Effect of maternal dietary hexachlorocyclohexane exposure on pup survival and growth in albino rats.

In adult albino rats, maternal dietary beta- and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) intake during gestation upto 400 ppm level did not affect the number of litters produced. But about 50 and 100% pup mortality was found in 200 and 400 ppm beta-HCH group within 5 days of birth. Maternal mortality was observed in 800 ppm beta-HCH group during third week of gestation. The effect of maternal dietary intake of HCH isomers at 50 and 250 ppm level during gestation and/or lactation on perinatal development was also studied. The body weights and sizes of the newborn litters of mother rats exposed to dietary HCH isomers did not differ from controls. Similarly, the growth and development of the litters of HCH exposed mother rats that survived 28 day lactation period were found to be comparable to controls as evidenced by the body weight and weight of vital organs. However, liver weight increases were found in the 28 days weaned litters wherever the mothers had been exposed to HCH isomers during lactation. Lowered kidney weight was seen in litters of mother rats fed 250 ppm gamma-HCH during gestation and lactation. The brain and testis weights were not affected in the litters of any experimental groups.     

Effect of maternal dietary hexachlorocyclohexane exposure on pup survival and growth in albino rats

Abstract

In adult albino rats, maternal dietary. ß‐ and ?‐hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) intake during gestation upto 400 ppm level did not affect the number of litters produced. But about 50 and 100% pup mortality was found in 200 and 400 ppm ß ‐HCH group within 5 days of birth. Maternal mortality was observed in 800 ppm ß ‐HCH group during third week of gestation. The effect of maternal dietary intake of HCH isomers at 50 and 250 ppm level during gestation and/or lactation on perinatal development was also studied. The body weights and sizes of the newborn litters of mother rats exposed to dietary HCH isomers did not. differ from controls. Similarly, the growth and development of the litters of HCH exposed mother rats that survived 28 day lactation period were found to be comparable to controls as evidenced by the body weight and weight of vital organs. However, liver weight increases were found in the 28 day weaned litters wherever the mothers had been exposed to HCH isomers during lactation. Lowered kidney weight was seen in litters of mother rats fed 250 ppm ?‐HCH during gestation and lactation. The brain and testis weights were not affected in the litters of any experimental groups.     

Reproduction and growth of progeny of female mice mated after treatment with crufomate

Effects on reproduction and litter growth were studied for two successive reproductive periods (RP)--interval between caging females with males and whelping--in female mice treated dermally with crufomate at 100 or 50 mg/kg on days 35 and 21 before caging with untreated males. Each treatment with crufomate caused about 50% reversible inhibition of cholinesterase activity without inducing any signs of toxicity. The higher dose reduced the conception rate and the number of litters and young born and weaned during the two RPs. It also reduced the lactation index, weaning weight of males and females, and mature weight of males in the first litter. The lower dose prolonged the gestation period and reduced the lactation index and the number of litters and young weaned in the first RP and conception rate and number of litters and young born and weaned in the second RP. The lower dose reduced the weaning and mature weights of the first litter and mature weight of males in the second litter. The higher dose reduced the body weight and the lower dose increased the adrenal weight of the treated females.     

Reducing ammonia emission by aluminum sulfate addition in litter and its influence on productive,reproductive, and physiological parameters of dual-purpose breeding hens

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This research investigated the impact of aluminum sulfate (AS) as amendment to different types of litter (new, reused, and mixed litters) for reducing...     

Does anthracene affect microbial activities and organic matter decomposition? A comparative study in Pinus halepensis litters from Mediterranean coastal and inland areas

The widespread concern about pollution caused by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) raises the question of how they affect soil microbial communities which are potentially involved in the transformation of these pollutants. Using microcosms, we describe the effect of anthracene, a model PAH, on microbial communities inhabiting a Pinus halepensis litter from both coastal (COS) and inland (INL) Mediterranean sites. The microcosms were incubated over 3 months (25 °C, 60% WHC) and the effects of anthracene on microbial activities of both litters were monitored. Different enzyme activities (laccase, cellulase, β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase) and microbial respiration were measured and variations in litter chemical composition over incubation were determined using ¹³C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) from both sites. Our results show that lignocellulolytic enzymes increased markedly after a 3-month incubation in COS microcosms, especially in the presence of anthracene, whereas INL microcosms were not similarly affected. These results show that anthracene not only has no toxic effect on the microbial activities tested but actually enhances the lignocellulolytic activities of the fungal communities from coastal litters, demonstrating the detoxification potential and resistance of stressed Mediterranean coastal ecosystems.     

