ALBERT

Description: The study objectives were to estimate lead poisoning prevalence among children living next to an industrial area, to compare it to that in a control population, and to establish clinical and biological follow-up of the poisoned children. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study including 150 children (exposed and unexposed) performed between January 2012 and April 2013. It was meant to determine blood lead levels (BLLs) in children considered to be an exposed population (EP N 90), living in the industrial area Ain Nokb Fez compared with BLLs of children of other areas belonging to the same city supposed to be unexposed [UP ( N  = 60)]. A sociodemographic questionnaire was obtained, and a blood lead analysis was performed. Clinical and biological follow-up has been performed of poisoned children. The sample consisted of 90 EP children with an average age of 6.82 ± 3.32 years and male-to-female sex ratio (SR) of 1.5 and 60 UP children with an average age of 6.45 ± 3.29 years and an SR of 1.2. Among the 150 children recruited, the average of BLLs was 58.21 ± 36 µg/L (18–202.3 μg/L). The average of BLLs in EP children (71 ± 40 µg/L) was statistically greater ( p  〈 0.0001) than that registered in UP children (38 ± 13 µg/L). All poisoned children belonged to the EP group at a prevalence of 21.1 %. The clinical and biological examinations of poisoned children showed a few perturbations such as anemia, hypocalcaemia, and deficiencies in magnesium and iron. No renal disease or objective neurological disorders were observed. In the follow-up of the children with BLL ≥100 µg/L (19 cases). BLL monitoring showed a significant decrease in average of blood concentration ranging from 136.75 ± 32.59 to 104.58 ± 32.73 µg/L ( p  〈 0.0001) and in lead poisoning prevalence ( p  〈 0.001), which decreased to 7.8 % from 21.1. Our study showed a high prevalence of lead poisoning (21.1 %) in EP children. The relocation of the industrial site associated with corrective and preventive measures has contributed to a decrease of exposure and lead poisoning prevalence in the aforementioned population.

Description:    The occurrence of organohalogenated compounds including major persistent chlorinated pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDT and its metabolites, brominated flame retardants (BFRs), represented by polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), together with currently widely discussed perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), mainly perfluorooctane sulfonic acid was monitored in several fish species collected from Czech rivers. Eleven sampling locations in highly industrialized areas were chosen. In addition, wild species of 14 farmed fish (grown in dedicated ponds) were also analysed. With respect to the contamination in different areas, chlorinated chemicals were dominant. PCBs and DDTs ranged from 4.8 to 211 and 2 to 791 μg/kg wet weight, respectively. Concentrations of BFRs and PFCs were significantly lower and ranged from 0.6 to 10.2 and 0.9 to 62 μg/kg wet weight, respectively. The highest levels of target analyte groups were found in fish muscle tissue in localities situated on the lower part of the Elbe River: Levels of DDT, HCB, PBDEs, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were as high as 791, 77.6, 14.4 and 193 μg/kg wet weight, respectively, in Usti nad Labem and in the sample originated from the confluence of Elbe with Bilina River; a sum of PCBs at a level of 211 μg/kg was detected. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9681-z Authors Petra Hrádková, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Chemistry and Analysis, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic Jana Pulkrabová, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Chemistry and Analysis, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic Kamila Kalachová, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Chemistry and Analysis, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic Veronika Hloušková, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Chemistry and Analysis, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic Monika Tomaniová, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Chemistry and Analysis, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic Jan Poustka, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Chemistry and Analysis, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic Jana Hajšlová, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Chemistry and Analysis, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Concentrations of butyltin compounds (BTs) were determined in 47 species of seafood commonly consumed in Korea to investigate intakes of BTs from seafood consumption and the potential health risks to the Korean population. The concentrations of BTs (the sum of dibutyltin and tributyltin) in seafood ranged from less than the limit of detection to 96.3 ng/g wet weight, which are levels similar to those reported for other countries. The intake of BTs from seafood consumption by the general population was estimated to be 17.2 ng/kg body weight/day. Fish accounted for 50% of the total intakes of BT, and the next contributor was cephalopods (26%). The estimated intakes for males and females were 18.6 and 15.7 ng/ kg body weight/day, respectively. Among the age groups investigated, children (〈2 years and 3–6 years) had higher intakes of BTs compared with adults. The estimated intake of BTs for Korean population groups was 5–8% of the tolerable daily intake of 250 ng/ kg body weight/day set by the European Food Safety Authority. Our results suggest that the Korean population is not expected to exceed the threshold value for adverse health effects. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9688-5 Authors Minkyu Choi, Marine Environment Research Division, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), 152-1, Haean-ro, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, 619-705 Republic of Korea Hyo-Bang Moon, Department of Environmental Marine Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, 426-791 Republic of Korea Hee-Gu Choi, Marine Environment Research Division, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), 152-1, Haean-ro, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, 619-705 Republic of Korea Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in soft tissues of male and female burrowing crab Neohelice granulate , as well as their eggs, were measured in two different locations in the Bahía Blanca estuary, a moderately polluted ecosystem, from October 2008 to August 2009. Differences between sexes, sites, and seasonality were assessed. Furthermore, metal levels in eggs were compared with metal levels in female crabs. The results showed no significant differences for Cu and Cd between sexes (Student t test p  〉 0.25 for both sites) and sites (two-way analysis of variance: Cu p  = 0.82 and Cd p  = 0.29). Nevertheless, seasonality was found, with winter having significantly lower concentrations for both metals. The range of Cu concentrations was between 96.92 and 152.18 μg g −1 dry weight (dw), and the range of Cd concentrations was between 6.09 and 10.41 μg g −1  dw. Cr concentrations could not be assessed because most of the values were lower than the detection limit. Although heavy metals in sediments were not measured in this study, a bioaccumulation process may be occurring for Cd because levels found during the entire sampling period were greater than levels in sediment from previous years. For Cu, a regulation process may be occurring considering that this is an essential metal and levels of Cu in N. granulata found in this study were between 1 and 2 orders of magnitude greater than levels in sediments. Finally, Cu and Cd levels in eggs were detectable, but they were lower than levels in female crabs. The importance of these findings is linked to the fact that metal accumulation seems to be occurring before hatch. The presence of heavy metals in soft tissues as well as in eggs of N. granulata is of great importance considering that this is a key species within the Bahía Blanca estuary; therefore, it plays a major role in the transference of pollutants to greater trophic levels. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9692-9 Authors Pía Simonetti, Área de Oceanografía Química, Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía, CCT-CONICET, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Sandra Elizabeth Botté, Área de Oceanografía Química, Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía, CCT-CONICET, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Sandra Marcela Fiori, Área de Oceanografía Biológica, Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía, CCT-CONICET, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Jorge Eduardo Marcovecchio, Área de Oceanografía Química, Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía, CCT-CONICET, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Roundup is the most popular commercial glyphosate formulation applied in the cultivation of genetically modified glyphosate-resistant crops. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological lesions of the neotropical native fish, Jenynsia multidentata , in response to acute and subchronic exposure to Roundup and to determine if subchronic exposure to the herbicide causes changes in male sexual activity of individuals exposed to a sublethal concentration (0.5 mg/l) for 7 and 28 days. The estimated 96-h LC 50 was 19.02 mg/l for both male and female fish. Gill and liver histological lesions were evaluated through histopathological indices allowing quantification of the histological damages in fish exposed to different concentrations of the herbicide. Roundup induced different histological alterations in a concentration-dependent manner. In subchronic-exposure tests, Roundup also altered normal histology of the studied organs and caused a significant decrease in the number of copulations and mating success in male fish exposed to the herbicide. It is expected that in natural environments contaminated with Roundup, both general health condition and reproductive success of J. multidenatata could be seriously affected. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9686-7 Authors Andrea Cecilia Hued, Laboratory of Animal Diversity II, Faculty of Exact, Physical, and Natural Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sársfield 299, CP 5000 Córdoba, Argentina Sabrina Oberhofer, Laboratory of Animal Diversity II, Faculty of Exact, Physical, and Natural Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sársfield 299, CP 5000 Córdoba, Argentina María de los Ángeles Bistoni, Laboratory of Animal Diversity II, Faculty of Exact, Physical, and Natural Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Av. Vélez Sársfield 299, CP 5000 Córdoba, Argentina Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Agricultural land use may influence macroinvertebrate communities by way of pesticide contamination associated with agricultural runoff. However, information about the relation between runoff-related pesticides and communities of benthic macroinvertebrates in stormwater wetland that receive agricultural runoff does not currently exist. Here we show changes in macroinvertebrates communities of a stormwater wetland that collects pesticide-contaminated runoff from a vineyard catchment. Sixteen runoff-associated pesticides, including the insecticide flufenoxuron, were continuously quantified at the inlet of the stormwater wetland from April to September (period of pesticide application). In parallel, benthic macroinvertebrate communities, pesticide concentrations, and physicochemical parameters in the wetland were assessed twice a month. Twenty-eight contaminated runoffs ranging from 1.1 to 114 m 3 entered the wetland during the study period. Flufenoxuron concentrations in runoff-suspended solids ranged from 1.5 to 18.5 μg kg −1 and reached 6 μg kg −1 in the wetland sediments. However, flufenoxuron could not be detected in water. The density, diversity, and abundance of macroinvertebrates largely varied over time. Redundancy and formal concept analyses showed that concentrations of flufenoxuron, vegetation cover, and flow conditions significantly determine the community structures of stormwater wetland macroinvertebrates. This study shows that flow conditions, vegetation cover, and runoff-related pesticides jointly affect communities of benthic macroinvertebrates in stormwater wetlands. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9687-6 Authors Sylvain Martin, Laboratory of Hydrology and Geochemistry of Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg/ENGEES, UMR 7515 CNRS 1, rue Blessig, 67084 Strasbourg, France Aurélie Bertaux, Laboratory of Hydrology and Geochemistry of Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg/ENGEES, UMR 7515 CNRS 1, rue Blessig, 67084 Strasbourg, France Florence Le Ber, Laboratory of Hydrology and Geochemistry of Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg/ENGEES, UMR 7515 CNRS 1, rue Blessig, 67084 Strasbourg, France Elodie Maillard, Laboratory of Hydrology and Geochemistry of Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg/ENGEES, UMR 7515 CNRS 1, rue Blessig, 67084 Strasbourg, France Gwenaël Imfeld, Laboratory of Hydrology and Geochemistry of Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg/ENGEES, UMR 7515 CNRS 1, rue Blessig, 67084 Strasbourg, France Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    In the light of the alarming decline of the European eel ( Anguilla anguilla L.) population, there is an urgent need to define ecological indicators for eel habitat quality. Due to an increasing shortage of glass eels available for local stock enhancement, the decision of whether restocking is a valuable management tool to increase high-quality silver eel escapement to the sea needs to be evaluated. Organic contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are among the major threats to fish in their habitat. Therefore, the aim of the investigation presented here was to examine metabolites of PAHs in eel bile as one possible marker for habitat quality. In total, 170 yellow eels were collected in the rivers Rhine, Ems, Weser, Elbe, Havel, Schlei, Eider, Trave, Warnow, Peene, Uecker, and Oder in 2009. PAH metabolites in eel bile were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Metabolites of pyrene and phenanthrene were investigated. Concentrations of PAH metabolites in eel bile varied significantly between several rivers, with the highest mean concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene and 1-hydroxyphenanthrene in eel bile from the river Trave (2421 and 632 ng/ml). Moreover, huge differences in the ratio of 1-hydroxypyrene to 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, with the highest mean value in eel bile from the river Ems (7.43) and the lowest mean value in eel bile from the river Uecker (0.70), indicate different sources of PAH contamination. A comparative analysis of PAH-metabolite contamination of eels in different river systems is seen as a first step toward a classification of freshwater habitats for restocking purposes. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9693-8 Authors F. Nagel, Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Palmaille 9, 22767 Hamburg, Germany U. Kammann, Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Palmaille 9, 22767 Hamburg, Germany C. Wagner, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde, Seestraße 15, 18119 Rostock, Germany R. Hanel, Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Palmaille 9, 22767 Hamburg, Germany Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    This study evaluated the condition factor, gonadosomatic, and hepatosomatic indexes, occurrence of plasmatic vitellogenin (Vg), and frequency of spermatogenic maturity stages in male Chilean flounders, Paralichthys adspersus , caught at three different coastal sites off the Bio-Bio region, central Chile, during 1 year. The Vg was detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with sodium dodecyl sulfate and Western blot analyses using an antibody against Chilean flounder Vg. The spermatogenic maturity stages were analyzed by histological gonadic diagnostic. The prevalence of plasmatic Vg induction in male fish differed significantly among sites. The flounders sampled from the Itata area were the most affected. Evaluations of biometric data, plasmatic Vg induction, and spermatogenic maturity stages of the flounder showed the following: (1) lower gonadosomatic index, (2) greater hepatosomatic index, (3) greater prevalence of plasmatic Vg, and (4) delayed development of the gonad. The results suggest that estrogenic endocrine-disruption compounds are introduced into the marine environment, negatively affecting the fish studied. The relevance of this report is discussed in relation to estrogenic compounds introduced by industrial and municipal wastewater effluents in the areas studied. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9690-y Authors Maritza O. Leonardi, Programa de Investigacion Marina de Excelencia (PIMEX-Nueva Aldea), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanograficas, Universidad de Concepcion, Casilla 160-C, Barrio Universitario s/n, Concepción, Chile Marcia Puchi, Departamento de Bioquimica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad de Concepcion, Casilla 160-C, Barrio Universitario s/n, Concepcion, Chile Paulina Bustos, Departamento de Bioquimica Clínica e Inmunologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepcion, Casilla 160-C, Barrio Universitario s/n, Concepcion, Chile Ximena Romo, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Andres Bello, Autopista Concepcion Talcahuano, 7100 Talcahuano, Chile Violeta Morín, Departamento de Bioquimica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad de Concepcion, Casilla 160-C, Barrio Universitario s/n, Concepcion, Chile Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    We evaluated associations between total mercury (Hg) concentrations in blood and skin and endocrine, hepatic, renal, and hematological parameters in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ). Dolphins in Indian River Lagoon, FL had higher concentrations of Hg in blood (0.67 μg/l wet wt) and skin (7.24 μg/g dry wt) compared with those from Charleston Harbor, SC (0.15 μg/l wet wt, 1.68 μg/g dry wt). An inverse relationship was observed between blood and skin Hg concentrations and total thyroxine, triiodothyronine, absolute numbers of lymphocytes, eosinophils, and platelets. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), blood urea nitrogen, and gamma-glutamyl transferase increased with increasing concentrations of Hg in blood and skin; lactate dehydrogenase and neutrophils increased with concentrations in skin only. Hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin increased with increasing concentrations of Hg in blood. Selenium was negatively associated with free T4, progesterone, and absolute numbers of monocytes, and positively correlated with absolute numbers of eosinophils and lymphocytes, and mean corpuscular volume. The results suggest the potential for a deleterious effect of Hg in highly exposed dolphins. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9651-5 Authors Adam M. Schaefer, Marine Mammal Research and Conservation, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA Hui-Chen W. Stavros, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, NOS, NOAA, Charleston, SC 29142, USA Gregory D. Bossart, Marine Mammal Research and Conservation, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA Patricia A. Fair, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, NOS, NOAA, Charleston, SC 29142, USA Juli D. Goldstein, Marine Mammal Research and Conservation, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA John S. Reif, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Natural plankton communities from a tropical freshwater reservoir (Combani Reservoir, Mayotte Island, Mozambique Channel) were exposed, in 20-l nutrient-enriched microcosms, to two nominal concentrations of three pesticides: the herbicides diuron (2.2 and 11 μg/l) and paraquat (10 and 40.5 μg/l) and the insecticide fenitrothion (10 and 100 μg/l), commonly used in the tropics for agriculture and disease vector control. Bacterioplankton, phytoplankton, and zooplankton communities were monitored for 5 days after exposure, and the concentrations of toxicant and major nutrients were measured. Bacterioplankton growth was noticeable in all systems and was slightly affected by pesticide at any concentration. A transitory increase in thymidine-based bacterial production was observed in diuron- and fenitrothion-treated microcosms, followed by a marked decrease in all microcosms after 5 days. The functional diversity of bacterioplankton, evaluated using BIOLOG ECO ® microplates, was reduced by exposure to the highest pesticide concentrations. Phytoplankton was affected by pesticides in different ways. Chlorophyll biomass and biovolumes were increased by diuron addition and decreased by paraquat, whereas fenitrothion-treated microcosms remained unaffected relative to controls. Phytoplankton taxonomic diversity was decreased by paraquat and high doses of fenitrothion but was unaffected by addition of diuron. The decrease in diversity was due to a reduction in the number of species, whereas the density of small cells increased, especially after addition of paraquat. Heterotrophic flagellates were sensitive to paraquat and to the highest diuron concentration; a reduction in biomass of up to 90% was observed for 40.5 μg/l paraquat. Zooplankton, dominated by Thermocyclops decipiens and Diaphanosoma excisum , was slightly sensitive to diuron, and very sensitive to paraquat. High concentrations of the insecticide fenitrothion were effective only on young stages. The potential direct and indirect effects of pesticide contamination on such a simplified plankton food web, typical of newly constructed reservoirs, appear to differ significantly depending on the biological compartment considered. The overall sensitivity of tropical plankton is comparable to the sensitivity for temperate systems, and direct and indirect effects appeared rapidly, within 5 days of exposure. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9653-3 Authors C. Leboulanger, IRD UMR 238, ECOSYM UMR5119 CNRS-IRD-Université Montpellier II, Place Eugène Bataillon, case 093, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France M. Bouvy, IRD UMR 238, ECOSYM UMR5119 CNRS-IRD-Université Montpellier II, Place Eugène Bataillon, case 093, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France C. Carré, IRD UMR 238, ECOSYM UMR5119 CNRS-IRD-Université Montpellier II, Place Eugène Bataillon, case 093, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France P. Cecchi, IRD UMR 238, ECOSYM UMR5119 CNRS-IRD-Université Montpellier II, Place Eugène Bataillon, case 093, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France L. Amalric, BRGM MMA/ENV, 3 av. Claude Guillemin, BP 6009, 45060 Orléans Cedex 2, France A. Bouchez, INRA UMR CARRTEL, 75 avenue de Corzent, 74211 Thonon-les-Bains Cedex, France M. Pagano, IRD UR 167 CYROCO, LOPB UMR 6535, case 901, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France G. Sarazin, Laboratoire de Géochimie des Eaux, Université Paris-Diderot, 35 rue Hélène Brion, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Cadmium (Cd), a nonessential trace element, is rapidly accumulated by most living organisms and subsequently exerts its toxicity at different molecular levels. This study exposed gilthead sea bream ( Sparus aurata ) to waterborne 0.1 mg/l Cd for 11 days and investigated the Cd accumulation pattern, lipid oxidation, and response of antioxidant defences. At the end of the experiment, mean Cd concentrations in gills and liver, the organs most prone to metal accumulation, were 209.4 and 371.7 ng/g ww, respectively. Muscle did not show any Cd retention during the 11 days of exposure. In liver, the cytosolic fraction of the metal was chelated into the nontoxic form by metallothionein (MT), a specific Cd-inducible protein. Zn and Cu concentrations were not influenced by Cd exposure. Glutathione (GSH) concentrations and the antioxidant enzyme activities of GSH reductase and GSH peroxidase showed an overall decreasing trend. In addition, lipid and aqueous hydroperoxide levels did not show any significant variation. Oxidative stress indirectly generated by Cd seems to be compensated for by the different biochemical systems tailored to decrease cellular damage. In particular, the negative effects of Cd accumulation in tissues were probably counteracted by the induction of MT. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9676-9 Authors T. Cirillo, Department of Food Science, “Federico II” University of Naples, Naples, Italy R. Amodio Cocchieri, Department of Food Science, “Federico II” University of Naples, Naples, Italy E. Fasano, Department of Food Science, “Federico II” University of Naples, Naples, Italy A. Lucisano, Department of Pathology and Animal Health, “Federico II” University of Naples, Naples, Italy S. Tafuri, Department of Pathology and Animal Health, “Federico II” University of Naples, Naples, Italy M. C. Ferrante, Department of Pathology and Animal Health, “Federico II” University of Naples, Naples, Italy E. Carpenè, Department of Medical Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, 60024 Italy G. Andreani, Department of Medical Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, 60024 Italy G. Isani, Department of Medical Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, 60024 Italy Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Mercury is a globally distributed pollutant that biomagnifies in aquatic food webs. In the United States, 3781 water bodies fail to meet criteria for safe fish consumption due to mercury bioaccumulation. In the risk assessment and management of these impairments (through the total maximum daily load program), an important step is evaluating the relationship between aqueous mercury and mercury in fish tissue. Often, this relationship is simplified to a bioaccumulation factor (BAF): the ratio of fish tissue mercury to aqueous mercury. This article evaluates the relationship between aqueous mercury and fish tissue mercury across a contamination gradient in the South and South Fork Shenandoah rivers of Virginia. The relationship was found to be nonlinear, with BAFs decreasing as the level of contamination increased. This means that protective water column mercury concentration targets established from site-specific BAFs will be overestimated in contaminated areas and will not be sufficiently protective. To avoid this over-prediction in the South and South Fork Shenandoah rivers, an empirical nonlinear Michaelis–Menten model was used to establish a protective water-quality target. Among other models and variables, the Michaelis–Menten model, relating total mercury in the water column to methylmercury in fish tissue, achieved the best empirical fit ( r 2  = 0.9562). The resulting water-quality targets using this model were 3.8 and 3.2 ng/l for the South and South Fork Shenandoah rivers, respectively. These values are 2.1–2.5 times lower than the water-quality target developed using a site-specific BAF. These findings demonstrate the need to consider nonlinear BAF relationships in mercury-contaminated areas. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9664-0 Authors Robert N. Brent, Department of Integrated Science and Technology, James Madison University, 701 Carrier Dr., MSC 4102, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA Donald G. Kain, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 3000, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Four ethyl α-halogenated acetates were tested in (1) sham and (2) nonsham combinations and (3) with a nonreactive nonpolar narcotic. Ethyl iodoacetate (EIAC), ethyl bromoacetate (EBAC), ethyl chloroacetate (ECAC), and ethyl fluoroacetate (EFAC), each considered to be an SN2-H-polar soft electrophile, were selected for testing based on their differences in electro(nucleo)philic reactivity and time-dependent toxicity (TDT). Agent reactivity was assessed using the model nucleophile glutathione, with EIAC and EBAC showing rapid reactivity, ECAC being less reactive, and EFAC lacking reactivity at ≤250 mM. The model nonpolar narcotic, 3-methyl-2-butanone (3M2B), was not reactive. Toxicity of the agents alone and in mixture was assessed using the Microtox acute toxicity test at three exposure durations: 15, 30 and 45 min. Two of the agents alone (EIAC and EBAC) had TDT values 〉100%. In contrast, ECAC (74 to 99%) and EFAC (9 to 12%) had partial TDT, whereas 3M2B completely lacked TDT (〈0%). In mixture testing, sham combinations of each agent showed a combined effect consistent with predicted effects for dose-addition at each time point, as judged by EC 50 dose-addition quotient values. Mixture toxicity results for nonsham ethyl acetate combinations were variable, with some mixtures being inconsistent with the predicted effects for dose-addition and/or independence. The ethyl acetate–3M2B combinations were somewhat more toxic than predicted for dose-addition, a finding differing from that observed previously for α-halogenated acetonitriles with 3M2B. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9663-1 Authors D. A. Dawson, Department of Biology/Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH 44805, USA T. Mooneyham, Department of Biology/Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH 44805, USA J. Jeyaratnam, Department of Biology/Toxicology, Ashland University, Ashland, OH 44805, USA T. W. Schultz, Department of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4543, USA G. Pöch, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The formulation of a specific algaecide can greatly influence the bioavailability, uptake, and consequent control of the targeted alga. In this research, three copper-based algaecide formulations were evaluated in terms of copper sorption to a specific problematic alga and amount of copper required to achieve control. The objectives of this study were (1) to compare the masses of copper required to achieve control of Lyngbya wollei using the algaecide formulations Algimycin-PWF, Clearigate, and copper sulfate pentahydrate in laboratory toxicity experiments; (2) to relate the responses of L. wollei to the masses of copper adsorbed and absorbed (i.e., dose) as well as the concentrations of copper in the exposure water; and (3) to discern the relation between the mass of copper required to achieve control of a certain mass of L. wollei among different algaecide formulations. The critical burden of copper (i.e., threshold algaecide concentration that must be absorbed or adsorbed to achieve control) for L. wollei averaged 3.3 and 1.9 mg Cu/g algae for Algimycin-PWF and Clearigate, respectively, in experiments with a series of aqueous copper concentrations, water volumes, and masses of algae. With reasonable exposures in these experiments, control was not achieved with single applications of copper sulfate despite copper sorption 〉13 mg Cu/g algae in one experiment. Factors governing the critical burden of copper required for control of problematic cyanobacteria include algaecide formulation and concentration, volume of water, and mass of algae. By measuring the critical burden of copper from an algaecide formulation necessary to achieve control of the targeted algae, selection of an effective product and treatment rate can be calculated at a given field site. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9711-x Authors W. M. Bishop, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA J. H. Rodgers, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    In the Willamette River Basin (Oregon, USA), various residential, municipal, industrial, and agricultural activities produce physical, biological, and chemical stressors that may impinge on the basin’s aquatic ecosystems. For 〉30 years, numerous water-quality and biological-condition data have been accumulated by often disparate monitoring programs. This diagnostic analysis explored whether these legacy data could be used to correlate the presence of chemical stressors with biological condition impacts with the understanding that association is not necessarily causation. Other natural or anthropogenic stressors that may also impact biological conditions were not considered in this study. Acute-toxicity indices were calculated separately for trace metals and organic chemicals detected in surface waters between 1994 and 2010 and then compared with land-use metrics and vertebrate- and invertebrate-assemblage indices from surveys conducted basin-wide during this same period. Half of the possible relations between land use, biological condition, and toxicity were statistically significant at p  ≤ 0.10. These results suggest that conditions for aquatic receptors improve either as agricultural or urban land decreases or as forested land increases and that chemical mixtures (primarily involving pesticides) may have impacted components of the basin’s aquatic ecosystems. There may be a need for strengthened chemical-management practices on agricultural and urban lands and for maintaining undisturbed forested land to limit chemical migration into adjacent waters. Although these results indicate some utility for legacy data, they also suggest that a more defensible assessment of chemical stressors requires a program specifically designed for that purpose. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9713-8 Authors Bruce K. Hope, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Portland, OR 97204-1390, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) was exposed to perfluorinated compounds (PFCs)—perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (number of carbon atoms, C = 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, and 18) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)—in bioconcentration tests to compare the bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and physicochemical properties of each specific compound. Despite having the same number of carbon atoms (C = 8), the BCFs of perfulorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and PFOS differed by more than two orders of magnitude (PFOA BCF = 〈 5.1 to 9.4; PFOS BCF = 720 to 1300). The highest BCFs were obtained from perfluorododecanoic acid (BCF = 10,000 to 16,000) and perfluorotetradecanoic acid (BCF = 16,000 to 17,000). The longest observed depuration half-lives were for perfluorohexadecanoic acid (48 to 54 days) and PFOS (45 to 52 days). The concentrations of PFCs were highest in the viscera, followed by the head, integument, and remaining parts of the test fish. PFCs concentrations in the integument, which was in direct contact with the test substances, were relatively greater than that of other lipophilic substance (hexachlorobenzene). It is likely that Clog P would be a better parameter than log K ow for the prediction of BCFs for PFCs. Threshold values for PFCs bioaccumulation potential (molecular weight = 700, maximum diameter = 2 nm) seemed to deviate from those generally reported because of the specific steric bulk effect of molecule size. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9730-7 Authors Yoshiyuki Inoue, Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, CERI Kurume, 3-2-7 Miyanojin, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka, 839-0801 Japan Naoki Hashizume, Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, CERI Kurume, 3-2-7 Miyanojin, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka, 839-0801 Japan Naoaki Yakata, Chemicals Assessment and Research Center, Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, 1600 Shimotakano, Sugito-machi, Kitakatsusika-gun, Saitama, 345-0043 Japan Hidekazu Murakami, Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, CERI Kurume, 3-2-7 Miyanojin, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka, 839-0801 Japan Yasuyuki Suzuki, Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, CERI Kurume, 3-2-7 Miyanojin, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka, 839-0801 Japan Erina Kikushima, Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, CERI Kurume, 3-2-7 Miyanojin, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka, 839-0801 Japan Masanori Otsuka, Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, CERI Kurume, 3-2-7 Miyanojin, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka, 839-0801 Japan Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Accumulation of lipofuscin-like pigments (LLPs) has been shown to be an appropriate index of both age and stress in some aquatic invertebrates. In the present study, LLP was quantified by measuring its autofluorescence intensity (ex 450 nm / em 512 nm) in nutritive phagocytes (NPs) of sea urchins Strongylocentrotus intermedius inhabiting polluted and relatively clean areas of Japan Sea. To avoid variations in LLP content related to sea urchin reproductive condition, only developing gonads with acini occupied mostly by NPs were used for LLP quantification as well as semiquantitative histopathological analysis. LLP concentrations ranged from 0.0 to 4.57 ± 0.53% area fraction in female gonads and from 0.0 to 4.61 ± 0.35% in male gonads. The presence of specimens with extremely high LLP concentrations (〉1.5%) in all examined samples, including specimens from the reference station, as well as the absence of strong correlations between LLP concentrations and several parameters related to pollution (heavy-metal concentrations in sea urchin gonads and concentrations of heavy metals, DDT, hexachlorocyclohexane, and total petroleum hydrocarbons in sediments), allow us to conclude that LLP content in sea urchin NPs can not be used as a biomarker in marine pollution monitoring. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9733-4 Authors Marina A. Vaschenko, A. V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, Far East Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Palchevsky Str. 17, Vladivostok, Russia 690041 Peter M. Zhadan, V. I. Ilˆichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, Far East Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia 690041 Dmitry L. Aminin, Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far East Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia 690022 Tatyana N. Almyashova, V. I. Ilˆichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, Far East Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia 690041 Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    In 2007, it was shown that the shipping of lead (Pb) through Esperance Port in Western Australia resulted in contamination and increased Pb concentrations in children. A clean-up strategy was implemented; however, little attention was given to other metals. In consultation with the community, a cross-sectional exposure study was designed. Thirty-nine children aged 1 to 12 years provided samples of hair, urine, drinking water, residential soil and dust. Concentrations of nickel (Ni) and Pb were low in biological and environmental samples. Hair aluminium (Al) (lower than the detection limit [DL] to 251 μg/g) and copper (Cu) (7 to 415 μg/g), as well as urinary Al (〈DL to 210 μg/L), manganese (Mn) (〈DL to 550 μg/L), and Cu (〈DL to 87 μg/L), were increased for a small number of participants. Concentrations of nickel (Ni) in urine, soil, and dust decreased with increasing distance from the port, as did soil Pb concentrations. The results suggest exposure to Ni and Pb was limited in children at the time of sampling in 2009. Further investigation is required to determine the source(s) and significance of other increased metals concentrations. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9727-2 Authors Anna Carita Callan, Centre for Ecosystem Management, School of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia Matthew Winters, Centre for Ecosystem Management, School of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia Caroline Barton, Centre for Ecosystem Management, School of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia Mary Boyce, Centre for Ecosystem Management, School of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia Andrea Lee Hinwood, Centre for Ecosystem Management, School of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Life-history parameters of Ceriodaphnia cornuta (Cladocera: Daphniidae) fed on Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (Chlorophyceae) exposed to different copper concentrations were investigated. C. cornuta individuals were reared in four treatments: (a) reconstituted water and non-contaminated algae (RW); (b) reconstituted water and copper-contaminated algae with either 1.28 × 10 −13 (10 −7 Cu) or (c) 1.93 × 10 −13  g Cu cell −1 (10 −6 Cu); and (d) natural water from a local reservoir and non-contaminated algae (NW). Copper content in C. cornuta individuals increased as diet-borne exposure increased (RW 〈 10 −7 Cu 〈 NW 〈 10 −6 Cu), except for NW individuals, which exhibited higher copper body burden than RW and 10 −7 Cu individuals, suggesting that some copper was available in the natural water. The results suggest that subacute levels of dietary copper stimulated C. cornuta ’s growth and reproduction, whereas organisms reared on reconstituted water showed nutritional deficiency. Depending on copper exposure concentration, either growth (lower Cu concentration) or reproduction (higher Cu concentration) was further stimulated, suggesting that an alteration of resource allocation is involved in diet-borne copper exposure. Because differences among treatments were only significantly different after day 12 of the experiment, our results reinforce that full life-cycle tests are more appropriate than the standard 7 day or three-brood chronic bioassays used to evaluate dietary copper effects at low, chronic copper inputs and that the use of standard test-organisms may not address site-specific situations for tropical environments. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9725-4 Authors P. K. Gusso-Choueri, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil R. B. Choueri, Departamento de Ecotoxicologia, Universidade Santa Cecília, no. 266, Santos, SP 11045-907, Brazil A. T. Lombardi, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Santos, SP 13565-905, Brazil M. G. G. Melão, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Santos, SP 13565-905, Brazil Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    We investigated links between mining-related contaminants in river sediment and their occurrence in nestling ospreys ( Pandion haliaetus ) in the Clark Fork River Basin, Montana, USA. Blood and feather samples from 111 osprey chicks were collected during 4 years from nests along river sections with greatly different sediment concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg). No significant differences between river sections were found among Zn (3,150 ± 160 μg L −1 ) and Cd (〈5 μg L −1 ) concentrations in blood. Cu, Pb, and As concentrations in blood were significantly increased in chicks from the most contaminated river sections (mean values of 298, 8.9, and 100 μg L −1 , respectively). Cu, Zn, and Pb concentrations increased significantly during a year of above-average river runoff combined with high suspended sediment loads in rivers. Total Hg concentrations in blood and feathers were highly correlated and depended on the geographic locations of the nests. The lowest blood concentrations of Hg were observed in the most upstream river section (mean 151 μg L −1 ) where total sediment concentrations were increased (0.80 mg kg −1 ). River sections with intermediate blood concentrations (mean 206 and 303 μg L −1 ) were associated with low to intermediate sediment concentrations (0.058 and 0.46 mg kg −1 ). The highest concentrations of Hg in ospreys (mean 548 μg L −1 ) were observed downstream from a contaminated tributary (1–4 mg kg −1 in sediment). In river sections with lower Hg concentrations in sediment, there was a negative correlation between blood Hg concentration and chick mass, presumably due to high deposition rates into growing feathers. This relationship was absent in sections of high Hg exposure. Osprey blood and feathers are suitable for monitoring Hg in aquatic ecosystems; however, responses of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn are more subtle. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9732-5 Authors Heiko W. Langner, Geosciences Department, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA Erick Greene, Division of Biological Sciences and The Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA Robert Domenech, Raptor View Research Institute, Missoula, MT, USA Molly F. Staats, Geosciences Department, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Approximately 15,000 tons of wild boar meats ( Sus scrofa ) are consumed per year in Germany. Boar meat therefore plays a definite role in regard to human diet. Because they are omnivores and because of their high body fat quotient, wild boar may accumulate large concentrations of persistent organic compounds, such as halogenated hydrocarbons, and could thus possibly serve as bioindicators for persistent xenobiotics. In addition, consumption of wild boar meat and liver could lead to increased contaminant levels in humans. Between 2007 and 2009, we tested a total of 529 livers and 506 muscle tissue samples from wild boar for the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). PFOA concentrations ≤45 μg/kg and PFOS concentrations ≤1,780 μg/kg were detected in the liver samples. PFOA concentrations ≤7.4 μg/kg and PFOS concentrations ≤28.6 μg/kg were detected in muscle tissue. Our results show that PFOS may be detected in considerably greater concentrations than PFOA in organs and tissues, which is in agreement with results from other published studies. The comparisons between both organs for the same substance, as well as the comparisons between the substances within an organ, showed clear and statistically significant differences at P  〈 0.0001. Assuming a tolerable daily intake value of PFOA (1.5 μg/kg bw/d) and PFOS (0.15 μg/kg bw/d) as recommended by the European Food Safety Authority, the results of model calculations based on the maximum concentrations of PFOA and PFOS found in wild boar indicate that there should be no PFC-related health danger resulting from moderate consumption of wild boar meat or liver. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9726-3 Authors T. Stahl, Hessian State Laboratory, Glarusstr. 6, 65203 Wiesbaden, Germany S. Falk, Hessian State Laboratory, Glarusstr. 6, 65203 Wiesbaden, Germany K. Failing, Unit for Biomathematics and Data Processing, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany J. Berger, Hessian State Laboratory, Glarusstr. 6, 65203 Wiesbaden, Germany S. Georgii, Hessian State Laboratory, Glarusstr. 6, 65203 Wiesbaden, Germany H. Brunn, Hessian State Laboratory, Schuberstr. 60, 35392 Giessen, Germany Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    This study describes the concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic (As) and the basic histopathological changes in the internal organs of gibel carp Carassius auratus gibelio from five sites of the Amur River basin. Gibel carp from Sindinskaya Passage had the highest liver concentrations of zinc (Zn) (31.95 ± 13.443), copper (Cu) (12.52 ± 5.746), manganese (9.22 ± 8.121), and cadmium (0.37 ± 0.660 mg/kg wet weight [ww]) compared with fish captured from the Bol’shoi Ussuriiskii Island area and Kadi Lake; however, concentrations of nickel (0.22 ± 0.156 mg/kg ww) were not significantly different, and concentrations of lead (0.19 ± 0.121 mg/kg ww) were higher than those in fish from Kadi Lake. Mean concentrations of metals and As in muscles were lower than Russia’s recommended limits for food products; however, concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Hg in individual fish were greater than the limit. Kidney disease was detected in 100% of sampled carp. Kidney disease was characterized by the formation of numerous granulomas in kidney tissues between the renal tubules. The degree of granulomatosis varied among sites. Granulomatous kidney disease in gibel carp is widespread in many reservoirs of the lower Amur River basin. The following histopathological changes were detected in liver: vacuolization of hepatocytes, hypertrophy of multiple hepatocytes, binuclearity, presence of numerous irregularly shaped nuclei in hepatocytes, karyopyknosis, diffuse necrosis of hepatocytes (in some cases focal), and edema. Necrotic changes in hepatocytes, which are important indices of the toxic effect of pollutants, were found in the majority of investigated carp from the lower Amur River basin. Some fish had simultaneous pathological alterations in multiple organs. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9719-2 Authors Iraida G. Syasina, A. V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690041 Russia Anna V. Khlopova, Khabarovsk Branch, Pacific Research Fisheries Center, Khabarovsk, 680028 Russia Lyubov M. Chukhlebova, Khabarovsk Branch, Pacific Research Fisheries Center, Khabarovsk, 680028 Russia Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The griffon vulture ( Gyps fulvus ) is one of seven species of Old World Gyps vultures found over a wide range from the Iberian peninsula in the west through the Balkans, Turkey, and the Middle East to India in the east. The population of the griffon vultures in Israel has suffered a dramatic decrease, and in recent years productivity has been severely reduced. In this study, whole-blood samples taken from 25 apparently healthy griffon vultures at various stages of maturity were examined to investigate whether the vultures are being excessively exposed to environmental contaminants that might deleteriously affect their reproduction. Five groups of environmental contaminants, comprising toxic elements, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and perfluorinated compounds, were monitored in dried blood spots. Results of the analyses showed low levels of exposure of griffon vultures to environmental contaminants compared with the sparse data available on griffon vultures and other diurnal raptors in other countries. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9709-4 Authors Alan Shlosberg, Department of Toxicology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, 50250 Bet Dagan, Israel Qian Wu, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, P.O. Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA Wilson K. Rumbeiha, Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48910-8104, USA Andreas Lehner, Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48910-8104, USA Olga Cuneah, Department of Toxicology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, 50250 Bet Dagan, Israel Roni King, Science Division, Israel Nature and Parks Authority, 95463 Jerusalem, Israel Ohad Hatzofe, Science Division, Israel Nature and Parks Authority, 95463 Jerusalem, Israel Kurunthachalam Kannan, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, P.O. Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA Margaret Johnson, Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48910-8104, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Common loons ( Gavia immer ) are piscivorous, high–trophic level feeders that bioaccumulate inorganic contaminants at concentrations that can negatively impact their health and reproduction. Concentrations of inorganic contaminants, especially mercury (Hg), in blood, organs, and muscle have been quantified in common loons on breeding grounds, but these data are limited for migrating loons. We investigated sex- and age-related hepatic concentrations of inorganic contaminants in common loons ( n  = 53) that died from botulism and were salvaged at a Great Lakes staging area (i.e., Long Point, Lake Erie) during November 2005. We also investigated if hepatic concentrations of inorganic contaminants influenced lipid, protein, and mineral in our sample of migrant common loons. Last, we determined if there was correlation between Hg and selenium (Se). Consistent with data from breeding grounds, mean concentrations of Hg in liver were approximately 2.5 times greater in adult ( - x    = 14.64 ± 16.69 μg g −1 ) compared with juvenile birds ( - x    = 3.99 ± 2.27 μg g −1 ). Elements detected in liver at potentially harmful levels were Hg and Se, of which lipid reserves varied negatively with Hg concentrations but positively with Se concentrations. In addition, Hg and Se were correlated ( r  = 0.65) at greater then a demethylation threshold (total Hg ≥ 8.5 μg g −1 dw) but not lower than that. Concentrations of inorganic contaminants did not influence protein and mineral levels in our sample of common loons. Our results suggest that Hg accumulation negatively affects lipid levels in migrant common loons. Results are also consistent with a nontoxic Hg–Se protein complex protecting loons migrating through areas that are relatively Se rich. Although the acquisition of Se during the nonbreeding season may decrease the toxicity of Hg, future research should consider the synergistic Hg–Se effect on reproduction in common loons that migrate through Se-rich locales, such as the Great Lakes. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9724-5 Authors Michael L. Schummer, Long Point Waterfowl, P.O. Box 160, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0, Canada Scott A. Petrie, Long Point Waterfowl, P.O. Box 160, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0, Canada Shannon S. Badzinski, Long Point Waterfowl, P.O. Box 160, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0, Canada Yu-Wei Chen, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada Nelson Belzile, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Human pharmaceuticals are routinely being detected in the environment, and there is growing concern about whether these drugs could elicit effects on aquatic organisms. Regulatory paradigms have shifted accordingly, with a greater emphasis on chronic toxicity data compared with acute data. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development 210 Early Life Stage Test has been proposed as a good measure of the potential for pharmaceuticals to elicit chronic toxicity. To begin building a data set regarding the early life-stage toxicity of pharmaceuticals to fish, fathead minnows (FHM) were exposed to amiodarone, carbamazepine, clozapine, dexamethasone, fenofibrate, ibuprofen, norethindrone, or verapamil. Survival and growth were used to assess chronic toxicity in FHM at 28 days posthatch. Exposure of FHM to carbamazepine, fenofibrate, and ibuprofen resulted in no significant adverse effects at the concentrations tested. FHM survival was not impacted by verapamil exposure; however, growth was significantly decreased at 600 μg/L. Dexamethasone-exposed FHM showed a significant decrease in survival at a concentration of 577 μg/L; however, growth was not impacted at the concentration tested. Norethindrone exposure resulted in a significant decrease in survival and dry weight at 14.8 and 0.74 μg/L, respectively. Exposure to amiodarone and clozapine resulted in a significant decrease in survival and a significant increase in growth at concentrations of 1020 and 30.8 μg/L, respectively. Although the effect levels derived in this study are greater then concentrations observed in the environment, these data suggest that synthetic progestins may require additional research. