Estimation of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Levels in Livers of the Otter (Lutra Lutra) from Concentrations in Scats and Fish

The decline of the European otter (Lutra lutra) seems to be related to environmental contamination especially with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Only a limited number of tissue samples from otters killed accidently as traffic victims or drowned in fishnets are available for residue analysis. Calculating the levels of PCBs in otter tissues from concentrations in fish and scats would be a very valuable tool to estimate potential risks for this endangered species. PCB levels measured in otter livers, scats and fish from a Middle European otter population were used to examine the suitability of mathematical models for calculating PCB concentrations in otter liver from fish concentrations and from scat levels. Our results suggest that the models and input parameters currently used to calculate PCB concentrations in otters to estimate risks do not predict mean concentrations in otter livers in our Middle European study area, giving lower concentrations than actually analysed in the tissues. Possible causes for the observed discrepancy between measured and calculated values are discussed.     

Organochlorine Compounds (pesticides and PCBs) in Scats of the European Otter (Lutra lutra) from an Actual Expanding Population in Central France

Scats of the European otter (Lutra lutra) were sampled along the Allier river (France) catchment for organochlorine toxic compounds (nine pesticides and 16 PCBs congeners) measurement. From early 2004 to June 2005, 90 sites of 40 rivers were twice investigated, and 71 scats samples collected, in four geographical areas being naturally re-colonized by the species since its legal protection. Detectable pesticides and PCBs were found in 100% of the samples. Mean values reached 2.72 and 13.58 mg kg^?1 (lipid weight) for pesticides and PCBs, respectively. Amounts were significantly different between the four areas investigated. A significant increase in medium and absolute values is noted by going downstream of the catchment. Potential medium- and long-term consequences on the observed population increase are discussed.     

Radioactivity in otter scats in Britain following the chernobyl reactor accident

Radioactivity was determined in samples of otter (Lutra lutra) faeces (scats) collected from various regions of Great Britain in 1986 and 1987, following the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident, and compared with a sample of scats collected in 1985 from central Wales. Samples of scats were also collected from the seashore adjacent to the Dounreay nuclear power station, northern Scotland, and compared with a control site, 40 to 60 km distant. Samples collected in 1986 from central Wales, Galloway and northern Scotland all contained significantly higher amounts of radioactivity than the 1985 sample from central Wales, with Galloway (mean 13 000 Bq kg^?1 dry weight) having significantly more radioactivity than other regions. A sample collected in central Wales in January 1987 had returned to the 1985 level of radioactivity, but a sample from Galloway in January 1987 remained high; this difference in response may be related to the acidic nature of Galloway rivers. No significant differences were found between samples collected from near Dounreay and the control site, though fallout from Chernobyl may have masked the effects of local discharges of radioactivity. The significance of the results to otter populations is discussed.     

Effect of sublethal chlorinated discharges on PCB accumulation in transplanted Asiatic clams (Corbicula fluminea)

From 1987–1990, uncontaminated Asiatic clams (Corbicula fluminea) were placed in cages and transplanted into two streams receiving industrial discharges to help identify and quantify polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination to the streams. Clams accumulated substantial PCB residues at most sites monitored, with the exception of the sites closest to chlorinated discharges. Clams placed nearest to the chlorinated stream reaches consistently underestimated PCB contamination, based on the amount of PCBs found in fish and sediment at those sites. In a separate experiment, clams exposed in stream-side tanks to untreated (total residual chlorine ranged from 0.02–0.07 mg^?1 L daily) and dechlorinated stream water exhibited differing degrees of valve movement, growth, and PCB accumulation after a four-week exposure to the two treatments. Clams exposed to untreated (chlorinated) stream water closed their shells more often, exhibited less growth, and accumulated substantially lower PCB concentrations than clams exposed to dechlorinated stream water. Clams apparently close their shells to avoid chlorine exposure, thus isolating clam tissues from PCBs found in the stream water and in the clams' food. Because chlorine and PCBs occur together in many industrial discharges, this finding is a significant consideration for monitoring programs that utilize clams to assess PCB bioavailability.     