Application of plant carbon source for denitrification by constructed wetland and bioreactor: review of recent development

Water quality standard for nitrate becomes more and more strict, and the plant carbon source is widely used for denitrification by constructed wetland (CW) and bioreactor. However, the nitrate removal efficiency by different types of plant carbon source are not evaluated comprehensively. Denitrification performance of different plant carbon sources, and the influence of dosing method and pretreatment are thoroughly reviewed in this paper, which aims to investigate the accurate utilization of plant carbon source for nitrogen (as nitrate) removal. It is concluded that plant carbon source addition for all types of CWs and bioreactors can improve the nitrate removal efficiency to some extent, and the dosing method of plant carbon source for denitrification should be further studied and optimized in the future. The popular carbon sources for CW and bioreactor denitrification enhancement are woodchip, chopped macrophytes, crop plants, macrophytes litters, etc. The recommended optimum C:N ratios for CW and bioreactor are 4.0:5.0 and 1.8:3.0, respectively. The physical and biological pretreatments are selected to supply organic carbon for long-term denitrification.     

Cigarette butt littering consequences: a study of pollution rate on beaches and urban environments

Cigarette butts are hazardous wastes that are not properly discarded by most smokers. They are one of the most abundant litters in the environment and a threat to various organisms because they leak numerous pollutants. This study aimed to assess the distribution of cigarette butts in a coastal city south of the Caspian Sea in Mazandaran Province, Iran. Observations were performed using the visual survey technique based on standardized protocol. The results showed 11,261 littered cigarette butts in 15 studied urban areas ( an average of 0.306 units per square meter). Also, the average density of littered cigarette butts on the studied beaches was 0.106 per square meter. The littered cigarette butts had significant spatial variation, and the number of counts was 135 to 2090. The land-use has a significant effect on the density of littered cigarette butts due to its population density. The inquiry’s index demonstrated that 33.3% of the studied urban areas are high pollution and severe pollution, while all beaches are high and severe. Therefore, a significant focus must be considered to reduce cigarette butts littering due to the collection problems and challenges of cigarette butt management. Because the pollution on the beaches is higher than in urban areas, improving waste management services and establishing a regular cleaning program are essential.

     

A systematic review on cigarette butt management as a hazardous waste and prevalent litter: control and recycling

Annually, over 5.5 trillion cigarettes are produced worldwide, and it is estimated that 4.5 trillion cigarette butts (CBs) are still being littered in the world. The dispersal of the CBs has caused this hazardous waste to be considered as one of the most important litters and environmental risks all over the world. This systematic study with the search protocol definition and keyword identification was developed to find the CBs control and recycling methods by searching in five scientific databases. Founded articles were monitored and finally, 35 related articles were selected and studied by the authors. The results of this study showed that CBs recycling methods have been tested in 10 specific categories all over the world. The CBs have been applied without any pre-processing methods in the bricks and asphalt production. However, other applications of the CBs such as the absorbent material production, vector control, and use as a biofilm carrier in wastewater treatment need various processing methods. The researchers also presented models and suggestions such as taxes, penalties, and public education for the control of CBs littering. Despite the innovative methods applied for the CBs recycling in previous studies, CBs have not received much attention in terms of pollutant control and environmental issues in recycling processes.

