China has a huge population with relatively poor freshwater resources.With the development of industry and the explosion of its urban population,a great deal of industrial waste water containing various chemicals and ...China has a huge population with relatively poor freshwater resources.With the development of industry and the explosion of its urban population,a great deal of industrial waste water containing various chemicals and untreated urban sewage has been discharged into rivers and lakes and caused severe contamination of many freshwater resources.The deterioration of the aquatic environment has affected the quality of drinking water, fishery and agricultural irrigation.It is estimated that by the 21st century,there will be a shortage of freshwater resources,which arc indispensable to human life, and the future shortage of freshwater展开更多
Acetochlor and methamidophos are two important agrochemicals which are widely applied to agricultural production in northeast China. The investigation on the earthworm Eisenia fetida as an important type of soil anima...Acetochlor and methamidophos are two important agrochemicals which are widely applied to agricultural production in northeast China. The investigation on the earthworm Eisenia fetida as an important type of soil animals exposed to single and binary-combined contamination of acetochlor and methamidophos was thus carried out. The single toxic effect test showed that the two agrochemicals had their toxicity to the earthworms living in phaiozem. Acetochlor had a stronger acute toxic effect on the earthworms than methamidophos. The mortality of the earthworms exposed to individual acetochlor and methamidophos changed with an increase in the exposure time and the exposed concentrations. The LD50 value of acetochlor and methamidophos toxic to the earthworms was 115.6-275,3 and 29.5-228.6 mg/kg, respectively. The weight of the earthworms was a more sensitive index compared to the mortality in indicating toxic effects of acetochlor and methamidophos in phaiozem. When considering both the mortality and the body-weight change, the combined pollution of acetochlor and methamidophos in phaiozem resulted in their synergic toxic effects on the earthworms.展开更多
In order to evaluate ecological risk of agrochemicals in agricultural environment, single and joint toxic effects of an important herbicide and a typical heavy metal on root elongation of crops were investigated. Seed...In order to evaluate ecological risk of agrochemicals in agricultural environment, single and joint toxic effects of an important herbicide and a typical heavy metal on root elongation of crops were investigated. Seeds of the three crops including wheat （Triticum aestivum）, Chinese cabbage （Brassica pekimensis） and soybean （Glycine max） as the main crops in northeast China were exposed to acetochior as a herbicide and lead （Pb） as a heavy metal using the pot-culture method, and meadow brown soil as one of the main soils distributed in northeast China was applied in the investigation. The results indicated that the interactive effects of the two pollutants on root elongation of the three crops were very complicated although they had markedly significant （P〈0.01） linear interrelationships based on the regression analyses. When the concentration of added Pb^2＋ reached 200 mg/kg, acetochlor and Pb had an antagonistic effect on the inhibition of root elongation of the three crops. However, acetochlor and Pb had significantly （P〈0.05） synergic effects on the inhibition of root elongation when concentration of added Pb^2＋ was up to 1000 mg/kg. At the low concentration of added Pb, joint toxicity of acetochlor and Pb was more dependent on the concentration of Pb. Among the three crops, wheat was the most sensitive to the toxicity of Pb and Chinese cabbage was the most sensitive to the toxicity of acetochlor.展开更多
Using the concentration gradient and combined pollutant exposure method, the single and joint effects of petroleum hydrocarbons （PHCs） and cadmium （Cd） on polychaete Perinereis aibuhitensis Grube, an ecologically ...Using the concentration gradient and combined pollutant exposure method, the single and joint effects of petroleum hydrocarbons （PHCs） and cadmium （Cd） on polychaete Perinereis aibuhitensis Grube, an ecologically keystone species in estuarine and coastal environment, have been investigated. The results indicate that the toxicity of PHCs to P. aibuhitensis is stronger than that of Cd to the organism. There are positive correlations between the mortality of worms and the exposed concentration of single Cd or PHCs in solution. Similarly, the accumulation of Cd or PHCs in worms increased with increasing Cd- or PHC-exposed concentrations. All the correlation relationships can be described using unitary quadratic equations （Y or Z = aX^2 ＋ bX ＋ c）. It is calculated, on the basis of these expressions, that the median lethal dose （LC50） ofP aibuhitensis exposed to a single Cd or PHCs is 793.4-13567.3 and 28.0-119.9 μg/L, respectively. The exposed time has some stimulative effect on the two pollutants and on the mortality of the worms. Thus, even a low concentration of a single Cd or PHCs may have strong toxic effects on the worms when the exposed time becomes longer. The accumulation of Cd or PHCs in worms differs with an increase in exposure time at the given exposed concentration of a single Cd or PHCs. Noticeably, the accumulation of PHCs in worms decreases with an increase in exposure time at the given high concentration of PHCs in solution. The joint effect of PHCs and Cd on P. aibuhitensis is very complicated and changes with the exposed concentrations of the two pollutants. At the given concentration of PHCs, the joint toxicity of the two pollutants on the worms changes from synergism to antagonism with an increase in Cd concentration. The accumulation of Cd in the worms significantly decreases with the addition of PHCs to exposure solution.展开更多
This paper summarizes the major environmental and ecotoxicological processes of heavy metals pollution from Dexing Copper Mine in Jiangxi Province based on various findings in the Cooperative Ecological Research Proje...This paper summarizes the major environmental and ecotoxicological processes of heavy metals pollution from Dexing Copper Mine in Jiangxi Province based on various findings in the Cooperative Ecological Research Project (CERP; Tang, 1994). It shows the knowledge necessary to elucidate metal pollution and its ecological implications. Processes devoted to the ecological implication include generation of acid mine drainage, formation of secondary minerals from precipitation, temporal and spatial distribution of metal pollutants in sediments and relevant toxicity, as well as ecosystem alternation which may relate to chemical pollution.\; From the results, it was stated that the major emphasis should be placed on the environmental processes associated with sediment pollution by heavy metals. It shows that ad/desorption on the inorganic minerals, such as Fe/Al oxyhydroxides, play an important role in the immobilization of heavy metals in this river. There were clear indications that metal pollution has resulted in the toxicological and ecological consequences and there would be the risk of secondary pollution in the way of mobilization of bound metals to the overlying water when environmental conditions are varied.展开更多
