Researchers Uncover Arsenic’s Role in Iodination of Bisphenol F

A study led by researchers at Shandong University has revealed critical insights into the effects of arsenic on the iodination process of bisphenol F (BPF) in the vegetable Brassica chinensis L.. Published in the journal Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, this research highlights the potential ecological and health risks posed by arsenic contamination in food sources.

Arsenic, a widely recognized environmental contaminant, has been linked to both ecological harm and health issues in humans. Although previous studies have examined how arsenic accumulates in vegetables, the mechanisms of in-situ iodination when co-contaminated with phenolic pollutants like BPF were not fully understood. The researchers aimed to fill this gap by conducting experiments under hydroponic conditions.

In the study, Brassica chinensis L. was exposed to hydroponic solutions containing sodium hydrogen arsenate heptahydrate (As(V)) at varying concentrations from 0 to 100 μmol/L, alongside a constant concentration of BPF at 3 mg/L and iodide ions at 40 μmol/L. The findings indicated that the presence of As(V) significantly enhanced the iodination of BPF.

Mechanisms of Iodination and Toxicity

The study revealed that As(V) increased the levels of reactive oxygen species, specifically hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Furthermore, the activity of peroxidase (POD) was elevated, as confirmed through transcriptomic analysis. As the concentration of As(V) rose, both the diversity and concentration of iodinated BPF products in the roots increased in a dose-dependent manner, while similar trends were observed in the leaves.

Advanced analytical techniques, including Gaussian calculations and mass spectrometry, were employed to identify specific substitution sites and quantify the number of iodide atoms incorporated into the BPF molecules. This detailed characterization allowed researchers to understand better how arsenic influences the chemical transformation of bisphenol compounds.

The research team also assessed the toxicity of iodinated BPF products. Using the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T·E·S·T) and the Ecological Structure-Activity Relationships (ECOSAR) model, they measured HepG2 cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Results indicated that the toxicity of the iodinated BPF products significantly increased with the addition of As(V), underscoring the combined risks associated with arsenic and bisphenol contamination.

Implications for Public Health

This study serves as a critical reminder of the potential dangers of environmental contaminants in food sources. The enhanced iodination of bisphenol F in the presence of arsenic not only poses risks to plant health but also raises concerns about human exposure through the food chain. Given the widespread presence of both arsenic and bisphenols in agricultural settings, the findings warrant further investigation and public awareness.

For those interested in exploring the details of this significant research, the full paper is accessible through the journal’s website at https://journal.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/10.1007/s11783-025-2003-x.