     

Quantification of ionophores in aged poultry litter using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Veterinary anticoccidials, biochemically known as ionophores, are widely used in poultry feed at therapeutic levels to treat Coccidiosis and at sub-therapeutic levels for growth- promotion. Commonly used ionophores in the US poultry industry are monensin, salinomycin, lasalocid and narasin. There is an increasing concern regarding the persistence of these anticoccidials in the environment. However, little attention has been directed to methods development for quantitatively measuring ionophores in complex environmental matrices such as poultry litters that are land applied. Here, we describe a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based method developed for simultaneous quantification of monensin, lasalocid, salinomycin, and narasin in aged poultry litter samples. Results show significant level of monensin (97.8 ± 3.2?μg kg(-1)), lasalocid (19.2 ± 6.6?μg kg(-1)), salinomycin (70 ± 2.7?μg kg(-1)) and narasin (57.3 ± 2.6?μg kg(-1)) in poultry litter stored for over three years at < 5°C. Our findings indicate that even after several years of unmanaged storage of poultry litter, ionophores may continue to persist in this matrix, raising the possibility of prolonged release into the environment.     

Quantification of ionophores in aged poultry litter using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Veterinary anticoccidials, biochemically known as ionophores, are widely used in poultry feed at therapeutic levels to treat Coccidiosis and at sub-therapeutic levels for growth- promotion. Commonly used ionophores in the US poultry industry are monensin, salinomycin, lasalocid and narasin. There is an increasing concern regarding the persistence of these anticoccidials in the environment. However, little attention has been directed to methods development for quantitatively measuring ionophores in complex environmental matrices such as poultry litters that are land applied. Here, we describe a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based method developed for simultaneous quantification of monensin, lasalocid, salinomycin, and narasin in aged poultry litter samples. Results show significant level of monensin (97.8 ± 3.2 μg kg^?1), lasalocid (19.2 ± 6.6 μg kg^?1), salinomycin (70 ± 2.7 μg kg^?1) and narasin (57.3 ± 2.6 μg kg^?1) in poultry litter stored for over three years at < 5°C. Our findings indicate that even after several years of unmanaged storage of poultry litter, ionophores may continue to persist in this matrix, raising the possibility of prolonged release into the environment.     

Effects of pollutants on laccase activities of Marasmius quercophilus, a white-rot fungus isolated from a Mediterranean schlerophyllous litter

Marasmius quercophilus is a white-rot fungus involved in carbon recycling in Mediterranean ecosystems because of its laccase production. Here we described the effect of metal ions and halide salts, on laccase activity in order to point out the action of such environmental pollutants on this enzyme of major importance. Furthermore we tested organic solvent effects on laccase reaction since reaction mixture including solvent can be used in the transformation of xenobiotics. In the case of metal ions, we found that chloride ions were responsible for inhibition while CuSO(4) and MnSO(4) enhanced laccase activity. When halides were tested, we showed the following degree of inhibition: F(-)>Cl(-)>Br(-). Furthermore we found that I(-) was oxidized by laccase with I(2) as the product of the reaction. With ABTS, 50% of the laccase activity remains for solvent concentration ranging from 40% to 60% depending on the solvent used while with syringaldazine solvent concentration ranged from 50% to 70%. The organic solvent effects observed were probably a result of enzyme denaturation and of both enhancement of oxidised product solubilisation and of substrate solubilisation (for syringaldazine). These results show that laccase from M. quercophilus is not rapidly inhibited by certain environmental pollutants which sustains its role in carbon turnover under pertubation. However the strong effect of chloride ion on laccase activity should be further investigated with in situ studies since this could drastically influence carbon recycling in litters from Mediterranean littoral locations.     

Key factors affecting spatial variation of methane emissions from freshwater marshes

To understand the mechanism for spatial variation of CH(4) emissions from marshes grown with different type of plants in a region and plots within a certain marsh grown with one type of plants, we measured CH(4) emissions from a region in which eutrophic freshwater marshes were divided into three types: Carex lasiocarpa, Carex meyeruana and Deyeuxia angustifolia according to plant type as well as CH(4) concentration in porewater, aboveground plant biomass and stem density in situ in Sanjiang Plain of Northeast China in August 2001. Spatial variation of CH(4) emissions from both different marshes in a region and different plots within a certain marsh was high. The flux rates of CH(4) emissions from three marshes ranged from 17.2 to 66.5 mg CH(4) m(-2)h(-1) with 34.76% of variation coefficient, whereas the values in Carex lasiocarpa, Carex meyeriana and Deyeuxia angustifolia marshes varied from 21.6 to 66.5 (39.61%), from 17.2 to 45.0 (29.26%) and from 19.1 to 33.0 mg CH(4) m(-2)h(-1) (17.51%), respectively. Both the flux rates and spatial variation of CH(4) emissions strongly increased as standing water depth increased significantly. Standing water depth greatly governed the spatial variation of CH(4) emissions from different marshes in a region by changing the amount of plant litters inundated in standing water, which provided labile organic C for methanogens and controlled CH(4) concentrations in porewater. Moreover, the aboveground plant biomass determined spatial variation of CH(4) emissions from plots within a certain marsh by controlling the pathways (stem density) of CH(4) emissions from the marsh into the atmosphere.     