Age-Dependent Bioaccumulation of Organochlorine Compounds in Fish and their Selective Biotransformation in Top Predators from Lake Maggiore (Italy)

Fish and piscivorous bird eggs collected in 2003 from Lake Maggiore (Italy), were analysed for PCB and DDT contamination. Lake Maggiore has been severely polluted by DDT through production of the pesticide within its catchment. Although agricultural application of DDT was banned in Italy in the 1978, industrial production continued until 1996, with enough contamination of water and soil for serious bioaccumulation in the lake biota. PCB and DDT concentrations in a whitefish (Coregonus macrophthalmus Nusslin 1882) were seen to be dependent on season and fish age, but not on sex. The average increase of the lipid-normalised concentration of DDTs and PCBs was two-fold across season and also across age, resulting in an overall increase of four fold. The seasonal variation was related to the eco-physiological cycle of the fish and to the contamination dynamic of the lake, while the effect of the fish age was explained on the base of biomagnification-related mechanisms. A fugacity model was applied to predict the age-dependent bioaccumulation potential of PCBs, whose concentrations were rather stable in recent years in the lake. Predicted values for compounds with negligible biotransformation were in good agreement with experimental data (calculated vs. experimental mean difference of 14%), and a relationship between the increase of experimental age-dependent concentration and K _ow was observed. The good correspondence between the predicted and the measured values for most PCB congeners confirmed the general inability of fishes to biotransform these compounds. On the contrary, the importance of biotransformation processes was recognised in birds; eggs of a fish eating bird (Podiceps cristatus) from the same area selectively bioaccumulated p,p′-DDE. For PCBs, congener 149 appears to be completely metabolized by the bird species, and congeners 95, 101, 132, 151 and 174 were reduced as well. The role of the meta–para free position on at least one phenyl ring of PCB congeners in biotransformation processes was confirmed.     

Historical distribution of DDT residues in pond sediments in an intensive agricultural watershed in the Yangtze-Huaihe region,China

Purpose

The extensive use of chemical pesticides on farmlands during the last several decades in China has led to a rapid deterioration of environmental water quality in recent years. The aims of this study were to: reconstruct the history of pesticide residues, determine the input load and residual load of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) pesticides, and assess the risk of pesticide residues to aquatic ecosystem and human health.

Materials and methods

Caesium-137 was used to date sediment cores collected from ponds representing four land use types of an agricultural watershed with high-yield grain production and characterized by multipond systems in the Yangtze-Huaihe region of China. These ponds were selected to establish the historic pattern of DDT pesticide residues.

Results and discussion

(1) The mean total concentration of DDT residues including p,?p?′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE), p,?p?′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane ( p,p′-DDD), o,p′-DDT, and p,p′-DDT in sediment in the watershed was 82 μg kg^?1, ranging from under the detection limit to 457 μg kg^?1, which was mostly contributed by p,?p′-DDE (57 μg kg^?1 on average). Spatially, total concentrations of DDT residues in farmland pond sediment were the highest, reaching as high as 457 μg kg^?1. Temporally, an inflection point appeared in the 1970s, prior to which DDT contents increased with time, after which concentrations showed a decreasing trend. (2) In total, 323 kg DDT pesticide was applied to the Liuchahe Watershed since 1955. The total retention of four DDT residues in the multipond system was 14 kg (～4 % of the input), and most DDT pesticide was degraded to p,?p?′-DDE. (3) More than 80 % of sediment DDT residues exceeded their interim freshwater sediment quality guidelines, and the percentages of DDT,DDD, and DDE residues exceeding probable effect limit (PEL) values were 57, 29, and 70 %, respectively, which indicated a moderate to high ecological risk of DDT in this watershed.

Conclusions

Our results clearly reveal that the extensive use of pesticides has resulted in significant pesticide residual pollution in this watershed, which could severely deteriorate water quality and threaten aquatic ecosystem and human health in the watershed and, thus, remain a cause for concern.     

