Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas

URI permanente para esta comunidadhttp://10.0.96.45:4000/handle/11056/14395

Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas (IRET-UNA) es un centro de investigación con proyección nacional, regional e internacional, comprometido con el desarrollo sostenible, la protección y conservación de los ecosistemas naturales, la calidad de vida de los trabajadores y de la sociedad afectados por las sustancias tóxicas y otras actividades humanas.

Los conocimientos y datos generados por el Instituto son utilizados por entidades gubernamentales y no gubernamentales como fuente primaria de información en temas de exposición a las sustancias tóxicas y sus efectos en el ambiente y en la salud humana.

Contáctenos:

Página web: www.iret.una.ac.cr

Correo: iret@una.ac.cr

Teléfono: (506) 2277-3584 / (506) 2277-3587

Programas adscritos a IRET-UNA

El Programa Infantes y Salud Ambiental (ISA) es un programa de investigación-extensión realizado en la región Huetar Atlántica, Costa Rica, que utiliza un enfoque eco-sistémico en salud humana (EcoSalud). Estudiamos la exposición ambiental a plaguicidas y manganeso y sus efectos sobre la salud de niño(a)s y sus madres. Además, estudiamos cuáles factores explican las exposiciones a plaguicidas, y posibles alternativas para su uso. Promovemos acciones colaborativas para reducir el contacto con plaguicidas y mitigar sus posibles efectos.

El Programa ISA tiene 3 áreas temáticas: 1) Contexto socio- económico, cultural y percepción de riesgos, 2) Evaluación de exposición y efectos en el crecimiento y desarrollo de infantes y 3) Alternativas agro-ecológicas.

Coordinadora: Ph.D. Berna van Wendel de Joode, correo electrónico: berendina.vanwendel.dejoode@una.cr

Contacto:

Página web: www.isa.una.ac.cr

Correo: programaisa@una.ac.cr

Teléfono: (506) 2562-3678 / (506) 2562-3671

El Programa Salud, Trabajo y Ambiente (SALTRA) se proyecta como un programa estratégico en la integración de principios de desarrollo sostenible en las políticas de salud ocupacional y ambiental a nivel local, nacional y regional desde la gestión del conocimiento: docencia, investigación extensión y traducción política. Se trabaja en Centroamérica para consolidar y extender una estructura regional de centros universitarios en salud ocupacional y ambiental (SOA) que colaboren entre sí y con grupos gubernamentales y no gubernamentales, para conjuntamente construir capacidades locales, nacionales y regionales que favorecen la incorporación de principios de desarrollo sostenible en las políticas de salud ocupacional y ambiental.

Coordinadora regional: Ph. D. Jennifer Crowe, correo electrónico: jennifer.crowe@una.cr

Contacto:

