Avoidance response of Enchytraeus albidus in relation to carbendazim ageing

In this study, avoidance response of Enchytraeus albidus to LUFA 2.2 soil contaminated with pesticide carbendazim was investigated. The aim was to clarify minimal test duration and temporal changes in avoidance response due to contamination ageing. Firstly, the concentration causing 50% avoidance (EC₅₀) was determined as 7.6 mg/kg. Then, test duration needed to reach this value (ET₅₀ = approximately 18 h) was identified. Finally, the capability of E. albidus avoidance test to reflect the changes of pollutant bioavailability was tested. The soil was spiked with carbendazim at the EC₅₀ concentration 1, 14, or 28 days before the test started and avoidance effects of fresh versus aged contamination were compared. The results indicated that enchytraeids preferred soil contaminated for 28 days prior to assay where carbendazim was probably less bioavailable than in freshly spiked soil. Our results open an interesting research area of potential use of avoidance tests for contaminant bioavailability assessment.     

Avoidance behaviour of Eisenia fetida to carbofuran, chlorpyrifos, mancozeb and metamidophos in natural soils from the highlands of Colombia

Earthworm avoidance behaviour test is an important screening tool in soil eco-toxicology. This test has been developed and validated under North American and European conditions. However, little research has been performed on the avoidance test in the tropics. This work demonstrates the potential suitability of the avoidance behaviour test as screening method in the highlands of Colombia using Eisenia fetida as the bio-indicator species on contaminated soils with carbofuran and chlorpyrifos. Though for the two active ingredients 100% avoidance was not reached, a curve with six meaningful concentrations is provided. No significant avoidance behaviour trend was found for mancozeb and methamidophos. Tests were conducted in the field yielded similar results to the tests carried out in the laboratory for chlorpyrifos and mancozeb. However, for the case of carbofuran and methamidophos, differences of more than double in avoidance were obtained. Divergence might be explained by soil and temperature conditions.     

Avoidance tests with Folsomia candida for the assessment of copper contamination in agricultural soils

The feasibility of assessing copper accumulation in agricultural soils using avoidance tests with a Canadian strain of Folsomia candida was investigated under laboratory conditions. The avoidance response to nominal copper sulfate concentrations of 0, 200, 800, 1600 and 3200 mg kg⁻¹ in OECD soil was inconsistent between trials with the standard plastic cup or a modified Petri dish method requiring less soil. However, combined results from three Petri dish trials decreased variability and provided a 75% avoidance level, close to the 80% criterion proposed for avoidance tests. A Copper avoidance EC_50s of 18 mg kg⁻¹was obtained using the Petri dish method whether tests were conducted with or without light. While Petri dish tests have potential as a cheap tool to distinguish metal contaminated soils from uncontaminated soils they would be unsuitable for tracking or quantifying changes in metal concentrations. throughout remediation. Advantages and limitations of the method have been presented.     

Terrestrial avoidance behaviour tests as screening tool to assess soil contamination

To assess soil quality and risk assessment, bioassays can be useful tools to gauge the potential toxicity of contaminants focusing on their bioavailable fraction. A rapid and sublethal avoidance behaviour test was used as a screening tool with the earthworm Eisenia andrei and the isopod Porcellionides pruinosus, where organisms were exposed during 48 h to several chemicals (lindane, dimethoate and copper sulphate, for isopods and carbendazim, benomyl, dimethoate and copper sulphate for earthworms). Both species were also exposed to soils from an abandoned mine. For all bioassays a statistical approach was used to derive EC50 values. Isopods and earthworms were able to perceive the presence of toxic compounds and escaping from contaminated to clean soil. Furthermore the behaviour parameter was equally or more sensitive then other sublethal parameters (e.g. reproduction or growth), expressing the advantages of Avoidance Behaviour Tests as screening tools in ERA.     

