Imposex measurement in the dogwhelk Nucella lapillus (L.)--temporal aspects of specimen preparation

The measurement of the Relative Penis Size Index (RPSI) in the dogwhelk Nucella lapillus (L.) depends upon reliable observations of the length of the penis (PL). Following removal of soft tissue from the shell, PL increases with time leading to a progressively greater over-estimation of the RPSI. The error is proportionally greater at low RPSI values. To retain comparability with previous data, it is suggested that dogwhelks should be examined as soon as possible after shell crushing.     

Factors affecting RPSI in imposex monitoring studies using Nucella lapillus (L.) as bioindicator

Nucella lapillus (L.) is a marine gastropod mollusc widely used as a bioindicator of TBT pollution in the North Atlantic coastlines. The species reproductive cycle and the male penis length seasonal/spatial variation were studied at a single site at Aveiro seashore (NW Portugal) between December 2005 and June 2007. The main objective of this work is to assess if the "Relative Penis Size Index" (RPSI)--an important imposex assessment index--varies seasonally and spatially in the same sampling site and how this can affect results obtained in imposex monitoring programmes. Animals able to reproduce were found every month but a seasonal pattern in N. lapillus reproductive cycle was evident. Female gametogenic maturation varied seasonally and a decrease in capsule gland volume and condition factor occurred in late summer/early autumn. The gametogenesis in males did not show a significant seasonal variation as in females but the condition factor, penis length, amount of sperm and prostate volume also diminished in late summer/early autumn. On the other hand, males that were close to egg capsules clusters had larger penises than those far away from clusters. The temporal and spatial male penis length variation introduces a bias on imposex assessment results when using RPSI and the magnitude of the error involved is evaluated for different TBT pollution levels scenarios. We consider that RPSI provides interesting and complementary information that should not be excluded from monitoring programmes, but temporal or spatial comparisons of imposex should be based on other more reliable imposex indices like the VDSI.     

Nucella lapillus L. imposex levels after legislation prohibiting TBT antifoulants: temporal trends from 2003 to 2008 along the Portuguese coast

Nucella lapillus (dog whelk) imposex levels were assessed along the mainland Portuguese coast in 2006 and 2008 and were compared with available data from 2003 for the same area. Given that specimen size has been described as a factor inducing variation in some of the imposex assessment indices, and thus resulting in less reliable results, new monitoring and data analysis procedures are described and applied to study change of imposex levels from 2003 to 2008. A significant decline in imposex intensity was observed in the study area during the study period, and the Portuguese coast ecological status (under the terms defined by the OSPAR Commission) notably improved after 2003, confirming the effectiveness of the Regulation (EC) No. 782/2003 in reducing TBT pollution. Nevertheless, N. lapillus populations are still extensively affected by imposex, and fresh TBT inputs were detected in seawater throughout the coast in 2006. These recent inputs are attributed to vessels still carrying TBT antifoulants applied before 2003, as their presence in vessels was only forbidden in 2008. Considering that Regulation (EC) No. 782/2003 is an anticipation of the IMO global ban entered into force in September 2008, a worldwide-scale decrease in TBT pollution can be expected in the near future.     

Persistence of thiacloprid residues on brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Thiacloprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide with novel mode of action, is found to be effective against several lepidopteran as well as hemipteran pests. The present studies were carried out to observe the persistence pattern of thiacloprid on brinjal and to suggest suitable waiting period for the safety of consumers. Persistence of thiacloprid in brinjal was studied following three applications of thiacloprid (Alanto 240 SC) at 180 and 360 g a.i. ha^?1 at 7 days interval. Residues of thiacloprid in brinjal were estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography and were confirmed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The average initial deposits of thiacloprid were observed to be 0.48 and 1.05 mg?kg^?1 on the brinjal fruit following third application of thiacloprid at recommended and double the recommended dosages, respectively. Half-life periods for thiacloprid were found to be 0.47 and 0.50 days at single and double the application rates, respectively. Residues of thiacloprid declined below its limit of quantification of 0.05 mg?kg^?1 after 3 and 5 days, respectively, at recommended and double the recommended application rates. Therefore, the use of thiacloprid does not seem to pose any risk hazard and a waiting period of 1 day is suggested for safe consumption of brinjal fruits.     

