Characterization of trace organic contaminants in marine sediment from Yeongil Bay, Korea: 2. Dioxin-like and estrogenic activities

This study employed mechanism-specific in vitro bioassays to help characterize the occurrence and distribution of dioxin-like and estrogenic contaminants in sediment from Yeongil Bay, Korea. Approximately 85% of the sediments tested induced significant dioxin-like activity in the H4IIE-luc bioassay, while approximately 50% induced significant estrogenic activity in the MVLN bioassay. Instrumentally-derived estimates of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and 17beta-estradiol equivalents tended to underestimate the magnitude of response observed in the bioassays, suggesting that compounds detected by chemical analysis did not account for all the activity associated with Yeongil Bay sediments, or that non-additive interactions were occurring. The greatest dioxin-like and estrogenic activity was associated with the mid-polarity Florisil fractions (F2) expected to contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well as chlorinated dioxins and furans. As in previous studies of Korean coastal sediment, more polar fractions (F3) generated more modest responses both in terms of magnitude and the number of samples responding.     

Efficient retrieval of vegetation leaf area index and canopy clumping factor from satellite data to support pollutant deposition assessments

Canopy leaf area index (LAI) is an important structural parameter of the vegetation controlling pollutant uptake by terrestrial ecosystems. This paper presents a computationally efficient algorithm for retrieval of vegetation LAI and canopy clumping factor from satellite data using observed Simple Ratios (SR) of near-infrared to red reflectance. The method employs numerical inversion of a physics-based analytical canopy radiative transfer model that simulates the bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF). The algorithm is independent of ecosystem type. The method is applied to 1-km resolution AVHRR satellite images to retrieve a geo-referenced data set of monthly LAI values for the conterminous USA. Satellite-based LAI estimates are compared against independent ground LAI measurements over a range of ecosystem types. Verification results suggest that the new algorithm represents a viable approach to LAI retrieval at continental scale, and can facilitate spatially explicit studies of regional pollutant deposition and trace gas exchange.     

Metals leachability from medical waste incinerator fly ash: A case study on particle size comparison

This paper presents the results from a study of metals leachability of medical waste incinerator fly ash in Japan on the basis of particle size. Sequential extraction and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analysis were carried out in order to quantify the leaching amount of metals in each categorized particle size. Sequential extraction was also subjected to identify the preference of binding matrix of metals. The results of sequential extraction showed an increase both exchangeable and carbonate associated chromium concentrations in the bigger particle size fractions. Likewise, concentrations of carbonate matrix of arsenic and tin tended to increase in the bigger particle size fractions. In contrast, exchangeable associated cadmium as well as both exchangeable and carbonate matrices of barium were found higher in the smaller particle size fractions. However, no correlation was found in Kendal-tau correlation analysis between particle size of the ash and metals leachability of the TCLP.     

Relationships between the abnormalities of the male reproductive organs and the accumulation of phenol compounds in the striped field mouse, Apodemus agrarius, inhabiting Korea

The relationships between the abnormalities of the male reproductive organs in striped field mice and the accumulation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals were assessed. Most mice collected at three areas were contaminated with phenol or organotin compounds. Fourteen to 42% of the mice at each area had abnormally shrunken reproductive organs, and some of them were contaminated with high levels of phenol compounds. Moreover, all the shrunken reproductive organs were damaged in the histological structure. The damage was observed also from several mice accumulating a high level of phenol compounds even though they had normally developed reproductive organs, although no damage was found in the mice accumulating a high level of organotin compounds. Collectively, the abnormalities of the reproductive organs in the mice seemed to be related to the accumulation of phenol compounds rather than of organotin compounds.     