Página web: www.saltra.una.ac.cr

Correo: saltraregional@una.cr

Teléfono: (506) 2263 6375

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Mostrando 1 - 17 de 17

A multidisciplinary approach to analyze the antimicrobial resistance in natural ecosystems
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2024-02-25) Blanco-Pena, K; Quesada-Alvarado, Francisco; Salas-González, Denis; Chaverri-Fonseca, Fabio
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to both human health and environmental well-being. Our study delved into Costa Rican wildlife reserves, uncovering a substantial human impact on these ecosystems and underscoring the imperative to pinpoint AMR hotspots. Embracing a One Health perspective, we advocated for a comprehensive landscape analysis that intricately intertwined geographic, climatic, forest, and human factors. This study illuminated the link between laboratory results and observed patterns of antimicrobial use, thereby paving the way for sustainable solutions. Our innovative methodology involved deploying open-ended questions to explore antimicrobial usage across livestock activities, contributing to establishing a comprehensive methodology. Non-invasive sampling in wildlife emerged as a critical aspect, shedding light on areas contaminated by AMR. Feline species, positioned at the apex of the food chain, acted as sentinels for environmental health due to heightened exposure to improperly disposed waste. Regarding laboratory findings, each sample revealed the presence of at least one antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG). Notably, genes encoding resistance to tetracyclines dominated (94.9%), followed by beta-lactams (75.6%), sulfonamides (53.8%), aminoglycosides (51.3%), quinolones (44.9%), phenicols (25.6%), and macrolides (20.5%). Genes encoding polymyxins were not detected. Moreover, 66% of samples carried a multi-resistant microbiome, with 15% exhibiting resistance to three antimicrobial families and 51% to four. The absence of a correlation between forest coverage and ARG presence underscored the profound human impact on wildlife reserves, surpassing previous estimations. This environmental pressure could potentially modify microbiomes and resistomes in unknown ways. As not all antimicrobial families encoding ARGs were utilized by farmers, our next step involved evaluating other human activities to identify the primary sources of contamination. This comprehensive study contributed crucial insights into the intricate dynamics of AMR in natural ecosystems, paving the way for targeted interventions and sustainable coexistence.
Assessing habitat selection in the prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii using the model toxicant copper and colonization as a test endpoint: Does prior exposure determine biochemical and behavioral responses?
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2024-08-20) Mena, F; Echeverría-Sáenz, Silvia; Brenes-Bravo, Gabriel; Araújo, Cristiano VM; Moreira-Santos, Matilde
Habitat selection by aquatic organisms is dependent on the availability of adequate conditions to support life and the benefits that the habitat provides. Contaminated environments tend to be less attractive to organisms because reduced habitat quality leads to increased maintenance costs. Consequently, reduced colonization of such disturbed habitats is an expected response. However, colonization has been understudied as an ecotoxicological test endpoint, despite its proven ability to assess habitat selection by populations across various taxa. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether previous exposure to copper could alter the colonization behavior of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii along a non-forced exposure gradient of interconnected copper- contaminated habitats (0 to 500 µg/L) due to physiological and behavioral impairments. To assess this, post- larvae of M. rosenbergii were pre-exposed to 0, 50, 250 and 500 µg/L copper for a maximum period of 48 h. The physiological status and motility of the organisms after pre-exposure to copper were evaluated using behavioral endpoints (swimming activity by video tracking) and biochemical biomarkers (biotransformation, oxidative stress and neurotoxicity). The results indicated that pre-exposure to copper (at concentrations of 0, 50 and 500 µg/L) significantly influenced the median colonization concentration (CC50), which decreased from 270 µg/L to 109 µg/L. None of the assessed swimming parameters (speed, motility rate, exploration rate, and total distance) were affected by the pre-exposure to copper (0, 50 and 250 µg/L). Biochemically, cholinesterase levels were only affected in the prawn population exposed to 250 µg/L of copper. The present study provides a better understanding of the relevance of colonization as an ecotoxicological endpoint for assessing the spatial distribution of populations, including both new inhabitants and previously exposed organisms, in recovering habitats.
