Insecticides biomarker responses on a freshwater fish Corydoras paleatus (Pisces: Callichthyidae)

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of sublethal concentration of three different classes of insecticides (carbamate, organophosphate, and pyrethroid compounds) on the freshwater fish Corydoras paleatus. For this purpose, fish were exposed for 96 hours to commercial pesticides. Different biomarkers were analyzed as levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), piscine micronucleus test, and enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The brain AChE was inhibited with carbaryl and methyl parathion, but no inhibition was observed with deltamethrin. The insecticides did not cause oxidative stress or genotoxic effects at the tested concentrations. Further studies are needed to elucidate the biotransformation of Corydoras paleatus insecticides and a possible resistance mechanism.     

Application of nano-FIA-Direct-EI-MS to determine diethylene glycol in produced formation water discharges and seawater samples

Diethylene glycol (DEG) is extensively used on offshore gas platforms to prevent the hydrate formation during the gas-water separation process and to inhibit corrosion events. This chemical might enter in the marine environment via the produced formation water (PFW) discharge. In this study, a new approach was applied to the investigation of the DEG content in PFW discharges and seawater samples from four gas installation platforms in the Adriatic Sea (Italy). The method includes an off-line solid-phase extraction/pre-concentration technique, followed by a nanoscale flow injection/direct-electron ionization (EI) mass spectrometric analysis. Direct-EI is a novel and miniaturized interface for directly coupling a liquid chromatograph with an electron ionization mass spectrometer. The capability to acquire EI spectra, and to operate in selected ion monitoring mode during actual sample analyses, allowed a precise quantification of DEG with a method limit of detection of 31microg/l. In addition, a careful evaluation of the matrix effect showed that, as opposed to electrospray ionization, the response of the Direct-EI interface was not affected by sample interferences.     

Chemical and physical characterization of produced waters from conventional and unconventional fossil fuel resources

Characterization of produced waters (PWs) is an initial step for determining potential beneficial uses such as irrigation and surface water discharge at some sites. A meta-analysis of characteristics of five PW sources [i.e. shale gas (SGPWs), conventional natural gas (NGPWs), conventional oil (OPWs), coal-bed methane (CBMPWs), tight gas sands (TGSPWs)] was conducted from peer-reviewed literature, government or industry documents, book chapters, internet sources, analytical records from industry, and analyses of PW samples. This meta-analysis assembled a large dataset to extract information of interest such as differences and similarities in constituent and constituent concentrations across these sources of PWs. The PW data analyzed were comprised of 377 coal-bed methane, 165 oilfield, 137 tight gas sand, 4000 natural gas, and 541 shale gas records. Majority of SGPWs, NGPWs, OPWs, and TGSPWs contain chloride concentrations ranging from saline (>30 000 mg L⁻¹) to hypersaline (>40 000 mg L⁻¹), while most CBMPWs were fresh (<5000 mg L⁻¹). For inorganic constituents, most SGPW and NGPW iron concentrations exceeded the numeric criterion for irrigation and surface water discharge, while OPW and CBMPW iron concentrations were less than the criterion. Approximately one-fourth of the PW samples in this database are fresh and likely need minimal treatment for metal and metalloid constituents prior to use, while some PWs are brackish (5000-30 000 mg Cl⁻ L⁻¹) to saline containing metals and metalloids that may require considerable treatment. Other PWs are hypersaline and produce a considerable waste stream from reverse osmosis; remediation of these waters may not be feasible. After renovation, fresh to saline PWs may be used for irrigation and replenishing surface waters.     

Effects of hexachlorobenzene on antioxidant status of liver and brain of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)-induced oxidative damages have been published in rats while the effects have not yet been reported in fishes. Juvenile common carps (Cyprinus carpio) were exposed to waterborne HCB from 2 to 200 microg l-1 for 5, 10 or 20 days. Liver and brain were analyzed for various parameters of oxidative stress. There were no significant changes of glutathione (GSH) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver after 5 or 10 days exposure, whereas obvious drops were observed at higher concentrations after 20 days exposure. Significant decreases of GSH content and SOD activity in brain were found during all the exposure days. In brain, HCB also significantly elevated the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid- reactive substances (TBARS, as an indicator of lipid peroxidation products), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and activities of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), and inhibited activities of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). The results clearly demonstrated that environmentally possible level of HCB could result in oxidative stress in fish and brain was a sensitive target organ of HCB toxicity.     