The tolerance to ammonia and nitrites in freshwater ciliate Paramecium bursaria was measured in a conventional open system. The ciliate was exposed to different concentrations of ammonia and nitrites for 2h and 12h in...The tolerance to ammonia and nitrites in freshwater ciliate Paramecium bursaria was measured in a conventional open system. The ciliate was exposed to different concentrations of ammonia and nitrites for 2h and 12h in order to determine the lethal concentrations. Linear regression analysis revealed that the 2h-LC50 value for ammonia was 95.94 mg/L and for nitrite 27.35 mg/L using probit scale method (with 95% confidence intervals). There was a linear correlation between the mortality probit scale and logarithmic concentration of ammonia which fit by a regression equation y=7.32x–9.51 (R2=0.98; y, mortality probit scale; x, logarithmic concentration of ammonia), by which 2 h–LC50 value for ammonia was found to be 95.50 mg/L. A linear correla- tion between mortality probit scales and logarithmic concentration of nitrite is also followed the regression equa- tion y=2.86x+0.89 (R2=0.95; y, mortality probit scale; x, logarithmic concentration of nitrite). The regression analysis of toxicity curves showed that the linear correlation between exposed time of ammonia-N LC50 value and ammonia-N LC50 value followed the regression equation y=2 862.85e-0.08x (R2=0.95; y, duration of exposure to LC50 value; x, LC50 value), and that between exposed time of nitrite-N LC50 value and nitrite-N LC50 value followed the regression equation y = 127.15e-0.13x (R2=0.91; y, exposed time of LC50 value; x, LC50 value). The results demonstrate that the tolerance to ammonia in P. bursaria is considerably higher than that of the larvae or juveniles of some metozoa, e.g. cultured prawns and oysters. In addition, ciliates, as bacterial predators, are likely to play a positive role in maintaining and improving water quality in aquatic environments with high-level ammonium, such as sewage treatment systems.展开更多
Microalgae and cyanobacteria are fundamental components of aquatic ecosystems.Pollution in aquatic environment is a worldwide problem.Toxicological research on microalgae and cyanobacteria can help to establish a soli...Microalgae and cyanobacteria are fundamental components of aquatic ecosystems.Pollution in aquatic environment is a worldwide problem.Toxicological research on microalgae and cyanobacteria can help to establish a solid foundation for aquatic ecotoxicological assessments.Algae and cyanobacteria occupy a large proportion of the biomass in aquatic environments;thus,their toxicological responses have been investigated extensively.However,the depth of toxic mechanisms and breadth of toxicological investigations need to be improved.While existing pollutants are being discharged into the environment daily,new ones are also being produced continuously.As a result,the phenomenon of water pollution has become unprecedentedly complex.In this review,we summarize the latest findings on five kinds of aquatic pollutants,namely,metals,nanomaterials,pesticides,pharmaceutical and personal care products(PPCPs),and persistent organic pollutants(POPs).Further,we present information on emerging pollutants such as graphene,microplastics,and ionic liquids.Efforts in studying the toxicological effects of pollutants on microalgae and cyanobacteria must be increased in order to better predict the potential risks posed by these materials to aquatic ecosystems as well as human health.展开更多
Under the indoor simulant conditions, toxic effects of crude-oil-contaminated soil which was put into aquatic environment on the young fishes Carassius auratus and their hepatic antioxidant system after a 20-d exposur...Under the indoor simulant conditions, toxic effects of crude-oil-contaminated soil which was put into aquatic environment on the young fishes Carassius auratus and their hepatic antioxidant system after a 20-d exposure were investigated. Results showed that the relationship between the mortality of C. auratus and the exposed doses could be divided into 3 phases： fishes exposed to the low dose groups （0.5-5.0 g/L） were dead due to the ingestion of crude-oil-contaminated soils in aquatic environment; at the medium dose groups （5.0-25.0 g/L） fishes were dead due to the penetration of toxic substances; at the high dose groups （25.0-50.0 g/L） fishes were dead due to environmental stress. The highest mortality and death speed were found in the 1.0 g/L dose group, and the death speed was sharply increased in the 50.0 g/L dose group in the late phase of exposure. The activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT） and glutathione S-transferase （GST） and the content of malaondialdehyde （MDA） in the hepatic tissues of C. auratus were induced significantly. The activity of SOD was increased and then decreased. It was significantly inhibited in the 50.0 g/L dose group. The activity of CAT was highly induced, and restored to a level which is little more than the control when the exposed doses exceeded 10.0 g/L. The activity of GST was the most sensitive, it was significantly induced in all dose groups, and the highest elevation was up to 6 times in the 0.5 g/L dose group comparing with the control. The MDA content was significantly elevated in the 50.0 g/L dose group, and the changes of the MDA content were opposite with the changes of GST activity.展开更多
We studied the role of sophorolipid in inhibiting harmful algae bloom （HAB）. Different sophorolipid concentrations were tested on marine microalgae, zooplankton, fish, and bivalve （Mytilus edulis） in laboratory. T...We studied the role of sophorolipid in inhibiting harmful algae bloom （HAB）. Different sophorolipid concentrations were tested on marine microalgae, zooplankton, fish, and bivalve （Mytilus edulis） in laboratory. The result shows that sophorolipid could inhibit the growth of algal species selectively. Among three algae species selected, Platymonas helgolandica var. tsingtaoensis was promoted with increasing sophorolipid concentration; Isochrysis galbana was inhibited seven days later in sophorolipid concentration below 40 mg/L; and Nitzschia closterium f. minutissima was inhibited obviously in only a high sophorolipid concentration over 20 mg/L. Therefore, sophorolipid in a low concentration at 〈20 mg/L could remove certain harmful algae species effectivelywithout harming other non-harmful microalgae. For other animals, sophorolipid could inhibit the growth of ciliate Strombidium sp. by 50% at 20 mg/L sophorolipid concentration after 96 h. The concentration in 96-h LC50 for Calanus sinicus, Neomysis awatschensis, Lateolabrax japonicus, and Paralichthys olivaceus was 15, 150, 60, and 110 mg/L, respectively. The 24 h LC50 value for Arternia salina was 600 mg/L. The relative clearance rate of mussel Mytilus edulis decreased to 80%, 40%, and 20% of the control group after being exposed to 20, 50, and 100 mg/L sophorolipid for 24 h. Therefore, the toxicity for mitigation of harmful algae bloom at previously recommended concentration of 5-20 mg/L sophorolipid is low for most tested organisms in this reaserch.展开更多
Single and joint toxic effects of polycyclic musks including 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta[g]-2- benzopyran （HHCB） and 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronapthalene （AHTN） a...Single and joint toxic effects of polycyclic musks including 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta[g]-2- benzopyran （HHCB） and 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronapthalene （AHTN） and cadmium （Cd） on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat （Triticum aestivum） were investigated. The results showed that the toxicity sequence of HHCB toxic to wheat seed germination and seedling growth was similar to that of AHTN, that is, germination rate 〉 shoot elongation 〉 root elongation, while the toxicity of Cd was in the sequence of root elongation 〉 shoot elongation 〉 germination rate, according to the LC50 and EC50 values. It is suggested that polycyclic musks and Cd had different toxicological mechanisms. Root and shoot elongation of wheat might be good bioindicators for the contamination of polycyclic musks and Cd in soil. The mixture of polycyclic musks and Cd had synergistic effects on T. aestivum according to the equi-toxic mixture approach when root elongation was selected as the toxicological endpoint. Thus, the joint toxicity of HHCB and Cd was significantly higher than the single toxicity of HHCB or Cd, which was also confirmed by the EC50mix value of the mixture （EC50mix = 0.530 TUrnix）. The EC50mix value of the mixture of AHTN and Cd was 0.614 TUmix, which indicated that the mixture toxicity was strengthened when AHTN coexisted with Cd.展开更多
