Orientador: Maria Aparecida Carvalho de Medeiros / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Tecnologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T02:18:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Oliveira_AndreFelipede_M.pdf: 2184303 bytes, checksum: b46c30ed510d7f32eb7aae82b851f80d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: Há uma preocupação crescente na área de Saneamento Ambiental com relação a qualidade das águas dos corpos hídricos, tendo em vista que pesquisas têm revelado que os sistemas de tratamentos convencionais de esgotos e de água para abastecimento público não possuem eficiências adequadas para remoção de compostos orgânicos classificados como Desreguladores Endócrinos (DE). Nesta classe de compostos são destacados os estrógenos naturais 17 ß-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), estrona (E1) e o sintético 17 ?-etinilestradiol (EE2). Os efeitos destes hormônios sexuais, que são compostos extremamente ativos biologicamente, têm sido citados como agentes etiológicos de feminilização em peixes e também de vários tipos de cânceres. Neste sentido, trabalhos aplicando tecnologias avançadas de tratamento destes DE estão sendo desenvolvidos por vários grupos de pesquisas. Apesar de que as Legislações ambientais relacionadas aos parâmetros de lançamento (RESOLUÇÃO CONAMA no. 430 de 2011) e de parâmetros de potabilidade (Portaria no. 2914 de 2011) não contemplarem estes compostos DE, sendo que diversos trabalhos têm sido publicados com quantificação destes compostos em água da ordem de ng L-1. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivos: (1) adaptação e validação de metodologia analítica para confirmar e quantificar simultaneamente os hormônios E1, E2, E3 e EE2, nas águas bruta e tratada do rio Atibaia, manancial que abastece o município de Campinas, utilizando a técnica de extração em fase sólida (EFS), juntamente com a técnica de Cromatografia Líquida acoplada à espectrometria de massas em tandem (CL-EM/EM), (2) aplicação de tecnologias de degradação destes compostos E1, E2, E3 e EE2 em escala piloto, pelos processos de ozonização e cloroamoniação, visando contribuir com as determinação das dosagens, do tempo de contato e da eficiências de remoção. Os resultados obtidos nas análises via EFS-LC-MS/MS mostraram a ocorrência do hormônio sexual natural E1, na água bruta do rio Atibaia com concentração de 17 ng L-1, sendo que para os demais E2 e E3 os valores obtidos foram inferiores ao limite de quantificação 2 ng L-1 e para o EE2 inferior a 5 ng L-1. As técnicas de oxidação ozonização e cloroamoniação utilizadas nos ensaios demonstraram eficiências de degradação em média, maiores do que 95% dos DE estudados, com exceção de E1, cuja eficiência de remoção ficou entre 87% a 93%, dependendo da faixa de fortificação / Abstract: There is growing concern in the field of Environmental Sanitation regarding the water quality of water bodies, given that research has shown that systems of conventional treatments of sewage and public water supply does not have adequate efficiencies to removal of some organic compounds Endocrine Disruptors (DE). In this class of compounds are included the natural estrogens 17 ß-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), estrone (E1) and the synthetic 17 ?-ethinylestradiol (EE2). The effects of these sex hormones, which are highly biologically active compounds, have been cited as etiological agents of feminization in fish and various types of cancers. In this regard, several works by applying advanced technologies for treating these DE are being developed by many research groups. Although the environmental legislations related to the parameters of launch (CONAMA RESOLUTION. 430 of 2011) and potability parameters (Ordinance no. 2914 2011) does not address these DE compounds, several studies have been published with quantification of these compounds in the order of ng L-1. In this context, the aimsmof this paper were: (1) adaptation and validation of the analytical methodology to confirm and to quantify simultaneously the E1, E2, E3 and EE2 hormones, raw water and treated in the Atibaia River, a source that supplies the municipality Campinas, using the technique of solid phase extraction (EFS) with the technique of Liquid Chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in tandem (LC-MS/MS), (2) applying degradation technologies of these compounds E1, E2, E3 and EE2 in pilot scale, by using the processes of ozonation and cloroamoniation, to contribute to the determination of dosage, contact time and degradation efficiencies. The results obtained in this study via EFS-LC-MS / MS showed the occurrence of natural sex hormone E1 in the Atibaia River raw water with a concentration of 17 ng L-1, and for the other E2 and E3 the values were lower the quantification limit of 2 ng L-1 and EE2 less than 5 ng L-1. The ozonation and chloroamoniation oxidation techniques used for the degradation tests were with efficiencies on average more than 95% of the studied DE, except E1, the removal efficiency was between 87% to 93% depending on the fortification range, by using ozonation in pre oxidation and cloroamoniation and the disinfection step / Mestrado / Tecnologia e Inovação / Mestre em Tecnologia