Effect of different soil types on the enchytraeids Enchytraeus albidus and Enchytraeus luxuriosus using the herbicide Phenmedipham

Soil ecotoxicology studies are usually performed in standard soils, such as the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) artificial soil or the LUFA St. 2.2, a natural soil. When assessing the toxic effects in the environment, soil properties are often different from those in standard soils, which might lead to a different exposure situation for the test species and, therefore, to a different evaluation of the risk of the test substance. Selected to cover a broad range of properties and based on the Euro-Soils concept, 18 different soils were studied regarding their suitability to two test species: Enchytraeus albidus and Enchytraeus luxuriosus (Enchytraeidae). In reproduction tests, the test species reacted differently to the tested soils, but both enchytraeids did not survive in acid soils (i.e. pH相似文献   

Effects of the antibacterial agents tiamulin,olanquindox and metronidazole and the anthelmintic ivermectin on the soil invertebrate species Folsomia fimetaria (Collembola) and Enchytraeus crypticus (Enchytraeidae)

Veterinary pharmaceutical products such as antibacterial agents and antiparasitics are widely used to control diseases and promote production in the agricultural sector. Exposure of non-target organisms are a likely result of using manure from treated live stocks or from dung dropped on the field by grazing animals. The aim of this study was to determine the toxic threshold levels of three antibacterial agents (tiamulin, olanquindox and metronidazole) and one anthelmintic (ivermectin) to two species of soil dwelling organisms (springtails and enchytraeids), that are often found in bio-solids such as manure or dung. The antibacterial agents were not toxic to adults and effects on reproduction occurred generally above concentrations normally found in soil or dung. The threshold values for toxicity (10% reduced reproduction or EC10 values) were in the range of 61-111 mg kg(-1) dry soil for springtails and 83-722 mg kg(-1) dry soil for enchytraeids. Ivermectin was significantly more toxic with EC10 values of 0.26 mg kg(-1) dry soil for the springtails and 14 mg kg(-1) dry soil for the enchytraeids. A comparison of these results with rough estimates of likely and worse case environmental concentrations indicates a potential risk of ivermectin to non-target species such as springtails and enchytraeids, whereas direct toxic effect of antibacterial agents is very unlikely to occur at environmental realistic concentrations. However, indirect effects of antibacterial agents driven through changes in the food web cannot be abolished at this stage.     

Avoidance test with Enchytraeus albidus (Enchytraeidae): effects of different exposure time and soil properties

Enchytraeids are ecologically relevant soil species and are commonly used in standardized toxicity tests. Their rapid reaction to a chemical exposure can be used as a toxicological measurement endpoint that assesses the avoidance behavior. The objectives of this investigation were to determine the effects of soil properties on the avoidance behavior of Enchytraeus albidus and to optimize the duration of avoidance test. The avoidance tests included (1) exposures in OECD artificial soil with standard or modified properties (pH, clay or peat content), and (2) exposures to copper chloride, cadmium chloride, and to the organic pesticides dimethoate and phenmedipham for different time periods. Results showed that alteration of OECD soil constituents significantly affected the avoidance behavior of enchytraeids, and that the 48-h exposure was the optimal duration of the test. Consideration of soil properties is important for selecting appropriate experimental design and interpreting the results of the enchytraeid avoidance test.     

Hepatic and immune biological effect assays in C57BL/6 mice to measure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon bioavailability under laboratory exposures with increasing environmental relevance

Background Monitoring biological responses that are mediated via the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in animals exposed to environmental contaminants can indicate both the presence to chemicals that act through this biochemical pathway and whether these chemicals are bioavailable. Objectives The use of an ex-situ method that incorporated biological responsiveness monitoring in mice for determining the presence of ‘biologically active’ hydrocarbons in contaminated soils was investigated. Methods The use of C57BL/6 as a test organism was validated by determining hepatic and immune responsiveness to two polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): 3,4 benz[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and 1,2 benz (a)anthracene (BA) administered via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. The responsiveness of mice exposed to soils spiked with hydrocarbons or ex situ exposures to soil removed from two contaminated sites was also investigated. Results and Discussion Mice that were exposed to B[a]P via i.p. injections showed a 14-fold increase in liver microsomal ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity compared to the control group. In contrast EROD activity following BA exposure at the same level was not significantly enhanced. Mouse immune response was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by i.p. injections of B[a]P. No significant inhibition occurred with the same doses of BA. Following i.p. exposure, the retention of B[a]P in mouse carcasses was greater than BA. Mice exposed to clean soils spiked with environmentally relevant concentrations of B[a]P and BA failed to show any significantly different hepatic or immune responses. Carcass residue data indicated a limited uptake of PAH from the soil. In contrast, EROD activity in mice exposed (ex situ) to hydrocarbon-contaminated soils removed from a fuel-loading depot and decommissioned gas works was significantly enhanced (4- and 2-fold respectively). However, this increase in EROD activity did not appear to correlate with either soil or carcass PAH concentrations. Conclusions and Outlook These results support the assumption that B[a]P has a higher affinity for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) compared to BA. Soil parameters such as organic carbon content, structure and particle size distribution can modulate the bioavailability of contaminants to biological receptors. These factors are implicated in the lack of responsiveness demonstrated in the spiked soil experiments. However the responsiveness of EROD activity in mice exposed (ex situ) to soil contaminated with complex mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds confirms the potential usefulness of this model to determine the presence of ‘biologically active’ compounds in aged soils removed from contaminated sites.     

