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Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology (v.53, #3)

Distribution and Sources of Organochlorine Pesticides in Sediments from Typical Catchment of the Yangtze River, China by Zhenwu Tang; Zhifeng Yang; Zhenyao Shen; Junfeng Niu; Renfei Liao (pp. 303-312).

Residues of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and their environmental risks in surface sediments collected from the rivers and lakes in Yangtze River Catchment of Wuhan, China, are investigated in this paper. Based on dry weight (dw), the concentrations of ΣHCH (α-, β-, and γ-HCH) and ΣDDT (p p′-DDT, o p′-DDT, p p′-DDE, p p′-DDD) in sediments ranged from 0.10 to 21.10 ng g⁻¹ (mean, 4.03 ng g⁻¹ dw) and 0.79 to 35.61 ng g⁻¹ dw (average, 6.93 ng g⁻¹ dw), respectively. Compared with some published guideline values of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in sediments, the concentrations of HCHs were at safe levels while the DDT residues would pose adverse biological effects in this studied catchment. The distribution of OCPs in sediments indicated that the input of tributaries was an important factor for OCP residues in the mainstream of the Yangtze River. Levels of OCPs in the sediments were influenced by total organic carbon contents, clay contents, water contents, and pH values of sediments. The present study suggested that historical usage of technical HCH and DDT was the main reason for OCP residues in the sediments from both rivers and lakes. Furthermore, the composition of OCPs reflected additional sources of the holding usage of lindane and fresh inputs of dicofol mixture in this region.

Keywords: Organochlorine pesticides; Sediments; Distribution; Yangtze River catchment; Persistent organic pollutants

Using Semipermeable Membrane Devices, Bioassays, and Chemical Analysis for Evaluation of Bioavailable Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water by Runhui Ke; Jian Li; Min Qiao; Yiping Xu; Zijian Wang (pp. 313-320).

Meiliang Bay is a sublake of Taihu Lake and has been polluted by domestic and industrial effluents. As part of a comprehensive risk assessment project in this region, semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were applied to evaluate the levels and potential toxic potency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in lakewater, in combination with chemical analysis and in vitro bioassay using H4IIE rat hepatoma cells. In addition, induction of hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, in crucian carp (Carassius auratus), caged in the vicinity of SPMD sampling sites was also used as a biomarker of exposure to PAHs and related chemicals. The caged crucian carp accumulated similar PAH profile patterns (p < 0.001) but at lower levels compared with SPMDs on a wet-weight basis. Total concentrations of PAHs in crucian carp muscle tissues ranged from 35.6 to 69.1 ng/g after the 32-day exposure, whereas total PAHs in SPMDs ranged from 716.9 to 1007.8 ng/g. Dialysates from SPMDs exposed to Meiliang Bay water caused marked EROD activity in H4IIE cells. Toxic potency of dialysates expressed as bioassay-derived 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TCDD-EQ) ranged from 3.8 to 6.2 pg TCDD-EQ/g SPMD for 32-day exposure samples. A linear correlation of total amount of PAHs and in vitro TCDD-EQ of SPMD dialysates yielded an R ² of 0.82. Empirical evidence suggests that aryl hydrocarbon receptor-active PAHs can account for about 42–56% of the potency observed. Significant induction of liver EROD activity was also observed in crucian carp caged alongside SPMDs and there was a good correlation between the results of EROD assays in vivo and in vitro (R ² = 0.62, p = 0.02). It is, therefore, suggested that the SPMD technique in connection with chemical analysis and specific in vitro bioassays might be a valuable tool to assess the levels and effects of bioavailable hydrophobic pollutants in water.

Wastewater Toxicity of Tannin- Versus Chromium-Based Leather Tanneries in Marrakesh, Morocco by E. De Nicola; S. Meriç; C. Della Rocca; M. Gallo; M. Iaccarino; P. Manini; D. Petruzzelli; V. Belgiorno; M. Cheggour; A. Di Gennaro; A. Moukrim; O. Tünay; G. Pagano (pp. 321-328).

The toxicity of leather tanning wastewater from a traditional tannery (TT), which is based on vegetable tannin (VT), was compared with wastewater from a tannery combining the use of chromium-based tanning (CT) with VT-based tanning operations. Wastewater samples from a TT and a CT plant as well as from five sewer sampling points were collected in Marrakesh, Morocco, and the concentrations of VT and some selected inorganics were measured. A set of bioassays were used to test wastewater toxicity in sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) embryos and sperm, in Daphnia magna, and in marine microalgae (Dunaliella tertiolecta). Toxicity end points included: (1) developmental defects, embryonic mortality, sperm fertilization success, and offspring damage in sea urchins; (2) D. magna immobilization; and (3) algal growth rate inhibition. Toxicity tests on TT and CT effluents (TTE and CTE) were run at dilutions ranging from 0.1% to 2% (sea urchins and algae) or up to 12% in D. magna. Parallel bioassays were run on VT extract (VTE) at nominal tannin concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg l^–1. The results showed higher toxicity of CTE compared with TTE. CTE toxicity in sea urchins and algae showed concentration-related trends, whereas TTE exerted hormetic effects at levels of 0.1% to 0.2% and toxic effects at levels ≥1%. The same trends were observed for VTE, suggesting a prevailing role of tannin in TTE-associated effects. The moderate wastewater toxicity of VT-based tanneries might prompt interest in the VT tanning process.

