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Results for “Environmental Epigenetics”

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USGS2022

Environmental geochemistry of an epigenetic Pb-Zn-Ag deposit at the abandoned Cecilia mine, Puno region, Peru

The abandoned Cecilia Pb-Zn-Ag mine is located at the headwaters of the Lake Titicaca watershed in the Altiplano of Peru. The site is characterized by three months of high precipitation and nine months of limited precipitation. The environmental geochemical characterization of the abandoned mine was done to evaluate environmental risks at the site from mine wastes and mine drainage, and their potential for downstream impacts on water quality in Lake Titicaca. The approach included sampling of mine waste, water, and sediment. Composite mine waste samples were collected from six main piles (four tailings, two waste rock). The surface water was collected from (1) drainage from mine portals; (2) the Cecilia and Crucero rivers upstream of mine influences; (3) the impacted reach of the Cecilia River down to its confluence with the Crucero River; and (4) the Crucero River, which receives drainage from the Cecilia River. Sampling in the dry season did not identify seeps from the waste rock or tailings piles. This study documents the capacity of the site to generate acid mine drainage from the mine waste and underground workings. Mine waste has elevated concentrations of As (up to 883 mg/kg), Cu (up to 20,106 mg/kg), Pb (up to 16,716 mg/kg), and Zn (up to 11,937 mg/kg). Results for dissolved concentrations from leaching experiments on mine waste samples showed high leachability for As (0.001 to 0.95 mg/L), Cu (0.01 to 57.34 mg/L), Cd (0.001 to 1.13 mg/L), Fe (0.42 to 785 mg/L), Zn (0.01 to 91 mg/L), and Mn (0.05 to 279 mg/L) with an acidic pH (2.5 to 6.0). Water chemistry at the site varied on the basis of water type. The Cecilia and Crucero rivers had neutral pH and low concentrations of metals upstream of mine influences. In contrast, samples collected at the mine portal were highly acidic (pH 1.4 to 3.7) with high dissolved concentrations of Fe (up to 4,720 mg/L), Al (up to 400 mg/L), sulfate (up to 19,428 mg/L), As (up to 5.92 mg/L), Cd (up to 9.84 mg/L), Cu (up to 1.56 mg/L), Pb (up to 1.95 mg/L), and Zn (up to 4,065 mg/L), causing an increase in metal concentrations in the river downstream after mixing. Carbonate rocks in the watershed produce alkaline waters that neutralize acid drainage prior to its confluence with the Crucero River. Proposed remediation methods include capping mine waste to limit contact with rainwater and passive treatment of mine portal drainage.

Cecilia mine↗

USGS2019

Estrogen receptor 1 expression and methylation of Esr1 promoter in mouse fetal prostate mesenchymal cells induced by gestational exposure to bisphenol A or ethinylestradiol

Fetal/neonatal environmental estrogen exposures alter developmental programing of the prostate gland causing onset of diseases later in life. We have previously shown in vitro that exposures to 17β-estradiol (E2) and the endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A, at concentrations relevant to human exposure, cause an elevation of estrogen receptor α ( Esr1 ) mRNA in primary cultures of fetal mouse prostate mesenchymal cells; a similar result was observed in the fetal rat urogenital sinus. Effects of these chemicals on prostate mesenchyme in vivo are not well understood. Here we show effects in mice of fetal exposure to the estrogenic drug in mixed oral contraceptives, 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), at a concentration of EE2 encountered by human embryos/fetuses whose mothers become pregnant while on EE2-containing oral contraceptives, or bisphenol A at a concentration relevant to exposures observed in human fetuses in vivo . Expression of Esr1 was elevated by bisphenol A or EE2 exposures, which decreased the global expression of DNA methyltransferase 3A ( Dnmt3a ), while methylation of Esr1 promoter was significantly increased. These results show that exposures to the environmental estrogen bisphenol A and drug EE2 cause transcriptional and epigenetic alterations to expression of estrogen receptors in developing prostate mesenchyme in vivo .

Environmental Epigenetics↗

USGS1994

Isotopic evidence for the source of sulfur in the Upper Freeport coal bed (west-central Pennsylvania, U.S.A.)