Quantification of differentially expressed genes in Daphnia magna exposed to rubber wastewater

In this study, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were investigated in Daphnia magna exposed to rubber wastewater using an annealing control primer (ACP)-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR. Among three identified DEGs, two genes (DEG1 and DEG2) were up-regulated, and DEG1 expression was well-correlated to a logarithm of rubber wastewater concentration (r(2)=0.971, p<0.0001). In addition, DEG1 expression in D. magna exposed to rubber wastewater was strongly correlated with that of D. magna exposed to Zn (r(2)=0.9513, p<0.05), suggesting that the induction of DEG1 was caused by Zn, which is the dominant toxicant in rubber wastewater. In addition, DEG1 expression was more sensitive to toxicants than immobility, which is the conventional endpoint in toxicity tests using D. magna. The lowest observed effect concentrations (LOEC) determined using immobility tests were 2.5% for rubber wastewater and 1.6mgl(-1) for Zn. In contrast, a significant increase in DEG1 expression was observed at exposure concentrations of as low as 0.6% rubber wastewater and 0.2mgl(-1) Zn. These results indicate that DEG1 is a sensitive and quantitative biomarker of water and wastewater containing Zn.     

Lethal and sublethal effects of the pyrethroid,bifenthrin, on grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) and sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus)

This study investigated the lethal and sublethal effects of the pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin on adult and larval grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, and adult sheepshead minnows, Cyprinodon variegatus. The effects were determined by conducting 96-h aqueous static renewal tests and 24-h static tests with sediment. Oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and catalase were also assessed. The 96-h aqueous LC₅₀ value for adult shrimp was 0.020 μ g/L (95% CI: 0.015–0.025 μ g/L) and for larval shrimp was 0.013 μ g/L (95% CI: 0.011–0.016 μ g/L). The 96-h aqueous LC₅₀ for adult sheepshead minnow was 19.806 μ g/L (95% CI: 11.886–47.250 μ g/L). The 24-h sediment LC₅₀ for adult shrimp was 0.339 μ g/L (95% CI: 0.291–0.381 μ g/L) and for larval shrimp was 0.210 μ g/L (95% CI: 0.096–0.393 μ g/L). The oxidative stress assays showed some increasing trends toward physiological stress with increased bifenthrin concentrations but they were largely inconclusive. Given the sensitivity of grass shrimp to this compound in laboratory bioassays, additional work will be needed to determine if these exposure levels are environmentally relevant.     

Glutamine synthetase and protease enzyme activities and growth response of ruminal bacterium Prevotella ruminicola strain B14 to nitrogen source and concentration

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of varying nitrogen sources and concentrations upon glutamine synthetase and protease activities in Prevotella ruminicola strain B₁4. Based on growth response it appears that ammonium chloride or pepticase limited P. ruminicola becomes nitrogen limited when nitrogen concentration is at 0.5 mM. However, when casein was provided as the sole source of nitrogen P. ruminicola becomes nitrogen limited at 2.5 mM. Glutamine synthetase activity was measured from mid‐log phase cells grown in either nitrogen‐limited or non‐limited conditions. No activity was detectable in the non‐limited treatments. However, in the N‐ limited treatments, pepticase had the highest activity (20.76 units), followed by ammonium chloride (18.72 units) and casein (14.42 units). Protease activity assays indicated that nitrogen‐limited cultures had higher proteolytic activity than non‐limited cultures. Moreover, these activities appeared to follow the same response pattern as the previously observed glutamine synthetase activities. The results of this study indicate that P. ruminicola strain B, 4 protease activity may be influenced by nitrogen concentration such that activity increases when nitrogen availability decreases.     

