Effect of waterborne boron and molybdenum on survival,growth and feed intake of Indian major carp,Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton)

The effect of either boron (B) or molybdenum (Mo) on survival, growth and feed intake of Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton), advanced fry was studied in two separate experiments. Survival rates of C. mrigala fry (2.78±0.14 g) following 50 days’ exposure to B at 0.01 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mg·L ^?1 were 100% at all concentrations except 8.0 mg·L ^?1 where the survival rate 87.5±7.5%. We observed 100% survival of mrigala fry at all concentrations of Mo, 0.02 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mg·L ^?1. Both B and Mo at 0.5 mg·L ^?1 showed significantly (p<0.05) higher growth of the fish compared with control and other concentrations. B exposure at 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg·L ^?1 had no significant effect on growth rate, whereas at 8.0 mg B·L ^?1 growth of the fish almost ceased. Mo exposure at 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 mg·L ^?1 caused no significant effect on growth rate of the fish compared to control. Both B and Mo at all concentrations had no significant effect on feed intake of the fish compared with control, except at the highest concentration of boron (8.0 mg·L ^?1).     

Influence of some abiotic environmental factors on acute toxicity of inorganic lead to Cyprinus carpio var communis (Linn.) and Catla catla (Ham.) in simulated toxic aquatic environment

With the increase of water hardness from 60 to 720?mg/L CaCO₃, total alkalinity from 32 to 376?mg/L CaCO_3, pH from 7.6 to 7.9 and chloride from 28 to 350?mg/L, 96?h LC₅₀ on the basis of total lead increased from 8.2 to 1291?mg/L for Cyprinus carpio and 5.3 to 865?mg/L for Catla catla, when soil sediments were included these values were further raised to 1356 and 874?mg/L, respectively. The dissolved lead LC₅₀ values in all the treatments of soil and water was consistent with fixed amount of dissolved lead (1.04–1.78?mg/L) being needed for median lethal toxicity. Total lead toxicity also decreased with increase in pH from 6.3 to 11.3. 96?h LC₅₀ values increased for common carp 15 to 631?mg/L and for catla, 8 to 355?mg/L. But dissolved lead toxicity was found to increase with the increase of pH from 6.3 to 11.3 for both common carp (LC₅₀, 3.53 to 0.24?mg/L) and catla (LC₅₀, 2.21 to 0.09?mg/L). Removal of dissolved Pb with increasing carbonate content, particulate matter and pH due to adsorption, precipitation or coprecipitation reaction, reduced the dissolved lead concentration and thus the total lead toxicity. Increase in toxicity of lead with increase of exposure time was the biological response of longer contact time and decrease in dissolved lead toxicity with decrease in pH was due to increase H⁺ ion competition.     

Effects of subchronic exposure to carbofuran on antioxidant defence system and malondialdehyde levels in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The present study focused on the assessment of oxidative stress induction by pesticides such as carbamates which are widely used as insecticides and nematicides and contaminate aquatic ecosystems on certain biomarkers in liver of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Biomarkers selected for stress monitoring were malondialdehyde (MDA), an index of lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant defence system enzymes, mainly catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities in liver of fish exposed to 0, 10, 50, or 100?µg?L^?1 of carbofuran for 4, 15, or 30 days. Oxidative stress was found in liver of common carp exposed to carbofuran which was manifested by a decrease in CAT and GR activities after 4 and 30 days of exposure. An adaptive response was probably produced since at day 15 no modifications in the CAT activity and increased GR activity were observed. In addition, a decrease in MDA content with the highest concentration of carbofuran used was found after 30 days of exposure. However, no significant changes were found in GST activity showing a varied response. The results concerning oxidative and antioxidant profiles indicate that subchronic exposure to the insecticide carbofuran is capable of inducing oxidative stress in fish.     