Use of 90SR in fish vertebrae as an effluent exposure tracer in PCB-contaminated channel catfish

Strontium-90 was measured in the vertebrae of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) collected from an embayment and the adjoining river/reservoir in order to determine their exposure to the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and ⁹⁰Sr-contaminated effluent entering the embayment from a point-source discharge. Concentrations of PCBs in the fish were measured and compared with the ⁹⁰Sr levels to assess the role of the effluent as a possible source of PCB contamination in catfish in the river and embayment. Catfish exposed to the elevated levels of ⁹⁰Sr in the embayment were found to migrate into uncontaminated areas of the river where they were available to anglers. The pattern of PCB contamination in catfish did not mirror that of ⁹⁰Sr hence, little of the PCB burden of the fish in the river could be traced to continuing PCB discharges to the embayment.     

Contamination of bela krajina,Slovenia with polychlorinated biphenyls 1. Levels of some high molecular chlorinated hydrocarbons in the water and fish of the Kupa River in Croatia

It is well documented that synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbon residues are widespread throughout the world ecosystem. Recently serious contamination of the Kupa River in Slovenia resulting from improper disposal of the waste disharged by an electro-capacitor manufacturing plant was observed. The migration of the PCBs from the waste tip into the karst ground water and source water has been established. PCBs have been also introduced into the small Lahinja River a tributary of the Kupa. Consequently, these pollutants have been detected in the Kupa river. An investigation of the levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons in tap water, water and fish samples collected from 1985 to 1988 from the Kupa River in the region of Petrinja and Sisak was performed. This region is about 200 km downstream of the primary contamined area. Concentrations of chlorinated insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in tap water ranged from <0.2 to 5.0 ng dm^?3 for PCBs such as Aroclor 1254 and from <0.4 to 10.4 ng dm^?3 for PCBs such as Pyralene 1500. In the Kupa River, water samples were found with PCBs such as Aroclor 1254 from <1.5 to 5.0 and from <2.6 to 104 ng dm^?3 for PCBs such as Pyralene 1500. The level of the investigated chlorinated insecticides were under the sensitivity limits of 0.05 for dieldrin and 0.1 ng dm^?3 for DDTs. Concentrations of chlorinated insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in the fish samples were several orders of magnitude higher in comparison with the water samples and ranged from the sensitivity limit for dieldrin (<0.0001) to 0.0034 mg kg^?1; p,p'DDT from 0.0003 to 0.0076 mg kg^?1; p,p'DDE from 0.0004 to 0.1752 mg kg^?1; p,p'DDD from 0.0001 to 0.0201 mg kg^?1 wet weight. Concentrations of PCBs were significantly higher and ranged from 0.015 to 2.742 mg kg^?1 wet weight for Pyralene 1500 and from 0.090 to 1.590 mg kg^?1 for Aroclor 1254 +Aroclor 1260.     

Residues of organochlorine pesticides in fish from the Arabian Gulf

High-resolution electron capture gas chromatography was used to determine residue levels of organochlorine pesticides in 13 commercially important fish species collected from the NW Arabian Gulf. While most of the residues were below the detection limit of 1 μg kg^?1 wet weight, relatively low concentrations of ΣDDT, endrin and dieldrin were detected in the edbile tissue of these fishes. The ΣDDT residue levels ranged from 2 to l 1μg kg^?1 wet weight, endrin ranged from none detected (nd) to 45 μg kg^?1 and dieldrin from nd to 5 μg kg^?1. A definite correlation was established between total organochlorine pesticide residues and lipid content (r = 0.6) for the NW Arabian Gulf fishes. Comparison with fish from Hor-al-Hammar Lake (an area that used to be sprayed with pesticides) has shown that the latter contained significantly higher residue levels. The ΣDDT residue levels ranged from 5 to 45 μg kg^?1 wet weight, endrin from 3 to 83 μg kg^?1 and dieldrin from nd to 4 μg kg^?1 Based upon the observation that the original DDT (p, p′-DDT) was identified in the NW Arabian Gulf fishes, it has been concluded that there was a recent input of DDT to this region. Since DDT application has been banned in Iraq, consequently it was assumed that DDT must originate from a more remote source.     