Fate of arsenic compounds in poultry litter upon land application

The use of the organic As compound, roxarsone, as an antibiotic additive to poultry feed continues to raise concern over potential negative environmental impacts. Total As concentration in poultry litter can reach >40 mg kg⁻¹ and both roxarsone and its mineralization product As(V) have been identified in poultry litters (PL). To investigate the fate of these As species upon land application of PL we conducted two studies. In the first, an Orangeburg soil (Ultisol from the Atlantic Coastal Plain) was spiked with either 20 mg kg⁻¹ As(V) or roxarsone and incubated at 10% moisture content for 4 months. Exchangeable As was determined periodically by extraction with 0.1 M PO₄. Both As(V) and roxarsone displayed similar desorption; initially, approximately 70% of added As was ligand exchangeable and this decreased to 35% after 4 months incubation, presumably due to either slow sorption reactions or a change in solid phase speciation of As to less exchangeable forms. In the second study, various manipulations of two PL samples were applied to the Orangeburg soil at realistic field application rates. The treatments were wet to 10% moisture content and water soluble As, Cu and organic carbon (DOC) was measured over 30 days. Arsenic and Cu solubility were highest from the dried litter samples. Ashing of the PLs decreased soluble As and Cu, presumably because of the loss of organic matter from the ashed litter and subsequent decrease in DOC. Application of leachates from either PL resulted in higher concentrations of soluble As and Cu than when the soil was amended with equivalent concentrations of soluble As and Cu dissolved in DI H₂O. We hypothesize that the increased levels of DOC from the PL treatments enhance As and Cu solubility through competitive sorption and complexation, respectively. In fact, As and Cu solubility was correlated to DOC levels in the amended soil extracts. Even though land application of PL introduced relatively low concentrations of As and Cu to soil it appeared that other soluble constituents of PL significantly enhanced As and Cu solubility.     

Alkylphenol oxidation with a laccase from a white-rot fungus: effects of culture induction and of ABTS used as a mediator

We investigated the potential of the laccase from the white-rot fungus Marasmius quercophilus to transform certain alkylphenols (p-nonylphenol, p-octylphenol and p-t-octylphenol). We tested the reactivity of this enzyme under different conditions: in liquid cultures and using the partially purified laccase with and without 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ehtylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid (ABTS) as a mediator. The percentage of p-t-octylphenol disappearance in liquid cultures was 69.0 ± 1.5% and 81 ± 5% after a 8-d or 15-d incubation, respectively, with p-nonylphenol, these percentages were 62 ± 4% and 91 ± 6% and with p-octylphenol 37 ± 3% and 65 ± 1% after a 15-d and a 21-d incubations, respectively. Induced pre-cultures were also used to inoculate the liquid cultures to enhance p-octylphenol transformation: the percentages of disappearance were 91.0 ± 0.5% and 97 ± 1% after a 8-d and a 15-d incubation, respectively. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that the products of oxidation of p-octylphenol were dimers with a mass of 411 m/z. Furthermore, we identified a purple compound (m/z 476) formed when ABTS was added to the reaction medium with the purified laccase. This result confirms that, in complex environments such as soils or litters where many molecules can interact with the enzyme substrate or the product of oxidation, laccase activities and those of other phenoloxidases should not be measured with ABTS.     