Sulfur isotopic variations were used to determine the sources of sulfur in a medium-sulfur coal (???2 wt%S) that lacked marine influence, which is often cited as a major source of sulfur in coal. Variations in the amount and isotopic composition of the organic and pyritic sulfur among the coal-bed facies of the Upper Freeport coal bed (Middle Pennsylvanian) are attributed to differential incorporation of syngenetic and epigenetic sulfur. These variations reflect varying environmental conditions during paleopeat formation, porosity and permeability, and the availability of sulfate and iron. A large increase in the abundance and sulfur isotopic value of pyritic sulfur in the upper facies of the coal bed, in proximity to the overlying lacustrine shale, corresponds to an increase in massive and irregular forms of pyrite. This relationship is attributed to at least two stages of epigenetic pyrite incorporation. An early stage of epigenetic pyrite, moderately enriched in 34S, apparently formed during the fluvial-lacustrine period immediately following peat accumulation. A late stage of epigenetic pyrite, highly enriched in 34S, formed after compaction of the original peat as cleat- and fracture-filling pyrite; this sulfur was probably derived from bacterial reduction of dissolved sulfate in groundwater. Isotopic mass-balance calculations indicate that this late-stage epigenetic pyrite may account for up to ???50% of the pyritic sulfur in some upper facies of the coal bed. These results suggest that most of the pyritic sulfur in the Upper Freeport coal bed may be epigenetic, incorporated either soon after peat accumulation or later during coalification. ?? 1994.

Chemical Geology↗

USGS2018

Variation in DNA methylation is associated with migratory phenotypes of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the St. Clair River

Lake sturgeon populations show a variety of movement patterns, but this variation is poorly understood. To compare two migratory phenotypes of lake sturgeon in the St. Clair River, multiple data types were analyzed. Individual fish were classified into migratory phenotypes based on acoustic telemetry data from 2012-2015. Lake sturgeon consistently showed movement from the St. Clair River upriver into Lake Huron or downriver into Lake St. Clair. The two migratory phenotypes were then compared for differences in morphometrics, genetics, and epigenetics. Morphological differences based on linear measurements were not detected between phenotypes. Microsatellite data from 11 loci suggested one population with no genetic differentiation between migratory phenotypes. Our epigenetic results indicated that the migratory phenotypes are differentially methylated (P=0.036), thus epigenetics may be associated with migratory differences in lake sturgeon. Only one restriction site was identified to be driving the differential methylation (P=0.012). While little evidence at neutral loci occurred for genetic differentiation of lake sturgeon, DNA methylation may play a role in the observed movement pattern variation. When combined with microsatellite and morphometric analyses, our results suggested that different migratory patterns may reflect phenotypic plasticity, allowing lake sturgeon to acclimate to short-term environmental variability. Without an integrated approach, the role of epigenetics in the migratory phenotype of lake sturgeon may have been overlooked. Further characterization of migratory phenotypes could be important for management to conserve behavioral variation across the distribution of lake sturgeon and for design of stocking guidelines.

Michigan↗

USGS2020

Epigenetic response of Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla to shale gas development

Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation may vary in response to environmental stressors and introduce adaptive or maladaptive gene expression within and among wild bird populations. We examined the association between DNA methylation and demographic characteristics of the Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla in territories with and without disturbance from shale gas development in a Central Appalachian watershed during 2013–2015. We also evaluated the degree to which an individual’s methylated state was subject to change across years in individuals that returned over the course of more than one breeding season (i.e. recaptures). Overall, population methylation differed between adult male and female Waterthrush where adult males generally had fewer methylated restriction sites. Methylation also differed between adult females and nestlings. Age influenced methylation in both adult males and females with a decrease in methylation with age, although adult female recaptures had increased methylation with age. Adult males were variably methylated between shale gas undisturbed and disturbed areas at a population and restriction site (i.e. loci) level, where restriction sites were predominately less methylated in shale gas-disturbed areas. Barium (Ba) and strontium (Sr) data from 2013 feather samples showed adult males had fewer methylated sites at higher concentrations of Ba and Sr, whereas nestlings displayed no correlation of methylation to Ba and Sr concentrations. Adult females displayed increased methylation with increased Sr, a trend also seen year to year in adult female recaptures. Overall, results of our study suggest sex-specific influences of shale gas development on gene expression that may affect long-term population survival and fitness.