Microbial activity in an acid resin deposit: biodegradation potential and ecotoxicology in an extremely acidic hydrocarbon contamination

Acid resins are residues produced in a recycling process for used oils that was in use in the forties and fifties of the last century. The resin-like material is highly contaminated with mineral oil hydrocarbons, extremely acidic and co-contaminated with substituted and aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. To determine the potential for microbial biodegradation the acid resin deposit and its surroundings were screened for microbial activity by soil respiration measurements. No microbial activity was found in the core deposit. However, biodegradation of hydrocarbons was possible in zones with a lower degree of contamination surrounding the deposit. An extreme acidophilic microbial community was detected close to the core deposit. With a simple ecotoxicological approach it could be shown that the pure acid resin that formed the major part of the core deposit, was toxic to the indigenous microflora due to its extremely low pH of 0-1.     

Butachlor degradation in tropical soils: effect of application rate, biotic-abiotic interactions and soil conditions

The degradative characteristics of butachlor (N-Butoxymethyl-2-chloro-2',6'-diethyla- cetanilide) were studied under controlled laboratory conditions in clay loam alluvial (AL) soil (Typic udifluvent) and coastal saline (CS) soil (Typic endoaquept) from rice cultivated fields. The application rates included field rate (FR), 2-times FR (2FR) and 10-times FR (10FR). The incubation study was carried out at 30 degrees C with and without decomposed cow manure (DCM) at 60% of maximum water holding capacity (WHC) and waterlogged soil condition. The half-life values depended on the soil types and initial concentrations of butachlor. Butachlor degraded faster in AL soil and in soil amended with DCM under waterlogged condition. Microbial degradation is the major avenue of butachlor degradation from soils.     

Effect of pencycuron on microbial parameters of waterlogged soil

A laboratory study was conducted to monitor the effect of pencycuron [1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1-cyclopentyl-3-phenylurea] on microbial parameters of alluvial (AL) soil (Typic udifluvent) and coastal saline (CS) soil (Typic endoaquept) under waterlogged condition. Pencycuron at field rate (FR), 2FR and 10FR affected the microbial biomass C (MBC), soil ergosterol content and fluorescein diacetate hydrolyzing activity (FDHA) differentially. The DCM amendment did not seem to have any counteractive effect on the toxicity of pencycuron on the microbial variables. The change in microbial metabolic quotient (qCO2) and microbial respiration quotient (QR), indicated pencycuron induced disturbance at 10FR. Present study revealed that the metabolically activated microbial population was more suppressed compared to the dormant population.     

Ecotoxic Effect of Photocatalytic Active Nanoparticles (TiO2) on Algae and Daphnids (8 pp)

Background, Aim and Scope Due to their large potential for manifold applications, the use of nanoparticles is of increasing importance. As large amounts of nanoparticles may reach the environment voluntarily or by accident, attention should be paid on the potential impacts on the environment. First studies on potential environmental effects of photocatalytic TiO2 nanoparticles have been performed on the basis of widely accepted, standardized test systems which originally had been developed for the characterization of chemicals. The methods were adapted to the special requirements of testing photocatalytic nanoparticles. Materials and Methods: Suspensions of two different nanoparticles were illuminated to induce their photocatalytic activity. For testing, the growth inhibition test with the green alga Desmodesmus subspicatus and the immobilization test with the daphnid Daphnia magna were selected and performed following the relevant guidelines (algae: ISO 8692, OECD 201, DIN 38412-33; daphnids: ISO 6341, OECD 202, DIN 38412-30). The guidelines were adapted to meet the special requirements for testing photocatalytic nanoparticles. Results: The results indicate that it is principally possible to determine the ecotoxicity of nanoparticles. It was shown that nanoparticles may have ecotoxicological effects which depend on the nature of the particles. Both products tested differ in their toxicity. Product 1 shows a clear concentration-effect curve in the test with algae (EC50: 44 mg/L). It could be proven that the observed toxicity was not caused by accompanying contaminants, since the toxic effect was comparable for the cleaned and the commercially available product. For product 2, no toxic effects were determined (maximum concentration: 50 mg/L). In the tests with daphnids, toxicity was observed for both products, although the concentration effect-curves were less pronounced. The two products differed in their toxicity; moreover, there was a difference in the toxicity of illuminated and non-illuminated products. Discussion: Both products differ in size and crystalline form, so that these parameters are assumed to contribute to the different toxicities. The concentration-effect curves for daphnids, which are less-pronounced than the curves obtained for algae, may be due to the different test organisms and/or the differing test designs. The increased toxicity of pre-illuminated particles in the tests with daphnids demonstrates that the photocatalytic activity of nanoparticles lasts for a period of time. Conclusions: The following conclusions can be drawn from the test results: (I) It is principally possible to determine the ecotoxicity of (photocatalytic) nanoparticles. Therefore, they can be assessed using methods comparable to the procedures applied for assessing soluble chemicals. - (II) Nanoparticles may exert ecotoxicological effects, which depend on the specific nanoparticle. - (III) Comparable to traditional chemicals, the ecotoxicity depends on the test organisms and their physiology. - (IV) The photocatalytic activity of nanoparticles lasts for a relevant period of time. Therefore, pre-illumination may be sufficient to detect a photocatalytic activity even by using test organisms which are not suitable for application in the pre-illumination-phase. Recommendations and Perspectives: First results are presented which indicate that the topic 'ecotoxicity and environmental effects of nanoparticles' should not be neglected. In testing photocatalytic nanoparticles, there are still many topics that need clarification or improvement, such as the cause for an observed toxicity, the improvement of the test design, the elaboration of a test battery and an assessment strategy. On the basis of optimized test systems, it will be possible to test nanoparticles systematically. If a potential risk by specific photocatalytic particles is known, a risk-benefit analysis can be performed and, if required, risk reducing measures can be taken.     