Effects of methylmercury exposure on glutathione metabolism, oxidative stress, and chromosomal damage in captive-reared common loon (Gavia immer) chicks

We quantified the level of dietary mercury (Hg), delivered as methylmercury chloride (CH₃HgCl), associated with negative effects on organ and plasma biochemistries related to glutathione (GSH) metabolism and oxidative stress, and chromosomal damage in captive-reared common loon (Gavia immer) chicks reared from hatch to 105 days. Mercury-associated effects related to oxidative stress and altered glutathione metabolism occurred at 1.2 μg Hg/g and 0.4 μg Hg/g, an ecologically relevant dietary mercury level, but not at 0.08 μg Hg/g. Among the variables that contributed most to dissimilarities in tissue chemistries between control and treatment groups were increased levels of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), GSH peroxidase, and the ratio of GSSG to GSH in brain tissue; increased levels of hepatic GSH; and decreased levels of hepatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH). Our results also suggest that chronic exposure to environmentally relevant dietary Hg levels did not result in statistically significant somatic chromosomal damage in common loon chicks.     

Phytoremediation of ethylene glycol and its derivatives by the burhead plant (Echinodorus cordifolius (L.)): effect of molecular size

Ethylene glycol (EG) is a group of dihydroxy alcohol that has been utilised in a variety of industrial and residential settings. EG contaminated wastewater has a high chemical oxygen demand (COD), which causes environmental problems. The aim of this research was to investigate the efficiency of the burhead plant (Echinodorus cordifolius (L.)) in the removal of mono-, di- and triethylene glycol (MEG, DEG and TEG), the first three members of the dihydroxy alcohol group, from synthetic wastewaters, to examine the toxic effect of EG on the plant and to identify differences among MEG, DEG, and TEG removal. It was found that the COD of synthetic wastewaters decreased to levels below the standard effluent (COD=120 mg L?1) on day 18, 21 and 33 for MEG, DEG and TEG, respectively. On day 18 of the experiment, the burhead plant removed approximately 2000, 1950 and 730 mg L?1 of MEG, DEG and TEG, respectively. The removal rate of MEG was faster than that of DEG and TEG, suggesting that the molecular size of the EG had affected its rate of removal. The concentrations of MEG, DEG, and TEG in plant tissue were measured to show that burhead can take up EG, and the major site of EG accumulation is the leaf. The molar of MEG that was taken up into the plant leaf was higher than that of DEG and TEG. This suggested that EG of smaller molecular sizes can be taken up more rapidly by the plant than EG of larger molecular sizes. EG concentrations in the leaf increased to a peak concentration and then slowly decreased. GC-MS analysis of DEG-treated plant tissue found MEG, 1,4-dioxan-2-one, neophytadiene, and 2-propenamide, that may be DEG-degradation products and/or compounds that are induced when plants are exposed to DEG. The result indicates that burhead can potentially be used for EG removal.     

The effects of cadmium or zinc multigenerational exposure on metal tolerance of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The effects of ten generational zinc or cadmium pre-exposure on metal tolerance among beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua individuals were compared. These effects were assessed in animals from the 11th generation, reared on a diet either uncontaminated or contaminated with metal (cadmium or zinc). The survival rate of larvae and the degree of metal accumulation (in larvae, pupae and moths; among larval organs: gut and fat body) were analysed. Catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione transferase activity in larval organs of individuals subjected to different metal treatments were also measured. Animals transferred from control rearing to metals (cadmium or zinc) in the 11th generation, as well as those from multigenerational zinc treatment, but not from multigenerational cadmium treatment, had a significantly lower survival rate than control animals. Insects from the groups with the high metal treatment had high bioaccumulation factors (above 3.7 and 2.3 following cadmium and zinc, respectively). Cadmium (but not zinc) pre-exposure had a significant effect on metal accumulation in larvae. Multigenerational metal pre-exposure seemed to have mainly a negative effect on glutathione transferase activity in the gut of larvae from the 11th generation, in the case of the individuals exposed to metal other than that used in pre-exposure treatment or kept in control conditions. However, in the case of zinc pre-exposure, such effect was only apparent when zinc was replaced by cadmium. The long-term effect of cadmium on catalase activity in larvae was found.     