Arsenic Bioaccessibility in a Soil Amended with Drinking-Water Treatment Residuals in the Presence of Phosphorus Fertilizer by D. Sarkar; S. Quazi; K. C. Makris; R. Datta; A. Khairom (pp. 329-336).

A laboratory incubation study was conducted to determine the effect of drinking-water treatment residuals (WTRs) on arsenic (As) bioaccessibility and phytoavailability in a poorly As-sorbing soil contaminated with arsenical pesticides and fertilized with triple super phosphate (TSP). The Immokalee soil (a sandy spodosol with minimal As-retention capacity) was amended with 2 WTRs (Al and Fe) at 5 application rates ranging between 0% and 5% wt/wt. Sodium arsenate and TSP were used to spike the soil with 90 mg As kg⁻¹ and 115 mg P kg⁻¹, respectively. Bioaccessible As was determined at time 0 (immediately after spiking), and at 6 and 12 months of equilibration using an in vitro gastrointestinal test, and As phytoavailability was measured with a 1-M KC1 extraction test. Arsenic phytoavailability decreased immediately after spiking (20% availability at 5% rate), but only after 6 months for the Al-WTR– and the Fe-WTR–amended soil, respectively. Arsenic bioaccessibility simulated for the stomach and intestine phases showed that the Fe-WTR was more effective than the Al-WTR in resisting the harsh acidic conditions of the human stomach, thus preventing As release. Both the phytoavailable As and the bioaccessible As were significantly correlated (p < 0.001) for soil spiked with either Al- or Fe-WTR. Both WTRs were able to decrease soil As bioaccessibility irrespective of the presence or absence of P, which was added as TSP. Results indicate the potential of WTRs in immobilizing As in contaminated soils fertilized with P, thereby minimizing soil As bioaccessibility and phytoavailability.

Chromium Geochemistry and Bioaccumulation in Sediments from the Lower Hackensack River, New Jersey by L. Martello; P. Fuchsman; M. Sorensen; V. Magar; R. J. Wenning (pp. 337-350).

Total and hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] were measured in sediment and sediment porewater in the lower Hackensack River (NJ) to assess the relationship between sediment geochemistry and chromium speciation, which in turn controls the mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity of chromium. Between 2003 and 2005, >100 surface (0 to 15 cm) sediment samples were tested for total chromium and Cr(VI), acid-volatile sulfides (AVS), ferrous iron (Fe(II)), divalent manganese (Mn(II)), ammonia, and organic carbon. Sediment porewater samples were collected by centrifugation or using in situ samplers colocated with the collection of sediments. In whole sediments, total chromium and Cr(VI) concentrations ranged from 5 to 9190 mg/kg dry weight (dw) and from <0.47 to 31 mg/kg dw, respectively. Sediment porewater concentrations ranged from <10 to 83 µg/l for total chromium; Cr(VI) was not detected in sediment porewater (n = 78). Concentrations of AVS (ranging between <10.6 to 4178 mg/kg) and other geochemistry measurements indicated anoxic, reducing conditions in the majority of sediment samples. In polychaetes (Nereis virens) and clams (Macoma nasuta) exposed in the laboratory for 28 days to sediments contained between 135 and 1780 mg/kg dw total chromium, concentrations in whole tissues after 24-hour depuration ranged between 1.2 and 14.8 mg/kg wet weight (ww; median 1.6 mg/kg ww) total chromium. In whole tissues of indigenous polychaetes collected from the sediment, tissue concentrations of total chromium ranged between 1.0 and 37.5 mg/kg ww (median = 2.1 mg/kg ww). Chromium concentrations in whole tissues of animals exposed in the field or in the laboratory showed no relationship with total chromium or Cr(VI) concentrations in the sediment. There were no statistical differences among animals exposed to sediments from site and reference locations. The results of this study are consistent with sediment studies conducted elsewhere indicating low chromium bioavailability in sediment under reducing conditions. This study also highlights the importance of sediment geochemistry and in situ porewater measurements to understand the ecological significance of chromium in sediment and the potential for human health and ecological exposures.

Effects of HMX-Lead Mixtures on Reproduction of the Earthworm Eisenia Andrei by Kathleen Savard; Yann Berthelot; Aurelie Auroy; Philip A. Spear; Bertin Trottier; Pierre Yves Robidoux (pp. 351-358).