West Virginia↗

USGS2011

Arsenic in Chinese coals: Distribution, modes of occurrence, and environmental effects

Arsenic, one of the most hazardous elements occurring in coals, can be released to the environment during coal processing and combustion. Based on the available literature and published results obtained in our laboratory, the content, distribution and the modes of occurrence of As in Chinese coals, and its environmental and impacts are reviewed in this article. With the 4763 sets of data (from the literature) rearranged, the arithmetic mean As concentration of each province and weighted mean As concentration of the entire country (using the expected coal reserves as the weighting factor) were calculated. The weighted mean As concentration in Chinese coals is 3.18 mg/kg, with As concentration increasing from northern China to southern China. The As concentration in coal varies with coal-forming ages and coal ranks. Arsenic has several modes of occurrence in coals. According to results obtained by other studies and our own experiments, As is mainly associated with mineral matter (such as pyrite and other sulfide minerals) in coals, although a significant amount of arsenic is associated with organic matter. The accumulation of As in coal is controlled by many geological factors during coal-forming processes, including plant decomposition, sedimentary environments, and epigenetic hydrothermal activity. During the combustion of coal, As is released to the air, water, and soil, causing serious environmental pollution. More than 45% of the coal consumed in China is utilized by power plants, and it is estimated that nearly 522 tonnes, 21 tonnes and 252 tonnes of As are emitted into the atmosphere by industries, residential buildings and coal-fired power plants, respectively, every year.

Article↗

USGS2004

Chapter 8 Petrogenesis and mineralogic residence of selected elements in the meade peak phosphatic shale member of the permian phosphoria formation, Southeast Idaho

The Meade Peak Phosphatic Shale Member of the Permian Phosphoria Formation hosts the ore mined by the phosphate industry of southeast Idaho. It also hosts environmentally sensitive elements (ESE) such as Se, As, Hg, Ni, Cd, Zn, and Cr. Primary chemistry, elemental distribution patterns, and mineralogy within the Meade Peak were modified by element migration and possibly the introduction of elements. Fluids moved within the Meade Peak throughout its history, although the passage of fluids was highly variable in space and time, resulting in small domains of different rock chemistry and different mineralogy. Timing of major events affecting the Meade Peak and mineral habit are used to differentiate among detrital, diagenetic, epigenetic, and supergene mineral assemblages. Cross-cutting relationships among minerals are too rare to provide much paragenetic infor- mation. Carbonate fluorapatite (CFA) occurs in several forms, but dominantly as pelloids, some of which may have formed in situ during diagenesis. The other volumetrically signifi- cant form of CFA is interstitial cement that formed during diagenesis. Beginning during diagenesis and continuing intermittently, multiple generations of carbonate (dolomite and calcite) formed overgrowths and texturally complex carbonate cements. Movement and precipitation of silica followed a similar pattern. The ammonium feldspar buddingtonite, which generally rims orthoclase, also formed during diagenesis. Bacteria apparently played a significant role during diagenesis as well as during supergene processes, resulting in extreme fractionation of S isotopes and the possible bacterially mediated formation of minerals such as glauconite and sphalerite. Catagenesis, apparently culminating in oil generation, was the last significant diagenetic change. Thrusting accompanied by fluid (oil and brine) migration began during catagenesis in the Late Jurassic or Cretaceous and continued into the early Eocene. Fluorite ± carbonate ± barite± bitumen veins formed as a result of brittle deformation and accompanying fluid movement. This fracturing event may have been associated with a period of extension and normal faulting (Neogene to Holocene). Passage of the Yellowstone hot spot to the north of the area during the Neogene is marked by silicic domes and basaltic flows. The enrichment of Hg in fracture coatings might be the result of deposition from warm fluids associated with the emplacement of the silicic domes or a generally elevated, regional thermal gradient associated with the volcanism. Many of the fracture systems are still open and continue to provide fluid pathways that are the primary depositional sites for a wide variety of supergene minerals (such as Se, efflorescent salts) and element associations (such as Hg, Cd-S, Fe-Cr-O) in which many of the ESE are concentrated. Native Se is the most commonly identified host of Se in the studied samples. The largest concentration of Se occurs in open-fracture systems that cross-cut waste rock and ore units. The age(s) of native Se formation is not known; how- ever, the latest period of Se mobility is the present. Direct measurement of efflorescent “salts” forming on new mine faces indicate that several ESE, including both Se and Zn, are concentrated on the faces soon after they are exposed. Zinc is present as hydrous sulfates, but the residence of Se in these “salts” is unknown.

