Haematological characteristics and bone fluoride content in Bufo melanostictus from an aluminium industrial site

Fluoride concentration in bones and differential haemotological characteristics (RBC, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpusclar haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume) were measured in amphibians, Bufo melanostictus, collected from fluoride-contaminated and -uncontaminated areas. The average haemoglobin content, total RBC count and haematocrit (%) in blood samples were found to be significantly reduced, while mean corpuscular concentration and volume were significantly elevated in individuals from the contaminated area in comparison to those from the uncontaminated area. Fluoride concentration was approximately 11 times greater in the bones of toads from the contaminated area.     

Morphological and haematological parameters in the Algerian mouse (Mus spretus) inhabiting an area contaminated with heavy metals

In the present study morphological (ratio of body weight to body length, weight of internal organs) and haematological parameters (cells count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) were used for monitoring potential effects of metal contaminants on the Algerian mouse (Mus spretus). The study also provided the opportunity to evaluate the use of morphological and haematological characteristics as indicators of a metal stress. Data were taken from a riverside population inhabiting a heavy metal-contaminated site and compared with those collected from a reference population of the same species. With the exception of non-reproductive males, all mice weighed less in the metal-polluted site as compared to the reference site. Spleen and kidney masses were also less in contaminated mice but mean haemoglobin concentration was greater in the polluted group versus controls. Responses of mice from the polluted area may indicate physiological stress due to diminished environmental quality. Results also suggest that M. spretus may be used as an indicator in pollution monitoring.     

Biochemical changes produced by beta- and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane isomers in albino rats

Administration of beta- and gamma-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) at 800 ppm dietary level for 2 weeks to albino rats produced noticeable hepatocellular damage as indicated by elevations in serum aminotransferases and decreases in hepatic soluble enzymes. Although serum total LDH activity was not altered, the LD5 isoenzyme was proportionately higher in the HCH isomers treated animals. Treatment of rats with beta- and gamma-isomers of HCH increased the hepatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and aldolase activities suggesting a higher rate of glucose oxidation. Liver glucose-6-phosphatase activity was decreased in these animals indicating inactivation of gluconeogenesis in liver. Dietary beta- and gamma-HCH decreased the liver mitochondrial DNP/Mg++/Ca++-activated ATPases thus affecting the energy metabolism. An unaltered ratio of DNP/Mg++-ATPase, a study of swelling pattern of hepatic mitochondria, and NAD+ permeability test suggested the maintenance of structural integrity of mitochondrial membrane in these pesticide fed animals. Liver microsomal Na+,K+-ATPases were lower in these animals.     

Studies on the distribution op β‐ and γ‐isombrs op hexachlorocyclohexane in rat tissues

Abstract

A study of the comparitlve distribution pattern of β‐ and γ‐isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in albino rat tissues as a function of duration of treatment at two dose levels revealed different accumulation patterns for the two isomers in tissues. In general, the accumulation pattern was found to be in the order: fat > kidney > lungs > liver > muscle > heart > spleen > brain > blood for β‐HCH and fat > brain > kidney > muscle > lungs > heart > spleen > liver > blood for γ‐HCH. The tissue accumulation of β‐isomer was always greater than that of γ‐isomer in any tissue except in brain. Brain β‐HCH residue levels were relatively lower than in many other tissues except blood, whereas brain γ‐HCH concentration was only next to fat. A higher dose or a longer period of treatment generally produced a more marked elevation of tissue residue levels in β‐HCH fed rats, but not in γ‐HCH treated animals.

Food restriction subsequent to a period of exposure to dietary β‐ or γ‐HCH caused a mobilization of depot fat without drastic redistribution of the HCH residues stored in it. During food restriction, the residue levels in fat and muscle increased much. The residue levels in brain and other organs were not adversely affected during partial starvation.     

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.     

