Assessing PAH and PCB emissions from the relocation of harbour sediments using equilibrium passive samplers

Large-scale dredging of contaminated sediments is taking place in the harbor of Oslo, Norway. The dredged sediment masses are transferred into a confined aquatic disposal facility (CAD) in a natural 70-m deep basin within the Oslofjord. Currently there is no established method to determine how much dissolved contaminants are released during relocation and deposition of these sediments. For this reason we tested the use of equilibrium passive samplers consisting of 55 microm thin polyoxymethylene (POM-55) for studying the release of freely dissolved and thus bioavailable PAHs and PCBs at the disposal site, and found this to be a suitable method. In order to use POM-55 for monitoring PCBs, it was necessary to measure their POM-55/water partition coefficients, which was also presented as part of this study. Elevated turbidity (average 4.1 mg l(-1)) was observed at one side of the basin where no natural sill exists. Analysis of POM-55 at this location before and after deposition revealed that there was an increase in freely dissolved concentrations (C(W,free)) during deposition by a factor 37.5 for PAHs and a factor of 2.9 for PCBs. In addition, during deposition phenanthrene-to-anthracene aqueous concentration ratios at this location (values of 3-4) were more similar to those of the deposited sediments (approximately 2) than to those of the CAD water prior to deposition (approximately 14). This was not observed for the other locations where a natural sill exists at approximately 30 m water depth. The POM-55 equilibrium passive samplers are here shown to be useful tools for measuring and understanding the dynamics involved in the release of dissolved contaminants during sediment relocation.     

The effects of parasites on male ornaments and female choice in the lek-breeding black grouse (Tetrao tetrix)

Summary We describe the results of two studies of parasitic infection in the black grouse (Tetrao tetrix). The first deals with our own observations of lekking black grouse in which the parasite levels of two blood parasites, the protozoan Leucocytozoon lovati and microfilaria, probably produced by a nematode worm Splendidofilaria tuvensis, were scored. We also obtained measures of age, survival, number of copulations, body mass and length of the ornamental tail feathers (the lyre) of the lekking males. The second study analysed the data from Lund (1954) which involved eight gut parasites obtained from birds which were killed. In the first study we found higher levels of infection of Leucocytozoon in adults relative to young birds. Parasites had no effect on male survival and there was no correlation in infection between the two types of parasites. Birds infected with microfilaria had shorter tail ornaments. There was no relationship between parasitic infection and mating success. However, the data indicated that such a trend indeed may exist for Leucocytozoon and the most successful males on the leks were less often infected by Leucocytozoon than other males. Results of the second study showed a negative relationship between parasite load (a combined measure of all parasites) and both ornamental tail feather length and body mass. These observations are compatible with, but not conclusive evidence for, the hypothesis of Hamilton and Zuk (1982) on the evolution of secondary sexual characters, where females choose to mate with genetically resistant males which show their resistance by expressing larger and more showy secondary sexual characters. Alternative explanations for the observed patterns are: females avoid infected males for some immediate benefit; and/or parasite loads are indicators of general stress rather than genetical resistance. Under the latter hypothesis females could mate with more vigorous males for reasons unrelated to parasite resistance.     

Synthetic musk fragrances in trout from Danish fish farms and human milk

Synthetic musk compounds used in detergents and cosmetics include nitro and polycyclic musk compounds. These compounds are discharged after use via domestic wastewater and sewage treatment plants to the aquatic environment. Quantitative detection of nitro musk and polycyclic musk compounds by GC/HRMS in Danish farmed trout and human milk from primiparous mothers are reported. The polycyclic musk, HHCB, dominated the synthetic musk compounds found in trout samples from 1999 with a median concentration of 5.0microg/kg fresh weight (n.d.-52.6microg/kg fresh weight) and in trout samples collected in 2003 and 2004 with a median concentration of 1.2microg/kg fresh weight (n.d.-28.0microg/kg fresh weight). It was also found that the concentration of musk xylene in trout sampled at the same fish farms decreased considerably from a median concentration of 5.1microg/kg fresh weight in 1992 to a median of 0.5microg/kg fresh weight in 1999 and to a median less than the detection limit (0.23microg/kg fresh weight) in 2003. HHCB also dominated in Danish human milk samples collected in 1999 with a median concentration of 147microg/kg fat (38.0-422microg/kg fat). Human dietary intake assessment and body burden calculations on data from 1999 indicate that the main source of exposure to human cannot be attributed to the consumption of farmed trout.     

The olfactory response of the reindeer nose bot fly,Cephenemyia trompe (Oestridae), to components from interdigital pheromone gland and urine from the host reindeer,Rangifer tarandus

Summary The linked gas chromatographical/electroan-tennogram (GC/EAG) technique revealed that the parasitic reindeer nose bot fly is able to specifically sense components produced by the interdigital pheromone gland of reindeer. The head-space extraction technique, with Porapak Q as the collecting polymer, was used to trap pheromone gland and urine components used to assess fly responses. One component from reindeer urine also was a potent stimulus for the sensory neurons of the fly. These components can be important chemical signals to the flies for long distance orientation towards host animals. This is the first report on EAG in Oestridae.     

