Determination of oral uptake and biodistribution of platinum and chromium by the garden snail (Helix aspersa) employing nano-secondary ion mass-spectrometry

Environmental heavy metal contamination is a case of concern for both animal and human health. Studying the fate of metals in plant or animal tissues may provide information on pollution. In the present study, we investigated the possibility to follow the biological fate of chromium and platinum uptake in common garden snails (Helix aspersa), typically accumulating high concentrations of metals from their environment. Chromium and platinum were administered orally to snails in 5 groups (n = 25/group): control, food contaminated by ca. 2.5 μg g^?1 and 19 μg g^?1 chromium and 2.5 μg g^?1 and 25 μg g^?1 platinum, for 8 weeks. Following exposure, surviving snails were sacrificed, shell and remaining tissue investigated by ICP-MS, and shell, midgut gland and mantle by nano-secondary ion mass-spectrometry (Nano-SIMS). ¹²C¹⁴N-normalized platinum and ⁴⁰Ca-normalized chromium measurements indicated highest enrichments in cellular vesicles of the midgut gland, and lower concentrations in mantle and shell, with significantly higher platinum and chromium concentrations in the 2 exposure groups vs. control (P < 0.05), with somewhat differing distribution patterns for chromium and platinum. Comparable results were obtained by ICP-MS, with both chromium and platinum fed snails showing drastically elevated concentrations of metals in shell (up to 78 and 122 μg g^?1 dw platinum and chromium, respectively) and in other tissues (up to 200 and 1125 μg g^?1 dw platinum and chromium, respectively). Nano-SIMS allowed for semi-quantitative comparison of metal fate in snail tissues, making this an interesting technique for future studies in the area of environmental pollution.     

Inhibition of rainbow trout acetylcholinesterase by aqueous and suspended particle-associated organophosphorous insecticides

Cadmium (Cd) adsorption on 14 non-calcareous New Jersey soils was investigated with a batch method. Both adsorption edge and isotherm experiments were conducted covering a wide range of soil composition, e.g. soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration ranging from 0.18% to 7.15%, and varying Cd concentrations and solution pH. The SOC and solution pH were the most important parameters controlling Cd partition equilibrium between soils and solutions in our experimental conditions. The Windermere humic aqueous model (WHAM) was used to calculate Cd adsorption on soils. The effect of solution chemistry (various pH and Cd concentrations) on Cd adsorption can be well accounted for by WHAM. For different soil compositions, SOC concentration is the most important parameter for Cd binding. Only a fraction of SOC, the so-called active organic carbon (AOC), is responsible for Cd binding. We found a linear relationship between SOC and AOC based on the adsorption edge data. The linear relationship was validated by the independent data sets: adsorption isotherm data, which presumably can be used to predict Cd partition equilibrium across a wide range of soil compositions. The modeling approach presented in this study helps to quantitatively predict Cd behavior in the environment.     

Robust trend tests with application to toxicology

In most real data situations in the one-way design both the underlying distribution and the shape of the dose-response curve are a priori unknown. The power of a trend test strongly depends on both. However, tests which are routinely used to analyze toxicological assays must be robust. We use nonparametric tests with different scores—powerful for different distributions—and different contrasts—powerful for different shapes—and use the maximum of all test statistics as a new test statistic. Simulation results indicate that this maximum test, which is a nonparametric multiple contrast test, stabilizes the power for various shapes and distributions. The investigated tests are applied to the data of a toxicological assay.     

Organophosphates in aircraft cabin and cockpit air--method development and measurements of contaminants

Methods for measurements and the potential for occupational exposure to organophosphates (OPs) originating from turbine and hydraulic oils among flying personnel in the aviation industry are described. Different sampling methods were applied, including active within-day methods for OPs and VOCs, newly developed passive long-term sample methods (deposition of OPs to wipe surface areas and to activated charcoal cloths), and measurements of OPs in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) recirculation filters (n = 6). In total, 95 and 72 within-day OP and VOC samples, respectively, have been collected during 47 flights in six different models of turbine jet engine, propeller and helicopter aircrafts (n = 40). In general, the OP air levels from the within-day samples were low. The most relevant OP in this regard originating from turbine and engine oils, tricresyl phosphate (TCP), was detected in only 4% of the samples (min-max 相似文献   

Climate change impacts in Central Asia and their implications for development

Regional Environmental Change - This paper synthesizes what is known about the physical and biophysical impacts of climate change and their consequences for societies and development under...     

