bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of a marine toxin and seafood contaminant metal ions (chromium and cadmium)
Authors: Souid‐Mensi Ghada , Moukha Serge , Maaroufi Khira , Creppy Edmond E.
Published: January 2008

Algal bloom with consequent production of marine toxins contaminating bivalves is increasing in costal regions worldwide because of sea water quality worsening. Contamination of seafood by diarrheic shellfish poisoning toxins (DSP) together with metals is frequently reported, a phenomenon not fully explained yet. In this context, metal ions were assayed in clams collected from the banned area of Boughrara, Tunisia, contaminated by Gymnodinium and other algae such as Dinophysis sp, accumulated by these bivalves. The presence of toxic metals ions such as Chromium (Cr) and Cadmium (Cd) in meat, shells, and water released by the clams prompted us to experiment in Caco‐2 intestinal cell line toxic effects of these heavy metals ions in combination with okadaic acid, one DSP present in clams to assess the potential global toxicity. Cr and Cd produce additive effects in (i) reactive oxygen species production, (ii) cytotoxicity as assessed by the mitochondrial activity testing method (MTT test), and (iii) DNA lesions evaluated by agarose gel electrophoresis and acridine orange staining. Exaggerated DNA fragmentation is observed, suggesting an overloading of repair capacity of Caco‐2 cells. The apoptosis suggested by a DNA fragment sizing (180–200 bp) in agarose gel and mechanisms underlying these additive effects in Caco‐2 cells still need to be more comprehensively explained. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Hepatic metabolism of contaminants in the terapontid fish, yellowtail trumpeter (Amniataba caudavittata Richardson)
Authors: Webb Diane , Gagnon Marthe Monique , Rose Tom
Published: January 2008

The yellowtail trumpeter (Amniataba caudavittata) is an estuarine‐dependent omnivorous fish found in the Swan‐Canning Estuary, Western Australia. Thirty five fish were injected with either the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), the synthetic flavenoid β‐naphthoflavone (BNF), or used as controls. The fish were then sampled at 3 and 7 days postinjection. Induction of the enzyme ethoxyresorufin O‐deethylase (EROD) activity was nonsignificant while ethoxycoumarin O‐deethylase (ECOD) activity induction differed amongst treatments. A high interindividual variability in the EROD activity was observed. The measurement of sorbitol dehydrogenase in the serum (s‐SDH) was elevated (BNF 2.2 times and B[a]P 3.2 times the control fish) demonstrating that liver cell damage had occurred. Increases in biliary metabolites of both B[a]P‐type and pyrene‐type (19 times and 3.4 times the controls respectively) indicated that detoxification of pyrene‐type compounds had taken place. Fish of the Terapontidae family, such as the yellowtail trumpeter, were found to be suitable for biomonitoring the health of the Swan‐Canning Estuary. A combination of ECOD activity, s‐SDH, and the measurement of biliary metabolites represents a suitable suite of biomarkers for environmental monitoring of the sublethal effects of PAH pollution in these fish. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Occurrence of azaarenes in sediments of the Danshuei River, Taiwan—The use of azaarenes as indicator of anthropogenic source to the estuarine system
Authors: Chen Hung‐Yu , Su Chih‐Chieh , Hung Chin‐Chang , Yeh Tzu‐Chi , Shen Ying‐Hung , Tsai Cheng‐Han , Chen Liang‐De , Gong Gwo‐Ching
Published: January 2008

Azaarenes belong to the newly identified classes of anthropogenic pollutants. To our knowledge, this study presents the first result of pollution history of azaarenes and their controlling factors in estuary. To understand the transport mechanisms, surface sediment samples were collected from 18 sites of the Danshuei River during the summer and the winter of 2005. The highest concentrations of azaarene, 21.9 ng g−1 for 2‐ring, 9.89 ng g−1 for 3‐ring, and 9.17 ng g−1 for 4‐ring, were observed in midstream surface sediments near the Shi–Zi–Tou waste water pumping station. Therefore, this waste water pumping station not only provides a good sediment accumulation environment but also discharges small particle size sediments, which contain mass amounts of azaarenes into the Danshuei River. This research also finds highly significant covariations among 3‐ring and 4‐ring azaarenes, which suggests similar source strengths and transport mechanisms for these compounds. Additionally, core samples were collected from two sites of the Danshuei River and analyzed to determine the pollution history. Values found in the core sediments correspond to pollution events in recent history. Contaminant inputs via in situ burning of dumping field and wastewater discharge for the periods of 1975–1985 and 2004–2005, respectively, were two major sources of azaarenes to the Danshuei River. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Patulin influences the expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines by activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T cells through depletion of intracellular glutathione
Authors: Luft Petra , Oostingh Gertie Janneke , Gruijthuijsen Yvonne , Horejs‐Hoeck Jutta , Lehmann Irina , Duschl Albert
Published: January 2008