PCB concentrations in stream sunfish (Lepomis Auritus and L. Macrocmirus) in relation to proximity to chronic point sources

Sunfish (Lepomis auritus and L. macrochirus) were used to monitor polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in a group of small streams flowing into a larger stream/reservoir system. Mean PCB concentrations in sunfish appeared to reflect exposure conditions at the site of capture. Fish from uncontaminated sites 1 to 2 km distant from PCB-contaminated sites did not exhibit PCB contamination, and PCB concentrations in fish downstream from a discrete source decreased at a rate greater than or equal to downstream dilution of the point source. Mean PCB concentrations in fish near the source exhibited relatively large (-40%) fluctuations between semi-annual sampling periods, suggesting that PCB concentrations in sunfish populations may respond rapidly to changes in exposure. Sunfish were not sensitive enough indicators of contamination to use in assessing whether or not problematic levels of contamination may occur in other species. Although the presence of PCB contamination in sunfish can be used to infer that PCBs are elevated in other species, the absence of PCB contamination in sunfish cannot be used to infer that older, fattier fish higher up the food chain are uncontaminated.     

Bioremedial potential of fenamiphos and chlorpyrifos degrading isolates: Influence of different environmental conditions

Previously isolated bacterial strains for chlorpyrifos and fenamiphos degradation were used to examine their potential as bioremedial agents in soils and water containing pesticide residues. Both, chlorpyrifos-degrading Enterobacter sp and fenamiphos-degrading consortium rapidly degraded pesticides when inoculated into natural and sterile water and soils. Degradation rate was slower in lower pH soils in comparison with natural and alkaline soils. Soil organic matter had no impact on pesticide degrading ability of isolates. Soil moisture <40% of maximum water-holding capacity slowed down degradation rate. The bacterial isolates were able to rapidly degrade fenamiphos and chlorpyrifos between 15 and 35 °C but their degradation ability was sharply reduced at 5 and 50 °C. Both groups of bacterial systems were also able to remove a range of pesticide degradation. An inoculum density of 10⁴ cells g⁻¹ of soil was required for initiating rapid growth and degradation. Ageing of pesticide in soils prior to inoculation produced contrasting results. Ageing of fenamiphos had no impact on subsequent degradation by the inoculated consortium. However, degradation of chlorpyrifos by Enterobacter sp after aging resulted in persistence of ∼10% of pesticide in soil matrix. Higher K_oc value of chlorpyrifos may have resulted in a lack of bioavailability of a smaller percentage of chlorpyrifos to degrading bacteria. Overall, this paper confirms bioremedial potential of a fenamiphos degrading consortium and a chlorpyrifos degrading bacterium under different soil and water characteristics.     

Persistent organic pollutant concentrations in air‐ and freeze‐dried compared to field‐fresh extracted soil samples of an eastern Slovak deposition gradient

Sample preparation affects the results of the determination of persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations in soils. We compared the extraction results of POPs from air‐ and freeze‐dried with field‐fresh samples. We determined the concentrations of 21 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 14 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in 35 horizons of forest soils (Lithosols and Cambisols) along a deposition gradient caused by a chemical factory in Strá?ske (eastern Slovakia). The organic C (C_org) concentrations of the studied samples ranged 14‐477 g kg^‐1, the sum of 21 PAH (Σ 21PAHs) concentrations 53‐6870 μg kg^‐1, and that of 14 PCBs (Σ 14PCBs) 0.12 96 μg kg^‐1. The benzofluoranthenes were the most abundant PAHs, and the hexa‐chlorinated PCBs 138 and 153 were the most abundant PCBs. The deposition gradient was reflected by decreasing PAH and PCB storages in the organic layer with increasing distance from the chemical factory (Σ 21PAHs: 82‐238, Σ 14PCBs: 0.34‐2.3 g ha^‐1). The PAH concentrations in air‐ and freeze‐dried samples were consistently lower than those in field‐fresh extracted samples. For naphthalene, this was mainly attributable to volatilization losses during drying. Naphthalene losses decreased with increasing C_org concentrations. For all other PAHs, drying reduced the extractability; the latter was correlated with the water content of the samples. The differences in most PCB concentrations among the sample preparation methods were small (within the determination error of ±15 %) and inconsistent. However, PCBs 8, 28, 52, and 209 had markedly higher concentrations in dried than in fieldfresh extracted samples. The increased recovery of low‐chlorinated PCBs in dried samples may be explained by redistribution of PCBs from higher to lower contaminated samples via the drying room atmosphere because there were no PCBs in analytical blanks. This assumption is supported by a close correlation between the octanol‐air distribution coefficient and the up to hexa‐chlorinated PCB concentrations (normalized to those in field‐fresh extracted samples) in air‐ (r = ‐0.90) and freeze‐dried (r = ‐0.86) samples. Our study shows that each sample preparation method has its specific advantages and disadvantages. Sample drying results in a standardization to a well‐defined water content and facilitates homogenization; therefore it increases the reproducibility of POP determinations. Extraction of field‐fresh samples reduces volatilization losses and contamination risks.     