Impact of raking and bioturbation-mediated ecological manipulation on sediment–water phosphorus diagenesis: a mesocosm study supported with radioactive signature

The study examined the impact of raking and fish bioturbation on modulating phosphorus (P) concentrations in the water and sediment under different trophic conditions. An outdoor experiment was set to monitor physicochemical and microbiological parameters of water and sediment influencing P diagenesis. A pilot study with radioactive ³²P was also performed under the agency of raking and bacteria (Bacillus sp.). Raking was more effective in release of P under unfertilized conditions by significantly enhancing orthophosphate (35%) and soluble reactive phosphate (31.8%) over respective controls. Bioturbation increased total and available P in sediments significantly as compared to control. The rates of increase were higher in the unfertilized conditions (17.6–28.4% for total P and 12.2 to 23.2% for available P) than the fertilized ones (6.5–12.4% for total P and 9.1 to 15% for available P). The combined effects of raking and bioturbation on orthophosphate and soluble reactive phosphate were also stronger under unfertilized state (54.5 and 81.8%) than fertilized ones (50 and 70%). The tracer signature showed that coupled action of introduced bacteria and repeated raking resulted in 59.2, 23 and 16% higher counts of radioactive P than the treatments receiving raking once, repeated raking and bacteria inoculation, respectively. Raking alone or in sync with bioturbation exerted pronounced impact on P diagenesis through induction of coupled mineralization and nutrient release. It has significant implication for performing regular raking of fish-farm sediments and manipulation of bottom-grazing fish to regulate mineralization of organic matter and release of obnoxious gases from the system. Further, they synergistically can enhance the buffering capacity against organic overload and help to maintain aquatic ecosystem health.

     

Influence of cow-dung amendment on glyphosate mobility in soil

Abstract

Sorption and desorption characteristics of glyphosate on native soil and soil amended with cow dung were investigated. Sorption was pH dependent and decreased with increasing pH. Glyphosate partition coefficient ranged from 275 to 16,200?L kg^?1 in native soil, but for soil amended with cow dung it was significantly lower, viz 180–1530?L kg^?1. Glyphosate partition coefficient showed strong negative correlation with cation exchange capacity and positive correlation with surface area. Phosphate in cow dung suppressed glyphosate sorption and enhanced desorption. This study revealed that cow-dung addition to soil could raise the mobility of glyphosate towards groundwater contamination due to the presence of phosphate.     

The potential of Berkheya coddii for phytoextraction of nickel,platinum, and palladium contaminated sites

The study involved assessing the potential of the native plant species (Berkheya coddii) for the phytoextraction of nickel, palladium, and platinum contaminated sites. Plant and soil samples were randomly collected from Barberton area, near Agnes mine, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Samples were analysed for total nickel, palladium, and platinum concentrations together with other elements found in the soil and in the plants' roots, and leaves. Soil versus leaves and soil versus roots uptake of these metals by the plant were compared. The mean concentration of nickel in the leaves/canopy was found to be 13,980?±?10,780?mg?kg^?1?dry mass, in the roots it was 2046?±?789?mg?kg^?1 dry mass, and in the soil it was 1040?±?686?mg?kg^?1?dry mass. This resulted in a mean concentration ratio in the leaves to soil of 13.44. The platinum mean concentration in the leaves was 0.22?±?0.15?mg?kg^?1?dry mass, in the roots it was 0.14?±?0.04?mg?kg^?1?dry mass, and in the soil it was 0.04?±?0.03?mg?kg^?1?dry mass. This resulted in a mean concentration ratio in the leaves to soil of 5.5. Palladium was found to have a mean soil concentration of 0.07?±?0.045?mg?kg^?1?dry mass. The mean concentrations in the roots and in the leaves were 0.18?±?0.07 dry mass and 0.71?±?0.52?mg?kg^?1?dry mass, respectively. This gave a mean concentration ratio in the leaves to soil of 10.1 for palladium. Other elements that were found to have a mean concentration ratio in the leaves to soil of around 2.5 or above are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur. Berkheya coddii was found to be most efficient in accumulating nickel, palladium, and platinum from the soil. The results for the first time revealed that the plant may have the potential to uptake platinum and palladium; both metals are in the same group of the periodic table as nickel.     

The potential ecological risk of soil trace metals following over five decades of agronomical practices in a semi-arid environment