Assessment of commercial sunscreens ecotoxicological effects on algae Raphidocelis subcapitata
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2024) Kholssi, Rajaa; Ugalde-Salazar, Rocío; Echeverría-Sáenz, Silvia; Arias-Andrés, María
This study analyzed the effect of a commercial sunscreen on the freshwater microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata, which is essential for aquatic ecosystems. A flow cytometry methodology was used to evaluate cell density and other parameters by exposing the algae to various concentrations of the product (0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 50, 100 and 200 mg L-1) for 96 hours at two temperatures (24 °C and 29 °C). The results showed a significant inhibition in the growth of R. subcapitata in all treatments compared to the control. At 10 mg L-1, a considerable increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reaching up to 41% at 29 °C, was detected. A significant decrease in chlorophyll fluorescence was also observed at 24 °C with 200 mg L-1 of the sunscreen, with no relevant changes at 29 °C. In conclusion, the study highlights the negative effect of sunscreen on the growth of R. subcapitata and suggests the need for further research to understand the mechanisms of toxicity and long-term effects on marine biodiversity.
Bacterial communities in residential wastewater treatmentplants are physiologically adapted to high concentrations of quaternary ammonium compounds
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2023-08-28) Chacón, Luz; Rojas-Jimenez, Keilor; Arias-Andres, Maria
Benzalkoniumchloride(BAC)isaquaternaryammoniumcompound(QAC)widely used as the active ingredient of disinfectants. Its excessive discharge into wastewater is constant and in high concentrations, likely affecting the physiology of microbial communities. We compared the physiological community profile of activated sludge (AS) bacteria with and without prior in vitro exposure to a high concentration of BAC(10 mg L−1). We measured the community functional diversity, carbon substrate multifunctionality, and the median effective concentration thatinhibits carbon respiration (EC50) using Biolog EcoPlates supplemented with a gradient of 0–50 mg L−1 of BAC. Surprisingly, we did not find significant differences in the physiological parameters among treatments. Certain abundant bacteria, including Pseudomonas, could explain the community’s tolerance to high concentrations of BAC. We suggest that bacterial communities in wastewater treatment plants’ AS are “naturally” adapted to BAC due to frequent and high-dose exposure. We highlight the need to understand better the effects of QACs in wastewater, their impact on the selection of tolerant groups, and the alteration in community metabolic profiles.
Contributions of the academy for a better understanding of the oceans in Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2024-03) Morales-Ramírez, Álvaro; Gómez-Ramírez, Eddy; Alfaro-Martínez, Eric; Hidalgo, Hugo G.; Ulate-Naranjo, Karol; Arias-Andres, Maria; Rojas-Villalobos, Fresia; Samper-Villarreal, Jimena; Wehrtmann, Ingo S.
El lanzamiento de la Década de los Océanos en el año 2017 estableció nuevas visiones entre la ciencia y política, para fortalecer la investigación y la gestión de los océanos y las costas. Con un 92% de superficie marina, Costa Rica es una nación de mar, que posee una gran diversidad marina, y que realiza esfuerzos para conocer mejor sus recursos costeros y marinos. En los últimos 20 años, se han desarrollado políticas para promover la gestión integrada de nuestras zonas costeras y la creación de áreas marinas protegidas. Mediante la investigación de las universidades públicas, conocemos mejor, aunque de manera incompleta, cómo se encuentran nuestros recursos pesqueros y acuicultura, los impactos de la contaminación marina y sus efectos sobre organismos y ecosistemas, los impactos del cambio climático, así como los esfuerzos para impulsar la conservación marina y la restauración de los ecosistemas marino-costeros y sus servicios. Del análisis de estas áreas de estudios, es evidente, que existen vacíos de información que deben ser abordados para generar más información científica que permita la toma de decisiones adecuadas y basadas en la ciencia, con el objeto de mejorar las políticas púbicas relacionadas a las zonas costeras, sus recursos, los servicios ecosistémicos, la gestión de las numerosas fuentes de contaminación continental que llegan a la costa y la adaptación al cambio climático.
Dissimilar behavioral and spatial avoidance responses by shrimps from tropical and temperate environments exposed to copper