Runoff-Related Pesticide Input into the Lourens River,South Africa: Basic Data for Exposure Assessment and Risk Mitigation at the Catchment Scale

The characterization of runoff-related pesticide input and the identification of areas of concern in the field are essential for a comprehensive assessment of risk and the planning of mitigation measures. To this end, the agriculturally-derived aqueous and particle-associated pesticide contamination of the Lourens River and its tributaries was measured in a comprehensive design. Sampling was performed in the beginning of April prior to the first rainfall of the wet season and in the middle of April during high water conditions following the first rainfall of 9.6 mm d^-1. Pre-runoff samples indicated contamination with endosulfan at levels up to 0.06 μg L^-1, while no other pesticides were detectable. Rainfall-induced runoff resulted in an increase in the levels of the pesticides endosulfan, deltamethrin, azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, and procymidone up to levels of 0.35, 1.4, 0.6, 0.19 and 9 μg L^-1, respectively in water samples. Endosulfan, azinphos-methyl, and chlorpyrifos were detected at maximum concentrations of 273, 152, and 245 μg kg^-1 in suspended sediments. No increased pesticide levels were detected at a control site upstream of the agricultural area. The Lourens River received its contamination via the tributaries discharging the surrounding farming area. Contamination of the six tributaries depended on landuse and slope characteristics and enabled the identification of target sites for risk reduction approaches. Transient pesticide levels exceeded the target water quality limit proposed by the South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF). The Lourens River site downstream of the farming area has been identified as a site where potential toxic conditions could arise.     

Ecological consequences of invasive lake trout on river otters in Yellowstone National Park

The introduction of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) to Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park has contributed to a significant decline in the endangered Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki bouvieri), leading to concern over the persistence of this subspecies but also to piscivorous predators in this community. We assessed the impact of lake trout on a key piscivore, the river otter (Lontra canadensis) in two lakes in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Lake continues to support a native cutthroat trout population, although the recent introduction of lake trout has dramatically impacted the cutthroat trout population. Nearby Lewis Lake has an entirely introduced fish fauna of lake trout, brown trout (Salmo trutta), and Utah chub (Gilia atraria) but lacks cutthroat trout. Analysis of otter scat from Yellowstone Lake implicated trout (lake or cutthroat trout) as a major prey item (57% of scat), whereas stable isotopes identified longnose suckers (Catostomus catostomus) as the primary prey there (58% of diet). By contrast, scat from Lewis Lake implicated minnows, presumably Utah chub, as the primary prey for otters occupying that lake (86%), while stable isotopes implicated brown trout (64%) over both lake trout and Utah chub (36% combined). Our data establish the importance of alternative prey to otters and suggest that lake trout-induced reductions in cutthroat trout may not be catastrophic for otter populations here. These data do not necessarily exonerate lake trout, as their impact on other species, most notably grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) and piscivorous birds, has been documented to be substantial, and further data on the nutritional value of alternate prey are required to confirm or refute a working hypothesis that otter populations will continue to thrive in the face of the lake trout invasion.     