Patulin is a mold toxin secreted mainly by fungi of the Penicillium species. Exposure generally results from consumption of moldy fruits and fruit products. Since recent studies identified mold exposure as a risk factor for allergic diseases, we examined the effects of patulin on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) prepared from buffy coats of healthy donors. Cells were stimulated with CD3‐ and CD28‐specific antibodies in the presence or absence of patulin. Effects of patulin on PBMCs were evaluated by proliferation, viability assays, and cytokine ELISAs. The presence of 50 ng/mL patulin strongly decreased the amounts of several cytokines in the supernatant of stimulated PBMCs. This decrease in cytokine secretion was not due to cytotoxic effects of patulin. Moreover, the extent of the reduction of cytokine amounts was cytokine specific, affecting some (IL‐4, IL‐13, IFNγ, and IL‐10), but not others (IL‐8, IL‐5). We show that all effects could be abolished by adding thiol containing compounds. A depletion of intracellular GSH could be measured after incubation of cells with patulin. Taken together, our data indicate that patulin modulates the functional activation of PBMCs with respect to proliferation and cytokine secretion patterns by depletion of intracellular GSH. The depletion of intracellular glutathione may influence the balance between Th1 and Th2 cells and have implications for allergic diseases. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Evaluation of in vitro biotransformation of propranolol with HPLC, MS/MS, and two bioassays
Authors: Nałęcz‐Jawecki Grzegorz , Wójcik Tomasz , Sawicki Józef
Published: January 2008

The majority of human drugs enter aquatic systems after ingestion and subsequent excretion in the form of parent compounds and metabolites. Environmental exposure to drug metabolites has not been reported so far. The goal of the present study was to apply the in vitro method of biotransformation of compounds with S9 fraction to the ecotoxicological analysis. β‐adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol was metabolized with S9 rat liver fraction. The parent compound was quantified with HPLC, and the metabolites were identified with QToF MS. Propranolol was metabolized rapidly, during the first hour its level decreased by 80 and 50% of the initial 20 and 100 mg L−1, respectively. Ten peaks were observed on the HPLC‐RF chromatogram. Four peaks were identified with QToF MS/MS propranolol (m/z = 260), N‐desisopropylpropranolol (m/z = 218), hydroxypropranolol (m/z = 276), and hydroxy N‐desisopropranolol glycol (m/z = 235). Then the ecotoxicity of the reaction mixture was studied with two bioassays Spirotox with the protozoan Spirostomum ambiguum and Thamnotoxkit F™ with the anostracean crustacean Thamnocephalus platyurus. Propranolol is twofolds more toxic to Spirotox than to Thamnotoxkit F with 24 h‐EC50 = 1.77 mg L−1 and 24 h‐LC50 = 3.86 mg L−1, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the toxicity of the reaction mixtures after S9 biotransformation and the propranolol solution. These results indicate that the biological activity of the metabolites is similar to that of the parent drug. The presented method of in vitro biotransformation of drugs with S9 fraction followed by HPLC and ecotoxicity tests, may be used as screening method for evaluation of the toxicity of drug metabolites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
An examination of the antibiotic effects of cylindrospermopsin on common gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria and the protozoan Naegleria lovaniensis
Authors: Rasmussen J. Paul , Cursaro Michael , Froscio Suzanne M. , Saint Christopher P.
Published: January 2008

The importance of the toxin cylindrospermopsin to the function and fitness of the cyanobacteria that produce it remains a matter of conjecture. Given that the structure of cylindrospermopsin has commonalities with other antibacterial protein synthesis inhibitors, such as streptomycin, authors tested the possibility that the toxin might act as an antibacterial compound that can kill competing microbes. Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were tested by the minimal inhibitory concentration method and significant antibacterial activity was only observed at a cylindrospermopsin concentration of 300 μg mL−1 after exposure for 5 days. No effect on log phase growth of E. coli was observed for this same toxin concentration. Protein synthesis was inhibited by cylindrospermopsin in E. coli 70S extracts, reduced by 25% compared with controls when treated with 41.5 μg mL−1 of the toxin; however, a much greater reduction of 97% was observed for chloramphenicol in the same experiment. Naegleria lovaniensis, a phagotrophic protozoan, was more susceptible to cylindrospermopsin, with a decrease in the number of N. lovaniensis plaques after 24‐h treatment with 5–50 μg mL−1 of toxin and an LC50 of ∼60 μg mL−1. Given these results, cylindrospermopsin is clearly not antibacterial at concentrations found in environmental waters, nor will it adversely affect N. lovaniensis at these concentrations. For organisms that are able to ingest cylindrospermopsin‐producing cells, the response of N. lovaniensis to the toxin suggests that only a few ingested cells would be enough to kill predatory organisms with similar susceptibility. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Cell‐cycle protein modifications in the kidney of Mus spretus from Doñana National Park
Authors: Leoni Silvia , Torrice Alessia , Chiuchiarelli Giorgia , Bruscalupi Giovannella , Cristaldi Mauro
Published: January 2008

On April 1998 a tailing dam of the Aznalcollar pyrite mine partially collapsed and released to the Guadiamar river acidic water and mud containing toxic metals threatening the Doñana National Park, a Spanish wildlife reserve located near the estuary of Guadalquivir river. To assess the possible biological effects on terrestrial ecosystems, biochemical markers were assayed in the kidneys of Algerian mice (Mus spretus) collected in several areas of Doñana and Guadiamar river. Biomarkers assayed are proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, in particular cyclins and their associated kinases, and some cell cycle inhibitors. Moreover Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK), a signal transduction system involved in cell division, p53, a protein involved in growth arrest after DNA damage, and HSP70, an early stress‐induced protein, were assayed. The kidneys of animals collected one year after the ecological disaster had increased levels of PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), indicating an increased number of cells in the S phase of cell cycle. This shift of cells from G0 to S phase is due to increased levels of cyclins D1, E, and A, to decreased levels of p21 and p27 cdk inhibitors, and to activation of MAPK cascade. On the other hand, p53 and HSP70 levels are not changed. These data demonstrate that the presence of toxic metals after ecological disaster provoked the induction of kidney cell proliferation interpretable as a compensatory cell growth after tissue damage and apoptosis, and that could lead to the genomic instability characteristic of cancer cell. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Geostatistical conditional simulation for the assessment of contaminated land by abandoned heavy metal mining
Authors: Ersoy Adem , Yunsel Tayfun Yusuf , Atici Ümit
Published: January 2008

