Feinstruktur des Trichterepithels von Rhinomuraena ambonensis (Teleostei,Anguilliformes)

The ultrastructure of the funnel-like tubes of the olfactory organ in Rhinomuraena ambonensis was investigated by electron microscopy. Frontal sections of the tubes demonstrate a symmetrical arrangement of an inner epithelium, connective tissue, and an outer epithelium. The surface of each peripheral cell of the epithelia bears a system of small ridges which does not correspond with that of the adjacent cells. In case of a rectilinear course of the epithelial cell borders, numerous desmosomes are located along the cell membranes. The fine structure of the desmosomes was analysed. Number and size of the intercellular spaces increases with increasing depth of the epithelium cell layers. The fine structure of epithelial, basal and secretory cells is described. The outer region of each epithelial cell contains densely packed tonofilaments. The fine structure of sensory “buds” which are sparsely distributed within the outer epithelium of the funnels is described. The basal border of the epithelia consists of a rather thick basal membrane. Blood vessels, nerve bundles, chromatophores and storage cells with cristalline inclusions are embedded in the connective tissue. The fine structure of the chromatophores and storage cells is described. The importance of desmosomes, tonofilaments and intercellular spaces, as well as the basal membrane and the amount of collagen is discussed in relation to the reinforcement of the funnels.     

Analytik von Umwandlungsprodukten des Schwefellosts (S-LOST)

The results of investigations of the aquatic ecotoxicity of sternutators and their metabolites (phenyl arsenic compounds) are presented. The standardized luminescence inhibition test (LumisTox, Dr. Lange) with the marine bacteriaVibrio fischeri was applied according to the German norm DIN 38412, part 34. All investigated organic AS(III) compounds exhibit EC₅₀-values (50 % inhibition of the luminescence) of less than 1 mg/l, whereas all investigated organic As(V) compounds and inorganic arsenic show EC₅₀-values exceeding 100 mg/l     

Hydrochemie von Waldquellen des Fichtelgebirges

The hydrochemistry of forest springs was investigated in the Fichtelgebirge, a region in NE Bavaria (F.R.G.) which is strongly affected by forest decline. Data were collected from 165 springs (Tables 1–5). Water chemistry is characterized by high concentrations of nitrate, sulfate and aluminium and is influenced by forest decline, liming and soil type of the catchment. Model calculations show maximal N-outputs of 40 kg nitrate-N/ha^*a indicating N-saturation in some forest ecosystems of the Fichtelgebirge. N-saturated ecosystems without buffercapacity for Nitrogen will release all further N-inputs as NO₃ to the aquatic ecosystem.     

Chemotaxonomy ofGyrocotyle (Platyhelminthes: Cercomeria) species,parasites of chimaerid fish (Holocephali), by chemometry of their fatty acids

The validity of some morphological gyrocotylid species, exclusive gut parasites of ratfishes (Holocephali), is contested. Non-morphological characters, such as fatty acid profiles, may be used to resolve taxonomic problems. FiveGyrocotyle species were studied: three inChimaera monstrosa collected between 1985 and 1987 from the north-east Atlantic (on the Norwegian coast); and two inHydrolagus colliei, collected in 1987 from the north-east Pacific (in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada). Their fatty acids were obtained by methanolytic extraction of worm tissue samples, followed by gas chromatography of the fatty acid methyl esters, and finally multivariate data treatment (principal component analysis) of gas chromatographic results. Complete separation of the five species was obtained; classification agrees well with that arrived at by morpholog and enzyme electrophoresis.     

Untersuchungen über die temperaturabhängigkeit des sauerstoffverbrauchs von Crepidula fornicata (Mollusca: Prosobranchia)

The oxygen consumption of the sessile gastropod Crepidula fornicata was measured during autumn 1962 as a function of soft body wet weight (0.04 to 5.2 g) and temperature (2° to 30° C). From the data obtained, the parameters of the allometric formula were derived for describing the relationship between respiration and body size. The parameters were then used for calculating the oxygen consumption of 3 different weight groups (0.1 g, 1.0 g, 10.0 g) at different temperatures. The resulting plot reveals different curves, demonstrating that the influence of temperature on the metabolism of C. fornicata is a function of body size. The ourves relating oxygen consumption to temperature may well be described by a modified Arrhenius-function proposed some years ago (Krüger, 1962). Biological temperature curves may be described by growth functions. Therefore, it is possible to apply the simple Walfordplot for identifying the “normal curves” of Krogh (1914).     

