Quantitative assessment of the embryotoxic potential of NSO-heterocyclic compounds using zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Heterocyclic aromatic compounds (NSO-HET) have frequently been detected in the environment. Several studies have concluded that NSO-HET pose a threat to organisms in waters, sediments and soils. However, few publications are available assessing the ecotoxicology of NSO-HET.

Some heterocyclic aromatic compounds are Ah receptor agonists in the DR-CALUX assay and the EROD assay with RTL-W1 cells.

Purpose: Heterocyclic aromatic compounds containing nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen heteroatoms (NSO-HET) have been detected in air, soil, marine, and freshwater systems. However, only few publications are available investigating NSO-HET using in vitro bioassays. To support better characterization of environmental samples, selected NSO-HET were screened for dioxin-like activity in two bioassays.