High metal (e.g., Pb) concentrations are typically found in explosive-contaminated soil, and their presence may increase, decrease, or not influence toxicity predicted on the basis of one explosive alone (e.g., HMX). Nevertheless, few data are available in the scientific literature for this type of multiple exposure. Soil organisms, such as earthworms, are one of the first receptors affected by the contamination of soil. Therefore, a reproductive study was conducted using Eisenia andrei in a forest-type soil. Both HMX and Pb decreased reproduction parameters (number of total cocoons, hatched cocoons, and surviving juveniles) individually. Based on the total number of cocoons, HMX was more toxic in a forest soil than Pb, with EC₅₀ of 31 mg kg⁻¹, and 1068 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The slope of the concentration-response curve was significantly greater in the case of Pb, which is consistent with the possibility that the two compounds do not act on the same target site. The response-addition model was used to predict the response of earthworms and to test for interaction between the two contaminants. The predicted toxicity was not significantly different than the observed toxicity, implying that Pb and HMX were considered noninteractive compounds. The combined action of Pb-HMX may be described, therefore, as dissimilar-noninteractive joint action in a forest soil. The results illustrate the relevance of considering the presence of metals in the risk assessment of explosive-contaminated sites because metals can add their toxicity to explosives. Extension of this study to other types of soil and other metals would improve the understanding of toxicity at these sites.

Quantitative Assessment of Effects of Zinc on the Histological Structure of the Hepatopancreas of Terrestrial Isopods by J. P. Odendaal; A. J. Reinecke (pp. 359-364).

The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of zinc exposure on the histological structure of the hepatopancreas of Porcellio laevis. Woodlice were experimentally exposed to various concentrations (1000, 4000, and 8000 mg. kg⁻¹) of zinc sulphate. Hepatopancreas samples of exposed isopods were histologically prepared and analysed with Leica QWin image analysis software. The B-cells in hepatopancreases of zinc sulphate – exposed woodlice were reduced in size to varying degrees, compared to that of the control, Percentage Cellular Area (PCA) of the hepatopancreas samples revealed that zoning occurred through the length of hepatopancreas lobes. Analysis of the PCA data of hepatopancreases of P. laevis exposed to the zinc sulphate revealed that there was a decline in PCA, in all the zones, compared to those in the control. The Z3 zone (the part from the middle to three quarters to the back of the tubule) was shown to be the best suited, if PCAs are to be considered as a biomarker in woodlouse toxicity studies.

Effects of Light on Microalgae Concentrations and Selenium Uptake in Bivalves Exposed to Selenium-Amended Sediments by D. Schlenk; G. Batley; C. King; J. Stauber; M. Adams; S. Simpson; W. Maher; J. T. Oris (pp. 365-370).

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the role of visible light during trophic transfer of the essential metalloid, selenium (Se) from sediments by way of the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum to bivalves. Initial experiments compared uptake of Se with algal cell number after deposit-feeding (Tellina deltoidalis) and filter-feeding (Soletellina alba) bivalves were exposed for 12 days under 16:8 h light:dark and 24-hour dark regimes to sediments amended with Se (17 mg/kg dry weight). Comparisons of filter-feeding with deposit-feeding organisms indicated >2-fold higher body burdens in the deposit-feeding organisms after 12 days. Darkness failed to significantly and consistently diminish algal cell densities. However, general trends indicated a decrease of pelagic algal numbers in +Se/dark treatments during the 12-day exposure. To determine whether time-dependent patterns were present in the uptake of Se by the deposit-feeding species, a second experiment was conducted using

Keywords: Se-laden sediments under light and dark conditions. Algal cell counts were measured and Se concentrations determined in animals sampled at days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Deposit-feeding animals maintained in the dark accumulated, Se more rapidly than animals on light to dark cycles until 12 days at which time no significant differences were observed between treatments. Concentrations of Se in tissues of deposit-feeding bivalves were not directly related to algal cell density in lighted or dark chambers. These results indicate that pelagic microalgae may only play a key role in Se uptake during early hours of exposure, and feeding behavior may be a more important factor in deposite-feeding bivalves.

Survival and Growth of Palaemonetes argentinus (Decapoda; Caridea) Exposed to Insecticides with Chlorpyrifos and Endosulfan as Active Element by M. C. Montagna; P. A. Collins (pp. 371-378).

Pesticides with chlorpyrifos and endosulfan as active element are used for pest control on agricultural lands and are high-risk inputs in aquatic systems. The acute toxicity of these insecticides in the freshwater prawn Palaemonetes argentinus was evaluated. The results were used to determine the lowest observed–effect and no observed–effect concentrations. Individual growth of prawns in relation to chlorpyrifos and endosulfan exposure was analyzed. LC₅₀ values to chlorpyrifos and endosulfan exposure were 2.98 µg L^–1 and 14.10 at 24 hours and 0.49 µg L^–1 and 6.28 µg L^–1 at 96 hours of exposure, respectively. The size increment of prawns was the same in all treatments; cephalothorax length increased linearly per molt. The intermolt period was influenced by the toxic effect of pesticides during rearing time, and this decreased with the molt cycles compared with the normal growth pattern. The results suggest that juveniles of P. argentinus are sensitive to chlorpyrifos and endosulfan pollution.