Idaho↗

USGS2015

Effects of the environmental estrogenic contaminants bisphenol A and 17α-ethinyl estradiol on sexual development and adult behaviors in aquatic wildlife species

Endocrine disrupting chemicals ( EDCs ), including the mass-produced component of plastics, bisphenol A (BPA) are widely prevalent in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Many aquatic species, such as fish, amphibians, aquatic reptiles and mammals, are exposed daily to high concentrations of BPA and ethinyl estradiol (EE2), estrogen in birth control pills. In this review, we will predominantly focus on BPA and EE2, well-described estrogenic EDCs. First, the evidence that BPA and EE2 are detectable in almost all bodies of water will be discussed. We will consider how BPA affects sexual and neural development in these species, as these effects have been the best characterized across taxa. For instance, such chemicals have been in many cases reported to cause sex-reversal of males to females. Even if these chemicals do not overtly alter the gonadal sex, there are indications that several EDCs might demasculinize male-specific behaviors that are essential for attracting a mate. In so doing, these chemicals may reduce the likelihood that these males reproduce. If exposed males do reproduce, the concern is that they will then be passing on compromised genetic fitness to their offspring and transmitting potential transgenerational effects through their sperm epigenome . We will thus consider how diverse epigenetic changes might be a unifying mechanism of how BPA and EE2 disrupt several processes across species. Such changes might also serve as universal species diagnostic biomarkers of BPA and other EDCs exposure. Lastly, the evidence that estrogenic EDCs-induced effects in aquatic species might translate to humans will be considered.

General and Comparative Endocrinology↗

USGS2003

Arsenic in midwestern glacial deposits — Occurrence and relation to selected hydrogeologic and geochemical factors

Ground-water-quality data collected as part of 12 U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment studies during 1996-2001 were analyzed to (1) document arsenic occurrence in four types of gla-cial deposits that occur in large areas of the Midwest, (2) identify hydrogeologic or geochemical factors asso-ciated with elevated arsenic concentrations, and (3) search for clues as to arsenic source(s) or mechanism(s) of mobilization that could be useful for designing future studies. Arsenic and other water-quality constituents were sampled in 342 monitor and domestic wells in parts of Illinois Indiana Ohio Michigan and Wisconsin. Arsenic was detected (at a concentration >1 ?g/L) in one-third of the samples. The maximum concentration was 84 ?g/L, and the median was less than 1 ?g/L. Eight percent of samples had arsenic concentrations that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10?g/L. Samples were from four aquifer types?confined valley fill, unconfined valley fill, outwash plain, and till with sand lenses. Highest arsenic concentrations were found in reducing waters from valley-fill depos-its. In confined valley fill, all waters were reducing and old (recharged before 1953), and almost half of sam-ples had arsenic concentrations greater than the MCL. In unconfined valley fill, redox conditions and ages were varied, and elevated arsenic concentrations were sporadic. In both types of valley fill, elevated arsenic concentrations are linked to the underlying bedrock on the basis of spatial relations and geochemical correla-tions. In shallow (<50 ft) till with sand lenses, arsenic was detected in oxic or mixed waters, but concentra-tions were rarely greater than the MCL. In shallow out-wash-plain deposits, arsenic concentrations greater than the MCL were detected in waters that were reduc-ing and young (recharged after 1953). Although arsenic concentrations were signifi-cantly higher in deep wells (>150 ft), all deep wells were from a distinctive aquifer type (confined valley fill). It is not known whether wells at similar depths in other aquifer types would produce waters with simi-larly high arsenic concentrations. Correlations of arsenic with fluoride, strontium, and barium suggest that arsenic might be related to epi-genetic (Mississippi Valley-type) sulfide deposits in Paleozoic bedrock. Arsenic is typically released from sulfides by oxidation, but in the current study, the highest arsenic concentrations in glacial deposits were detected in reducing waters. Therefore, a link between epigenetic sulfides and elevated arsenic concentrations in glacial deposits would probably require a multi-step process.

Illinois, Indiana, Ohio↗