Dissipation of flubendiamide residues in/on cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.)

Residues of fubendiamide and its metabolite desiodo flubendiamide were estimated in cabbage and soil using high-performance liquid chromatography with UV–vis detector. The initial deposits of flubendiamide residues on cabbage were found to be 0.16 and 0.31 μg g^?1 following two applications of flubendiamide 20 WG at 12.5 (standard dose) and 25 (double dose) g a.i. ha^?1 respectively at 10-days interval. The half-life values (t _1/2) of flubendiamide on cabbage ranged from 3.4 to 3.6 days. When flubendiamide applied at both the standard and double dose, no detectable residues were found in cabbage and soil at harvest. Thus, a waiting period of 1.63 days was suggested for the safe consumption of flubendiamide-treated cabbage. These data could provide guidance for the proper and safe use of this pesticide on cabbage crops in India.     

Dissipation pattern of flubendiamide in/on brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Residues of flubendiamide and desiodo flubendiamide were studied following three applications of flubendiamide 480 SC at 7 days interval at 90 and 180 g a.i. ha(-1) in/on brinjal fruits. An average initial deposit of 0.33 and 0.61 mg kg(-1) of flubendiamide was observed respectively after application at single and double dosages. The residues of flubendiamide dissipated quickly at both the dosages, and after 3 days, the extent of dissipation was found to be about 76% and 79% at the single and double dosages, respectively. Brinjal fruit samples analysed at different time intervals did not show the presence of desiodo flubendiamide. The half-life of flubendiamide was observed to be 0.62 and 0.54 days at single and double dosages, respectively. The limit of determination of flubendiamide and desiodo flubendiamide was observed to be 0.05 mg kg(-1). Soil samples analysed after 15 days of the last application did not reveal the presence of flubendiamide and desiodo flubendiamide at their determination limit of 0.05 mg kg(-1). An assessment of the total intake of flubendiamide resulting through the consumption of brinjal fruits and its comparison with acceptable daily intake seems to be quite safe from consumer point of view.     

Some soil properties on coal mine spoils reclaimed with black locust (Robinia pceudoacacia L.) and umbrella pine (Pinus pinea L.) in Agacli-Istanbul

This study performed on randomly selected seven sample plots in leguminous black locust (Robinia pceudoacacia L.) plantations and five sample plots in umbrella pine (Pinus pinea L.) plantations on coal mine soil/spoils. Soil samples were taken from eight different soil depths (0–1, 1–3, 3–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40, and 40–50 cm) into the soil profile. On soil samples, bulk density, fine soil fraction (Ø < 2 mm), sand, silt and clay rates, soil acidity (pH), organic carbon (C_org), and total nitrogen (N_t) contents were investigated. Also, some forest floor properties (unit mass, organic matter, and total nitrogen) were determined, and results were compared statistically between umbrella pine and black locust. As a result, 17 years after plantations, total forest floor accumulation determined as 6,107 kg ha^???1 under black locust compared to 13,700 kg ha^???1 under umbrella pine. The more rapid transformation of leguminous black locust forest floor creates organic carbon that migrates further into the mineral profile, and rapid accumulation of C and N in the soil profile was registered. Slower transformation processes of forest floor under umbrella pine result in lower soil N ratio and greater quantity of forest floor. Higher soil pH under leguminous black locust was determined significantly than umbrella pine. In conclusion, the composition of symbiotic nitrogen fixation of black locust appears to be a possible factor favoring carbon and nitrogen accumulation and, consequently, soil development. Clearly, both tree species have favorable impacts on initial soil formation. The umbrella pine generates the more forest floor layer; in contrast, black locust forest floor incorporates into the soil more rapidly and significantly increases soil nitrogen in upper soil layers.     