Temporal variations and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in different Suaeda salsa marshes of the Yellow River estuary,China

To understand the temporal variations and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the coastal marshes, the concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Pb, and Cu) in the two Suaeda salsa marshes [middle S. salsa marsh (MM) and low S. salsa marsh (LM)] of the Yellow River estuary were determined from May to November in 2008 by in situ sampling and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. Results showed that heavy metal concentrations in S. salsa of MM and LM were generally in the order of Cu?>?Cr?>?Pb?>?Ni, while those in sediments fell in the order of Cr?>?Ni?>?Cu?>?Pb. Heavy metal concentrations of S. salsa in MM and LM were different, and significant differences were observed in stems (F?=?4.797, p?=?0.046) and litters (F?=?6.799, p?=?0.026) for Ni. Litter was the main stock of heavy metals, and the allocations of Cr, Ni, and Pb reached 31.25–51.31, 28.49–42.58, and 29.55–66.79 % (in MM) and 36.73–48.60, 41.70–57.87, and 33.30–60.64 % (in LM), respectively. The ratios of roots/leaves (R/L) and roots/stems (R/S) for Cr and Ni in MM were mostly greater than 1, while those ratios in LM were mostly less than 1, indicating that Cr and Ni in S. salsa at LM had greater mobility compared with those at MM. Moreover, the [accumulation factor, AF]_plant of Cr, Ni, Cu, and Pb in LM, especially [AF]_root and [AF]_stem of Cr and [AF]_litter of Ni, was also higher than that in MM. These indicated that S. salsa grown in LM was more suitable for potential biomonitor or phytoremediation of Cr, Ni, Cu, and Pb if intertidal sediments were seriously contaminated with an increase of pollutant loading (especially heavy metals) in the Yellow River estuary. The use of biomonitor (S. salsa) living and growing in LM could yield valuable information not only on the presence of anthropogenic stressors, but, more importantly, on the adverse influence the stressors are having on the environment.     

Effects of sediment burial disturbance on macro and microelement dynamics in decomposing litter of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phragmites australis</Emphasis> in the coastal marsh of the Yellow River estuary,China

From April 2008 to November 2009, a field decomposition experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sediment burial on macro (C, N) and microelement (Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Mn) variations in decomposing litter of Phragmites australis in the coastal marsh of the Yellow River estuary. Three one-off sediment burial treatments [no sediment burial (0 mm year^?1, S₀), current sediment burial (100 mm year^?1, S₁₀), and strong sediment burial (200 mm year^?1, S₂₀)] were laid in different decomposition sites. Results showed that sediment burials showed significant influence on the decomposition rate of P. australis, in the order of S₁₀ (0.001990 day^?1)?≈?S₂₀ (0.001710 day^?1)?>?S₀ (0.000768 day^?1) (p?<?0.05). The macro and microelement in decomposing litters of the three burial depths exhibited different temporal variations except for Cu, Zn, and Ni. No significant differences in C, N, Pb, Cr, Zn, and Mn concentrations were observed among the three burial treatments except for Cu and Ni (p?>?0.05). With increasing burial depth, N, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Mn concentrations generally increased, while C, Pb, and Zn concentrations varied insignificantly. Sediment burial was favorable for C and N release from P. australis, and, with increasing burial depth, the C release from litter significantly increased, and the N in litter shifted from accumulation to release. With a few exceptions, Pb, Cr, Zn, and Mn stocks in P. australis in the three treatments evidenced the export of metals from litter to environment, and, with increasing burial depth, the export amounts increased greatly. Stocks of Cu and Ni in P. australis in the S₁₀ and S₂₀ treatments were generally positive, evidencing incorporation of the two metals in most sampling times. Except for Ni, the variations of C, N, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Mn stocks in P. australis in the S₁₀ and S₂₀ treatments were approximated, indicating that the strong burial episodes (S₂₀) occurred in P. australis marsh in the future would have little influence on the stocks of these elements. With increasing burial depths, the P. australis was particularly efficient in binding Cu and Ni and releasing C, N, Pb, Cr, Zn, and Mn, implying that the potential eco-toxic risk of Pb, Cr, Zn, and Mn exposure might be very serious. This study emphasized the effects of different burials on nutrient and metal cycling and mass balance in the P. australis marsh of the Yellow River estuary.     