Toxicity assessment of municipal sewage treatment plant effluent by an integrated biomarker response in the liver of crucian carp (Carassius auratus)

In this study, crucian carp (Carassius auratus) was exposed to the increasing concentrations of municipal sewage treatment plant effluent (MSTPE) for 15 days, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), together with the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in the liver of C. auratus were investigated. Moreover, the integrated biomarker response (IBR) approach was applied to assess the adverse effects of MSTPE in freshwater. The aim of the study was to provide an effective biological indicator for evaluating the toxicity effects and ecological risks of MSTPE in the freshwater environment quantitatively. Results showed that MSTPE could cause oxidative damage to the liver of C. auratus, which reflected through the increasing MDA content over the exposure period. MSTPE also led to the biochemical responses of antioxidant defense in C. auratus liver, such as the enhancement of SOD, CAT, and GPx activities, as well as the inhibition of AChE activity and GSH content. It was found that MDA, SOD, GPx, and GSH could be used as the biomarkers for reflecting the adverse effects of MSTPE in the receiving freshwater on the 12th day of exposure. A significant increase of IBR values was observed as the increasing concentration of MSTPE, and the IBR values presented a significant positive correlation (r?=?0.891, P?<?0.05) with the increasing concentrations of MSTPE, indicating that IBR approach is a promising tool for assessing the toxicity effects of MSTPE in environmental freshwater.

     

Effect of prochloraz fungicide on biotransformation enzymes and oxidative stress parameters in three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.)

The aim of this study was to characterize biomarker responses in three-spined sticklebacks exposed to prochloraz (Pcz). For this purpose, adult sticklebacks were exposed for 2 weeks to prochloraz at 0, 10, 50, 100 and 500 μg/L prior to one week of depuration in clean water. At days 7, 14 and 21, several hepatic biomarkers were measured including 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), total glutathione (GSH) content and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Pcz induced a transient increase of antioxidant enzymes and a depletion of glutathione content during the first 7 days of exposure. This study showed that EROD activity and antioxidants were disrupted in a transient manner. GST was rapidly induced in a dose-dependent manner and this induction was persistent and observed also after depuration. GST appeared as a valuable biomarker to assess the exposure to Pcz.     

How Plants Cope with Foreign Compounds. Translocation of xenobiotic glutathione conjugates in roots of barley (Hordeum vulgare) (9 pp)

Background, Aim and Scope Numerous herbicides and xenobiotic organic pollutants are detoxified in plants to glutathione conjugates. Following this enzyme catalyzed reaction, xenobiotic GS-conjugates are thought to be compartmentalized in the vacuole of plant cells. In the present study, evidence is presented for long range transport of these conjugates in plants, rather than storage in the vacuole. To our knowledge this is the first report about the unidirectional long range transport of xenobiotic conjugates in plants and the exudation of a glutathione conjugate from the root tips. This could mean that plants possess an excretion system for unwanted compounds which give them similar advantages as animals. Materials and Methods: Barley plants (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Cherie) were grown in Petri dishes soaked with tap water in the greenhouse. - Fluorescence Microscopy. Monobromo- and Monochlorobimane, two model xenobiotics that are conjugated rapidly in plant cells with glutathione, hereby forming fluorescent metabolites, were used as markers for our experiments. Their transport in the root could be followed sensitively with very good temporal and spatial resolution. Roots of barley seedlings were cut under water and the end at which xenobiotics were applied was fixed in an aperture with a thin latex foil and transferred into a drop of water on a cover slide. The cover slide was fixed in a measuring chamber on the stage of an inverse fluorescence microscope (Zeiss Axiovert 100). - Spectrometric enzyme assay. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was determined in the protein extracts following established methods. Aliquots of the enzyme extract were incubated with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), or monochlorobimane. Controls lacking enzyme or GSH were measured. - Pitman chamber experiments. Ten days old barley plants or detached roots were inserted into special incubation chambers, either complete with tips or decapitated, as well as 10 days old barley plants without root tips. Compartment A was filled with a transport medium and GSH conjugate or L-cysteine conjugate. Compartments B and C contained sugar free media. Samples were taken from the root tip containing compartment C and the amount of conjugate transported was determined spectro-photometrically. Results: The transport in roots is unidirectional towards the root tips and leads to exsudation of the conjugates at rates between 20 and 200 nmol min-1. The microscopic studies have been complemented by transport studies in small root chambers and spectroscopic quantification of dinitrobenzene-conjugates. The latter experiments confirm the microscopic studies. Furthermore it was shown that glutathione conjugates are transported at higher rates than cysteine conjugates, despite of their higher molecular weights. This observation points to the existence of glutathione specific carriers and a specific role of glutathione in the root. Discussion: It can be assumed that long distance transport of glutathione conjugates within the plant proceeds like GSH or amino acid transport in both, phloem and xylem. The high velocity of this translocation of the GS-X is indicative of an active transport. For free glutathione, a rapid transport-system is essential because an accumulation of GSH in the root tip inhibits further uptake of sulfur. Taking into account that all described MRP transporters and also the GSH plasmalemma ATPases have side activities for glutathione derivatives and conjugates, co-transport of these xenobiotic metabolites seems credible. - On the other hand, when GS-B was applied to the root tips from the outside, no significant uptake was observed. Thus it can be concluded that only those conjugates can be transported in the xylem which are formed inside the root apex. Having left the root once, there seems to be no return into the root vessels, probably because of a lack of inward directed transporters. Conclusions: Plants seem to possess the capability to store glutathione conjugates in the vacuole, but under certain conditions, these metabolites might also undergo long range transport, predominantly into the plant root. The transport seems dependent on specific carriers and is unidirectional, this means that xenobiotic conjugates from the rhizosphere are not taken up again. The exudation of xenobiotic metabolites offers an opportunity to avoid the accumulation of such compounds in the plant. Recommendations and Perspectives: The role of glutathione and glutathione related metabolites in the rhizosphere has not been studied in any detail, and only scattered data are available on interactions between the plant root and rhizosphere bacteria that encounter such conjugates. The final fate of these compounds in the root zone has also not been addressed so far. It will be interesting to study effects of the exuded metabolites on the biology of rhizosphere bacteria and fungi.     