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9723-6 Authors M. D. Overturf, Department of Biology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA C. L. Overturf, Department of Biology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA D. Baxter, Department of Biology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA D. N. Hala, Department of Biology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA L. Constantine, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton, CT 06773, USA B. Venables, Department of Biology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA D. B. Huggett, Department of Biology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    In this combined field and laboratory study, we assessed whether populations of native walleye in the Upper Mississippi River experienced altered genetic diversity correlated with exposure to estrogenic endocrine-active compounds (EACs). We collected fin-clips for genetic analysis from almost 600 walleye (13 sites) and subsampled 377 of these fish (6 sites) for blood and reproductive organs. Finally, we caged male fathead minnows at 5 sampling sites to confirm the presence of estrogenic EACs. Our findings indicate that male walleye in four river segments produced measurable concentrations of plasma vitellogenin (an egg-yolk protein and, when expressed in male fish, a biomarker of acute estrogenic exposure), a finding consistent with the presence of estrogenic EACs and consistent with published historical data for at least three of these study sites (Grand Rapids, St. Paul, and Lake City on Lake Pepin). Patterns of vitellogenin induction were consistent for native walleye and caged fathead minnows. No widespread occurrence of histopathological changes, such as intersex was found compared with published reports of intersex at the furthest downstream study site. To assess possible effects of estrogenic exposure on the genetic diversity of walleye populations at the study sites, we DNA-fingerprinted individual fish using 10 microsatellite loci. Genetic differences were observed between populations; however, these differences were consistent with geographic distance between populations, with the largest observed difference in genetic diversity found between fish upstream and downstream of St. Anthony Falls (and/or Lock and Dam 1 of the Mississippi River), traditionally a historical barrier to upstream fish movement. Although the persistent occurrence of endocrine disruption in wild fish populations is troubling, we did not detect degradation of reproductive organs in individual walleye or alteration in genetic diversity of walleye populations. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9731-6 Authors Loren M. Miller, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA Stephen E. Bartell, Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, St. Cloud State University, WSB-273, St. Cloud, MN 56301, USA Heiko L. Schoenfuss, Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, St. Cloud State University, WSB-273, St. Cloud, MN 56301, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Multiple factors can influence bioavailability, which can make predictions of toxicity in natural systems difficult. The current study examined the potential use of solid-phase microextraction fibers as a matrix-independent approach to predict the toxicity of permethrin to Daphnia magna across various water sources, including a laboratory reconstituted water, two natural waters, and a modified natural water. Water source strongly affected the toxicity of permethrin as well as the concentration–response relationships. Although permethrin concentrations in the water were predictive of toxicity to D. magna for individual water sources, there was no relationship between permethrin concentrations among water sources and mortality. This indicated that compositional differences among water sources can greatly influence toxicity, suggesting that benchmarks established using reconstituted water may be overly conservative for some natural waters. In addition, although permethrin tissue residues were predictive of mortality for individual waters, the correlation among waters was not as clear. Finally, both 48-h and equilibrium-based SPME fiber concentrations adequately predicted toxicity independent of water properties. This demonstrated that bioavailability-based estimates provided a more accurate prediction of toxicity than water concentrations and that SPME fibers could be used in environmental monitoring as a rapid and accurate means of predicting toxicity in natural waters. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9721-8 Authors Amanda D. Harwood, Department of Zoology, Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA Aubrey R. Bunch, Department of Zoology, Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA Dallas L. Flickinger, Department of Zoology, Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA Jing You, State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640 China Michael J. Lydy, Department of Zoology, Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Methylmercury chloride and seleno- l -methionine were injected separately or in combinations into the fertile eggs of mallards ( Anas platyrhynchos ), chickens ( Gallus gallus ), and double-crested cormorants ( Phalacrocorax auritus ), and the incidence and types of teratogenic effects were recorded. For all three species, selenomethionine alone caused more deformities than did methylmercury alone. When mallard eggs were injected with the lowest dose of selenium (Se) alone (0.1 μg/g), 28 of 44 embryos and hatchlings were deformed, whereas when eggs were injected with the lowest dose of mercury (Hg) alone (0.2 μg/g), only 1 of 56 embryos or hatchlings was deformed. Mallard embryos seemed to be more sensitive to the teratogenic effects of Se than chicken embryos: 0 of 15 chicken embryos or hatchlings from eggs injected with 0.1 μg/g Se exhibited deformities. Sample sizes were small with double-crested cormorant eggs, but they also seemed to be less sensitive to the teratogenic effects of Se than mallard eggs. There were no obvious differences among species regarding Hg-induced deformities. Overall, few interactions were apparent between methylmercury and selenomethionine with respect to the types of deformities observed. However, the deformities spina bifida and craniorachischisis were observed only when Hg and Se were injected in combination. One paradoxical finding was that some doses of methylmercury seemed to counteract the negative effect selenomethionine had on hatching of eggs while at the same time enhancing the negative effect selenomethionine had on creating deformities. When either methylmercury or selenomethionine is injected into avian eggs, deformities start to occur at much lower concentrations than when the Hg or Se is deposited naturally in the egg by the mother. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9717-4 Authors Gary H. Heinz, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, United States Geological Survey, BARC-East, Building 308, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA David J. Hoffman, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, United States Geological Survey, BARC-East, Building 308, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA Jon D. Klimstra, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, United States Geological Survey, BARC-East, Building 308, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA Katherine R. Stebbins, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, United States Geological Survey, BARC-East, Building 308, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    To assess the level of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination and identify their sources, surface sediments were collected from selected locations along Nakdong River, Korea, and analyzed for 209 PCB congeners using high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectroscopy. PCB levels ranged from 0.124 to 79.2 ng/g dry weight (coplanar PCBs 0.295 to 5720 pg/g dry), which were similar to those of three other major rivers (Han, Geum, and Youngsan rivers) in Korea but slightly lower than those in neighboring countries. Regarding homologue composition, tetra-CBs were most abundant in most samples, but some samples with much higher PCBs concentrations had relatively lower proportions of tetra-CBs and higher proportions of penta- to hepta-CBs. To identify the sources of PCBs in sediment samples, principal component analysis/absolute principal component scores (PCA/APCS), positive matrix factorization (PMF), and multiple linear regression (MLR) were used with the congener composition of aroclors (1242, 1248, 1254, and 1260) and the flue gas of waste incinerators (data obtained from a previous article) as source profiles. Results showed that the three models showed similar source apportionments. Most sediment samples with lower PCB concentrations had higher proportions of incineration-derived materials, and some sediment samples with much higher PCB concentrations had higher proportions of aroclor 1260. This occurred because many industrial facilities, such as landfill leachate–treatment facilities, were gathered around sampling points with high PCB concentrations, and high-chlorinated PCBs are more stable in the elution process of landfill leachate than the incineration process. PCB concentrations estimated by APCS, PMF, and MLR were similar to the measured values with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.77 to 0.99. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9722-7 Authors Ronghu Jin, Department of Chemical Engineering, Yanbian University, 977 Gongyuan Road, Yangi, 133002 Jilin, China Seok-Un Park, Quality and Innovation Team, KEPCO Research Institute, 105 Munji-Ro Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 305-760 Republic of Korea Jong-Eun Park, Department of Environmental Engineering, Chonbuk National University, 664-14 Dukjin-dong Duckjin-gu, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 561-756, Republic of Korea Jong-Guk Kim, Center for Chemical Safety Management, Chonbuk National University, 664-14 Dukjin-dong Duckjin-gu, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 561-756, Republic of Korea Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Chlorothalonil, a broad-spectrum nonsystemic foliar fungicide, is one of the most extensively used pesticide active ingredients on Prince Edward Island, Canada, for blight control on potatoes. In ambient air–sampling programs conducted in 1998 and 1999 and from 2002 to 2004, chlorothalonil was measured in 97% of air samples collected. It is known to produce severe eye and skin irritation, is cytogenic and is considered a possible human carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Inhalation studies that quantify chlorothalonil subchronic effects (e.g., genotoxicity) are lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess the possible genotoxic potential of chlorothalonil under field conditions by using the alkaline comet assay to assess DNA damage in CD-1 mice. Mice were selected as a surrogate species for wild small mammals (e.g., meadow voles, deer mice) known to inhabit areas adjacent to potato fields. Mice were placed at three locations downwind of a chlorothalonil application (0, 30, and 100 m) and at one up-wind control location at least 30 m from the field. Downwind mice were exposed to drift throughout the spray period (approximately 30 min) and for an additional hour after spraying. Air samples were collected during the spray trials (before, during, and after spraying) using high-volume polyurethane foam and PM 2.5 air samplers. Pesticide deposits were measured using 20 × 25 cm glass-fibre filters. After exposure, blood was collected from each mouse, and DNA strand breaks in white blood cells measured using comet assay. Results suggest that metrics of DNA damage [tail length (TL), percent DNA in tail] were not significantly related to total air chlorothalonil concentration from the three spray trials ( r 2  = 0.000, P  = 0.907 for TL; r 2  = 0.001, P  = 0.874 for percent DNA). In addition, no significant difference in DNA damage was observed between exposed (at 0 m) and control animals ( P  = 0.357 for TL; P  = 0.958 for percent DNA). Based on these results it can be concluded that wild small mammals living beside fields sprayed with chlorothalonil are at no greater risk of exposure-related DNA damage than conspecifics from unexposed areas. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9699-2 Authors Christine Garron, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Atlantic Region, 16th Floor Queen Square, 45 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6, Canada Loren D. Knopper, Intrinsik Environmental Sciences Inc., Ottawa, ON K2C 2B5, Canada William R. Ernst, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Atlantic Region, 16th Floor Queen Square, 45 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6, Canada Pierre Mineau, National Wildlife Research Centre, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Carleton University Campus, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Avian eggs have become one of the most common means of evaluating mercury contamination in aquatic and marine environments and can serve as reliable indicators of dietary mercury exposure. We investigated patterns of mercury deposition into the major components of penguin eggs (shell, membrane, albumen, and yolk) using the Gentoo penguin ( Pygoscelis papua ) as a model species. Eggs were collected from both wild and captive populations of Gentoo penguins to compare the allocation of mercury into individual egg components of birds feeding at disparate trophic positions as inferred by stable isotope analysis. Mercury concentrations in captive penguins were an order of magnitude higher than in wild birds, presumably because the former were fed only fish at a higher trophic position relative to wild penguins that fed on a diet of 72–93% krill ( Euphausia spp.). Similar to previous studies, we found the majority of total egg mercury sequestered in the albumen (92%) followed by the yolk (6.7%) with the lowest amounts in the shell (0.9%) and membrane (0.4%). Regardless of dietary exposure, mercury concentrations in yolk and membrane, and to a lesser degree shell, increased with increasing albumen mercury (used as a proxy for whole-egg mercury), indicating that any component, in the absence of others, may be suitable for monitoring changes in dietary mercury. Because accessibility of egg tissues in the wild varies, the establishment of consistent relationships among egg components will facilitate comparisons with any other study using eggs to assess dietary exposure to mercury. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9714-7 Authors Rebecka L. Brasso, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC, USA Stephanie Abel, Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE, USA Michael J. Polito, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Effects of endocrine disruptors on reproductive variables of top predators, such as alligators and crocodiles, have long been cited. Due to their long life span, these predators provide us with historic contaminant annals. In this study we tried to test whether lifestyle (free-ranging vs. farm animals) and reproductive age of Morelet’s crocodiles in Campeche, Mexico, affect the bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Subsequently, we tested to see whether their concentration was related to steroid hormones (testosterone and estradiol-17β) levels once normal cyclic hormone variation and reproductive age had been taken into account. From the group of contaminants considered (analyzed as families), only frequency of hexachlorocyclohexanes (∑HCH) and ∑PCB permitted analyses. Whereas there was a greater concentration of ∑HCH bioaccumulated by free-ranging crocodiles, ∑PCB was found in equal quantities in free-ranging and farm animals. No difference was observed in relation to reproductive age for any of the contaminants. However, ∑PCB concentrations were related to testosterone levels among female crocodiles. This androgenic effect of ∑PCB has not been reported previously. Because testosterone promotes aggressive behavior in vertebrates, excessive aggression during the estrous season, or when female crocodiles should be caring for their young, could result in reproductive failure in Morelet’s crocodiles and potential long-term decline of the population. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9716-5 Authors Mauricio Gonzalez-Jauregui, Centro EPOMEX, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campeche, Mexico Carolina Valdespino, Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología, Veracruz, 91500 Mexico Arturo Salame-Méndez, Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, UAM-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico Gustavo Aguirre-León, Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología, Veracruz, 91500 Mexico Jaime Rendón-vonOsten, Centro EPOMEX, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campeche, Mexico Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The reuse of treated effluent from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as alternative water source for sport-field or landscape irrigation, agricultural, and other industrial purposes is growing significantly. Similarly, the application of treated sludge (biosolid) to agricultural soils is now being considered globally as the most economic means of sludge disposal. However, the presence of emerging organic contaminants in these matrices, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are potential endocrine disruptors, portends a high health risk to humans and the environment in general. In this study, effluent and sewage sludge samples collected from a WWTP were analysed for some selected PBDE congeners (BDE congeners 28, 47, 99 100 153 154 183, and 209) as well as BB-153 using a high-capillary gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector. The sum of the eight PBDE congeners ranged from 369 to 4370, 19.2 to 2640, and 90.4 to 15,100 ng/l for raw water, secondary effluent, and final effluent, respectively. A similar result was observed for sewage sludge samples, which ranged between 13.1 and 652 ng/g dry weight (dw). The results obtained for BB-153 were generally lower compared with those found for most PBDE congeners. These ranged from ND to 18.4 ng/l and ND to 9.97 ng/g dw for effluents and sewage sludge, respectively. In both matrices, BDE 47 and 209 congeners were found to contribute significantly to the overall sum of PBDEs. The reuse of the treated effluent, particularly for agricultural purposes, could enhance the possibility of these contaminants entering into the food chain, thus causing undesirable health problems in exposed subjects. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9720-9 Authors Adegbenro P. Daso, Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa Olalekan S. Fatoki, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa James P. Odendaal, Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa Olanrewaju O. Olujimi, Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Swallows from two locations in the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Basin and one reference site located 500 km away were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Of the OC pesticides, only p,p′-DDE was observed at levels of concern (carcass geometric mean range 642 to 8511 ng/g wet weight [ww]). DDE residues in carcass were significantly greater at El Paso than at other locations. PCBs were relatively low compared with locations in the northeastern United States and the Great Lakes. Geometric mean PBDE concentrations ranged from 18 to 258 ng/g ww (280 to 3395 ng/g lipid weight). PBDE congeners 47 and 99 comprised approximately 60% of total PBDEs. Concentrations of DDE measured in swallows from El Paso in 2000 and 2005 are among the highest observed in the last 20 years along the United States–Mexico border. The results from this study indicated that swallows are still being exposed to high concentrations of DDE, which could have adverse effects on reproduction or on predators that feed on swallows. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9718-3 Authors M. A. Mora, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2258, USA J. L. Sericano, Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA C. Baxter, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2258, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    This study aimed to investigate the effects of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) on Sertoli-cell vimentin filaments and germ-cell apoptosis in testes of pubertal rats at different selenium (Se) status. Se deficiency was produced in 3-weeks old Sprague-Dawley rats by feeding them ≤0.05 Se mg/kg diet for 5 weeks, Se supplementation group was on 1 mg Se/kg diet, and DEHP was applied at 1000 mg/kg dose by gavage during the last 10 days of the feeding period. The diet with excess Se did not cause any appreciable alteration in vimentin staining and apoptosis of germ cells, but Se deficiency caused a mild decrease in the intensity of vimentin immunoreactivity and enhanced germ-cell apoptosis significantly (approximately 3-fold, p 〈0.0033). DEHP exposure caused disruption and collapse of vimentin filaments and significantly induced apoptotic death of germ cells (approximately 8-fold, p 〈0.0033). In DEHP-exposed Se-deficient animals, compared with the control, collapse of vimentin filaments was more prominent; there was serious damage to the seminiferous epithelium; and a high increment (approximately 25-fold, p 〈0.0033) in apoptotic germ cells was observed. Thus, Se deficiency exacerbated the toxicity of DEHP on Sertoli cells and spermatogenesis, whereas Se supplementation provided protection. These results put forward the critical role of Se in the modulation of redox status of testicular cells and emphasize the importance of Se status for reproductive health. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9712-9 Authors Pinar Erkekoglu, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey N. Dilara Zeybek, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey Belma Giray, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey Esin Asan, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey Filiz Hincal, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Fungicides are regularly applied in horticultural production systems and may migrate off-site, potentially posing an ecological risk to surface waterways. However, few studies have investigated the fate of fungicides in horticultural catchments. This study investigated the presence of 24 fungicides at 18 sites during a 5-month period within a horticultural catchment in southeastern Australia. Seventeen of the 24 fungicides were detected in the waterways, with fungicides detected in 63% of spot water samples, 44% of surface sediment samples, and 44% of the passive sampler systems deployed. One third of the water samples contained residues of two or more fungicides. Myclobutanil, trifloxystrobin, pyrimethanil, difenoconazole, and metalaxyl were the fungicides most frequently detected, being present in 16–38% of the spot water samples. Iprodione, myclobutanil, pyrimethanil, cyproconazole, trifloxystrobin, and fenarimol were found at the highest concentrations in the water samples (〉0.2 μg/l). Relatively high concentrations of myclobutanil and pyrimethanil (≥120 μg/kg dry weight) were detected in the sediment samples. Generally the concentrations of the fungicides detected were several orders of magnitude lower than reported ecotoxicological effect values, suggesting that concentrations of individual fungicides in the catchment were unlikely to pose an ecological risk. However, there is little information on the effects of fungicides, especially fungi and microbes, on aquatic ecosystems. There is also little known about the combined effects of simultaneous low-level exposure of multiple fungicides to aquatic organisms. Further research is required to adequately assess the risk of fungicides in aquatic environments. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9710-y Authors Adam M. Wightwick, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia Anh Duyen Bui, Department of Primary Industries, Future Farming Systems Research, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia Pei Zhang, Department of Primary Industries, Future Farming Systems Research, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia Gavin Rose, Department of Primary Industries, Future Farming Systems Research, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia Mayumi Allinson, Department of Primary Industries, Future Farming Systems Research, Queenscliff, VIC 3225, Australia Jackie H. Myers, Bio21 Institute, Victorian Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia Suzanne M. Reichman, School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia Neal W. Menzies, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia Vincent Pettigrove, Bio21 Institute, Victorian Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia Graeme Allinson, Department of Primary Industries, Future Farming Systems Research, Queenscliff, VIC 3225, Australia Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    From September to November 2000, United States Fish and Wildlife Service biologists investigated incidents involving 221 bird deaths at 3 mine sites located in New Mexico and Arizona. These bird deaths primarily involved passerine and waterfowl species and were assumed to be linked to consumption of acid metalliferous water (AMW). Because all of the carcasses were found in or near pregnant leach solution ponds, tailings ponds, and associated lakes or storm water retention basins, an acute-toxicity study was undertaken using a synthetic AMW (SAMW) formulation based on the contaminant profile of a representative pond believed to be responsible for avian mortalities. An acute oral-toxicity trial was performed with a mixed-sex group of mallards ( Anas platyrhynchos ). After a 24-h pretreatment food and water fast, gorge drinking was evident in both SAMW treatment and control groups, with water consumption rates greatest during the initial drinking periods. Seven of nine treated mallards were killed in extremis within 12 h after the initiation of dose. Total lethal doses of SAMW ranged from 69.8 to 270.1 mL/kg (mean ± SE 127.9 ± 27.1). Lethal doses of SAMW were consumed in as few as 20 to 40 min after first exposure. Clinical signs of SAMW toxicity included increased serum uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, potassium, and P levels. PCV values of SAMW-treated birds were also increased compared with control mallards. Histopathological lesions were observed in the esophagus, proventriculus, ventriculus, and duodenum of SAMW-treated mallards, with the most distinctive being erosion and ulceration of the kaolin of the ventriculus, ventricular hemorrhage and/or congestion, and duodenal hemorrhage. Clinical, pathological, and tissue-residue results from this study are consistent with literature documenting acute metal toxicosis, especially copper (Cu), in avian species and provide useful diagnostic profiles for AMW toxicity or mortality events. Blood and kidney Cu concentrations were 23- and 6-fold greater, respectively, in SAMW mortalities compared with controls, whereas Cu concentrations in liver were not nearly as increased, suggesting that blood and kidney concentrations may be more useful than liver concentrations for diagnosing Cu toxicosis in wild birds. Based on these findings and other reports of AMW toxicity events in wild birds, we conclude that AMW bodies pose a significant hazard to wildlife that come in contact with them. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9657-z Authors John P. Isanhart, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Salt Lake City, UT 84119, USA Hongmei Wu, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325035 People’s Republic of China Karamjeet Pandher, Pfizer, Inc, Groton, CT 06340, USA Russell K. MacRae, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Spokane Valley, WA 99206, USA Stephen B. Cox, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA Michael J. Hooper, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, MO 65201, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Mercury (Hg), widely used in industry, is a great environmental health problem for humans and animals. Despite several reports regarding Hg toxicity, there is scarcity of data on its toxic manifestations on Sprague Dawley rats under realistic exposure conditions. Experimental studies have shown that sulphur-containing antioxidants have beneficial effects against the detrimental properties of Hg. The present work was aimed to study the therapeutic potential of combined administration of N -acetyl cysteine (NAC; 2 mmol/kg ip ), zinc (Zn; 2 mmol/kg po ), and selenium (Se; 0.5 mg/kg po ) against dimethylmercury (DMM; 1 mg/kg po )-intoxicated male rats for 12 weeks. Exposure to DMM caused significant alterations in cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity, microsomal lipid peroxidation, and proteins. Activities of transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase), alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase in serum, as well as activities of CYP enzymes aniline hydroxylase (AH), amidopyrine-N-demethylase (AND) in liver microsomes and activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, glucose-6-phophatase, and succinic dehydrogenase in the liver and kidney, were significantly altered after DMM administration. DMM exposure also induced severe hepato-renal alterations at the histopathological level. NAC, along with Zn and Se, dramatically reversed the alterations in all of the variables more toward control. The study results conclude that protective intervention of combined treatment of NAC, along with Zn and Se, is beneficial in attenuating DMM-induced systemic toxicity. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9656-0 Authors Deepmala Joshi, Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, UNESCO Satellite Center of Trace Element Research and School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh India Deepak Mittal, Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, UNESCO Satellite Center of Trace Element Research and School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh India Sadhana Shrivastav, Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, UNESCO Satellite Center of Trace Element Research and School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh India Sangeeta Shukla, Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, UNESCO Satellite Center of Trace Element Research and School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh India Ajai Kumar Srivastav, Department of Zoology, D. D. U. Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, India Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Heavy metals were measured in hair from occupationally and nonoccupationally exposed populations in an e-waste recycling area and from residents from a control rural town. The levels of five heavy metals were in the following order of Zn 〉 Pb, Cu 〉 Cd 〉 Ni, with the highest levels found in the occupationally exposed workers. The levels of Cd, Pb, and Cu were significantly higher in residents from the e-waste recycling area than in the control area. Elevated Cd, Pb, and Cu contents along with significant positive correlations between them in hair from the e-waste recycling area indicated that these metals were likely to have originated from the e-waste recycling activities. The similarity in heavy metal pattern between children and occupationally exposed workers indicated that children are particularly vulnerable to heavy metal pollution caused by e-waste recycling activities. The increased Cu exposure might be a benefit for the insufficient intake of Cu in the studied area. However, the elevated hair Cd and Pb levels implied that the residents in the e-waste area might be at high risk of toxic metal, especially for children and occupationally exposed workers. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9650-6 Authors Jing Zheng, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China Xiao-Jun Luo, State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640 China Jian-Gang Yuan, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China Luo-Yiyi He, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China Yi-Hui Zhou, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China Yong Luo, Guangdong Forestry Survey and Planning Institute, Guangzhou, 510520 China She-Jun Chen, State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640 China Bi-Xian Mai, State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640 China Zhong-Yi Yang, State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Lead (Pb) is a worldwide environmental contaminant known to adversely affect multiple organ systems in both mammalian and avian species. In birds, a common route of exposure is via oral ingestion of lead particles. Data are currently lacking for the retention and clearance of Pb bullet fragments in gastrointestinal (GI) tract of birds while linking toxicity with blood Pb levels. In the present study, northern bobwhite quail fed a seed-based diet were orally gavaged with Pb bullet fragments (zero, one or five fragments/bird) and evaluated for rate of fragment clearance, and changes in peripheral blood, renal, immune, and gastrointestinal parameters. Based on radiographs, the majority of the birds cleared or absorbed the fragments by seven days, with the exception of one five-fragment bird which took between 7 and 14 days. Blood Pb levels were higher in males than females, which may be related to egg production in females. In males but not females, feed consumption, body weight gain, packed cell volume (PCV), plasma protein concentration, and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity were all adversely affected by five Pb fragments. Birds of both sexes that received a single Pb fragment displayed depressed δ-ALAD, suggesting altered hematologic function, while all birds dosed with five bullet fragments exhibited greater morbidity. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9654-2 Authors Richard Kerr, Department of Anatomy and Radiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA USA Jeremy Holladay, Department of Anatomy and Radiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA USA Steven Holladay, Department of Anatomy and Radiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA USA Lawrence Tannenbaum, US Army Institute of Public Health, Aberdeen, MD USA Barbara Selcer, Department of Anatomy and Radiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA USA Blair Meldrum, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA USA Susan Williams, Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA USA Timothy Jarrett, Department of Anatomy and Radiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA USA Robert Gogal, Department of Anatomy and Radiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The present investigation has been conducted to study of the effect of acute exposure of sublethal doses of arsenic tri-oxide (As 2 O 3 ) on blood glucose level in an Indian teleost, Clarias batrachus , during their post-breeding season (October to January). The effect was correlated with the sex and doses used with time. Acute exposure of As 2 O 3 of 5, 10 and 15 mg/l for six consecutive days (i.e., 144 h) has been conducted on both sexes of C . batrachus. During the present investigation, it was noticed that the females were more reactive to arsenic in producing hyperglycemia compared to their male counterparts. The difference between males and females to produce hyperglycemia on exposure to arsenic appears to be dose dependent, as lower doses of 5 and 10 mg/l exhibit less difference between the two sexes compared to the highest dose order of 15 mg/l. After 96 h of treatment, a normoglycemic condition was observed in both sexes. However, no significant differences in average normal blood glucose levels were noticed in male and female C. batrachus during the post-breeding season. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9649-z Authors Bibha Kumari, Department of Zoology, A. N. College, Patna, India Jawaid Ahsan, Department of Zoology, A. N. College, Patna, India Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Chlorpyrifos [ O , O -diethyl- O -(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl)phosphorothioate] is a widely used non-systemic organophosphorus insecticide frequently detected in surface waters around the world. The goal of this study is to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of this insecticide on Rana dalmatina tadpoles. To assess the sensitivity of this species, the LC50 value (i.e. the concentration at which 50% of tadpoles die) was determined after 96 h. Our results showed that 5.174 mg L −1 chlorpyrifos caused 50% mortality in tadpoles at Gosner stage 25. Chronic toxicity tests were also conducted to evaluate the sublethal effects of chlorpyrifos; tadpoles were exposed to three ecologically relevant concentrations (0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 mg L −1 ) in static renewal tests from Gosner stage 25 (tadpoles shortly after hatching) until completed metamorphosis (Gosner stage 46). No significant reduction was observed in survival, larval growth (mass), snout–vent length, stage development or number metamorphosed. In contrast, chlorpyrifos exhibited significant chronic toxic effects on larval development, manifested as the appearance of abnormalities, including tail flexure, skeletal and muscle defects in later stages of development in tadpoles exposed to all tested concentrations. We also evaluated the chronic effects of chlorpyrifos on gill morphology and ultrastructure. Tadpoles were sacrificed after 8 days and 30 days of exposure. Observations by both scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed considerable morphological and ultrastructural changes. The main gill effects recorded were mucous secretion, epithelium detachment and a degeneration phenomenon. Comparing these results with our previous findings, we demonstrate that the first effect of chlorpyrifos on R. dalmatina is gill alteration, thus supporting the role of a morphological approach in toxicological studies. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9655-1 Authors Ilaria Bernabò, Department of Ecology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende (Cosenza), Italy Emilio Sperone, Department of Ecology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende (Cosenza), Italy Sandro Tripepi, Department of Ecology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende (Cosenza), Italy Elvira Brunelli, Department of Ecology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Rende (Cosenza), Italy Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Freshwater crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus have a high commercial value and are cultured in farms where they are potentially exposed to pesticides. Therefore, we examined the sublethal effects of a 50-day exposure to glyphosate acid and polyoxyethylenamine (POEA), both alone and in a 3:1 mixture, on the growth and energetic reserves in muscle, hepatopancreas and hemolymph of growing juvenile crayfish. Exposure to two different glyphosate and POEA mixtures caused lower somatic growth and decreased muscle protein levels. These effects, caused by both compounds interacting in the mixture, could also be synergistic because they were expressed even at the lowest concentration. The decrease in protein levels could be related to the greater use of other energy reserves. This hypothesis is supported by the decrease in muscle glycogen stores due to glyphosate exposure and the decrease in lipid reserves associated with exposure to POEA. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9661-3 Authors Jimena L. Frontera, Department of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, FCEyN–University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina Itzick Vatnick, Department of Biology, Widener University, Chester, PA 19809, USA Anouk Chaulet, Department of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, FCEyN–University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina Enrique M. Rodríguez, Department of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, FCEyN–University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The effects of cadmium (Cd; 0.1–1000 μM) and fusicoccin (FC) on growth, Cd 2+ content, and membrane potential ( E m ) in maize coleoptile segments were studied. In addition, the E m changes and accumulation of Cd and calcium (Ca) in coleoptile segments treated with Cd 2+ combined with 1 μM FC or 30 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA) chloride (K + -channel blocker) were also determined. In this study, the effects of Ca 2+ -channel blockers [lanthanum (La) and verapamil (Ver)] on growth and content of Cd 2+ and Ca 2+ in coleoptile segments were also investigated. It was found that Cd at high concentrations (100 and 1000 μM) significantly inhibited endogenous growth of coleoptile segments and simultaneously measured proton extrusion. FC combined with Cd 2+ counteracted the toxic effect of Cd 2+ on endogenous growth and significantly decreased Cd 2+ content (not the case for Cd 2+ at the highest concentration) in coleoptile segments. Addition of Cd to the control medium caused depolarization of E m , the extent of which was dependent on Cd concentration and time of treatment with Cd 2+ . Hyperpolarization of E m induced by FC was suppressed in the presence of Cd 2+ at 1000 μM but not Cd 2+ at 100 μM. It was also found that treatment of maize coleoptile segments with 30 mM TEA chloride caused hyperpolarization of E m and decreased Cd 2+ content in coleoptile segments, suggesting that, in the same way as for FC, accumulation of Cd 2+ was dependent on plasma membrane (PM) hyperpolarization. Similar to FC, TEA chloride also decreased Ca 2+ content in coleoptile segments. La and Ver combined with Cd 2+ (100 μM) significantly decreased Cd content in maize coleoptile segments, but only La completely abolished the toxic effect of Cd 2+ on endogenous growth and growth in the presence of FC. Taken together, these results suggest that the mechanism by which FC counteracts the toxic effect of Cd 2+ (except at 1000 μM Cd 2+ ) on the growth of maize coleoptile segments involves both stimulation of PM H + -ATPase activity by FC as well as Cd 2+ -permeable, voltage-dependent Ca channels, which are blocked by FC and TEA chloride-induced PM hyperpolarization. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9662-2 Authors Renata Kurtyka, Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Katowice, 40-032 Poland Andrzej Kita, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Katowice, 40-006 Poland Waldemar Karcz, Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia, Katowice, 40-032 Poland Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Contaminant inputs to the lower Great Lakes (LGL) have decreased since the 1960s and 1970s, but elemental contaminants continue to enter the LGL watershed at levels that are potentially deleterious to migratory waterfowl. Mute swans ( Cygnus olor ) using the LGL primarily eat plants, are essentially nonmigratory, forage exclusively in aquatic systems, and have increased substantially in number in the last few decades. Therefore, mute swans are an ideal sentinel species for monitoring elemental contaminants available to herbivorous and omnivorous waterfowl that use the LGL. We investigated hepatic concentrations, seasonal dynamics, and correlations of elements in mute swans ( n  = 50) collected at Long Point, Lake Erie, and Lake St. Clair from 2001 to 2004. Elements detected in liver at levels potentially harmful to waterfowl were copper (Cu) [range 60.3 to 6063.0 μg g −1 dry weight (dw)] and selenium (SE; range 1.6 to 37.3 μg g −1 dw). Decreases in aluminum, Se, and mercury (Hg) concentrations were detected from spring (nesting) through winter (nonbreeding). Elemental contaminants may be more available to waterfowl during spring than fall and winter, but study of seasonal availability of elements within LGL aquatic systems is necessary. From April to June, 68% of mute swans had Se levels 〉10 μg g −1 , whereas only 18% of swans contained these elevated levels of Se from July to March. An increase in the number of mute swans at the LGL despite elevated levels of Cu and Se suggests that these burdens do not substantially limit their reproduction or survival. Se was correlated with Cu ( r  = 0.85, p  〈 0.01) and Hg ( r  = 0.65, p  〈 0.01), which might indicate interaction between these elements. Some element interactions decrease the toxicity of both elements involved in the interaction. We recommend continued research of elemental contaminant concentrations, including detailed analyses of biological pathways and element forms (e.g., methylmercury) in LGL waterfowl to help determine the role of element interactions on their toxicity in waterfowl. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9659-x Authors Michael L. Schummer, Long Point Waterfowl, Bird Studies Canada, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0, Canada Scott A. Petrie, Long Point Waterfowl, Bird Studies Canada, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0, Canada Shannon S. Badzinski, Long Point Waterfowl, Bird Studies Canada, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0, Canada Misty Deming, Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada Yu-Wei Chen, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada Nelson Belzile, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Perfluorinated surfactants (PFSs) in Asian freshwater fish species were analyzed to investigate tissue distribution, temporal trends, extent of pollution, and level of PFS exposure through food intake. Freshwater fish species, namely carp, snakehead, and catfish, were collected in Japan, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, and Thailand, and 10 PFSs, including perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate, were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. PFSs in carp in Tokyo were more concentrated in kidneys (Σ10 PFSs = 257 ± 95 ng/g wet weight [ww]) and livers (119 ± 36 ng/g ww) than in ovaries (43 ± 2 ng/g ww) and muscles (24 ± 17 ng/g ww). Concentrations of PFOS and its precursor, perfluorooctane sulfonamide, in livers of carp and in waters in Tokyo showed a dramatic decrease during the last decade, probably because of 3 M’s phasing-out of the manufacture of perfluorooctanesulfonyl-fluoride-based products in 2000. In contrast, continuing contamination by long-chain perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs) with ≥ 9 fluorinated carbons was seen in multiple media, suggesting that these compounds continue to be emitted. PFS concentrations in freshwater fish species in tropical Asian countries were generally lower than those in developed countries, such as Japan, e.g., for PFOS in muscle, Vietnam 〈 0.05–0.3 ng/g ww; India 〈 0.05–0.2 ng/g ww; Malaysia 〈 0.05–0.2 ng/g ww; Thailand 〈 0.05 ng/g ww; and Japan (Tokyo) = 5.1–22 ng/g ww. Daily intake of short-chain PFCAs with ≤ 8 fluorinated carbons from freshwater fish species in Japan was approximately one order of magnitude lower than that from drinking water, whereas daily intake of PFOS and long-chain PFCAs with ≥ 9 fluorinated carbons from freshwater fish species was comparable with or greater than that from drinking water. Because the risk posed by exposure to these compounds through intake of fish species is a matter of concern, we recommend the continued monitoring of PFS levels in Asian developing countries. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9660-4 Authors Michio Murakami, “Wisdom of Water” (Suntory), Corporate Sponsored Research Program, Organization for Interdisciplinary Research Projects, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8656 Japan Nozomi Adachi, Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Institute of Symbiotic Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, 183-8509 Japan Mahua Saha, Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Institute of Symbiotic Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, 183-8509 Japan Chiaki Morita, Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Institute of Symbiotic Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, 183-8509 Japan Hideshige Takada, Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Institute of Symbiotic Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, 183-8509 Japan Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    A remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS) of the Calcasieu Estuary cooperative site was initiated in 1998. This site, which is located in the southwestern portion of Louisiana in the vicinity of Lake Charles, includes the portion of the estuary from the saltwater barrier on the Calcasieu River to Moss Lake. As part of the RI/FS, a baseline ecological risk assessment (BERA) was conducted to assess the risks to aquatic organisms and aquatic-dependent wildlife exposed to environmental contaminants. The purpose of the BERA was to determine if adverse effects on ecological receptors are occurring in the estuary; to evaluate the nature, severity, and areal extent of any such effects; and to identify the substances that are causing or substantially contributing to effects on ecological receptors. This article describes the environmental setting and site history, identifies the chemicals of potential concern, presents the exposure scenarios and conceptual model for the site, and summarizes the assessment and measurement endpoints that were used in the investigation. Two additional articles in this series describe the results of an evaluation of effects-based sediment-quality guidelines as well as an assessment of risks to benthic invertebrates associated with exposure to contaminated sediment. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00244-010-9636-9 Authors Donald D. MacDonald, MacDonald Environmental Sciences Ltd., Nanaimo, BC V9T 1W6, USA Dwayne R. J. Moore, Intrinsik Environmental Sciences, Inc., New Gloucester, ME 04260, USA Christopher G. Ingersoll, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, Columbia, MO 65201, USA Dawn E. Smorong, MacDonald Environmental Sciences Ltd., Nanaimo, BC V9T 1W6, USA R. Scott Carr, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA Ron Gouguet, Windward Environmental LLC, Seattle, WA 98119-3958, USA David Charters, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Edison, NJ 08837-3679, USA Duane Wilson, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Baton Rouge, LA 70884-2178, USA Tom Harris, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Baton Rouge, LA 70884-2178, USA Jon Rauscher, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Dallas, TX 75202-733, USA Susan Roddy, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Dallas, TX 75202-733, USA John Meyer, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Dallas, TX 75202-733, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The sediments in the Calcasieu Estuary are contaminated with a wide variety of chemicals of potential concern (COPCs), including heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, phthalates, chlorinated benzenes, and polychlorinated dibenzo- p- dioxins and dibenzofurans. The sources of these COPCs include both point and non–point source discharges. As part of a baseline ecological risk assessment, the risks to benthic invertebrates posed by exposure to sediment-associated COPCs were assessed using five lines of evidence, including whole-sediment chemistry, pore-water chemistry, whole-sediment toxicity, pore-water toxicity, and benthic invertebrate community structure. The results of this assessment indicated that exposure to whole sediments and/or pore water from the Calcasieu Estuary generally posed low risks to benthic invertebrate communities (i.e., risks were classified as low for 68% of the sampling locations investigated). However, incremental risks to benthic invertebrates (i.e., compared with those associated with exposure to conditions in reference areas) were indicated for 32% of the sampling locations within the estuary. Of the three areas of concern (AOCs) investigated, the risks to benthic invertebrates were highest in the Bayou d’Inde AOC; risks were generally lower in the Upper Calcasieu River AOC and Middle Calcasieu River AOC. The areas showing the highest risks to sediment-dwelling organisms were generally located in the vicinity of point source discharges of COPCs. These results provided risk managers with the information required to make decisions regarding the need for remedial actions at the site. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-30 DOI 10.1007/s00244-010-9638-7 Authors Donald D. MacDonald, MacDonald Environmental Sciences Ltd., #24-4800 Island Highway North, Nanaimo, BC V9T 1W6, Canada Christopher G. Ingersoll, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201, USA Nile E. Kemble, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201, USA Dawn E. Smorong, MacDonald Environmental Sciences Ltd., #24-4800 Island Highway North, Nanaimo, BC V9T 1W6, Canada Jesse A. Sinclair, MacDonald Environmental Sciences Ltd., #24-4800 Island Highway North, Nanaimo, BC V9T 1W6, Canada Rebekka Lindskoog, Summit Environmental Consultants Ltd., #200-2800 29th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 9P9, Canada Gary Gaston, 208 Woodland Hills Drive, Oxford, MS 38655, USA Denise Sanger, South Carolina Marine Resources Research Institute, 217 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29422, USA R. Scott Carr, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA James Biedenbach, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA Ron Gouguet, Windward Environmental LLC, 200 West Mercer Street, Suite 401, Seattle, WA 98119-3958, USA John Kern, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2439, USA Ann Shortelle, Harding ESE, Inc., P.O. Box 1703, Gainesville, FL 32602-1703, USA L. Jay Field, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, USA John Meyer, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 1200-1455 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75202-733, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The sediment quality of Cádiz Bay, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (LPGC) Port, Santander Bay, Algeciras Bay, and Huelva Estuary (Spain) was evaluated by analysing a battery of biochemical biomarkers―activities of biotranformation enzymes ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase [EROD], dibenzylflourescein dealkylase [DBF], and glutathione S-transferase [GST]; activity of antioxidant enzyme glutathione reductase [GR]; and lipid peroxidation [LPO]―in the polychaete Arenicola marina after laboratory sediment exposure. Huelva Estuary polychaetes showed significantly ( p  〈 0.05) enhanced LPO, GST, and EROD activities compared with control lugworms related to metals and presumably polychlorinated biphenyls. EROD activity significant ( p  〈 0.05) induction was associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons after Santander Bay sediment exposure. Nickel appeared to significantly ( p  〈 0.05) induce GR activity and LPO in LPGC Port sediment–exposed organisms. DBF activity significantly ( p  〈 0.05) increased in polychaetes exposed to sediments from sewage-contaminated areas. A. marina was sensitive at the biochemical level. Integration of sediment characterization and biomarker results allowed the identification of polluted sites as well as the cause of possible sediment toxicity. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9658-y Authors Julia Ramos-Gómez, UNITWIN/UNESCO/WiCoP, Physical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz Spain Javier R. Viguri, Chemical Engineering and Inorganic Chemistry Department, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain Ángel Luque, Biology Department, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran, Canaria Spain Carlos Vale, INRB/IPIMAR, National Institute of Biological Resources, 1449-006 Lisboa, Portugal M. Laura Martín-Díaz, UNITWIN/UNESCO/WiCoP, Physical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz Spain T. Ángel DelValls, UNITWIN/UNESCO/WiCoP, Physical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz Spain Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    To evaluate the physiological response of Tillandsia capillaris Ruiz & Pav. f . capillaris, T. recurvata L., and T. tricholepis Baker to different air pollution sources, epiphyte samples were collected from a noncontaminated area in the province of Córdoba (Argentina) and transplanted to a control site as well as three areas categorized according to the presence of agricultural, urban, and industrial (metallurgical and metal-mechanical) emission sources. A foliar damage index (FDI) was calculated with the physiological parameters chlorophyll a , chlorophyll b , malondialdehyde (MDA), hydroperoxyconjugated dienes, sulfur (S) content, and dry weight-to-fresh weight ratio. In addition, electrical conductivity (E-cond), relative water content (RWC), dehydration kinetics (Kin-H 2 O), total phenols (T-phen), soluble proteins (S-prot), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase were determined. The parameters E-cond, FDI, SOD, RWC, and Kin-H 2 O can serve as suitable indicators of agricultural air pollution for T. tricholepis and T. capillaris , and CAT, Kin-H 2 O, and SOD can do the same for T. recurvata . In addition, MDA, T-phen, and S-prot proved to be appropriate indicators of urban pollution for T. recurvata . Moreover, FDI, E-cond, and SOD for T. recurvata and MDA for T. tricholepis , respectively, could be used to detect deleterious effects of industrial air pollution. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00244-010-9642-y Authors Gonzalo M. A. Bermudez, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Cátedra de Química General, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria (X5016 GCA), Avda. Vélez Sársfield 1611, Córdoba, Argentina María Luisa Pignata, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Cátedra de Química General, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria (X5016 GCA), Avda. Vélez Sársfield 1611, Córdoba, Argentina Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The relatively short life cycles of harpacticoid copepods makes them appropriate animals for use in tests that rapidly assess the acute, sublethal, or chronic effects of sediment contaminants. In this study, four harpacticoid copepod species ( Nitocra spinipes , Tisbe tenuimana, Robertgurneya hopkinsi , and Halectinosoma sp.) were isolated from clean marine sediments, and procedures for laboratory culturing were developed. Halectinosoma sp. was abandoned due to handling difficulties. For the remaining species, the influence of food type and quantity on life-cycle progression was assessed. A mixed diet, comprising two species of algae ( Tetraselmis sp. and Isochrysis sp.) and fish food (Sera Micron) was found to maintain healthy cultures and was fed during laboratory tests. Water-only exposure to dissolved copper (Cu) showed that the times (range) required to cause 50% lethality (LT 50 ) were 24 (22–27) h at 50 μg Cu/l for T. tenuimana ; 114 (100–131) and 36 (32–40) h for 200 and 400 μg Cu/l, respectively, for N. spinipes ; and 119 (71–201) and 25 (18–33) h for 200 and 400 μg Cu/l, respectively, for R. hopkinsi . 96-h LC 50 (concentration causing 50% lethality) were also determined for adult N. spinipes exposed to cadmium, copper, zinc, ammonia, and phenol. A ranking system was generated based on the ease handling and culturing, rate of maturity, food selectivity and sensitivity to Cu. From this ranking, N. spinipes was determined to be the most suitable species for use in developing sediment-toxicity tests. The measurement of total reproductive output of N. spinipes during 10-day exposure to whole sediment was found to provide a useful end point for assessing the effects of sediment contamination. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9646-2 Authors Daniel J. Ward, Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia Victor Perez-Landa, Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia David A. Spadaro, Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia Stuart L. Simpson, Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Locked Bag 2007, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia Dianne F. Jolley, School of Chemistry, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The forest on Blue Mountain, near Lehigh Gap, has been injured by emissions from two historical zinc (Zn) smelters in Palmerton, PA, located at the northern base of the mountain. The uppermost mineral soil and lower litter from sites along a transect, just south of the ridgetop, contained from 64 to 4400 mg/kg Zn. We measured forest metrics at 15 sampling sites to ascertain how forest structure, species composition and regeneration are related to soil concentrations of Zn, the probable principal cause of the injury. Understanding how ecotoxicological injury is related to soil Zn concentrations helps us quantify the extent of injury to the ecosystem on Blue Mountain as well as to generalize to other sites. The sum of canopy closure and shrub cover, suggested as a broadly inclusive measure of forest structure, was decreased to half at approximately 2060 mg/kg Zn (102 mg/kg Sr(N0 3 ) 2 -extractable Zn). Tree-seedling density was decreased by 80% (from 10.5/m 2 to 2.1/m 2 ) at a much lower concentration: 1080 mg/kg Zn (59 mg/kg Sr(N0 3 ) 2 -extractable Zn). Changes in species composition and richness were not as useful for quantifying injury to the forest. Phytotoxicity, desiccation from exposure, and a gypsy moth infestation combined to form a barren area on the ridgetop. Liming the strongly acid Hazleton soils at the sites would partially ameliorate the observed phytotoxicity and should be considered in planning restoration. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00244-010-9640-0 Authors W. Nelson Beyer, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, United States Geological Survey, BARC-East, Bldg 308, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Laurel, MD 20708, USA Cairn Krafft, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, United States Geological Survey, BARC-East, Bldg 308, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Laurel, MD 20708, USA Stephen Klassen, Pennsylvania Ecological Services Field Office, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, State College, PA 16801, USA Carrie E. Green, Environmental Management and Byproduct Utilization Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA Rufus L. Chaney, Environmental Management and Byproduct Utilization Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The complex and variable composition of natural sediments makes it difficult to predict the bioavailability and bioaccumulation of sediment-bound contaminants. Several approaches, including an experimental model using artificial particles as analogues for natural sediments, have been proposed to overcome this problem. For this work, we applied this experimental device to investigate the uptake and bioaccumulation of As III by the freshwater oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus . Five different particle systems were selected, and particle–water partition coefficients for As III were calculated. The influence of different concentrations of commercial humic acids was also investigated, but this material had no effect on bioaccumulation. In the presence of particulate matter, the bioaccumulation of As III by the oligochaetes did not depend solely on the levels of chemical dissolved but also on the amount sorbed onto the particles and the strength of that binding. This study confirms that the use of artificial particles may be a suitable experimental model for understanding the possible interactions that may occur between contaminants and particulate matter. In addition, it was found that the most hydrophobic resin induced an increase in arsenic bioavailability, leading to the highest bioaccumulation to L. variegatus compared with animals that were exposed to water only. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-010-9639-6 Authors Marcelo Nasi, Toxicología y Química Legal, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina María N. Piol, Toxicología y Química Legal, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina Cecilia Di Risio, Ciclo Básico Común, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina Noemí R. Verrengia Guerrero, Toxicología y Química Legal, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Child low-level lead (Pb) exposure is an unresolved public health problem and an unaddressed child health disparity. Particularly in cases of low-level exposure, source removal can be impossible to accomplish, and the only practical strategy for reducing risk may be primary prevention. Genetic biomarkers of increased neurotoxic risk could help to identify small subgroups of children for early intervention. Previous studies have suggested that, by way of a distinct mechanism, δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase single nucleotide polymorphism 2 (ALAD 2 ) and/or peptide transporter 2*2 haplotype (hPEPT2*2) increase Pb blood burden in children. Studies have not yet examined whether sex mediates the effects of genotype on blood Pb burden. Also, previous studies have not included blood iron (Fe) level in their analyses. Blood and cheek cell samples were obtained from 306 minority children, ages 5.1 to 12.9 years. 208 Pb and 56 Fe levels were determined with inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. General linear model analyses were used to examine differences in Pb blood burden by genotype and sex while controlling for blood Fe level. The sample geometric mean Pb level was 2.75 μg/dl. Pb blood burden was differentially higher in ALAD 2 heterozygous boys and hPEPT2*2 homozygous boys. These results suggest that the effect of ALAD 2 and hPEPT2*2 on Pb blood burden may be sexually dimorphic. ALAD 2 and hPEPT2*2 may be novel biomarkers of health and mental health risks in male children exposed to low levels of Pb. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9645-3 Authors Christina Sobin, Toxicology Project, Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas, El Paso, TX USA Natali Parisi, Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation Laboratory, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM USA Tanner Schaub, Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation Laboratory, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM USA Marisela Gutierrez, Laboratory of Neurocognitive Genetics and Developmental Neurocognition, Department of Psychology, University of Texas, El Paso, TX USA Alma X. Ortega, Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Texas, El Paso, TX USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    This is the first study to investigate the rate of mercury (Hg) biomagnification in the aquaculture pond ecosystem of the Pearl River Delta (PRD), China, by analyzing total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) concentrations in various species of fish at different trophic levels (TLs). Species representing a gradient of trophic positions in the aquaculture pond food chains were chosen for analyzing THg and MeHg concentrations. In this study, there were two kinds of the aquaculture pond food chains: (1) omnivorous (fish feeds, zooplankton, grass carp [ Ctenopharyngodon idellus ], and bighead carp [ Aristichthys nobilis ]) and (2) predatory (zooplankton, mud carp [ Cirrhina molitorella ], and mandarin fish [ Siniperca kneri ]). Bighead carp and mandarin fish had the highest MeHg and THg concentrations, i.e., an order of magnitude higher than other species, in their respective food chains. More than 90% of the THg concentrations detected in bighead carp, mandarin fish, and mud carp were in the methylated form. In this study, %MeHg increased with TLs and MeHg concentrations, reflecting that MeHg is the dominant chemical species of Hg accumulated in higher concentrations in biota, especially biota associated with higher TLs in the food chains. The trophic magnification factors were 2.32 and 2.60 for MeHg and 1.94 and 2.03 for THg in omnivorous and predatory food chains, respectively, in PRD. Hg concentrations in fish tissue correlated to Hg levels in the ambient environment, and sediment seemed to be the major source for Hg accumulated in fish. In addition, feeding habit also affected Hg accumulation in different fish species. Four significant linear relationships were obtained between log-THg and δ 15 N and between log-MeHg and δ 15 N. The slope of the regression equations, as biomagnification power, was smaller in magnitude compared with those reported for temperate and arctic marine and freshwater ecosystems, indicating that THg and MeHg biomagnifications were lower in this PRD subtropical aquaculture pond ecosystem. This was probably due to low Hg bioavailability at lower TLs as well as individual feeding behavior of fish. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-010-9641-z Authors Zhang Cheng, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China Peng Liang, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China Ding-Ding Shao, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China Sheng-Chun Wu, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China Xiang-Ping Nie, Institute of the Hydrobiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 People’s Republic of China Kun-Ci Chen, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China Kai-Bin Li, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China Ming-Hung Wong, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The aim of the present article was to assess the effect of wearing silver jewelry on mineral composition of human scalp hair. To investigate the possible effect of gender, a group of females and males was distinguished. Subjects, who declared in the questionnaire wearing silver jewelry, constituted 55% of the whole population. It was found that individuals wearing jewelry had increased levels of Ag (~ 3 times), Ba (30%), Ca (33%), La (40%), Li (25%), and Zn (27%) in hair and lowered level of: Al (34%), K (79%), and Na (32.5%) in comparison with the group that did not wear jewelry. Those differences were statistically significant. Lower levels of K and Na in hair of subjects wearing jewelry was probably related with an antagonism between Ag-K and Ag-Na found in the present work. Analyzing the effect of two grouping variables—gender and wearing silver jewelry—on hair composition, it was observed that statistically significant differences were determined for the following elements: As, Ba, Ca, and Se. Female hair contained two times more Ca, four times Ba, 36% less As, and five times less Se. It was found that 34% of the population wearing silver jewelry had higher Ag content in hair than the upper value of the reference range (0.567 mg/kg) determined for subjects who did not wear jewelry. Ag and other metals (especially Cu and Zn) from jewelry could be absorbed through the skin and therefore hair mineral analysis is useful in the assessment of this exposure. The study was carried out on Poles, among which silver jewelry is particularly popular. The population can be thus considered as exposed. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9647-1 Authors Katarzyna Chojnacka, Institute of Inorganic Technology and Mineral Fertilizers, Wrocław University of Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland Izabela Michalak, Institute of Inorganic Technology and Mineral Fertilizers, Wrocław University of Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland Agnieszka Zielińska, Institute of Inorganic Technology and Mineral Fertilizers, Wrocław University of Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland Henryk Górecki, Institute of Inorganic Technology and Mineral Fertilizers, Wrocław University of Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The use of herbicides for agricultural and aquatic weed control has increased worldwide. These substances are potentially toxic pollutants because they induce the production of reactive oxygen species for biological systems and exert oxidative stress in nontarget organisms living in the treated aquatic systems. Recent evidence suggests differences in the toxicity of glyphosate in the form of an active ingredient compared to the toxicity of glyphosate in combination with surfactants, such as those found in commercial formulations. In Mexico, one of the most widely used glyphosate-based herbicides is Yerbimat, which has agricultural as well as aquatic weed control applications. However, there are no aquatic toxicity data, particularly regarding native fish. Therefore, we determined the acute toxicity of commercial-formulation Yerbimat in a static bioassay at 96 h (LC 50 ). We also determined its toxicity at 96 h in sublethal concentrations to assess the lipid peroxidation levels (LPX), catalase activity, hepatic glycogen content, and histological damage in the liver and gills of the fish Goodea atripinnis associated with chronic exposure (75 days). The LC 50 was 38.95 ± 0.33 mg/L. The results of the short-term exposure study indicate that Yerbimat can potentially induce oxidative stress in G. atripinnis, because LPX was increased in the gills and liver. Catalase activity was reduced in the gills but increased in the liver, whereas hepatic glycogen was depleted. Chronic exposure was associated with histopathological damage in the gills and liver, some of which was irreversible. Yerbimat represents a potential risk for aquatic biota; therefore, we recommend that its application be carefully considered. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9648-0 Authors Esperanza Ortiz-Ordoñez, Laboratorio de Histología, Departamento de Morfología, ENCB, IPN, Prol. de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n Col. Santo Tomás, Mexico, DF 11340, Mexico Esther Uría-Galicia, Laboratorio de Histología, Departamento de Morfología, ENCB, IPN, Prol. de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n Col. Santo Tomás, Mexico, DF 11340, Mexico Ricardo Arturo Ruiz-Picos, Laboratorio de Ictiología y Limnología, Departamento de Zoología, ENCB, IPN, Prol. de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n Col. Santo Tomás, Mexico, DF 11340, Mexico Angela Georgina Sánchez Duran, Laboratorio de Ictiología y Limnología, Departamento de Zoología, ENCB, IPN, Prol. de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n Col. Santo Tomás, Mexico, DF 11340, Mexico Yoseline Hernández Trejo, Laboratorio de Ictiología y Limnología, Departamento de Zoología, ENCB, IPN, Prol. de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n Col. Santo Tomás, Mexico, DF 11340, Mexico Jacinto Elías Sedeño-Díaz, Programa Ambiental del IPN, Edificio Adolfo Ruiz Cortines, Av. Wilfrido Massieu esq. Av. Luis Enrique Erro, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Col. Zacatenco, Mexico, DF 07738, Mexico Eugenia López-López, Laboratorio de Ictiología y Limnología, Departamento de Zoología, ENCB, IPN, Prol. de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n Col. Santo Tomás, Mexico, DF 11340, Mexico Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    An environmental pollution investigation was carried out to determine the concentrations of aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) (heavy metals) in the surface water and river water bed sediments of lagoons and estuaries along the coastal belt of Ghana. The study assessed the environmental pollution situation and evaluated their sources and distribution of these metals. The total concentrations of Al, As, Cd, and Hg were determined by the neutron activation analysis technique. Water and sediment samples were collected from the Benya, Fosu, and Narkwa lagoons in the Central Region and from the Pra estuary in the western part of Ghana. Some indices, such as contamination factor, pollution-load index, contamination degree, and geoaccumulation index, were used to assess eco-environmental quality of the sampling sites. The analysis indicated that the Fosu lagoon was fairly polluted with Cd. The investigation indicated a highly localized distribution pattern closely associated with the two pollution sources (garbage/solid waste dumps and industrial activities) along the coastal belt. The resulting environmental deterioration required a concerted evaluative effort by all stakeholders. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9643-5 Authors C. K. Adokoh, Chemistry Department, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Campus, Johannesburg, 2006 South Africa E. A. Obodai, Department of Fisheries, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana D. K. Essumang, Chemistry Department, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana Y. Serfor-Armah, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission Ghana (GAEC), Legon Accra, Ghana B. J. B. Nyarko, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission Ghana (GAEC), Legon Accra, Ghana A. Asabere-Ameyaw, University of Education Wineba, Winneba, Ghana Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The combined effects of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) on primary cultures of rat proximal tubular (rPT) cells were studied. These cells were either treated with Pb acetate (0.5 and 1 μM) alone, Cd acetate (2.5 and 5 μM) alone, or a combination of Pb and Cd acetate, and then joint cytotoxicity was evaluated. The results showed that the combination of these two metals decreased cell viability and increased the number of apoptotic and necrotic cells and lactate dehydrogenase release synergistically. Simultaneously, increased intracellular reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and calcium levels and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular acidification, and inhibition of Na + , K + -, and Ca 2+ -ATPase activities were shown during the exposure. In addition, apoptotic morphological changes induced by these treatments in rPT cells were demonstrated by Hoechst 33258 staining. The apoptosis was markedly prevented by N -acetyl- l -cysteine, whereas necrosis was not affected. In summary, there was a synergistic cytototic effect of Pb combined with Cd on rPT cells. Cell death induced by Pb–Cd mixture was mediated by an apoptotic and a necrotic mechanism. Apoptotic death was the chief mechanism. Changes of intracellular events were intimately correlated with both oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which promoted the development of apoptosis. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9644-4 Authors Lin Wang, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 People’s Republic of China Heng Wang, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 People’s Republic of China Jingui Li, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 People’s Republic of China Dawei Chen, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 People’s Republic of China Zongping Liu, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, 225009 People’s Republic of China Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Although environmental contaminants are usually encountered as nonequitoxic mixtures, most studies have investigated the toxicity of equitoxic mixtures. In the present study, a method for prediction of the toxicity of nonequitoxic mixtures was developed using the similarity parameter (λ). The joint effect of multiple contaminants at the median inhibition concentration in equitoxic ( \text TU \text sum - 50 \text equitoxic ) and nonequitoxic ( \text TU \text sum - 50 \text nonequitoxic ) binary, ternary, and quaternary mixtures was investigated using Vibrio fischeri . The observed results indicate that the concentration ratios of individual chemicals in the mixtures influenced the joint effects, and that λ could be employed to evaluate the relation between \text TU \text sum - 50 \text equitoxic and \text TU \text sum - 50 \text nonequitoxic . Prediction models for the joint effects of nonequitoxic ( \text TU \text sum - 50 \text nonequitoxic ) mixtures were derived from a combination of \text TU \text sum - 50 \text equitoxic and λ. The predictive capabilities of these models were validated by comparing the predicted data with the observed data for binary, ternary, and quaternary mixtures. The prediction models have promising applications in controlling environmental pollution, evaluating drug interactions, and optimizing combinations of pesticides used in agriculture. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9695-6 Authors Dayong Tian, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Zhifen Lin, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China JianQing Ding, Wuxi Environmental Monitoring Center of PRC, Wuxi, 214023 China Daqiang Yin, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Yalei Zhang, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Contamination levels of total mercury (T-Hg), p,p′ -DDE, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in akami (leaner meat) and toro (fatty meat) samples from Pacific bluefin tuna cultured in the southern (four locations) and central (three locations) regions of Japan were analyzed. The contamination level of T-Hg in the akami and toro samples from the southern region tended to decrease with an increase in latitude, whereas those of p,p′ -DDE and PCBs tended to increase. These spatial trends in contaminants were similar to those reported previously in wild tuna caught off the coast of Japan (Hisamichi et al., in Environ Sci Technol 44:5971–5978, 2010 ). However, the contamination level of T-Hg in akami and toro samples from one location in the central region was the highest among all seven locations, whereas the contamination level of p,p′ -DDE was lower than that from any location studied in the southern region. Thus, contamination levels of T-Hg, p,p′ -DDE, and PCBs in the cultured tuna may reflect contamination levels not only in the marine environment but also in prey fish used as bait. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9696-5 Authors Yohsuke Hisamichi, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, 061-0293 Japan Koichi Haraguchi, Daiichi College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 22-1 Tamagawa-Cho, Minami-Ku, Fukuoka, 815-8511 Japan Tetsuya Endo, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido, 061-0293 Japan Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Wild fish from Qiandao Hu, a reservoir in the Zhejiang Province in eastern China, have increased mercury (Hg) concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended guidelines. Due to the importance of freshwater biota in the local cuisine, dietary exposure to increased neurotoxic Hg is a concern in this region. An environmental hair-marker study was undertaken coincident with a cross-sectional epidemiologic study with 50 women age 17–46 years living in a Qiandao Hu fishing village. Diet, occupation, and other possible sources of Hg were recorded by way of questionnaires. Total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) concentrations were measured in human hair samples and in important market fish species. Fish THg and Se concentrations were increased, with some fish concentrations 〉200 ng/g THg and 500 ng/g Se (wet weight [ww]). However, the average hair THg was low at 0.76 ± 0.51 μg/g dry weight, lower than the WHO’s no observable–adverse effect level (50 μg/g), whereas the average hair Se was 1.0 μg/g. Hair THg concentration was positively associated with the average mass of fish consumed weekly, indicating that fish consumption is the main contributor to hair THg in this geographic area. The age-related hair THg trend was not linear but instead demonstrated a rapid increase in THg before age 25 years, followed by consistent concentrations in all ages after age 25 years. There was a positive correlation ( p  〈 0.001) between molar Se and Hg in the hair samples, suggesting a possible antagonistic relation. This is the first study examining the relation between dietary Hg exposure and hair THg in an eastern China community where freshwater fish, as opposed to marine fish, dominates the cuisine. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9689-4 Authors Tian Fang, School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada Kristan J. Aronson, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada Linda M. Campbell, School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The environmental presence of the oral contraceptive norethindrone (NET) has been reported and shown to have reproductive effects in fish at environmentally realistic exposure levels. The current study examined bioconcentration potential of NET in fathead minnow ( Pimephales promelas ) and channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ). Fathead minnows were exposed to 50 μg/l NET for 28 days and allowed to depurate in clean water for 14 days. In a minimized 14-day test design, catfish were exposed to 100 μg/l NET for 7 days followed by 7-day depuration. In the fathead test, tissues (muscle, liver, and kidneys) were sampled during the uptake (days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28) and depuration (days 35 and 42) phases. In the catfish test, muscle, liver, gill, brain, and plasma were collected during the uptake (days 1, 3, and 7) and depuration (day 14) stages. NET tissue levels were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Accumulation of NET in tissues was greatest in liver followed by plasma, gill, brain, and muscle. Tissue-specific bioconcentration factors (BCFs) ranged from 2.6 to 40.8. Although NET has been reported to elicit reproductive effects in fish, the present study indicated a low potential to bioconcentrate in aquatic biota. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9691-x Authors Gopinath C. Nallani, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Applied Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA Peter M. Paulos, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Applied Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA Barney J. Venables, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Applied Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA Regina E. Edziyie, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Applied Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA Lisa A. Constantine, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Rd, Groton, CT 06340, USA Duane B. Huggett, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Applied Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description: Erratum to: The Effect of Cadmium on Steroid Hormones and Their Receptors in Women with Uterine Myomas Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9694-7 Authors Marzenna Nasiadek, Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, 90-151 Lodz, Poland Ewa Swiatkowska, Research Institute Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital, 93-338 Lodz, Poland Anna Nowinska, Research Institute Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital, 93-338 Lodz, Poland Tomasz Krawczyk, Research Institute Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital, 93-338 Lodz, Poland Jacek R. Wilczynski, Research Institute Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital, 93-338 Lodz, Poland Andrzej Sapota, Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, 90-151 Lodz, Poland Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Perchlorate can perturb thyroid hormone (TH) homeostasis by competitive inhibition of iodide uptake by the thyroid gland. Until recently, the effects of perchlorate on TH homeostasis were examined by measuring serum concentrations of THs by immunoassay (IA) methods. IA methods are sensitive, but for TH analysis they are compromised by lack of adequate specificity. In this study, we determined the concentrations of six THs: l -thyroxine (T 4 ), 3,3′,5-triiodo- l -thyronine (T 3 ), 3,3′,5′-triiodo- l -thyronine (rT 3 ), 3,5-diiodo- l -thyronine, 3,3′-diiodo- l -thyronine, and 3-iodo- l -thyronine in the serum of rats administered perchlorate by isotope ( 13 C 6 -T 4 )-dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The method recoveries for THs spiked into a serum matrix were between 97.0% and 115%, with a coefficient of variation of 2.1% to 9.4%. Rats were placed on an iodide-deficient or iodide-sufficient diet for 2.5 months, and for the last 2 weeks of that period they were provided drinking water either without or with perchlorate (10 mg/kg body weight/day). No significant differences in serum concentrations of T 3 and T 4 were observed between rats given iodide-deficient and iodide-sufficient diets for 2 or 2.5 months. After 24 h of perchlorate exposure, significantly lower concentrations of T 3 and T 4 were found in the serum of rats administered the iodide-deficient diet but not in rats administered the iodide-sufficient diet. However, after 2 weeks of perchlorate exposure, TH levels in rats fed the iodide-sufficient diet were also significantly lower than those in control rats. Our results suggest that perchlorate affects TH homeostasis and that such effects are more pronounced under iodide-deficient nutrition. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9677-8 Authors Tatsuya Kunisue, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, P.O. Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA Jeffrey W. Fisher, Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA Kurunthachalam Kannan, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, P.O. Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The soil-contact exposure pathway can be the main driver of ecological risk assessments. There is currently no standard method to measure bioavailability of metals in soil to ecological receptors, yet the influence of metal bioavailability on toxicity has been known for decades and is a major factor influencing risk to ecological receptors. Bioavailability is to a large degree governed by varying soil characteristics within and among sites, yet ecological screening benchmarks are often derived on a total-concentration basis. We compared a calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) extraction, cyclodextrin extraction, simulated earthworm gut (SEG) test, earthworm kinetic bioaccumulation test, and metal residues in plant tissues with a battery of invertebrate and toxicity tests using mining soils consisting of high organic-matter content cocontaminated with copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). Earthworm ( Eisenia andrei ) tissue concentrations of Cu and Zn were regulated and were not predictive of invertebrate toxicity. All chemical measures of bioavailability correlated with several biological responses; however, CaCl 2 -extractable Cu and SEG-extractable Cu and Zn best predicted effects to E.   andrei . Total Cu concentrations in soil best correlated with effects to plants. Overall, a chemical measure was the best predictor of toxicity to each organism compared with biological measures, although the exact measure was dependent on organism and end point. Chemical-extraction techniques provide relatively quick, inexpensive indicators of essential metal bioavailability compared with biological measures; however, no single measure was indicative of all effects to all organisms. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9682-y Authors Ben A. Smith, Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada Bruce Greenberg, Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada Gladys L. Stephenson, Stantec Consulting Ltd., Suite 1-70 Southgate Drive, Guelph, ON N1G 4P5, Canada Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Studies on residue levels and accumulation profiles of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in human adipose tissues of Korean populations are scarce. In this study, concentrations and accumulation features of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were measured in adipose tissues of Korean women age 40–68 years. The highest concentrations were found for PCBs and DDTs, which were 1–2 orders of magnitude greater than the concentrations of hexachlorocyclohexanes, chlordanes, and PBDEs. The concentrations of PCBs and OCPs were lower than those reported for other countries. However, PBDE concentrations were greater than those reported for other countries, suggesting that ongoing exposure to PBDEs is a concern in Korea. The profiles of PBDEs were characterized by the predominance of BDE 209, followed by nona- and octa-BDEs, which are consistent with the consumption patterns of products containing PBDEs in Korea. The concentrations of PCBs and some OCPs were significantly correlated with each other, whereas PBDEs showed low or moderate correlations with other POPs, suggesting differences in exposure routes and biotransformation potentials of the compounds studied. The concentrations of organochlorines and PBDEs were not correlated with subjects’ age and body mass index. The results of this study provide baseline information on POPs in adipose tissues of the general population in Korea. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9679-6 Authors Hyo-Bang Moon, Department of Environmental Marine Sciences, College of Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, 426-791 Republic of Korea Duk-Hee Lee, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 700-422 Republic of Korea Yoon Soon Lee, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 700-422 Republic of Korea Minkyu Choi, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), 408-1, Sirang-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, 619-705 Republic of Korea Hee-Gu Choi, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), 408-1, Sirang-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, 619-705 Republic of Korea Kurunthachalam Kannan, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Atrazine (ATZ), the most common herbicide, is a frequently observed contaminant in freshwater ecosystems. In the present study, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time-of-flight-mass spectrometry, combined with histopathological analysis, were used to detect the hepatic damage in adult female zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) exposed to ATZ. More than 600 hepatic protein spots were detected in each gel with silver staining, and most of the proteins ranged from 20 to 70 kD and pH 4–9. Through comparison and analysis, 7 proteins were found to be upregulated 〉2-fold, whereas 6 protein spots were downregulated 〉2-fold after 10 and 1000 μg/l ATZ exposures for 14 days, which had caused histological effects in zebrafish livers. We found that these changed proteins were associated with a variety of cellular biological processes, such as response to oxidative stress, oncogenesis, etc. The results demonstrated that ATZ comprehensively influenced a variety of cellular and biological processes in zebrafish. The information presented in this study will be helpful in fully understanding the mechanism of the potential effects induced by ATZ in fish. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9678-7 Authors Yuanxiang Jin, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032 China Xiangxiang Zhang, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032 China Dezhao Lu, College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China Zhengwei Fu, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032 China Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    As a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic organic pollutant, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) has been found ubiquitously in the environment, including in tap water. For the first time, we studied PFOS sorption from water to foods (nine commonly consumed vegetables, three meats, and cereals) at two temperatures to estimate the daily intake of PFOS attributable to cooking and food preparation. The values of the food water-distribution coefficient ( K F/W , l/kg) of PFOS ranged from 7 to 19 l/kg for most vegetables and from 19 to 38 l/kg for meats. Celery exhibited the highest affinity toward PFOS ( K F/W  = 39.8 ± 3.4 l/kg), whereas onions showed the lowest affinity toward PFOS ( K F/W  = 1.1 ± 0.4 l/kg). Adding table salt (sodium chloride) greatly increased PFOS sorption in most foods, except for celery and meats. The results indicate that human exposure to PFOS could result from the sorption of PFOS from water to food during food preparation, especially when using table salt. The average daily intake of PFOS through this route was estimated. Furthermore, raw and unprocessed foods (vegetables, meats, and cereals) bought from farmers’ markets and grocery stores were basically free of PFOS and other long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9683-x Authors Feng Xiao, St. Anthony Falls Hydrology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA Matt F. Simcik, Environmental Chemistry Program, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA John S. Gulliver, St. Anthony Falls Hydrology Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    This project involved the collection of final effluent samples from 39 wastewater-treatment plants (WWTPs) in Victoria, Australia, in late summer (late February to early March 2007). The 39 WWTPs included 15 lagoon-based plants and 24 with activated sludge-based processes. Samples were collected and subjected to measurement of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activity of the dissolved phase using yeast-based recombinant receptor-reporter gene bioassays. More than 90% of the effluents examined in this study elicited RAR activity (〈0.5–198 ng/l a-t-RA equivalents [EQ]). All of the effluents had AhR activity (16–279 ng/l βNF EQ). Notwithstanding the paucity of comparative data, on the whole, the levels of RAR and AhR activity observed in this pilot survey of Victorian WWTP effluents were greater than those recently reported internationally. One assumption commonly made is that WWTP discharges will be diluted significantly in the receiving environment, further decreasing the potential risk of the discharges. Making this assumption may not be appropriate for some of Victoria’s more ephemeral waterways or where effluent is discharged to an enclosed water body, such as a lake or terminal wetland. However, even where WWTP discharges represent all of the environmental flow in the warmer months, the observed RAR and AhR activity (as all- trans -retinoic acid (RA) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin [TCDD] EQ, respectively) was still significantly lower than the concentrations of RA, and 2,3,7,8-TCCD known to cause developmental malformations in fish larvae after short-term exposure to these chemicals. Of perhaps greater concern, WWTP effluent can contain significant suspended solids (essentially biosolids), which may be a considerable sink for some hormonally active, hydrophobic compounds, and which may in turn increase the long-term exposure risk for aquatic fauna. Further studies of the nuclear and AhR activity of WWTP effluent suspended soilds are required to address this hypothesis. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9665-z Authors M. Allinson, Centre for Aquatic Pollution, Identification, and Management, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia F. Shiraishi, Environmental Quality Measurement Section, Research Centre for Environmental Risk, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan S. A. Salzman, School of Information Systems, Deakin University, Warrnambool, VIC 3280, Australia G. Allinson, Centre for Aquatic Pollution, Identification, and Management, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Although exposure to pesticides has been correlated with amphibian declines, the mechanism of their role remains enigmatic. Declines have been associated with sublethal exposure, but few outdoor studies have evaluated impacts of low pesticide concentrations. Understanding the effects of a range of pesticide concentrations on amphibians in outdoor mesocosms provides a framework for both direct and indirect effects of exposure. Indirect effects are challenging to glean from lab studies, which typically lack a food web. Our design tested direct and indirect effects of exposure to the insecticide carbaryl on the American toad ( Bufo americanus ) and the northern leopard frog ( Rana pipiens ) tadpole survival and growth. We evaluated the effects of five concentrations (2.0, 0.2, 0.02, 0.002, and 0 mg carbaryl/l). Specifically, we predicted a threshold effect in which carbaryl concentrations great enough to reduce zooplankton abundance would have negative indirect effects on tadpoles, but the degree of these effects would not be concentration-specific. Similarly, we predicted that lower carbaryl concentrations (where zooplankton abundance was not reduced) would not differ in effect from controls. We did not observe a threshold effect or any negative effect on tadpoles. The highest carbaryl concentration expedited the time to metamorphosis in the northern leopard frogs by ~4 days. The toads were unaffected by any concentration of carbaryl. Despite significant reductions in zooplankton abundance and increases in phytoplankton abundance, periphyton abundance was unaffected by carbaryl. Taken together, these results suggest that despite evidence from studies using single concentrations of pesticides, trophic cascade models do not sufficiently explain sublethal effects on larval amphibians. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-010-9630-2 Authors Benjamin J. Bulen, Department of Zoology, Miami University, 212 Pearson Hall, Oxford, OH 45056, USA Christopher A. Distel, Department of Zoology, Miami University, 212 Pearson Hall, Oxford, OH 45056, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which are used in many consumer products. Sources of human exposures to BPA include packaged and canned food products, indoor air, and dust ingestion. Information on the relative contributions of the pathways to BPA exposures is limited. In this study, we measured concentrations BPA in indoor dust collected from two locations in the Eastern United States and evaluated the contribution of dust to total BPA exposures. BPA was found in 95% of the dust samples analyzed ( n  = 56) at concentrations ranging from 〈0.5 to 10,200 ng/g (mean 843; median 422). The median values for BPA intake by way of the ingestion of dust by adults and toddlers were calculated to be 0.35 and 5.63 ng/kg body weight/day. These estimated exposure doses of BPA through dust ingestion are of the same order of magnitude as the recently reported low concentrations that induced health effects in laboratory animal studies. The contribution of dust to total human BPA intake was estimated to be 〈1%, however, suggesting that dietary intake is the predominant source of exposures in humans. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00244-010-9634-y Authors Sudan N. Loganathan, Department of Chemistry, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071, USA Kurunthachalam Kannan, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, P. O. Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Comparative toxicity testing was performed on selected materials that may be used in aquatic construction projects. The tests were conducted on the following materials: (1) untreated wood species (hemlock [ Tsuga ssp], Western red cedar ( Thuja plicata ), red oak [ Quercus rubra ], Douglas fir [ Pseudotsuga menziesii] , red pine [ Pinus resinosa ], and tamarack [ Larix ssp]); (2) plastic wood; (3) Ecothermo wood hemlock stakes treated with preservatives (e.g., chromated copper arsenate [CCA], creosote, alkaline copper quaternary [ACQ], zinc naphthenate, copper naphthenate, and Lifetime Wood Treatment); (4) epoxy-coated steel; (5) hot-rolled steel; (6) zinc-coated steel; and (7) concrete. Those materials were used in acute lethality tests with rainbow trout, Daphnia magna , Vibrio fischeri and threespine stickleback. The results indicated the following general ranking of the materials (from the lowest to highest LC 50 values); ACQ 〉 creosote 〉 zinc naphthenate 〉 copper naphthenate 〉 CCA (treated at 22.4 kg/m 3 ) 〉 concrete 〉 red pine 〉 western red cedar 〉 red oak 〉 zinc-coated steel 〉 epoxy-coated steel 〉 CCA (6.4 kg/m 3 ). Furthermore, the toxicity results indicated that plastic wood, certain untreated wood species (hemlock, tamarack, Douglas fir, and red oak), hot-rolled steel, Ecothermo wood, and wood treated with Lifetime Wood Treatment were generally nontoxic to the test species. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-010-9631-1 Authors Benoit A. Lalonde, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, 45 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6, Canada William Ernst, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, 45 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6, Canada Gary Julien, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, 45 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6, Canada Paula Jackman, Atlantic Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada Ken Doe, Atlantic Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada Rebecca Schaefer, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, 45 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6, Canada Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    A study was performed in 2003 to 2004 to assess metal and organic contaminant concentrations at three areas in the lower Cape Fear River system, North Carolina, United States. Sites examined were Livingston Creek along the mainstem of the Cape Fear River near Riegelwood, Six Runs Creek in the Black River Basin, and Rockfish Creek in the Northeast Cape Fear River basin. The results of the investigation showed that levels of metals and organic pollutants in the sediments were lower than limits considered harmful to aquatic life. However, results of fish (adult bowfin) tissue analyses showed that concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), and now-banned polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and the pesticide dieldrin were higher than levels considered safe for human consumption by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the North Carolina Health Director’s Office. Fish tissue concentrations of Hg, Se, and PCBs were also higher than concentrations determined by researchers to be detrimental either to the health of the fish themselves or their avian and mammalian predators. Due to the rural nature of two of the sites, increased concentrations of As, Cd, Se, and PCBs in fish tissue were unexpected. The likely reason the levels are increased in fish and some clams but not in sediments is that these pollutants are biomagnified in the food chain. These pollutants will also biomagnify in humans. In these rural areas there is subsistence fishing by low-income families; thus, increased fish tissue metals and toxicant concentrations may present a direct threat to human health. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00244-010-9633-z Authors Michael A. Mallin, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA Matthew R. McIver, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA Michael Fulton, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, SC 29412, USA Ed Wirth, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, SC 29412, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Metals that originate from coal-combustion residue (ash) deposited in water-filled lagoons are eventually released into the environment. This study measured metal concentrations in sediment and fish obtained in the vicinity of two coal-combustion ash-lagoon outfalls on the East River (Nova Scotia) and Grand Lake (New Brunswick), Canada. Of the 34 metals analysed, this study demonstrated that sediment in the immediate vicinity of the ash lagoon discharge in New Brunswick had statistically significant greater concentrations of thallium, arsenic, and antimony than did the sediment obtained from background areas. Tissue arsenic concentrations were increased in fish obtained near the lagoon discharge in New Brunswick but not statistically greater than that of fish obtained from background areas. Neither sediment nor fish obtained near the ash-lagoon discharge in Nova Scotia had significantly greater concentrations of any of the metals measured. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-010-9632-0 Authors Benoit A. Lalonde, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, 45 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 2N6 Canada William Ernst, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, 45 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 2N6 Canada Fernand Comeau, Atlantic Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Median lethal concentration (LC 50 ) and sublethal effects of the commercial endosulfan formulation Zebra Ciagro ® on the fish Cichlasoma dimerus were studied. The 96-h LC 50 was estimated as 17.7 μg/L. In order to investigate sublethal effects, fish were exposed to 25% and 50% LC 1 (3.4 and 6.8 μg/L, respectively). Endosulfan (ED) significantly increased the hemoglobin concentration and white blood cell count after 96 h. Differential leukocytes count was also altered, due to an increase in the percentage of neutrophils in exposed fish. The hepatopancreatic tissue of fish under ED treatment showed a decrease in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase and an increase in alkaline phosphatase. Lipid peroxidation levels in the 6.8-μg/L ED-containing group were higher than those in control fish for all organs tested (gills, hepatopancreas, and brain). Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-010-9635-x Authors Carla Bacchetta, Laboratorio de Ictiología, Instituto Nacional de Limnología (INALI-CONICET-UNL), Paraje El Pozo, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina Jimena Cazenave, Laboratorio de Ictiología, Instituto Nacional de Limnología (INALI-CONICET-UNL), Paraje El Pozo, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina María Julieta Parma, Laboratorio de Ictiología, Instituto Nacional de Limnología (INALI-CONICET-UNL), Paraje El Pozo, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina Gabriela Fiorenza Biancucci, Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (FHUC-UNL), Paraje El Pozo, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Field and laboratory experiments were performed to evaluate toxicological responses of Cyprinus carpio exposed to the commercial herbicide clomazone (500 mg l −1 ). Fish were exposed to 0.5 mg l −1 of the formulated herbicide for 7, 30, and 90 days. Fish were exposed to clomazone in field conditions (7, 30, or 90 days trapped in submersed cages together with rice crops) and in laboratory conditions where the fish were placed in 45-l tanks with tap water only for 7 days. Fish exposed for 7, 30, or 90 days showed no alterations in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity under field conditions. Under laboratory conditions, decreased muscle AChE activity was observed only after 7 days of exposure. During the same evaluation period (7 days), oxidative stress parameters changed under both field and laboratory conditions; however, metabolic parameters were altered only under field conditions. Disorders in oxidative stress parameters and metabolism were evident in different tissues up to day 90 after treatment. These overall results show that AChE activity changed only under laboratory conditions. Oxidative stress, along with metabolic parameters, may be good indicators of herbicide contamination in C. carpio under rice-field conditions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9669-8 Authors Roberta Cattaneo, Laboratório de Bioquímica Adaptativa, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Bibiana Silveira Moraes, Laboratório de Bioquímica Adaptativa, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Vania Lucia Loro, Laboratório de Bioquímica Adaptativa, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Alexandra Pretto, Laboratório de Bioquímica Adaptativa, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Charlene Menezes, Laboratório de Bioquímica Adaptativa, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Gerson Meneghetti Sarzi Sartori, Departamento de Fitossanidade, UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brazil Bárbara Clasen, Laboratório de Bioquímica Adaptativa, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Luis Antonio de Avila, Departamento de Fitossanidade, UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brazil Enio Marchesan, Departamento de Fitossanidade, UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brazil Renato Zanella, Laboratório de Análises de Resíduos de Pesticidas, UFSM, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    In recent years, commercial glyphosate herbicide formulations have been widely used in agriculture to control aquatic weeds. These pesticides may result in disruption of ecological balance, causing damage to nontarget organisms including fish. Teleostean fish ( Leporinus obtusidens ) were exposed to commercial glyphosate herbicide formulation at 0 (control), 3, 6, 10 or 20 mg L −1 for 96 h. The effects of herbicide on plasmatic metabolic parameters, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), catalase activity, protein carbonyl, and mucus layer parameters were studied. Plasmatic glucose and lactate levels increased but protein levels showed reduction after herbicide exposure. TBARS levels in brain showed a reduction at all tested concentrations. However, liver demonstrated increased TBARS levels at all tested concentrations, whereas in white muscle TBARS production did not change after exposure to herbicide. Fish exposed to all concentrations of glyphosate showed increase in liver catalase activity and protein carbonyl. Herbicide exposure increased protein and carbohydrate levels of the mucus layer at all tested concentrations. The present results showed that, in 96 h, glyphosate changed toxicological parameters analyzed in piava. Parameters measured in this study may be useful in environmental biomonitoring. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9652-4 Authors Lissandra Glusczak, Adaptive Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Vania Lucia Loro, Adaptive Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Alexandra Pretto, Adaptive Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Bibiana Silveira Moraes, Adaptive Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Alice Raabe, Adaptive Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Marta Frescura Duarte, Adaptive Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Milene Braga da Fonseca, Adaptive Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Charlene Cavalheiro de Menezes, Adaptive Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Dênia Mendes de Sousa Valladão, Adaptive Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The goal of this article is to verify the applicability of two different biological assays for studying a coastal area that is subject to anthropogenic inputs. Phytochelatins in the marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii were used as a biomarker of metal bioavailability. The frequency of genetic damage in the sensitive D7 strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used to estimate the mutagenic potential. Biological assays were carried out using sediment elutriates. Sediments were collected at three selected sites located in the Gulf of Follonica (Tuscany, Italy), during a 2-year sampling period: Cala Violina (reference site) and the mouths of the rivers Pecora and Cornia, named sites V, P and C, respectively. The chemical characterization of each site was determined in terms of metal concentrations (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb), measured in 11 sediment samples for each site. The results showed that metal concentrations in sediments from sites C and P were 2–10 times higher than the reference values (site V, year 2004). In addition, we found generally higher metal concentrations in the 2007 sediments than in the 2008 ones, including those of site V, due to the occurrence of an unexpected pollution event. This enabled us to obtain a pollution gradient to validate the proposed bioassays. In fact, the bioassays showed a potential biological hazard in the 2007 elutriates. Significant mutagenic effects were found in samples exhibiting higher concentrations of Cd and Cr. The induction of phytochelatins in T. weissflogii correlated positively with the Cd concentration in the elutriates. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9667-x Authors Stefania Frassinetti, Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, CNR, via Moruzzi, 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy Emanuela Pitzalis, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, CNR, via Moruzzi, 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy Marco Carlo Mascherpa, Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds, CNR, via Moruzzi, 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy Leonardo Caltavuturo, Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, CNR, via Moruzzi, 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy Elisabetta Morelli, Institute of Biophysics, CNR, via Moruzzi, 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Amphibians in alpine wetlands of the Sierra Nevada mountains comprise key components of an aquatic–terrestrial food chain, and mercury contamination is a concern because concentrations in fish from this region exceed thresholds of risk to piscivorous wildlife. Total mercury concentrations were measured in whole tadpoles of the Sierra chorus frog, Pseudacris sierra , two times at 27 sites from high elevations (2786–3375 m) in the southern Sierra Nevada. Median mercury concentrations were 14 ng/g wet weight (154 ng/g dry weight), which were generally low in comparison to tadpoles of 15 other species/location combinations from studies that represented both highly contaminated and minimally contaminated sites. Mercury concentrations in P. sierra were below concentrations known to be harmful in premetamorphic tadpoles of another species and below threshold concentrations for risk to predaceous wildlife. Concentrations in tadpoles were also lower than those observed in predaceous fish in the study region presumably because tadpoles in the present study were much younger (1–2 months) than fish in the other study (3–10 years), and tadpoles represent a lower trophic level than these fish. Mercury concentrations were not related to distance from the adjacent San Joaquin Valley, a source of agricultural and industrial pollutants. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9674-y Authors David F. Bradford, US Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Landscape Ecology Branch, 944 E. Harmon Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA Joanna L. Kramer, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453064, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA Shawn L. Gerstenberger, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453064, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA Nita G. Tallent-Halsell, US Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Landscape Ecology Branch, 944 E. Harmon Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA Maliha S. Nash, US Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Landscape Ecology Branch, 944 E. Harmon Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    An assessment of mercury (Hg) accumulation in fish from the Tagus River aquatic system (central Spain), which has been influenced by pollution from industrial and urban development, was performed. Total Hg (THg), inorganic Hg (IHg), and monomethylmercury (MMHg) were determined in muscle and liver of different fish species, including Cyprinus carpio , Ameiurus melas , and Chondrostoma miegii , sampled from three locations. Although concentrations of THg and Hg species showed wide variability among the fish species, they were also found to be considerably dependent on location and fish tissue. Relative contents of MMHg to THg in muscle varied from 60 to 88%, whereas those found in liver ranged from 7 to 59%. Mean THg concentrations ranged from 126 to 810 ng/g (dry weight [dw]) in liver and from 159 to 1057 ng/g dw in muscle. Therefore, the mean THg concentration in all fish muscle samples was far lower than the maximum residue level recommended by the European Union for fishery products. Nevertheless, the concentrations of Hg in fish muscle reported in this study were somewhat increased compared with other areas geographically distant from most major anthropogenic Hg sources and, in some cases, even greater than those previously reported elsewhere in more polluted areas. In contrast, Hg contents in liver were lower than those found in Hg-contaminated areas, but they were within the range found in other areas exposed to diffuse sources of pollution by Hg. Thus, this article provides an overview of the concentration and distribution of Hg species in fish muscle and liver tissues samples taken from a freshwater system in the Mediterranean River basin. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9666-y Authors J. J. Berzas Nevado, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Castilla–La Mancha, 16071 Ciudad Real, Spain R. C. Rodríguez Martín-Doimeadios, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla–La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain F. J. Guzmán Bernardo, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla–La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain M. Jiménez Moreno, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla–La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain M. J. Patiño Ropero, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla–La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain A. de Marcos Serrano, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Technology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla–La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    A short-term whole-sediment test using the polychaete Arenicola marina was conducted under laboratory conditions to assess the bioavailability of metals bound to sediments collected from 12 sites of the Gulf of Cádiz. To achieve this objective, the rate of increase of metal bioaccumulation and the induction of a typical biomarker, metallothioneinlike proteins (MTLPs) were determined. Results of the multivariate analysis showed associated metal-rich sediments, increased rate of Cu and Zn accumulations, but lower toxicity with an increased MTLP induction, whereas sedimentary Ni and Co concentrations were related to higher toxicity to lugworms, although it might be caused by other contaminants present in these sediments. The linear kinetic approach was shown to be valid in certain circumstances, but more validation studies of this parameter are required before it can be recommended for use in evaluating metal bioavailability in sediments. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9668-9 Authors Judit Kalman, Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía, CSIC, Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain Inmaculada Riba, Cátedra UNESCO/UNITWIN/WiCop, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain Angel DelValls, Cátedra UNESCO/UNITWIN/WiCop, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain Julian Blasco, Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía, CSIC, Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Cerium has been demonstrated to damage liver of mice, but very little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the mouse liver apoptosis. In order to understand the liver injury induced by intragastric administration of cerium chloride (CeCl 3 ) for 60 consecutive days, the hepatocyte ultrasrtucture, various oxidative stress parameters, and the stress-related gene expression levels were investigated for the mouse liver. The results demonstrated that CeCl 3 had an obvious accumulation in the mouse liver, leading to a classical laddering cleavage of DNA and hepatocyte apoptosis. CeCl 3 significantly promoted the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and inhibited the stress-related gene expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, metallothionein, heat-shock protein 70, glutathione- S -transferase, P53, and transferring, and it effectively activated the cytochrome p450 1A. It implied that CeCl 3 resulted in apoptosis and alteration of expression levels of the genes related with metal detoxification/metabolism regulation and radical scavenging action in mice. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9672-0 Authors Haiquan Zhao, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China Jie Cheng, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China Jingwei Cai, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China Zhe Cheng, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China Yaling Cui, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China Guodong Gao, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China Renping Hu, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China Xiaolan Gong, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China Ling Wang, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China Fashui Hong, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Formation water (produce water or oil field brine) from oil and gas production usually has high concentrations of soluble salts and metals. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of formation water from Urucu Reserve, Amazon, on whole-body uptake and internal distribution of newly accumulated Na + in juvenile tamoatá, Hoplosternum litoralle . Groups of fish were submitted to nine treatments for 3 h in 400-ml chambers: control (well water), 5% formation water, and well water with respective concentrations of 5% formation water of Ca 2+ , Fe, Mn, Ba 2+ , Fe + Ca 2+ , Mn + Ca 2+ , and Ba + Ca 2+ added. Specimens of tamoatá exposed to 5% formation water presented a very high Na + influx, probably due to the high Na + levels in this water. Waterborne Fe and Mn stimulated Na + influx, but Fe increased Na + efflux, causing Na + loss. Waterborne Mn, on the other hand, decreased Na + efflux, reducing Na + loss by this species. Waterborne Ca 2+ also affected Na + influx but had no significant effect on net Na + fluxes. These results demonstrated that spilling of formation water in ion-poor Amazon rivers would dramatically disrupt osmoregulatory balance of tamoatá and probably other Amazon fish species, impairing their survival and reduce biodiversity. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9673-z Authors Bernardo Baldisserotto, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil Luciano O. Garcia, Estação Marinha de Aquacultura, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil Ana Paula Benaduce, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA Rafael M. Duarte, Laboratório de Ecofisiologia e Evolução Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, AM, Brazil Thiago L. Nascimento, Laboratório de Ecofisiologia e Evolução Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, AM, Brazil Levy C. Gomes, Centro Universitário Vila Velha, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil Adriana R. Chippari Gomes, Centro Universitário Vila Velha, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil Adalberto L. Val, Laboratório de Ecofisiologia e Evolução Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, AM, Brazil Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The first appraisal of butyltins (BT) contamination linked with imposex incidence in the Pacific coast of South America was performed in the current study. Imposex occurrence was analyzed in three muricid species ( Thais biserialis , T. brevidentata , and T. kiosquiformis ) distributed along 14 sites from the coastal areas of Ecuador. All studied muricids species showed imposex, which was observed in 11 out of 14 sites. The highest imposex levels were observed in T. kiosquiformis collected inside the Gulf of Guayaquil [relative penis length index (RPLI) 9.0–40.7], whereas RPLI values for T. biserialis and T. brevidentata ranged from 4.0 to 26.1 and 0.0 to 1.9, respectively. Additionally, BT compounds [tributyltin (TBT), dibutylin (DBT), and monobutylin (MBT)] were determined in surface sediments collected in 6 of the sites (main harbor areas), and values ranged between 12.7 and 99.5 ng Sn g −1 (dry weight) for TBT, 1.8 and 54.4 ng Sn g −1 for DBT, and 44 and 340 ng Sn g −1 for MBT. Although BT degradation indexes suggested an aged input of TBT, the high imposex levels detected in the current study suggest that international restrictions on TBT based antifouling paints were still not effective in Ecuador. Considering that the southern coast, especially nearby harbors inside the Gulf of Guayaquil, have shown to be contaminated by BTs, a combination of T. kiosquiformis and T. biserialis (the most sensitive species) can be used for future biomonitoring of Ecuador coastal areas. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9670-2 Authors Ítalo Braga Castro, Laboratório de Microcontaminantes Orgânicos e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (CONECO), Institute de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS 96201-900, Brazil Maria Fernanda Arroyo, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador Patrícia Gomes Costa, Laboratório de Microcontaminantes Orgânicos e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (CONECO), Institute de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS 96201-900, Brazil Gilberto Fillmann, Laboratório de Microcontaminantes Orgânicos e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (CONECO), Institute de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS 96201-900, Brazil Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    To evaluate the potential toxicity of copper (Cu) in raptors that may consume Cu bullets, shotgun pellets containing Cu, or Cu fragments as they feed on wildlife carcasses, we studied the effects of metallic Cu exposure in a surrogate, the American kestrel ( Falco sparverius ). Sixteen kestrels were orally administered 5 mg Cu/g body mass in the form of Cu pellets (1.18–2.00 mm in diameter) nine times during 38 days and 10 controls were sham gavaged on the same schedule. With one exception, all birds retained the pellets for at least 1 h, but most (69%) regurgitated pellets during a 12-h monitoring period. Hepatic Cu concentrations were greater in kestrels administered Cu than in controls, but there was no difference in Cu concentrations in the blood between treated and control birds. Concentration of the metal-binding protein metallothionein was greater in male birds that received Cu than in controls, whereas concentrations in female birds that received Cu were similar to control female birds. Hepatic Cu and metallothionein concentrations in kestrels were significantly correlated. Histopathologic alterations were noted in the pancreas of four treated kestrels and two controls, but these changes were not associated with hepatic or renal Cu concentrations, and no lesions were seen in other tissues. No clinical signs were observed, and there was no treatment effect on body mass; concentrations of Cu, hemoglobin, or methemoglobin in the blood; or Cu concentrations in kidney, plasma biochemistries, or hematocrit. Based on the parameters we measured, ingested Cu pellets pose little threat to American kestrels (and presumably phylogenetically related species), although the retention time of pellets in the stomach was of relatively short duration. Birds expected to regurgitate Cu fragments with a frequency similar to kestrels are not likely to be adversely affected by Cu ingestion, but the results of our study do not completely rule out the potential for toxicity in species that might retain Cu fragments for a longer time. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9671-1 Authors J. Christian Franson, United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, USA Lesanna L. Lahner, United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, USA Carol U. Meteyer, United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, USA Barnett A. Rattner, United States Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of lead (Pb) on regulatory proteins linked to mechanisms of animal adaptation to polluted environments (using in vivo and in vitro tests) and to validate the in vitro assay as a tool for environmental assessment. Specimens of the bivalve Corbicula fluminea were exposed to nominal concentrations of Pb 5 mg l −1 for 96 h. Isolated gill cells were exposed to three concentrations (1, 10, and 100 μM) for 5 h. Metal toxicity was evaluated by cell viability (trypan blue exclusion). We also analyzed Na + /K + adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and carbonic anhydrase activity. Additionally, the multixenobiotic-resistance (MXR) phenotype was evaluated by the accumulation of rhodamine B (RB). Immunolabeling was used to quantify the expression of P-glycoproteins (C219) and proteins involved in ion transport, water movement, and cellular repair using antibodies against Na + /K + ATPase, aquaporin 1, and heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70). Pb was shown to be toxic in both in vivo and in vitro tests, in which cellular viability significantly decreased by approximately 25%. Cellular viability in the in vivo assays was determined by gill cell isolation after the entire animal was exposed to Pb. We observed that Na + /K + ATPase activity was inhibited by 70%. Also, the expression of the MXR phenotype significantly increased in our in vivo tests. A statistically significant difference was observed in the expression of all proteins in the in vitro assays, whereas only Hsp70 increased in vivo. Employing these analyses, we could validate the sensitivity of the in vitro tests and can propose our in vitro model as a possible tool for environmental assessment. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00244-011-9675-x Authors Caroline T. Rocha, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Laboratório de Ecofisiologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil Marta M. Souza, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Laboratório de Ecofisiologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Three sets of effects-based sediment-quality guidelines (SQGs) were evaluated to support the selection of sediment-quality benchmarks for assessing risks to benthic invertebrates in the Calcasieu Estuary, Louisiana. These SQGs included probable effect concentrations (PECs), effects range median values (ERMs), and logistic regression model (LRMs)-based T 50 values. The results of this investigation indicate that all three sets of SQGs tend to underestimate sediment toxicity in the Calcasieu Estuary (i.e., relative to the national data sets), as evaluated using the results of 10-day toxicity tests with the amphipod, Hyalella azteca , or Ampelisca abdita , and 28-day whole-sediment toxicity tests with the H. azteca . These results emphasize the importance of deriving site-specific toxicity thresholds for assessing risks to benthic invertebrates. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s00244-010-9637-8 Authors Donald D. MacDonald, MacDonald Environmental Sciences Ltd, #24-4800 Island Highway North, Nanaimo, BC V9T 1W6, Canada Christopher G. Ingersoll, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201, USA Dawn E. Smorong, MacDonald Environmental Sciences Ltd, #24-4800 Island Highway North, Nanaimo, BC V9T 1W6, Canada Jesse A. Sinclair, MacDonald Environmental Sciences Ltd, #24-4800 Island Highway North, Nanaimo, BC V9T 1W6, Canada Rebekka Lindskoog, Summit Environmental Consultants Ltd, #200-2800 29th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 9P9, Canada Ning Wang, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201, USA Corrine Severn, Premier Environmental Services Inc, 1999 Pumpkin Ridge Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA Ron Gouguet, Windward Environmental LLC, 200 West Mercer Street, Suite 401, Seattle, WA 98119-3958, USA John Meyer, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 1200-1455 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75202-733, USA Jay Field, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115-6349, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description: Microcystins (MCs) produced from cyanobacteria can accumulate in freshwater fish tissues. In this study, variations in these toxins content were examined monthly in water samples and two species of fish in Lake Oubeira, Algeria, from April 2010 to March 2011. During the study period, MCs were analyzed using protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) inhibition assay. In lake water, total (dissolved and intracellular toxins) MC concentrations by PP2A ranged from 0.028 to 13.4 μg equivalent MC-LR/l, with a peak in September 2010. MC-LR was the dominant variant (90 % of the total) in water samples, followed by MC-YR and MC-(H 4 )YR. The highest MC concentration in the omnivorous common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) was found in the order intestine 〉 hepatopancreas 〉 muscle; however, in the carnivorous European eel ( Anguilla anguilla ) the order was liver 〉 intestine 〉 muscle. Highest MC concentrations in the intestine tissue of the common carp were found between August and November 2010 where high MC concentrations were detected in water samples, whereas high levels of MCs in the liver of the European eel were found later between January and February 2011. During the entire period of study, the World Health Organization (WHO) lifetime limit for tolerable daily intake was exceeded only in common carp muscle.