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / In this work, DNA aptamer biosensor systems were developed for the detection of l7p-estradiol - an estrogeneous endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). Endocrine disrupting chemicals are group of compounds that impact negatively on the endocrine system of humans and wildlife. High concentrations of l7p-estradiol in water or food chain disrupts the physiology of the endocrine system of various animal species, leading to feminisation in fish and stimulates the proliferation of cancer cells in humans. Aptasensor systems for the determination of l7pestradiol were prepared with three immobilization platforms: (i) poly(3,4- ethylenedioxythiophene) {PEDOT} doped with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to form PEDOTIAuNPs polymeric nanocomposite, (ii) generation 1 poly(propylene thiophenoimine)-copoly( 3 ,4-ethy lenedioxythiophene) dendritic star copolymer (G 1PPT -co-PEDOT), and (iii) generation 2 poly (propylene thiophenoimine)-co-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) dendritic star copolymer (G2PPT-co-PEDOT). The morphological properties of the sensor platforms were interrogated by scanning emission microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), while their spectroscopic characteristics were studied by Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy (FTIR) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviour of the platforms and the aptasensors were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). The DNA aptamer developed for detecting 17~-estradiol and which was used in the fabrication of all aptamer biosensors in this study is a 76-mer biotinylated aptamer (5'-BiotinGCTTCCAGCTTATTGAATTACACGCAGAGG TAGCGGCTCTGCGCATTCAATGCTGCGCGCTGAAGCGCGGAAGC-3'). AulPEDOTIAuNPslAptamer (platform 1) was obtained by covalently attaching streptavidin to the polymeric nanocomposite platform using carbodiimide chemistry and the aptamer immobilized via streptavidin-biotin interaction. The electrochemical signal generated from the aptamer-target molecule interaction was monitored electrochemically using cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry in the presence of [Fe(CN)6J 3-/4- as a redox probe. The signal current observed was inversely proportional to the concentration of 17Bestradiol. The aptasensor demonstrated specificity toward 17~-estradiol. The detectable concentration range of the 17B estradiol was 0.01 nM-O .09 nM with a detection limit of 3.2 pM. The 76-mer biotinylated aptamer for 17~-estradiol was incorporated into a generation 1 poly(propylenethiophenoimine )-co-poly(3 ,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) dendritic star copolymer modified Au electrode via biotin-avidin interaction (platform 2). The Bode plot shows that the charge transfer dynamics of the nanoelectrode can be frequency modulated while the AulG 1PPTco- PEDOT nanoelectrode exhibited greater semi-conductor behavior (higher phase angle value) than AulG 1PPT due to the incorporation of charged functionalized dendrimer at low frequencies (100 mHz). The biosensor response to 17~-estradiol was based on the decrease in the SWV current as the EDC binds to the ssDNA aptamer on the biosensor. The dynamic linear range of the sensor was 0.01-0.07 nM with a detection limit of7.27 pM. Synthesis of electro synthetic generation G2PPT-co-PEDOT (platform 3) was performed by copolymerization of PEDOT with G2PPT dendrimer modified electrode immersed in a solution of 0.1 M LiCI04 containing 0.1 M EDOT monomer and 0.1 M sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) for ten (10) cycles. The electrochemical behaviour of the dendritic star copolymer was investigated with CV and EIS in LiCI04 and phosphate buffer solutions. The results show that the electrochemical deposition of G2PPT-co-PEDOT on gold electrode decreased the electrochemical charge transfer resistance when compared to AuiPEDOTILiCI04 and AuiLiCI04 interfaces. Bode impedimetric analysis indicates that G2PPT-co-PEDOT is a semiconductor. The fabrication of two novel aptasensors (based on platforms 2 and 3) simultaneously on a screen printed micro array electrode of 96-well multichannel electrochemical robotic sensor testing system for the detection of endocrine disrupting l7~-estradiol, was also carried out. The aptasensors responses to l7~-estradiol, based on the decrease in the SWV current, were evaluated.