用水生生物对重金属污染土壤进行生态毒理评价

应用斜生栅藻（Scenedesmus obliquus）和明亮发光杆菌T3（Photobacterium phosphoreum）急性毒性实验方法对重金属污染土壤的进行生态毒理评价，结果表明，斜生栅藻的生长繁殖率和发光菌的相对发光度与土壤中的重金属含量明显相关，并且随重金属投加量的增加，其生长繁殖率和发光度逐渐降低。对3种测试参数进行比较可知，斜生栅藻细胞数增长率是最敏感的土壤毒性检测指标。土壤的毒性在复合污染的条件下比在单一污染的条件下高很多。本研究的结果可以为污染土壤的优先修复提供理论依据。     

Comparison of bioassays by testing whole soil and their water extract from contaminated sites

The harmful effects of contaminants on the ecosystems and humans are characterised by their environmental toxicity. The aim of this study was to assess applicability and reliability of several environmental toxicity tests, comparing the result of the whole soils and their water extracts. In the study real contaminated soils were applied from three different inherited contaminated sites of organic and inorganic pollutants. The measured endpoints were the bioluminescence inhibition of Vibrio fischeri (bacterium), the dehydrogenase activity inhibition of Azomonas agilis (bacterium), the reproduction inhibition of Tetrahymena pyriformis (protozoon), and Panagrellus redivivus (nematode), the mortality of Folsomia candida (springtail), the root and shoot elongation inhibition of Sinapis alba (plant: white mustard) and the nitrification activity inhibition of an uncontaminated garden soil used as "test organism". Besides the standardised or widely used methods some new, direct contact ecotoxicity tests have been developed and introduced, which are useful for characterisation of the risk of contaminated soils due to their interactive nature. Soil no. 1 derived from a site polluted with transformer oil (PCB-free); Soil no. 2 originated from a site contaminated with mazout; Soil no. 3 was contaminated with toxic metals (Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb, As). In most cases, the interactive ecotoxicity tests indicated more harmful effect of the contaminated soil than the tests using soil extracts. The direct contact environmental toxicity tests are able to meet the requirements of environmental toxicology: reliability, sensibility, reproducibility, rapidity and low cost.     

Influence of ageing on zinc bioavailability in soils

Currently, soil quality criteria or soil risk assessments of metals are based on laboratory toxicity tests which are carried out in soils freshly spiked with metal salts. With these data, species sensitivity distributions are fitted, from which hazardous concentrations and predicted no effect concentrations are derived. However, due to long-term processes, called ageing, soil metal availability decreases with time. Here we show that pH is the most important parameter determining the effect of ageing on zinc partitioning in soils, with the effect of ageing becoming more important with increasing pH. Furthermore, zinc bioavailability, expressed as the internal zinc concentrations in red clover (Trifolium pratense) is closely related to pore water zinc concentration. In addition, there is a clear dose-response relationship between the survival of the earthworm Eisenia fetida and the calcium chloride-extracted zinc fraction. These results indicate that zinc partitioning can be used to predict zinc bioavailability to terrestrial organisms. However, the use of spiked soils in toxicity assays can result in an over-estimation of the effects of zinc, especially at a high pH.     