Analyse von Wachstumskurven von Heterostegina depressa (Foraminifera: Nummulitidae)

Chamber formation in individuals of the large foraminifer Heterostegina depressa was studied with the intention of explaining the different shapes of growth curves established for groups of individuals. The material was derived from clone cultures and from the natural habitat. Chamber formation was observed by daily control of many individuals. The growth increments of a group of individuals depend mainly upon the frequency of chamber formation of the individuals, they also depend upon the percentage of growing individuals present and the sizes of chambers. Within a prolifically growing group, each individual builds a new chamber every second or third day, and 81 to 86% exhibit chamber-building activities. Further features of quickly growing individuals are: formation of chambers in a regular sequence, and short periods of rest between long periods of growth. During low illumination intensity and in darkness, growth of H. depressa may cease for several months (up to 81/2 months). Cessation of growth is connected with a marked reduction in all other physiological processes. After month-long inhibition of growth, different individuals responded with different growth behaviour under the same environmental conditions. For example, smaller individuals needed longer periods of physiological regeneration before building new chambers. Prior darkexposure resulted in intermittent growth in many individuals. Periods of rest were followed by periods of unusually intensive growth. Lower temperature resulted in a reduced frequency of chamber formation. The size of chambers, however, was not influenced; accordingly the shape of the test did not vary. Immediately after multiple fission, rapid growth begins. Growth curves of H. depressa, therefore, do not show initial periods of slow growth which is characteristic for general exponential growth. H. depressa exhibited sigmoidal growth curves only after periods of growth inhibition; it displayed typical regenerative growth. During these periods, up to 4 chambers in 4 days, or 9 chambers in 12 days, were built by 11-month-old individuals.     

Über den Einfluß der Adaptationstemperatur und des Salzgehaltes auf die Hitze-und Gefrierresistenz von Enchytraeus albidus (Oligochaeta)

This paper investigates the combined effects of temperature and salinity on resistance-adaptation to temperature in the oligochaete Enchytraeus albidus Henle. This worm shows reasonable resistance-adaptation to both cold (-13.2°C) and heat (35.8 °C). Acclimation to high salinity increases the degree of resistance to temperature extremes. The effect of salinity on heat-resistance, and especially on cold-resistance, decreases with rising adaptation-temperature. While a general effect of cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg) on temperature resistance does not exist, the influence of special ions depends upon ion concentration and adaptation-temperature; addition of Na, K, Ca and Mg reduces cold-resistance in cold-acclimated (5 °C) individuals, while, in warm-acclimated (23 °C) specimens, cold tolerance increases after addition of K and Ca. Heat-resistance decreases in warm-acclimated worms after addition of Mg and Ca. Higher proportions of cations reduce thermal resistance in all cases. Over the salinity range which allows homeo-osmotic conditions (2 to 15‰), E. albidus does not exhibit a constant resistance level (at least not to heat). The cryoprotective agent dimethylsulphoxide is highly effective both in cold and warm acclimated worms.     

Chemische Reaktionen von chlorvinylarsinverbindungen (Lewisite)

2-Chlorovinylarsine dichloride (Lewisite I) and 2,2′-dichlorodivinylarsine chloride (Lewisite II) react by room temperature rapidly and quantitatively with dithiols in a substitution reaction. The derivatives were identified with mass spectrometry. They can be detected with GC/ECD. This reactions can be used for the gas chromatographic detection of Lewisites in water and soil samples.     

Chemische Reaktionen von Chlorvinylarsinverbindungen (Lewisite)

2-Chlorovinylarsine dichloride (Lewisite I) react by room temperature quickly with alcohols in an equilibrium reaction to yield 2-Chlorovinylarsine chloride ether and 2-Chlorovinylarsine bisether. The reactions are not quantitative. The ethyl- and propylether are not stable. The ether were identified with mass spectrometry.     

Chemische Reaktionen von Chlorvinylarsinverbindungen (Lewisit)

2,2′-Dichlorodivinylarsine chloride (Lewisite II) react by room temperature quickly with alcohols in an equilibrium reaction to yield 2,2′-Dichlorodivinylarsine ether. The reactions are not quantitative. The methyl-, ethyl-and propylether are not stable.     