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous in the environment and their presence in water bodies is documented. They discharge into surface water (SW) unmonitored, posing a threat to both aquatic and terrestrial lives. This is a challenge as not all populations have access to treated drinking water (TDW). The EDC contaminated serves as a route of exposure, together with ineffective treatment plants. Given the complexity of the endocrine system, EDCs may mimic or antagonise natural hormones or disrupt their synthesis, metabolism and excretion. The associated health effects include testicular dysgenesis syndrome, metabolic disorders and cancers. Policy and internationally standardised test methods are however sti ll limited. This study therefore aimed to assess the suitability of two assays used for screening estrogenic activity and one for androgenic activity in different water sources. The study consisted of two phases. In phase 1, water sample (tap, surface and treated wastewater) were collected from a catchment area in Pretoria. The samples and a spiked MilliQ laboratory water sample were extracted with solid phase extraction (SPE) and sent to Germany for distribution to participating laboratories. Samples (n=24) from six different countries were received to test for androgenic activity in the MDA-kb2 reporter gene assay. In phase 2, SW and TDW samples were collected from April 2015 until March 2016. The samples were filtered, extracted using SPE and assayed with the YES assay, T47D-KBluc reporter gene assay for estrogenic activity and MDA-kb2 reporter gene assay for androgenic activity. In phase 1, androgenic activity was detected in 4 out of 24 (21%) samples and ranged from 0.23 ± 0.040 ng/L to 0.008 ± 0.001 ng/L DHTEqs. In phase 2, estrogenic activity was detected in 16 out of 24 (67%) SW samples in the T47DKBluc reporter gene assay and ranged from 0.31 ± 0.05 pg/L to 10.51 ± 5.74 pg/L EEqs. It was below the detection limit (dl) in the YES assay. Androgenic activity was detected in 4 out of 24 (17%) SW samples, ranging from 0.0033 ± 0.0050 ng/L to 0.090 ± 0.040 ng/L DHTEqs. Androgenic and estrogenic activity was higher i n pretreatment samples compared to post-treatment in both treatment plants. In phase 1, the MDA-kb2 reporter gene assay was successfully applied to water samples from different sources. Androgenic activity was highest in treated wastewater. In phase 2, treatment plants proved to be effective in removing estrogens detected in the SW samples, as the TDW samples were below the dl. Estrogenic activity is within the ranges reported in other studies. Positive samples were below the 0.7 ng/L proposed trigger value for health risk assessments. Detected androgenic activity was lower in TDW samples compared to the SW samples supplying the two treatment plants indicating that they were both effective in removing the androgenic activity detected. Few studies have reported androgenic activity in tap water. This study strengthens the argument for using a battery of assays when monitoring endocrine activity as EDCs occur at low concentrations in mixtures. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH) / MSc / Unrestricted

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous and their adverse impact on nature, wildlife and humans is extensively researched. We are constantly exposed to EDCs, such as the widespread and extensively researched Bisphenol A, as well as its substitute Bisphenol F, which is coming into wider use, even though it is much less is researched and limited information is available about its endocrine effects. Realistically, we are exposed to mixtures rather than single substances. In the Swedish Environmental Longitudinal, Mother and Child, Asthma and allergy (SELMA) study, the co-exposure of EDCs was assessed. Based on the SELMA cohort data, a study identified a mixture of EDCs, Mixture N1, which is associated with delayed language development. In recent years, it has been hypothesized that epigenetic alterations are one of the underlying mechanisms for the effect of EDC exposures. For example, EDC induced changes in DNA Methylation of the promoter region of a gene might lead to altered gene expression, which can result in adverse health effects. Several studies already indicate an impact of the formerly introduced chemicals/mixtures on the DNA methylation on genes such as NR3C1 and GRIN2B in animals. However, limited research is available on the impact on NR3C1 and GRIN2B in the early human brain, which is of interest since both genes are crucial for the development of the brain and altered gene expression often leads to adverse effects. This study aimed to investigate the impact of BPA, BPF and Mixture N1 on NR3C1 and GRIN2B in the developing human brain as well as establish a protocol for differentiation of human stem cells into neuroprogenitor cells that express GRIN2B and NR3C1. In the end stem cells were differentiated in vitro into neural progenitor cells (NPCs) using the protocol of Hosseini et al. (2020). During the differentiation, the cells were exposed to different concentrations of the former mentioned chemicals. Afterwards, RNA and DNA were extracted, followed by a qPCR and bisulfite-pyrosequencing to investigate the changes in gene expression and DNA methylation of NR3C1 and GRIN2B. This study established the differentiation protocol but revealed no significant results regarding the chemical exposure. However, some chemical exposures showed a clear tendency towards an impact of the chemicals on the gene expression and the DNA methylation. Furthermore, a negative correlation between DNA methylation at 2 CpG sites and gene expression in NR3C1 could be observed. In conclusion, the DNA methylation at promoter region in NR3C1 is important for the gene expression.

