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Using metabolomics to assess the sub-lethal effects of zinc and boscalid on an estuarine polychaete worm over time

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Abstract

Introduction

Zinc is a heavy metal commonly detected in urban estuaries around Australia. Boscalid is a fungicide found in estuaries, both in water and sediment, it enters the system predominantly through agricultural run-off. Zinc is persistent while boscalid breaks down, with a half-life of 108 days. Both contaminants are widely distributed and their effects on ecosystems are not well understood.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the metabolite changes in Simplisetia aequisetis (an estuarine polychaete) following laboratory exposure to a sub-lethal concentration of zinc or boscalid over a 2-week period.

Methods

Individuals were collected at six time points over a 2-week period. Whole polychaete metabolites were extracted and quantified using a multi-platform approach. Polar metabolites were detected using a semi-targeted GC–MS analysis and amine containing compounds were analysed using a targeted LC–MS analysis. Total lipid energy content was also analysed for Simplisetia aequisetis.

Results

The pathways that responded to zinc and boscalid exposure were alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism (AAG); glycine, serine and threonine metabolism (GST) and metabolites associated with the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA). Results showed that changes in total abundance of some metabolites could be detected as early as 24-h exposure. Changes were detected in the metabolites before commonly used total lipid energy assays identified effects.

Conclusion

A multi-platform approach provided a holistic overview of the metabolomic response to contaminants in polychaetes. This approach shows promise to be used in biomonitoring programs to provide early diagnostic indicators of contamination and exposure.

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Acknowledgements

Authors would like to thank Rhianna Boyle for her assistance on enzyme assays and field work. Gigi Woods for experimental set up, initial design, field assistance and information regarding S. aequisetis. Metabolomics Australia for assistance with all the metabolomic approaches, procedures, data analysis and assistance with interpreting the results. Everyone at CAPIM for space, materials, experimental procedures and assistance.

Funding

Funding was supplied by the Australian Research Council and Melbourne Water via a Linkage grant (LP140100565) awarded to MK.

Author information

Author notes

  1. Georgia M. Sinclair & Sara M. Long

    Present address: Aquatic Environmental Stress Research Group, RMIT-University, Plenty Rd, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia

  2. Saravanan Dayalan

    Present address: CSL Limited, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, 3010, Australia

  3. Konstantinos Kouremenos

    Present address: Trajan Scientific and Medical, 7 Argent Pl, Ringwood, VIC, 3134, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia

    Georgia M. Sinclair, Allyson L. O’Brien, Michael Keough & Sara M. Long

  2. Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management (CAPIM), School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia

    Georgia M. Sinclair & Sara M. Long

  3. Metabolomics Australia, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia

    David P. De Souza, Saravanan Dayalan, Komal Kanojia, Konstantinos Kouremenos & Dedreia L. Tull

  4. Melbourne Water Corporation, 990 La Trobe Street, Docklands, VIC, 3000, Australia

    Rhys A. Coleman

  5. Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia

    Oliver A. H. Jones

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Contributions

GS, SL, AO conceived and designed research, conducted experiments, analysed data, writing and editing of written work. MK assisted in design, analysis of data and editing. GS, DD, KK, KK, DT conducted metabolomic techniques, procedure, data collection, analysis and editing. RC conceived and contributed to initial study design. OJ contributed to written editing and display of data. GS wrote the manuscript. All authors read and approved the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sara M. Long.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

As of 2015 when the study commenced in Victoria, Australia no permits were needed to use Simplisetia aquesetis for research purposes. A general research permit (RP533) was issued to the University of Melbourne for marine collection from Department of Economic Development Jobs, Transport and Resources.

Research involving human and/or animal participants

All applicable international, national and/or institutional guidelines and use of animals were followed.

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Sinclair, G.M., O’Brien, A.L., Keough, M. et al. Using metabolomics to assess the sub-lethal effects of zinc and boscalid on an estuarine polychaete worm over time. Metabolomics 15, 108 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11306-019-1570-x

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