ALBERT

Description: Parabens are widely used as preservatives in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, recent studies have indicated that high and systemic exposure to parabens can be harmful to human health. Although a few studies have reported urinary paraben levels in western countries, studies on paraben exposure in the Chinese population are limited. China is currently a major producer of parabens in the world. In this study, 109 urine samples collected from Chinese young adults (approximately 20 years old) were analyzed for five parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, and benzyl-parabens) by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Methyl-, propyl-, and ethyl-parabens were the three major paraben analogues found in all (100 %) samples. The concentration of the sum of the five parabens ranged from 0.82 to 728 ng/mL with a geometric mean value of 17.4 ng/mL. Urinary concentration of parabens was 2-fold greater in females than in males. Based on the measured urinary concentrations, daily intake of parabens by the Chinese young adults was estimated and compared with those reported for United States adults. The estimated daily intakes (EDI urine ) of parabens were 18.4 and 40.8 μg/kg bw/day for Chinese males and females, respectively, values that were lower than those reported for United States adults (74.7 μg/kg bw/day). Based on the reported concentrations of parabens in foods from China and the United States, the contribution of dietary intake to EDI urine was estimated to be 5.5, 2.6, and 0.42 % for Chinese males, Chinese females, and United States adults, respectively, which indicates the significance of nondietary sources of parabens to human exposures.

Description: The listing of several runs of Pacific salmon as threatened or endangered and associated federal, state, and local efforts to restore/enhance salmon habitat in the Pacific Northwest make it imperative that the factors associated with these population declines are understood. Prespawn mortality (PSM) has been documented in coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) within urban streams in western Washington since the late 1990s and is characterized by a suite of neurological and respiratory symptoms with mortality occurring shortly thereafter. Mortality rates in returning adults have ranged between 17 and 100 %. The cause of PSM is not known, but the presence of pesticide residues within urban streams led to a hypothesis that PSM in coho salmon and pesticides in urban streams were linked. We exposed pairs of “green” (unripe) prespawn male and female coho salmon to a pesticide mixture (“cocktail”) reported in urban streams in western Washington State, USA. Longevity, ripening in female salmon, and brain acetylcholinesterase were not significantly affected by continuous exposure to the maximum reported concentrations of the pesticides. Fertilization, hatching success, and growth of fry were also not affected when green adults were exposed to these concentrations for 96 h. The absence of effects suggests it is unlikely that pesticides within stormwater are singularly responsible for PSM in coho salmon or that they impair the reproductive capability of exposed adults.

Description: The water quality of the Reconquista River (Argentina) water was monitored between 2009 and 2010 by means of a multiparametric approach. This periurban river is affected by agricultural, urban, and industrial discharges. Water samples were collected at a dam located in the headwaters and at 18 km downstream (M). Physicochemical profile and two water-quality indices (WQIs) were determined. Laboratory bioassays were performed by exposing Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles to environmental samples for 96 h and determining the following parameters: (1) brain: acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity; (2) gill: catalase and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities and glutathione (GSH) content; (3) liver: CAT and GST activities, superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidation, and GSH content; (4) condition factor and hepatosomatic index; and (5) genotoxicity [micronucleus (MN) test in erythrocytes]. Physicochemical profile and WQIs corresponded with extensive pollution in M. Important temporal and spatial variability in biomarkers of tadpoles exposed to samples was found. Multivariate analyses showed that AChE in brain, MN frequency, liver and gill GST activities, and GSH content were key biomarkers.

Description: Assessing in situ microbial abilities of soils to degrade pesticides is of great interest giving insight in soil filtering capability, which is a key ecosystem function limiting pollution of groundwater. Quantification of pesticide-degrading gene expression by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was tested as a suitable indicator to monitor pesticide biodegradation performances in soil. RNA extraction protocol was optimized to enhance the yield and quality of RNA recovered from soil samples to perform RT-qPCR assays. As a model, the activity of atrazine-degrading communities was monitored using RT-qPCRs to estimate the level of expression of atzD in five agricultural soils showing different atrazine mineralization abilities. Interestingly, the relative abundance of atzD mRNA copy numbers was positively correlated to the maximum rate and to the maximal amount of atrazine mineralized. Our findings indicate that the quantification of pesticide-degrading gene expression may be suitable to assess biodegradation performance in soil and monitor natural attenuation of pesticide.

Description: This unique study describes how Aspergillus japonicus , Penicillium brocae and Purpureocillium lilacinum , three novel isolates of our laboratory from heavily plastics-contaminated soil completely utilized the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) bound to PVC blood storage bags (BB) in simple basal salt medium (BSM) by static submerged growth (28 °C). Initial quantification as well as percentage utilization of DEHP blended to BB were estimated periodically by extracting it into n -hexane. A two-stage cultivation strategy was employed for the complete mycoremediation of DEHP from BB in situ. During the first growth stage, about two-third parts of total (33.5 % w/w) DEHP bound to BB were utilized in two weeks, accompanied by increased fungal biomass (~0.15–0.32 g per g BB) and sharp declining (to ~3) of initial pH (7.2). At this stagnant growth state (low pH), spent medium was replaced by fresh BSM (pH, 7.2), and thus in the second stage the remaining DEHP (one-third) in BB was utilized completely. The ditches and furrows seen from the topology of the BB as seen by the 3D AFM image further confirmed the bioremediation of DEHP physically bound to BB in situ. Of the three mycelial fungi employed, P. lilacinum independently showed highest efficiency for the complete utilization of DEHP bound to BB, whose activity was comparable to that of the consortium comprising all the three fungi described herein. To sum up, the two-stage cultivation strategy demonstrated in this study shows that a batch process would efficiently remediate the phthalic acid esters blended in plastics on a large scale, and thus it offers potentials for the management of plastics wastes.

Description: Little information is available on the occurrence and fate of persistent organic pollutants in lakes of Turkey. The present study was performed as a first step to assess the occurrence, spatial distribution, and potential sources of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in surface sediments of Lake Eymir located in a special protection area. Σ 41 PCB concentrations range from 1.09 to 2.33 ng g −1 in 62 sediment samples collected from the lake. The spatial homogeneity of the PCBs along the whole lake suggests the resuspension or redistribution of historic PCB contamination. A chemical mass balance (CMB) receptor model was used to identify the possible sources of PCBs, for which a limited number of congeners are available for modeling purposes. Results indicated Clophen A60 to be the major PCB source in lake sediments. CMB analysis also showed the importance of a number of compounds used for the assessment of source contributions.

Description: A comprehensive study on the effects of different carbon sources during the bacterial enrichment on the removal performances of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) compounds when present as a mixture was conducted. Batch BTEX removal kinetic experiments were performed using cultures enriched with individual BTEX compounds or BTEX as a mixture or benzoate alone or benzoate–BTEX mixture. An integrated Monod-type non-linear model was developed and a ratio between maximum growth rate ( μ max ) and half saturation constant (K s ) was used to fit the non-linear model. A higher μ max /K s indicates a higher affinity to degrade BTEX compounds. Complete removal of BTEX mixture was observed by all the enriched cultures; however, the removal rates for individual compounds varied. Degradation rate and the type of removal kinetics were found to be dependent on the type of carbon source during the enrichment. Cultures enriched on toluene and those enriched on BTEX mixture were found to have the greatest μ max /K s and cultures enriched on benzoate had the least μ max /K s . Removal performances of the cultures enriched on all different carbon sources, including the ones enriched on benzoate or benzoate–BTEX mixture were also improved during a second exposure to BTEX. A molecular analysis showed that after each exposure to the BTEX mixture, the cultures enriched on benzoate and those enriched on benzoate–BTEX mixture had increased similarities to the culture enriched on BTEX mixture.

Description: Approximately 5.4 million cubic yards of coal fly ash and water spilled into the Emory River embayment of Watts Bar Reservoir in east Tennessee on Dec 22, 2008. Raccoons were collected in 2009 and 2010 from the spill site (10/y) and unexposed areas (5/y) to determine whether metals and metalloids were accumulating in raccoons and if any negative health effects resulted from exposure to the spilled coal fly ash. Tissues were analyzed from each animal to determine the concentrations of 26 metals/metalloids. Complete blood cell counts (CBC), plasma biochemistry panels, and histopathology of select tissues also were performed. Results were analyzed by year and exposure status. Although significant differences were present in some tissues for some metals/metalloids, only arsenic in hair, iron in muscle, nickel in hair, selenium in hair and muscle, strontium in hair, and vanadium in hair and liver were increased in spill site animals (one or both years) compared with unexposed animals. No clinically important differences were observed between groups regarding CBC or plasma biochemistry analyses. Lesions were observed on histopathology in some tissues, but there was no difference in the prevalence of lesions between spill site and unexposed animals. There does not seem to be any important accumulation of metals/metalloids or negative health effects in raccoons associated with exposure to coal fly ash compared with unexposed animals.

Description: Alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEs), which are widely used in detergents, paints, herbicides, insecticides, and in many other formulations, have been widely detected in aquatic environments. 4-Nonylphenol (NP) is an important APE detected at microgram levels per litre (0.1–336 μg/L) in water. The objective of the present study was to evaluate NP’s toxic effects at low and high sublethal concentrations (0.1 and 1 μg/L) on embryonic development of the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis at different time intervals. The data show that fertilization rate was decreased and cleavage and blastula were severely affected leading to complete mortality of embryos. NP exposure resulted in various body malformations in larvae, such as vertebral deformations, e.g., fin blistering/necrosis, axial deformities (lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis) of the spine in the abdominal and caudal region, tail curved completely backward, shortened body, severe spinal and yolk sac malformations, C-shaped severe spinal curvature, cranial malformation with undeveloped head, and failure of eye development. The level of body malformations increased with the concentration and exposure time. After 72 h of exposure, all larvae were dead at both concentrations. Scanning electron microscope study showed that epidermal cells (keratinocytes) were severely damaged in both low- and high-dose treatments throughout development, leading to development of numerous depressions representing sinking holes on the skin. Mucous glands increased significantly in treatment groups compared with control groups. The present study highlights the severe teratogenic effects of NP. The prevalence of the contaminant, if not checked, can lead to decreased population and ultimate disappearance of the species.

Description: Rare earth element (REE) exposure has been shown to induce central nerve system intoxication, but the molecular mechanisms by which this occurs are poorly understood. In this study, cerium (Ce), in the form of CeCl 3 , was administered by way of gavage to mice for 90 consecutive days, and cytokine expression, associated with neuroinflammation of hippocampus, as well as spatial memory were increased in mice. Significant Ce accumulation in hippocampus, which led to neuroinflammation and decreased spatial memory of mice, was observed. Furthermore, CeCl 3 remarkably increased levels of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4, tumor necrosis factor-α, nucleic IκB kinase, factor-κB–inducible kinase, nucleic factor-κB, and p52 and p65 expression as well as significantly decreased levels of IκB and interleukin-2 expression. These results showed that neuroinflammation and damaged hippocampal function may be associated with CeCl 3 -induced neuerotoxicity. Our findings suggest the need for workers and consumers to exercise caution when handling REEs.

Description: This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress parameters in juvenile tambaqui ( Colossoma macropomum ) exposed to 3.88 mg l −1 Mn 2+ for 96 hours. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities, as well as content of reduced glutathione (GSH), were analyzed in gill, liver, brain, and kidney. The presence of Mn 2+ in the water corresponded to increased levels of Mn 2+ accumulation according to the following sequence: gill 〉 kidney 〉 brain 〉 liver. There was a significant increase in TBARS levels (40 %) and SOD activity (80 %) in addition to a significant decrease in GSH content (41 %) in gills of fish exposed to waterborne Mn 2+ . In hepatic tissue of the exposed animals, TBARS levels decreased significantly (35 %), whereas SOD (82 %) and GST activities (51 %) as well as GSH content (43 %) increased significantly. In brain of exposed juvenile fish, only significant decreases in SOD (32 %) and CAT activities (65 %) were observed. Moreover, the kidney of exposed fish showed a significant increase in TBARS levels (53 %) and a significant decrease in SOD activity (41 %) compared with the control. Thus, the changes in biomarkers of oxidative stress were different in the tissues, showing a specific toxicity of this metal to each organ.

Description: The present study focuses on the biochemical responses of the aquatic plant duckweed ( Spirodela polyrhiza L.) to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Laboratory experiments were performed using a 96-h exposure to 25-nm NPs at different concentrations (0, 1, 10, and 50 mg/L). Growth, chlorophyll-to-pheophytin ratio (D665/D665a) and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase (POD), and Na + , K + -ATPase were determined as indices to evaluate the toxicity of NPs in the culture medium. To understand better whether the Zn 2+ released from the ZnO NP suspensions plays a key role in toxicity of the NPs, we investigated particle aggregation and dissolution in the medium. Furthermore, two exposure treatments for the group with the highest concentration (50 mg/L) were performed: (1) exposure for the full 96 h (50a treatment) and (2) the medium being replaced with culture medium without NPs after 12 h (50b treatment). Our results indicate that ZnO NPs induced adverse effects in S. polyrhiza at the concentration of 50 mg/L in the culture medium. Zn 2+ released from the NPs might be the main source of its toxicity to this species.

Description: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of chromosomal aberrations—including chromatid type aberrations (CTAs), chromosomal type aberrations, micronucleus (MN) comet assay, and XRCC1 399 Arg/Gln polymorphism—in peripheral blood lymphocytes of workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). A total of 52 workers and an equal number of controls were recruited into the study to explore the potential cytogenetic risk of occupational exposure to VCM. Questionnaires were administered to obtain details of habitual cigarette-smoking, alcohol-consumption pattern, and occupation, etc. The exposed subjects and controls were classified into two groups based on age (group I 〈40 years; group II ≥40 years), and exposed subjects were further classified based on exposure duration (〉8 and ≥8 years). CTA, MN, and comet assay frequency were significantly greater in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) factory workers ( p  〈 0.05) with long-duration work. CTA, MN, and comet assay values were found to be increased with age in exposed subjects as well as in controls, with exposed subjects showing a statistically greater degree. An extensively greater MN frequency was observed in smokers exposed to VCM than in the control group ( P  〈 0.05). The mean tail length of exposed subjects was greater compared with controls. The study on XRCC1 399 Arg/gln polymorphism in PVC factory workers showed less significant difference in allele frequency compared with controls. In conclusion, this results of work provides evidence for an apparent genotoxic effect associated with VCM exposure. Our results reinforce the greater sensitivity of cytogenetic assays for biomonitoring of occupationally exposed populations. Statistics indicate that workers exposed to VCM are at carcinogenic risk and should be monitored for long-term adverse effects from their exposure.

