The interethnic differences of the human serum paraoxonase polymorphism analysed by a quantitative and a qualitative method †

The polymorphism of the human serum paraoxonase¹ was analyzed by two distinguished methods in six different ethnic groups (Caucasians, Mongoloids, Negroids), using (1) the Computer Method² and (2) the Carro‐Ciampi Method³‘⁴. Analysis of the response of the enzyme activities to salts resulting in low and high activity ratios.

Comparison of the results:

In Caucasians we distinguished three phenotypes by the Computer method. The polymorphism was governed by two alleles. The Hardy‐Weinberg rule for a two‐allele model was valid. Individuals belonging to the homozygotic group with low activity had a low activity ratio (Carro‐Ciampi method). With both methods a frequency between 57% and 61% was observed for this group. Individuals with medium and high activity had a high activity ratio.

In Negroids and Mongoloids samples we found (by the Computer method) a low activity group (Ghanaians 9.6%, Jamaicans 13.6%, Indonesians 6.7%, Koreans 19.6%). The Hardy‐Weinberg rule for a two‐ or three‐allele model was not valid. Individuals belonging to the low activity group had a low activity ratio, all individuals with higher activity a high activity ratio (Carro‐Ciampi method).

Our results suggest that the members of the low activity group in the three races are homozygote for an identical allele.     

A field intercomparison and fundamental characterization of various dust samplers with a reference sampler

The European Economic Community Council Directive 80/779/EEC describes air quality limit values and guide values for sulfur dioxide and suspended particulates. However, article 10, paragraph 1 does not define well enough the reference method required, amongst others, for the gravimetric measurement of suspended particulates. It is explicity stated in article 10, paragraph 5 of the directive, that "the commission shall, in selected locations in the member states and in cooperation with the latter, carry out studies on the sampling...of suspended particulates. These studies shall be designed in particular to promote the harmonization of methods of sampling and analysis of these pollutants." Therefore, in a joint research program the Umweltbundesamt (grant #104 02263), the commission of European Communities (grant #84-B-6642-11-017-11-N) and the U.S. EPA (grant #2-432U-3580) funded the development of a reference dust sampler by the Fraunhofer-Institute of Toxicology and Aerosol Research (FhlTA, in Hannover, Federal Republic of Germany) in order: to study the particle size distribution of ambient air aerosol at a number of selected sites; to compare the results obtained with the reference dust sampler with those of particle samplers operated in Europe and the United States; to verify the applicability of wind tunnel results to sampling behaviour in the free atmosphere.     

Importance of cholinesterase kinetic parameters in environmental monitoring using estuarine fish

The aim of the present study was to determine the kinetic parameters and cholinesterase (ChE) activity in two teleost fish, the white mouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri (Scianidae) and the Madamango sea catfish Cathorops spixii (Ariidae), to verify their suitability as sentinel species of aquatic pollution by anticholinergic compounds. Individuals of each species were captured in one reference and one polluted site in the Southern Brazilian coast. Brain tissue was used as enzyme source. Inhibition kinetic parameters indicated that ChE from C. spixii collected at the reference site showed more affinity (Ka) for eserine that from those collected at the polluted site. The opposite was observed for the carbamylation constants (Kc). Thus, similar inhibition constants (Ki) were observed. M. furnieri brain showed an extremely low sensitivity to in vitro inhibition by eserine, indicating that it is not a suitable biomarker to be employed in environmental monitoring of anticholinergic compounds. Results from the present study also point to the need for considering kinetic analysis when cholinesterase activity is employed as a biomarker.     

Interactions between algae (Selenastrum capricornutum) and pesticides: implications for managing constructed wetlands for pesticide removal

This laboratory study examined the interactions between an algal species found in wetlands (Selenastrum capricornutum) and two agricultural pesticides (atrazine and lindane). Pesticide additions had a positive effect on the chlorophyll a concentrations of the treatments. The presence of algae decreased the aqueous persistence of both pesticides. It is speculated that the algae either provided sites for pesticide sorption or facilitated pesticide degradation.     

Influence of salinity on eggs,sperm and larvae of low-vertebral herring reproducing in the coastal waters of the Soviet Union

Clupea harengus pallasi deposit their eggs in the coastal zone, which is the most dynamic part of the sea in respect to its regime. Salimity is one of the most variable factors on the spawning grounds. Observations were made in the seas of the European North and Far East, and in experiments where salinities varied from 0 to 70. Study of the influence of salinity on the development of sea herring eggs is of interest for several reasons. Firstly, salinity fluctuation patterns differ in different parts of a given habitat. In each area inhabited, salinity boundaries exist within which eggs can develop normally. Secondly, the levels of limiting salinities on spawning grounds differ noticeably in different seas. Hence, attention was paid to population-specific differences in the responses of eggs to salinity. Finally, detailed knowledge on the responses of sexual cells to low-salinity conditions helps to elucidate the ecological situation in areas with reduced salinity, and the reproductive potential of the population considered. Sexual cells of numerous populations of Pacific herring are capable of fertilization over a wide range of salinities. Fertilizability in low salinities and, partially, also in high salinities, reveals a population specificity. The responses of the eggs ofC. harengus pallasi to reduced salinities differ from those ofC. harengus harengus. Osmotic resistance of eggs to low salinities is considerably higher in the first-mentioned subspecies. Under salinity stress, eggs reveal individual differences which are not seen under optimum conditions of salinity. In all populations studied, responses to salinity change during embryology.     