The ciliate Tetrahymena is a valuable model organism in the studies of ecotoxicology. Changes in intracellular metabolism are caused by exogenous chemicals in the environment. Intracellular metabolite changes signify ...The ciliate Tetrahymena is a valuable model organism in the studies of ecotoxicology. Changes in intracellular metabolism are caused by exogenous chemicals in the environment. Intracellular metabolite changes signify toxic effects and can be monitored by metabolomics analysis. In this work, a protocol for the GC-MS-based metabolomic analysis of Tetrahymena was established. Different extraction solvents showed divergent effects on the metabolomic analysis of Tetrahymena thermophila. The peak intensity of metabolites detected in the samples of extraction solvent Formula 1(F1) was the strongest and stable, while 61 metabolites were identified. Formula 1 showed an excellent extraction performance for carbohydrates. In the samples of extraction solvent Formula 2(F2), 66 metabolites were characterized, and fatty acid metabolites were extracted. Meanwhile, 57 and 58 metabolites were characterized in the extraction with Formula 3(F3) and Formula 4(F4), respectively. However, the peak intensity of the metabolites was low, and the metabolites were unstable. These results indicated that different extraction solvents substantially affected the detected coverage and peak intensity of intracellular metabolites. A total of 74 metabolites(19 amino acids, 11 organic acids, 2 inorganic acids, 11 fatty acids, 11 carbohydrates, 3 glycosides, 4 alcohols, 6 amines, and 7 other compounds) were identified in all experimental groups. Among these metabolites, amino acids, glycerol, myoinositol, and unsaturated fatty acids may become potential biomarkers of metabolite set enrichment analysis for detecting the ability of T. thermophila against environmental stresses.展开更多
The choice of a suitable species to translate pollution signals into a quantitative monitor is a fundamental step in biomonitoring plans. Here we present the results of three years of biomonitoring at a new coal power...The choice of a suitable species to translate pollution signals into a quantitative monitor is a fundamental step in biomonitoring plans. Here we present the results of three years of biomonitoring at a new coal power plant in central Italy using three different aquatic and terrestrial wildlife species in order to compare their reliability as sentinel organisms for genotoxicity. The comet assay was applied to the common land snail Helix spp., the lagoon fish Aphaniusfasciatus, and the green frog Rana esculenta sampled in the area potentially exposed to the impact of the power station. The tissue concentration of some expected pollutants （As, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr） was analysed in parallel samples collected in the same sampling sites. The three species showed different values in the comet assay （Tail Intensity） and different accumulation profiles of heavy metals. Aphanius fasciatus showed an increasing genotoxic effect over time that paralleled the temporal increase of the heavy metals, especially arsenic, and the highest correlation between heavy metals and DNA damage. Helix spp. showed levels of damage inversely related to the distance from the source of pollution and in partial accordance with the total accumulation of trace elements. On the contrary, Rana esculenta showed a low capability to accumulate metals and had inconsistent results in the comet test. The fish appeared to be the most efficient and sensitive species in detecting chemical pollution. Overall, both the fish and the snail reflected a trend of increasing pollution in the area surrounding the power plant across time and space [Current Zoology 60 （2）： 308-321, 2014].展开更多
The effects of ammonium on the population growth of the marine ciliate, Euplotes vannus, were examined using ecotoxicological method, h is showed that ammonium exerts inhibitory effects on the growth of the ciliate po...The effects of ammonium on the population growth of the marine ciliate, Euplotes vannus, were examined using ecotoxicological method, h is showed that ammonium exerts inhibitory effects on the growth of the ciliate populations in a concentration-dependent way. Statistical analvsis reveals that the population growth dynamics exposed to ammoniunt-N concentration over 100mg/L are significantly different from that in the control at P 〈 0.05 level. Linear regression determined that the 24h, 36h, 48h, 60h, 72h and 84h IC50 values of ammonium-N are 19.68, 201.51, 167.49, 47.86, 50.43 and 43.11 concentration over 100mg/L, respectively （ P 〈 0.05; pH 8.2; salinity 28 ppt; temperature, 25℃ ）. The results indicate that the tolerance to ammonium in E. vannus is considerably higher than that of the larvae or juveniles of some metozoa, such as cuhured prawns and oysters. Therefore, it is believed that the high tolerance to ammonium is necessary for eiliated protozoa to play positive roles in maintaining and improving water quality in marine ecosystems, especially in the intensive aquacuhure waters with high-level ammonium. In addition, the correlation between /C50 values and exposure time was discussed.展开更多
The detritivorous soil microarthropods are ideal models for environmental health assessment, but only scant information is available on their biomarker potentials against xenobiotics in the tropical edaphic conditions...The detritivorous soil microarthropods are ideal models for environmental health assessment, but only scant information is available on their biomarker potentials against xenobiotics in the tropical edaphic conditions. This microcosm study has estimated short-term biochemical changes with respect to tissue nutrient levels and digestive enzyme activities in a near cosmopolitan Collembola Cyphoderus javanus Borner exposed to coal fly ash amended lateritic cropland soil (5% and 20% w/w i.e. 50 or 200 t ·ha<sup>-1</sup>), and cadmium sulphate (200 mg/kg soil)/lead acetate (200 mg/kg soil) treated sterile river sand. The levels of total tissue carbohydrates, proteins, free amino acids, and lipids decrease within 7 days in the specimens of fly ash (P α-amylase, cellulase and protease activities are also down regulated by fly ash and heavy metals (P < 0.05). It is also observed the enzyme: protein ratios increase in fly ash treated sets and decrease in lead and cadmium treated specimens. Specimens in treated sets accumulate high levels of lead and cadmium within 15 days, which decrease subsequently probably due to elimination through frequent moulting. These short-term biochemical effects in Collembola have applied importance in C. javanus, as biomarkers for quick ecotoxicological assessments in the tropical agricultural soils.展开更多
Arsenic and sulfur mineralization is a natural phenomenon occurring in hydrothermal systems where parameters like temperature and organic matter(OM)can influence the mobilization of the toxic metalloid in marine envir...Arsenic and sulfur mineralization is a natural phenomenon occurring in hydrothermal systems where parameters like temperature and organic matter(OM)can influence the mobilization of the toxic metalloid in marine environments.In the present study we analyze the influence of temperature and OM(particularly sulfur-containing additives)on As and S precipitation based on the recent discovery of As-rich nanoparticles in the hydrothermal system near the coast of the Greek island Milos.To this end,we experimentally recreate the formation of amorphous colloidal particles rich in As and S via acidification(pH 3–4)of aqueous precursors at various temperatures.At higher temperatures,we observe the formation of monodisperse particles within the first 24 h of the experiment,generating colloidal particles with diameters close to 160 nm.The S:As ratio and particle size of the synthetized particles closely correlates with values for As_(x)S_(y)particles detected in the hydrothermal system off Milos.Furthermore,organic sulfur containing additives(cysteine and glutathione,GSH)are a key factor in the process of nucleation and growth of amorphous colloidal As_(x)S_(y)particles and,together with the temperature gradient present in shallow hydrothermal vents,dictate the stabilization of As-bearing nanomaterials in the environment.Based on these findings,we present a simple model that summarizes our new insights into the formation and mobility of colloidal As in aquatic ecosystems.In this context,amorphous As_(x)S_(y)particles can present harmful effects to micro-and macro-biota not foreseen in bulk As material.展开更多