用水生生物对重金属污染土壤进行生态毒理评价

应用斜生栅藻(Scenedesmusobliquus)和明亮发光杆菌T3(Photobacteriumphosphoreum)急性毒性实验方法对重金属污染土壤的进行生态毒理评价,结果表明,斜生栅藻的生长繁殖率和发光菌的相对发光度与土壤中的重金属含量明显相关,并且随重金属投加量的增加,其生长繁殖率和发光度逐渐降低。对3种测试参数进行比较可知,斜生栅藻细胞数增长率是最敏感的土壤毒性检测指标。土壤的毒性在复合污染的条件下比在单一污染的条件下高很多。本研究的结果可以为污染土壤的优先修复提供理论依据。     

Risk assessment of linear alkylbenzene sulphonates, LAS, in agricultural soil revisited: robust chronic toxicity tests for Folsomia candida (Collembola), Aporrectodea caliginosa (Oligochaeta) and Enchytraeus crypticus (Enchytraeidae)

To obtain robust data on the toxicity of LAS, tests with the collembolan Folsomia candida L., the oligochaetes Aporrectodea caliginosa Savigny (earthworm) and Enchytraeus crypticus Westheide and Graefe (enchytraeid) were performed in a sandy loam soil. Additionally limited tests with LAS spiked to sewage sludge, and subsequently mixed into soil, were performed. For the endpoint of interest, reproduction in soil, we found an EC10 of 205 mg LAS kg(-1) soil [8.6-401] [95% confidence limits] for F. candida and an EC10 of 46 mg LAS kg(-1) soil [13-80] for A. caliginosa after 28 days. E. crypticus was not affected by concentrations up to 120 mg LAS kg(-1) soil. When adding (low contaminated) non-spiked sludge to soil, high stimulation of reproduction was observed for E. crypticus and A. caliginosa but not for F. candida. We argue that this difference in stimulative response between the tested species is related to the difference in feeding behaviour. Sludge spiked with LAS did not significantly affect the reproduction of F. candida (fertility: number of juvenile offspring) and A. caliginosa (fecundity: number of cocoons) (dose equivalent to 181 g and 91 g LAS kg(-1) sludge, respectively). Significantly reduced reproduction was observed for E. crypticus (at 120 mg LAS kg(-1) soil+sludge corresponding to 72 g LAS kg(-1) sludge) compared to non-spiked sludge. The reproduction by E. crypticus was, however, comparable to the reproduction observed in the control soil without sludge. Compared to LAS directly spiked to soil, the reproductive output of organisms exposed to spiked sludge was either not significantly different (F. candida, E. crypticus) or significantly improved (A. caliginosa). More studies are needed in order to make firm conclusions on the potential effect of artificially contaminated sludge in soil systems.     

Comparison of in vivo and in vitro methodologies for the assessment of arsenic bioavailability in contaminated soils

An in vivo swine assay was utilised for the determination of arsenic (As) bioavailability in contaminated soils. Arsenic bioavailability was assessed using pharmacokinetic analysis encompassing area under the blood plasma-As concentration time curve following zero correction and dose normalisation. In contaminated soil studies, As uptake into systemic circulation was compared to an arsenate oral dose and expressed as relative As bioavailability. Arsenic bioavailability ranged from 6.9+/-5.0% to 74.7+/-11.2% in 12 contaminated soils collected from former railway corridors, dip sites, mine sites and naturally elevated gossan soils. Arsenic bioavailability was generally low in the gossan soils and highest in the railway soils, ranging from 12.1+/-8.5% to 16.4+/-9.1% and 11.2+/-4.7% to 74.7+/-11.2%, respectively. Comparison of in vivo and in vitro (Simplified Bioaccessibility Extraction Test [SBET]) data from the 12 contaminated soils and bioavailability data collected from an As spiked soil study demonstrated that As bioavailability and As bioaccessibility were linearly correlated (in vivo As bioavailability (mgkg(-1))=14.19+0.93.SBET As bioaccessibility (mgkg(-1)); r(2)=0.92). The correlation between the two methods indicates that As bioavailability (in vivo) may be estimated using the less expensive, rapid in vitro chemical extraction method (SBET) to predict As exposure in human health risk assessment.     

Bioremediation of a weathered and a recently oil-contaminated soils from Brazil: a comparison study

The facility with which hydrocarbons can be removed from soils varies inversely with aging of soil samples as a result of weathering. Weathering refers to the result of biological, chemical and physical processes that can affect the type of hydrocarbons that remain in a soil. These processes enhance the sorption of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) to the soil matrix, decreasing the rate and extent of biodegradation. Additionally, pollutant compounds in high concentrations can more easily affect the microbial population of a recently contaminated soil than in a weathered one, leading to inhibition of the biodegradation process. The present work aimed at comparing the biodegradation efficiencies obtained in a recently oil-contaminated soil (spiked one) from Brazil and an weathered one, contaminated for four years, after the application of bioaugmentation and biostimulation techniques. Both soils were contaminated with 5.4% of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and the highest biodegradation efficiency (7.4%) was reached for the weathered contaminated soil. It could be concluded that the low biodegradation efficiencies reached for all conditions tested reflect the treatment difficulty of a weathered soil contaminated with a high crude oil concentration. Moreover, both soils (weathered and recently contaminated) submitted to bioaugmentation and biostimulation techniques presented biodegradation efficiencies approximately twice as higher as the ones without the aforementioned treatment (natural attenuation).     

Concentrations and bioaccessibility of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in wastewater-irrigated soil using in vitro gastrointestinal test

BACKGROUND, AIM, AND SCOPE: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental contaminants and contribute to the pollution of soil environment. Soil ingestion is of increasing concern for assessing health risk from PAH-contaminated soils because soil ingestion is one of the potentially important pathways of exposure to environmental pollutants, particularly relevant for children playing at contaminated sites due to their hand-to-mouth activities. In vitro gastro-intestinal tests imitate the human digestive tract, based on the physiology of humans, generally more simple, less time-consuming, and especially more reproducible than animal tests. This study was conducted to investigate the level of PAH contamination and oral bioaccessibility in surface soils, using physiologically based in vitro gastro-intestinal tests regarding both gastric and small intestinal conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wastewater-irrigated soils were sampled from the metropolitan areas of Beijing and Tianjin, China, which were highly contaminated with PAHs. Reference soil samples were also collected for comparisons. At each site, four soils were sampled in the upper horizon at the depth of 0-20 cm randomly and were bulked together to form one composite sample. PAH concentrations and origin were investigated and a physiologically based in vitro test was conducted using all analytical grade reagents. Linear regression model was used to assess the relationship between total PAH concentrations in soils and soil organic carbon (SOC). RESULTS: A wide range of total PAH concentrations ranging from 1,304 to 3,369 mug kg(-1) in soils collected from different wastewater-irrigated sites in Tianjin, while ranging from 2,687 to 4,916 mug kg(-1) in soils collected from different wastewater-irrigated sites in Beijing, was detected. In general, total PAH concentrations in soils from Beijing sites were significantly higher than those from Tianjin sites, indicating a dominant contribution from both pyrogenic and petrogenic sources. Results indicated that the oral bioaccessibility of PAHs in small intestinal was significantly higher (from P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) than gastric condition. Similarly, the oral bioaccessibility of PAHs in contaminated sites was significantly higher (from P < or = 0.05 to P < 0.001) than in reference sites. Individual PAH ratios (three to six rings), a more accurate and reliable estimation about the emission sources, were used to distinguish the natural and anthropogenic PAH inputs in the soils. Results indicated that PAHs were both pyrogenic and petrogenic in nature. DISCUSSION: The identification of PAH sources and importance of in vitro test for PAH bioaccessibility were emphasized in this study. The oral bioaccessibility of individual PAHs in soils generally decreased with increasing ring numbers of PAHs in both the gastric and small intestinal conditions. However, the ratio of bioaccessibility of individual PAHs in gastric conditions to that in the small intestinal condition generally increased with increasing ring numbers, indicating the relatively pronounced effect of bile extract on improving the bioaccessibility of PAHs with relatively high ring numbers characterized by their high K ( ow ) values. Similarly, total PAH concentrations in soils were strongly correlated with SOC, indicating that SOC was the key factor determining the retention of PAHs in soils. CONCLUSIONS: Soils were contaminated with PAHs due to long-term wastewater irrigation. PAHs with two to six rings showed high concentrations with a significant increase over reference soils. Based on the molecular indices, it was suggested that PAHs in soils had both pyrogenic and petrogenic sources. It was also concluded that the oral bioaccessibility of total PAHs in the small intestinal condition was significantly higher than that in the gastric condition. Furthermore, the bioaccessibility of individual PAHs in soils generally decreased with the increasing ring numbers in both the gastric and small intestinal conditions. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES: It is suggested that more care should be given while establishing reliable soil criteria for PAHs, especially concerning the health of children who may ingest a considerable amount of PAH-contaminated soil via outdoor hand-to-mouth activities.     

