentrations of OCPs in the water medium can be attributed to the alkalinity of the water in the lagoon, a factor which reduces the bioavailability of compounds (Ramachandran et al., 2006; Shukla, Gopalani, Ramteke, & Wate, 2007). Baumard et al. (1999) earlier suggested several other factors, such as organic matter composition, pH, and temperature which affect bioavailability and distribution of hydrocarbons. OCPs such as α-BHC, β-BHC, γ-BHC, d-BHC, and 4,4-DDE were absent in all environmental media. W. acuminata exhibited significant bioaccumulation of 4,4-DDT, endosulfan 1, aldrin, and heptachlor, irrespective of their concentrations in the water and intestine of S. clarias. This indicates high affinity for the OCPs in the parasites. Results show that bioaccumulation of the detected OCPs in the parasites does not depend on the bioaccumulation in the host. Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 4, although the concentrations of BTEX were quite higher than the concentrations of OCPs in the host fish, the parasite was able to magnify the concentration of the latter due to its high bioaccumulation capacity for the xenobiotic despite the low percentage. Similar observation was earlier made by Jirsa, Leodolter-Dvorak, Krachler, and Frank (2008) in which higher concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn Caryophyllaeus laticeps detected than the host. Akinsanya, Goh, Lim, and Tinga (2015) earlier pointed out that parasites may possess remarkable accumulation potentials for hydrophilic substances.

Comparisons on toxicological effects of crude oil WSF are difficult, because hydrocarbon concentrations present in the petroleum are extremely variable according to its origin (Neff, Ostazeski, Gardiner, & Stejskal, 2000). Other factors can be described like the different methodologies applied for WSF preparation (Saeed & Al-Mutairi, 1999; Singer et al., 2000), and distinct tolerance to crude oils presented by different species (Ramachandran et al., 2006). However, the toxicity of crude oil WSF seems to be higher in freshwater than in seawater species, and this fact might be related to hydrocarbon solubility and higher bioaccumulation in fish when salinity is reduced (Ramachandran et al., 2006; Shukla, Gopalani, Ramteke, & Wate, 2007). Different investigations have shown that the WSF of refined petroleum products generally are more toxic than their respective crude oils (Anderson, Neef, Cox, Tatem, & Hightower, 1974; Rayburn, 1996). Anderson, Neef, Cox, Tatem, and Hightower (1974) reported that WSFs of number 2 fuel oil and bunker C are more toxic than crude oil WSF. Comparable results were found between toxicities of WSF of diesel and gasoline for the mysid shrimp Metamysidopsis insularis (Mohammed, 2005). Barron et al. (1999), González-Doncel, González, Fernández-Torija, Navas, and Tarazona (2008), and Neff, Ostazeski, Gardiner, and Stejskal (2000) evaluated the toxicity of WSF of different sources of petroleum hydrocarbons and concluded that the PAHs are not the major determinant of the toxicity of WSF for marine organisms.

BTEX and OCPs contamination of Lagos waters is expected to increase following increased anthropogenic activities which are potential sources of xenobiotics such as BTEX and OCPs into waterways. Such anthropogenic activities include construction of more jetties and crude oil discharge ports.

Conclusion

Synodontis clarias of Lekki lagoon are much more vulnerable to the BTEX than the OCPs in the aquatic habitat. This implies that Lekki lagoon is impacted by oilrelated anthropogenic activities. The study has shown the importance of biomonitoring of benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, m+p-xylene, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene in Lekki lagoon.