Agriculture practices have been widely proposed as the major cause of amphibian population decline. However, the majority of these results have been based on laboratory experiments. The present study was conducted to ...Agriculture practices have been widely proposed as the major cause of amphibian population decline. However, the majority of these results have been based on laboratory experiments. The present study was conducted to test the repercussion of wetland sediment provenance on amphibian larval development.Bufo bufo larvae were used in two dif ferent treatments in an outdoor experiment, the ?rst one using sediment from one wetland surrounded by intensive agricultural practices, and the second using sediment with no record of agrochemical uses. A negative ef fect was observed in the agricultural treatment, from subcellular to individual level. The results showed that the sediment from agricultural practices watershed generates a reduction in survival. Furthermore, individuals that developed under this treatment showed a lower total length and a delay in the time necessary to complete metamorphosis; these features are connected with recruitment success. In the same way, biochemical analysis showed high values of lipid peroxidation in metamorphs developing in sediments from an agricultural area. Finally, the results obtained highlight the importance of considering the sediments, not only the water, as origin treatment, allowing us to understand the consequences on amphibian populations that inhabit areas af fected by intensive agriculture.展开更多
Environmental stressors can negatively affect avian cognitive abilities, potentially reducing fitness, for example by altering response to predators, display to mates, or memory of locations of food. We expand on curr...Environmental stressors can negatively affect avian cognitive abilities, potentially reducing fitness, for example by altering response to predators, display to mates, or memory of locations of food. We expand on current knowledge by investigating the effects of dietary mercury, a ubiquitous en- vironmental pollutant and known neurotoxin, on avian cognition. Zebra finches Taeniopygia gut- tata were dosed for their entire lives with sub-lethal levels of mercury, at the environmentally rele- vant dose of 1.2 parts per million. In our first study, we compared the dosed birds with controls of the same age using tests of three cognitive abilities： spatial memory, inhibitory control, and color association. In the spatial memory assay, birds were tested on their ability to learn and remember the location of hidden food in their cage. The inhibitory control assay measured their ability to ig- nore visible but inaccessible food in favor of a learned behavior that provided the same reward. Finally, the color association task tested each bird＇s ability to associate a specific color with the presence of hidden food. Dietary mercury negatively affected spatial memory ability but not inhibi- tory control or color association. Our second study focused on three behavioral assays not tied to a specific skill or problem-solving： activity level, neophobia, and social dominance. Zebra finches exposed to dietary mercury throughout their lives were subordinate to, and more active than, con- trol birds. We found no evidence that mercury exposure influenced our metric of neophobia. Together, these results suggest that sub-lethal exposure to environmental mercury selectively harms neurological pathways that control different cognitive abilities, with complex effects on be- havior and fitness.展开更多
Urbanization of China is substantial and growing, and water resources are crucial for both economic and social sustainable development. Unfortunately, the frequency and intensity of water contamination events are incr...Urbanization of China is substantial and growing, and water resources are crucial for both economic and social sustainable development. Unfortunately, the frequency and intensity of water contamination events are increasing at an unprecedented rate and often accompanied by increased pollutant loading due to human activities such as irreversible industrialization and urbanization. The impacts of human pollution are most evident and of greatest concern at the microbial level. The research of the Aquatic Ecohealth Group, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has been focusing mainly on aquatic microorganisms in the urban environment, from drinking water and landscape water to waste water. Its projects fall into three categories: biomonitoring and bioassessment, microbial ecology and diversity, ecotoxicology and environmental microbiology. Its scientif ic topics include the aquatic ecological safety and microbial food web.展开更多
Gammarids are important members of a stream’s macrozoobenthos biocoenosis and food web. Moreover, they proved to be very sensitive towards different types of pollution. GamToxTM is a new in situ ecotoxicity test, bas...Gammarids are important members of a stream’s macrozoobenthos biocoenosis and food web. Moreover, they proved to be very sensitive towards different types of pollution. GamToxTM is a new in situ ecotoxicity test, based on survival and feeding behavior of caged gammarids for active monitoring of small streams in agricultural areas. GamToxTM has been applied in two streams with specific pollution problems in the catchment of Lake Constance. Ten organisms were exposed in 5 replicates in flow through test tubes containing one conditioned alder leaf, placed in baskets which were attached in the stream bottom and on the banks. Each week, the number of living animals was counted, the percentage of leaf skeletized estimated in semi-quantitative classes and a new elder leaf provided. Dead organisms were removed. Simultaneously, chemical analyses of pesticides and nutrients (N-compounds, P) were performed on cumulative water samples over one week. Moreover, macrozoobenthos was collected and determined according to the IBCH method, and the SPEAR index calculated. GamToxTM proved to be very sensitive to detect pesticides, copper as well as nutrients, both during acute pollution pulses and chronic exposures of up to 6 weeks. Survival turned out to be a more sensitive and less variable parameter than feeding. GamToxTM is easy to perform and directly provides a measure of ecotoxicological effects of toxicant/nutrient mixtures, which cannot be predicted by biological indices based on macrozoobenthos data such as IBCH and SPEAR-index. This study was co-financed by the InterReg IV project “?kotoxikologischer Index im Bodenseeraum”, no. 227 (2011-2013) supported by the EFRE.展开更多
