2,6-DHNP, a group of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), is raising alarm in public health. These bad guys in the water world are more powerful and toxic than many other pollutants, making them difficult to remove with common water purification methods. These pack a powerful punch and are far more harmful to marine life and cells than similar pollutants. 2,6-DHNP is present everywhere, in places like sewers, pools, and taps, and we urgently need better ways to clean our water and keep us safe. It shows that.

New research (DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2024.02.004), eco environment and health On March 4, 2024, we demonstrated severe cardiotoxic effects of 2,6-DHNP on zebrafish embryos, which served as a model for potential human health risks.

2,6-DHNP is a group of DBPs that are resistant to traditional water purification methods such as boiling and filtration. These DBPs pose a significant risk, exhibiting toxicity levels 248 times higher in zebrafish embryos than dichloroacetic acid, a known regulated DBP. This study used zebrafish as a biological model due to their genetic similarity to humans, paying close attention to how these emerging pollutants negatively impact heart health. I explained it in detail. Zebrafish embryos exposed to 2,6-DHNP suffered severe cardiac damage characterized by increased production of harmful reactive oxygen species, cell death (apoptosis), and disruption of cardiac development.

This study revealed that two DBPs, 2,6-DCNP and 2,6-DBNP, exhibited significant resistance to removal in drinking water treatment plants. Boiling and filtration were found to be the most effective domestic water treatment methods, reducing 2,6-DCNP and 2,6-DBNP levels by 47% and 52%, respectively. Exposure to 2,6-DHNP caused heart failure in zebrafish embryos due to increased production of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and delayed heart development. Remarkably, the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine ​​was able to attenuate the cardiotoxic effects induced by 2,6-DHNP.

Dr. Hongjie Sun, the study’s lead researcher, said, “The potential for cardiotoxicity of 2,6-DHNP at low concentrations casts great doubt on our current understanding of water safety, and it “This highlights the need for an urgent reassessment of treatment methods.”

Corresponding author Dr. Peng Gao said, “Our findings assess the health impact of disinfection byproducts that can be formed during water treatment and those that survive household treatment. “We must prioritize the development of advanced water purification technologies,” he added. Effectively remove these pollutants and protect public health.

This study highlights important environmental and public health issues. Contaminants that survive water treatment processes can pose serious health hazards to exposed microorganisms, indicating the potential public health risks faced by these persistent waterborne chemicals.