Abandoned mine workings can undoubtedly cause varying degrees of contamination of soil with heavy metals such as lead and zinc has occurred on a global scale. Exposure to these elements may cause to harm human health and environment. In the study, a total of 269 soil samples were collected at 1, 5, and 10 m regular grid intervals of 100 × 100 m area of Carsington Pasture in the UK. Cell declustering technique was applied to the data set due to no statistical representativity. Directional experimental semivariograms of the elements for the transformed data showed that both geometric and zonal anisotropy exists in the data. The most evident spatial dependence structure of the continuity for the directional experimental semivariogram, characterized by spherical and exponential models of Pb and Zn were obtained. This study reports the spatial distribution and uncertainty of Pb and Zn concentrations in soil at the study site using a probabilistic approach. The approach was based on geostatistical sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS), which is used to yield a series of conditional images characterized by equally probable spatial distributions of the heavy elements concentrations across the area. Postprocessing of many simulations allowed the mapping of contaminated and uncontaminated areas, and provided a model for the uncertainty in the spatial distribution of element concentrations. Maps of the simulated Pb and Zn concentrations revealed the extent and severity of contamination. SGS was validated by statistics, histogram, variogram reproduction, and simulation errors. The maps of the elements might be used in the remediation studies, help decision‐makers and others involved in the abandoned heavy metal mining site in the world. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Effects of the statin antihyperlipidemic agent simvastatin on grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio
Authors: Key Peter B. , Hoguet Jennifer , Reed Lou Ann , Chung Katy W. , Fulton Michael H.
Published: January 2008

This study investigated lethal effects (i.e., survival) and sublethal effects (glutathione, GSH; lipid peroxidation, LPx; cholesterol, CHL; and acetylcholinesterase, AChE) of the antihyperlipidemic drug simvastatin on larval and adult grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio). The 96‐h LC50 test for larvae resulted in an estimated LC50 of 1.18 mg/L (95% confidence interval 0.98–1.42 mg/L). The adult 96‐h LC50 was >10.0 mg/L. GSH and AChE levels for both the larvae and the adults were not significantly affected by simvastatin exposure. LPx levels in the larvae were significantly higher than controls in the lowest and the highest simvastatin exposures. In adult grass shrimp, LPx levels were highest in the three lowest simvastatin exposures. CHL levels were significantly reduced in larvae at the highest simvastatin exposure level of 1 mg/L while adult CHL was not affected. Both lethal and sublethal effects associated with simvastatin exposure were only observed at concentrations well above those reported in the environment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Ym1 and Ym2 expression in a mouse model exposed to diesel exhaust particles
Authors: Song Hyun‐Mi , Jang An‐Soo , Ahn Mi‐Hyun , Takizawa Hajime , Lee Shin‐Hwa , Kwon Ji‐Hee , Lee Young‐Mok , Rhim TaiYoun , Park Choon‐Sik
Published: January 2008

Background: Chitinase may play a role in regulating allergic diseases. Objective: We studied the role of chitinase in a mouse model exposed to diesel exhaust particles (DEP). Mice were exposed to intranasal DEP (0.6 mg/mL) for 5 days and challenged with aerosolized DEP (6 mg/m3) on days 6–8. Enhanced pause (Penh), as an airway obstruction marker, was measured on day 9, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissues were collected on day 10. The expression of Ym1 and Ym2 mRNA was assessed in lung tissue extracts by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Results: DEP induced significant increases in methacholine‐induced Penh and IL‐4 levels in BAL fluid relative to the control group. Peribronchial and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates were prominent in the DEP group. DEP induced Ym1 and Ym2 mRNA expression in lung tissue extracts relative to the control group. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that DEP induced airway hyperresponsiveness and Ym mRNA expression via a Th2 cell‐biased response, suggesting that chitinase may play an important role in airway inflammation and responsiveness upon exposure to DEP in a mouse model, and may therefore be involved in regulating allergic diseases. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Combined repeated dose and reproductive/developmental toxicity screening test of the nitrophenolic herbicide dinoseb, 2‐sec‐butyl‐4,6‐dinitrophenol, in rats
Authors: Matsumoto Mariko , Furuhashi Tadakazu , Poncipe Carlo , Ema Makoto
Published: January 2008