Dans cette étude, un nouveau complexe de fer est utilisé dans des processus d’oxydation avancée pour la dégradation de polluants organiques présents dans l’eau. Le fer ferrique (Fe(III)) et l’acide éthylène diamine-N,N’-disuccinique (EDDS) forment un complexe Fe(III)-EDDS dont la structure a été mise en évidence durant ce travail. Les propriétés photochimiques du complexe ont ensuite été évaluées en fonction de différents paramètres physico-chimiques dont le pH qui est apparu comme un paramètre clé pour l’efficacité des processus testés. Ensuite nous avons donc travaillé sur l’utilisation de ce complexe dans les processus de Fenton modifié, photo-Fenton et comme activateur des persulfates (S2O82-). Nos expériences ont été réalisées en présence du 4-tert-butylphénol (4-t-BP) qui est connu pour être un perturbateur endocrinien. Nous avons ensuite mis en évidence les conditions optimales du traitement pour la dégradation du 4-t-BP. Il est apparu que le pH joue un rôle très important et qu’en présence de ce complexe de fer, l’efficacité est plus importante pour des pH neutre ou légèrement basique. L’identification des radicaux oxydants responsables de la dégradation du polluant a également été réalisée. Dans ce cadre nous avons montré que le radical sulfate joue un rôle plus important que le radical hydroxyle lors du processus d’activation des persulfates. / Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) have been proved to be successfully applied in the treatment of sewage. It can decolorize the wastewater, reduce the toxicity of pollutants, convert the pollutants to be a biodegradable by-product and achieve the completed mineralization of the organic pollutants. The Fenton technologies which are performed by iron-activated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to produce hydroxyl radical (HO•) has been widely investigated in the past few decades. Recently, Sulfate radical (SO4•-) which was produced by the activation of persulfate (S2O82-) is applied to the degradation of organic pollutants in water and soil. It is a new technology recently developed. It is also believed to be one of the most promising advanced oxidation technologies.In this study, a new iron complex is introduced to the traditional Fenton reaction. The ferric iron (Fe(III)) and Ethylene diamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid (EDDS) formed the complex named Fe(III)-EDDS. It can overcome the main disadvantage of traditional Fenton technology, which is the fact that traditional Fenton technology can only perform high efficiency in acidic condition. Simultaneously, EDDS is biodegradable and it is one of the best environment-friendly complexing agents. On the other hand, the transition metal is able to activate S2O82- to generate SO4•-. Therefore, Fe(III)-EDDS will also be applied to activate S2O82- in the present study. 4-tert-Butylphenol (4-t-BP) has been chosen as a target pollutant in this study. It is widely used as a chemical raw material and is classified as endocrine disrupting chemicals due to the estrogenic effects. The 4-t-BP degradation rate (R4-t-BP) is used to indicate the efficiency of the advanced oxidation processes which are based on Fe(III)-EDDS utilization. The main contents and conclusions of this research are shown as follows:In the first part, the chemical structure and properties of Fe(III)-EDDS and the 4-t-BP degradation efficiency in UV/Fe(III)-EDDS system were studied. The results showed that Fe(III)-EDDS was a stable complex which was formed by the Fe(III) and EDDS with the molar ratio 1:1. From the photoredox process of Fe(III)-EDDS, the formation of hydroxyl radical was confirmed including that HO• is the main species responsible for the degradation of 4-t-BP in aqueous solution. Ferrous ion (Fe(II)) was also formed during the reaction. With the increasing Fe(III)-EDDS concentration, 4-t-BP degradation rate increased but is inhibited when the Fe(III)-EDDS concentration was too high. Indeed, Fe(III)-EDDS is the scavenger of HO•. pH value had a significant effect on the degradation efficiency of 4-t-BP that was enhanced under neutral or alkaline conditions. On the one hand, Fe(III)-EDDS presented in the FeL-, Fe(OH)L2-, Fe(OH)2L3-, Fe(OH)4- four different forms under different pH conditions and they had different sensitivity to the UV light. On the other hand, pH value affected the cycle between Fe(III) and Fe(II ). The formation of hydroperoxy radicals (HO2•) and superoxide radical anions (O2•-) (pka = 4.88) as a function of pH was also one of the reasons. It was observed that O2 was an important parameter affecting the efficiency of this process. This effect of O2 is mainly due to its important role during the oxidation of the first radical formed on the pollutant. (...)