Description: Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are two kinds of emerging contaminants most studied in recent years. However, there is limited information about their combined toxicity to aquatic organisms. In the present study, the single and combined toxicity of PFOA and PFOS to zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) embryos were investigated. PFOS was more toxic than PFOA for the single toxicity. In four mixtures, PFOS and PFOA showed complex interactive effects that changed from additive to synergistic effect, then to antagonistic effect, and at last turnover to synergic effect again, with increased molar ratios of PFOS. Neither the concentration-addition model nor the independent-action model could predict the combined effects when strong interactive effects existed. Although the interactive effects of PFOS and PFOA affected their combined toxicity, the trend of mixture toxicity still showed an increase with increasing molar ratios of PFOS in the mixture.

Description: Marine edible fish samples were collected from two important nearshore fishing sites in the eastern Guangdong Province, China: Shantou Harbor and Haimen Bay. In the mixed edible muscle tissues of marine fish samples, the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), chlordanes, and hexachlorobenzene ranged from 1.12 to 53.87, ND (not detected) to 84.01, 0.22 to 7.09, ND to 4.74, and ND to 1.49 ng/g wet weight (ww) in Haimen Bay, respectively, and from ND to 70.35, ND to 164.83, ND to 8.68, ND to 25.61, and ND to 1.76 ng/g ww in Shantou Harbor, respectively. The concentrations of PCBs, DDTs, and HCHs in all samples did not exceed maximum residue limits (China and United States Food and Drug Administration). However, a few fish samples exceed the maximum levels established by the European Union. Daily fish consumption from this region can be of serious concern, and lifetime cancer risk remains a possibility in the studied area.

Description: The Paranaguá Estuarine System (PES) is an important estuarine environment on the Brazilian coast. The economic importance of the PES is mainly related to industries, fuel terminals, and the main South American grain-shipping port. The aim of this work was to determine the vertical distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in three sediment cores from the PES. The methods included Soxhlet extraction, clean-up, and quantification by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The concentrations of total PCBs ranged from lower than the detection limit to 6.65 ng g −1 . Low PCB concentrations were detected in P1 and P3, which were collected far away from direct human activities. In P2, the compositional pattern of PCB congeners showed greater concentrations of tetra- and penta-chlorinated congeners associated with urban and port activities near Paranaguá city. The differences in concentrations between the three sediment cores were attributed to the distance of the sampling points in relation to the possible sources of pollution, which are mostly related to Paranaguá city. The vertical distribution of PCBs in the sediment core P2 was related to historical anthropogenic activities. The highest PCB input was from 1970 to the early 1990s, which coincides with a period of greater use of PCBs in Brazil as well as their greater worldwide production.

Description: The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of mercury (Hg) in liver (L), kidney (K), breast muscle [BM ( musculus pectoralis major )], breast feathers (BF), and stomach contents (SC) of mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos L. 1758). Among the edible parts of mallard, the greatest concentrations of Hg were observed in K and L, although they did not exceed 1.5 mg/kg dry weight (dw). Average concentrations in K, L, and BM were 0.27, 0.25, and 0.13 mg/kg dw, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between Hg concentrations in BM and K and in BM and L ( r s  = 0.92) as well as between Hg concentrations in these tissues and BF. In addition, we found significant correlations between Hg concentrations in SC and BM ( r s  = 0.72) and in L and K ( r s  = 0.55). In conclusion, mallard exhibits a measurable response to environmental Hg pollution and meets the requirements of a bioindicator.

Description: To evaluate the factors influencing patterns of metal accumulation by river biofilms, concentrations of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) in biofilms from Erh-Jen River and San-Yeh-Kung Creek were investigated during their growth and seasonal succession. Different metal-accumulation patterns during biofilm development were observed between the two rivers. Mature biofilms (grown for 21–28 days) in both rivers showed maximum metal accumulation (≤3.24 × 10 4 , 1.55 × 10 4 , 7.40 × 10 3 , and 7.80 × 10 2  μg g −1 of Cr, Ni, Cu, and Pb, respectively) and bioconcentration factors (≤7.15 × 10 5 , 1.60 × 10 5 , 2.60 × 10 5 , and 4.22 × 10 5  l kg −1 of Cr, Ni, Cu, and Pb, respectively). These types of biofilms had the characteristics of being good metal accumulators and the ability to integrate metal - exposure conditions, suggesting that they were suitable biomonitors for metal-contaminated water. Seasonal succession in metal-accumulation ability of 1-month-old biofilms from Erh-Jen River was mainly affected by changes in bacterial and algal biomass and chemical oxygen demand in water, whereas that from San-Yeh-Kung Creek was primary influenced by concentrations of total nitrogen in water. Synergistic interaction between these four metals on metal-binding sites within biofilms was also shown.

Description: The present work details the analysis of heavy-metal and metalloid concentrations in exoskeleton, gill, hepatopancreas, and abdominal muscle tissues of 60 crayfish ( Astacus leptodactylus ) specimens collected from Lake Hirfanlı, a dam lake located in Kırşehir (Turkey) with a low metal-contamination profile. Concentrations of 11 metals (aluminum [Al], chromium [Cd], manganese [Mn], cobalt [Co], nickel [Ni], copper [Cu], molybdenum [Mo], silver [Ag], cadmium [Cd], mercury [Hg], and lead [Pb]) and a metalloid (arsenic [As]) were measured by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, and the relative frequencies of the most abundant isotopes of Cr, Cu, Ag, Cd, Hg, and Pb were evaluated. Three correlation trends were evaluated between the following: (1) different elements in the each individual tissue, (2) individual elements in different tissues, and (3) different elements in different tissues. In addition, correlation rates of growth parameters (weight, cephalothorax length, and total length) with heavy-metal and metalloid concentrations in each tissue were investigated. Our results suggest that substantial differences in metal and metalloid-accumulation levels exist between male and female specimens, with stronger correlations between the heavy-metal concentrations observed in the male cohort. It is notable that correlation trends of Co, Cu, 52 As, Cr, and Ni in exoskeleton of the male specimens display strong similarities. Likewise, a very strong correlation is present in Ni–Cd and Ni–Pb accumulations in abdominal muscle of the male specimens; a similar trend is present between Cd and Pb concentrations in the same tissue of female specimens. For correlation rates of different heavy metals and metalloid in different tissues, the strongest positive association observed was between 63 Cu in gill and As in hepatopancreas, whereas the strongest negative correlation was between accumulated Ni in abdominal muscle and As in exoskeleton. Strong correlations between metals and metalloid accumulations were observed between exoskeleton and gill. In many cases, metal and metalloid accumulation was negatively correlated with growth parameters. Preferential accumulation of Cr and Cu isotopes was observed in different tissues, suggesting that significant amounts of isotope fractionation occur during heavy-metal accumulation. Relatively low correlation rates were observed between 52 Cr/ 53 Cr and 63 Cu/ 65 Cu concentrations in several tissue types in both male and female cohorts, whereas no such trend was observed between Cd and Pb isotopes.

Description: The effect of previous toxicant exposure (i.e., exposure history) on an organism’s response to re-exposure to the toxicant is of considerable interest. The marine mussel Mytilus edulis was collected from reference and polluted sites in southwest England, and groups of mussels from each site were exposed to 20 μg/L CdCl 2 for 0, 1, 4, and 8 days and compared with unexposed controls. End points evaluated were tissue metal and electrolyte concentrations, haemolymph chemistry, haemocyte characteristics [counts, neutral red uptake (NRU), and phagocytosis], histology, and expression of metallothionein gene ( mt10 ) expression in digestive glands. Field-collected animals differed by collection site for some end points at time zero, at which time tissue Fe and Pb concentrations were greater and NRU and condition index lower in mussels from the polluted site. Subsequent exposure to cadmium (Cd) in the laboratory caused Cd accumulation mainly in digestive gland, but there were no site-specific effects on tissue trace-metal concentrations. NRU, phagocytosis, and haemolymph Na + and K + concentrations differed among sites and Cd treatment, but there were no clear trends. Exposure to Cd resulted in lower Ca 2+ concentrations in gill, digestive gland, and haemolymph in animals from the polluted site compared with controls (Kruskal–Wallis, p  ≤ 0.05). Lesions, including necrosis, inflammation, and neoplasia, were observed in animals from the polluted site, but the frequency of these lesions appeared to decrease unexpectedly after Cd exposure. Expression of mt10 increased 3-fold in Cd-exposed animals from the polluted site compared with all other groups (Kruskal–Wallis, p  = 0.01). We conclude that Cd exposure affected some immune responses in M. edulis , but pre-exposure history influenced toxicological outcomes of Cd exposure in the laboratory.

Description: In this study, we investigated whether the terrestrial moss Pseudoscleropodium purum can be used to biomonitor atmospheric deposition of nitrogen (N). For this purpose, we first determined whether there are any interspecific differences in the concentrations of total N and δ 15 N between the two species of terrestrial moss most commonly used in biomonitoring studies, P. purum and Hypnum cupressiforme . Second, we determined the spatial distribution of N and δ 15 N at small and large scales: (1) by analysis of 165 samples from the surroundings of an aluminium smelter and (2) by analysis of 149 samples from sites forming part of a regular 15 × 15–km sampling network in Galicia (northwest Spain). We did not find any interspecific differences in either total N or δ 15 N. Analysis of δ 15 N enabled us to identify large-scale spatial patterns of distribution that were congruent with the location of the main N emission sources (unlike the analysis of total N). However, we did not identify any such patterns for the small-scale source of N emission studied. The results show that analysis of δ 15 N has an advantage compared with the analysis of total N in that it provides information about the source of N rather than about the amount of N received. Furthermore, isotope discrimination appears to occur, with the bryophytes preferentially accumulating the N 14 isotope. Although this amplifies the signal of reduced forms, it is not problematical for determining spatial-distribution patterns.

Description: Surface sediments were collected in August 2009 from 49 sites along the Minho estuary (between Tui and Caminha) and analyzed for grain size, organic carbon (C org ) and total nitrogen (N tot ) contents, and major (silicon [Si], aluminum [Al], iron [Fe], calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], sodium [Na], potassium [K], titanium [Ti], and mangesese [Mn]) and trace element (arsenic [As], chromium [Cr], copper [Cu], mercury [Hg], lithium [Li], lead [Pb], rubidium [Rb], tin [Sn], and zinc [Zn]) concentrations. Factor analysis was used to decrease 22 selected variables into 4 factors accounting for 85.9 % of the total variance explained, suggesting distinct elemental sources or sediment components affecting their spatial distributions. Although factors 1 (detrital component; elements strongly associated with fine- [Na, Mg, Ti, Li, Cr, Cu, Fe, Al, Zn, Ca, and As] and coarse-grained sediments [Si, K, Rb; mean grain-size [M GS ]) and 3 (Fe–Mn oxyhydroxide sediment component; Fe, Mn, As, fine fraction) are interpreted as reflecting predominance of natural contributions, factors 2 (urban and industrial contamination: sediment components [Pb, Hg, organic carbon [C org ], total nitrogen [N tot ] and 4 (components associated with contamination by nautical activities; the association of tin [Sn] and calcium [Ca]) seem to indicate anthropogenic contributions). Nevertheless, the influence of elemental contributions derived from tungsten (W)–Sn mineralizations and those resulting from mining activities can also contribute to the obtained geochemical associations and should be considered. Spatial distribution of dominant factor scores shows the dominance of factors 2 and 4 between Tui and Vila Nova de Cerveira, whereas samples dominated by factors 3 and 1 are found between Ilha da Boega and Seixas and in the Caminha areas, respectively. Despite the dominance of factor score 1 in the Caminha area, the distribution pattern of dominant factor scores shows samples dominated by other factor scores that can be explained by dredging activities in this river sector that restore ancient sedimentary characteristics or expose contaminated sediments. Through the identification of sample locations dominated by factors associated with contamination, it will be possible to select them as priority areas where new environmental (e.g., toxicity tests, organic Sn compounds, tracers of sewage contamination) studies should be implemented in the future.

Description: Ethylbenzene is classified as a priority pollutant; however, toxicity data, especially those regarding sublethal toxicity, are rarely reported on gastropods. The present work was performed to elucidate the sublethal effects of ethylbenzene using a freshwater snail, Bellamya aeruginosa (Reeve), exposed to ethylbenzene for 21 days followed by a 17-day recovery period. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) were used as biomarkers to evaluate oxidative stress in hepatopancreas of snails. In addition, alkaline comet assay was applied to determine the genotoxicity of ethylbenzene in hepatopancreas of snails. These biomarkers and DNA damage exhibited various responses to ethylbenzene in the tested snails. SOD and CAT activities were almost significantly stimulated during the exposure period. As exposure time was prolonged beyond 7 days, CAT activity gradually became significantly increased at higher doses of ethylbenzene. GSH concentration was positively and linearly related with exposure dose. MDA concentration was significantly greater than that in the control only under the lowest treatment after a 7-day exposure. Alkaline comet assay showed that ethylbenzene could significantly induce DNA damage in hepatopancreas of snails, and there was a good dose- and time-response in DNA damage, indicating potential genotoxicity of ethylbenzene on snails. At the end of the recovery period, the repair of DNA damage was not yet completed, showing that DNA repair requires more time. The findings from this study could indicate that SOD, GST, and GSH seem to be effective oxidative biomarkers for snails exposed to ethylbenzene in the short term. CAT proved to be a valuable discriminating biomarker in subchronic exposure to ethylbenzene, but MDA was not a suitable oxidative biomarker for exposure to ethylbenzene in either the short or long term. Alkaline comet assay was efficient tool with which to evaluate the potential genotoxicity of ethylbenzene.

Description: Several synthetic substances are used in agricultural areas to combat insect pests; however, the indiscriminate use of these products may affect nontarget insects, such as bees. In Brazil, one of the most widely used insecticides is imidacloprid, which targets the nervous system of insects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic exposure to sublethal doses of imidacloprid on the brain of the Africanized Apis mellifera. The organs of both control bees and bees exposed to insecticide were subjected to morphological, histochemical and immunocytochemical analysis after exposure to imidacloprid, respectively, for 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days. In mushroom bodies of bees exposed to imidacloprid concentrations of LD 50/10 and in optic lobes of bees exposed to imidacloprid concentrations of LD 50/10 , LD 50/100 , and LD 50/50 , we observed the presence of condensed cells. The Feulgen reaction revealed the presence of some cells with pyknotic nuclei, whereas Xylidine Ponceau stain revealed strongly stained cells. These characteristics can indicate the occurrence of cell death. Furthermore, cells in mushroom bodies of bees exposed to imidacloprid concentrations of LD 50/10 appeared to be swollen. Cell death was confirmed by immunocytochemical technique. Therefore, it was concluded that sublethal doses of imidacloprid have cytotoxic effects on exposed bee brains and that optic lobes are more sensitive to the insecticide than other regions of the brain.

Description: The concentration levels of cadmium and lead in 250 horizon samples from 125 different soil profiles of undisturbed soils of La Rioja, Spain, were determined. Knowledge of regional contents as well as the variability and background values of trace elements in soils is of critical importance to assess human impact on the soil environment and to determine baseline values and quality standards. Heavy-metal horizontal distribution was mainly affected by the nature of the bedrock and, to a smaller extent, anthropogenic activity. Vertical distributions were mainly of a natural origin depending first on the bedrock and second on the result of soil processes.

Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the availability of the heavy metals cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) to soil and maize plants fertilized with different sources and doses of zinc (Zn) in a Rhodic Eutrudox soil. For that purpose, concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cr were evaluated in leaf tissue and grains of maize plants and in 0–20 and 20–40 cm soil layers after fertilization with four doses of Zn from eight different sources of fertilizer. There was no accumulation of Cd, Pb, and Cr in maize grain and Cd and Cr in leaf tissue of the plants; nevertheless, there was accumulation of Pb in leaf tissue, showing its availability throughout different sources of Zn and consequent uptake by plants. Regarding the soil, it was observed that fertilizer from the different sources made Cd, Pb, and Cr available at increasing amounts proportional to increased Zn doses. Under experimental conditions, fertilization with Zn increased concentrations of heavy metals Cd, Pb and Cr in soil, further highlighting the importance of conducting more studies related to the application of mineral fertilizers for micronutrient supply and the availability of heavy metals.

Description: Acute toxicities of Tihan 175 O-TEQ, as well as its active ingredients flubendiamide and spirotetramat, and of Thionex 350 EC (active compound endosulfan) were measured for embryo-larval and juvenile stages of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus to assess risks of pesticide use in the cotton basin in Benin (West Africa). For embryo-larval stages, Tihan was more toxic (LC50 48h 20 ppm) than Thionex (LC50 48h 56 ppm), and flubendiamide was more toxic (LC50 48h 2.0 ppm) than spirotetramat (LC50 48h 8.44 ppm). All decreased hatching rates. Tihan and spirotetramat disturbed larval swimming coordination; flubendiamide induced tail cleavage. For juvenile fish, Thionex was more toxic (LC50 96h 0.22 ppm) than Tihan (LC50 96h 8.8 ppm), and flubendiamide (LC50 96h 4.7 ppm) was more toxic than spirotetramat (LC50 96h 6.0 ppm). Eggs were more resistant than juvenile fish to all tested pesticides except flubendiamide. Although Thionex was more toxic to juvenile fish, replacing Thionex with Tihan may be undesirable for survival of eggs and larvae.

Description: A genetically engineered microorganism (GEM) capable of simultaneously degrading organophosphate and organochlorine pesticides was constructed for the first time by display of organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) on the cell surface of a hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-degrading Sphingobium japonicum UT26. The GEM could potentially be used for removing the two classes of pesticides that may be present in mixtures at contaminated sites. A surface anchor system derived from the truncated ice nucleation protein (INPNC) from Pseudomonas syringae was used to target OPH onto the cell surface of UT26, reducing the potential substrate uptake limitation. The surface localization of INPNC–OPH fusion was verified by cell fractionation, western blot, proteinase accessibility, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, the functionality of the surface-exposed OPH was demonstrated by OPH activity assays. Surface display of INPNC–OPH fusion (82 kDa) neither inhibited cell growth nor affected cell viability. The engineered UT26 could degrade parathion as well as γ-HCH rapidly in minimal salt medium. The removal of parathion and γ-HCH by engineered UT26 in sterile and non-sterile soil was also studied. In both soil samples, a mixture of parathion (100 mg kg −1 ) and γ-HCH (10 mg kg −1 ) could be degraded completely within 15 days. Soil treatment results indicated that the engineered UT26 is a promising multifunctional bacterium that could be used for the bioremediation of multiple pesticide-contaminated environments.

Description: Stimulation of native microbial populations in soil by the addition of small amounts of secondary carbon sources (cosubstrates) and its effect on the degradation and theoretical mineralization of DDT [l,l,l-trichloro-2,2-bis( p -chlorophenyl)ethane] and its main metabolites, DDD and DDE, were evaluated. Microbial activity in soil polluted with DDT, DDE and DDD was increased by the presence of phenol, hexane and toluene as cosubstrates. The consumption of DDT was increased from 23 % in a control (without cosubstrate) to 67, 59 and 56 % in the presence of phenol, hexane and toluene, respectively. DDE was completely removed in all cases, and DDD removal was enhanced from 67 % in the control to ~86 % with all substrates tested, except for acetic acid and glucose substrates. In the latter cases, DDD removal was either inhibited or unchanged from the control. The optimal amount of added cosubstrate was observed to be between 0.64 and 2.6 mg C $ {\text{g}}^{ - 1}_{\text{dry soil}} $ . The CO 2 produced was higher than the theoretical amount for complete cosubstrate mineralization indicating possible mineralization of DDT and its metabolites. Bacterial communities were evaluated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, which indicated that native soil and the untreated control presented a low bacterial diversity. The detected bacteria were related to soil microorganisms and microorganisms with known biodegradative potential. In the presence of toluene a bacterium related to Azoarcus , a genus that includes species capable of growing at the expense of aromatic compounds such as toluene and halobenzoates under denitrifying conditions, was detected.

Description: Because benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) and ethanol are important contaminants present in Brazilian gasoline, it is essential to develop technology that can be used in the bioremediation of gasoline-contaminated aquifers. This paper evaluates the performance of a horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass (HAIB) reactor fed with water containing gasoline constituents under denitrifying conditions. Two HAIB reactors filled with polyurethane foam matrices (5 mm cubes, 23 kg/m 3 density and 95 % porosity) for biomass attachment were assayed. The reactor fed with synthetic substrate containing protein, carbohydrates, sodium bicarbonate and BTEX solution in ethanol, at an Hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 13.5 h, presented hydrocarbon removal efficiencies of 99 % at the following initial concentrations: benzene 6.7 mg/L, toluene 4.9 mg/L, m -xylene and p -xylene 7.2 mg/L, ethylbenzene 3.7 mg/L, and nitrate 60 mg N/L. The HAIB reactor fed with gasoline-contaminated water at an HRT of 20 h showed hydrocarbon removal efficiencies of 96 % at the following initial concentrations: benzene, 4.9 mg/L; toluene, 7.2 mg/L; m -xylene, 3.7 mg/L; and nitrate 400 mg N/L. Microbiological observations along the length of the HAIB reactor fed with gasoline-contaminated water confirmed that in the first segment of the reactor, denitrifying metabolism predominated, whereas from the first sampling port on, the metabolism observed was predominantly methanogenic.

Description: Burkholderia sp. C3, an efficient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degrader, can utilize nine of the ten N -methylcarbamate insecticides including carbaryl as a sole source of carbon. Rapid hydrolysis of carbaryl in C3 is followed by slow catabolism of the resulting 1-naphthol. This study focused on metabolomes and proteomes in C3 cells utilizing carbaryl in comparison to those using glucose or nutrient broth. Sixty of the 867 detected proteins were involved in primary metabolism, adaptive sensing and regulation, transport, stress response, and detoxification. Among the 41 proteins expressed in response to carbaryl were formate dehydrogenase, aldehyde-alcohol dehydrogenase and ethanolamine utilization protein involved in one carbon metabolism. Acetate kinase and phasin were 2 of the 19 proteins that were not detected in carbaryl-supported C3 cells, but detected in glucose-supported C3 cells. Down-production of phasin and polyhydroxyalkanoates in carbaryl-supported C3 cells suggests insufficient carbon sources and lower levels of primary metabolites to maintain an ordinary level of metabolism. Differential metabolomes (~196 identified polar metabolites) showed up-production of metabolites in pentose phosphate pathways and metabolisms of cysteine, cystine and some other amino acids, disaccharides and nicotinate, in contract to down-production of most of the other amino acids and hexoses. The proteomic and metabolomic analyses showed that carbaryl-supported C3 cells experienced strong toxic effects, oxidative stresses, DNA/RNA damages and carbon nutrient deficiency.

Description: Species of the genus Variovorax are often isolated from nitrile or amide-containing organic compound-contaminated soil. However, there have been few biological characterizations of Variovorax and their contaminant-degrading enzymes. Previously, we reported a new soil isolate, Variovorax boronicumulans CGMCC 4969, and its nitrile hydratase that transforms the neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid into an amide metabolite. In this study, we showed that CGMCC 4969 is able to degrade acrylamide, a neurotoxicant and carcinogen in animals, during cell growth in a mineral salt medium as well as in its resting state. Resting cells rapidly hydrolyzed 600 mg/L acrylamide to acrylic acid with a half-life of 2.5 min. In in vitro tests, CGMCC 4969 showed plant growth-promoting properties; it produced a siderophore, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and the phytohormone salicylic acid. Interestingly, in soil inoculated with this strain, 200 mg/L acrylamide was completely degraded in 4 days. Gene cloning and overexpression in the Escherichia coli strain Rosetta (DE3) pLysS resulted in the production of an aliphatic amidase of 345 amino acids that hydrolyzed acrylamide into acrylic acid. The amidase contained a conserved catalytic triad, Glu59, Lys 134, and Cys166, and an “MRHGDISSS” amino acid sequence at the N-terminal region. Variovorax boronicumulans CGMCC 4969, which is able to use acrylamide for cell growth and rapidly degrade acrylamide in soil, shows promising plant growth-promoting properties. As such, it has the potential to be developed into an effective Bioaugmentation strategy to promote growth of field crops in acrylamide-contaminated soil.

Description: Organic and metallic pollutants are ubiquitous in the environment. Many metals are reported to be toxic to microorganisms and to inhibit biodegradation. The effect of the metals iron, copper and silver on the metabolism of Labrys portucalensis F11 and on fluorobenzene (FB) biodegradation was examined. The results indicate that the addition of 1 mM of Fe 2+ to the culture medium has a positive effect on bacterial growth and has no impact in the biodegradation of 1 and 2 mM of FB. The presence of 1 mM of Cu 2+ was found to strongly inhibit the growth of F11 cultures and to reduce the biodegradation of 1 and 2 mM of FB to ca. 50 %, with 80 % of stoichiometrically expected fluoride released. In the experiments with resting cells, the FB degraded (from 2 mM supplied) was reduced ca. 20 % whereas the fluoride released was reduced to 45 % of that stoichiometrically expected. Ag + was the most potent inhibitor of FB degradation. In experiments with growing cells, the addition of 1 mM of Ag + to the culture medium containing 1 and 2 mM of FB resulted in no fluoride release, whereas FB degradation was only one third of that observed in control cultures. In the experiments with resting cells, the addition of Ag + resulted in 25 % reduction in substrate degradation and fluoride release was only 20 % of that stoichiometrically expected. The accumulation of catechol and 4-fluorocatechol in cultures supplemented with Cu 2+ or Ag + suggest inhibition of the key enzyme of FB metabolism—catechol 1,2-dioxygenase.

Description: In the present study, the influence of kaolinite and goethite on microbial degradation of methyl parathion was investigated. We observed that the biodegradation process was improved by kaolinite and depressed by goethite. Calorimetric data further showed that the metabolic activities of degrading cells ( Pseudomonas putida ) were enhanced by the presence of kaolinite and depressed by the presence of goethite. A semipermeable membrane experiment was performed and results supported the above observations: the promotive effect of kaolinite and the inhibition of goethite for microbial degradation was not found when the bacteria was enclosed by semipermeable membrane and had no direct contact with these minerals, suggesting the important function of the contact of cellular surfaces with mineral particles. The relative larger particles of kaolinite were loosely attached to the bacteria. This attachment made the cells easy to use the sorbed substrate and then stimulated biodegradation. For goethite, small particles were tightly bound to bacterial cells and limited the acquisition of substrate and nutrients, thereby inhibiting biodegradation. These results indicated that interfacial interaction between bacterial cells and minerals significantly affected the biodegradation of pesticides.

Description: Although 4- tert -butylphenol (4- t -BP) is a serious aquatic pollutant, its biodegradation in aquatic environments has not been well documented. In this study, 4- t -BP was obviously and repeatedly removed from water from four different environments in the presence of Spirodela polyrrhiza , giant duckweed, but 4- t -BP persisted in the environmental waters in the absence of S. polyrrhiza . Also, 4- t -BP was not removed from autoclaved pond water with sterilized S. polyrrhiza . These results suggest that the 4- t -BP removal from the environmental waters was caused by biodegradation stimulated by the presence of S. polyrrhiza rather than by uptake by the plant. Moreover, Sphingobium fuliginis OMI capable of utilizing 4- t -BP as a sole carbon and energy source was isolated from the S. polyrrhiza rhizosphere. Strain OMI degraded 4- t -BP via a meta -cleavage pathway, and also degraded a broad range of alkylphenols with linear or branched alkyl side chains containing two to nine carbon atoms. Root exudates of S. polyrrhiza stimulated 4- t -BP degradation and cell growth of strain OMI. Thus, the stimulating effects of S. polyrrhiza root exudates on 4- t -BP-degrading bacteria might have contributed to 4- t -BP removal in the environmental waters with S. polyrrhiza . These results demonstrate that the S. polyrrhiza –bacteria association may be applicable to the removal of highly persistent 4- t -BP from wastewaters or polluted aquatic environments.

Description: The biodegradation of heptadecane in five sand columns was modeled using a multiplicative Monod approach. Each column contained 1.0 kg of sand and 2 g of heptadecane, and was supplied with an artificial seawater solution containing nutrients at a flow rate that resulted in unsaturated flow through the column. All nutrients were provided in excess with the exception of nitrate whose influent concentration was 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 mg N/L. The experiment was run around 912 h until no measurable oxygen consumption or CO 2 production was observed. The residual mass of heptadecane was measured at the end of the experiments and the biodegradation was monitored based on oxygen consumption and CO 2 production. Biodegradation kinetic parameters were estimated by fitting the model to experimental data of oxygen, CO 2 , and residual mass of heptadecane obtained from the two columns having influent nitrate–N concentration of 0.5 and 2.5 mg/L. Noting that the oxygen and CO 2 measurements leveled off at around 450 h, we fitted the model to these data for that range. The estimated parameters fell in within the range reported in the literature. In particular, the half-saturation constant for nitrate utilization,  $ K_{\text{N}} $ , was estimated to be 0.45 mg N/L, and the yield coefficient was found to be 0.15 mg biomass/mg heptadecane. Using these values, the rest of experimental data from the five columns was predicted, and the model agreed with the observations. There were some consistent discrepancies at large times between the model simulation and observed data in the cases with higher nitrate concentration. One plausible explanation for these differences could be limitation of biodegradation by reduction of the heptadecane–water interfacial area in these columns while the model uses a constant interfacial area.

