Cellular stress response biomarkers for toxicity potential assessment of treated wastewater complex mixtures

Abstract

Biomarker responses provide an early warning on environmental effects of water toxicants. The current work aimed to assess the stress biomarkers responses to toxicity potential of treated wastewater effluents in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. Overall results of stress response genes overexpression confirmed the occurrence of water pollutants stressors which stimulate the modulation of biomarkers of effect mainly Heat shock proteins (Hsps), Metal-responsive transcription factors, Calreticulin, Thioredoxin and P-glycoprotein. Stress response genes were significantly overexpressed for all treated cells, revealing the activation of mechanisms of Caco-2 cell protection mainly Hsp protection machinery and cellular defence against oxidative stress. Organic micropollutants associated with toxicity potential in treated effluents were identified. Stress response biomarkers assessment revealed human health and environmental impacts to take corrective measures to protect recipient water bodies from harmful effects of effluent discharges.