The distribution of exposure to Hg in amphibians remains unknown on most continents.The Ussuri broadleaf and mixed forests ecoregion is a region of high biodiversity, the nine species of amphibia living on its territo...The distribution of exposure to Hg in amphibians remains unknown on most continents.The Ussuri broadleaf and mixed forests ecoregion is a region of high biodiversity, the nine species of amphibia living on its territory are prey for over 25 threatened and rare vertebrate species. To understand the potential risks to wildlife, we measured the total mercury(THg) content in the Siberian wood frog(Rana amurensis) and the Sakhalin toad(Bufo sachalinensis) from the same locality. In total THg level was measured in 134 samples of liver, kidneys,and muscles via atomic absorption. Mean THg concentrations mg/kg dry weight(DW) were 0.055± 0.018 in muscles, 0.126 ± 0.040 in kidneys, and 0.140 ± 0.062 in liver in the immature Siberian wood frogs. In the adults of Siberian wood frogs, the mean THg concentrations were 0.035 ± 0.005 in muscles,0.081 ± 0.006 in kidneys and 0.030 ± 0.005 in liver.Statistically significant differences in THg content between the two age groups were obtained only for the liver(p = 0.008). The mean THg of the Sakhalin toad was 0.058 ± 0.007 in muscles, 0.085 ± 0.009 in kidneys, and 0.137 ± 0.019 in liver. THg content in immature Siberian wood frogs and Sakhalin toads showed no statistically significant differences. THg correlations between tissues and organs were found.The THg content in amphibians was found to be comparable with the THg content of producers in terrestrial ecosystems and lower compared to species from other classes of terrestrial vertebrates. There is an assumption that other species of tailless amphibians of the genera Rana and Bufo may contain similar levels of total mercury in anthropogenically unpolluted or slightly polluted boreal landscapes of the Russia. For those boreal ecosystems that are already subject to pollution, our results may be used to justify specific actions when restoring ecosystem services, structures, and functions efficiently and effectively.展开更多
文摘China has a huge population with relatively poor freshwater resources.With the development of industry and the explosion of its urban population,a great deal of industrial waste water containing various chemicals and untreated urban sewage has been discharged into rivers and lakes and caused severe contamination of many freshwater resources.The deterioration of the aquatic environment has affected the quality of drinking water, fishery and agricultural irrigation.It is estimated that by the 21st century,there will be a shortage of freshwater resources,which arc indispensable to human life, and the future shortage of freshwater
文摘Acetochlor and methamidophos are two important agrochemicals which are widely applied to agricultural production in northeast China. The investigation on the earthworm Eisenia fetida as an important type of soil animals exposed to single and binary-combined contamination of acetochlor and methamidophos was thus carried out. The single toxic effect test showed that the two agrochemicals had their toxicity to the earthworms living in phaiozem. Acetochlor had a stronger acute toxic effect on the earthworms than methamidophos. The mortality of the earthworms exposed to individual acetochlor and methamidophos changed with an increase in the exposure time and the exposed concentrations. The LD50 value of acetochlor and methamidophos toxic to the earthworms was 115.6-275,3 and 29.5-228.6 mg/kg, respectively. The weight of the earthworms was a more sensitive index compared to the mortality in indicating toxic effects of acetochlor and methamidophos in phaiozem. When considering both the mortality and the body-weight change, the combined pollution of acetochlor and methamidophos in phaiozem resulted in their synergic toxic effects on the earthworms.
基金Project supported by the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholar of China(No.20225722)the National Natural Science Founda-tion of China(No.20337010)the National Basic Research Program (973)of China(No.2004CB418503).
文摘In order to evaluate ecological risk of agrochemicals in agricultural environment, single and joint toxic effects of an important herbicide and a typical heavy metal on root elongation of crops were investigated. Seeds of the three crops including wheat （Triticum aestivum）, Chinese cabbage （Brassica pekimensis） and soybean （Glycine max） as the main crops in northeast China were exposed to acetochior as a herbicide and lead （Pb） as a heavy metal using the pot-culture method, and meadow brown soil as one of the main soils distributed in northeast China was applied in the investigation. The results indicated that the interactive effects of the two pollutants on root elongation of the three crops were very complicated although they had markedly significant （P〈0.01） linear interrelationships based on the regression analyses. When the concentration of added Pb^2＋ reached 200 mg/kg, acetochlor and Pb had an antagonistic effect on the inhibition of root elongation of the three crops. However, acetochlor and Pb had significantly （P〈0.05） synergic effects on the inhibition of root elongation when concentration of added Pb^2＋ was up to 1000 mg/kg. At the low concentration of added Pb, joint toxicity of acetochlor and Pb was more dependent on the concentration of Pb. Among the three crops, wheat was the most sensitive to the toxicity of Pb and Chinese cabbage was the most sensitive to the toxicity of acetochlor.
基金This work was supported by the National Basic Research Program(973)of China(No.2004CB418503)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.20477049).
文摘Using the concentration gradient and combined pollutant exposure method, the single and joint effects of petroleum hydrocarbons （PHCs） and cadmium （Cd） on polychaete Perinereis aibuhitensis Grube, an ecologically keystone species in estuarine and coastal environment, have been investigated. The results indicate that the toxicity of PHCs to P. aibuhitensis is stronger than that of Cd to the organism. There are positive correlations between the mortality of worms and the exposed concentration of single Cd or PHCs in solution. Similarly, the accumulation of Cd or PHCs in worms increased with increasing Cd- or PHC-exposed concentrations. All the correlation relationships can be described using unitary quadratic equations （Y or Z = aX^2 ＋ bX ＋ c）. It is calculated, on the basis of these expressions, that the median lethal dose （LC50） ofP aibuhitensis exposed to a single Cd or PHCs is 793.4-13567.3 and 28.0-119.9 μg/L, respectively. The exposed time has some stimulative effect on the two pollutants and on the mortality of the worms. Thus, even a low concentration of a single Cd or PHCs may have strong toxic effects on the worms when the exposed time becomes longer. The accumulation of Cd or PHCs in worms differs with an increase in exposure time at the given exposed concentration of a single Cd or PHCs. Noticeably, the accumulation of PHCs in worms decreases with an increase in exposure time at the given high concentration of PHCs in solution. The joint effect of PHCs and Cd on P. aibuhitensis is very complicated and changes with the exposed concentrations of the two pollutants. At the given concentration of PHCs, the joint toxicity of the two pollutants on the worms changes from synergism to antagonism with an increase in Cd concentration. The accumulation of Cd in the worms significantly decreases with the addition of PHCs to exposure solution.
文摘This paper summarizes the major environmental and ecotoxicological processes of heavy metals pollution from Dexing Copper Mine in Jiangxi Province based on various findings in the Cooperative Ecological Research Project (CERP; Tang, 1994). It shows the knowledge necessary to elucidate metal pollution and its ecological implications. Processes devoted to the ecological implication include generation of acid mine drainage, formation of secondary minerals from precipitation, temporal and spatial distribution of metal pollutants in sediments and relevant toxicity, as well as ecosystem alternation which may relate to chemical pollution.\; From the results, it was stated that the major emphasis should be placed on the environmental processes associated with sediment pollution by heavy metals. It shows that ad/desorption on the inorganic minerals, such as Fe/Al oxyhydroxides, play an important role in the immobilization of heavy metals in this river. There were clear indications that metal pollution has resulted in the toxicological and ecological consequences and there would be the risk of secondary pollution in the way of mobilization of bound metals to the overlying water when environmental conditions are varied.