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2022-11-17) Redondo, Sergei; González, E.; Mena, F.; Araújo, Cristiano
Behavioral changes associated with exposure to pollutants represent the earliest response for organisms confronted by perceivable chemical signals. This study was carried out with the objective of evaluating behavioral responses associated with different scenarios of exposure to pollutants (non-forced vs forced) in two shrimp species (Penaeus vannamei and Palaemon varians), representative of different latitudes and using copper as a model contaminant. The effects on locomotion were evaluated by exposing the shrimps to a range of copper concentrations (0, 0.5, 5, 50, and 250 µg/L) in the forced scenario. After exposure, the movement patterns for each shrimp were recorded and used to estimate changes in the shrimps’ locomotion. For the non-forced scenario, the avoidance response was assessed by placing shrimps in a multi-compartment system where they were able to move freely along a gradient of copper (0, 0.5, 5, 50, and 250 µg/L). In terms of locomotion, an opposite trend was observed between the species: movements were significantly reduced in P. varians with concentrations above 50 µg/L, while hyperactivity was observed for P. vannamei. When exposed to a gradient of copper in the multi-compartment system, both species significantly avoided the highest concentrations of copper, although the repellence of copper was stronger for P. vannamei. In summary, both species of shrimps were able to recognize and avoid copper; however, in terms of locomotion, they showed an opposite behavioral reaction. These results show that a contamination event can have different behavioral outcomes depending on the species and complementing forced and non-forced exposure with species-specific information can be helpful to characterize and predict the effects of contaminants at higher biological levels.
Effects of the insecticide β-endosulfan on tadpoles of Isthmohyla pseudopuma (Anura: Hylidae)
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2022) Méndez, M.; Mena, Freylan; Pinnock Branford, Margaret Verónica; Ruepert, Clemens
Conventional agriculture uses pesticides intensively. Once pesticides are released into the environment, they can be toxic to non-target organisms. Exposure of amphibians to pesticides can be lethal and affect their growth, development and behavior. β-endosulfan is a persistent organochlorine that has been detected in environmental samples within protected sites in Costa Rica, far from agricultural areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the lethal and sublethal effects, as well as changes in three biomarkers (Cholinesterase activity [ChE], glutathione S- transferase activity [GST] and lipid peroxidation [LPO]) in tadpoles of Isthmohyla pseudopuma exposed to β-endosulfan. A 96-h acute test (20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 200 µg/L) was performed in order to calculate the median lethal concentration (LC 50 ), while effects on growth and development were assessed during a 4-weeks chronic test (10, 20, 30 and 50 µg/L). In addition, we measured the aforementioned biomarkers in tadpoles exposed to concentrations below the LC 50 . The 96-h LC 50 for this species was 123.6 µg/L. We found no evidence of β-endosulfan influencing any of the three biomarkers evaluated. At 50 µg/L, both length and total weight of tadpoles decreased with respect to the control. Also, at 30 and 50 µg/L we observed that individuals showed a slower development. Therefore, we demonstrated that at sublethal concentrations, β-endosulfan negatively affects I. pseudopuma at early stages causing tadpoles to develop slower and smaller than normal.
El impacto de la resistencia a los antibióticos en el desarrollo sostenible
(Universidad de Costa Rica, 2022) Barrantes, K.; Chacon Jimenez, Luz; Arias Andrés, María
La resistencia a los antimicrobianos (RAM) es un problema de salud pública cada vez más complejo y se considera como una de las mayores amenazas en todo el mundo. El desarrollo de la RA en los patógenos bacterianos es una consecuencia esperada de la adaptación evolutiva, debido a la presencia de este tipo de contaminantes, los antibióticos, en variedad de nichos ecológicos. Además, hay múltiples factores asociados con su origen y diseminación, entre ellos, el uso desmedido y poco regulado de los antibióticos en la medicina humana y veterinaria, así como en la agricultura, la ganadería y la industria. De hecho, recientemente se ha indicado el papel del ambiente como reservorio para genes de RA y bacterias resistentes a antibióticos. En este sentido, el enfoque para contener y controlar este problema tan complejo involucra de forma necesaria a diversas áreas como la medicina, la veterinaria, las ciencias ambientales y sectores de la industria y la economía. En este artículo, se realiza una descripción tanto del problema de la RA y sus elementos causales, como del enfoque multidisciplinario que ha sido propuesto para su manejo en el ámbito global. Se detalla también cómo la RA afecta el desarrollo humano sostenible conforme a la Agenda 2030 formulada por la ONU, en el cumplimiento de algunos de los objetivos del desarrollo sostenible (ODS).