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:    White-rot fungi are a group of microorganisms capable of degrading xenobiotic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or synthetic dyes, by means of the action of extracellular oxidative enzymes secreted during secondary metabolism. In this study, the transformation of three anti-inflammatory drugs: diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen were carried out by pellets of Phanerochaete chrysosporium in fed-batch bioreactors operating under continuous air supply or periodic pulsation of oxygen. The performance of the fungal reactors was steady over a 30-day treatment and the effect of oxygen pulses on the pellet morphology was evidenced. Complete elimination of diclofenac was achieved in the aerated and the oxygenated reactors, even with a fast oxidation rate in the presence of oxygen (77% after 2 h), reaching a total removal after 23 h. In the case of ibuprofen, this compound was completely oxidized under air and oxygen supply. Finally, naproxen was oxidized in the range of 77 up to 99% under both aeration conditions. These findings demonstrate that the oxidative capability of this microorganism for the anti-inflammatory drugs is not restricted to an oxygen environment, as generally accepted, since the fungal reactor was able to remove these compounds under aerated and oxygenated conditions. This result is very interesting in terms of developing viable reactors for the oxidation of target compounds as the cost of aeration can be significantly reduced. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10532-011-9494-9 Authors A. I. Rodarte-Morales, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain G. Feijoo, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain M. T. Moreira, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain J. M. Lema, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    In this work, two novel iron oxidizing bacteria (IOB), namely Gordonia sp. MZ-89 and Enterobacter sp . M01101, were isolated from sewage treatment plants and identified by biochemical and molecular methods. Then, microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) of carbon steel in the presence of these bacteria was investigated. The electrochemical techniques such as potentiodynamic polarization measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to measure the corrosion rate and observe the corrosion mechanism. The results showed that the existence of these microorganisms decreased the corrosion potential and enhanced the corrosion rate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the ground boundary attacks and pitting on carbon steel samples in the presence of these bacteria after polarization. Corrosion scales were identified with X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was demonstrated that these bacteria can greatly affect the crystalline phase of corrosion products that also confirmed by SEM results. It was inferred that these bacteria were responsible for the corrosion of carbon steel, especially in the form of localized corrosion. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-011-9487-8 Authors H. Ashassi-Sorkhabi, Electrochemistry Research Laboratory, Physical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran M. Moradi-Haghighi, Electrochemistry Research Laboratory, Physical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran G. Zarrini, Microbiology Laboratory, Biology Department, Science Faculty, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran R. Javaherdashti, Department of Civil Engineering, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, WA, Australia Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

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:    The common grass Calamagrostis epigeions produces a large amount of dead biomass, which remain above the soil surface for many months. In this study, we determined how exposure of dead biomass above the soil affects its subsequent decomposition in soil. Collected dead standing biomass was divided in two parts, the first one (initial litter) was stored in a dark, dry place. The other part was placed in litterbags in the field. The litterbags were located in soil, on the soil surface, or hanging in the air without contact with soil but exposed to the sun and rain. After 1 year of field exposure, litter mass loss and C and N content were measured, and changes in litter chemistry were explored using NMR and thermochemolysis-GC–MS. The potential decomposability of the litter was quantified by burying the litter from the litterbags and the initial litter in soil microcosms and measuring soil respiration. Soil respiration was greater with litter that had been hanging in air than with all other kinds of litter. These finding could not be explained by changes in litter mass or C:N ratio. NMR indicated a decrease in polysaccharides relative to lignin in litter that was buried in soil but not in litter that was placed on soil surface or that was hanging in the air. Thermochemolysis indicated that the syringyl units of the litter lignin were decomposed when the litter was exposed to light. We postulate that photochemical decay of lignin increase decomposability of dead standing biomass. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10532-011-9479-8 Authors Jan Frouz, Faculty of Science, Institute for Environmental Studies, Charles University, Benátská 2, 12800 Praha, Czech Republic Tomáš Cajthaml, Faculty of Science, Institute for Environmental Studies, Charles University, Benátská 2, 12800 Praha, Czech Republic Ondřej Mudrák, Institute of soil biology, Biology Center, AS CR, Na Sádkách 7, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Arsenic is a carcinogenic compound widely distributed in the groundwater around the world. The fate of arsenic in groundwater depends on the activity of microorganisms either by oxidizing arsenite (As III ), or by reducing arsenate (As V ). Because of the higher toxicity and mobility of As III compared to As V , microbial-catalyzed oxidation of As III to As V can lower the environmental impact of arsenic. Although aerobic As III -oxidizing bacteria are well known, anoxic oxidation of As III with nitrate as electron acceptor has also been shown to occur. In this study, three As III -oxidizing bacterial strains, Azoarcus sp. strain EC1-pb1, Azoarcus sp. strain EC3-pb1 and Diaphorobacter sp. strain MC-pb1, have been characterized. Each strain was tested for its ability to oxidize As III with four different electron acceptors, nitrate, nitrite, chlorate and oxygen. Complete As III oxidation was achieved with both nitrate and oxygen, demonstrating the novel ability of these bacterial strains to oxidize As III in either anoxic or aerobic conditions. Nitrate was only reduced to nitrite. Different electron donors were used to study their suitability in supporting nitrate reduction. Hydrogen and acetate were readily utilized by all the cultures. The flexibility of these As III -oxidizing bacteria to use oxygen and nitrate to oxidize As III as well as organic and inorganic substrates as alternative electron donors explains their presence in non-arsenic-contaminated environments. The findings suggest that at least some As III -oxidizing bacteria are flexible with respect to electron-acceptors and electron-donors and that they are potentially widespread in low arsenic concentration environments. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-011-9493-x Authors Lucía Rodríguez-Freire, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA Wenjie Sun, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA Reyes Sierra-Alvarez, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA Jim A. Field, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    To reduce the volume of seaweed wastes and extract polysaccharides, seaweed-degrading bacteria were isolated from drifting macroalgae harvested along the coast of Toyama Bay, Japan. Sixty-four bacterial isolates were capable of degrading “Wakame” ( Undaria pinnatifida ) thallus fragments into single cell detritus (SCD) particles. Amongst these, strain 6532A was the most active degrader of thallus fragments, and was capable of degrading thallus fragments to SCD particles within a day. Although the sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene of strain 6532A was 100% similar to that of Microbulbifer elongatus JAMB-A7, several distinct differences were observed between strains, including motility, morphology, and utilization of d -arabinose and gelatin. Consequently, strain 6532A was classified as a new Microbulbifer strain, and was designated Microbulbifer sp. 6532A. Strain 6532A was capable of degrading both alginate and cellulose in the culture medium, zymogram analysis of which revealed the presence of multiple alginate lyases and cellulases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to directly demonstrate the existence of these enzymes in Microbulbifer species. Shotgun cloning and sequencing of the alginate lyase gene in 6532A revealed a 1,074-bp open reading frame, which was designated algMsp . The reading frame encoded a PL family seven enzyme composed of 358 amino acids (38,181 Da). With a similarity of 74.2%, the deduced amino acid sequence was most similar to a Saccharophagus enzyme ( alg 7C ). These findings suggest that algMsp in strain 6532A is a novel alginate lyase gene. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10532-011-9489-6 Authors Masayuki Wakabayashi, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-8555 Japan Akihiro Sakatoku, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-8555 Japan Fumio Noda, Sugiyo Co. Ltd, Nanao, Ishikawa 926-8603, Japan Minoru Noda, Sugiyo Co. Ltd, Nanao, Ishikawa 926-8603, Japan Daisuke Tanaka, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-8555 Japan Shogo Nakamura, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-8555 Japan Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    The performance of an Arthrobacter viscosus culture to remove diethylketone from aqueous solutions was evaluated. The effect of initial concentration of diethylketone on the growth of the bacteria was evaluated for the range of concentration between 0 and 4.8 g/l, aiming to evaluate a possible toxicological effect. The maximum specific growth rate achieved is 0.221 h −1 at 1.6 g/l of initial diethylketone concentration, suggesting that for higher concentrations an inhibitory effect on the growth occurs. The removal percentages obtained were approximately 88%, for all the initial concentrations tested. The kinetic parameters were estimated using four growth kinetic models for biodegradation of organic compounds available in the literature. The experimental data found is well fitted by the Haldane model ( R 2  = 1) as compared to Monod model ( R 2  = 0.99), Powell ( R 2  = 0.82) and Loung model ( R 2  = 0.95). The biodegradation of diethylketone using concentrated biomass was studied for an initial diethylketone concentration ranging from 0.8–3.9 g/l in a batch with recirculation mode of operation. The biodegradation rate found followed the pseudo-second order kinetics and the resulting kinetic parameters are reported. The removal percentages obtained were approximately 100%, for all the initial concentrations tested, suggesting that the increment on the biomass concentration allows better results in terms of removal of diethylketone. This study showed that these bacteria are very effective for the removal of diethylketone from aqueous solutions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10532-011-9488-7 Authors Filomena Costa, IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal Cristina Quintelas, IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal Teresa Tavares, IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