In a combined repeated dose toxicity study with reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test, Crj:CD(SD)IGS rats were dosed with dinoseb, 2‐sec‐butyl‐4,6‐dinitrophenol, by gavage at 0 (vehicle), 0.78, 2.33, or 7.0 mg/kg bw/day. Six males per group were dosed for a total of 42 days beginning 14 days before mating. Twelve females per group were dosed for a total of 44–48 days beginning 14 days before mating to day 6 of lactation throughout the mating and gestation period. Recovery groups of six males per group and nonpregnant six females per group were dosed for 42 days followed by a 14‐day recovery period. No deaths were observed in males of any dose group or in females of the recovery groups. At 7.0 mg/kg bw/day, eight females died and two animals were moribund during late pregnancy, and a significant decrease in body weight gain was found in both sexes. Hematocrit was significantly higher at 0.78 mg/kg bw/day and above in the main group males at the end of administration period. Reduction in extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen was significant at 2.33 mg/kg bw/day in the main group females. Sperm analysis revealed a decrease in sperm motility and an increase in the rates of abnormal sperm, abnormal tail, and abnormal head at 7.0 mg/kg bw/day. A number of dams delivered their pups and of dams with live pups at delivery was significantly lowered in the 7.0 mg/kg bw/day group. Based on these findings, the LOAEL for males and NOAEL for females were 0.78 mg/kg bw/day, and the NOAEL for reproductive/developmental toxicity was considered to be 2.33 mg/kg bw/day. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Differences of Cu accumulation and Cu‐induced ATPase activity in roots of two populations of Elsholtzia haichowensis Sun
Authors: Ke Wenshan , Xiong Zhiting , Chen Shijian , Wang Zhenghe
Published: January 2008

Two populations of Elsholtzia haichowensis, which are from an uncontaminated site (Hong'an) and a Cu mine site (Tonglushan) in Hubei province, China, were studied for ATPase activities and Cu accumulation of roots under hydroponic conditions. The root tolerance indices were markedly higher in Tonglushan population than in Hong'an population under Cu stress conditions. The root Cu concentration in Tonglushan population was significantly lower than that in Hong'an population in all Cu treatments. The Cu‐stimulated ATPase activity increased significantly under 1 μM Cu, reached a peak at 5 μM Cu and then, began to decrease. However, no significant change of ATPase activity was observed in Hong'an population except for an obvious decrease in 80 μM Cu treatment. These results showed that Cu‐ATPase might exist in the root plasma membrane of Tonglushan population and play a possible role in resistance to copper. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Detoxification and antioxidant responses in diverse organs of Jenynsia multidentata experimentally exposed to 1,2‐ and 1,4‐dichlorobenzene
Authors: Monferran Magdalena V. , Pesce Silvia F. , Cazenave Jimena , Wunderlin Daniel A.
Published: January 2008

We report changes in activities of detoxification and antioxidant enzymes as well as lipid peroxidation levels in liver, gills, and brain of Jenynsia multidentata exposed to 1,2‐ and 1,4‐dichlorobenzene (DCB). Fish were captured at an unpolluted area, transported to the laboratory, and acclimated previous to experiments. Exposures were carried out using 1,2‐DCB at 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 mg L−1 and 1,4‐DCB at 0.05, 0.1, 1, and 5 mg L−1. After 24‐h exposure, fish were sacrificed and dissected separating liver, gills, and brain of each fish. Organs were used for enzyme extractions, evaluating antioxidant system through the assay of glutathione reductase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase as well as detoxification system by measuring glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activity. Additionally, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) method was used to evaluate the peroxidation of lipids. No changes in GST activity were found in liver of fish exposed to DCBs but in gills and brain of exposed fish. The detoxification system was activated at lower concentrations of 1,2‐DCB than 1,4‐DCB. Antioxidant response is activated in liver at low DCB concentrations, followed by a drop at highest levels. We also found activation of the antioxidant system in gills and brain of exposed fish. On the other hand, we did not observe changes in TBARS concentrations in liver or gills of exposed fish with respect to controls, but in brain of fish exposed to 1,2‐DCB (≥0.5 mg L−1) and 1,4‐DCB (5 mg L−1). Responses of both detoxification and antioxidant systems of J. multidentata suggest that 1,2‐DCB is more toxic than 1,4‐DCB to this specie. To the extent of our knowledge, this is the first report of oxidative stress induced by DCBs in fish. Our results evidence that the brain is the organ most severely affected by the oxidative stress caused by DCBs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Multigeneration assessment of nonylphenol and endosulfan using a model Australian freshwater fish, Melanotaenia fluviatilis
Authors: Holdway Douglas A. , Hefferman Jenelle , Smith Anna
Published: January 2008

Changes over two generations in offspring and reproductive ability were recorded in crimson‐spotted rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis), a model Australasian freshwater fish, following a 24 h exposure to nominal nonylphenol concentrations of 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2250, and 5000 μg/L and following a 4 h exposure to nominal endosulfan concentrations of 1.0, 5.0, 10, 22, 33, and 50 μg/L. There were also four replicated control treatments: control 1 and 2 and solvent control 1 and 2, as well as “positive” female and male controls: 1 μg/L estradiol 1 and 2 and 1 μg/L testosterone 1 and 2. Results suggested that there may be some parental transfer of toxicants to embryos even over this short exposure period. Fertility of M. fluviatilis was reduced by a 24 h pulse exposure of adults to 100 μg/L nonylphenol and a 4 h exposure to 1.0 μg/L endosulfan. Hatch rates were significantly reduced after exposure to nonylphenol, endosulfan, and estradiol control but not in solvent controls and testosterone control. Significant correlations were found between reproductive and physiological parameters for nonylphenol and endosulfan exposed F0 adult rainbowfish. The major reproductive effects were on hatchability of the F1 generation and the gonadosomatic indices of male F1. The respective nominal NOEC and LOEC's for nonylphenol were 50 and 100 μg/L, and for endosulfan were <1.0 and 1 μg/L. These observed effects have the potential to significantly impact exposed rainbowfish populations through the observed ∼45% reduction of hatchability and thus larval production. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Bioaccumulation and oxidative stress in submerged macrophyte Ceratophyllum demersum L. upon exposure to pyrene
Authors: Yin Ying , Wang Xiaorong , Sun Yuanyuan , Guo Hongyan , Yin Daqiang
Published: January 2008

Laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate pyrene bioaccumulation and its consequent biological responses in submerged macrophyte Ceratophyllum demersum. Plants were exposed to different levels (0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.07, 0.1 mg/L) of pyrene for 10 days, and the pyrene content, and total free radicals in plant were analyzed. The pyrene concentration in plant was highly correlated to exposure concentration (R2 = 0.990). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis revealed that pyrene exposure significantly increased total free radicals in the plants. A strong positive correlation (R2 = 0.956) between O generation and pyrene contents implied that pyrene exposure induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and led to oxidative stress in C. demersum. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and the contents of glutathione were determined. Change in the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) was also studied. Results indicated that the bioaccumulation of pyrene resulted in the changes of the antioxidant defense system and the production of ROS with the oxidative stress, ultimately induced damnification in C. demersum. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Effect of irrigation with lake water containing microcystins on microcystin content and growth of ryegrass, clover, rape, and lettuce
Authors: Crush J. R. , Briggs L. R. , Sprosen J. M. , Nichols S. N.
Published: January 2008

The effect of irrigation with lake water containing a variety of microcystins on accumulation of toxins, or toxin metabolites, and plant growth in ryegrass, clover, rape, and lettuce, was investigated in a glasshouse experiment. The plants were grown in sand culture and received either three or six applications of lake water, which was applied either directly to the sand surface or to the plant shoots. As determined by LC–MS, each plant received 170 μg of a mixture of 10 different microcystins per application. Microcystins in plant samples were extracted with 70% methanol and analyzed by Adda‐specific ELISA. For the shoot application treatment, microcystins were not present at measurable levels in shoots of ryegrass or rape, but were present in lettuce [0.79 mg/kg dry weight (DW)] and clover (0.20 mg/kg DW). Total microcystin concentration in roots did not vary greatly depending on whether treatment water was applied directly to the sand, or reached the roots via run‐off from the shoots. Microcystins in roots were highest in clover (1.45 mg/kg DW), intermediate in lettuce (0.68 mg/kg DW) and low in ryegrass (0.20 mg/kg DW), and rape (0.12 mg/kg DW). There was no evidence for root‐to‐shoot translocation of microcystins. Three applications of microcystins reduced shoot DW of ryegrass, rape and lettuce, and increased root DW of ryegrass and lettuce. Clover DW was not changed by treatment with microcystins. The results show that irrigation with water containing microcystins has the potential to move microcystins into farm animal and human food chains at concentrations that can exceed recommended tolerable limits. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Toxic effects of carbendazim and n‐butyl isocyanate, metabolites of the fungicide benomyl, on early development in the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis
Authors: Yoon Chun‐Sik , Jin Jung‐Hyo , Park Joo‐Hung , Yeo Chang‐Yeol , Kim Song‐Ja , Hwang Yong‐Gi , Hong Sung‐Jin , Cheong Seon‐Woo
Published: January 2008

We investigated the toxic effects of carbendazim and n‐butyl isocyanate (BIC), metabolites of the fungicide benomyl, on development in the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. To test the toxic effects, frog embryo teratogenesis assays using Xenopus were performed. Embryos were exposed to various concentrations of carbendazim (0–7 μM) and BIC (0–0.2 μM). LC100 for carbendazim and BIC were 7 and 0.2 μM, respectively, and the corresponding LC50, determined by probit analysis, were 5.606 and 0.135 μM. Exposure to carbendazim concentrations ≥3 μM and BIC concentrations ≥0.1 μM resulted in 10 different types of severe external malformation. Histological examinations revealed dysplasia of the brain, eyes, intestine, and somatic muscle, and swelling of the pronephric ducts. These phenomena were common in both test groups. The tissue‐specific toxic effects were investigated with an animal cap assay. Neural tissues are normally induced at a high frequency by activin A, however, the induction of neural tissues was strongly inhibited by the addition of carbendazim. Conversely, the addition of BIC resulted in weak inhibition of neural tissues. Electron micrographs of animal cap explants revealed degeneration of cell junctions in the carbendazim‐treated group, but not in the BIC‐treated group. Numerous residual yolk platelets and mitochondrial degeneration were commonly observed in both test groups. The gene expression of cultivated animal cap explants was investigated by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and revealed that expression of the neural‐specific marker neural cell adhesion molecule was more strongly inhibited in the carbendazim‐treated group than in the BIC‐treated group. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Assessing drinking water treatment systems for safety against cyanotoxin breakthrough using maximum tolerable values
Authors: Schmidt Wido , Bornmann Katrin , Imhof Lutz , Mankiewicz Joanna , Izydorczyk Katarzyna
Published: January 2008