Studies on the distribution of beta- and gamma-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane in rat tissues

A study of the comparative distribution pattern of beta- and gamma-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in albino rat tissues as a function of duration of treatment at two dose levels revealed different accumulation patterns for the two isomers in tissues. In general, the accumulation pattern was found to be in the order: fat greater than kidney greater than lungs greater than liver greater than muscle greater than heart greater than spleen greater than brain greater than blood for beta-HCH and fat greater than brain greater than kidney greater than muscle greater than lungs greater than heart greater than spleen greater than liver greater than blood for gamma-HCH. The tissue accumulation of beta-isomer was always greater than that of gamma-isomer in any tissue except in brain. Brain beta-HCH residue levels were relatively lower than in many other tissues except blood, whereas brain gamma-HCH concentration was only next to fat. A higher dose or a longer period of treatment generally produced a more marked elevation of tissue residue levels in beta-HCH fed rats, but not in gamma-HCH treated animals.     

Renal tubular dysfunction caused by dietary hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers

Abstract

Dietary administration of β‐ and α‐hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) to albino rats caused an abnormal excessive excretion of glucose in the urine, blood glucose level being nearly normal. Occurrence of glucosuria was also accompanied by increased excretions of the two low‐threshold compounds ‐ creatinine and urea, their levels in blood being normal. The interference of HCH isomers with renal function as evidenced by biochemical data was also indicated by histopathological lesions observed in the kidney sections, viz., hypertrophy and degeneration of the renal tubular epithelia.     

Behaviour of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-hexachlorocyclohexane in the soil-plant system of a contaminated site

The behaviour of the organochlorine pesticide hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) is investigated. The concentrations of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-HCH isomers were measured in soils, rhizosphere and vegetation in a contaminated area in Galicia (NW Spain). The total concentration of HCH in soils reached values close to 20,000 mgkg(-1). The plants analysed (Avena sativa L., Chenopodium spp., Solanum nigrum L., Cytisus striatus (Hill) Roth, and Vicia sativa L.) accumulated HCH, especially the beta-HCH isomer, in their tissues. The most likely mechanisms of HCH accumulation in plants were sorption of soil HCH on roots and sorption of volatilized HCH on aerial plant tissues. The concentrations of HCH obtained from the bulk and rhizosphere soils of selected plant species suggest that roots tend to reduce levels of the HCH isomers in the rhizosphere. The results reflect the importance of vegetation in the distribution of organochlorine compounds in the soil-plant system.     

Distribution of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers in soil samples from a small scale industrial area of Lucknow, North India, associated with lindane production

Concentrations of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH, and delta-HCH) were studied in soils samples collected from a small scale industrial unit of Lucknow associated with lindane production. All four isomers were detected from ten sites and the total HCH isomers in the analyzed samples varied from 53 to 99mgkg(-1). Cluster analysis was performed to group the soil sites in terms of their HCH contamination level. Low alpha/gamma HCH ratios were found and they indicate recent input of HCH. There is an urgent need for the on-site remediation of these contaminated sites in order to prevent the long-term environmental pollution.     

Contamination of the River Ganga and its toxic implication in the blood parameters of the major carp Labeo rohita (Ham)

A field study was conducted to examine different physicochemical properties of water and various haematological and biochemical parametres of the fish Labeo rohita collected from the Ganga River (National river of India) at Varanasi district, India. The water was found to be greatly contaminated with a number of dissolved metals (Fe, Cr, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb) whose concentrations were above the safe limits suggested by Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS 1991) for drinking water (Fe, 1,353.33 %; Cr, 456 %; Mn, 553.33 %; Ni, 4,490 % and Pb, 1,410 %). The metal accumulation in the fish blood was very high (Fe, 2,408 %; Cr, 956.57 %; Zn, 464.90 %; Cu, 310.57 %; Mn, 1,115.48 %) in comparison to the control fish maintained under strict quality control. Lower values of the various haematological parameters (total erythrocytes count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and O₂-carrying capacity) in the river fish in comparison to the control indicate toxic manifestation exerted by the contaminated river water on the fish. The higher level of total leucocytes count further illustrates stressed condition of the river fish. The toxic impact of the Ganga water is also expressed in the fish by the presence of higher levels of cholesterol, glucose, elevated activities of the enzymes aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase, and lowered protein concentration.     

Bioavailability and biological activity of bound residues of radiolabelled pirimiphos-methyl in maize grains.