Organochlorine compounds in red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) and fallow deer (Dama dama L.) from inland and coastal Croatia

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and organochlorine pesticide (OCP) levels in fat tissue of red and fallow deer (Cervus elaphus L. and Dama dama L.) from two inland and an Adriatic area were established. Of 17 analysed PCBs, PCB-28, PCB-138, PCB-153, PCB-180 and PCB-118 were found in all samples, whilst PCB-101 and PCB-170 were found in more than 50% of samples. They ranged between 0.03 and 5.98 ng g(-1) fat weight. Of seven analysed OCPs, HCB, γ-HCH and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-di(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) were found in all samples, whilst β-HCH was found in more than 50% of samples. They ranged between 0.17 and 22.14 ng g(-1) fat weight. The dominating compounds were DDE, PCB-138, PCB153, PCB-118 and PCB-180. According to the Duncan multistage test, the levels of PCB-138, PCB-153, PCB 170 and PCB-180 were significantly higher in perirenal fat samples of specimens taken from the Adriatic area. DDE was significantly higher in the inland deer samples. Some species differences were determined and were mostly related to higher PCB and β-HCH levels in fallow deer samples and higher DDE levels in red deer samples. No sex difference was established. As for age, significantly higher levels of PCB-118 and PCB-52 were found in fawns.     

Residual behavior of quizalofop ethyl on onion (Allium cepa L.)

Quizalofop ethyl, a phenoxy propionate herbicide, is used for postemergence control of annual and perennial grass weeds in broad-leaved crops in India. The experiments were designed to study the dissipation kinetics of quizalofop ethyl on onion for two seasons. A simple, rapid, and sensitive method for estimation of quizalofop ethyl residues in onion and soil was developed and validated. The recoveries of quizalofop ethyl residues from onion and soil at different spiking level range from 84.81 to 92.68 %. The limit of quantification of this method was found to be 0.01 μg g^?1. The risk assessment through consumption of the onion in comparison to its acceptable daily intake which is an important parameter for the safety of the consumer was also evaluated. Standardized methodology supported by recovery studies was adopted to estimate residues of quizalofop ethyl on onion and soil. The average initial deposits of quizalofop ethyl on onion were observed to be 0.25 and 0.33 mg kg^?1, following single application of the herbicide at 50 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha^?1 during 2009 and 2010, respectively. The half-life values (T _1/2) of quizalofop ethyl on onion crop were worked out to be 0.85 and 0.79 days, respectively, during 2009 and 2010. At harvest time, the residues of quizalofop ethyl on onion and soil were found to be below the determination limit of 0.01 mg kg^?1 following single application of the herbicide at 50 and 100 g a.i. ha^?1 for both the periods.     

Effect of sublethal concentrations of phenol on some enzyme activities and blood sugar level of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

To measure the phenol induced tissue necrosis and its adverse effects on nervous system, GOT, GPT, LDH, AChE enzyme activities and blood sugar level detections were used under aquarium conditions and in field experiments.Under aquarium conditions all experimental animals survived 5 ppm phenol concentration even at 96 hr exposure time. However the increase of plasma GOT, GPT, and LDH activities reflected serious tissue damage.In field experiments the plasma GOT. GPT, and LDH activities three times elevated parallel with the increasing phenol contamination of the water.The measurement of our biochemical parameters appeared to be a sensitive biomonitoring indicators to assess exposure of fish to antropogenic agents in the natural environment.     

The Statistical Investigation on Posidonia Oceanica (L.) Delile Meadows in Izmir, Turkey

In this study, variance analysis technique on unbalanced data was examined, and in this sense, Type II (fitting constants) methods were studied. The aim of this study was to show that meaningful evaluations can be performed even in unbalanced conditions and to contribute to the present investigations in biological area. In the implementation part of the study, the juvenile leaf densities of Posidonia oceanica—which is a sea grass that grows in Izmir Bay, and has very important ecological effects—in various regions and in various depths were determined. The results revealed that depth affect number of juvenile leaf (d.f.?=?3, F?=?523.90, R ²?=?0.998, p?F?=?41.53, p?F?=?19.65, p?p?p?p?p?相似文献   

Dynamics of pesticide residues in nectar and pollen of mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) grown in Himachal Pradesh (India)