Fluorine in the soils of the White Sea Basin and bioindication of pollution

Assessment of the pollution level of soils and vegetation by fluorine and heavy metals and also of the state of the soil microflora in the impact zone of Kandalaksha aluminium factory is discussed. The significant pollution of natural media by fluorine in the basin of the White Sea is established. Concentration of the total fluorine in the organogenic horizon of the Al-Fe-humus podzol soil at a distance of 20 km in the northern direction from the source of emission exceeds the background level by a factor of 3. In the epicentre of emission the amount of total fluorine in the soil exceeds the background level by a factor of 7-8 (Tolerable Amount: 4-5-fold). It is noted that the soil becomes more alkaline under the influence of fluorine and the increased content of chromium along the soil profile exceeds PC by a factor of 3 in the vicinity of the factory. The differences in the dimensions of bacterial and fungi biomass along the gradient of pollution were not revealed in the impact zone. But the changes in the taxonomic structure of fungi and in the level of their domination along the gradient of pollution were estimated. Floristic composition of the soil algae is represented mainly by unicellular green algae with Chlamydomonas elliptica and Bracteacoccus minor predominating.     

The influence of FeCl3 on the photocatalytic degradation of dissolved azo dyes in aqueous TiO2 suspensions

The study concerned decolouration of solutions of azo, anionic (Acid Orange 7, Reactive Red 45, Acid Yellow 23) and cationic (Basic Blue 41 and Basic Orange 66) dyes during illumination with UV (lambdamax 366 nm) irradiation in the presence of TiO2 and FeCl3. The process of decolouration during illumination of the solutions studied containing FeCl3 underwent significant intensification in the case of anionic dyes and unfavourable inhibition in case of cationic dyes. It was also observed that FeCl3 had a diverse influence on the adsorption of the dyes studied on TiO2. The adsorption of anionic dyes and decolouration of solutions before the illumination was observed only in the presence of FeCl3. In case of cationic dyes the addition of FeCl3 caused elimination of these phenomena. An additional cause of decolouration of anionic dyes solutions before illumination was the precipitation of their poorly soluble compounds from Fe3+. The processes of degradation and mineralization of the dye that accompanied decolouration of Acid Orange 7 solutions were also observed. It was stated that similarly to the case of Acid Orange 7, the decolouration of the studied anionic dyes' solutions can depend on the concentration of FeCl3, the amount of TiO2 and the initial concentration of the dye in its solution.     

流化床锅炉飞灰活性激发与建材利用的试验研究

流化床锅炉飞灰活性较差,常规的粉煤灰活性激发方法对该飞灰效果不佳.本研究采用了加入适当激发剂的方法激发其活性,结果表明,加入激发剂后水泥胶砂的早期抗折、抗压强度均有100%的增长,后期抗折强度提高约100%、抗压强度提高60%以上,凝结时间和安定性均符合要求.水泥中飞灰掺量达40%时,其胶砂各龄期强度均达到甚至超过了42.5R水泥的强度;飞灰掺量65%～75%时,胶砂强度显示仍可生产一些低强度要求的建材产品,如砌筑水泥、建筑砂浆等.采用XRD、SEM等微观测试手段对飞灰活性激发机理进行了探讨.     

Effect of binary combination of deltamethrin+MGK-264 on the levels of phospholipid and lipid peroxidation in the snail Lymnaea acuminata

Effect of sublethal treatment of (40% and 60% of 48 h LC50) of deltamethrin+MGK on phospholipid level and rate of lipid peroxidation in nervous and foot tissue of Lymnaea acuminata were studied. Maximum reduction in phospholipid (24.10%) level and increase in rate of lipid peroxidation (586.8%) were observed in foot tissue of snail exposed to 60% of 48 h LC50 of deltamethrin+MGK 264 for 96 h. Alterations in the levels of phospholipids and rate of lipid peroxidation were time and concentration dependent. Use of MGK-264 with deltamethrin increases the toxicity of deltamethrin and their action on membrane phospholipids and rate of lipid peroxidation.