文摘The tolerance to ammonia and nitrites in freshwater ciliate Paramecium bursaria was measured in a conventional open system. The ciliate was exposed to different concentrations of ammonia and nitrites for 2h and 12h in order to determine the lethal concentrations. Linear regression analysis revealed that the 2h-LC50 value for ammonia was 95.94 mg/L and for nitrite 27.35 mg/L using probit scale method (with 95% confidence intervals). There was a linear correlation between the mortality probit scale and logarithmic concentration of ammonia which fit by a regression equation y=7.32x–9.51 (R2=0.98; y, mortality probit scale; x, logarithmic concentration of ammonia), by which 2 h–LC50 value for ammonia was found to be 95.50 mg/L. A linear correla- tion between mortality probit scales and logarithmic concentration of nitrite is also followed the regression equa- tion y=2.86x+0.89 (R2=0.95; y, mortality probit scale; x, logarithmic concentration of nitrite). The regression analysis of toxicity curves showed that the linear correlation between exposed time of ammonia-N LC50 value and ammonia-N LC50 value followed the regression equation y=2 862.85e-0.08x (R2=0.95; y, duration of exposure to LC50 value; x, LC50 value), and that between exposed time of nitrite-N LC50 value and nitrite-N LC50 value followed the regression equation y = 127.15e-0.13x (R2=0.91; y, exposed time of LC50 value; x, LC50 value). The results demonstrate that the tolerance to ammonia in P. bursaria is considerably higher than that of the larvae or juveniles of some metozoa, e.g. cultured prawns and oysters. In addition, ciliates, as bacterial predators, are likely to play a positive role in maintaining and improving water quality in aquatic environments with high-level ammonium, such as sewage treatment systems.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.21777144,21976161)Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University(No.IRT_17R97)。
文摘Microalgae and cyanobacteria are fundamental components of aquatic ecosystems.Pollution in aquatic environment is a worldwide problem.Toxicological research on microalgae and cyanobacteria can help to establish a solid foundation for aquatic ecotoxicological assessments.Algae and cyanobacteria occupy a large proportion of the biomass in aquatic environments;thus,their toxicological responses have been investigated extensively.However,the depth of toxic mechanisms and breadth of toxicological investigations need to be improved.While existing pollutants are being discharged into the environment daily,new ones are also being produced continuously.As a result,the phenomenon of water pollution has become unprecedentedly complex.In this review,we summarize the latest findings on five kinds of aquatic pollutants,namely,metals,nanomaterials,pesticides,pharmaceutical and personal care products(PPCPs),and persistent organic pollutants(POPs).Further,we present information on emerging pollutants such as graphene,microplastics,and ionic liquids.Efforts in studying the toxicological effects of pollutants on microalgae and cyanobacteria must be increased in order to better predict the potential risks posed by these materials to aquatic ecosystems as well as human health.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 20777040)the Hi-TechResearch and Development Program (863) of China (No.2007AA061201).
文摘Under the indoor simulant conditions, toxic effects of crude-oil-contaminated soil which was put into aquatic environment on the young fishes Carassius auratus and their hepatic antioxidant system after a 20-d exposure were investigated. Results showed that the relationship between the mortality of C. auratus and the exposed doses could be divided into 3 phases： fishes exposed to the low dose groups （0.5-5.0 g/L） were dead due to the ingestion of crude-oil-contaminated soils in aquatic environment; at the medium dose groups （5.0-25.0 g/L） fishes were dead due to the penetration of toxic substances; at the high dose groups （25.0-50.0 g/L） fishes were dead due to environmental stress. The highest mortality and death speed were found in the 1.0 g/L dose group, and the death speed was sharply increased in the 50.0 g/L dose group in the late phase of exposure. The activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT） and glutathione S-transferase （GST） and the content of malaondialdehyde （MDA） in the hepatic tissues of C. auratus were induced significantly. The activity of SOD was increased and then decreased. It was significantly inhibited in the 50.0 g/L dose group. The activity of CAT was highly induced, and restored to a level which is little more than the control when the exposed doses exceeded 10.0 g/L. The activity of GST was the most sensitive, it was significantly induced in all dose groups, and the highest elevation was up to 6 times in the 0.5 g/L dose group comparing with the control. The MDA content was significantly elevated in the 50.0 g/L dose group, and the changes of the MDA content were opposite with the changes of GST activity.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40506026,40876083,40631008)the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. KZCX2-YW-Q07-01)the National Basic Research Priorities Program (No. 2006CB400606)
文摘We studied the role of sophorolipid in inhibiting harmful algae bloom （HAB）. Different sophorolipid concentrations were tested on marine microalgae, zooplankton, fish, and bivalve （Mytilus edulis） in laboratory. The result shows that sophorolipid could inhibit the growth of algal species selectively. Among three algae species selected, Platymonas helgolandica var. tsingtaoensis was promoted with increasing sophorolipid concentration; Isochrysis galbana was inhibited seven days later in sophorolipid concentration below 40 mg/L; and Nitzschia closterium f. minutissima was inhibited obviously in only a high sophorolipid concentration over 20 mg/L. Therefore, sophorolipid in a low concentration at 〈20 mg/L could remove certain harmful algae species effectivelywithout harming other non-harmful microalgae. For other animals, sophorolipid could inhibit the growth of ciliate Strombidium sp. by 50% at 20 mg/L sophorolipid concentration after 96 h. The concentration in 96-h LC50 for Calanus sinicus, Neomysis awatschensis, Lateolabrax japonicus, and Paralichthys olivaceus was 15, 150, 60, and 110 mg/L, respectively. The 24 h LC50 value for Arternia salina was 600 mg/L. The relative clearance rate of mussel Mytilus edulis decreased to 80%, 40%, and 20% of the control group after being exposed to 20, 50, and 100 mg/L sophorolipid for 24 h. Therefore, the toxicity for mitigation of harmful algae bloom at previously recommended concentration of 5-20 mg/L sophorolipid is low for most tested organisms in this reaserch.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No. 20777040)the Ministry of Education of China(No. 707011)
文摘Single and joint toxic effects of polycyclic musks including 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta[g]-2- benzopyran （HHCB） and 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronapthalene （AHTN） and cadmium （Cd） on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat （Triticum aestivum） were investigated. The results showed that the toxicity sequence of HHCB toxic to wheat seed germination and seedling growth was similar to that of AHTN, that is, germination rate 〉 shoot elongation 〉 root elongation, while the toxicity of Cd was in the sequence of root elongation 〉 shoot elongation 〉 germination rate, according to the LC50 and EC50 values. It is suggested that polycyclic musks and Cd had different toxicological mechanisms. Root and shoot elongation of wheat might be good bioindicators for the contamination of polycyclic musks and Cd in soil. The mixture of polycyclic musks and Cd had synergistic effects on T. aestivum according to the equi-toxic mixture approach when root elongation was selected as the toxicological endpoint. Thus, the joint toxicity of HHCB and Cd was significantly higher than the single toxicity of HHCB or Cd, which was also confirmed by the EC50mix value of the mixture （EC50mix = 0.530 TUrnix）. The EC50mix value of the mixture of AHTN and Cd was 0.614 TUmix, which indicated that the mixture toxicity was strengthened when AHTN coexisted with Cd.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 31572253, 31601857, 31702009)the Science Foundation for Youths of Shanxi Province (No. 201801D221241)the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China (No. 2014M551961)
文摘The ciliate Tetrahymena is a valuable model organism in the studies of ecotoxicology. Changes in intracellular metabolism are caused by exogenous chemicals in the environment. Intracellular metabolite changes signify toxic effects and can be monitored by metabolomics analysis. In this work, a protocol for the GC-MS-based metabolomic analysis of Tetrahymena was established. Different extraction solvents showed divergent effects on the metabolomic analysis of Tetrahymena thermophila. The peak intensity of metabolites detected in the samples of extraction solvent Formula 1(F1) was the strongest and stable, while 61 metabolites were identified. Formula 1 showed an excellent extraction performance for carbohydrates. In the samples of extraction solvent Formula 2(F2), 66 metabolites were characterized, and fatty acid metabolites were extracted. Meanwhile, 57 and 58 metabolites were characterized in the extraction with Formula 3(F3) and Formula 4(F4), respectively. However, the peak intensity of the metabolites was low, and the metabolites were unstable. These results indicated that different extraction solvents substantially affected the detected coverage and peak intensity of intracellular metabolites. A total of 74 metabolites(19 amino acids, 11 organic acids, 2 inorganic acids, 11 fatty acids, 11 carbohydrates, 3 glycosides, 4 alcohols, 6 amines, and 7 other compounds) were identified in all experimental groups. Among these metabolites, amino acids, glycerol, myoinositol, and unsaturated fatty acids may become potential biomarkers of metabolite set enrichment analysis for detecting the ability of T. thermophila against environmental stresses.
