Heavy metal and PCB spatial distribution pattern in sediments within an urban catchment—contribution of historical pollution sources

Purpose

This work analyzes polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and heavy metal contamination in fluvial sediments and soils in an urban catchment, according to the geo-accumulation index and to soil and sediment quality guidelines. The catchment is located in Coimbra, Portugal, being affected by frequent flooding, and its main stream is a tributary to one of the major rivers in Portugal (Mondego). Given the presence of industrial activities over time, some inputs of pollutants are expected, but so far, the legacy of historic pollution in this catchment has not yet been investigated.

Materials and methods

Twenty-five samples were collected from nine sampling sites at the depths of 0–20, 20–40 and 40–60 cm (to provide a historic perspective) along longitudinal profiles (streamlines) and in soils downstream of pollution sources. These samples were analyzed for six heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni), organic carbon, pH and ten PCBs (IUPAC numbers 28, 30, 52, 101, 138, 153, 166, 180, 204, 209).

Results and discussion

Total PCB concentrations ranged 0.47–5.3 ng g^?1 dry weight (dw), and levels increase from the bottom to the top layers, suggesting an increased input over the last 100 years. PCB congener distribution shows the dominance of hexachlorobiphenyls, especially PCB138, suggesting the existence of local sources. PCB levels did not exceed sediment quality levels, placing sediments/soil under class 1 (not contaminated) or class 2 (trace contamination) with respect to PCB. All six metals exceeded the lowest effect level for sediment quality criteria, and three (Cd, Pb and Zn) largely exceeded the clean levels for dredged materials, placing sediments in class 5 (heavily contaminated). Sampling site S1 presented the highest concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd, and historic vehicle traffic was identified as the most likely source, given the vertical and horizontal profiles.

Conclusions

High levels of Pb, Cd and Zn were found in fluvial sediments at some locations of the Loreto catchment, likely from historic traffic sources. This urban area is frequently affected by flooding events and is currently being subject to urban redevelopment. During these events/actions, historic pollutants in the sediments might surface and be redistributed, impacting the downstream ecosystem of the major Mondego River or increasing the risk of exposure of the urban population.

     

Effects of training on muscle composition in horses

Biopsy samples were obtained from the middle gluteal muscle of 10 Thoroughbred horses undergoing a commercial race-training program. Samples were obtained before the program began and again after 6 and 12 weeks of training. All horses had raced at least once by the 12th week of training. Serial sections of muscle were examined histochemically for myosin adenosinetriphosphatase after either acid (pH 4.3 and 4.6) or alkaline (pH 10.3) preincubation, and then muscle fibers were identified as types I, IIA, IIB, or IIC. The oxidative capacity of individual fibers was assessed, using the reduced nicotinamide dinucleotide tetrazolium-reductase stain, and the number of intermyofibrillar capillaries adjacent to each fiber were counted after staining, using the alpha-amylase-periodic acid-Schiff technique. Biochemical analyses involved the fluorometric measurement of 3 enzymes--citrate synthase, 3-hydroxy-acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase--as markers of end terminal oxidative, beta-oxidative, and glycolytic potentials, respectively. Changes in fiber-type percentages did not occur in response to training. There was a significant (P less than 0.01) increase in the percentage of type IIB fibers, having high nicotinamide dinucleotide-tetrazolium reductase staining after 12 weeks of training. