我国地表水中磷酸三苯酯的多层次生态风险评估

磷酸三苯酯(triphenyl phosphate,TPP)在电缆材料、塑料制品中被大量使用,是地表水中检出频率最高的有机磷酸酯类阻燃剂之一,近年来受到广泛关注。本文通过文献检索TPP的地表水环境暴露浓度以及对水生生物的毒性效应浓度,利用风险商(hazard quotient,HQ)和概率生态风险评价法(probabilistic ecological risk assessments,PERA)对我国主要地表水中的TPP进行多层次生态风险评价。结果显示,TPP在我国地表水中的浓度为0.2～96.3 ng·L~(-1),以生存为测试终点的急性毒性数据推导出的预测无效应浓度(predicted no effect concentration,PNEC)为36.49μg·L~(-1),而以繁殖、发育和生长等为测试终点的慢性毒性数据推导出的PNEC值为1.30μg·L~(-1)。基于急、慢性毒性数据计算的风险商均小于0.1。我国地表水中TPP对0.1%到1%的水生生物造成繁殖、发育和生长等慢性毒性影响的概率分别为1.40%和0.04%,存在较低的潜在生态风险。     

淡水水生态基准方法学研究:繁殖/生殖毒性类化合物水生态基准探讨

繁殖/生殖毒性类化合物由于特殊的毒理作用模式(mode of action,MOA),通过影响生物繁衍影响到种群和群落,因此依靠基于急、慢性毒性测试终点和传统基准推导方法推导的水生态基准值并不能够为水生生物群落结构提供足够的保护。本文根据文献资料,分析了推导此类化合物水生态基准时的关键科学问题,包括繁殖/生殖毒性类化合物MOA,毒性数据类型,受试物种选择,以及不同生命阶段、多代毒性测试和测试终点的判别和选择。并用所收集的壬基酚数据,尝试推导了基于水生生物生殖毒性的水生态基准值。研究得出基于生殖毒性的壬基酚预测无观察效应浓度(PNEC)值为0.12μg·L-1,其数值比美国环境保护局根据传统基准方法推导的基准持续浓度(CCC)的6.59μg·L-1低了近50倍。因此,基于其繁殖毒性(包括产卵量、受精率、孵化率、多代效应以及种群变化等)的实验结果更适合用于具有繁殖/生殖毒性污染物水生态基准的推导。     

基于商值法的镧水生态风险评价方法研究及应用

随着我国稀土资源开发和利用，稀土元素对水生生态环境的影响及其生态风险越来越受关注。本文以稀土镧的通用敏感生物急性半致死/效应浓度(half lethal/effect concentration, L(E)C_(50))和慢性无观察效应浓度(no observed effect concentration, NOEC)数据，分别采用评价因子法和物种敏感度分布法(species sensitivity distribution, SSD)推导计算了镧的预测无效应浓度(predicted no effect concentration, PNEC),比较不同数据类型和计算方法的结果差异及不确定性，并以四川安宁河为例进行了水生态风险表征。采用评价因子法推导的急性和慢性PNEC分别为1.180μg·L^(-1)和4.000μg·L(-1)和4.000μg·L^(-1)。由急性数据拟合SSD曲线推导的PNEC为42.770μg·L(-1)。由急性数据拟合SSD曲线推导的PNEC为42.770μg·L^(-1),通过急慢性比(acute to chronic ratio, ACR)转换的PNEC为2.032μg·L(-1),通过急慢性比(acute to chronic ratio, ACR)转换的PNEC为2.032μg·L^(-1)。在慢性数据缺乏的情况下，ACR-SSD是相对可行的方法。安宁河镧的水生态风险评价结果表明，所有调查断面均处于中等以上生态风险，其稀土污染问题应引起重视。     

中国典型河湖水体铅的水生生物安全基准与生态风险评价

采用物种敏感度排序法(SSR)对我国铅的淡水水生生物安全基准进行推导,并以太湖为例进行了流域水生生物安全基准推导。对于难以获得的本土生物毒性数据,开展了相应的毒性试验。获得了我国国家与太湖流域铅的水生生物安全基准值,基准最大浓度(CMC)分别为63.92、104.26μg·L-1,基准连续浓度(CCC)分别为1.21、4.06μg·L-1。同时,对我国主要河流以及太湖流域进行了铅的生态风险评价,联合概率曲线法显示影响5%水生生物种类的概率分别为66.22%和43.19%,熵值法则显示中国主要河流存在较大的铅暴露风险,因此,我国铅的潜在生态风险较大,主要河流与太湖流域存在铅污染问题。     

我国六价铬淡水水生生物安全基准推导研究

参照美国国家环境保护局(USEPA)"推导保护水生生物及其用途的国家水质基准的技术指南"的程序和规范,筛选了我国广泛存在的淡水水生生物物种,收集现有的急性和慢性毒性数据,结合课题组实验得到的部分本土生物毒性数据,分别采用物种敏感度排序法(SSR)、物种敏感度分布法(SSD)以及澳大利亚的水质基准技术方法对我国六价铬的淡水水生生物安全基准进行了推导。获得了我国淡水水生生物的六价铬的双值基准,3种方法得到的基准最大浓度(CMC)分别为23.97、22.84、29.06μg·L-1,基准连续浓度(CCC)分别为14.63、10.35、9.00μg·L-1,在同一个数量级上,但与美国的基准值有一些差异,建议使用SSD法推导CMC值和CCC值。研究结果可为我国水质基准的制定提供一些有用的基础资料。     

双酚A对斑马鱼精巢性激素生成酶基因表达的影响

为了解环境雌激素对鱼类精巢发育的影响,将成年雄性斑马鱼(Danio rerio)暴露于不同浓度双酚A(0、500、1 000、2 000、4 000μg·L-1)下21 d,并在此基础上,进一步研究了暴露在相同浓度(BPA2 000μg·L-1)不同暴露时间下各基因表达的动力学模式。用荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)方法检测试验鱼精巢性激素合成相关细胞色素P450酶类基因(CYP17、CYP11B和CYP19A)以及雌、雄激素受体和促卵泡激素受体(ERα、ERβ、AR和FSHR)基因的表达,用常规组织学方法研究试验鱼精巢结构的变化。结果表明,BPA促进了精巢内源雌激素合成相关酶类基因CYP19A和雌激素受体ERαmRNA、ERβmRNA的表达,且BPA浓度为2 000μg·L-1时3者的表达量显著上调,同时随着暴露时间的延长,具有明显的时间累积效应。1 000μg·L-1BPA可导致斑马鱼精巢CYP17 mRNA的表达量显著下调,BPA2 000μg·L-1暴露12 d引起了CYP11B mRNA表达下调,而随着暴露时间的延长有所回升,但它对精巢AR mRNA的表达却无明显影响。同时,BPA 500μg·L-1引起了FSHR基因的显著上调,在时间动态学上,呈上升趋势。在组织学上,2 000μg·L-1BPA引起斑马鱼精巢生精小管内精子浓缩严重,精原细胞(Sg)和精母细胞(PS和SS)数目都有所减少,BPA 4 000μg·L-1组斑马鱼精巢退化。因此,BPA可诱导精巢内源雌激素合成和雌激素受体的表达,提高雌激素效应,通过抑制CYP17基因的表达,一定程度上抑制雄激素的合成,从而引起斑马鱼精巢组织的破坏。同时,据实验数据推测,雄激素的下调可能启动了下丘脑-垂体-性腺(HPG)轴的负反馈调节机制,而此作用机制还有待进一步研究。     

2,2’,4,4’-四溴二苯醚(BDE-47)对大型溞(Daphnia magna)的毒性效应

2,2’,4,4’-四溴二苯醚(BDE-47)在水体及各种水生生物(鱼类、海洋哺乳动物以及水生无脊椎动物)中被广泛检出,但BDE-47对水生无脊椎动物毒性效应的研究还处于起步阶段。以大型溞(Daphnia magna)为受试生物,通过急性(48h)和慢性(21d)毒性暴露实验,考察了BDE-47对大型溞活动抑制率、心率、产仔情况和酶活性等指标的影响。结果显示,BDE-47对大型溞活动抑制率的48h-EC50为112.5μg.L-1;高浓度(>100μg.L-1)BDE-47显著诱导提高大型溞的心率。21d慢性暴露实验中,8μg.L-1处理组中大型溞全部死亡;其他各浓度处理组(0.5、1、2、4μg.L-1)中,母溞第1胎产仔时间延后,第1胎子代数量减少,总产仔数量大幅减少,这表明大型溞的繁殖能力受到抑制。BDE-47在一定程度上抑制了母溞胆碱酯酶(ChE)和谷胱甘肽硫转移酶(GST)的活性,大型溞体内的代谢机制没有被诱导,神经活性虽被抑制,但抑制率不高。BDE-47大幅诱导过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性,并呈现一定的剂量效应关系,相对于ChE和GST,CAT对BDE-47暴露更为敏感,可作为BDE-47对大型溞慢性暴露毒性效应的潜在生物标志物。     

马拉硫磷水生生物基准推导研究

通过开展毒性试验和查阅国内外相关文献,获取马拉硫磷对长江三角洲流域22个代表性物种毒性数据,采用物种敏感度分布法和毒性百分数排序法推导长江三角洲流域马拉硫磷水生生物基准值。结果显示,采用物种敏感度分布法得出的急性基准值和慢性基准值分别为0.865 5和0.036 2μg·L~(-1),采用毒性百分数排序法得出的急性基准值和慢性基准值分别为0.400 0和0.033 4μg·L~(-1)。为充分保护水生生物,建议以毒性百分数排序法推导出的基准值作为长江三角洲流域马拉硫磷水生生物基准推荐值。研究结果可为我国地表水环境质量标准修订及水生生态风险评估提供科学依据。     

纳米二氧化钛(nTiO_2)与双酚A对斜生栅藻(Scenedes-mus obliquus)的联合毒性效应

纳米二氧化钛(n Ti O2)在被人们广泛使用的同时,其潜在的环境影响也受到越来越多的关注。为深入探讨n Ti O2与环境中现有污染物的相互作用及生物效应,以斜生栅藻(Scenedesmus obliquus)为受试生物,按照毒性单位法、相加指数法和混合毒性指数法,研究了n Ti O2与双酚A(BPA,一种常见的环境类雌激素)的联合毒性效应。结果显示,n Ti O2与BPA对S.obliquus生长的72 h半抑制浓度(EC50)分别为28.7 mg·L-1与1.81 mg·L-1。而n Ti O2与BPA共存时,在不同毒性比(4:1,3:1,2:1,1:1,1:2和1:3)下,其联合毒性作用(以BPA计)的72 h EC50值分别为2.198,1.58,1.153,0.428,0.306和0.189 mg·L-1。两者的联合毒性作用不仅仅是简单的相加,而是随着两者毒性比的变化,由拮抗作用转变为相加作用,继而转变为协同作用。这表明,n Ti O2进入环境后与现有污染物的毒性比(浓度比)可能是其联合毒性作用模式的一个重要影响因素。     

2种典型家用消毒剂对水生生物的急性毒性影响及生态效应阈值研究

家用消毒剂大量用于日常生活中,进入水体环境后对水生生物产生潜在危害效应,目前尚缺乏保护水生生物安全的生态效应阈值。本研究以2种典型家用消毒剂(有效成分分别为对氯间二甲苯酚和次氯酸钠,前者命名为消毒剂A、后者为消毒剂B)为研究对象,开展其对8种不同营养级淡水水生生物的急性毒性效应研究。结果表明,除底栖动物外,消毒剂B对藻类、溞类和鱼类的急性毒性均高于消毒剂A;我国本土种稀有鮈鲫对2种消毒剂的敏感性高于其他2种鱼类;2种消毒剂对藻类的毒性高低均为近头状伪蹄形藻斜生栅藻蛋白核小球藻;近头状伪蹄形藻对2种消毒剂最敏感。基于上述毒性数据构建了物种敏感分布(SSD)曲线,计算对保护95%的物种不受影响时所对应的污染物浓度(HC5),并结合评估因子法推导出2种消毒剂预测无效应浓度(PNEC)值作为急性生态效应阈值,消毒剂A和消毒剂B的PNEC值分别为13.16 mg·L~(-1)(有效成分对氯间二甲苯酚PNEC值为0.33 mg·L~(-1))和0.71 mg·L~(-1)(有效成分次氯酸钠PNEC值为0.01 mg·L~(-1)),消毒剂A对淡水生物的PNEC比消毒剂B大了一个数量级,表明相较于消毒剂B,消毒剂A对水生态环境更为友好。本研究结果可为制订典型家用消毒剂的水质基准提供科学依据。     

Importance of greater interdisciplinarity and geographic scope when tackling the driving forces behind biological invasions

Invasive non-native species are important drivers of ecosystem change, yet the driving forces of biological invasions themselves are poorly understood. Such information is essential to ensure policies focus on the most relevant drivers, and that future scenarios capture the full range of potential outcomes for invasive non-native species. I carried out a bibliometric analysis of articles published from 2000 to 2020 that address either invasive non-native species or biodiversity and ecosystem services and that also mention 1 or more drivers of ecosystem change. I examined 5 indirect drivers (demographic, economic, governance, sociocultural, and technological) and 6 direct drivers (climate change, invasive non-native species, land-use or sea-use change, natural hazards, pollution, and resource extraction). Using the Web of Science core collection of citation indexes, I undertook searches of article titles and keywords and retrieved 27,462 articles addressing invasive non-native species and 110,087 articles dealing with biodiversity or ecosystem services. Most research to date on biological invasions as well as on biodiversity and ecosystem services has focused on anthropogenic direct drivers of ecosystem change rather than indirect drivers. Yet currently, less than 18% of articles addressing biological invasions examined drivers of ecosystem change, a similar level to that found over 20 years ago for biodiversity or ecosystem services. Knowledge of the drivers of biological invasions is limited, emphasizes tractable drivers over those that require an interdisciplinary approach, and is biased toward developed economies. Drivers generally deemed important for biological invasions, such as governance and resource extraction, accounted for less than 2% of research effort. The absence of a systematic understanding of the forces that drive invasive non-native species and how they interact means that attempts to mitigate or forecast biological invasions are likely to fail. To address biological invasions requires a much better orientation of national and international research on drivers in relation to both their actual importance as well as their policy relevance.     

Mitigating the effects of climate change on the nests of sea turtles with artificial irrigation

For sea turtles, like many oviparous species, increasing temperatures during development threaten to increase embryonic mortality, alter offspring quality, and potentially create suboptimal primary sex ratios. Various methods are being implemented to mitigate the effects of climate change on reproductive success, but these methods, such as breeding programs, translocations, and shading, are often invasive and expensive. Irrigation is an alternative strategy for cooling nests that, depending on location, can be implemented relatively quickly and cheaply. However, multiple factors, including ambient conditions, nest substrate, and species characteristics, can influence irrigation success. Additionally, irrigation can vary in duration, frequency, and the volume of water applied to nests, which influences the cooling achieved and embryonic survival. Thus, it is critical to understand how to maximize cooling and manage risks before implementing irrigation as a nest-cooling strategy. We reviewed the literature on nest irrigation to examine whether artificial irrigation is feasible as a population management tool. Key factors that affected cooling were the volume of water applied and the frequency of applications. Embryonic responses varied with species, ambient conditions, and the timing of irrigation during development. Nest inundation was the key risk to a successful irrigation regime. Future irrigation regimes must identify clear targets, either primary or adult sex ratios, that maximize population viability. Monitoring population responses and adjusting the irrigation regime in response to population characteristics will be critical. Most studies reported on the manipulation of only one or two variables, further research is required to understand how altering multiple factors in an irrigation regime influences the cooling achieved and embryonic responses.     