Biodegradation of PAHs and PCBs in Soils and Sludges

Results from a multi-year, pilot-scale land treatment project for PAHs and PCBs biodegradation were evaluated. A mathematical model, capable of describing sorption, sequestration, and biodegradation in soil/water systems, is applied to interpret the efficacy of a sequential active–passive biotreatment process of organic chemicals on remediation sites. To account for the recalcitrance of PAHs and PCBs in soils and sludges during long-term biotreatment, this model comprises a kinetic equation for organic chemical intraparticle sequestration process. Model responses were verified by comparison to measurements of biodegradation of PAHs and PCBs in land treatment units; a favorable match was found between them. Model simulations were performed to predict on-going biodegradation behavior of PAHs and PCBs in land treatment units. Simulation results indicate that complete biostabilization will be achieved when the concentration of reversibly sorbed chemical (S _RA) reduces to undetectable levels, with a certain amount of irreversibly sequestrated residual chemical (S _IA) remaining within the soil particle solid phase. The residual fraction (S _IA) tends to lose its original chemical and biological activity, and hence, is much less available, toxic, and mobile than the “free” compounds. Therefore, little or no PAHs and PCBs will leach from the treatment site and constitutes no threat to human health or the environment. Biotreatment of PAHs and PCBs can be terminated accordingly. Results from the pilot-scale testing data and model calculations also suggest that a significant fraction (10–30%) of high-molecular-weight PAHs and PCBs could be sequestrated and become unavailable for biodegradation. Bioavailability (large K _d , i.e., slow desorption rate) is the key factor limiting the PAHs degradation. However, both bioavailability and bioactivity (K in Monod kinetics, i.e., number of microbes, nutrients, and electron acceptor, etc.) regulate PCBs biodegradation. The sequential active–passive biotreatment can be a cost-effective approach for remediation of highly hydrophobic organic contaminants. The mathematical model proposed here would be useful in the design and operation of such organic chemical biodegradation processes on remediation sites.     

Foraging ecology, economics and conservation of Indian wolves in the Bhal region of Gujarat, Western India

We determined the food habits of the endangered Indian wolf Canis lupus pallipes in the Bhal region of Gujarat, western India by analyzing 1246 wolf scats from five packs by estimating prey availability and by monitoring radio-tagged wolves from three packs for 1994 hour. The frequency of occurrence of blackbuck Antelope cervicapra remains in scats was 55.5%, followed by cattle (25.7%), nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus (6.3%); and as others (<5%). The frequency of food items in scats of different wolf packs reflected their relative availability. For cattle the distinction between scavenging and predation was only possible through continuous monitoring. The average feeding interval obtained from monitoring was 3.6± 0.7 (S.E.) days and the average consumption/wolf/day was 1.8± 0.3 (S.E.) Kg. Adult male blackbuck formed most (70%) of the biomass consumed by wolves whereas cattle carcasses and cattle actually killed by wolves contributed 14 and 8%, respectively. Predation on cattle therefore was low and translated in an estimated loss of Rs. 821 (US$ 17) per village per annum. We propose that landscapes such as the Bhal with high wolf densities, high natural prey availability and consequently low human-wolf conflict levels should be prioritized as prime sites for wolf conservation efforts.     

Changes in mineral nitrogen, phosphorus availability and salt-extractable aluminium following the application of green manure residues in two weathered soils of South Vietnam

Phosphorus deficiency and aluminium toxicity in weathered soils can be amended by applying organic residues. Nitrogen mineralization, changes in P-availability and changes in salt-extractable Al following the incorporation of residues of various green manures (Flemingia congesta, Mucuna pruriens, Pueraria phaseoloides, Tithonia diversifolia) were quantified in a field core incubation experiment. Dried residues were added at an application rate of 45 kg P ha⁻¹ to two soils representative for the main soil groups of the South Vietnamese uplands, set up in incubation cores in an experimental field near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.Decomposition of the residues proceeded at high rates. Mineralized nitrogen from the residues was recovered mainly as ammonium during the first 2 weeks of incubation. Nitrogen release from Tithonia residues with the highest lignin content and lignin:N ratio occurred more gradually compared to the three legumes. Resin-extractable P was significantly increased by residue treatments. Largest and sustained increases in resin-extractable P (0.67 and 2.06 mg P kg⁻¹ in the two soils) were observed in samples amended with Tithonia, which was related to the large P-content (0.37%) and small C:P ratio (110) of the residues. The P-concentration in the residues, rather than the total amount of P applied through the residues, affected the increase in P-availability. The increase in resin-extractable P was correlated to the P-content (R=0.64) and C:P ratio (R=−0.65) of the residues. Salt-extractable Al-concentrations were considerably reduced by the organic amendments, up to 70 and 50% in the two soils. At the rate of 45 kg P ha⁻¹, no significant differences between the residue treatments to reduce soil acidity were observed.As such, the application of high quality residues that are rich in P, in particular T. diversifolia, may enhance crop production by creating favourable soil conditions during the initial stages of plant development of the main crop.     