For assessing the safety of drinking water supplies suffering cyanobacterial blooms in their water source, a methodology is proposed which relates the performance of their current treatment train to the quality of the raw water. The approach considers that different treatment trains can remove algal toxins with different efficiency. Maximum Tolerable (MT‐) values of the raw water expressed by cell counts or by biovolumes of cyanobacteria were calculated. Three MT‐categories were identified by colours; high risk (red), moderate risk (yellow) and no risk (green). Two treatment facilities using a conventional (1) and polishing train (2) were assessed using this methodology. For most of the time during an algal bloom the water quality could be classified as yellow which means short term higher toxin levels in comparison to the guide line in clear water were found. However, the red classification, indicating a high risk for drinking water quality was never reached. The model proposed can be understood as supplement of the common alert level framework, ALF‐concept (Chorus and Bartram, Situation Assessment, Planning and Management. London and New York: E & FN Spon. 1999; House et al., Management Strategies for Toxic Blue Green Algae: Literature Review. Australia: CRC for Water Quality and Treatment. 2004). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Effects of 4‐nonylphenol on the endocrine system of the shore crab, Carcinus maenas
Authors: Lye Christina M. , Bentley Matthew G. , Galloway Tamara
Published: January 2008

There is a considerable body of evidence to suggest that many anthropogenic chemicals, most notably xeno‐estrogens, are able to disrupt the endocrine system of vertebrates. There have been few comparable studies on the effects of exposure to these chemicals that may serve as biomarkers of endocrine disruption in aquatic invertebrate species. In addition, the evidence available is complex, conflicting, and far from conclusive. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of the xeno‐estrogen 4‐nonylphenol (4‐NP, nominal concentrations 10–100 μg L−1) on the regulation and functioning of the endocrine system of the shore crab Carcinus maenas. It also set out to establish whether 4‐NP are causing the effects (i.e., changes of exoskeletons including secondary sexual characteristics, pheromonally mediated behavior and ecdysone levels, and the presence of vt in the male hepatopancreas) found recently in wild shore crabs (Lye et al.,2005). The study utilizes morphological (e.g., gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices) and hormonal (ecdysteroid moulting hormone levels and the induction of female specific proteins, vitellins) biomarkers using radioimmunoassay and an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay applied to the soluble protein fraction of adult male hepatopancreatic homogenates. Exposure of C. maenas to an effective concentration as low as 1.5 μg L−1 4‐NP resulted in a reduced testis weight, increased liver weight, and altered levels of ecdysone equivalents compared to controls. Induction of vitellin‐like proteins was absent in all samples tested. The ecological implications and the possible mechanisms for the action of 4‐NP on the response of the shore crab to xeno‐estrogen exposure are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Toxicity of copper and cadmium in combinations to duckweed analyzed by the biotic ligand model
Authors: Hatano Ayumi , Shoji Ryo
Published: January 2008

The biotic ligand model (BLM) of acute toxicity to aquatic organisms is based on the concept that metals binding onto biotic ligand may cause toxic effect on the organism. The BLM can take into incorporation between metal speciation and the protective effects of competing cations account. The demonstrated BLM can provide a good estimation of the amount of single metal effect under various conditions such as pH, coexistence of other non toxic cations. However, toxic metals are often found as mixture in nature. This study estimated combined toxicity of Cu and Cd examined by growth inhibition of Duckweed (Lemna paucicostata) by using single toxicity data as toxic unit (TU) derived by three types of model, BLM and two conventional models, free ion activity model (FIAM), and total metal concentration model. According to our results, single toxicity data derived by the BLM can estimate combined toxicity described as a function of TU. Particularly under the high level of heavy metals stress, BLM clearly predicted toxicity of heavy metals compared with other two models. According to numeric correlation (R2, root mean square error), the order is BLM (R = 0.83, RMSE = 13.5) > total metal concentration model (R = 0.41, RMSE = 24.9) > FIAM (R = 0.36, RMSE = 26.1). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Effects of bisphenol A on the embryonic development of sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus)
Authors: Özlem Çakal Arslan , Hatice Parlak
Published: January 2008

Bisphenol A (BPA), is one of the most important industrial chemicals synthesized for diverse applications. In this study, tests for embryotoxic and spermiotoxic effects of BPA were utilized in the sperms and embryos of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. The sperm and eggs of sea urchins were exposed to increasing concentrations of BPA (300–3500 μg/L) under static conditions. The endpoints were successful sperm fertilization, larval malformations, developmental arrest, and embryonic/larval mortality. BPA concentration (300 μg/L) had spermiotoxic and embryotoxic effects on this species. A dose–response related reduction was observed in fertilization success and significant increases in the number of larvae with skeleton malformations at the pluteus stage when the sperms were exposed BPA. The embryotoxicity of BPA is concentration‐dependent and significant growth reduction at the early life stages and an increase in larval malformations as skeleton deformities at the pluteus stage were observed. It can be concluded that BPA adversely affects the reproduction and embryonic developmental stages of the P. lividus and this is of great ecological importance due to the hazard at the population level. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Transcriptional responses of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, HSP70 and Na+/K+‐ATPase in the liver of rabbitfish (Siganus oramin) intracoelomically injected with amnesic shellfish poisoning toxin
Authors: Wang Lin , Liang Xu‐Fang , Huang Yan , Li Shi‐Ying , Ip Kok‐Chao
Published: January 2008