文摘The choice of a suitable species to translate pollution signals into a quantitative monitor is a fundamental step in biomonitoring plans. Here we present the results of three years of biomonitoring at a new coal power plant in central Italy using three different aquatic and terrestrial wildlife species in order to compare their reliability as sentinel organisms for genotoxicity. The comet assay was applied to the common land snail Helix spp., the lagoon fish Aphaniusfasciatus, and the green frog Rana esculenta sampled in the area potentially exposed to the impact of the power station. The tissue concentration of some expected pollutants （As, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr） was analysed in parallel samples collected in the same sampling sites. The three species showed different values in the comet assay （Tail Intensity） and different accumulation profiles of heavy metals. Aphanius fasciatus showed an increasing genotoxic effect over time that paralleled the temporal increase of the heavy metals, especially arsenic, and the highest correlation between heavy metals and DNA damage. Helix spp. showed levels of damage inversely related to the distance from the source of pollution and in partial accordance with the total accumulation of trace elements. On the contrary, Rana esculenta showed a low capability to accumulate metals and had inconsistent results in the comet test. The fish appeared to be the most efficient and sensitive species in detecting chemical pollution. Overall, both the fish and the snail reflected a trend of increasing pollution in the area surrounding the power plant across time and space [Current Zoology 60 （2）： 308-321, 2014].
基金国家高技术研究发展计划(863计划)，the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘The effects of ammonium on the population growth of the marine ciliate, Euplotes vannus, were examined using ecotoxicological method, h is showed that ammonium exerts inhibitory effects on the growth of the ciliate populations in a concentration-dependent way. Statistical analvsis reveals that the population growth dynamics exposed to ammoniunt-N concentration over 100mg/L are significantly different from that in the control at P 〈 0.05 level. Linear regression determined that the 24h, 36h, 48h, 60h, 72h and 84h IC50 values of ammonium-N are 19.68, 201.51, 167.49, 47.86, 50.43 and 43.11 concentration over 100mg/L, respectively （ P 〈 0.05; pH 8.2; salinity 28 ppt; temperature, 25℃ ）. The results indicate that the tolerance to ammonium in E. vannus is considerably higher than that of the larvae or juveniles of some metozoa, such as cuhured prawns and oysters. Therefore, it is believed that the high tolerance to ammonium is necessary for eiliated protozoa to play positive roles in maintaining and improving water quality in marine ecosystems, especially in the intensive aquacuhure waters with high-level ammonium. In addition, the correlation between /C50 values and exposure time was discussed.
文摘The detritivorous soil microarthropods are ideal models for environmental health assessment, but only scant information is available on their biomarker potentials against xenobiotics in the tropical edaphic conditions. This microcosm study has estimated short-term biochemical changes with respect to tissue nutrient levels and digestive enzyme activities in a near cosmopolitan Collembola Cyphoderus javanus Borner exposed to coal fly ash amended lateritic cropland soil (5% and 20% w/w i.e. 50 or 200 t ·ha<sup>-1</sup>), and cadmium sulphate (200 mg/kg soil)/lead acetate (200 mg/kg soil) treated sterile river sand. The levels of total tissue carbohydrates, proteins, free amino acids, and lipids decrease within 7 days in the specimens of fly ash (P α-amylase, cellulase and protease activities are also down regulated by fly ash and heavy metals (P < 0.05). It is also observed the enzyme: protein ratios increase in fly ash treated sets and decrease in lead and cadmium treated specimens. Specimens in treated sets accumulate high levels of lead and cadmium within 15 days, which decrease subsequently probably due to elimination through frequent moulting. These short-term biochemical effects in Collembola have applied importance in C. javanus, as biomarkers for quick ecotoxicological assessments in the tropical agricultural soils.
基金supported by Conicyt through a fellowship to VDT(Programa de Capital Humano Avanzado,BECASChile,CONICYT,72160570 Res.Convenio 7359/2015)by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG,Germany)through the Emmy Noether Program(grant BU 2606/1-1 to SIB)。
文摘Arsenic and sulfur mineralization is a natural phenomenon occurring in hydrothermal systems where parameters like temperature and organic matter(OM)can influence the mobilization of the toxic metalloid in marine environments.In the present study we analyze the influence of temperature and OM(particularly sulfur-containing additives)on As and S precipitation based on the recent discovery of As-rich nanoparticles in the hydrothermal system near the coast of the Greek island Milos.To this end,we experimentally recreate the formation of amorphous colloidal particles rich in As and S via acidification(pH 3–4)of aqueous precursors at various temperatures.At higher temperatures,we observe the formation of monodisperse particles within the first 24 h of the experiment,generating colloidal particles with diameters close to 160 nm.The S:As ratio and particle size of the synthetized particles closely correlates with values for As_(x)S_(y)particles detected in the hydrothermal system off Milos.Furthermore,organic sulfur containing additives(cysteine and glutathione,GSH)are a key factor in the process of nucleation and growth of amorphous colloidal As_(x)S_(y)particles and,together with the temperature gradient present in shallow hydrothermal vents,dictate the stabilization of As-bearing nanomaterials in the environment.Based on these findings,we present a simple model that summarizes our new insights into the formation and mobility of colloidal As in aquatic ecosystems.In this context,amorphous As_(x)S_(y)particles can present harmful effects to micro-and macro-biota not foreseen in bulk As material.