Evaluación de estrés fisiológico y variaciones en el microbioma intestinal de lombrices de tierra (Amynthas gracilis) expuestas a suelos hortícolas con diferentes regímenes de aplicación de plaguicidas en Zarcero, Costa Rica.
(Universidad nacional, Costa Rica, 2024) Brenes Bravo, Johnny Gabriel; Mena Torres, Freylan
Se evaluó el estrés fisiológico midiendo biomarcadores de neurotoxicidad (actividad de colinesterasa - ChE), biotransformación (actividades de glutatión S-transferasa - GST y etoxi-resorufina-O-deetilasa - EROD) y estrés oxidativo (actividad de catalasa - CAT y peroxidación lipídica - LPO) en individuos de lombriz de tierra que habitan en los sitios del gradiente de estudio durante las estaciones seca y lluviosa. Además, se realizó una prueba de evitación en la cual un grupo de Aporrectodea gracilis fue introducido a muestras de suelo del gradiente estudiado, y 48 horas después se contó su selección. Para evaluar si la exposición al suelo contaminado con plaguicidas afectaría la composición del microbioma intestinal de la especie estudiada, se llevó a cabo un análisis de las variaciones en la estructura de la comunidad bacteriana, obtenida mediante una asignación taxonómica a partir de la amplificación de la región V4 del gen 16S rRNA del ADN extraído del contenido intestinal de cinco individuos por cada tipo de suelo en temporada seca y lluviosa. Los resultados evidencian que la exposición a estos contaminantes podría afectar a la comunidad de macrofauna del suelo y agotar los servicios que esta proporciona.
Identification of anthropogenic impact on natural habitats by antimicrobial resistance quantification in two neotropical wild cats and their geospatial analysis
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2023) Angulo, A.; Fajardo, F.; Salom-Pérez, Roberto; Carazo Salazar, Javier; Taylor, Francisco; Pilé, Edwin; Quesada-Alvarado, Francisco; Blanco- Peña, Kinndle
Human activities such as habitat degradation and fragmentation threaten biodiversity in Neotropical areas. This work proposes an analytical methodology to identify natural areas in Central America with anthropogenic impact, analyzing the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in accordance with their theoretical relationship with human-related activities. Sixteen ARGs were quantified in feces of different individuals of 13 jaguars (Panthera onca) and 13 pumas (Puma concolor) in three conservation areas in Costa Rica by real-time PCR. At least one ARG was detected in all samples. Of the ARGs encoding tetracycline resistance, the most frequent were tetQ and tetY (85% and 69%, respectively). The sulfonamides (sulI and sulII; 69% each), phenicols (catI and catII; 19% and 54%, respectively), and quinolones (qnrS; 12%) were also detected. The presence of human settlements, livestock farms (pigs, cattle, and poultry), roads, human health centers, flood zones, and rivers were identified within each area to generate an index of human activity. We found no difference between the presence of ARG by roads, agricultural activities, and human settlements (P.0.05). However, tetW showed higher percentages with porcine and bovine farms; both tetY and tetW were more frequent in jaguars than in pumas. Of concern is that many of the most contaminated samples were taken from national parks, such as Braulio Carrillo and Tortuguero, where animals should not have direct contact with humans.
Impacto de los herbicidas usados en el cultivo de piña sobre el fitoplancton de un río con influencia agricola en la región del caribe de Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2008) Ugalde, MR.; Castillo. Luisa Eugenia; Ruepert, Clemens
El estudio se enfocó en estudiar las diferencias en abundancia y diversidad de fitoplancton entre un río influenciado por tierras de cultivo intensivo de piña (Río Limbo) y un arroyo no influenciado (Quebrada Lajas), en la zona caribeña de Costa Rica
Propuesta de medidas de control para mejorar las condiciones de salud ocupacional asociadas a la exposición a compuestos orgánicos volátiles y material particulado en la empresa TERRAMIX
(Instituto Regional de Estudios en Sustancias Tóxicas, 2024-05) Suárez Arce, Tifanny Paola; Ruepert, Clemens