Economic assessment and energy model scenarios of municipal solid waste incineration and gas turbine hybrid dual-fueled cycles in Thailand

Finding environmentally benign methods related to sound municipal solid waste (MSW) management is of highest priority in Southeast Asia. It is very important to study new approaches which can reduce waste generation and simultaneously enhance energy recovery. One concrete example of particular significance is the concept of hybrid dual-fuel power plants featuring MSW and another high-quality fuel like natural gas. The hybrid dual-fuel cycles provide significantly higher electrical efficiencies than a composite of separate single-fuel power plant (standalone gas turbine combined cycle and MSW incineration). Although hybrid versions are of great importance for energy conversion from MSW, an economic assessment of these systems must be addressed for a realistic appraisal of these technologies. This paper aims to further examine an economic assessment and energy model analysis of different conversion technologies. Energy models are developed to further refine the expected potential of MSW incineration with regards to energy recovery and environmental issues. Results show that MSW incineration can play role for greenhouse gas reduction, energy recovery and waste management. In Bangkok, the electric power production via conventional incineration and hybrid power plants can cover 2.5% and 8% of total electricity consumption, respectively. The hybrid power plants have a relative short payback period (5 years) and can further reduce the CO₂ levels by 3% in comparison with current thermal power plants.     

Chemisch-analytische Untersuchung von Arsenkampfstoffen und ihren Metaboliten

Zusammenfassung  Arsenkampfstoffe sind in der Umwelt persistent und kontaminieren bis heute Boden und Grundwasser. In diesem Beitrag werden die chemischen Reaktionen der Arsenkamptstoffe Diphenylarsinchlorid (CLARK I), Phenylarsindichlorid (PFIFFIKUS), Ethylarsindichlorid (DICK) sowie von Chlorvinylarsinverbindungen (LEWISITE) dargestellt. Die M?glichkeiten der chemisch-analytischen Erfassung dieser chemischen Kampfstoffe als Originalsubstanzen und als Thiol-Derivate werden pr?sentiert.      

Increased lipid accumulation but not reduced metabolism explains improved starvation tolerance in cold-acclimated arthropod predators

Predatory arthropods are used for biological control in greenhouses, but there is increasing interest to extend their use to the outdoor environment where temperatures are typically lower. Acclimation at low temperature increases the ability of ectotherms to cope with subsequent more extreme cold, but may involve costs or benefits to other performance traits. A recent study in mesostigmatid mites (Gaeolaelaps aculeifer) showed that starvation tolerance was improved following a period of cold exposure. However, the physiological mechanisms that underlie improved starvation tolerance following cold exposure were not investigated. To examine whether cold acclimation would also improve starvation tolerance in an insect, we repeated the starvation study in another arthropod predator, the pirate bug Orius majusculus, as well as in G. aculeifer. Before tests, the two species were acclimated at 10, 15, or 20 °C for 7 (G. aculeifer) or 16 (O. majusculus) days. We then analyzed the effects of thermal exposure on body composition, consumption, and basal metabolic rate in both species. Our results confirmed that exposure to low temperature improves starvation tolerance in these arthropod predators. Body composition analyses revealed that both species had accumulated larger lipid stores during exposure to colder temperature, which at least in part can explain the larger starvation tolerance following cold exposure. In contrast, consumption and basal metabolic rate were not changed by thermal acclimation. Our study indicates that predatory arthropods exposed to cold increase their physiological robustness and ability to endure environmental challenges, including low temperature and low prey availability.