Using a 14C-labelled pirimiphos-methyl preparation, the percentage of pirimiphos-methyl residues bound to maize grains after 32 weeks of storage was 13% of the applied dosage, or 38% of total terminal residues. Evidence is presented to show that bound residues of pirimiphos-methyl are bioavailable to the rat: 30%, 2% and approx. 6% of radioactivity were measured in urine expired air, and some organs respectively. A major portion of radioactivity (55%) was eliminated through faeces. Grain-bound pirimiphos-methyl residues (generated after storing whole maize grains with pirimiphos-methyl at concentrations of 10 ppm and 100 ppm) were administered to albino rats for 12 weeks. Body and organ weights, enzyme activities and blood chemistry were tested. There was a significant reduction in body weight gain in female rats. Also a significant reduction in blood cholinesterase activity was observed in both male and female rats fed on grain bound pirimiphos-methyl residues at two dose levels. The white blood cell count increased significantly in male rats fed on the high dose. No significant changes were observed in the other blood chemistry parameters tested. The results indicate that maize-bound pirimiphos-methyl residues can exert adverse biological effects in the rat.     

Loss of HCH from surface soil layers under subtropical conditions

The loss of HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane) at an application rate of 25 kg ha(-1) was studied under field conditions from two surface soil layers, each of 7.5 cm, at two sites in Delhi. The soil at both sites was sandy loam type, with a pH of 8.2, and 0.8 to 1.0% organic matter content. At site 1, which was kept fallow and not watered, the upper 7.5-cm layer of soil initially lost HCH more rapidly than the lower layer. The half-life of the HCH in the upper and lower 7.5-cm layers was 21 and 41 days, respectively, and it was 26 days for the total HCH in the combined 15-cm soil layer. At site 2, which contained ornamental plants and was watered regularly, there was not much difference in the loss of HCH between the upper and lower layers. The half-life of HCH was 17 and 25 days for the upper and lower 7.5-cm layers, respectively, and it was 20 days for the total 15-cm soil layer, at this site. The loss was greatest initially at the sites, and was faster in wet soil than in dry soil.     

Interconversions and toxicity changes in hexachlorocyclohexane isomers on dispersion in water

Abstract

Studies on the transformations of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, α‐, β‐, γ‐ and δ‐, in aqueous solution were carried out at 25 ± 1°C over a period of four weeks. Gas liquid chromatographic technique was used for analysis. The results indicated a loss as well as interconversion of all the four isomers with time. The resulting changes in toxicity of the aqueous solution were studied against Drosophila using topical application. Toxicity studies with aqueous solution of technical hexachlorocyclohexane were simultaneously carried out for comparison. Toxicity of the aqueous solutions of α‐, β‐, and δ ‐isomers showed an increase while that of the γ‐isomer decreased significantly during the four week experimental period. Aqueous solution of technical HCH was equally toxic as that of the γ‐isomer initially and did not show much decrease in its toxicity at the end. Changes in toxicity of the individual isomer solutions were considered to be due, in part, to interconversions of HCH isomers.     

Occurrence and vapor particle partitioning of heavy organic compounds in ambient air in Brazzaville, Congo

High volume air samples for organochlorine (OC) pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were collected during August-September 1989 in Brazzaville, Congo (4.14 degrees S, 15.14 degrees E). Average concentrations (ng/m3) were SigmaDDT=2.8; Sigma HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane)=0.42; Sigmachlordane=0.027; SigmaPCB=0.55 Sigma3-6 ring PAH=42; total DDT concentrations in Brazzaville fell between those reported in Porto Novo and Delhi (India) and were 20-100 times higher than those found in US cities. The average gamma-HCH to alpha-HCH ratio (11) indicated use of lindane instead of technical HCH. The similarities between chlordane levels in Brazzaville and the open ocean indicated that little or no local use occurs. PAH levels were about equal to or lower than those reported in US cities, whereas PCB levels were three times lower. Vapor/particle distribution coefficients for several OC and PAH were in good correlation with their vapor pressures. The fraction of PAH on particles was greater than that of OC pesticides.     