Effects of a Simulated Agricultural Runoff Event on Sediment Toxicity in a Managed Backwater Wetland

We examined the effects of an amended mixture of three pesticides, atrazine (72.7?g), S-metolachlor (54.5?g), and permethrin (both cis and trans isomers; 11.4?g), on 10-day sediment toxicity to Hyalella azteca in a managed natural backwater wetland after a simulated agricultural runoff event. Sediment samples were collected at 10, 40, 100, 300, and 500?m from inflow 13?days prior to amendment and 1, 5, 12, 22, and 36?days post-amendment. Background pesticide concentrations ranged from <1 to 977, <1 to 119, and <1 to 2???g?kg^?1, for atrazine, S-metolachlor, and permethrin, respectively. Average post-amendment atrazine and S-metolachlor were 2,915?C3,927 and 3?C20???g?kg^?1, respectively at 10?C40?m and 538?C872 and <1???g?kg^?1, respectively at 300?C500?m. Average post-amendment permethrin was 65?C200???g?kg^?1 at 10?C40?m and 1?C10???g?kg^?1 at 300?C500?m. H. azteca 10-day survival varied spatially and temporally up to 100?m from inflow. Animal growth, independent of survival, was reduced 40 and 100?m from inflow on day?36, showing continued sediment toxicity of up to 100?m from inflow more than 1?month after amendment. Animal survival and growth were unaffected at 300 and 500?m from inflow throughout the study period. Correlations of pesticide concentrations and H. azteca responses indicated that observed sediment toxicity was primarily from permethrin with potential additional synergistic toxicity from atrazine and methyl parathion. Study results indicate that natural backwater wetlands can be managed to ameliorate pesticide mixture 10-day sediment toxicity to H. azteca within 300?m of inflow and smaller wetlands (??100?m) may require several months of effluent retention to mitigate effects.     

Measuring the bioavailability of polychlorinated biphenyls to earthworms in soil enriched with biochar or activated carbon using triolein-embedded cellulose acetate membrane

Purpose

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent soil contaminants that resist biodegradation and present serious risks to living organisms. The presence of biochar in soils can lower the availability of PCBs to biota. In this study, the effect of biochar enrichment in soils on bioaccumulation of PCBs was investigated.

Materials and methods

We applied two types of biochar including pine needle biochar (PC) and wheat straw biochar (WC), and an activated carbon (AC) to soil (2 % w/w) and employed two alternative methods to quantified rates of bioaccumulation: a living bioassay (using earthworm, Eisenia fetida, as a model organism) and a triolein-embedded cellulose acetate membrane (TECAM).

Results and discussion

Our results show that the application of biochar or AC greatly reduced the uptake of PCBs (particularly less-chlorinated PCBs) by earthworms (the reduction in total PCBs concentration was up to 40.0 and 49.0 % for PC and WC treatments, while 71.6 % for AC application). We found that the bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for PCBs in the earthworms in biochar/AC-enriched soils were strongly correlated with O:C ratio of the biochar/AC (R ²?=?0.998, p?<?0.05). We observed that BAFs increased at log K _OW below 6.3 and decreased at log K _OW values greater than 6.3. We demonstrated that the concentration of PCBs in TECAM membranes were positively correlated with the concentration of PCBs earthworms in soil.

Conclusions

TECAM offers an efficient and cost-effective method for predicting the bioavailability of PCBs in field-contaminated soils undergoing sorbent-based remediation.