Postimpoundment Time Course of Increased Mercury Concentrations in Fish in Hydroelectric Reservoirs of Northern Manitoba, Canada by R. A. (Drew) Bodaly; W. A. Jansen; A. R. Majewski; R. J. P. Fudge; N. E. Strange; A. J. Derksen; D. J. Green (pp. 379-389).

Mercury (Hg) concentrations in fish in boreal reservoirs have been shown to be increased for up to 3 decades after impoundment. However, the time course of increased concentrations is not well known. The purpose of this study was to determine the evolution of Hg concentrations in fish in the boreal reservoirs of northern Manitoba, Canada, and its relationship with severity of flooding. We determined total Hg concentrations in three species of fish for up to 35 years after impoundment in 14 lakes and lake basins. Postimpoundment trends depended on fish species and reservoir. In the benthivorous lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), Hg concentrations increased after flooding to between 0.2 and 0.4 µg g⁻¹ wet weight compared with preimpoundment concentrations between 0.06 and 0.14 µg g⁻¹ and concentrations in natural lakes between 0.03 and 0.06 µg g⁻¹. Hg concentrations in lake whitefish were usually highest within 6 years after lake impoundment and took 10 to 20 years after impoundment to decrease to background concentrations in most reservoirs. Hg concentrations in predatory northern pike (Esox lucius) and walleye (Sander vitreus) were highest 2 to 8 years after flooding at 0.7 to 2.6 µg g⁻¹ compared with preimpoundment concentrations of 0.19 to 0.47 µg g⁻¹ and concentrations in natural lakes of 0.35 to 0.47 µg g⁻¹. Hg concentrations in these predatory species decreased consistently in subsequent years and required 10 to 23 years to return to background levels. Thus, results demonstrate the effect of trophic level on Hg concentrations (biomagnification). Peak Hg concentrations depended on the amount of flooding (relative increase in lake surface area). Asymptotic concentrations of approximately 0.25 µg g⁻¹ for lake whitefish and 1.6 µg g⁻¹ for both walleye and northern pike were reached at approximately 100% flooding. Downstream effects were apparent because many reservoirs downstream of other impoundments had higher Hg concentrations in fish than would be expected on the basis of flooding amount.

Chub (Leuciscus cephalus) as a Bioindicator of Contamination of the Vltava River by Synthetic Musk Fragrances by K. Hájková; J. Pulkrabová; J. Hajšlová; T. Randák; V. Žlábek (pp. 390-396).

Synthetic musk fragrances, which are contained in almost all scented consumer products, enter aquatic environment mainly by way of wastewater paths. To monitor contamination of the Vltava River by these relatively persistent chemicals in the surroundings of Prague industrialized agglomeration, chub (Leuciscus cephalus) was employed as a bioindicator. Validated gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method was used for fish sample examination. Polycyclic musks, represented by 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-cyclopenta-(γ)-2-benzopyran (galaxolide) and 1-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,6,8,8-hexamethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-ethanone (tonalide) were the most abundant representatives of this group; their levels in fillets were in the range of 1.7 to 105.9 µg/kg and 0.9 to 19.3 µg/kg wet weight, respectively. Nitro-musks, musk ketone, and musk xylene were also detected in most samples; nevertheless, their levels were lower, ≤2 µg/kg. Significant contamination of resident fish was recognised in the locality of Klecany, which is located 6 km downstream from a large municipal sewage-treatment plant (STP). High levels of musks found in the locality of Vraňany, 32 km downstream from Prague STP, were caused not only by this emission source but probably also by the effluents from the local plant that produces cleaning agents in Velvary.

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) 7-Day Survival and Growth Test Method by James M. Lazorchak; Mark E. Smith (pp. 397-405).

A short-term method was developed in this study for conducting subchronic survival and growth renewal toxicity tests with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Previously published early life-stage methods for various salmonid species involve test durations of 30 to 90 days. This trout method, however, follows a previously published 7-day fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) growth method. The tests performed in this study measured subchronic growth and survival effects using standard reference toxicants (ammonium chloride, potassium chloride, phenol, and zinc sulfate), receiving water, and effluent samples. The test results were compared with performance criteria and results for 7-day survival and growth tests with P. promelas to determine the level of comparability between the two species. The results from tests with both salmonid species indicated that this 7-day survival and growth test method using O. mykiss and S. fontinalis provides reproducible results with various reference toxicant materials and can be used successfully to detect potential toxicity in environmental samples.