Levels and homologue profiles of PCDD/Fs in sediments along the Swedish coast of the Baltic Sea

Background, aim, and scope  The primary aim of this study was to explore the variations in PCDD/F levels and homologue profiles of Baltic surface sediments by comprehensively analyzing polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in samples from a large number of sites, encompassing not only previously known hotspot areas, but also sites near other potential PCDD/F sources, in pristine reference areas (in which there was no industrial activity) and offshore sites. Materials and methods  Surface sediment samples (146 in total) were collected at various points along the Swedish coast and offshore areas. In addition, bulk deposition was sampled, monthly, at a single site in northern Sweden during 1 year. The concentrations of tetra- through octa-substituted CDD/Fs were determined in both matrices. Results  Highly elevated concentrations of PCDD/Fs were found at many sites in coastal areas and concentrations were also slightly elevated in some offshore areas. Homologue profiles varied substantially amongst samples from coastal sites, while those from offshore and other pristine sediments were relatively similar. The offshore sediments showed different profiles from those observed in the deposition samples. Sediment levels of PCDD/Fs were not generally significantly correlated to organic carbon levels, except in some pristine areas. Comparison of data obtained in this and previous studies suggest that both their levels and profiles are similar today to those observed 20 years ago in coastal and offshore areas. The only detected trend is that their levels appear to have decreased slightly in the offshore area of the Bothnian Sea. Discussion  The localization of hotspot areas along the coast, the lack of consensus between PCDD/F profiles of sediments and general background, and their weak correlations with organic carbon suggest that PCDD/Fs in the study area largely originate from local/regional emissions. However, due to complicating factors such as sediment dynamics and land upheaval, it is not possible to conclude whether these pollutants derive from recent emissions or from a combination of recent emissions and re-distribution of previous inputs. Conclusions  The results show that: elevated levels of PCDD/Fs are present in both coastal and offshore areas of the Baltic Sea, the major hotspots are close to the shore, and there are large variations in profiles, indicating that local emissions are (or have been) the major causes of pollution. Recommendations and perspectives  In order to identify other hotspot areas and trace sources, comprehensive analysis of PCDD/Fs in surface sediments is needed in all areas of the Baltic Sea that have not been previously investigated. The high levels of PCDD/Fs observed in surface sediments also indicate a need to elucidate whether they are due mainly to current emissions or a combination of recent pollution and re-distribution of historically deposited pollutants. To do so, better understanding of sediment dynamics and present-day inputs, such as riverine inputs, industrial effluents, and leakage from contaminated soil is required. There are indications that contaminated sediments have a regional impact on fish contamination levels. However, as yet there is no statistically robust evidence linking contaminated sediments with elevated levels in Baltic biota. It should also be noted that the Baltic Sea is being massively invaded by the deep-burrowing polychaete Marenzielleria ssp., whose presence in sediments has been shown to increase water concentrations of hydrophobic pollutants. In awareness of this, it is clear that high levels in sediments cannot be ignored in risk assessments. In order to investigate the emission trends more thoroughly, analysis of PCDD/Fs in offshore sediment cores throughout the Baltic Sea is also recommended. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