Positive and Negative Effects of a Threatened Parrotfish on Reef Ecosystems

Species that are strong interactors play disproportionately important roles in the dynamics of natural ecosystems. It has been proposed that their presence is necessary for positively shaping the structure and functioning of ecosystems. We evaluated this hypothesis using the case of the world's largest parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), a globally imperiled species. We used direct observation, animal tracking, and computer simulations to examine the diverse routes through which B. muricatum affects the diversity, dispersal, relative abundance, and survival of the corals that comprise the foundation of reef ecosystems. Our results suggest that this species can influence reef building corals in both positive and negative ways. Field observation and simulation outputs indicated that B. muricatum reduced the abundance of macroalgae that can outcompete corals, but they also feed directly on corals, decreasing coral abundance, diversity, and colony size. B. muricatum appeared to facilitate coral advancement by mechanically dispersing coral fragments and opening up bare space for coral settlement, but they also damaged adult corals and remobilized a large volume of potentially stressful carbonate sediment. The impacts this species has on reefs appears to be regulated in part by its abundance—the effects of B. muricatum were more intense in simulation scenarios populated with high densities of these fish. Observations conducted in regions with high and low predator (e.g., sharks) abundance generated results that are consistent with the hypothesis that these predators of B. muricatum may play a role in governing their abundance; thus, predation may modulate the intensity of the effects they have on reef dynamics. Overall our results illustrate that functionally unique and threatened species may not have universally positive impacts on ecosystems and that it may be necessary for environmental managers to consider the diverse effects of such species and the forces that mediate the strength of their influence. Efectos Positivos y Negativos de un Pez Loro Amenazado Sobre Ecosistemas Arrecifales     

Form-specific fragances fromOphrys insectifera L. (Orchidaceae) attract species of different pollinator genera. Evidence of sympatric speciation?

Two closely related forms ofOphrys insectifera were observed in the field to attract different pollinator species selectively.O. i. ssp.insectifera attracted males of two species ofArgogorytes (Sphecidae, Hymenoptera Aculeata) andO. i. ssp.aymoninii attractedAndrena combinata males (Andrenidae, Apoidea, Hymenoptera Aculeata). A third form,O. aff.i. ssp.insectifera, attracted none of these three species. Volatile compounds from flowers and inflorescences of the three forms (originating from Öland, Sweden, and Aveyron, France) were collected, using entrainment, enfleurage, and solvent extraction techniques, and identified by gas chromatography — mass spectrometry. Scent differences between the three forms were confirmed in the amounts of aliphatic hydrocarbons (C₁₁–C₁₉), methyl esters (C₁₄–C₁₈), short chain aliphatic 1-alcohols (C₆–C₁₂), and monoterpene alcohols (C₁₀).     

Estimation of the surface stress from the streamwise pressure gradient: The Kármán Integral Momentum Equation revisited

A method is developed to estimate the stress at the surface in a portable wind tunnel for wind erosion studies. The boundary layer height and the pressure gradient are used in a simple expression from the Kármán Integral Momentum Equation. Values of friction velocity u _* are within 10% of experimental values obtained through correlation techniques, including measurements of differential pressures with the Murdoch Turbulence Probe MTP and the X-wire, hot-wire anemometer XWA. Wind velocity and stress profiles reveal logarithmic trends and a constant stress layer near the surface in the DAWA portable wind tunnel. Realignment of the statistics with the mean wind is essential.     

Using decision science to evaluate global biodiversity indices

Global biodiversity indices are used to measure environmental change and progress toward conservation goals, yet few indices have been evaluated comprehensively for their capacity to detect trends of interest, such as declines in threatened species or ecosystem function. Using a structured approach based on decision science, we qualitatively evaluated 9 indices commonly used to track biodiversity at global and regional scales against 5 criteria relating to objectives, design, behavior, incorporation of uncertainty, and constraints (e.g., costs and data availability). Evaluation was based on reference literature for indices available at the time of assessment. We identified 4 key gaps in indices assessed: pathways to achieving goals (means objectives) were not always clear or relevant to desired outcomes (fundamental objectives); index testing and understanding of expected behavior was often lacking; uncertainty was seldom acknowledged or accounted for; and costs of implementation were seldom considered. These gaps may render indices inadequate in certain decision-making contexts and are problematic for indices linked with biodiversity targets and sustainability goals. Ensuring that index objectives are clear and their design is underpinned by a model of relevant processes are crucial in addressing the gaps identified by our assessment. Uptake and productive use of indices will be improved if index performance is tested rigorously and assumptions and uncertainties are clearly communicated to end users. This will increase index accuracy and value in tracking biodiversity change and supporting national and global policy decisions, such as the post-2020 global biodiversity framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity.     