Assessment of Short-Term Exposure to Nonylphenol in Japanese Medaka Using Sperm Velocity and Frequency of Motile Sperm by Yutaka Hara; Carlos Augusto Strüssmann; Shinya Hashimoto (pp. 406-410).

Nonylphenol is one of the compounds believed to cause endocrine disruption and affect sperm quality in mammals. However, there is little information on its effects on sperm motility in fish or other forms of wildlife. We examined the effects of nonylphenol on the motility of spermatozoa of medaka (Oryzias latipes) using an in vitro bioassay. Sperm was activated in aqueous media containing no nonylphenol (solvent control, 0.1% ethanol) or 1 or 100 µmol/L nonylphenol and immediately loaded into a sperm motility observation chamber. The ratio of motile spermatozoa and their swimming speeds were analyzed by computer-assisted image analysis at 30 and 60 s after activation. A decrease in swimming speed or the ratio of motile spermatozoa was observed in spermatozoa exposed for 60 s to 100 µmol/L nonylphenol. Our results suggest that nonylphenol causes a reduction in sperm viability in teleost fish in the short period between ejaculation and fertilization.

Keywords: Nonylphenol; Japanese medaka; Sperm velocity; Motile sperm frequency

Mercury Concentration in Frozen Whole-Fish Homogenates Is Insensitive to Holding Time by Spencer A. Peterson; David V. Peck; John Van Sickle; Robert M. Hughes (pp. 411-417).

Current recommended holding times for the analysis of total mercury (Hg) in fish tissue ranges from 28 to 180 days. In 2006, we evaluated the effect of an extended holding time on Hg concentrations by reanalyzing whole-fish wet homogenates that were analyzed originally in 2002 and had been stored frozen at −20°C since that time. Seven species, 13–15 samples each, were reanalyzed. Comparisons of concentration differences between 2006 and 2002 indicated that no statistically significant changes in Hg concentrations occurred in any of the seven fish species. These results indicate that wet fish tissue homogenates can be held frozen for at least four years without affecting analytical results, thus extending holding times far beyond those currently recommended.

Keywords: Mercury; Fish tissue; Pre-analysis holding time; EMAP; CAAS mercury analysis

Liver Histopathologic Alterations in the Frog Rana ridibunda from a Small River of Northern Greece by N. S. Loumbourdis (pp. 418-425).

The various histopathologic alterations detected in the liver of the frog Rana ridibunda from a small river of Northern Greece were investigated. In the livers of the frogs collected from this river, there was an increase in the area occupied by melanomacrophages as well as an increase in their color intensity. Mild karyomegaly and polyploidy, together with solitary and focal accumulation of infiltrates (neutrophils and lymphocytes), was evident. Three different kinds of foci were detected basophilic focus, vacuolated focus, and a special type of focus with nodules surrounded by collagen. Some bile ducts were found to be filled with periodic acid schiff (PAS)-positive amorphous material mixed with cellular debris. In liver foci of dense connective tissue, with structures resembling bile ductuli, were detected. The latter finding supports the conclusion that this might be early holangiofibroma. Progressive fibrosis around bile ducts, which extended into the hepatic parenchyma, was obvious. Given that the river under study was previously characterized as being moderately to heavily polluted, it was concluded that a number of environmental factors, including heavy metals, might be responsible for these histopathologic alterations.

Occurrence of Organic Chemicals in Two Rivers Inhabited by Ozark Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) by M. E. Solís; C. C. Liu; P. Nam; D. K. Niyogi; J. M. Bandeff; Y.-W. Huang (pp. 426-434).

Ozark Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) populations are in decrease throughout their native range with rare recruitment of young. Increased estrogenic chemical levels and alterations of physicochemical properties in their habitat may play a significant role in this phenomenon. We report here the first systematic, comprehensive study of organic chemical concentrations and physical and nutrient parameters in two rivers containing Ozark hellbender populations. Water samples were collected monthly from August 2003 to November 2004. Concentrations of 21 organic chemicals were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Nine organic chemicals were detected. Benzyl butyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, bisphenol A, and β-sitosterol were all detected >85% of the time, with median concentrations of 18 to 234 ng/L and maximum concentrations of 198 to 4141 ng/L. Individually, concentrations of nutrients and organic chemicals were much lower than those shown previously in laboratory and field experiments to have reproductive effects on amphibians. Nevertheless, hellbenders are exposed to a variety of chemicals with potential estrogenic effects. Our study establishes the basis to examine the specific effects of the detected concentrations, alone and in combination, on the Ozark hellbenders.

The Use of Feathers to Monitor Heavy Metal Contamination in Herons, Korea by J. Kim; T.-H. Koo (pp. 435-441).

This study measured concentrations of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, lead, and cadmium in environmental substrates (water and sediment) as well as in the diet and feathers of Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea chicks from Pyeongtaek heronry, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. Zinc and cadmium concentrations in sediment were relatively high, but lead was low. In the diet, only copper concentrations were higher in Black-crowned Night Herons than in Grey Herons. Cadmium concentrations in the diet of two heron species from a Pyeongtaek heron colony were also higher than reported in other studies. In feathers, iron, copper, and lead concentrations were significantly different between heron species. Iron and copper concentrations were higher in Black-crowned Night Heron chicks than in Grey Heron chicks, but lead concentrations were not. Therefore, with the exception of lead, heavy metal concentrations in feathers were not related to concentrations in the diet. Zinc, iron, and lead concentrations in heron feathers were within the ranges reported by other heron studies, but manganese, copper, and cadmium were much higher. Lead and cadmium concentrations in feathers of Black-crowned Night Heron and Grey Heron chicks were elevated to lead and cadmium concentrations in the diet. Therefore, we suggest that lead and cadmium concentrations in heron feathers reflect contamination of breeding sites and are useful bioindicators of local contamination.

Heavy Metals and Selenium in Grebe Feathers from Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in Northern Minnesota by Joanna Burger; Bruce Eichhorst (pp. 442-449).

Metal levels in feathers can often be used as an indicator of exposure and of potential effects in birds. In previous work at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, northwestern Minnesota, pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) eggs had significantly higher levels of manganese and mercury and significantly lower levels of selenium than eared (Podiceps nigricollis) or red-necked grebes (Podiceps grisegena), but in 1999, pied-billed grebes had significantly higher levels of mercury, but lower levels of selenium and tin than the other grebes. This led us to examine whether these patterns held up in feathers of grebes as a function of age. The feathers of young birds represent local exposure. We collected feathers of flightless young and adult grebes from 1997 to 1999 in the marshes at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge. Regression models indicated that year, age, or species were significant factors accounting for variations in the levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury, and selenium, depending on the metal. Overall, there were significant intraspecific differences for all metals. Pied-billed grebes had the highest levels of arsenic, chromium, and selenium, and eared grebes had the highest levels of cadmium, manganese, and mercury. Pied-billed and western grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) had the highest levels of lead. There were significant age-related differences in cadmium, chromium, and mercury for both eared and red-necked grebes, for arsenic in eared grebes, and for lead and manganese in red-necked grebes. Adults had higher levels of all metals, except young had higher levels of chromium. Mercury in the feathers of eared grebes were higher than found from other studies with a wide range of aquatic and marine birds and were above those known to cause adverse effects in laboratory studies, suggesting some cause for concern.

Keywords: Mercury; Cadmium; Lead; Selenium; Grebes; Age-related; Feathers; Metals

Immunosuppressive Effect of Subchronic Exposure to a Mixture of Eight Heavy Metals, Found as Groundwater Contaminants in Different Areas of India, Through Drinking Water in Male Rats by S. H. Jadhav; S. N. Sarkar; G. C. Ram; H. C. Tripathi (pp. 450-458).

Immunotoxicity is an important health hazard of heavy metal exposure. Because the risk of combined exposure in the population cannot be neglected, we examined whether subchronic exposure to a mixture of metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, chromium, nickel, manganese, and iron) via drinking water at contemporary Indian groundwater contamination levels and at concentrations equivalent to the WHO maximum permissible limit (MPL) in drinking water can induce immunotoxicity in male rats. Data on groundwater contamination with metals in India were collected from literature and metals were selected on the basis of their frequency of occurrence and contamination level above the MPL. Male albino Wistar rats were exposed to the mixture at 0, 1, 10, and 100 times the mode concentrations (the most frequently occurring concentration) of the individual metals in drinking water for 90 days. In addition, one group was exposed to the mixture at a concentration equal to the MPL of the individual metal and another group was used as positive control for immune response studies. The end points assessed were weights of organs, hematological indices, humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, and histopathology of skin and spleen. The MPL and 1× doses did not significantly affect any of the parameters and none of the doses induced any significant changes after 30 days of exposure. The mixture at 10× and 100× doses increased the relative weight of the spleen, but that of thymus, adrenals, and popliteal lymphnodes were increased with the 100× dose. After 90 days, 10× and 100× doses decreased serum protein and globulin contents and increased the albumin:globulin ratio; the albumin level was decreased only with the 100× dose. After 60 days, the total erythrocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb) level, and packed cell volume (PCV) were decreased with the 100× dose, whereas after 90 days, 10× and 100× doses reduced the TEC, total leukocyte count, Hb level, PCV, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. With the 100× dose, the lymphocyte count was decreased after 60 and 90 days, but the neutrophil number was increased after 90 days. Antibody titer was decreased after 75 days with the 100× dose, but after 90 days, it was decreased with both the 10× and 100× doses. In delayed-type hypersensitivity response, these two doses decreased ear thickness after 24 and 48 h and skin biopsies showed a dose-dependent decrease in inflammatory changes. Histologically, the spleen revealed depletion of lymphoid cells and atrophic follicles with reduced follicular activity with higher doses. The findings suggest that hematopoietic and immune systems are toxicologically sensitive to the mixture, which could lead to anemia and suppression of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in male rats at 10 and 100 times the mode concentrations of the individual components in contaminated groundwater.