基金Supported by the Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia(Spain)Project(No.CGL2007-61482co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund)
文摘Agriculture practices have been widely proposed as the major cause of amphibian population decline. However, the majority of these results have been based on laboratory experiments. The present study was conducted to test the repercussion of wetland sediment provenance on amphibian larval development.Bufo bufo larvae were used in two dif ferent treatments in an outdoor experiment, the ?rst one using sediment from one wetland surrounded by intensive agricultural practices, and the second using sediment with no record of agrochemical uses. A negative ef fect was observed in the agricultural treatment, from subcellular to individual level. The results showed that the sediment from agricultural practices watershed generates a reduction in survival. Furthermore, individuals that developed under this treatment showed a lower total length and a delay in the time necessary to complete metamorphosis; these features are connected with recruitment success. In the same way, biochemical analysis showed high values of lipid peroxidation in metamorphs developing in sediments from an agricultural area. Finally, the results obtained highlight the importance of considering the sediments, not only the water, as origin treatment, allowing us to understand the consequences on amphibian populations that inhabit areas af fected by intensive agriculture.
基金This work was funded by an award from the National Science Foundation [to J.P.S. and D.A.C.] （IOS1257590} and an English-Stonehouse fellowship [to J.P.S. and A.S.F.] awarded by the College of William and Mary.
文摘Environmental stressors can negatively affect avian cognitive abilities, potentially reducing fitness, for example by altering response to predators, display to mates, or memory of locations of food. We expand on current knowledge by investigating the effects of dietary mercury, a ubiquitous en- vironmental pollutant and known neurotoxin, on avian cognition. Zebra finches Taeniopygia gut- tata were dosed for their entire lives with sub-lethal levels of mercury, at the environmentally rele- vant dose of 1.2 parts per million. In our first study, we compared the dosed birds with controls of the same age using tests of three cognitive abilities： spatial memory, inhibitory control, and color association. In the spatial memory assay, birds were tested on their ability to learn and remember the location of hidden food in their cage. The inhibitory control assay measured their ability to ig- nore visible but inaccessible food in favor of a learned behavior that provided the same reward. Finally, the color association task tested each bird＇s ability to associate a specific color with the presence of hidden food. Dietary mercury negatively affected spatial memory ability but not inhibi- tory control or color association. Our second study focused on three behavioral assays not tied to a specific skill or problem-solving： activity level, neophobia, and social dominance. Zebra finches exposed to dietary mercury throughout their lives were subordinate to, and more active than, con- trol birds. We found no evidence that mercury exposure influenced our metric of neophobia. Together, these results suggest that sub-lethal exposure to environmental mercury selectively harms neurological pathways that control different cognitive abilities, with complex effects on be- havior and fitness.
文摘Urbanization of China is substantial and growing, and water resources are crucial for both economic and social sustainable development. Unfortunately, the frequency and intensity of water contamination events are increasing at an unprecedented rate and often accompanied by increased pollutant loading due to human activities such as irreversible industrialization and urbanization. The impacts of human pollution are most evident and of greatest concern at the microbial level. The research of the Aquatic Ecohealth Group, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has been focusing mainly on aquatic microorganisms in the urban environment, from drinking water and landscape water to waste water. Its projects fall into three categories: biomonitoring and bioassessment, microbial ecology and diversity, ecotoxicology and environmental microbiology. Its scientif ic topics include the aquatic ecological safety and microbial food web.
文摘Gammarids are important members of a stream’s macrozoobenthos biocoenosis and food web. Moreover, they proved to be very sensitive towards different types of pollution. GamToxTM is a new in situ ecotoxicity test, based on survival and feeding behavior of caged gammarids for active monitoring of small streams in agricultural areas. GamToxTM has been applied in two streams with specific pollution problems in the catchment of Lake Constance. Ten organisms were exposed in 5 replicates in flow through test tubes containing one conditioned alder leaf, placed in baskets which were attached in the stream bottom and on the banks. Each week, the number of living animals was counted, the percentage of leaf skeletized estimated in semi-quantitative classes and a new elder leaf provided. Dead organisms were removed. Simultaneously, chemical analyses of pesticides and nutrients (N-compounds, P) were performed on cumulative water samples over one week. Moreover, macrozoobenthos was collected and determined according to the IBCH method, and the SPEAR index calculated. GamToxTM proved to be very sensitive to detect pesticides, copper as well as nutrients, both during acute pollution pulses and chronic exposures of up to 6 weeks. Survival turned out to be a more sensitive and less variable parameter than feeding. GamToxTM is easy to perform and directly provides a measure of ecotoxicological effects of toxicant/nutrient mixtures, which cannot be predicted by biological indices based on macrozoobenthos data such as IBCH and SPEAR-index. This study was co-financed by the InterReg IV project “?kotoxikologischer Index im Bodenseeraum”, no. 227 (2011-2013) supported by the EFRE.
基金partially carried out within the state assignment of Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (124012200182-1)。
文摘The distribution of exposure to Hg in amphibians remains unknown on most continents.The Ussuri broadleaf and mixed forests ecoregion is a region of high biodiversity, the nine species of amphibia living on its territory are prey for over 25 threatened and rare vertebrate species. To understand the potential risks to wildlife, we measured the total mercury(THg) content in the Siberian wood frog(Rana amurensis) and the Sakhalin toad(Bufo sachalinensis) from the same locality. In total THg level was measured in 134 samples of liver, kidneys,and muscles via atomic absorption. Mean THg concentrations mg/kg dry weight(DW) were 0.055± 0.018 in muscles, 0.126 ± 0.040 in kidneys, and 0.140 ± 0.062 in liver in the immature Siberian wood frogs. In the adults of Siberian wood frogs, the mean THg concentrations were 0.035 ± 0.005 in muscles,0.081 ± 0.006 in kidneys and 0.030 ± 0.005 in liver.Statistically significant differences in THg content between the two age groups were obtained only for the liver(p = 0.008). The mean THg of the Sakhalin toad was 0.058 ± 0.007 in muscles, 0.085 ± 0.009 in kidneys, and 0.137 ± 0.019 in liver. THg content in immature Siberian wood frogs and Sakhalin toads showed no statistically significant differences. THg correlations between tissues and organs were found.The THg content in amphibians was found to be comparable with the THg content of producers in terrestrial ecosystems and lower compared to species from other classes of terrestrial vertebrates. There is an assumption that other species of tailless amphibians of the genera Rana and Bufo may contain similar levels of total mercury in anthropogenically unpolluted or slightly polluted boreal landscapes of the Russia. For those boreal ecosystems that are already subject to pollution, our results may be used to justify specific actions when restoring ecosystem services, structures, and functions efficiently and effectively.