探索挪威西部奈于斯特流域酸化的复原

使用一种新方法-多余度分析(RDA),检查了是否挪威西部奈于斯特流域酸化的化学复原在大型底栖动物群落结构中产生了可测的复原.RDA结果与基于使用高度专门化和区域化界定的生物酸度指数测得的变化的复原测量值作了比较.我们发现,在1989～1998年期间,奈于斯特流域生物复原即开始出现.复原是在奈于斯特河上游及其各支流发生的.多变量方法已证明是酸度指数方法的一种补充,将两者结合使用能够得到大量的生物信息.RDA方法是一种保守的方法,即不会过高地估计生物复原,而且不像酸度指数,从地理上来说不会受到约束.我们还发现,一些季节性气候因素强烈地影响着底栖生物群落,可能引起对生物复原过程检测的混淆.     

An Outbreak of Norovirus Infection from Shellfish Soup Due to Unforeseen Insufficient Heating During Preparation

Norovirus causes large outbreaks involving all age groups and are considered the most common cause of infectious foodborne diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe a norovirus outbreak connected to insufficient heat treatment during preparation of a shellfish soup in serving portions, during a company Christmas celebration in Norway, December 2013. A questionnaire sent to the employees, showed that 67 % (n = 43) of the celebration participants, reported gastrointestinal symptoms including stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and light fever in the period between 24 and 48 h post celebration. Several dishes were served, including shellfish soup made with carpet shell clams (Tapes rhomboides) in porcelain cups. Consuming this soup, was the only significant risk factor for infection. Norovirus GI and GII were detected in the remaining raw shellfish. To mimic the time and temperature obtained during bivalve soup preparation, raw chopped shellfish tissue and raw cepa onion were added in porcelain cups tempered to 20 °C. To each of these cups, boiling soup base was added. The temperature in the shellfish tissue was continuously recorded, and showed a maximum of 49 °C in the period between 3 and 7 min after adding the boiling soup base. After 1 h the temperature was 30 °C. This time and temperature combination was obviously not sufficient for inactivation of norovirus present in the shellfish tissue. In conclusion, the heat-absorbing capacity of cold ingredients, utensils and table wear porcelain should not be underestimated during food production. Consumers who want to avoid eating raw shellfish, should not assume that the shellfish tissue in preparation as described in our study is adequately heat treated.     

First evidence of regular common cuckoo, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cuculus canorus</Emphasis>, parasitism on eastern olivaceous warblers, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hippolais pallida elaeica</Emphasis>

Coevolution is defined as specialized relationships between species that lead to a reciprocal evolutionary change. A particularly suitable model system for studying coevolution is the interactions between obligate avian brood parasites and their hosts. The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus, hereafter cuckoo) is a well-known brood parasite, which utilizes a range of smaller passerines as hosts. However, warblers of the genus Hippolais have rarely been reported as being victims of cuckoos, and furthermore, few data exist on the occurrence of antiparasite defenses in these hosts. In this study, we examined possible host–parasite coevolution between cuckoos and eastern olivaceous warblers (Hippolais pallida elaeica, hereafter olivaceous warblers) in three closely situated areas in northwestern Bulgaria. The olivaceous warbler has never been reported to be a regular cuckoo host. However, the present study, carried out in 2001–2003 shows that the olivaceous warbler is regularly and heavily parasitized by the cuckoo in this area. Parasitism rate was high (26.6%, 34/128) and consistent among years, with some variation between areas. The cuckoo egg mimicry was moderately good, and olivaceous warbler rejection rate of such eggs was 50%. Cuckoo eggs laid in olivaceous warbler nests had a whitish to whitish-green ground color, and the majority appeared to be distinctly different from cuckoo eggs found in other host species in the area. The olivaceous warbler proved to be a rather good host for cuckoos as 20.6% (7/34) of cuckoo eggs laid produced fledglings, a breeding success comparable to other suitable hosts in Europe. This is the first in-depth study of brood parasitism in a warbler of the genus Hippolais, and cuckoos parasitizing olivaceous warblers probably represent a previously unknown gens.     

Modelling visitor groups' intentions to displace from an urban trail: a combined stated preference and video monitoring approach

Depending on gender and activity, overcrowding and safety concerns may detract from urban green space use. Differences in use displacement intentions from a recreational trail in a forest in Vienna were investigated for male and female walkers as well as male and female dog-walkers (N = 425) using an image-based stated preference model. The trail scenarios were depicted as digitally calibrated images that systematically displayed combinations of levels of crowding with different mixes of user types and visitor behaviour. Visitors were asked whether the presented recreation scenario was so unacceptable that they would shift their use away from the presented trail. Hours and days of stated non-use of the recreation trail by various user groups are estimated by integrating the results of the behavioural model with annual visitation data. Use displacement intentions differed by gender and activity. High use levels were a greater concern for all respondents than very low use levels, particularly for female dog-walkers. However, only a small proportion of the recorded hours were heavily used. Safety concerns about very low use levels reduced the potential times of forest use for female walkers without a dog.     

Discussion1-“Stream Temperature Relationships to Forest Harvest in Western Washington” by Michael M. Pollock,Timothy J. Beechie,Martin Liermann,and Richard E. Bigley2

Ice, George G., George W. Brown, John A. Gravelle, C. Rhett Jackson, Jeffrey T. Light, Timothy E. Link, Douglas J. Martin, Dale J. McGreer, and Arne E. Skaugset, 2010. Discussion –“Stream Temperature Relationships to Forest Harvest in Western Washington” by Michael M. Pollock, Timothy J. Beechie, Martin Liermann, and Richard E. Bigley. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(4): 838-842. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2010.00441.x