Analyse von polycyclischen aromatischen Kohlenwasserstoffen (PAK)

An interlaboratory test was organized by the Allgemeine Unfallversicherungsanstalt, Dept. HUB (Department for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases) for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The aim of the test was to compare analytical results of serveral laboratories performing PAH analysis as routine work. In a preliminary study four different PAH-containing solutions were analyzed by independent laboratories in Germany and Austria. The concentrations of 17 PAH (according to the relevant NIOSH-methods) were to be determined. The results reveal the problems involved in the analysis of PAH.     

Das Fortpflanzungsverhalten von Trilobodrilus (Archiannelida,Dinophilidae)

The interstitial archiannelid Trilobodrilus axi from the eulittoral of the North Sea has only one reproductive period in the summer (May to July). Sperm is transferred by hypodermic injection. The male copulatory organ may be adhered to any part of the female body for about 1 min. Eggs, without adhesive ability, are discharged into the sediment; however, after about 10 to 15 min the egg membrane swells and becomes a thick and sticky covering. T. axi has a direct development. The young hatch with the definitive number of 7 segments. The phylogenetic development of the reproductive behaviour and its adaptive value for life in the mesopsammal are discussed.     

Zur Problematik der Anwendung von Hintergrundwerten beim Vollzug des Bodenschutzrechts

The knowledge about background levels of heavy metals in soils is essential for the use of the precautionary values for heavy metals as provided by the German Soil-Protection-Act. In the northeast of Bavaria the 90th percentiles in the back-ground levels of heavy metals in the soil exceed the precautionary values in many cases. Background levels were determined separately for soils of different parent materials of rocks, soil horizons and land use (agricultural or forest soils), with the parent material of rock having the strongest influence on the content of heavy metals in different soils. Precautionary values are highly exceeded by chrome and nickel in basic and ultrabasic rocks. High variability of heavy metal contents was found even in soils of the same parent material (C-horizons), which is due to the natural geochemical variability of rocks and the mixing of different parent materials during the Pleistocene. For an effective use of the German Soil-Protection-Order, areas must be defined where the probability is high that the 90th percentiles of the background levels of heavy metals exceed the precautionary values. It has to be determined, how the risk of mobilisation of heavy metals can be estimated within these areas and what has to be done if heavy metal contents in soils exceed not only the precautionary values but also the background levels.     

Bewertungskriterien des Umweltbundesamtes: Auswirkungen von Pflanzenschutzmitteln auf terrestrische Arthropoden

The fundamental data requirements for the authorization of plant protection products and the inclusion of active ingredients in Annex I of Council Directive 91/414/EEC are described in the Annexes II and III of the Directive. Definite guidelines concerning investigations with arthropods are partially deficient. The uniform principles for the registration of plant protection products in the Member States described in Annex VI of the directive were primarily developed to assess the effects on the beneficial capacity of arthropods in agriculture. However, the risk for arthopods as an essential part of the environment need to be assessed, too. Hence, the German Federal Environmental Agency has developed a tiered approach to assess the effects of plant protection products on arthopods based on the data requirements of Annex II and III of the Directive 91/414/EEC. The risk is assessed using the effect-concentration evaluated in ecotoxicological tests and the environmental concentration predicted by validated exposure models. To protect non-target species in terrestrial ecosystems assessment factors need to be considered.     

Bewertung von Monitoringdaten der Umweltprobenbank des Bundes mit der Hasse-Diagramm-Technik

On behalf of the Federal Environment Ministry the Federal Environmental Agency operates the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB), which targets are to record and evaluate pollution data of selected ecological systems. Scope of the present study is to check the possibilities of the Hasse diagram technique (HDT) for the assessment of ESB data, mainly with regard to evaluations and conclusions. Xenobiotic body burden in Bream musculature (Abramis brama), measured in 1997, was exemplary used to answer these questions. Focus was put on ecosystemic assessment. The results clearly show that HDT is a valuable method for the graphical display, interpretation and comparative evaluation of pollution data. HDT visualises data qualitatively and in summary. Additionally, differences between pollution patterns are revealed, which suggest different contamination processes and entries. An ecosystemic approach of assessment is achieved by simultaneous consideration of different xenobiotics.