Genotypic and environmental variation in chromium, cadmium and lead concentrations in rice

Genotypic and environmental variation in Cr, Cd and Pb concentrations of rice grains and the interaction between these metals were investigated by using 138 rice genotypes grown in three contaminated soils. There were significant genotypic differences in the three heavy metal concentrations of rice grains, with the absolute difference among 138 genotypes in grain Cr, Cd and Pb concentrations being 24.5-, 9.1- and 23.8-folds, respectively, under the slightly contaminated soil (containing 4.61mgkg(-1) Cr, 1.09mgkg(-1) Cd and Pb 28.28mgkg(-1), respectively). A highly significant interaction occurred between genotype and environment (soil type) in the heavy metal concentrations of rice grains. Cr concentration in rice grains was not correlated with Cd and Pb concentration. However, there was a significant correlation between Cd and Pb in slightly and highly contaminated soils. The results suggest the possibility to develop the rice cultivars with low Cd and Pb concentrations in grain.     

Avoidance bio-assays may help to test the ecological significance of soil pollution

We measured the short-term (100 min) avoidance of a soil heavily polluted by hydrocarbons by the soil springtail Folsomia candida, at six rates of dilution in a control, unpolluted soil. We compared the results with those of long-term (40-day) population tests. Five strains were compared, of varying geographical and ecological origin. When pure, the polluted soil was lethal in the long-term and avoided in the short-term by all strains. Avoidance tests, but not population tests, were able to discriminate between strains. Avoidance thresholds differed among strains. Two ecological consequences of the results were discussed: (i) toxic compounds may kill soil animals or deprive them from food, resulting in death of populations, (ii) pollution spots can be locally deprived of fauna because of escape movements of soil animals. Advantages and limitations of the method have been listed, together with proposals for their wider use in soil ecology and ecotoxicology.     

Comparative sensitivity of Eisenia andrei and Perionyx excavatus in earthworm avoidance tests using two soil types in the tropics

Terrestrial avoidance behavior is proposed as a fast and cost-effective method for assessing effects of pesticides on earthworms. Tropical species however, have rarely been used in avoidance tests. Avoidance tests were performed with Perionyx excavatus, a tropical species, and Eisenia andrei as the standard species, using chlorpyrifos and carbofuran in artificial and natural soil. Earthworms were exposed to concentrations of 1–900 (chlorpyrifos) and 1–32 (carbofuran) mg a.i. kg⁻¹ dry soil in a two-chamber system under tropical conditions (26 ± 2 °C, 48 h). No significant difference was found in the control tests comparing the two soils used, suggesting soil type did not affect the distribution of the worms. The results suggest a higher sensitivity of E. andrei, with EC_50S for the effect on avoidance behavior for both pesticides being a factor of 2–3 lowers than for P. excavatus. Earthworm avoidance tests with local species should therefore be used with caution when applied as a tool for pesticide risk assessment in the tropics. Endpoints generated through avoidance tests in this study are shown to be less sensitive than reproduction and more sensitive than survival. This was further confirmed by literature data available. Earthworm avoidance tests therefore can only replace survival tests as an initial screening tool for risk assessment.     

Effect of agricultural antibiotics on the persistence and transformation of 17beta-estradiol in a Sequatchie loam

A laboratory incubation study was conducted to investigate the effect of agricultural antibiotics (sulfamethazine, tylosin, and chlortetracycline) on the persistence and transformation of 17beta-estradiol in Sequatchie loam. We measured concentrations of 17beta-estradiol and its primary metabolite (estrone) in soils spiked with antibiotics and 17beta-estradiol. Dehydrogenase activity (DHA) was also measured as an indicator of the total microbial activity of the soils. The presence of antibiotics significantly decreased transformation of 17beta-estradiol to estrone. There was a positive correlation between the DHA and the concentrations of estrone in soil spiked with 17beta-estradiol only, implying that the reaction is mainly catalyzed by dehydrogenases. However, the positive correlation was weakened in soil spiked with 17beta-estradiol and antibiotics together. We recommend that any study evaluating the fate and transport of estrogenic hormones in soil should include the effect of agricultural antibiotics because antibiotics and estrogenic hormones are commonly excreted together in environmental samples.