Residues dynamics of Endosulfan (525.00 g a.i. ha(-1)), Imidacloprid seed treatment (21 g a.i. kg(-1)), Lambdacyhalothrin (75.00 g a.i. ha(-1)) and Spiromesifen (225.00 g a.i. ha(-1)) in nectar and pollen of mustard, Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. grown in Himachal Pradesh (India) were determined through bioassay (using Drosophila melanogaster Meig. as test organism) and GC (Gas chromatographic) and HPLC (High performance liquid chromatographic) methods. In general chromatographic methods were more sensitive for the determination of above given pesticides compared to bioassay method. Average recoveries in nectar samples varied between 82.85 and 88.90% by bioassay and 91.20 and 93.55% by chromatographic techniques. In pollen samples, recoveries varied between 81.44 and 86.44% by bioassay and 88.50 and 91.30% by chromatographic methods. Imidacloprid residues were neither found in nectar nor in pollen samples at the time of sampling i.e. 50% of flowering. The order of average half life of residues was: Lambdacyhalothrin (12.45 h) < Spiromesifen (19.99 h) < Endosulfan (27.49 h) for nectar and Spiromesifen (9.69 h) < Lambdacyhalothrin (12.44 h) < Endosulfan (17.84 h) for pollen samples. It was found that Imidcloprid seed treatment was practically harmless to honey bees, whereas a waiting period of 5 days must be observed on crops sprayed with these chemicals during blooms to avoid any accidental hazards to honey bees.     

Bioccumulation and toxicity of Cu and Cd in Vallisneria spiralis (L.)

Accumulation of Cu and Cd by Vallisneria spiralis was studied under laboratory conditions. Plants showed ability to reduce 5 µg ml^–1 Cu background concentration to below 0.05 µg ml^–1 (m.p.l., WHO 1985) within 48 h. The Cd concentration of 1.0 µg ml^–1 was reduced to below m.p.l. (0.005 µg ml^–1) in 168 h. Cysteine synthesis was more under Cd stress condition. Both the metals were toxic to the plants at higher concentrations; more in the case of Cd.NBRI Rsearch Publication No. 417 (N.S.).     

Synergistic action of tropospheric ozone and carbon dioxide on yield and nutritional quality of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.)

Field experiments were conducted in open top chamber during rabi seasons of 2009–10 and 2010–11 at the research farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of tropospheric ozone (O₃) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) interaction on yield and nutritional quality of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.). Mustard plants were grown from emergence to maturity under different treatments: charcoal-filtered air (CF, 80–85 % less O₃ than ambient O₃ and ambient CO₂), nonfiltered air (NF, 5–10 % less O₃ than ambient O₃ and ambient CO₂ ), nonfiltered air with elevated carbon dioxide (NF?+?CO₂, NF air and 550?±?50 ppm CO₂), elevated ozone (EO, NF air and 25–35 ppb elevated O₃), elevated ozone along with elevated carbon dioxide (EO?+?CO₂, NF air, 25–35 ppb O₃ and 550?±?50 ppm CO₂), and ambient chamber less control (AC, ambient O₃ and CO₂). Elevated O₃ exposure led to reduced photosynthesis and leaf area index resulting in decreased seed yield of mustard. Elevated ozone significantly decreased the oil and micronutrient content in mustard. Thirteen to 17 ppm hour O₃ exposure (accumulated over threshold of 40 ppm, AOT 40) reduced the oil content by 18–20 %. Elevated CO₂ (500?±?50 ppm) along with EO was able to counter the decline in oil content in the seed, and it increased by 11 to 13 % over EO alone. Elevated CO₂, however, decreased protein, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and sulfur content in seed as compared to the nonfiltered control, whereas removal of O₃ from air in the charcoal-filtered treatment resulted in a significant increase in the same.     

Characterization of 14C-naphthol uptake in excised root segments of clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and fescue (Festuca arundinaceae Screb.)

An isolated root uptake test (IRUT) was used to characterize the bioaccumulation of ¹⁴C-naphthol in excised root segments obtained from 6-month-old hydroponically grown plants: two varieties of fescue (Festuca arundinaceae Schreb.) and one variety of clover (Trifolium pratense L.). Naphthol uptake rates were directly related to naphthol concentration in the range 0.01 to 0.2 uM. The incubation time required for equilibrium to be reached between naphthol in root tissue and in solution was between 9 and 12 h. Tests using metabolic inhibitors, KCN, NaN₃, and DNP, indicated that naphthol uptake may be the result of both passive and active mechanisms. Q₁₀ values for naphthol uptake ranged from 1.05 to 1.16.     