Amnesic shellfish poisoning toxin domoic acid (DA) is a marine neurotoxin that accumulates in fish and shellfish, and has been implicated to be involved in human and marine wildlife mortality. The transcriptional responses of cytochrome P‐450 1A (CYP1A), glutathione S‐transferase alpha (GSTA), glutathione S‐transferase rho (GSTR), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and Na+/K+‐ATPase alpha 1 (ATP1A1) in the liver of rabbitfish (Siganus oramin) intracoelomically injected with DA, were investigated. Experimental fish were administered with one injection of DA (2 μg/g wet weight) or PBS as control. After 24 h, fish were killed and hepatic RNA was isolated. Partial cDNA of rabbitfish CYP1A, GSTA, GSTR, HSP70, ATP1A1, and β‐actin were obtained by PCR using degenerate primers. Using β‐actin as an external control, the relative liver CYP1A, GSTA, GSTR, HSP70, and ATP1A1 mRNA abundance of rabbitfish were determined by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR within the exponential phase. The ratio CYP1A/β‐actin mRNA (%) of exposure group was determined to be 148.92 ± 12.69, whereas the ratio of control group was 82.3 ± 8.35, indicating that CYP1A was induced significantly in rabbitfish following DA exposure (P < 0.05). Although the expressions of GSTA, HSP70, and ATP1A1 tended to increase and GSTR tended to decrease, no significant changes were found (P > 0.05). The induction of hepatic CYP1A in response to DA suggests a potential role for fish phase I xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme in DA metabolism. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Differential growth of the freshwater mussel, Lamellidens marginalis in relation to certain drugs
Authors: Mishra Sarmistha , Mishra Rajani Kanta , Sahu Bijaya Kumar , Nayak Lakhman , Senga Yasuhiro
Published: January 2008

The survival and growth rate of the Indian freshwater mussel, Lamellidens marginalis, (Lamarck) was ascertained in cultivation by using certain drugs in CIFA, fish farm, BBSR (India) during June 1998 to February 1999.Two sets of experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of drugs like Betamethasone, Calcium, Azathioprine, Stanazolol, and Folic acid. Chloramphenicol was added with each treatment as prophylaxis to prevent the bacterial growth. In the first set, the inactiveness and mortality of the mussels in different drugs were studied through two different dosages and in subsequent tests the fixation of dosage was employed. The study in the second set was regarding the survival, increment of shell length, its thickness, and wet weight in response to different drugs therapy. The drugs were administered parenterally in “fixed dosage” at a regular interval of 21–23 days. The survival rate was good with Betamethasone and Azathioprine that is 75%, whereas it was 16.66% in Folic acid treatment. But the mussels originating from the control site had the significant survival rate though the growth rate was average. Calcium treatment had shown a marked increment of shell thickness and luster. The culture was lasted for 160 days. The wet weight gain of mussels in all the treatments were significant, p < 0.0001 whereas increment of shell thickness was significant only in treatment B (Calcium) and treatment D (Azathioprine), p < 0.0001 but with regard to the increment of length of mussel, treatment E (Stanazolol) was not significant, p > 0.05. The regression analysis was adopted to find out the coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.90, being the best) from the relationship between length and weight of mussels and to establish the LWR equation with condition factor k = W/Lb. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
In vitro nephrotoxicity induced by propanil
Authors: Rankin Gary O. , Racine Christopher , Sweeney Adam , Kraynie Alyssa , Anestis Dianne K. , Barnett John B.
Published: January 2008

Propanil is a postemergence herbicide used primarily in rice and wheat production in the United States. The reported toxicities for propanil exposure include methemoglobinemia, immunotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. A major metabolite of propanil, 3,4‐dichloroaniline (3,4‐DCA), has been shown to be a nephrotoxicant in vivo and in vitro, but the nephrotoxic potential of propanil has not been examined in detail. The purpose of this study was to determine the nephrotoxic potential of propanil using an in vitro kidney model, determine whether in vitro propanil nephrotoxicity is due to metabolites arising from propanil hydrolysis, and examine mechanistic aspects of propanil nephrotoxicity in vitro. Propanil, 3,4‐DCA, propionic acid (0.1–5.0 mM), or vehicle was incubated for 15–120 min with isolated renal cortical cells (IRCC; ∼4 million cells/mL) obtained from untreated male Fischer 344 rats. Cytotoxicity was determined by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release from IRCC. In 120‐min incubations, propanil induced cytotoxicity at concentrations >0.5 mM. At 1.0 mM, propanil induced cytotoxicity following 60‐ or 120‐min exposure. Cytotoxicity was observed with 3,4‐DCA (2.0 mM) at 60 and 120 min, while propionic acid (5.0 mM) induced cytotoxicity at 60 min. In IRCC pretreated with an antioxidant, cytochrome P450(CYP) inhibitor, flavin adenine dinucleotide monooxygenase activity modulator, or cyclooxygenase inhibitor before propanil exposure (1.0 mM; 120 min), only piperonyl butoxide (0.1 mM), a CYP inhibitor, pretreatment decreased propanil cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate that propanil is an in vitro nephrotoxicant in IRCC. Propanil nephrotoxicity is not primarily due to metabolites resulting from hydrolysis of propanil, but a metabolite resulting from propanil oxidation may contribute to propanil cytotoxicity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Effect of Cu stress on the invertase activity and root growth in two populations of Rumex dentatus L. with different Cu tolerance
Authors: Huang Yu , Xiong Zhi‐Ting , Dai Ling‐Peng , Gao Jing‐Qing
Published: January 2008