Les problèmes de développement induits par les perturbateurs endocriniens (PE) sont actuellement peu étudiés, alors qu’une exposition précoce peut entraîner plus tard des problèmes permanents. Les lignées transgéniques de poisson zèbre (Danio rerio) avec une expression tissu-spécifique de la GFP sont des outils utiles pour identifier les organes affectés par un composé donné. Nous avons utilisé 7 lignées transgéniques pour visualiser in vivo si 6 PEs connus et 3 médicaments pouvaient avoir des effets sur le développement du poisson zèbre. Ce crible a révélé que 4 produits chimiques ont des effets sur 4 organes différents. Le tétrabromobisphénol-A, ainsi que le diclofénac, la trichostatine A et l'acide valproïque) perturbent le développement du système vasculaire. De plus, les inhibiteurs de HDAC trichostatine A et acide valproïque inhibent le développement du pancréas et induisent des retards de développement dans le foie et dans les dents pharyngiennes.La médecine chinoise traditionnelle (TCM) est un élément de la médecine moderne. Cependant, nous savons peu de choses sur les activités biologiques des composés TCM au cours du développement. Nous avons étudié les effets de 3 plantes et de 5 composés sur l'embryogenèse du poisson zèbre. Des extraits aqueux de Astragalus membranaceus et Akebia quinata provoquent des retards du développement. Nous avons aussi constaté que le développement vasculaire a été affecté à différents niveaux par Salvia miltiorrhiza et 3 de ses composants principaux, soit utilisés seuls ou mélangés entre eux.Nos résultats montrent que les PEs et les TCM peuvent causer des problèmes lors de l'embryogenèse. Ils montrent également que le poisson zèbre est un outil puissant pour le criblage rapide in vivo de petites molécules et de leurs effets sur le développement. Ce travail nous permet d'établir un parallèle entre EDC et TCMs, qui peuvent agir sur des cibles similaires, tels que les récepteurs nucléaires. / Development problems induced by endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are currently understudied. However, early exposure to EDCs may lead to deleterious and permanent problems in later lifetime. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) transgenic lines with tissue-specific expression of GFP are useful tools to identify the organs affected by a given compound. We have used 7 transgenic lines to visualize in vivo whether 6 known EDCs and 3 other pharmaceuticals can alter organogenesis during development of zebrafish. This screen revealed that 4 chemicals have effects on 4 different organs. The EDC tetrabromobisphenol-A, as well as the tested medicines (diclofenac, trichostatin A and valproic acid) disrupt vascular system development in zebrafish embryo. Moreover, HDAC inhibitors trichostatin A and valproic acid inhibit both endocrine and exocrine pancreas development. Developmental delays were also induced by trichostatin A and valproic acid in the liver and in the pharyngeal teeth. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are important components of modern medicine. However we know little about the biological activities of TCMs compounds during development. We used zebrafish embryos to study the effects of 3 plants and 5 of their major compounds on the development. We observed that zebrafish embryogenesis was delayed by water extracts from Astragalus membranaceus and Akebia quinata. We also found that the vascular development was affected at different levels by Salvia miltiorrhiza water extracts and by its 3 major components either used alone or mixed together.Our results show that EDCs and TCMs can cause problems during zebrafish embryogenesis. They also show that zebrafish is a powerful tool for rapid in vivo screening of small molecules and their effects on development. This work also enables us to draw a parallel between EDC and some TCMS, which may act on similar targets, such as nuclear receptors.