On the ecology and biology of invasive species Cyclachaena xanthiifolia (Nutt.) Fresen. in the Southern Urals and Cisural region

Ecological and biological characteristics of Cyclachaena xanthiifolia (Nutt.) Fresen., have been studied in four regions of the Southern Urals and Cisural region. Communities including this species have been attributed to association Ivetum xanthiifoliae Fija?kowski 1967 of the class Stellarietea mediae R.Tx., Lohmeyer et Preising 1950. It has been shown that ecological habitat conditions have a significant effect on the majority of morphometric parameters of C. xanthiifolia, accounting for 1.3 to 51.4% of their total variance. Seed production averages 6500 seeds per plant. Extensive dispersal of the species over the Southern Ural region is predicted.     

RUNOFF OF METALS FROM ALUM-TREATED HORSE MANURE AND MUNICIPAL SLUDGE1

ABSTRACT: Land application of organic soil amendments can increase runoff concentrations of metals such as Fe and Zn, metalbids such as B and As, and non-metals such as P and S that have the potential for causing adverse environmental impacts. Aluminum sulfate, or alum (Al₂(SO₄)3*(14H₂O), can reduce concentrations of some materials in runoff from sites treated with organic amendments. The objectives of this study were to (a) quantify concentrations of selected constituents (Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, P, Pb, 5, Se, Ti, and Zn) in runoff from plots treated with horse manure (mixed with stall bedding) and municipal sludge, (b) assess runoff quality effects of alum addition to those treatments, and (c) determine time variations in concentrations of the constituents. Horse manure and municipal sludge were applied to twelve 2.4 by 6.1 m fescue plots (six each for the manure and sludge). Alum was added to three of the manure-treated and three of the sludge-treated plots. Simulated rainfall (64 mm/h) was applied to the 12 treated plots and to three control (no treatment) plots. The first 0.5 h runoff was sampled and analyzed for the constituents described above. Addition of manure or sludge had no effect on runoff concentrations of the majority of constituents. In some cases (e.g., Al, As, Fe, Zn), however, concentrations were near or in excess of threshold values recommended for marine wildlife protection. Alum addition increased runoff of Al, Ca, K, and 5, due likely to its composition and by the addition of lime to counteract the acidity of alum. Concentration decreases of more than 50 percent were noted for P for the horse manure treatment. No alum effect was detected for P in runoff from the sludge-treated plots, possibly due to relatively stable P forms in the sludge. Runoff concentrations of Al, As, Fe, K, Mn, and P followed an approximately first-order decline with respect to time. Runoff concentrations of Ca and 5, however, peaked during the second runoff sample (four minutes following initiation of runoff), suggesting that differences in mobility and/or transport mechanisms exist among the materials investigated.     

Correlation of human olfactory responses to airborne concentrations of malodorous volatile organic compounds emitted from swine effluent

Direct multicomponent analysis of malodorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in ambient air samples from 29 swine (Sus scrofa) production facilities was used to develop a 19-component artificial swine odor solution that simulated olfactory properties of swine effluent. Analyses employing either a human panel consisting of 14 subjects or gas chromatography were performed on the air stream from an emission chamber to assess human olfactory responses or odorant concentration, respectively. Analysis of the olfactory responses using Fisher's LSD statistics showed that the subjects were sensitive to changes in air concentration of the VOC standard across dilutions differing by approximately 16%. The effect of chemical synergisms and antagonisms on human olfactory response magnitudes was assessed by altering the individual concentration of nine compounds in artificial swine odor over a twofold concentration range while maintaining the other 18 components at a constant concentration. A synergistic olfactory response was observed when the air concentration of acetic acid was increased relative to the concentration of other VOC odorants in the standard. An antagonistic olfactory response was observed when the air concentration of 4-ethyl phenol was increased relative to the other VOC odorants in the standard. The collective odorant responses for nine major VOCs associated with swine odor were used to develop an olfactory prediction model to estimate human odor response magnitudes to swine manure odorants through measured air concentrations of indicator VOCs. The results of this study show that direct multicomponent analysis of VOCs emitted from swine effluent can be applied toward estimating perceived odor intensity.