There has been no study on key enzymes in sucrose cleavage in metallophyte plants so far, which may be crucial for the plants' root growth and heavy metal tolerance maintenance. Acid invertases are rate‐limiting enzymes in sucrose metabolism. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the roots of copper‐tolerant plants should manifest a higher activity of acid invertases than nontolerant plants both for supporting growth and for their maintaining tolerance under Cu stress. Two populations of Rumex dentatus L., one from an ancient waste heap at a Cu mine (Cu‐tolerant population), and the other from a noncontaminated site (Cu nontolerant population), were used in the experiments. The seedlings of Rumex dentatus L. were exposed to 0, 10, and 40 μM CuCl2 for 14 days. Cu exposure had a stronger inhibition on root growth and thus resulted in a lower root/shoot ratio in the plants of nontolerant population compared with the Cu‐tolerant population. Cu exposure showed a stronger inhibition of acid invertase activity of Cu nontolerant plants than Cu tolerant plants, whereas neutral/alkaline invertase was insensitive to Cu. A positive correlation between the activity of acid invertases and the root growth and root/shoot ratio was observed. The results suggested that the higher activities in acid invertases of Cu‐tolerant population might at least partly associate with the plants' Cu tolerance, and their higher activities in acid invertases in turn played an role in maintenance of the Cu tolerance by supplying carbon and energy for tolerance mechanisms. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Determination of lead in samples of zooplankton, water, and sediments in a Mexican reservoir: Evidence for lead biomagnification in lower/intermediate trophic levels?
Authors: Rubio‐Franchini Isidoro , Mejía Saavedra Jesús , Rico‐Martínez Roberto
Published: January 2008

We have determined lead concentration of water, sediment, and zooplankton samples of El Niágara, a reservoir in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Our results include the first report of bioconcentration factor (BCF) obtained in an actual ecosystem (as opposed to the experimental setups in the laboratory) for a rotifer species; Asplanchna brigthwellii (BCF ca. 49 300). The BCF of this predatory zooplanktonic species (A. brigthwellii) are up to four times greater than those of two grazing zooplanktonic species (Daphnia similis and Moina micrura). In this contaminated reservoir that lacks fishes, Asplanchna, and Culex sp. together with ducks and other bigger invertebrates might represent the top predators. Our data suggest that biomagnification of lead through at least one trophic level can occur in freshwater systems. Biomagnification in A. brigthwellii might be explained in part by predation of this voracious predator on young of the herbivorous cladoceran, M. micrura. Our findings stand opposite to the current theoretical framework where lead biomagnification occurs only in lower trophic levels. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Ecotoxicological assessment of industrial wastewaters in Trancão River Basin (Portugal)
Authors: Picado Ana , Mendonça Elsa , Silva Luís , Paixão Susana M. , Brito Fátima , Cunha Maria Ana , Leitão Sara , Moura Isabel , Hernan Robert
Published: January 2008

It is important to assess the toxicity of complex effluents, since chemical evaluation alone is insufficient to protect the environment. Direct Toxicity Assessment is valuable in the decision process regarding the final disposal of complex wastewaters as it measures the total effects of the discharge, because of its known and unknown chemicals, additionally having some degree of ecological relevance. In Portugal, ecotoxicity tests are not used on a regular basis to control wastewaters. So, an integrated ecotoxicological, physical, and chemical study of wastewaters from 17 industries, in the Trancão River Basin, was carried out viewing proposing a test battery to be used in wastewater evaluation. An approach which does not include an ecotoxicological characterization may not properly evaluate the potential risks of effluent discharges, especially when they are complex. From the study carried out the use of a battery of assays to apply in the monitoring of complex wastewaters was proposed, including Microtox test, Daphnia test, and an algal test. Moreover, the added value of the ecotoxicological assessment of industrial wastewaters was demonstrated and could support the implementation of EU Directives (e.g. IPPC, WFD) within the Portuguese situation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
No acute toxicity to Uca pugnax, the mud fiddler crab, following a 96‐h exposure to sediment‐bound permethrin
Authors: Stueckle Todd A. , Griffin Kristin , Foran Christy M.
Published: January 2008

In coastal areas, the application of pyrethroid insecticides and the resulting sediment residues pose a potential threat to marine benthic ecosystems. Pyrethroids cause acute toxicity and exhibit a wide range of sublethal effects on fish and crustaceans when exposure is aqueous. Fiddler crabs that inhabit salt marsh sediment are sensitive to sediment‐associated pollutants and serve as a sentinel species for xenobiotic exposure. We exposed adult U. pugnax to salt marsh sediment spiked with different 60% trans/40% cis permethrin concentrations for 96 h, and evaluated changes in oxygen consumption rate, hemolymph osmolarity, and glutathione S‐transferase activity (GST) following exposure. Marsh sediment was not lethal to U. pugnax at permethrin concentrations of 100–10,000 μg/kg. Sediment‐bound permethrin had no significant effect on respiration and osmoregulation. Exposure caused an induction of hepatopancreas GST in a dose‐dependent manner. Gill and midgut tissues showed induction at permethrin concentrations at 10,000 μg/kg. We conclude that short term exposure to permethrin‐contaminated sediment does not pose a significant threat to this species or impact respiration and osmoregulation. Furthermore, increased GST activity allows us to evaluate this enzyme's induction as a generalist biomarker for sediment‐bound pyrethroid exposures. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.