The rapid survey method of chemical contamination in floods caused by Typhoon Hagibis by combining in vitro bioassay and comprehensive analysis

A novel comprehensive assessment system, consisting of a bioassay and chemical analysis, was developed to quickly evaluate the human health risk posed by toxic chemicals discharged due to natural disasters. To analyze samples quickly, a yeast-two-hybrid assay (Y2H) and GC-MS equipped with an automated identification and quantification system (AIQS-GC) were employed for the bioassay and chemical analysis, respectively. Since the analysis of 1000 substances by AIQS could be finished within two days following the Y2H assay for screening, this method would complete the risk assessment within three days. To confirm the applicability of this method in real environmental samples, we examined it using sediments circulated by Typhoon Hagibis. In one sediment sample, a distinctive response was indicated by the Y2H assay, and relatively high DDT concentration was identified by AIQS-GC in the same sediment. Therefore, using the results obtained from this method, a human health risk assessment of DDT was conducted, which indicated that the risk could be ignored. Additionally, the contamination of PAHs and alkanes was suggested as well. In this study, the pollution risk assessment could be completed within three days. Therefore, to our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate an assessment system with a rapid combination method for emergencies. Consequently, it is believed that this type of novel system would be needed in the future due to the increasing number of natural disasters predicted worldwide.

Automated summary

The novel assessment system combines bioassay and chemical analysis to evaluate the human health risk posed by toxic chemicals discharged due to natural disasters quickly. Through experimental verification, the method has been proven to be applicable in environmental samples, providing rapid risk assessment results.