Keywords: Groundwater contaminants; Metal mixture; Immunotoxicity; Rats

Demonstrating Ecological Receptor Health at Contaminated Sites with Wild Rodent Sperm Parameters by Lawrence V. Tannenbaum; Brandolyn H. Thran; Keith J. Williams (pp. 459-465).

Consistently at Superfund and other contaminated terrestrial sites, ecological receptors have been chemically exposed for multiple decades by the time risk assessments are conducted. Given that numerous generations of the receptors have lived through the contaminated site condition by the present day, a paradigm shift from risk assessment, where the potential for health effects are forecasted, to a direct, health status assessment scheme for the site-exposed receptor, would seem to be most appropriate. We applied the only such existing direct health status assessment method, Rodent Sperm Analysis (RSA), with small rodents trapped at contaminated sites and at matched noncontaminated reference locations. Reproductive health, ecological risk assessment’s endpoint of greatest concern, is targeted with RSA by comparing the sperm parameters of count, motility, and morphology, for each of which it is known how much of a change from a control condition signifies compromised reproductive capability. Given that sperm parameter thresholds were not exceeded in maximally exposed receptors, the data suggest that in the general case, contaminated terrestrial sites do not need cleanups to afford health protection to ecological species, and particularly the larger, wider-ranging, higher trophic level species. Our findings suggest that RSA has the ability to consistently discriminate between clean and contaminated sites, and that the method can allow for as definitive determinations of terrestrial ecological receptor health as are possible, thereby facilitating early site clean-up decisions.

Inhibitory Effect of Mannan on the Toxicity Produced in Mice Fed Aflatoxin B₁ Contaminated Corn by E. Madrigal-Santillán; I. Álvarez-González; R. Márquez-Márquez; N. Velázquez-Guadarrama; E. Madrigal-Bujaidar (pp. 466-472).

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a potent mutagenic and carcinogenic agent found in numerous agricultural and dairy products consumed by humans. Therefore, we evaluated the capacity of mannan to cope with its genotoxic potential. We prepared a diet constituted of corn (90%) plus the recommended amount of other nutrients, as well as with the tested compounds (mannan and/or AFB₁). Mice were fed this diet during 4 weeks as follows: one group with AFB₁-contaminated corn (0.25 mg/kg of corn), three groups with mannan (50, 250, and 500 mg/kg of corn) plus AFB₁ (0.25 mg/kg), another group with only mannan (500 mg/kg), and the last group with an uncontaminated diet and no mannan added. We determined the weight, the micronucleated normochromatic erythrocyte rate (MNNE), the polychromatic/normochromatic index, and the sister chromatid exchange rate (SCE). We also examined the recovery response of mice during 4 additional weeks, when they were fed only the normal diet without AFB₁ or mannan. The results in the first period revealed the following: a) mice fed with mannan alone presented values in the range determined for the control group; b) mice fed AFB₁ had a significant weight decrease, as well as a significant increase in the rate of MNNE and SCE; and c) animals fed the combined regimen (AFB₁ plus mannan) presented a 25% weight increase with respect to the animals treated with AFB₁ alone, as well as a significant reduction in the level of MNNE and SCE with the two high doses tested. In the second (recovery) period, the control and the mannan fed groups maintained values similar to those exhibited in the previous phase, and the AFB₁ group as well as the groups fed the regimen combined with mannan showed an improvement in all evaluated parameters; the best response was that found in mice fed AFB₁ plus 500 mg/kg of mannan. Our study established an antigenotoxic effect of mannan that could be due to its adsorbent capacity.

Trace Element Concentrations in Livers of Polar Bears from Two Populations in Northern and Western Alaska by Kurunthachalam Kannan; Tetsuro Agusa; Thomas J. Evans; Shinsuke Tanabe (pp. 473-482).