Oxidative stress induced by HCH in Hydrilla verticillata (l.f.) Royle: modulation in uptake and toxicity due to Fe

The effect of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) singly and in combination with iron was studied on chlorophyll, malondialdehyde, cysteine, total -SH contents and potassium ion leakage in the plants of Hydrilla verticillata. The effect of HCH was also studied on glutathione (reduced and oxidised) content and superoxide dismutase activity. The results showed an increase in malondialdehyde content and potassium ion leakage with increase in HCH concentrations, however, the presence of Fe played a protective role. The chlorophyll content was decreased with increase in HCH concentrations and exposure period. However, the chlorophyll content at 2 and 5 microg ml(-1) was significantly higher in HCH-treated plants as compared to HCH + Fe after 168 h, showing protective role of Fe. The results showed significant increase up to 1 microg ml(-1) in cysteine content with increase in concentrations in both the treatments. The total -SH content was increased with increase in concentrations in both the treatments. In HCH-treated plants, non-significant change was noticed in reduced glutathione (GSH) content however, oxidised glutathione (GSSG) content was increased significantly after 168 h, indicative of oxidative stress. In addition, superoxide dismutase activity was increased non-significantly with increase in HCH concentrations. The accumulation of HCH singly and in presence of Fe was concentration- and duration-dependent. The accumulation of HCH was decreased in presence of Fe at higher concentrations. In contrast, the accumulation of Fe was increased in presence of HCH at higher concentrations. The results showed that malondialdehyde content and potassium ions leakage are the primary responses of toxicity.     

Organochlorine pesticide air-water exchange and bioconcentration in krill in the Ross Sea

Mean hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) concentrations, measured in seawater and air samples, confirmed the decline in levels of these compounds in Antarctic air and water. However, low α/γ-HCH ratios in air at the beginning of the sampling period suggest a predominance of fresh lindane entering the Antarctic atmosphere during the Austral spring probably due to current use in the Southern Hemisphere. Water-air fugacity ratios demonstrate the potential for HCH gas deposition to coastal Antarctic seas, while the water-air fugacity ratios for HCB imply that volatilization does not account for the observed decrease of HCB in surface seawater. HCH concentrations found in krill samples were correlated with seawater concentrations indicative of bioconcentration of HCHs from seawater.     

Chlorpyrifos-induced changes in oxidant/antioxidant status and haematological parameters of Cyprinus carpio carpio: Ameliorative effect of lycopene

The present study was carried out to investigate the potential ameliorative effects of lycopene against chlorpyrifos (CPF) toxicity in carp. The fish were divided into 7 different experimental groups and received the following treatments: Group 1, control; Group 2, orally administered corn oil; Group 3, oral lycopene (10 mg kg^?1 body weight); Group 4, exposure to 0.040 mg L^?1 CPF; Group 5, exposure to 0.040 mg L^?1 CPF plus oral administration of 10 mg kg^?1 lycopene; Group 6, exposure to 0.080 mg L^?1 CPF; and Group 7, exposure to 0.040 mg L^?1 CPF plus oral administration of 10 mg kg^?1 lycopene. Treatment was continued for 14 d and samples of the blood and tissue (liver, kidney, and gill) were collected at the end of the experiment and analysed for their oxidant–antioxidant status, including the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. The samples were also measured for changes in the haematological parameters, such as the red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, the haemoglobin concentration (Hb), the haematocrit (Ht) level, and the erythrocyte indices: the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), the mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The findings of this study demonstrated that CPF had a negative effect on the haematological parameters and the antioxidant enzyme activities of the fish; this toxic effect was neutralised by the administration of lycopene. The present results suggest that lycopene (10 mg kg^?1) can be effective in the protection of CPF-induced toxicity in fish.     