The concentration and potential ecological risk of Mn, Zn, Cu, and Cd in the surface soils (0–30?cm) belonging to 12 soil profiles and 4 soil types (Vertisols, Chernozems, Calcisols, and Cambisols) from the cultivated soils and the corresponding uncultivated soils were investigated. Long-term cultivation caused a considerable build-up diethylene-triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Mn (7–55%), and Cd (12–31%) as well as the total form of Zn (3–14%), Cu (8–25%), and Cd (33–78%) in all soil types. Following long-time cropping, total Zn (mean?=?73?mg?kg^?1), Cu (mean?=?33?mg?kg^?1), and Cd (mean?=?3.14?mg?kg^?1) and DTPA Zn (mean?=?1.2?mg?kg^?1) and Cu (mean?=?2.44?mg?kg^?1) were below their maximum allowable limits. However, the average amount of DTPA Cd in the tilled soils (min?=?0.4, max?=?0.75, mean?=?0.55?mg?kg^?1) was above its maximum permissible limit mainly due to the over application of phosphate fertilisers and the pesticides. Considering the potential ecological risk (RI) assessment of the cultivated soils (min?=?44, max?=?70, mean?=?54), the soil types were categorised as low (RI?≤?50) to moderate (50?相似文献   

Histopathological effects of copper oxide nanoparticles on the gill and intestine of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in the presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles

In current research, the combined effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) on the histopathological anomalies of gill and intestine tissues in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were studied. Common carp were exposed to TiO₂ NPs (10.0?mg L^?1), CuO NPs (2.5 and 5.0?mg L^?1), and mixture of TiO₂ NPs (10.0?mg L^?1)?+?CuO NPs (2.5 and 5.0 mg?L^?1) for two periods of exposure (10 and 20 days) and recovery (30 and 40 days). The most common histopathological anomalies in the gill of common carp such as hyperplasia, oedema, curvature, fusion, aneurism, and necrosis were observed. The synergistic effect of co-existing TiO₂ NPs and CuO NPs reduced the length of secondary lamella and increased the diameters of the gill filaments and secondary lamellae. Moreover, the presence of TiO₂ NPs increased the CuO NPs effects on the histopathological anomalies of intestine tissue and the synergistic effect of TiO₂ NPs and CuO mixture leads to an increase in the severity of histopathological lesions such as degeneration, swelling of goblet cells, and necrosis - erosion in the intestine tissue. In conclusion, the presence of TiO₂ NPs increased the toxicity of CuO NPs.     

投饵养鱼对潘家口水库藻类生长影响的围隔试验研究

设置投饵、投饵单养花鲢（Aristichthisnobilis）、投饵单养鲤鱼（Cyprinuscarpio）、投饵混养花鲢和鲤鱼以及空白对照5个围隔及水库背景水体,研究投饵养鱼对潘家口水库浮游藻类生长和群落结构的影响。结果发现,试验期间水库水体和空白对照围隔中总藻平均密度分别为2.60×10^6L^-1和3.38×10^6L^-1,均以蓝藻和绿藻为主且基本保持稳定状态;投饵能有效促进藻类生长,只投饵围隔中总藻平均密度达到1.17×10^8L^-1,藻种组成向单一鱼腥藻（Anabaena）方向演替;养殖花鲢抑制藻的生长,参照只投饵围隔,抑制率接近80%,绿藻占据极大优势,其中栅藻（Scenedesmussp）、芒锥藻（Errerellabornhemiensisconr）和空星藻（Coelastrumsp）成为优势藻种;投饵养殖鲤鱼也能有效降低藻生物量,总藻平均密度为4.07×10^7L^-1,绿藻占总藻的比例由27%增加到95%,其中空星藻和小球藻（ChlorellavulgarisBeij）为优势藻种;投饵混养花鲢和鲤鱼围隔中总藻密度稍高于单养花鲢和鲤鱼围隔,为4.37×10^7L^-1,栅藻和鱼腥藻为优势藻种。     

Elucidation of phosphorous sorption by calcareous soils using principal component analysis

This study was conducted to understand the mechanisms governing P-sorption and desorption by calcareous soils (up to 48% CaCO ₃). Batch experiments with KCl as background were carried out by adding varying amount of P up to 100 mgP.L^?1. The desorption percentage (%DES) results show that little P was released from the adsorbed phase. Principal component analysis was applied to evaluate the combined influence of soil components on P sorption. The complex P sorption process can be related to specific soil components by the following equation: P? sorption=?2.20 (CaCO ₃% )?0.04 (Fe? oxide)+0.04 (pHe)+11.02 (sand % )+3.35 (silt)?10.73 (clay)?1.24 (EC)?0.22 (OM)?0.81 (CEC)?1.93 (P? Olsen) (R²=0.9941, SSE=380). Sand% and clay% are the most significant variables for modelling P sorption data. The derived equation could be applied to predict P sorption in other soils that have similar compositions to those investigated herein. The degree of P saturation (DPS) threshold level for all soils was less than 3% except in the soil with the lowest iron oxide. All of the studied soils have exceeded the environmentally unacceptable P concentration except the soil with the lowest iron oxide content.     