Concentrations of 20 trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hg, Tl, Pb, and Bi) were measured in livers of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) collected from Northern and Western Alaska from 1993 to 2002 to examine differences in the profiles of trace metals between the Beaufort Sea (Northern Alaska) and the Chukchi Sea (Western Alaska) subpopulations in Alaska. Among the trace elements analyzed, concentrations of Cu (50–290 µg/g, dry wt) in polar bear livers were in the higher range of values that have been reported for marine mammals. Concentrations of Hg in polar bears varied widely, from 3.5 to 99 µg/g dry wt, and the mean concentrations in polar bears were comparable to concentrations reported previously for several other species of marine mammals. Mean concentrations of Pb and Cd were 0.67 and 1.0 µg/g dry wt, respectively; these concentrations were lower than levels reported elsewhere for polar bears from Greenland and Canada. Age- and gender-related variations in the concentrations of trace elements in our polar bears were minimal. Concentrations of Hg decreased slowly in samples collected during 1993–2002, whereas Cd and Pb concentrations were found to be stable or slowly increasing, in the livers of Alaskan polar bears. Concentrations of Ag, Bi, Ba, Cu, and Sn were significantly higher in the Chukchi Sea subpopulation than in the Beaufort Sea subpopulation. Concentrations of Hg were significantly higher in the Beaufort Sea subpopulation than in the Chukchi Sea subpopulation. Differences in the profiles and concentrations of Hg, Ag, Bi, Ba, Cu, and Sn suggest that the sources of exposure to these trace elements between Western and Northern Alaskan polar bears are different, in agreement with findings reported earlier for several organic contaminants.

Keywords: Polar bear; Trace elements; Metals; Arctic; Mercury; Alaska; Seals

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Blubber of Free-Ranging Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) from Two Southeast Atlantic Estuarine Areas by Patricia A. Fair; Gregory Mitchum; Thomas C. Hulsey; Jeff Adams; Eric Zolman; Wayne McFee; Ed Wirth; Gregory D. Bossart (pp. 483-494).

Blubber tissue samples from bottlenose dolphins collected during the summers of 2003 and 2004 were screened for 13 (17, 28, 47, 66, 71, 85, 99, 100, 138, 154, 153, 183, 190) polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) from dolphin populations in the Indian River Lagoon, FL (n = 58) and the Charleston Harbor estuary, SC (n = 53). Within each population, we investigated contaminant levels of PBDEs and the effects of factors including age, sex, the interaction of age and sex, and location. Six PBDE congeners (28, 47, 99, 100, 153, and 154) were routinely detected in all samples using gas chromatography/mass spectometry methods. Significantly higher (p ≤ 0.0001) mean ΣPBDE blubber concentrations were observed for Charleston dolphins ( $ overline{X} $ = 5,860 ng/g lipid; range = 429–22,780 ng/g lipid) when compared to Indian River Lagoon dolphins ( $ overline{X} $ = 1,260 ng/g lipid; range = 195–3,790 ng/g lipid). PBDE 47 was the major congener representing ∼61% of the ΣPBDE in both dolphin populations, followed by BDE100, BDE154, BDE99, BDE153, and BDE28, respectively. Significantly higher (p < 0.0001) mean ΣPBDE were observed in adult male dolphins compared to pregnant and adult female dolphins at both sites, with gender differences two-fold in the Indian River Lagoon and twelve-fold for Charleston. For Charleston dolphins, the juveniles in addition to the adult males also had significantly higher levels compared to pregnant and adult females. This study establishes baseline levels of PBDEs in bottlenose dolphins for these two areas and is the first assessment of PBDEs in free-ranging dolphins. The levels of PBDEs in Charleston dolphins represent some of the highest measured in marine mammals and warrants further investigation of these emerging, bioaccumulative chemicals and their potential deleterious effects.

Keywords: Brominated flame retardants; Polybrominated diphenyl ethers; PBDEs; Bottlenose dolphin; Tursiops truncatus

Concentrations of Organotin Compounds in Tissues and Organs of Dugongs from Thai Coastal Waters by Hiroya Harino; Madoka Ohji; Gullaya Wattayakorn; Kanjana Adulyanukosol; Takaomi Arai; Nobuyuki Miyazaki (pp. 495-502).

Concentrations of butyltin (BT) and phenyltin (PT) compounds were measured in organs and tissues of dugongs (Dugong dugon) from the coastal waters of Thailand. Concentrations of BTs and PTs were in the range of 14–14,468 and <1–30 μg kg⁻¹(detection frequency: 79%), respectively. Although concentrations of BTs in dugongs were higher then reported concentrations in cetaceans and pinnipeds, PTs were lower in dugongs. In half of the dugongs in which measurements were made, the concentration of BTs in the liver was the highest among the all the tissues and organs tested. Dibutyltin (DBT) or monobutyltin (MBT) was found to be the dominant compounds among the BTs. The distribution in the body of PTs was not clear because of the lower levels of this compound. TPT was the dominant compound among PTs. The coastal area of Thailand is located off the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Concentrations of organotin (OT) compounds in dugongs collected from the Gulf of Thailand were compared to those from the Andaman Sea. No significant differences in BT or PT concentrations were observed between the two areas (p < 0.05). The concentrations of BTs and PTs in the livers of dugongs were decreased between 1998 and 2002, suggesting a decrease in OT concentrations in the surrounding environment.

Keywords: Dugong; Body distribution; Butyltin; Phenyltin; Thailand

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Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology (v.53, #3)