Endosulfan and quinalphos residues and toxicity to soil microarthropods after repeated applications in a field investigation

Endosulfan (1,4,5,6,7,7-hexachloro-8,9,10-trinorborn-5-en-2,3-ylenedimethylsulphite) and quinalphos (O,O-diethyl O-quinoxalin-2-yl phosphorothioate) persistence and their effect on soil microarthropods were studied after repeated applications in cotton fields. Dissipation behavior of insecticides after repeated applications was observed from 78 to 292 days after the first insecticide treatment. At any given time the concentrations of endosulfan beta residues were always higher as compared to endosulfan alpha. From 78 to 85 days, 5.0% and 20.4% decrease in alpha and beta endosulfan residues was observed, respectively. Endosulfan beta isomer decreased up to 93.0% in 292 days. Endosulfan sulfate was detected as a major metabolite in the soil samples. Total endosulfan residues decreased by 86.6% from 78 to 292 days. The amounts of quinalphos residues were less as compared to endosulfan at any given time. The residues observed after 78 days of application were 0.88 ng g-1 d wt. soil. At the end of 145 days, a 35.0% decrease in quinalphos residue was observed, which decreased further by 50.9% in 292 days. Among the soil microarthropods studied, Acarina was more sensitive to the applied insecticides as compared to Collembola. Three days after the last treatment, up to 94.5% (p < 0.01) and 71.2% (p < 0.05) decrease in Acarina population was observed in endosulfan and quinalphos treated fields, respectively, compared to control field. In general, no noticeable change in Collembola population was observed after the insecticide treatments.     

Dissipation of phosalone and diazinon in fresh and dried alfalfa

The objectives of this study were to determine the persistence of phosalone (S-6-chloro-2,3-dihydro-2-oxobenzoxazol-3-ylmethyl O, O-diethyl phosphorodithioate) and diazinon (O,O-diethyl O-2-isopropyl-6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl phosphorothioate) residues in fresh and baled alfalfa under field conditions. Plots of alfalfa were sprayed with each insecticide. Fresh alfalfa was sampled up to 20 days after treatment, and dried alfalfa was sampled up to 25 weeks after baling. Samples were analyzed for residues using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a UV detector. The half-lives of diazinon and phosalone in fresh alfalfa were 1.8 and 3.3 days, respectively. In baled alfalfa the half-life of diazinon and phosalone were 2.8 and 16.7 weeks, respectively. No diazinon residues were detected in baled alfalfa, sampled after week 9, although the concentration of phosalone found at week 25 was 5.51 mg/kg.