De acuerdo con la IARC (2012b), se puede clasificar la exposición ocupacional a distintos agentes químicos en la industria del caucho como carcinogénicas en el grupo 1, específicamente, el uso de los compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COV) en la actividad de pintor, y la exposición a sílice cristalina por la tarea de sandblasting, ambas dentro del grupo 1 (IARC, 2012a, 2012b). La investigación tiene como objetivo evaluar los riesgos químicos asociados a la exposición ocupacional por vía inhalatoria y dérmica a COV tales como el tolueno, xileno y MIBK; así como a material particulado por medio de una caracterización básica y mediciones ocupacionales que permitan identificar los determinantes de exposición y proponer medidas de control con el fin de reducir la exposición laboral.
Pyrimethanil and chlorpyrifos air concentrations and pregnant women’s urinary metabolites in the Infants’ Environmental Health Study (ISA), Costa Rica
(Elsevier, 2022-05-27) Giffin, Andrew; Hoppin, Jane A.; Córdoba, Leonel; Solano, Karla; Ruepert, Clemens; Peñaloza Castañeda, Jorge; Lindh, Christian; Reich, Brian J.; Wendel de Joode, Berna van
Only few studies have compared environmental pesticide air concentrations with specific urinary metabolites to evaluate pathways of exposure. Therefore, we compared pyrimethanil and chlorpyrifos concentrations in air with urinary 4-hydroxypyrimethanil (OHP, metabolite of pyrimethanil) and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy, metabolite of chlorpyrifos) among pregnant women from the Infant's Environmental Health Study (ISA) in Matina County, Costa Rica. During pregnancy, we obtained repeat urinary samples from 448 women enrolled in the ISA study. We extrapolated pyrimethanil and chlorpyrifos concentrations measured with passive air samplers (PAS) (n = 48, from 12 schools), across space and time using a Bayesian spatiotemporal model. We subsequently compared these concentrationswith urinary OHP and TCPy in 915 samples from 448 women, usingseparatemixed models andconsidering several covariables. A 10% increase in air pyrimethanil (ng/m3) was associated with a 5.7% (95% confidence interval (CI 4.6, 6.8) increase in OHP (μg/L). Women living further from banana plantations had lower OHP: -0.7% (95% CI -1.2, -0.3) for each 10% increase in distance (meters) as well as women who ate rice and beans ≥15 times a week -23% (95% CI -38, -4). In addition, each 1 ng/m3 increase in chlorpyrifos in air was associated with a 1.5% (95% CI 0.2, 2.8) increase in TCPy (μg/L), and women working in agriculture tended to have increased TCPy (21%, 95% CI -2, 49). The Bayesian spatiotemporal models were useful to estimate pyrimethanil and chlorpyrifos air concentrations across space and time. Our results suggest inhalation of pyrimethanil and chlorpyrifos is a pathway of environmental exposure. PAS seems a useful technique to monitor environmental current-use pesticide exposures. For future studies, we recommend increasing the number of locations of environmental air measurements, obtaining all air and urine measurements during the same month, and, ideally, including dermal exposure estimates as well.
Riqueza de especies del fitoplancton de la laguna Barva, Heredia Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2024) Ugalde-Salazar, R.; Echeverría-Sáenz, Silvia; Esquivel-Hernández, Germain; Sánchez-Gutiérrez, Rolando
Este trabajo se centra en conocer la riqueza de especies fitoplanctónicas de la Laguna Barva, con el fin de generar nueva información que permita una mejor comprensión de la comunidad de microorganismos en ecosistemas montañosos tropicales
TIER I Toxicity assessment Toxicity assessment of pesticides used in banana and pineapple plantations detected on the Río Madre de Dios watershed, Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2014) Arias, M; Mena-Torres, F.; Ugalde, R.; Ramo, R.; Grandas, L.; Ruepert, Clemens
TOXICITY OF SURFACE AND GRAUND WATER IN AGRICULTURAL AREAS OF COSTA RICA
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2001) Pinnock Branford, Margaret Verónica; CASTILLO, LE.; Ugalde, R.; Ruepert, Clemens
The asssment of water quality in the country has been largely based on physical- chemical analysis and bacteriological examination. However, hamful substances such as heavy metals and pesticides can contaminate drinking water. Toxicity tests can be used as practical, rapid and early warning techniques to detect changes in the water quality.
Tropical Ecotoxicology in Central America: Risk factors and challenges for the near future
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2009) Castillo, L.E.; Ugalde, María del Rocío; Ruepert, Clemens
Pesticides are heavily used in the Central American Region and studies carried out, mostly in Costa Rica, indicate widespread pollution of different aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Environmental effects such as toxic effects to organisms and significant changes in community composition after pesticide applications have been documented.

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