Uptake and toxicity of some pesticides on three freshwater fishes (Oreochromis niloticus,Clarias gariepinus and Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus)

Studies were carried out to determine the toxicity of some selected pesticides on fresh water fish in a tropical environment. The uptake of the pesticides lindane, pentachlorophenol (PCP), and propoxur, which are frequently used by farmers and industrialists were studied in concrete ponds at the University of Cape Coast, in Ghana. The fishes used for the study were Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus, and were obtained from cultured ponds in the Cape Coast District and Mankessim in the Central Region and Weija Dam, in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Single high lethal concentration (SD) or acute treatment and cumulative/chronic (or multiple minor) lethal concentration (CD) treatment were employed in administering the pesticides to the fishes via water. Gas chromatograph (GC) Electron Capture Detector (ECD) analysis was done on the dead fishes to see the extent of ingestion. The LC₅₀ values obtained for lindane on the three fish samples were as follows: Chrysicthys?–?0.38?mg?L^?1; Oreochromis?–?0.42?mg?L^?1, and Clarias?–?1.2?mg?L^?1. Mortalities occurred in fish within 3–5 days of application. For the PCP on Chrysicthys, Oreochromis, and Clarias species the LC₅₀ values were 0.42, 0.32 and 0.64?mg?L^?1, respectively for over a 2–3 day period. For a three-time influx period of propoxur the LC₅₀ for Chrysicthys, Oreochromis, and Clarias, were 22.0, 30.40, and 45.04 (all in mg?L^?1), respectively. The results obtained indicated that the pesticides had adverse effects on the general growth and reproduction of fishes. Gonadosomatic indices also showed that the pesticides affected the development of the body, the gonads, and their reproduction.     

Development of a complex-based flow injection spectrophotometric method for determination of the herbicide pinoxaden in environmental samples

A flow injection (FI) spectrophotometric method for the determination of the herbicide pinoxaden (PXD) has been proposed. PXD was converted in alkaline media with hydroxylamine hydrochloride to the hydroxamate salt. The salt was reacted with iron(III) chloride, and the absorbance of the red colored tris iron hydroxamate complex was measured at 500?nm using a FI system. The method was found to be linear between 0.5 and 40?mg?L^?1 with a molar absorptivity of 1.53?×?10^4?L?mol^?1?cm^?1. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be 0.1?±?0.01?mg?L^?1 and 0.6?±?0.05?mg?L^?1, respectively. Any interference of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (FE) was avoided by the separation of PXD by liquid chromatography with a mixture of dichloromethane and n-hexane (1?:?1) as eluent. The method was applied to the determination of PXD in soil, water, and wheat grains with percent recoveries of 98?±?2, 100?±?2, and 98?±?5, respectively. Sample throughput of 60 samples per hour was achieved under optimized conditions.     

The Brown Trout Population at Loch Fleet Eight Years After Liming

Abstract

At the start of the Loch Fleet Project in 1984, the Loch and the upper 7 km of its efferent stream were found to be devoid of trout (Salmo trutta) as a result of acidification. Following the liming treatments applied to the catchment, from 1986 the formerly toxic water quality conditions (pH ～ 4.5, calcium ～ 1 mgl^?1, elevated aluminium and heavy metal levels) were eliminated, and trout were reintroduced on two occasions, in 1987 and 1988. A total of 520 fish were stocked, at a combined density equivalent to 5.5 kg ha^?1. Surveys of the loch and stream populations were carried out annually until 1993 to monitor their development, using a range of techniques, including electrofishing, gill-netting, seine-netting, spawner trapping and mark-release recapture methods. Length and scale- analysis were used to investigate fish growth.

The trout population in Loch Fleet expanded rapidly as a result of natural spawning in the loch's main feeder stream, augmented by the use of an artificial spawning bed which was constructed at the loch outlet in 1990. in mid-1983 the stock density, estimated by mark-recapture census methods, had increased to 24.9 kg ha^?1. Poor recruitment in the years 1991–93, however, reduced the rate of expansion and resulted in a population comprising mainly older individuals. the poor recruitment in these years was not fully explained but was not caused by water quality and was most likely a result of fry washout by spring spates.