The overall objective of this dissertation was to examine exposures to the estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDCs), phthalates, bisphenol-A (BPA), and the metalloestrogens cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and manganese (Mn) in an older geriatric aged-population and examine associations with brain health. Given the evidence that EEDCs affect brain health and play a role in the development of cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative disease, and the constant environmental exposure through foods and everyday products has led this to becoming a great public health concern. Using a bioinformatic approach to find nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) gene targets involved in mitochondrial dysfunction, that are both estrogen and EEDC-sensitive, we found several genes involved in the gene pathways of Alzheimer’s disease (AD): APBB2, EIF2S1, ENO1, MAPT, and PAXIP1. Using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 datasets to assess EEDC bioburden and associations with surrogate indicators of brain health, which include cognitive scores, memory questions, and taste and smell data, we found phthalate bioburden to be significantly higher in those with adverse brain health vii and significantly higher in females. In our logistic regression model when controlling for all known and suspected covariates in AD, in females, the phthalates in females ECP, MBP, MOH, MZP, and MIB in males and the phthalates COP, ECP, MBP, MC1, MEP, MHH, MOH, and MIB were significantly associated with poor cognitive test scores, poor memory, and taste and smell dysfunction. Among the metalloestrogens, Cd bioburden was higher in those with poor cognitive performance, poor memory, and taste and smell dysfunction, with the trend more significant in males. Among oral contraceptive (OC) and HRT (hormone replacement therapy) use, in our logistic regression model when controlling for all known and suspected covariates in AD, past OC and HRT use was associated with better cognitive test scores. The study provides further evidence of the complex role EEDCs play in overall brain health through other biological mechanisms and fills a gap in knowledge that demonstrates EEDCs effects on brain health in a geriatric age population.

Endocrine disrupting compounds and pesticides have been detected in rivers and irrigation canals of Southern Alberta, a semiarid region with irrigation-dependent crop production, intensive livestock operations, and a growing human population. However, little is known about the effects of agricultural runoff or wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent in Southern Alberta on fish. Reproductive effects of WWTP effluents from the cities of Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, as well as agricultural runoff in the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District canals, were investigated in a field study with wild fathead minnows (FHMN) in the Oldman and the South Saskatchewan rivers, in Alberta, Canada, and in a laboratory study with laboratory reared FHMN exposed in vivo to the city of Lethbridge WWTP effluent for 21 days. Biochemical and morphological endpoints were measured to characterize reproductive status. Liver vitellogenin, a biomarker of exposure to estrogen mimics, was analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR, and gonadal histology was used to determine sex, gonadal maturity, and intersex. Adverse reproductive effects were detected in FHMN exposed for 21 days to 10 and 25% of Lethbridge WWTP effluent. In the field, effluents from both Lethbridge and Medicine Hat had an effect on the reproductive systems of FHMN. In canals, reproductive effects were detected in wild fathead minnows in years when water quality in irrigation drain canals decreased. Exposure to pesticides was estimated using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Exposure to Lethbridge WWTP effluent did not inhibit AChE, whereas results from the field study were inconclusive. In conclusion, reproductive systems of fathead minnows in Southern Alberta were impacted by anthropogenic chemicals. / xi, 104 leaves : ill. (some col.), maps ; 29 cm

In the first part of this doctoral thesis, a new analytical HPLC-MS/MS method for monitoring of concentration changes of 17β-estradiol (βE2) during in vitro mouse sperm capacitation was developed. Capacitation was performed for three initial concentrations of βE2 (200, 20 and 2 μg/L). For all the concentrations a similar trend for the total unbound βE2 was observed. In general, the βE2 concentration decreased to reach its minimum and then increased again. The position of the minimum differed for the individual tested βE2 concentrations. Experimentally obtained results were subjected to the kinetic analysis. The curves fitted through the experimentally determined points displayed an autocatalytic character. For the agreement between the curves obtained by fitting through the experimental points and the theoretical calculated curves, it is necessary to assume that the first step is adsorption of βE2 onto the surface of the sperm controlled by Langmuir isotherm. The kinetic study was also used to study the effects of fluorides and aluminium fluoride complexes on the capacitation of mouse sperm. The experimental points were in very good agreement with the shape of the theoretical curves and this fact verifies the mechanism of the mouse sperm capacitation kinetics. In the second part of this work, two...

The purpose of this study was to develop a Life Sciences programme, integrating Environmental Education, on environmental endocrine disruptors, for the Further Education and Training Phase of the Outcomes Based Educational System. This programme aims at giving learners the necessary knowledge and skills to limit their exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). The programme was evaluated by means of a quantitative study. Group-administered questionnaires were used to gather information before and after the programme had commenced. Lickert scales were used to establish the learners' knowledge, attitudes and values in connection with EDCs and the environment before and after the learners had followed the programme on EDCs. The results of the study indicated that the programme proved to be successful in increasing the knowledge of the target group in connection with EDCs. This study will contribute to the process of integrating Environmental Education in the Life Sciences curriculum. / Educational Studies / M.Ed.(Environmental Education)