Description: For the first time, ambient carbonyls were measured in a rural area in southern China from August 2012 to February 2013 to investigate their distribution characteristics and sources. Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone were the three most abundant carbonyls, which accounted for 83–95 % of total seven carbonyls identified. The O 3 formation potential of carbonyls in summer (59.55 μg/m 3 ) was approximately ten times greater than that (6.37 μg/m 3 ) in winter, and calculated photolysis rates were significantly faster in summer than those in winter, suggesting intensive photochemical activities in summer. Seasonal and diurnal variations of carbonyls showed that (1) the concentration of total carbonyls in summer (12.62 ± 10.83 μg/m 3 ) was approximately five times greater than that in winter (2.33 ± 0.90 μg/m 3 ), and a similar trend applied to the three abundant carbonyls; (2) the average summer to winter (S/W) ratio of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde was 10–13, and the S/W ratio of acetone was ~2.59; and (3) the highest concentrations of the three carbonyls and total carbonyls occurred at 14:00–16:00 with high temperature and intensive sunlight, especially in summer. These variations provided direct evidence for significant photochemical production of ambient carbonyls. Average C 1 /C 2 ratios (3.07 ± 1.62) in summer were much greater than those (1.28 ± 0.25) in winter, and average C 2 /C 3 ratios (35.09 ± 58.67) in summer were significantly greater than those (4.75 ± 2.12) in winter, both cases indirectly implying positive photochemical productions in summer. Especially, strong correlations ( R 2  = 0.63–0.98) of temperature and sunlight intensity with the three abundant carbonyls and total carbonyls were observed, indicating a similar causal source such as significant photochemical production.

Description: Mine waste is recognized as being one of the most serious threats for freshwater ecosystems, and it still represents one of the greatest environmental concerns in Macedonia. The aim of our investigation was to obtain an in-depth understanding of mining influence on freshwater systems from water contamination to effects on aquatic organisms. In this study, we assessed the impact of active lead (Pb)/zinc (Zn) mines Zletovo and Toranica on the water quality of three rivers in northeastern Macedonia (Bregalnica, Zletovska, and Kriva rivers) based on data collected in spring and autumn of 2012. The Bregalnica River, near Shtip, was characterized mainly by weak contamination with arsenic, barium, iron, molybdenum, titanium, uranium, vanadium, nitrate, and phosphate, as well as critical faecal pollution, which alltogether could be connected to agricultural activities; however, an impact of the mines was not observed. Contrary, both the Zletovska and Kriva rivers showed a clear impact of Pb/Zn mines on water quality. In the Zletovska River, increased concentrations of cadmium (Cd), cobalt, cesium, copper, lithium, manganese (Mn), nickel, rubidium, tin, strontium, thallium, Zn, sulphates, and chlorides were found, especially in autumn ( e.g. , Cd 2.0 μg L −1 ; Mn 2.5 mg L −1 ; Zn 1.5 mg L −1 ). In the Kriva River, increased Cd (0.270 μg L −1 ) and Pb (1.85 μg L −1 ) concentrations were found only in spring, possibly due to sediment resuspension during greater water discharge. The selected sampling sites on the Bregalnica, Zletovska, and Kriva rivers were confirmed as being appropriate locations for further studies of mining waste’s impact on freshwater ecosystems, the first one as a nonimpacted site and the other two as possible areas of increased exposure of aquatic organisms to metals.

Description: Total polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations (ΣPCBs) in whole fish were determined for 18 ripe female burbot Lota lota and 14 ripe male burbot from Great Slave Lake, a lake with no known point sources of PCBs. In addition, ΣPCBs were determined in both somatic tissue and gonads for a randomly selected subset of 5 females and 5 males. Mean ΣPCBs for females and males were 2.89 and 3.76 ng/g, respectively. Thus, males had 30 % greater ΣPCBs than females. Based on ΣPCB determinations for somatic tissue and gonads, ΣPCBs of females and males would be expected to decrease by 18 % and increase by 6 %, respectively, immediately after spawning due to the release of gametes. Results from a previous study in eastern Lake Erie indicated that males had 28 and 71 % greater ΣPCBs than females from populations of younger (ages 6–13 years) and older (ages 14–17 years) burbot, respectively. Thus, although younger burbot from Lake Erie had approximately 50 times greater ΣPCBs than Great Slave Lake burbot, the relative difference in ΣPCBs between the sexes was remarkably similar across both populations. Our results supported the contention that the widening of the difference in ΣPCBs between the sexes in older burbot from Lake Erie was attributable to a “hot spot” effect operating on older burbot because Lake Erie has received PCB point source loadings. Our results also supported the contention that male fish expend energy at a rate between 15 and 30 % greater than females. Eventually, these results will be useful in developing sex-specific bioenergetics models for fish.

Description: The present study assessed the uptake and toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), ZnO bulk, and ZnCl 2 salt in earthworms in spiked agricultural soils. In addition, the toxicity of aqueous extracts to Daphnia magna and Chlorella vulgaris was analyzed to determine the risk of these soils to the aquatic compartment. We then investigated the distribution of Zn in soil fractions to interpret the nature of toxicity. Neither mortality nor differences in earthworm body weight were observed compared with the control. The most sensitive end point was reproduction. ZnCl 2 was notably toxic in eliminating the production of cocoons. The effects induced by ZnO-NPs and bulk ZnO on fecundity were similar and lower than those of the salt. In contrast to ZnO bulk, ZnO-NPs adversely affected fertility. The internal concentrations of Zn in earthworms in the NP group were greater than those in the salt and bulk groups, although bioconcentration factors were consistently 〈1. No relationship was found between toxicity and internal Zn amounts in earthworms. The results from the sequential extraction of soil showed that ZnCl 2 displayed the highest availability compared with both ZnO. Zn distribution was consistent with the greatest toxicity showed by the salt but not with Zn body concentrations. The soil extracts from both ZnO-NPs and bulk ZnO did not show effects on aquatic organisms (Daphnia and algae) after short-term exposure. However, ZnCl 2 extracts (total and 0.45-μm filtered) were toxic to Daphnia.

Description: Concentrations of seven trace elements [arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd)] in the eggshells of Rooks Corvus frugilegus, a focal bird species of Eurasian agricultural environments, are increased above background levels and exceed levels of toxicological concern. The concentrations of Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, and Zn are greater in eggshells from urban rookeries (large cities) compared with rural areas (small towns and villages) suggesting an urbanisation gradient effect among eggs laid by females. In the present study, the investigators assessed whether the pattern of relationships among the seven trace elements in eggshells change along an urbanisation/pollution gradient. Surprisingly, we found that eggshells with the greatest contaminant burden, i.e., from urban rookeries, showed far fewer significant relationships ( n  = 4) than eggshells from villages ( n  = 10), small towns ( n  = 6), or rural areas ( n  = 8). In most cases, the relationships were positive. As was an exception: Its concentration was negatively correlated with Ni and Cd levels in eggshells from small town rookeries (where As levels were the highest), whereas eggshells from villages (with a lower As level) showed positive relationships between As and Cd. Our findings suggest that at low to intermediate levels, interactions between the trace elements in Rook eggshells are of a synergistic character and appear to operate as parallel coaccumulation. A habitat-specific excess of some elements (primarily Cr, Ni, Cu, As) suggests their more competitively selective sequestration.

Description: In this study, we examined heavy-metal concentrations in feathers of nestling great tits Parus major and blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus at two different sites (urban parkland vs . deciduous forest) located in the Łódź agglomeration in relation to interyear variation. We found that tit species did not differ significantly in lead and cadmium concentrations. Zinc concentration was significantly higher in blue tits. We also found that lead and cadmium levels in blue tit nestlings and the level of lead in great tit nestlings were higher in the parkland site than in the woodland site. We explain habitat variation in heavy-metal concentrations in feathers of nestlings by different levels of contamination at study sites. For both tit species, significant variation in heavy-metal amounts accumulated by nestlings was found between years with the lowest value in a year with the lowest value of rainfall. We suggest that the interyear variation may be accounted for by differences in rainfall, thus influencing quantities of trace elements bioavailable in the environment.

Description: A total of 127 and 177 seafood samples from Malaysia were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), respectively. The World Health Organization-toxic-equivalency quotients (WHO-TEQ) of PCDD/Fs varied from 0.13 to 1.03 pg TEQ g −1 , whereas dl-PCBs ranged from 0.33 to 1.32 pg TEQ g −1 . Based on food-consumption data from the global environment monitoring system—food contamination monitoring and assessment programme, calculated dietary exposures to PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs from seafood for the general population in Malaysia were 0.042 and 0.098 pg TEQ kg −1 body weight day −1 , respectively. These estimations were quite different from the values calculated using the Malaysian food-consumption statistics (average of 0.313 and 0.676 pg TEQ kg −1 body weight day −1 for PCDD/Fs and PCBs, respectively). However, both of the dietary exposure estimations were lower than the tolerable daily intake recommended by WHO. Thus, it is suggested that seafood from Malaysia does not pose a notable risk to the health of the average consumer.

Description: Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 and Pseudomonas putida mt2 were used as cadmium (Cd)-resistant and -sensitive bacteria, respectively, to study Cd uptake, sorption, intracellular accumulation, metallothionein (MT) induction, and bioremediation potential of both isolates. According to this research work, Cd had a stimulatory effect on the growth of CH34 cells (OD 578  = 1.43) compared with mt2 cells (OD 578  = 0.8). Addition of N , N ′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) and 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) along with Cd resulted in more cell growth in mt2 (OD 578  = 0.71) compared with CH34 (OD 578  = 0.34). DCCD and DNP inhibited this active uptake only in CH34 but not in mt2. Greater Cd interaction with the cell surface was observed in mt2 cells compared with CH34 cells. Intracellular Cd accumulation was interrupted by DCCD and DNP in CH34 (only 1.81 ± 0.04 μg L −1 at 5 h) but not in mt2 (24.41 ± 0.01 μg L −1 at 5 h). Intracellular Cd uptake was observed in even killed mt2 cells (7.11 ± 0.05 μg L −1 at 5 h) compared with CH34 cells (2.50 ± 0.08 μg L −1 at 5 h). This result showed that the Cd accumulation mechanism in CH34 is ATPase-dependent, whereas in mt2 uptake mechanism is not ATPase-dependent because mt2 ATPase was not inhibited by DCCD and DNP. CH34 removed 93 mg L −1 of Cd after 8 days from original industrial effluent, which was more than Cd removal by CH34 from distilled water (i.e. 90 mg L −1 after 8 days). mt2 was able to remove 80 mg L −1 of Cd after 8 days from original industrial effluent, which was more than Cd removal by mt2 from distilled water (i.e. 77 mg L −1 after 8 days). Cd did not induce any MT in CH34, but it did so in mt2 (14 kDa), which was thought to be a Cd-resistance mechanism operative in mt2.

Description: Chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphate widely applied in agriculture and aquaculture, induces oxidative stress due to free-radical generation and changes in the antioxidant defense system. The present study investigated the short-term effect of CPF exposure on the oxidative and antioxidant systems and their recovery responses in metabolically active tissues (gills, hepatopancreas [HP], and leg muscle) of freshwater crab Barytelphusa guerini . Crabs were exposed to a sublethal concentration of CPF (0.07 mg L −1 ) for a total of 8 days (at intervals of 1, 2, 4, and 8 days) in clean water. The following oxidative stress markers were measured: acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butylcholinesterase (BChE), and ATPase; antioxidants i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione reductase (GR), lipid peroxidation (LPO), conjugating enzyme glutathione S -transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lipid content. CPF exposure led to a significant decrease in the activity of oxidative stress markers as follows: AChE (84 %), BChE (46 %), and gills Na + /K + ATPase (62 %). At the end of the recovery period, enzyme levels were recovered except in leg muscle. Total lipids and SOD decreased; CAT and LPO levels increased; and GPx, GR, and GST showed tissue-specific activities. Maximum recovery was observed in GPx followed by GR in HP tissue of crab. Nevertheless, these responses apparently grant successful adaptation for survival in a pesticide-extreme environment.

Description: Brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) were chronically exposed to low and high levels of zinc (Zn) alone, copper (Cu) alone, a Zn–Cu mixture, and a Zn–cadmium (Cd) mixture all starting with eyed eggs and continuing through to the fingerling stage. Exposure to the metals and metal mixtures resulted in acclimation as measured by greater median lethal concentrations (LC 50 ) values relative to metal-naïve fry. The degree of acclimation was similar between the low and high exposures except for Cu, where acclimation was observed at the high but not the low acclimation level. The increases in tolerance relative to metal-naïve controls were usually less than a factor of 2 and never exceeded a factor of 3. Acclimation exposures did not affect hatch or survival except for the high-acclimation regime of Zn plus Cu. Acclimation came at an apparent metabolic cost because growth was decreased by most acclimation exposures. Deacclimation, as evidenced by a return of LC 50 values to naïve levels, occurred after 2–5 weeks in clean water.

Description: Release, fixation, and distribution of ammonium (NH 4 + ) as a source of nitrogen can play an important role in soil fertility and plant nutrition. In this study, ten surface soils, after addition of 1,000 mg NH 4 + kg −1, were incubated for 1 week at the field capacity moisture and 25 ± 2 °C temperature, and then NH 4 + release kinetic was investigated by sequential extractions with 10 mM CaCl 2 . Furthermore, NH 4 + distribution among three fractions, including water-soluble, exchangeable, and non-exchangeable, was determined in all soil samples. NH 4 + release was initially rapid followed by a slower reaction, and this was described well with the Elovich equation as an empirical model. The cumulative NH 4 + concentration released in spiked soil samples had a positive significant correlation with sand content and negative ones with pH, exchangeable Ca 2+ m and K + , cation exchange capacity (CEC), equivalent calcium carbonate (ECC), and clay content. The cation exchange model in the PHREEQC program was successful in mechanistic simulation of the release trend of native and added NH 4 + in all control and spiked soil samples. The results of fractionation experiments showed that the non-exchangeable fraction in control and spiked soil samples was greater than that in water-soluble and exchangeable fractions. Soil properties, such as pH, exchangeable Ca 2+ and K + , CEC, ECC, and contents of sand and clay, had significant influences on the distribution of NH 4 + among three measured fractions. This study indicated that both native and recently fixed NH 4 + , added to soil through the application of fertilizers, were readily available for plant roots during 1 week after exposure.