Fish growth rates were high initially and were estimated on the basis of the Elliott trout growth model to be optimal for the prevailing water temperature regime of the loch. By 1991, growth rates had fallen, probably as a result of competition for food, but showed signs of recovery towards the end of the study period in 1993, following the period of lower population densities of young fish.

Trout rapidly repopulated the loch's outlet stream after 1987 but have remained sparse and have shown no signs of spawning within most of the stream. Water analyses have shown that the liming of the Loch Fleet catchment has minimal impact on downstream waters when flows are high, so that potentially toxic acid episodes have not been prevented.     

Effects of salinity on soil bacterial and archaeal community in estuarine wetlands and its implications for carbon sequestration: verification in the Yellow River Delta

Soils from two typical tidal salt marshes with varied salinity in the Yellow River Delta wetland were analysed to determine possible effects of salinity on soil carbon sequestration through changes in soil microbiology. The mean soil respiration (SR) of the salt water–fresh water mixing zone (MZ) was 2.89 times higher than that of the coastal zone (CZ) (4.73 and 1.63?μmol?m^?2?s^?1, respectively, p?Pseudomonas sp. and Limnobacter sp. that might have led to its higher dehydrogenase activity and respiratory rates. Additionally, the CZ possessed more Halobacteria and Thaumarchaeota with the ability to fix CO₂ than the MZ. Significantly lower soil salinity in MZ (4.25?g?kg^?1) was suitable for β-Proteobacteria, but detrimental for Halobacteria compared with CZ (7.09?g?kg^?1, p?相似文献   

铺地榕对不同土壤磷营养水平的生理生态学响应

磷矿废弃地的形成在破坏植被和景观的同时,还导致水土流失和水体富营养化等不良环境影响.本文通过控制实验研究了铺地榕Ficus tikoua对不同土壤磷营养水平的生理生态学响应,以求在揭示植物对高磷条件生态响应的机理上,为磷矿弃地的生态恢复筛选适宜的先锋物种.结果显示,在磷处理质量浓度为0～360 mg·L~(-1)范围内,铺地榕的净光合速率、蒸腾速率、气孔导度、叶绿素质量分数、可溶性糖和根系生长的相关参数随着磷处理质量浓度的增加而增加,其后则显示出逐渐减少的趋势.植物的光饱和曲线和二氧化碳饱和曲线显示,该物种的光饱和点和二氧化碳饱和点分别为800 μmol·m~(-2)·s~(-1)和1 000 μmol·mol~(-1),表明该物种具有较强的光合性能,且是一种喜阳植物.该物种各器官对磷的吸收能力依次为根>茎>叶,实验中植物体的磷质量分数最高达到植物干物质量的1.13%左右.综合分析表明,铺地榕对土壤磷营养的适应范围较广,吸收固定能力强,是一种潜在的可用于磷矿废弃地治理的先锋物种.     

Exposure assessment for mercury from consumption of marine fish in Iran

Seven species of marine fish in the Persian Gulf and three species of marine fish in the Caspian Sea were collected from the local wholesale market in Mashhad, Iran. The mercury (Hg) concentration in muscle samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. High total Hg concentration was found in Anchovy sprat (2.04 ± 1.23 µg g^?1) and Whitecheek shark (1.26 ± 1.85 µg g^?1) and the lowest content was detected in common carp (0.24 ± 0.24 µg g^?1) and Caspian salmon (0.25 ± 0.08 µg g^?1). The mean Hg content in all samples was 0.91 ± 1.07 µg g^?1. All samples of Persian Gulf and one sample of Caspian Sea had mean Hg concentration above 0.5 µg g^?1, the level established by joint FAO/WHO on Food Additives. Results showed that the estimated weekly intake of total Hg by a 60 kg adult is below the provisional tolerable weekly intakes recommended by joint FAO/WHO on Food Additives. For prevention of health risks, populations in Iran need to consume fish in moderate amounts.     

Oxidative stress and changes in locomotor behavior and gill morphology of Gambusia affinis exposed to chromium

Sublethal effects of chromium trioxide on mosquito fish, Gambusia affinis, were carried out for 28 days on day 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28. The sublethal effects of chromium (LC₁₀, 77.62?mg?L^?1) on antioxidant enzymes, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), locomotor behavior, and gill morphology were studied. The antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were induced throughout the exposure span of 28 days. Percent induction was also increase with the days of exposure. Lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde was enhanced in the viscera tissue of chromium-exposed fish. Perturbation of locomotor behavior like decrease in distance travelled (m?min^?1) and in swimming speed (cm?s^?1) was observed in exposed fish. Chromium toxicity caused alterations in gill morphology like hypertrophy and hyperplasia in secondary lamellae followed by detached epithelium with severe necrosis. It can be concluded from the results that Cr intoxication in Gambusia fish, caused induction in antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation, plus changes in gill morphology and locomotor behavior.     

