Contrasting toxicity between explosives– and chemical warfare agents–related compounds to the marine primary producer Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Barbosa, J.; De Backer, J.; Neyts, M.; Parmentier, K.; Laduron, F.; Geukens, K.; François, P.; Janssen, C.; Asselman, J. (2026). Contrasting toxicity between explosives– and chemical warfare agents–related compounds to the marine primary producer Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 313: 120023. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120023
In: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. Academic Press/Elsevier: Amsterdam, Netherlands etc. ISSN 0147-6513; e-ISSN 1090-2414, more
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| Author keywords |
Explosives; Chemical warfare agents; Munition dumpsites; Acute toxicity; Marine microalgae |
| Authors | | Top |
- Barbosa, J., more
- De Backer, J.
- Neyts, M., more
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- François, P.
- Janssen, C., more
- Asselman, J., more
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| Abstract |
Vast amounts of munitions dumped in the marine environment, have been reported to leak chemicals due to munition corrosion. The subsequent increased levels of explosives and related chemicals (E&RC), as well as chemical warfare agents and related chemicals (CWA&RC), raise risks for environmental and human health Yet, ecotoxicity data on primary producers is currently scarce. Therefore, this study investigated the acute effects of three CWA&RC (1,4-oxathiane, 1,4-dithiane, and thiodiglycol) and four E&RC (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), tetryl, 1,3-dinitrobenzene (1,3-DNB), and picric acid) on Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a key marine diatom at the basis of the aquatic food web. Results showed that none of the three CWA&RC significantly inhibited the growth rate of Phaeodactylum tricornutum at the tested concentrations. Interestingly, picric acid stimulated growth up under the experimental conditions, suggesting a hormetic effect. TNT, tetryl, and 1,3-DNB strongly inhibited growth, with experimentally derived EC10 and EC50 values approaching environmentally relevant concentrations near dumpsites. Consequently, diatom biomass may be significantly affected by TNT, tetryl, and 1,3-DNB, potentially disturbing primary production and ocean chemistry. Future research should examine potential synergies between munition compounds and other marine pollutants, which may aggravate toxic effects, as well as consider long-term toxicity tests. |
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