A Study of Ozone Levels in a Maritime and Land Environment

During the summer of 1976, a comparison was made between ozone measurements for a coastal industrial concentration area (Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia) and an offshore station (Chesapeake Light Station, 15 miles out to sea). The anticipated dominance of high offshore ozone readings with offshore flow was not observed. A surprising number of high O₃ concentrations were observed at both the offshore and land sites with northeasterly and easterly winds. This suggests that the phenomenon of long range transport of contaminants from highly urbanized centers in the northeast to the mid-Atlantic states via an offshore sea route must be given careful consideration. The body of information presented in this paper points out the need for a clearer understanding of the complex urban/rural O₃ problem coupled with transport effects before costly control strategies are to be implemented.     

Effects of a selenium-enriched diet on antioxidant response in adult crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

Many diets employed in aquaculture are enriched with selenium to improve the diet quality and its conservation. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a diet enriched in selenium (1.21 mg kg(-1)) on the antioxidant response of Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852). Crayfish fed a diet with lower selenium content (0.30 mg kg(-1)) were the control. Selenium accumulation, enzymatic activities, and total glutathione were evaluated in hepatopancreas of adults of both sexes fed with both diets for 50 days at two experimental times (T(30), T(50) days). Treated females exhibited the highest selenium bioaccumulation during both experimental times, while treated males displayed the highest selenium concentration after 30 days, compared to control crayfish. A sex-related difference was found for the response of the analyzed enzymes in the selenium diet-treated specimens. In fact, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glyoxalase I activities in males were more sensitive compared with females, showing depleted activities in both experimental times. Catalase activity was induced in females (T(50)), while glutathione S-transferase activity was the highest in treated females and the lowest in treated males, compared with own controls. Only glutathione reductase activity and glutathione content showed the same trend in both sexes, which were both lowered in treated specimens, when compared with control crayfish. This result might be due to the effect of selenium toxicity on this freshwater species. Males and females of P. clarkii showed a different susceptibility to the prooxidant effects in a Se-enriched diet.     

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of waste generation in a refrigerator-manufacturing plant based on a waste tree and mass balance

In this study, wastes originating at each production station during refrigerator manufacturing were identified and classified based on a waste tree. A mass balance study revealed a total waste production factor of 0.046 kg/kg of a product of which 75.3%, 23.9%, and 0.8% were non-hazardous wastes (NHWs), packaging wastes (PWs), and hazardous wastes (HWs), respectively. Wastes produced during refrigerator manufacturing were grouped under 35 different waste codes. Waste codes that contributed more than 5% by weight were 15 02 02 (contaminated absorbent material), 15 01 10 (contaminated packaging), 16 02 13 (electronic cards), 07 02 14 (polyol) and 08 05 01 (isocyanates), 19 08 13 (treatment sludge), 16 02 15 (capacitors), and 13 01 13 (hydraulic oil) for HWs, 12 01 01 (ferrous metal), and 16 02 16 (components) for NHWs, and, finally, 15 01 03 (wooden), 15 01 01 (paper&cardboard), and 15 01 02 (plastic) for PWs over 5 years. Scrap costs were used as a surrogate to determine production stages that generated high amounts of metal and plastic wastes. Logarithmically, increasing and decreasing trends were observed for PWs and NHWs over the study period, respectively. HW amounts did not exhibit a statistically significant trend. Twenty-eight BATs (best available techniques) were identified that could be applied in refrigerator manufacturing for waste minimization and management. Among those, 8 of them were proposed for further improvement for waste management in the facility.