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:    Trichloroethylene (TCE) is extensively used in commercial applications, despite its risk to human health via soil and groundwater contamination. The stability of TCE, which is a useful characteristic for commercial application, makes it difficult to remove it from the environment. Numerous studies have demonstrated that TCE can be effectively removed from the environment using bioremediation. Pseudomonas putida F1 is capable of degrading TCE into less hazardous byproducts via the toluene dioxygenase pathway (TOD). Unfortunately, these bioremediation systems are not self-sustaining, as the degradation capacity declines over time. Fortunately, the replacement of metabolic co-factors is sufficient in many cases to maintain effective TCE degradation. Thus, monitoring systems must be developed to predict when TCE degradation rates are likely to decline. Herein, we show evidence that tod expression levels correlate with the ability of P. putida F1 to metabolize TCE in the presence of toluene. Furthermore, the presence of toluene improves the replication of P . putida F1, even when TCE is present at high concentration. These findings may be applied to real world applications to decide when the bioremediation system requires supplementation with aromatic substrates, in order to maintain maximum TCE removal capacity. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9544-y Authors Jianbo Liu, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, 53 Zhengzhou Road, Sifang District, Qingdao, 266061 China Takashi Amemiya, Graduate School of Environment and Information Science, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, 240-8501 Japan Qing Chang, Graduate School of Environment and Information Science, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, 240-8501 Japan Yi Qian, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, 53 Zhengzhou Road, Sifang District, Qingdao, 266061 China Kiminori Itoh, Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, 240-8501 Japan Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    This study investigates contamination by 13 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners in a high-mountain pasture located in the Italian Alps. The trend of PBDE contamination in three soil layers was investigated by a spring–summer sampling period to understand the importance of different environmental variables, such as seasonality, topographical aspect, and soil features. We also evaluated PBDE accumulation in grasses covering the plateau, and because the study area has been used for a pasture for a long time, we measured PBDE levels in milk from grazing cows. Overall, we found moderate PBDE contamination in Andossi soils, with differences depending on the layer, mountain side, and organic matter content. The vegetation of the plateau had greater PBDE concentrations than the soils and showed a grass/soil accumulation ratio between 2 and 12, indicating that deposition from the atmosphere is actually the dominant process in this area. Last, PBDE concentrations in milk followed similar seasonal trends as the vegetation but showed variations in congener abundance in agreement with the biotransformation susceptibility, absorption efficiency, and residence time of different BDEs in dairy cattle. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9753-8 Authors Marco Parolini, Department of Biology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy Niccolò Guazzoni, Department of Biology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy Andrea Binelli, Department of Biology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy Paolo Tremolada, Department of Biology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The occurrence of seven perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and three perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFASs) was studied in raw- and treated-water samples from public water systems. Two sampling campaigns were performed during the summer of 2009 and in June 2010. Sampling was equally distributed across the 100 French departments. In total, 331 raw-water samples and 110 treated-water samples were analyzed during this study, representing approximately 20% of the national water supply flow. Concentrations of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were determined using automated solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In raw-water samples, the highest individual PFC concentration was 139 ng/L for perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). The sum of all of the determined components was 〉100 ng/L at three sampling points (199, 117, and 115 ng/L). Of the investigated PFCs, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and PFHxA predominated (detected in 27%, 13%, 11%, and 7% of samples, respectively). Geographical variability was observed, with departments crossed by major rivers or with high population densities being more affected by PFC contamination. Compared with raw water, short-chain PFCAs, but not PFASs, were found in higher abundance in treated water. This difference suggests a relative effectiveness of certain water treatments for the elimination of PFASs but also a possible degradation of PFCA precursors by water-treatment processes. Our investigations did not show any heavily contaminated sites. In treated-water samples, the highest individual PFC concentration was 125 ng/L for PFHxA. The sum of all of the determined components was 〉100 ng/L at one sampling point (156 ng/L). The values observed for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water were not greater than the health-based drinking-water concentration protectives for lifetime exposure that have been defined for other countries. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9754-7 Authors Virginie Boiteux, Water Chemistry Department, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, ANSES, 54000 Nancy, France Xavier Dauchy, Water Chemistry Department, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, ANSES, 54000 Nancy, France Christophe Rosin, Water Chemistry Department, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, ANSES, 54000 Nancy, France Jean-François Munoz, Water Chemistry Department, Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, ANSES, 54000 Nancy, France Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    From 1930 to 1995, the Upper Columbia River (UCR) of northeast Washington State received approximately 12 million metric tons of smelter slag and associated effluents from a large smelter facility located in Trail, British Columbia, approximately 10 km north of the United States–Canadian border. Studies conducted during the past two decades have demonstrated the presence of toxic concentrations of heavy metals in slag-based sandy sediments, including cadmium, copper, zinc, and lead in the UCR area as well as the downstream reservoir portion of Lake Roosevelt. We conducted standardized whole-sediment toxicity tests with the amphipod Hyalella azteca (28-day) and the midge Chironomus dilutus (10-day) on 11 samples, including both UCR and study-specific reference sediments. Metal concentrations in sediments were modeled for potential toxicity using three approaches: (1) probable effects quotients (PEQs) based on total recoverable metals (TRMs) and simultaneously extracted metals (SEMs); (2) SEMs corrected for acid-volatile sulfides (AVS; i.e., ∑SEM − AVS); and (3) ∑SEM − AVS normalized to the fractional organic carbon (f oc ) (i.e., ∑SEM − AVS/f oc ). The most highly metal-contaminated sample (∑PEQ TRM  = 132; ∑PEQ SEM  = 54; ∑SEM − AVS = 323; and ∑SEM − AVS/ foc  = 64,600 umol/g) from the UCR was dominated by weathered slag sediment particles and resulted in 80% mortality and 94% decrease in biomass of amphipods; in addition, this sample significantly decreased growth of midge by 10%. The traditional ∑AVS – SEM, uncorrected for organic carbon, was the most accurate approach for estimating the effects of metals in the UCR. Treatment of the toxic slag sediment with 20% Resinex SIR-300 metal-chelating resin significantly decreased the toxicity of the sample. Samples ∑SEM − AVS 〉 244 was not toxic to amphipods or midge in laboratory testing, indicating that this value may be an approximate threshold for effects in the UCR. In situ benthic invertebrate colonization studies in an experimental pond (8-week duration) indicated that two of the most metal-contaminated UCR sediments (dominated by high levels of sand-sized slag particles) exhibited decreased invertebrate colonization compared with sand-based reference sediments. Field-exposed SIR-300 resin samples also exhibited decreased invertebrate colonization numbers compared with reference materials, which may indicate behavioral avoidance of this material under field conditions. Multiple lines of evidence (analytical chemistry, laboratory toxicity, and field colonization results), along with findings from previous studies, indicate that high metal concentrations associated with slag-enriched sediments in the UCR are likely to adversely impact the growth and survival of native benthic invertebrate communities. Additional laboratory toxicity testing, refinement of the applications of sediment benchmarks for metal toxicity, and in situ benthic invertebrate studies will assist in better defining the spatial extent, temporal variations, and ecological impacts of metal-contaminated sediments in the UCR system. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9752-9 Authors J. F. Fairchild, U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 New Haven Rd., Columbia, MO 65201, USA N. E. Kemble, U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 New Haven Rd., Columbia, MO 65201, USA A. L. Allert, U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 New Haven Rd., Columbia, MO 65201, USA W. G. Brumbaugh, U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 New Haven Rd., Columbia, MO 65201, USA C. G. Ingersoll, U.S. Geological Survey, 4200 New Haven Rd., Columbia, MO 65201, USA B. Dowling, Washington Department of Ecology, 4601 N. Monroe Street, Spokane, WA 99205, USA C. Gruenenfelder, Washington Department of Ecology, 4601 N. Monroe Street, Spokane, WA 99205, USA J. L. Roland, Washington Department of Ecology, 4601 N. Monroe Street, Spokane, WA 99205, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Molasses melanoidin (MM) is a major pollutant in biomethanated distillery spent wash (BMDS) due to its recalcitrant properties. The 75% colour and 71% COD of MM (1,000 ppm) were reduced with developed bacterial consortium comprising Proteus mirabilis (IITRM5; FJ581028), Bacillus sp. (IITRM7; FJ581030), Raoultella planticola (IITRM15; GU329705) and Enterobacter sakazakii (IITRM16, FJ581031) in the ratio of 4:3:2:1 within 10 days at optimized nutrient. Bacterial consortium showed manganese peroxidase and laccase activity during MM decolourisation. The dominant growth of R . planticola and E . sakazakii was noted in consortium during MM decolourisation. The comparative GC–MS analysis of extracted compounds of control and degraded samples showed that most of the compounds present in control were completely utilized by bacterial consortium along with production of some metabolites. The developed bacterial consortium could be a tool for the decolourisation and degradation of melanoidin containing BMDS. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9537-x Authors Sangeeta Yadav, Department of Environmental Microbiology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025 Uttar Pradesh, India Ram Chandra, Department of Environmental Microbiology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226025 Uttar Pradesh, India Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    The capacity of an anaerobic sediment to achieve the simultaneous biodegradation of phenol and carbon tetrachloride (CT) was evaluated, using humic acids (HA) as redox mediator. The presence of HA in sediment incubations increased the rate of biodegradation of phenol and the rate of dehalogenation (2.5-fold) of CT compared to controls lacking HA. Further experiments revealed that the electron-accepting capacity of HA derived from different organic-rich environments was not associated with their reducing capacity to achieve CT dechlorination. The collected kinetic data suggest that the reduction of CT by reduced HA was the rate-limiting step during the simultaneous biodegradation of phenol and CT. To our knowledge, the present study constitutes the first demonstration of the simultaneous biodegradation of two priority pollutants mediated by HA. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9539-8 Authors Claudia M. Martínez, División de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICyT), Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Col. Lomas 4ª Sección, 78216 San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico Luis H. Alvarez, División de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICyT), Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Col. Lomas 4ª Sección, 78216 San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico Francisco J. Cervantes, División de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (IPICyT), Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Col. Lomas 4ª Sección, 78216 San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Relationships between sediment toxicity and sediment chemistry were evaluated for 98 samples collected from seven metropolitan study areas across the United States. Sediment-toxicity tests were conducted with the amphipod Hyalella azteca (28 day exposures) and with the midge Chironomus dilutus (10 day exposures). Overall, 33 % of the samples were toxic to amphipods and 12 % of the samples were toxic to midge based on comparisons with reference conditions within each study area. Significant correlations were observed between toxicity end points and sediment concentrations of trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), or organochlorine (OC) pesticides; however, these correlations were typically weak, and contaminant concentrations were usually below sediment-toxicity thresholds. Concentrations of the pyrethroid bifenthrin exceeded an estimated threshold of 0.49 ng/g (at 1 % total organic carbon) in 14 % of the samples. Of the samples that exceeded this bifenthrin toxicity threshold, 79 % were toxic to amphipods compared with 25 % toxicity for the samples below this threshold. Application of mean probable effect concentration quotients (PECQs) based on measures of groups of contaminants (trace elements, total PAHs, total PCBs, OC pesticides, and pyrethroid pesticides [bifenthrin in particular]) improved the correct classification of samples as toxic or not toxic to amphipods compared with measures of individual groups of contaminants. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9815-y Authors Nile E. Kemble, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, Columbia, MO, USA Douglas K. Hardesty, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, Columbia, MO, USA Christopher G. Ingersoll, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, Columbia, MO, USA James L. Kunz, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, Columbia, MO, USA Paul K. Sibley, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada Daniel L. Calhoun, Georgia Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Atlanta, GA, USA Robert J. Gilliom, California Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Sacramento, CA, USA Kathryn M. Kuivila, California Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Sacramento, CA, USA Lisa H. Nowell, California Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Sacramento, CA, USA Patrick W. Moran, Washington Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Tacoma, WA, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Organic contaminants and trace elements were measured in bed sediments collected from streams in seven metropolitan study areas across the United States to assess concentrations in relation to urbanization. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, the pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin, and several trace elements were significantly related to urbanization across study areas. Most contaminants (except bifenthrin, chromium, nickel) were significantly related to the total organic carbon (TOC) content of the sediments. Regression models explained 45–80 % of the variability in individual contaminant concentrations using degree of urbanization, sediment-TOC, and study-area indicator variables (which represent the combined influence of unknown factors, such as chemical use or release, that are not captured by available explanatory variables). The significance of one or more study-area indicator variables in all models indicates marked differences in contaminant levels among some study areas, even after accounting for the nationally modeled effects of urbanization and sediment-TOC. Mean probable effect concentration quotients (PECQs) were significantly related to urbanization. Trace elements were the major contributors to mean PECQs at undeveloped sites, whereas organic contaminants, especially bifenthrin, were the major contributors at highly urban sites. Pyrethroids, where detected, accounted for the largest share of the mean PECQ. Part 2 of this series (Kemble et al. 2012 ) evaluates sediment toxicity to amphipods and midge in relation to sediment chemistry. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-20 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9813-0 Authors Lisa H. Nowell, California Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Sacramento, CA, USA Patrick W. Moran, Washington Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Tacoma, WA, USA Robert J. Gilliom, California Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Sacramento, CA, USA Daniel L. Calhoun, Georgia Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Atlanta, GA, USA Christopher G. Ingersoll, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, Columbia, MO, USA Nile E. Kemble, Columbia Environmental Research Center, United States Geological Survey, Columbia, MO, USA Kathryn M. Kuivila, California Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Sacramento, CA, USA Patrick J. Phillips, New York Water Science Center, United States Geological Survey, Troy, NY, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9828-6 Authors Sana Bouraoui, Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Teaching Hospital, Ibn EL JAZZAR Street, 4000 Sousse, Tunisia Soumaya Mougou, Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Teaching Hospital, Ibn EL JAZZAR Street, 4000 Sousse, Tunisia Aicha Brahem, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Farhat Hached University Teaching Hospital, 4000 Sousse, Tunisia Faten Tabka, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Farhat Hached University Teaching Hospital, 4000 Sousse, Tunisia Hela Ben Khelifa, Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Teaching Hospital, Ibn EL JAZZAR Street, 4000 Sousse, Tunisia Imed Harrabi, Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Farhat Hached University Teaching Hospital, 4000 Sousse, Tunisia Najib Mrizek, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Farhat Hached University Teaching Hospital, 4000 Sousse, Tunisia Hatem Elghezal, Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Teaching Hospital, Ibn EL JAZZAR Street, 4000 Sousse, Tunisia Ali Saad, Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Teaching Hospital, Ibn EL JAZZAR Street, 4000 Sousse, Tunisia Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Thiol metabolism is the primary detoxification strategy by which rice plants tolerate arsenic (As) stress. In light of this, it is important to understand the importance of harmonised thiol metabolism with As accumulation and tolerance in rice plant. For this aim, tolerant (T) and sensitive (S) genotypes were screened from 303 rice ( Oryza sativa ) genotypes on exposure to 10 and 25 μM arsenite (As III ) in hydroponic culture. On further As accumulation estimation, contrasting (13-fold difference) T (IC-340072) and S (IC-115730) genotypes were selected. This difference was further evaluated using biochemical and molecular approaches to understand involvement of thiolic metabolism vis-a-vis As accumulation in these two genotypes. Various phytochelatin (PC) species (PC 2 , PC 3 and PC 4 ) were detected in both the genotypes with a dominance of PC 3 . However, PC concentrations were greater in the S genotype, and it was noticed that the total PC (PC 2  + PC 3  + PC 4 )–to–As III molar ratio (PC-SH:As III ) was greater in T (2.35 and 1.36 in shoots and roots, respectively) than in the S genotype (0.90 and 0.15 in shoots and roots, respectively). Expression analysis of several metal(loid) stress–related genes showed significant upregulation of glutaredoxin, sulphate transporter, and ascorbate peroxidase in the S genotype. Furthermore, enzyme activity of phytochelatin synthase and cysteine synthase was greater on As accumulation in the S compared with the T genotype. It was concluded that the T genotype synthesizes adequate thiols to detoxify metalloid load, whereas the S genotype synthesizes greater but inadequate levels of thiols to tolerate an exceedingly greater load of metalloids, as evidenced by thiol-to-metalloid molar ratios, and therefore shows a phytotoxicity response. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9818-8 Authors Richa Dave, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, 226001 India Pradyumna Kumar Singh, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, 226001 India Preeti Tripathi, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, 226001 India Manju Shri, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, 226001 India Garima Dixit, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, 226001 India Sanjay Dwivedi, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, 226001 India Debasis Chakrabarty, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, 226001 India Prabodh Kumar Trivedi, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, 226001 India Yogesh Kumar Sharma, Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226002 India Om Prakash Dhankher, Department of Plant, Soil and Insect Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003-9320, USA Francisco Javier Corpas, Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Celular y Molecular de Plantas, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ), CSIC, 18080 Granada, Spain Juan B. Barroso, Unidad Asociada al CSIC (EEZ), Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaén, Spain Rudra Deo Tripathi, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, 226001 India Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Assessing in situ microbial abilities of soils to degrade pesticides is of great interest giving insight in soil filtering capability, which is a key ecosystem function limiting pollution of groundwater. Quantification of pesticide-degrading gene expression by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was tested as a suitable indicator to monitor pesticide biodegradation performances in soil. RNA extraction protocol was optimized to enhance the yield and quality of RNA recovered from soil samples to perform RT-qPCR assays. As a model, the activity of atrazine-degrading communities was monitored using RT-qPCRs to estimate the level of expression of atzD in five agricultural soils showing different atrazine mineralization abilities. Interestingly, the relative abundance of atzD mRNA copy numbers was positively correlated to the maximum rate and to the maximal amount of atrazine mineralized. Our findings indicate that the quantification of pesticide-degrading gene expression may be suitable to assess biodegradation performance in soil and monitor natural attenuation of pesticide. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9574-5 Authors Cécile Monard, UMR CNRS 6553 ‘EcoBio’—IFR2116/FR90 CAREN, Université de Rennes 1, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, Bat 14B, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Fabrice Martin-Laurent, UMR 1347 Agroecologie, AgroSup/INRA/Université de Bourgogne, 17 rue Sully, BP 86510, 21065 Dijon Cedex, France Oscar Lima, UMR CNRS 6553 ‘EcoBio’—IFR2116/FR90 CAREN, Université de Rennes 1, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, Bat 14B, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Marion Devers-Lamrani, UMR 1347 Agroecologie, AgroSup/INRA/Université de Bourgogne, 17 rue Sully, BP 86510, 21065 Dijon Cedex, France Françoise Binet, UMR CNRS 6553 ‘EcoBio’—IFR2116/FR90 CAREN, Université de Rennes 1, 263 Avenue du Général Leclerc, Bat 14B, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    This study aimed to investigate the dose–response effects of an herbicide on soil photosynthetic microbial communities, particularly cyanobacteria, using a microcosm approach. Pure mesotrione (active ingredient), and Callisto (a commercial formulation of this triketone herbicide), were spread at different rates on soil microcosm surfaces. Soil Chlorophyll concentrations were quantified to assess the photosynthetic biomass, and the genetic structure and diversity of the cyanobacterial community were investigated by a group-specific polymerase chain reaction followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Dose-dependent responses were evidenced for both functional and structural parameters. No effect was detected in soils treated with 1 × AR (1-fold recommended application rate) irrespective of the herbicide formulation. At 10 × AR (10-fold recommended application rate), only Callisto treatment induced significant decreases of photosynthetic biomass, whereas structural parameters were less affected. At the 100 × AR (100-fold recommended application rate), both pure mesotrione and Callisto had strong negative impacts on soil chlorophyll concentrations and cyanobacterial genetic structure and diversity. At both the 10 × AR and 100 × AR treatments, Callisto induced significant stronger effects than pure mesotrione. In addition, indicators of photosynthetic biomass, compared with structural parameters of cyanobacterial communities (within 14 days), responded (within 7 days) more quickly to herbicide stress. The results of this study underscore the relevance of soil photosynthetic microbial communities to develop indicators for herbicide risk assessment. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9809-9 Authors Olivier Crouzet, LMGE, Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France Jarosław Wiszniowski, Environmental Biotechnology Department, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland Florence Donnadieu, LMGE, Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France Frédérique Bonnemoy, LMGE, Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France Jacques Bohatier, LMGE, Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France Clarisse Mallet, LMGE, Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The Copperbelt region, upstream of the Kafue River, including Lake Itezhi-tezhi (ITT), in Zambia has extensive copper (Cu) mines. In our field study, geographic information system analysis in lake sediment indicated that the northern part of the lake, i.e., the Copperbelt region, could be the source of Cu pollution. Concentrations of Cu in stomach contents between fish species were not significantly different. However, Oreochromis spp. liver showed significantly greater Cu concentrations than those in other fish species. Log liver [Cu], standard length, and nitrogen stable isotope ratio were positively correlated only in Oreochromis spp. In the laboratory study, O. niloticus and O. latipes were exposed to Cu for 4 days, and recovery phases ≤28 days were examined. O. niloticus showed significantly greater concentrations of Cu compared with O. latipes at all sampling points. Significantly greater concentrations of Hg in Schilbe intermedius liver than for other fish species were observed, whereas O. macrochir showed significantly greater concentrations of cadmium. In conclusion, the northern part of the lake could be the source of Cu pollution in Lake ITT. Diet may not be the reason for high Cu accumulation in Oreochromis spp. Results from both field and laboratory studies imply that Oreochromis spp. contain high concentrations of Cu under normal physiological conditions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9802-3 Authors Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818 Japan Yoshinori Ikenaka, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818 Japan Kaampwe Muzandu, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, P.O. Box 32379, Zambia Kennedy Choongo, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, P.O. Box 32379, Zambia John Yabe, Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita18 Nishi9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060–0818 Japan Taro Muroya, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818 Japan Shigeho Ijiri, Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato-cho, Hakodate, 041-8611 Japan Masao Minagawa, Research Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Kita10 Nishi5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan Takashi Umemura, Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita18 Nishi9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060–0818 Japan Mayumi Ishizuka, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818 Japan Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The Almendares River is the largest river draining the area around Havana City, Cuba. The watershed is heavily populated and industrialized, which has had a significant impact on the flow and water quality of the river. The main goal of this study was to analyze the spatial variability in dietary habits, nutrient flow (using stable isotope ratios δ 15 N and δ 13 C), and mercury (Hg) levels along the Almendares River upstream and downstream of point-source discharges using localized fish Gambusia puncticulata . Stomach contents of G. puncticulata were similar among these sites. However, mean δ 15 N values ranged from 6 to 18 ‰ across sites and were lower in fish from downstream than upstream sites, suggesting localized influences of nutrient inputs along the river. δ 13 C values were between –22 and –25 ‰, except at a mid-basin site (–26 to –27‰), indicating that fish relied on similar carbon sources at most sites. Total mercury concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 0.49 μg/g wet weight whole body and were unrelated to the among-site differences in δ 15 N, but Hg exceeded the threshold considered to be protective of fish health (0.2 μg/g ww whole body) in the majority of fish from all sites but one. Results of this study indicate that although the dietary habits of this species do not vary across sites, tissue differences in δ 15 N, δ 13 C and Hg show little movement of this species among sites. Localized effects of human activities on nutrients and metals may be affecting the health of this species and posing a risk to other consumers in the ecosystem. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9801-4 Authors Yureidy Cabrera Páez, Center of Marine Research, University of Havana, Cuba, 16 Street # 114, Miramar., CP 11300, Havana City, Cuba Consuelo Aguilar Betancourt, Center of Marine Research, University of Havana, Cuba, 16 Street # 114, Miramar., CP 11300, Havana City, Cuba Gaspar González-Sansón, Department of Studies for Sustainable Development of the Coastal Zone, University of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico Karen A. Kidd, Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada Kelly R. Munkittrick, Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada R. Allen Curry, Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Plasmid-mediated bioaugmentation was demonstrated using sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) for enhancing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) removal by introducing Cupriavidus necator JMP134 and Escherichia coli HB101 harboring 2,4-D-degrading plasmid pJP4. C. necator JMP134(pJP4) can mineralize and grow on 2,4-D, while E. coli HB101(pJP4) cannot assimilate 2,4-D because it lacks the chromosomal genes to degrade the intermediates. The SBR with C. necator JMP134(pJP4) showed 100 % removal against 200 mg/l of 2,4-D just after its introduction, after which 2,4-D removal dropped to 0 % on day 7 with the decline in viability of the introduced strain. The SBR with E. coli HB101(pJP4) showed low 2,4-D removal, i.e., below 10 %, until day 7. Transconjugant strains of Pseudomonas and Achromobacter isolated on day 7 could not grow on 2,4-D. Both SBRs started removing 2,4-D at 100 % after day 16 with the appearance of 2,4-D-degrading transconjugants belonging to Achromobacter , Burkholderia , Cupriavidus , and Pandoraea . After the influent 2,4-D concentration was increased to 500 mg/l on day 65, the SBR with E. coli HB101(pJP4) maintained stable 2,4-D removal of more than 95 %. Although the SBR with C. necator JMP134(pJP4) showed a temporal depression of 2,4-D removal of 65 % on day 76, almost 100 % removal was achieved thereafter. During this period, transconjugants isolated from both SBRs were mainly Achromobacter with high 2,4-D-degrading capability. In conclusion, plasmid-mediated bioaugmentation can enhance the degradation capability of activated sludge regardless of the survival of introduced strains and their 2,4-D degradation capacity. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9591-4 Authors Hirofumi Tsutsui, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Yasutaka Anami, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Masami Matsuda, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Kurumi Hashimoto, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Daisuke Inoue, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Kazunari Sei, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Satoshi Soda, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Michihiko Ike, Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    The effectiveness of many bioremediation systems for PAH-contaminated soil may be constrained by low contaminant bioaccessibility due to limited aqueous solubility or large sorption capacity. Information on the extent to which PAHs can be readily biodegraded is of vital importance in the decision whether or not to remediate a contaminated soil. In the present study the rate-limiting factors in methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD)-enhanced bioremediation of PAH-contaminated soil were evaluated. MCD amendment at 10 % (w/w) combined with inoculation with the PAH-degrading bacterium Paracoccus sp. strain HPD-2 produced maximum removal of total PAHs of up to 35 %. The desorption of PAHs from contaminated soil was determined before and after 32 weeks of bioremediation. 10 % (w/w) MCD amendment (M2) increased the Tenax extraction of total PAHs from 12 to 30 % and promoted degradation by up to 26 % compared to 6 % in the control. However, the percentage of Tenax extraction for total PAHs was much larger than that of degradation. Thus, in the control and M2 treatment it is likely that during the initial phase the bioaccessibility of PAHs is high and biodegradation rates may be limited by microbial processes. On the other hand, when the soil was inoculated with the PAH-degrading bacterium (CKB and MB2), the slowly and very slowly desorbing fractions ( F sl and F vl ) became larger and the rate constants of slow and very slow desorption ( k sl and k vl ) became extremely small after bioremediation, suggesting that desorption is likely rate limiting during the second, slow phase of biotransformation. These results have practical implications for site risk assessment and cleanup strategies. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9593-2 Authors Mingming Sun, Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008 China Yongming Luo, Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008 China Ying Teng, Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008 China Peter Christie, Agri-Environment Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Newforge Lane, Belfast, BT9 5PX UK Zhongjun Jia, Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008 China Zhengao Li, Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008 China Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    This review focuses on ligninolytic fungi, soil bacteria, plants and root exudates in the degradation and solubilisation of low grade and waste coal and the interaction between these mutualistic biocatalysts. Coal represents a considerable portion of the total global fossil fuel reserve and continued demand for, and supply of this resource generates vast quantities of spoil and low grade waste. Large scale bioremediation technologies for the beneficiation of waste coal have unfortunately not yet been realised despite the many discoveries of microorganisms capable of lignite, lignin, and humic acid breakdown. Even so, solubilisation and depolymerization of low grade coal appears to involve either ligninolytic enzyme action or the production of alkaline substances or both. While the precise mechanism of coal biosolubilisation is unclear, a model for the phyto-biodegradation of low rank coal by mutualistic interaction between ligninolytic microorganisms and higher plants is proposed. Based on accumulated evidence this model suggests that solubilisation and degradation of lignite and waste coals commences upon plant root exudate and ligninolytic microorganism interaction, which is mutualistic, and includes soil bacteria and both mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal fungi. It is envisaged that this model and its further elaboration will aid in the development of functional technologies for commercial bioremediation of coal mine spoils, contribute to soil formation, and the overall biogeochemistry of organic carbon in the global ecosystem. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9594-1 Authors Lerato M. Sekhohola, Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140 South Africa Eric E. Igbinigie, Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140 South Africa A. Keith Cowan, Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140 South Africa Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    The objective of this study was to evaluate fractions of metals (labile and pseudo-total) extracted from sediment samples collected in Itaipu Lake (boundary between Brazil and Paraguay) and to assess the dynamics and mobility of these fractions by identifying the same bioavailability and ecological risk to metals in the aquatic environment. The concentrations of metal ions were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. There was a correlation between the metal ions, both in the labile and the pseudo-total, with regard to particle size. To assess metals concentrations in sediment, numerical sediment-quality guidelines were applied. The concentrations of aluminum, cadmium, iron, manganese, lead, and zinc in all sediment samples are lower than the proposed probable effects level (PEL), thus possibly indicating that there are no harmful effects from these metals. In contrast, concentrations of copper, chromium, and nickel exceeded the PEL in some samples, thus indicating that these stations are at potential risk. The level of contamination in sediments of Itaipu Lake for all metals was evaluated using contamination factor, degree of contamination, and sum-of-metals toxic unit. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9811-2 Authors Miguel Kalwa, Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Rua Camargo Varela de Sá, 3, Guarapuava, PR 85040-080, Brazil Sueli Pércio Quináia, Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Rua Camargo Varela de Sá, 3, Guarapuava, PR 85040-080, Brazil Adelmo L. Pletsch, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), Câmpus Medianeira, Av. Brazil, 4232, Parque Independência, Medianeira, PR CEP: 85884-000, Brazil Laura Techy, Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Rua Camargo Varela de Sá, 3, Guarapuava, PR 85040-080, Brazil Maria Lurdes Felsner, Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Rua Camargo Varela de Sá, 3, Guarapuava, PR 85040-080, Brazil Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Field experiments were conducted to assess the potential for anaerobic biostimulation to enhance BTEX biodegradation under fermentative methanogenic conditions in groundwater impacted by a biodiesel blend (B20, consisting of 20 % v/v biodiesel and 80 % v/v diesel). B20 (100 L) was released at each of two plots through an area of 1 m 2 that was excavated down to the water table, 1.6 m below ground surface. One release was biostimulated with ammonium acetate, which was added weekly through injection wells near the source zone over 15 months. The other release was not biostimulated and served as a baseline control simulating natural attenuation. Ammonium acetate addition stimulated the development of strongly anaerobic conditions, as indicated by near-saturation methane concentrations. BTEX removal began within 8 months in the biostimulated source zone, but not in the natural attenuation control, where BTEX concentrations were still increasing (due to source dissolution) 2 years after the release. Phylogenetic analysis using quantitative PCR indicated an increase in concentration and relative abundance of Archaea (Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota), Geobacteraceae ( Geobacter and Pelobacter spp.) and sulfate-reducing bacteria ( Desulfovibrio , Desulfomicrobium , Desulfuromusa , and Desulfuromonas ) in the biostimulated plot relative to the control. Apparently, biostimulation fortuitously enhanced the growth of putative anaerobic BTEX degraders and associated commensal microorganisms that consume acetate and H 2 , and enhance the thermodynamic feasibility of BTEX fermentation. This is the first field study to suggest that anaerobic-methanogenic biostimulation could enhance source zone bioremediation of groundwater aquifers impacted by biodiesel blends. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9589-y Authors Débora Toledo Ramos, Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil Márcio Luis Busi da Silva, EMBRAPA, BR153 Km 110, P.O. Box 21, Concórdia, SC 89700-000, Brazil Helen Simone Chiaranda, Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil Pedro J. J. Alvarez, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA Henry Xavier Corseuil, Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Pseudoxanthomonas sp. RN402 was capable of degrading diesel, crude oil, n -tetradecane and n -hexadecane. The RN402 cells were immobilized on the surface of high-density polyethylene plastic pellets at a maximum cell density of 10 8 most probable number (MPN) g −1 of plastic pellets. The immobilized cells not only showed a higher efficacy of diesel oil removal than free cells but could also degrade higher concentrations of diesel oil. The rate of diesel oil removal by immobilized RN402 cells in liquid culture was 1,050 mg l −1  day −1 . Moreover, the immobilized cells could maintain high efficacy and viability throughout 70 cycles of bioremedial treatment of diesel-contaminated water. The stability of diesel oil degradation in the immobilized cells resulted from the ability of living RN402 cells to attach to material surfaces by biofilm formation, as was shown by CLSM imaging. These characteristics of the immobilized RN402 cells, including high degradative efficacy, stability and flotation, make them suitable for the purpose of continuous wastewater bioremediation. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9596-z Authors Wannarak Nopcharoenkul, Inter-Department of Environmental Science, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand Parichat Netsakulnee, Bioremediation Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand Onruthai Pinyakong, Bioremediation Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Stimulation of native microbial populations in soil by the addition of small amounts of secondary carbon sources (cosubstrates) and its effect on the degradation and theoretical mineralization of DDT [l,l,l-trichloro-2,2-bis( p -chlorophenyl)ethane] and its main metabolites, DDD and DDE, were evaluated. Microbial activity in soil polluted with DDT, DDE and DDD was increased by the presence of phenol, hexane and toluene as cosubstrates. The consumption of DDT was increased from 23 % in a control (without cosubstrate) to 67, 59 and 56 % in the presence of phenol, hexane and toluene, respectively. DDE was completely removed in all cases, and DDD removal was enhanced from 67 % in the control to ~86 % with all substrates tested, except for acetic acid and glucose substrates. In the latter cases, DDD removal was either inhibited or unchanged from the control. The optimal amount of added cosubstrate was observed to be between 0.64 and 2.6 mg C \text g - 1 \text dry soil . The CO 2 produced was higher than the theoretical amount for complete cosubstrate mineralization indicating possible mineralization of DDT and its metabolites. Bacterial communities were evaluated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, which indicated that native soil and the untreated control presented a low bacterial diversity. The detected bacteria were related to soil microorganisms and microorganisms with known biodegradative potential. In the presence of toluene a bacterium related to Azoarcus , a genus that includes species capable of growing at the expense of aromatic compounds such as toluene and halobenzoates under denitrifying conditions, was detected. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9578-1 Authors Irmene Ortíz, Departamento de Procesos y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa, Artificios 40, Col. Hidalgo, Delegación Álvaro Obregón, 01120 Mexico, DF, Mexico Antonio Velasco, Centro Nacional de Investigación y Capacitación Ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Ecología, Mexico, DF, Mexico Sylvie Le Borgne, Departamento de Procesos y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa, Artificios 40, Col. Hidalgo, Delegación Álvaro Obregón, 01120 Mexico, DF, Mexico Sergio Revah, Departamento de Procesos y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa, Artificios 40, Col. Hidalgo, Delegación Álvaro Obregón, 01120 Mexico, DF, Mexico Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    A comprehensive study on the effects of different carbon sources during the bacterial enrichment on the removal performances of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) compounds when present as a mixture was conducted. Batch BTEX removal kinetic experiments were performed using cultures enriched with individual BTEX compounds or BTEX as a mixture or benzoate alone or benzoate–BTEX mixture. An integrated Monod-type non-linear model was developed and a ratio between maximum growth rate ( μ max ) and half saturation constant (K s ) was used to fit the non-linear model. A higher μ max /K s indicates a higher affinity to degrade BTEX compounds. Complete removal of BTEX mixture was observed by all the enriched cultures; however, the removal rates for individual compounds varied. Degradation rate and the type of removal kinetics were found to be dependent on the type of carbon source during the enrichment. Cultures enriched on toluene and those enriched on BTEX mixture were found to have the greatest μ max /K s and cultures enriched on benzoate had the least μ max /K s . Removal performances of the cultures enriched on all different carbon sources, including the ones enriched on benzoate or benzoate–BTEX mixture were also improved during a second exposure to BTEX. A molecular analysis showed that after each exposure to the BTEX mixture, the cultures enriched on benzoate and those enriched on benzoate–BTEX mixture had increased similarities to the culture enriched on BTEX mixture. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9586-1 Authors Murthy Kasi, Department of Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA Tanush Wadhawan, Department of Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA John McEvoy, Department of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA G. Padmanabhan, Department of Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA Eakalak Khan, Department of Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Over the past few decades significant progress has been made in research on DDT degradation in the environment. This review is an update of some of the recent studies on the degradation and biodegradation pathways of DDT and its metabolites, particularly in soils. The latest reports on human toxicity shows that DDT intake is still occurring even in countries that banned its use decades ago. Ageing, sequestration and formation of toxic metabolites during the degradation processes pose environmental challenges and result in difficulties in bioremediation of DDT contaminated soils. Degradation enhancement strategies such as the addition of chelators, low molecular organic acids, co-solvent washing and the use of sodium and seaweeds as ameliorant have been studied to accelerate degradation. This review describes and discusses the recent challenges and degradation enhancement strategies for DDT degradation by potentially cost effective procedures based on bioremediation. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9575-4 Authors Simi Sudharshan, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia Ravi Naidu, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia Megharaj Mallavarapu, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia Nanthi Bolan, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Applications of pesticides in areas of agricultural production have been an environmental concern for the past several decades. Varying-sized watersheds draining regions of intense agriculture in the Maritime Provinces of Canada were monitored between 2003 and 2007 to determine the major in-use pesticides and to gain an understanding of the risks posed to aquatic ecosystems. A questionnaire collected from farmers in one watershed intensively cropped with potato indicated that 43 pesticides were applied with 18 of them being detected in that watershed. Our results across the Maritime region suggested that detection frequencies ranged from 0.0 to 22 % during the study period. Chlorothalonil, linuron, metalaxyl, and metribuzin were detected in 17–22 % of samples collected during rainfall events every year. Other pesticides, such as azinphos-methyl, atrazine, cypermethrin, permethrin, fonofos, and β-endosulfan were detected in ≤17 % of the samples during some years of the study. Concentrations of several pesticides were found to exceed their Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) aquatic life water-quality guidelines in pulses after rain events. The highest proportion of detections exceeding a CCME guideline was for chlorothalonil at 12.9 %, β-endosulfan at 6.0 %, and linuron at 3.4 %. Despite indications that remedial measures offer protection to aquatic environments, spatial and temporal gaps in the data prevented a full evaluation. A dedicated long-term multiple-watershed monitoring program for this region of Canada is therefore recommended. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9789-9 Authors Zisheng Xing, Potato Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fredericton, NB, Canada Lien Chow, Potato Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fredericton, NB, Canada Art Cook, Atlantic Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Environment Canada, Moncton, NB, Canada Glenn Benoy, Potato Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fredericton, NB, Canada Herb Rees, Potato Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fredericton, NB, Canada Bill Ernst, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Dartmouth, NS, Canada Fanrui Meng, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada Sheng Li, Potato Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fredericton, NB, Canada Tianshan Zha, School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China Clair Murphy, Environmental Protection and Operations Directorate, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada Suzanne Batchelor, National Water Research Institute, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada L. Mark Hewitt, National Water Research Institute, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The present research work was designed to study mussel’s ( Mytilus galloprovincialis ) digestive gland biotransformation and detoxification responses to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) exposure along with heat stress. Mussels were exposed to a sublethal dose of B[a]P [75 nM (19 μg/L/animal)] + temperature gradient (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 °C) for 7 days. B[a]P hydroxylase (BPH) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were assessed in digestive gland tissues as phase I and phase II biotransformation parameters. Catalase (CAT) activity and malonedialdehyde (MDA) were measured as potential biomarkers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The cholinergic system was evaluated using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. DNA damage was assessed using micronuclei (MN) test. BPH and GST activities showed a decreasing trend in B[a]P-exposed animals at 24 and 26 °C. CAT activity showed a bell-shaped response in B[a]P-exposed and in heat-stressed organisms at a maximum temperature of 22 °C. AChE activity was significantly inhibited in response to B[a]P being more pronounced at a temperature of 26 °C. MN in digestive gland cells suggest that B[a]P exposure induced significant DNA alteration with a maximum response in organisms coexposed to B[a]P and a temperature of 26 °C. Biomarker data are further discussed in relation B[a]P accumulation in mussels digestive gland. These data should be carefully considered in view of the biological effects of organic pollutants, particularly in organisms under the challenging effects of extreme temperature fluctuations. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9790-3 Authors Naouel Kamel, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, ISA, Chott-Mariem, 4042 Sousse, Tunisia Hajer Attig, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, ISA, Chott-Mariem, 4042 Sousse, Tunisia Alessandro Dagnino, Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale Amedeo Avogadro, Via Bellini 25 G, 15100 Alessandria, Italy Hamadi Boussetta, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, ISA, Chott-Mariem, 4042 Sousse, Tunisia Mohamed Banni, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Environmental Toxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, ISA, Chott-Mariem, 4042 Sousse, Tunisia Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    A sequencing batch reactor was employed to treat the acrylic fiber wastewater. The dissolved oxygen and mixed liquor suspended solids were 2–3 and 3,500–4,000 mg/L, respectively. The results showed ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AOB) had superior growth rate at high temperature than nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB). Partial nitrification could be obtained with the temperature of 28 °C. When the pH value was 8.5, the nitrite-N accumulation efficiency was 82 %. The combined inhibitions of high pH and free ammonium to NOB devoted to the nitrite-N buildup. Hydraulic retention time (HRT) was a key factor in partial nitrification control, and the optimal HRT was 20 h for nitrite-N buildup in acrylic fiber wastewater treatment. The ammonium oxidation was almost complete and the transformation from nitrite to nitrate could be avoided. AOB and NOB accounted for 2.9 and 4.7 %, respectively, corresponding to the pH of 7.0. When the pH was 8.5, they were 6.7 and 0.9 %, respectively. AOB dominated nitrifying bacteria, and NOB was actually washed out from the system. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9599-9 Authors Jin Li, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China Deshuang Yu, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China Peiyu Zhang, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    In biological nitrogen removal, application of the autotrophic anammox process is gaining ground worldwide. Although this field has been widely researched in last years, some aspects as the accelerating effect of putative intermediates (mainly N 2 H 4 and NH 2 OH) need more specific investigation. In the current study, experiments in a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) and batch tests were performed to evaluate the optimum concentrations of anammox process intermediates that accelerate the autotrophic nitrogen removal and mitigate a decrease in the anammox bacteria activity using anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation) biomass enriched on ring-shaped biofilm carriers. Anammox biomass was previously grown on blank biofilm carriers for 450 days at moderate temperature 26.0 (±0.5) °C by using sludge reject water as seeding material. FISH analysis revealed that anammox microorganisms were located in clusters in the biofilm. With addition of 1.27 and 1.31 mg N L −1 of each NH 2 OH and N 2 H 4 , respectively, into the MBBR total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency was rapidly restored after inhibitions by NO 2 − . Various combinations of N 2 H 4 , NH 2 OH, NH 4 + , and NO 2 − were used as batch substrates. The highest total nitrogen (TN) removal rate with the optimum N 2 H 4 concentration (4.38 mg N L −1 ) present in these batches was 5.43 mg N g −1 TSS h −1 , whereas equimolar concentrations of N 2 H 4 and NH 2 OH added together showed lower TN removal rates. Intermediates could be applied in practice to contribute to the recovery of inhibition-damaged wastewater treatment facilities using anammox technology. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9549-6 Authors Ivar Zekker, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Kristel Kroon, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Ergo Rikmann, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Toomas Tenno, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Martin Tomingas, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Priit Vabamäe, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Siegfried E. Vlaeminck, Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology (LabMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium Taavo Tenno, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Although toxic responses of freshwater planarians after exposure to environmental toxicants can be observed through external toxicological end points, physiological responses inside the bodies of treated planarians have rarely been investigated. The present study was designed, using cadmium (Cd) as a reference toxicant, to determine its bioaccumulation and toxicodynamics in the freshwater planarian, Dugesia japonica , after acute toxicity was obtained. Accumulated Cd concentrations, metallothionein levels, and the oxidative status in planarians were determined after exposure to Cd. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the acute death of Cd-treated planarians was associated with increased oxidative stress. After Cd-treated planarians were coexposed to antioxidant, N -acetylcysteine (NAC), we found that NAC protected planarians from Cd lethality by maintaining the oxidative status and decreasing the bioaccumulation of Cd. The results of the present study support planarians being used as a practical model for toxicological studies of environmental contaminants in the future. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9764-5 Authors Jui-Pin Wu, Department of Geography, Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, National Taiwan University, 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, 106 Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Hon-Cheng Chen, Institute of Fisheries Sciences, National Taiwan University, 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, 106 Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Mei-Hui Li, Department of Geography, Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, National Taiwan University, 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, 106 Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Concentrations and compositions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particle size fractions of road dust sampled from contrasting areas of an industrialised city in Korea are reported. The largest amounts of road dust were present in industrial areas, followed by areas subject to heavy traffic, and the lowest amounts were associated with a residential area. The highest concentrations of PAHs were recorded in road dust sampled from the areas with the heaviest traffic (0.45–4.1 μg/g), followed by industrial areas (0.1–3.56 μg/g), with the lowest concentrations associated with a residential area (0.32–1.95 μg/g). PAH concentrations in the fractionated dust from the industrialised areas exhibited an inverse correlation with particle size. Although a similar general pattern was observed in the areas of heavy traffic, some increased concentrations associated with larger particles possibly reflect petrogenic contributions. Particles in road dusts from the residential area were generally smaller than those from the other areas, with PAH composition dominated by pyrogenic sources. PAH compositional profiles, evaluated through diagnostic isomeric ratios, indicate that exhaust emissions, rather than crankcase oils or tire and asphalt abrasion, are the major polluting source. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9765-4 Authors Sung Yong Ha, Oil & POPs Research Group, Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute, Geoje, 656-830 Korea Gi Beum Kim, Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, Marine Industry Institute, Gyeongsang National University, Tongyeong, 650-160 Korea Un Hyuk Yim, Oil & POPs Research Group, Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute, Geoje, 656-830 Korea Won Joon Shim, Oil & POPs Research Group, Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute, Geoje, 656-830 Korea Sang Hee Hong, Oil & POPs Research Group, Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute, Geoje, 656-830 Korea Gi Myung Han, Oil & POPs Research Group, Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute, Geoje, 656-830 Korea Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Because benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) and ethanol are important contaminants present in Brazilian gasoline, it is essential to develop technology that can be used in the bioremediation of gasoline-contaminated aquifers. This paper evaluates the performance of a horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass (HAIB) reactor fed with water containing gasoline constituents under denitrifying conditions. Two HAIB reactors filled with polyurethane foam matrices (5 mm cubes, 23 kg/m 3 density and 95 % porosity) for biomass attachment were assayed. The reactor fed with synthetic substrate containing protein, carbohydrates, sodium bicarbonate and BTEX solution in ethanol, at an Hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 13.5 h, presented hydrocarbon removal efficiencies of 99 % at the following initial concentrations: benzene 6.7 mg/L, toluene 4.9 mg/L, m -xylene and p -xylene 7.2 mg/L, ethylbenzene 3.7 mg/L, and nitrate 60 mg N/L. The HAIB reactor fed with gasoline-contaminated water at an HRT of 20 h showed hydrocarbon removal efficiencies of 96 % at the following initial concentrations: benzene, 4.9 mg/L; toluene, 7.2 mg/L; m -xylene, 3.7 mg/L; and nitrate 400 mg N/L. Microbiological observations along the length of the HAIB reactor fed with gasoline-contaminated water confirmed that in the first segment of the reactor, denitrifying metabolism predominated, whereas from the first sampling port on, the metabolism observed was predominantly methanogenic. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9585-2 Authors Rogers Ribeiro, Laboratório de Biotecnologia Ambiental, Departamento de Engenharia de Alimentos, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias norte, 225, Pirassununga, SP 13635-900, Brazil Ivana Ribeiro de Nardi, Centro Universitário Central Paulista, São Carlos, Brazil Bruna Soares Fernandes, Laboratório de Processos Biológicos, Departamento de Hidráulica e Saneamento, Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil Eugenio Foresti, Laboratório de Processos Biológicos, Departamento de Hidráulica e Saneamento, Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil Marcelo Zaiat, Laboratório de Processos Biológicos, Departamento de Hidráulica e Saneamento, Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    A genetically engineered microorganism (GEM) capable of simultaneously degrading organophosphate and organochlorine pesticides was constructed for the first time by display of organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) on the cell surface of a hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-degrading Sphingobium japonicum UT26. The GEM could potentially be used for removing the two classes of pesticides that may be present in mixtures at contaminated sites. A surface anchor system derived from the truncated ice nucleation protein (INPNC) from Pseudomonas syringae was used to target OPH onto the cell surface of UT26, reducing the potential substrate uptake limitation. The surface localization of INPNC–OPH fusion was verified by cell fractionation, western blot, proteinase accessibility, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, the functionality of the surface-exposed OPH was demonstrated by OPH activity assays. Surface display of INPNC–OPH fusion (82 kDa) neither inhibited cell growth nor affected cell viability. The engineered UT26 could degrade parathion as well as γ-HCH rapidly in minimal salt medium. The removal of parathion and γ-HCH by engineered UT26 in sterile and non-sterile soil was also studied. In both soil samples, a mixture of parathion (100 mg kg −1 ) and γ-HCH (10 mg kg −1 ) could be degraded completely within 15 days. Soil treatment results indicated that the engineered UT26 is a promising multifunctional bacterium that could be used for the bioremediation of multiple pesticide-contaminated environments. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9587-0 Authors Xiangyu Cao, School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036 China Chao Yang, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China Ruihua Liu, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China Qiang Li, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China Wei Zhang, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China Jianli Liu, School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036 China Cunjiang Song, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 China Chuanling Qiao, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Ashok Mulchandani, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Heavy metals are ubiquitous in soil, water, and air. Their entrance into the food chain is an important environmental issue that entails risks to humans. Several reports indicate that game meat can be an important source of heavy metals, particularly because of the increasing consumption of game meat, mainly by hunters. We performed an exposure assessment of hunters and members of their households, both adults and children, who consumed wild boar (WB) meat and offal. We estimated the amount of cadmium, lead, and chromium in the tissues of WB hunted in six areas within Viterbo Province (Italy) and gathered data on WB meat and offal consumption by conducting specific diet surveys in the same areas. The exposure to cadmium, lead, and chromium was simulated with specifically developed Monte Carlo simulation models. Cadmium and lead levels in WB liver and meat harvested in Viterbo Province (Italy) were similar to or lower than the values reported in other studies. However, some samples contained these metals at levels greater then the EU limits set for domestic animals. The chromium content of meat or liver cannot be evaluated against any regulatory limit, but our results suggest that the amounts of this metal found in WB products may reflect a moderate environmental load. Our survey of the hunter population confirmed that their consumption of WB meat and liver was greater than that of the general Italian population. This level of consumption was comparable with other European studies. Consumption of WB products contributes significantly to cadmium and lead exposure of both adults and children. More specifically, consumption of the WB liver contributed significantly to total cadmium and lead exposure of members of the households of WB hunters. As a general rule, liver consumption should be kept to a minimum, especially for children living in these hunter households. The exposure to chromium estimated for this population of hunters may be considered to be safe. However, a specific and complete assessment of chromium speciation in relevant dietary and environmental situations should be conducted. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9791-2 Authors P. P. Danieli, Department of Agriculture, Forests, Nature and Energy, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy F. Serrani, Department of Agriculture, Forests, Nature and Energy, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy R. Primi, Department of Agriculture, Forests, Nature and Energy, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy M. P. Ponzetta, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Section of Animal Science, University of Firenze, 50144 Firenze, Italy B. Ronchi, Department of Agriculture, Forests, Nature and Energy, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy A. Amici, Department of Agriculture, Forests, Nature and Energy, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Pyrethroid pesticides are used widely in both agricultural and urban landscapes. Toxicity has been recorded in creeks and rivers throughout California, confirming that pyrethroids move at least short distances from the areas of terrestrial application into downstream waterways. However, their further downstream transport into the marine ecosystem has received little study. The Monterey Bay was chosen as the study system in the current project due to the close proximity of both urban centers and intense agriculture. Suspended sediments were sampled from three major rivers during storm events and showed that pyrethroids were routinely discharged from these coastal rivers, with concentrations of bifenthrin and permethrin in suspended solids of 22 and 83 ng/g, respectively. These suspended solids were deposited in estuaries and downstream reaches of rivers as they approached the coast where concentrations of pyrethroids in the sediment were greater than those expected to be toxic. However, despite their transport onto the continental shelf, pyrethroid residues were not detected in bed sediments of the shelf or in the nearby deep sea canyon, presumably due to dilution and degradation. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9796-x Authors Charlene M. Ng, Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, 1005 Valley Life Sciences Bldg, Berkeley, CA 94720-3140, USA Donald P. Weston, Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, 1005 Valley Life Sciences Bldg, Berkeley, CA 94720-3140, USA Michael J. Lydy, Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, 171 Life Sciences II, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    A test battery, composed of a range of biological assays, was applied to evaluate the ecological health of soil aged for 69 days and spiked with a range of pyrene levels (1.04, 8.99, 41.5, 72.6, 136, and 399 μg g −1 dry soil; Soxhlet-extracted concentrations after 69 days of aging). Chinese cabbage ( Brassica rapa ), earthworm ( Eisenia fetida ), and bacteria ( Vibrio fischeri ) were used as test organisms to represent different trophic levels. Among the acute ecotoxicity bioassays used, the V. fischeri luminescence inhibition assay was the most sensitive indicator of pyrene toxicity. We observed 〉8 % light inhibition at the lowest concentration (1.04 μg g −1 ) pyrene, and this inhibition increased to 60 % at 72.6 μg g −1 . The sensitivity ranking for toxicity of the pyrene-contaminated soil in the present study was in the following decreasing order: root elongation of Chinese cabbage 〈 earthworm mortality (14 days) 〈 earthworm mortality (28 days) 〈 luminescence inhibition (15 min) 〈 luminescence inhibition (5 min). In addition, genotoxic effects of pyrene were also evaluated by using comet assay in E. fetida . The strong relationship between DNA damage and soil pyrene levels showed that comet assay is suitable for testing the genotoxicity of pyrene-polluted soil. In addition, tail moment was well correlated with soil pyrene levels ( r 2  = 0.99). Thus, tail moment may be the most informative DNA-damage parameter representing the results of comet assay. Based on these results, the earthworm DNA damage assay and Microtox test are rapid and sensitive bioassays and can be used to assess the risk of soil with low to high levels of hydrocarbon pollution. Furthermore, an analysis of the toxic effects at several trophic levels is essential for a more comprehensive understanding of the damage caused by highly contaminated soil. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9793-0 Authors Muhammad Imran Khan, Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029 People’s Republic of China Sardar Alam Cheema, Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029 People’s Republic of China Xianjin Tang, Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029 People’s Republic of China Chaofeng Shen, Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029 People’s Republic of China Shahbaz Talib Sahi, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040 Pakistan Abdul Jabbar, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040 Pakistan Joonhong Park, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 120-749 Republic of Korea Yingxu Chen, Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029 People’s Republic of China Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    Environmental contaminants from anthropogenic activity such as mining can have profound health effects on the animals living in adjacent areas. We investigated whether inorganic contaminants associated with gold-mining waste discharges were accumulated by a threatened species of lizard, Smaug giganteus , in South Africa. Lizards were sampled from two mining sites and two control sites. Blood samples from the most contaminated mining site had significantly greater concentrations of lithium, sodium, aluminum, sulfur, silicon, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, copper, tungsten, and bismuth than the remaining sites. Contaminant concentrations were not significantly related to lizard body condition, although these relationships were consistently negative. The adult sex ratio of the population inhabiting the most contaminated site also deviated from an expected 1:1 ratio in favour of female lizards. We demonstrate that lizards at these mining sites contained high concentrations of heavy metals that may be imposing as yet poorly understood costs to these lizards. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9795-y Authors Trevor McIntyre, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050 South Africa Martin J. Whiting, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050 South Africa Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    The in vivo and in vitro pharmacokinetics of mercury (Hg) were compared between methylmercury chloride (MeHg·Cl) and methylmercury cysteine (MeHg-Cys) using rats and Caco2 cells because humans can be exposed to MeHg compounds through dietary fish. The in vivo pharmacokinetics of Hg immediately after the digestion of MeHg compounds are still obscure. In Caco2 cells, membrane uptake and subcellular distribution of MeHg compounds were examined. When rats received it intravenously, MeHg·Cl showed 20-fold greater plasma and 2-fold greater blood concentrations of Hg than MeHg-Cys, indicating that their pharmacokinetic properties are different. One hour later, however, Hg concentrations in plasma and blood became virtually identical between MeHg·Cl and MeHg-Cys, although blood Hg concentrations were 〉100-fold greater than those in plasma. When administered into the closed rat’s jejunum loop, MeHg·Cl and MeHg-Cys were rapidly and efficiently taken up by intestinal membranes, and Hg was retained in intestinal membranes for a relatively long time. When administered orally, no difference was observed in plasma and blood Hg concentrations between MeHg·Cl and MeHg-Cys: plasma and blood Hg concentrations increased gradually and reached steady levels at 8 h after administration. In Caco2 cells, uptake of MeHg-Cys was significantly suppressed by l -leucine, although this was not seen with MeHg·Cl. In Caco2 cells, 81 % of Hg was recovered from cytosol fractions and 13 % of Hg from nuclear fractions (including debris) after a 2-h incubation with MeHg-Cys. In conclusion, the mechanism of membrane uptake and volume of distribution in the initial distribution phase were clearly different between MeHg·Cl and MeHg-Cys. However, such pharmacokinetic differences between them disappeared 1 h after intravenous and after oral routes of administration, possibly due to the metabolism in the body. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9800-5 Authors Nobuhiro Mori, Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hiroshima International University, 5-1-1 Hiro-koshingai, Kure, Hiroshima, 737-0112 Japan Megumi Yamamoto, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Kumamoto, Minamata City, 867-0008 Japan Eri Tsukada, Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hiroshima International University, 5-1-1 Hiro-koshingai, Kure, Hiroshima, 737-0112 Japan Tomoharu Yokooji, Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hiroshima International University, 5-1-1 Hiro-koshingai, Kure, Hiroshima, 737-0112 Japan Naoko Matsumura, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Kumamoto, Minamata City, 867-0008 Japan Masanori Sasaki, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Kumamoto, Minamata City, 867-0008 Japan Teruo Murakami, Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hiroshima International University, 5-1-1 Hiro-koshingai, Kure, Hiroshima, 737-0112 Japan Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341