In vivo effects of deltamethrin on some biochemical parameters of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Thein vivo effects of deltamethrin (DM) on the blood sugar level, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) activities of the blood serum and various organs (heart, liver and intestine), the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, EC 1.1.2.3), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT, EC 2.6.1.1), and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT, EC 2.6.1.2) activities of the blood serum, the adenosine triphosphatases (EC 3.6.1.3; Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and Mg²⁺-ATPase) activities of the erythrocyte plasma membrane and the catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) activity of the liver were examined throughout 96 h in adult carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) Two sublethal concentrations, 1.0 and 1.5 µg/l of deltamethrin, were used. All fish survived the experiment except one, in an aquarium containing 1.5 ppb of DM, which died after 72 h.The AChE specific activity was significantly inhibited in the heart and intestine after 96 h at both concentrations compared to that in the control animals (P<0.05, Student'st-test), while there was no detectable difference between the two treatment. At the same time there was no detectable change in the liver. In the serum, the AChE activity almost remained unchanged; the only significant decrease could be measured after 96 h at 1.5 µg/l deltamethrin concentration. The blood glucose content exhibited interesting changes: after 24 h fish exposed at 1 µg/l DM seemed to be stressed, although this increase was not significant. When these fish became used to the new conditions (in practice this meant the presence of DM), the glucose level decreased, especially after 72 h. At the same time the control animals kept in similar circumstances showed a small insignificant decrease. Meanwhile fish in aquaria containing 1.5 µg/l DM reacted to the treatment with an increased blood glucose level after 48 h, and this did not change until the end of the treatment. The Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity decreased in a dose-dependant manner, while Mg²⁺-ATPase was less affected. A small increase in LDH level was observed, indicating damage of different muscle tissues. However, this phenomenon appeared only with the small dosage after 24 h (P<0.05). It has to be mentioned that the individual values varied to a large extent among of the eight fish.The GOT activities of the serum increased during the treatment. However, significant changes were only expressed after 72 and 96 h at 1 µg/l DM concentrations (P<0.01 andP<0.05), and after a similar long treatment at the high dosage (P<0.05, 72 and 96 h). The GPT did not change significantly in aquaria containing 1 µg/l DM. The only larger increase was measured after 96 h at 1.5 µg/l DM concentration (P<0.05). The catalase activity in the liver of treated carp remained practically at the same level compared to that in control fish.All these changes (concerning the primary effects of this compound) demonstrate the effect of DM on different fish enzymes, at low concentrations under laboratory conditions, which might be useful in practice for biomonitoring using fish.     

Ferti-irrigational impact of sugar mill effluent on agronomical characteristics of Phaseolus vulgaris (L.) in two seasons

Ferti-irrigation response of 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 % concentrations of the sugar mill effluent (SME) on French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Annapurna) in the rainy and summer seasons was investigated. The fertigant concentrations produced significant (P?+), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), phosphate (PO₄ ^3?), sulfate (SO₄ ^2?), ferrous (Fe²⁺), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), in both seasons. The contents of Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn except Cd were found to be below the maximum levels permitted for soils in India. The agronomic performance of P. vulgaris was gradually increased at lower concentrations, i.e., from 5 to 25 %, and decreased at higher concentrations, i.e., from 50 to 100 %, of the SME in both seasons when compared to controls. The accumulations of heavy metals were increased in the soil and P. vulgaris from 5 to 100 % concentrations of the SME in both seasons. The contents of Cu, Mn, and Zn except Cd and Cr were noted under the permissible limit of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Most contents of biochemical components like crude proteins, crude fiber, and total carbohydrates were found with 25 % concentration of the SME in both seasons. The contamination factor (Cf) of various metals was in the order of Cd > Cr > Zn > Mn > Cu for soil and Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Cd for P. vulgaris in both seasons after fertigation with SME. Therefore, the SME can be used to improve the soil fertility and yield of P. vulgaris after appropriate dilution.     

Modulations in the levels of respiration and ions in carp Cyprinus carpio (L.) exposed to cypermethrin

This paper reports an investigation of the sublethal toxicity of cypermethrin (20 µg/l) on the levels of respiration and selected ions in tissues of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). A significant decrease in O ₂ consumption and ions was observed in gill, brain, liver and muscle tissues of cypermethrinexposed fish. The decreased rate of O ₂ consumption may be due to inhibition of oxidative enzymes during cypermethrin stress.