     

Effects of malathion and chlorpyrifos on acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant defense system in Oxya chinensis (Thunberg) (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of malathion and chlorpyrifos on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), esterase (EST) activity and antioxidant system after topical application with different concentration to Oxya chinensis. The results showed that malathion and chlorpyrifos inhibited EST, AChE activity and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. A change in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activity combined with reduced glutathione (GSH) and total glutathione (tGSH) contents was found in O. chinensis after malathion and chlorpyrifos treatments. Malathion and chlorpyrifos increased SOD and CAT activity compared with the control. With the concentrations increasing, SOD and CAT activity showed the similar tendency, namely, SOD and CAT activity increased at the lower concentrations and decreased at the higher concentrations. The results showed that malathion and chlorpyrifos decreased significantly GR activity. GST and GPx activity at the studied concentrations of chlorpyrifos was lower than that of the control. However, no significance was observed. GPx and GST activity in malathion treated grasshoppers showed a biphasic response with an initial increase followed by a decline in its activity. Malathion and chlorpyrifos decreased GSH contents and the ratio of GSH/GSSG. The present findings indicated that the toxicity of malathion and chlorpyrifos might be associated with oxidative stress.     

Artificial light at night (ALAN) causes variable dose-responses in a sandy beach isopod

Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is expanding worldwide, and the study of its influence remains limited mainly to documenting impacts, overlooking the variation in key characteristics of the artificial light such as its intensity. The potential dose–response of fitness-related traits to different light intensities has not been assessed in sandy beach organisms. Hence, this study explored dose-responses to ALAN by exposing the intertidal sandy beach isopod Tylos spinulosus to a range of light intensities at night: 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 lx. We quantified the response of this species at the molecular (RNA:DNA ratios), physiological (absorption efficiency) and organismal (growth rate) levels. Linear and non-linear regressions were used to explore the relationship between light intensity and the isopod response. The regressions showed that increasing light intensity caused an overall?~?threefold decline in RNA:DNA ratios and a?~?threefold increase in absorption efficiency, with strong dose-dependent effects. For both response variables, non-linear regressions also identified likely thresholds at 80 lx (RNA:DNA) and 40 lx (absorption efficiency). By contrast, isopod growth rates were unrelated (unaltered) by the increase in light intensity at night. We suggest that ALAN is detrimental for the condition of the isopods, likely by reducing the activity and feeding of these nocturnal organisms, and that the isopods compensate this by absorbing nutrients more efficiently in order to maintain growth levels.

     

Combined effects of deltamethrin, temperature and salinity on oxidative stress biomarkers and acetylcholinesterase activity in the black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

This study aimed to investigate the interactions of two abiotic factors (temperature and salinity) and deltamethrin (pyrethroid pesticide) exposure on some oxidative stress biomarkers as well as on acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) in hepatopancreas, gills and muscle of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). A combination of three temperatures (24, 29 and 34 °C), two salinities (15 and 25 ppt), and the absence or presence of 0.1 μg L⁻¹ deltamethrin was applied on shrimp during 4 d under laboratory conditions. Lipid peroxidation level (LPO) and glutathione S-transferase activity (GST) were not affected by combined effect of temperature, salinity and deltamethrin in any of the studied tissues. Deltamethrin impaired other tested oxidative stress biomarkers, i.e. total glutathione (tGSH), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx). tGSH level significantly increased in hepatopancreas due to deltamethrin exposure mainly at 34 °C, while pesticide effects on tGSH and CAT activity in gills were influenced by both temperature and salinity. In addition, GPx activity in hepatopancreas decreased after deltamethrin treatment mainly at 24 °C. Finally, AChE in muscle was strongly inhibited by deltamethrin at all tested temperatures and salinities. These novel findings demonstrate that interactions between abiotic factors and a commonly used pesticide exposure should be taken into account when analyzing some widespread biomarkers in black tiger shrimp.