Adsorption of phosphate ions from water using a novel cellulose-based adsorbent

A novel cellulose-based adsorbent, iron(III)-coordinated amino-functionalised poly(glycidylmethacrylate)-grafted cellulose [Fe(III)–AM-PGMACell] was developed for the removal of phosphate from water and wastewater. The scanning electron micrograph showed that AM-PGMACell has a rougher surface than cellulose and the adsorption of Fe(III) on AM-PGMACell made the surface even rougher. Infrared spectroscopy revealed that amino groups on the surface of AM-PGMACell complexed with Fe(III) played an important role in the removal of phosphate from solutions. X-Ray diffraction patterns showed a decrease in crystallinity after graft copolymerisation onto cellulose. The effects of contact time, initial sorbate concentration, pH, agitation speed, dose of adsorbent and temperature on the removal process were investigated. Maximum removal of 99.1% was observed for an initial concentration of 25 mg·L ^?1 at pH 6.0 and an adsorbent dose of 2.0 g·L ^?1. A two-step pseudo-first-order kinetic model and Sips isotherm model represented the measured data very well. Complete removal of 11.6 mg·L ^?1 phosphate from fertiliser industry wastewater was achieved by 1.6 g·L ^?1 Fe(III)–AM-PGMACell. The adsorbent exhibited very high reusability for several cycles. Overall, the study demonstrated that Fe(III)–AM-PGMACell can be used as an efficient adsorbent for the removal and recovery of phosphate from water and wastewater.     

A novel extraction method for analysing available sulfamethoxazole in soil

A novel extraction method was established to determine the water-extractable (available) content of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in soil. The SMX imprinted polymers (MIPs) were synthesised and the performance was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and binding experiments. Results showed that the MIPs exhibited good selectivity for SMX, so the MIPs were applied as a sorbent. SMX in soil was extracted by water, sorbed from the extract to MIPs and analysed with a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after its desorption from MIPs. Meanwhile, the classic organic solvent extraction was employed to measure the total SMX content in soil. Results showed that when SMX level in spiked soils varying from 1.0–500?μg?kg^?1, the observed recoveries of available SMX contents ranged from 63.27?±?3.11% to 82.11?±?2.77% (n?=?3), while the total SMX varied between 89.59?±?1.65% and 97.64?±?3.92% (n?=?3). The detection limit of the developed method for SMX in soils was 0.05?μg?kg^?1. Available SMX contents in five field soil samples ranged from 0.13 to 4.14?μg?kg^?1, which were only 0.35–25.40% of the respective total SMX contents. Results from this study manifest the importance of the extents of SMX immobilisation with different soils for assessing SMX's ecological and human health risks.     

Nickel in the muscle tissues of freshwater fish from north eastern Poland should not cause human health concerns

Excessive intake of nickel (Ni) is known to produce adverse health effects in humans, including carcinogenicity and allergenicity. The main route of exposure for humans is diet, including fish. There is, however, little information concerning Ni content in freshwater fish in Poland. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of Ni in meat tissues of three fish species from north eastern Poland and assess toxic potential to healthy and susceptible sub-groups of individuals. The settings for the study lakes span a range of anthropogenic influence from protected areas to a basin with a town and several villages and another one influenced by a pesticide tomb leakage. Fish were netted and kept frozen until analysis. After defrosting, the fish were filleted and minced. The ashed samples were dissolved in nitric acid and analyzed for Ni by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Roach meat contained 6.6–23 µg kg^?1 Ni, bream 9.5–178 µg kg^?1, and carp 16.5–139 µg kg^?1. These concentrations are low, indicating that the fish were not excessively contaminated with the metal. Consuming a 250 g portion of fish would result in an average nickel intake of 4 µg for roach, <10 µg for bream, and <20 µg for carp. These values represent only 0.4–2% of the maximum level that is likely to pose a risk of adverse effects as established in the USA. Consumption of fish from the study region need not necessarily pose a health threat.