The role of some feed additives in fish fed on diets contaminated with cadmium

The decline of cadmium pollution in fish farms is needed by any adequate method. The present study was designed to explore the effect of dietary cadmium contamination and its amelioration by using dietary clay, probiotic (Bactocell®), vitamin C, and vitamin E supplementation in Nile tilapia fish diet on growth rate, feed efficiency, blood components, and cadmium residues. Fish were separated into 15 groups, each group of fish was stocked into three aquaria and each contains 20 fishes. The fish of the first five groups were fed the basal diet, the second five groups were fed the basal diet contaminated with 25 mg cadmium/kg, and the third five groups were fed the same diet contaminated with 50 mg cadmium/kg. Within each dietary cadmium level, the first group was fed the diet without any supplementation, the second was fed the diet supplemented with natural clay (bentonite) at level 3%, the third group was fed the diet supplemented with 1 g Bactocell®/kg, the fourth group was fed the diet supplemented 50 mg vitamin E/kg, and the fifth group was fed the diet supplemented with 100 mg vitamin C/kg. Live body weight, daily body weight gain, and feed intake of Nile tilapia decreased significantly (P < 0.001) with increasing dietary cadmium level, while feed conversion was impaired. Fish group fed on diets contaminated with 50 mg cadmium/kg recorded the lowest live body weight and weight gain. Serum total protein and albumin concentration significantly (P < 0.001) decreased, while serum creatinine, AST, and ALT significantly (P < 0.001) increased with increasing cadmium level in fish diets. Blood hemoglobin and total erythrocyte (RBCs) significantly (P < 0.001 or 0.05) decreased with cadmium contamination in fish diets, while leukocytes were insignificantly affected. Body cadmium residues increased significantly (P < 0.001) by increasing cadmium level in fish diets. Live body weight, daily body weight gain, and feed intake of Nile tilapia increased significantly (P < 0.001) with feed additive supplementation in diets, also while feed conversion improved. Fish group fed on diets supplemented with probiotic Bactocell® or natural clay recorded higher body weight and gain rate than the other experimental groups. Serum total protein, blood hemoglobin, and total erythrocyte increased, while urea-N, creatinine, ALT, AST, and leukocytes decreased as affected with the feed additive supplementation. Feed additive supplementation in fish diets significantly (P < 0.001) decreased cadmium residues in fish bodies. Irrespective of dietary cadmium level, feed additive supplementation in fish diet improved the growth rate and decreased the concentrations of serum creatinine and ALT. The obtained results indicated that feed additive supplementation could modify the function of the kidney and liver in fish exposed to the cadmium toxicity.     

Occurrence and distribution of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers in vegetation samples from a contaminated area

The occurrence and distribution of four major hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers (alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-) were studied in vegetation samples of a highly contaminated area close to a small-scale industrial belt in Lucknow (North India). Eight species of plants were collected at different points of the contaminated area and different parts of the plants were separated in order to study the difference in uptake and accumulation. The samples were extracted by matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) extraction and finally determined by a gas-chromatograph equipped with (63)Ni electron capture detector (ECD). HCH isomers were present in almost all samples and the concentration of total HCH in the plant sample analyzed varied between 13 and 44 mg kg(-1), being the main isomer of beta-HCH (8-22 mg kg(-1)). Lindane (gamma-HCH) was present in all samples (1-9 mg kg(-1)). Solanum torvum Sw., and Erianthus munja shows the highest and lowest capacity for accumulation of HCH, respectively with a significant difference at p<0.01 level. The highest concentration of HCH residue in root samples indicates the most likely mechanism of HCH accumulation in these plants was sorption of soil HCH on roots. Solanum torvum Sw., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal could accumulate considerable levels of HCH isomers (44 and 34 mg kg(-1), respectively). The results reflect the importance of plants in monitoring purposes and their potential for phytoremediation of HCH contaminated soils.     

Impact of climate fluctuations on deposition of DDT and hexachlorocyclohexane in mountain glaciers: Evidence from ice core records

How do climate fluctuations affect DDT and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) distribution in the global scale? In this study, the interactions between climate variations and depositions of DDT and HCH in ice cores from Mt. Everest (the Tibetan Plateau), Mt. Muztagata (the eastern Pamirs) and the Rocky Mountains were investigated. All data regarding DDT/HCH deposition were obtained from the published results. Concentrations of DDT and HCH in an ice core from Mt. Everest were associated with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation. Concentrations of DDT in an ice core from Mt. Muztagata were significantly correlated with the Siberia High pattern. Concentrations of HCH in an ice core from Snow Dome of the Rocky Mountains responded to the North Atlantic Oscillation. These associations suggested that there are some linkages between climate variations and the global distribution of persistent organic pollutants.