Assessing the extent and nature of wildlife trade on the dark web

Use of the internet as a trade platform has resulted in a shift in the illegal wildlife trade. Increased scrutiny of illegal wildlife trade has led to concerns that online trade of wildlife will move onto the dark web. To provide a baseline of illegal wildlife trade on the dark web, we downloaded and archived 9852 items (individual posts) from the dark web, then searched these based on a list of 121 keywords associated with illegal online wildlife trade, including 30 keywords associated with illegally traded elephant ivory on the surface web. Results were compared with items known to be illegally traded on the dark web, specifically cannabis, cocaine, and heroin, to compare the extent of the trade. Of these 121 keywords, 4 resulted in hits, of which only one was potentially linked to illegal wildlife trade. This sole case was the sale and discussion of Echinopsis pachanoi (San Pedro cactus), which has hallucinogenic properties. This negligible level of activity related to the illegal trade of wildlife on the dark web relative to the open and increasing trade on the surface web may indicate a lack of successful enforcement against illegal wildlife trade on the surface web.     

Estimating freshwater turtle mortality rates and population declines following hook ingestion

Freshwater turtle populations are susceptible to declines following small increases in the mortality of adults, making it essential to identify and understand potential threats. Freshwater turtles ingest fish hooks associated with recreational angling, and this is likely a problem because hook ingestion is a source of additive mortality for sea turtles. We used a Bayesian‐modeling framework, observed rates of hook ingestion by freshwater turtles, and mortality of sea turtles from hook ingestion to examine the probability that a freshwater turtle in a given population ingests a hook and subsequently dies from it. We used the results of these analyses and previously published life‐history data to simulate the effects of hook ingestion on population growth for 3 species of freshwater turtle. In our simulation, the probability that an individual turtle ingests a hook and dies as a result was 1.2–11%. Our simulation results suggest that this rate of mortality from hook ingestion is sufficient to cause population declines. We believe we have identified fish‐hook ingestion as a serious yet generally overlooked threat to the viability of freshwater turtle populations.     

Content analysis of newspaper coverage of the Florida panther

Populations of large carnivores are declining globally, and analysis of public discourse about carnivores is useful for understanding public opinion and influences on management and policy. Portrayal of carnivores in the media affects public perceptions and support for their conservation. We conducted a content analysis of 513 articles about Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) published from 2003 to 2006 in newspapers with local circulation in core panther habitat in southwest Florida and papers with statewide circulation to compare the differences in the amount of coverage and portrayals of panther risks to people and property on the basis of proximity of human communities to panthers. Local papers published significantly more news articles and significantly longer news articles primarily about panthers. Articles in local and statewide papers used both episodic frames, which focus on specific occurrences (e.g., a panther sighting or predation) and thematic frames, which focus on general trends (e.g., abundance of panthers over time). Local articles more often emphasized risks that panthers might harm people, pets, or livestock than statewide papers. Our results are consistent with theory that proximity to human-carnivore conflict influences perceptions and salience of risks posed by large carnivores. Most articles mentioned panthers as a secondary topic, which we believe was a result of the relevance an endangered carnivore has in discussions of public land management, development, and regulations in Florida. Claims made by sources quoted in each article had a neutral to positive depiction of panthers, and most quotations were from federal and state agency scientists. We suggest continued use by the media of agency sources provides the opportunity for clear, concordant messages about panther management. Content analysis provides a way to monitor media portrayal of carnivores for consistency with agency outreach goals.