Description:    This study evaluated the potential of monitored natural attenuation (MNA) as a remedial option for groundwater at a long-term petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated site in Australia. Source characterization revealed that total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) as the major contaminant of concern in the smear zone and groundwater. Multiple lines of evidence involving the geochemical parameters, microbiological analysis, data modelling and compound-specific stable carbon isotope analysis all demonstrated natural attenuation of hydrocarbons occurring in the groundwater via intrinsic biodegradation. Groundwater monitoring data by Mann–Kendall trend analysis using properly designed and installed groundwater monitoring wells shows the plume is stable and neither expanding nor shrinking. The reason for stable plume is due to the presence of both active source and natural attenuation on the edge of the plume. Assuming no retardation and no degradation the contaminated plume would have travelled a distance of 1,096 m (best case) to 11,496 m (worst case) in 30 years. However, the plume was extended only up to about 170 m from its source. The results of these investigations provide strong scientific evidence for natural attenuation of TPH in this contaminated aquifer. Therefore, MNA can be applied as a defensible management option for this site following significant reduction of TPH in the source zone. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9580-7 Authors Ravi Naidu, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095, Australia Subhas Nandy, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095, Australia Mallavarapu Megharaj, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095, Australia R. P. Kumar, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095, Australia Sreenivasulu Chadalavada, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095, Australia Zuliang Chen, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, SA 5095, Australia Mark Bowman, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    This unique study describes how Aspergillus japonicus , Penicillium brocae and Purpureocillium lilacinum , three novel isolates of our laboratory from heavily plastics-contaminated soil completely utilized the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) bound to PVC blood storage bags (BB) in simple basal salt medium (BSM) by static submerged growth (28 °C). Initial quantification as well as percentage utilization of DEHP blended to BB were estimated periodically by extracting it into n -hexane. A two-stage cultivation strategy was employed for the complete mycoremediation of DEHP from BB in situ. During the first growth stage, about two-third parts of total (33.5 % w/w) DEHP bound to BB were utilized in two weeks, accompanied by increased fungal biomass (~0.15–0.32 g per g BB) and sharp declining (to ~3) of initial pH (7.2). At this stagnant growth state (low pH), spent medium was replaced by fresh BSM (pH, 7.2), and thus in the second stage the remaining DEHP (one-third) in BB was utilized completely. The ditches and furrows seen from the topology of the BB as seen by the 3D AFM image further confirmed the bioremediation of DEHP physically bound to BB in situ. Of the three mycelial fungi employed, P. lilacinum independently showed highest efficiency for the complete utilization of DEHP bound to BB, whose activity was comparable to that of the consortium comprising all the three fungi described herein. To sum up, the two-stage cultivation strategy demonstrated in this study shows that a batch process would efficiently remediate the phthalic acid esters blended in plastics on a large scale, and thus it offers potentials for the management of plastics wastes. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9584-3 Authors S. Pradeep, Enzyme Technology Laboratory, Biotechnology Division, Department of Botany, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala 673 635, India P. Faseela, Enzyme Technology Laboratory, Biotechnology Division, Department of Botany, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala 673 635, India M. K. Sarath Josh, Enzyme Technology Laboratory, Biotechnology Division, Department of Botany, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala 673 635, India S. Balachandran, Department of Chemistry, Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 004, India R. Sudha Devi, Department of Chemistry, Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 004, India Sailas Benjamin, Enzyme Technology Laboratory, Biotechnology Division, Department of Botany, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala 673 635, India Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Cultivation of the biofuel plant, hybrid giant Napier grass (HGN), in saline soil was investigated in a greenhouse study. The results show that HGN is a salt tolerant plant which can flourish in saline soil and product a large amount of biomass. The extensively developed fibrous root system of HGN plays a significant role in the uptake of sodium from saline soil so that both soil salinity and pH are reduced. Fibrous roots of HGN are well distributed in the soil below the surface, where the metabolism of the root system produces a gradient at the depth between 10 and 20 cm in soil salinity, pH and organic content. The degradation of the HGN by the biota within the soil results in an increase in nutrients and improved soil quality. The experimental results suggest that HGN adapts to saline soil, which is promising for phytoremediation of such soils. Additional advantages of HGN include the large biomass produced which can be used for renewable energy generation. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9583-4 Authors Chongjian Ma, College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, 512005 Guangdong, People’s Republic of China Ravi Naidu, CRC CARE, P.O. Box 486, Salisbury South, SA 5106, Australia Faguang Liu, College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, 512005 Guangdong, People’s Republic of China Changhua Lin, College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, 512005 Guangdong, People’s Republic of China Hui Ming, CRC CARE, P.O. Box 486, Salisbury South, SA 5106, Australia Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description:    Bioremediation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) contaminated soils in the presence of heavy metals have proved to be difficult and often challenging due to the ability of toxic metals to inhibit PAH degradation by bacteria. In this study, a mixed bacterial culture designated as consortium-5 was isolated from a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) site. The ability of this consortium to utilise HMW PAHs such as pyrene and BaP as a sole carbon source in the presence of toxic metal Cd was demonstrated. Furthermore, this consortium has proven to be effective in degradation of HMW PAHs even from the real long term contaminated MGP soil. Thus, the results of this study demonstrate the great potential of this consortium for field scale bioremediation of PAHs in long term mix contaminated soils such as MGP sites. To our knowledge this is the first study to isolate and characterize metal tolerant HMW PAH degrading bacterial consortium which shows great potential in bioremediation of mixed contaminated soils such as MGP. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10532-012-9572-7 Authors Palanisami Thavamani, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia Mallavarapu Megharaj, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia Ravi Naidu, Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (CERAR), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia Journal Biodegradation Online ISSN 1572-9729 Print ISSN 0923-9820

Description: Erratum to: Assessment of Trace-Metal Concentrations in Western Reef Heron ( Egretta gularis ) and Siberian Gull ( Larus heuglini ) From Southern Iran Content Type Journal Article Category Erratum Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s00244-012-9779-y Authors Borhan Mansouri, Young Researchers Club, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Iran Alireza Pourkhabbaz, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University, Birjand, Iran Hadi Babaei, Inland Water Aquaculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 66, Port Anzali, Iran Ebrahim Hoshyari, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University, Birjand, Iran Seyed Hojat Khodaparast, Inland Water Aquaculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 66, Port Anzali, Iran Alireza Mirzajani, Inland Water Aquaculture Research Institute, P.O. Box 66, Port Anzali, Iran Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Online ISSN 1432-0703 Print ISSN 0090-4341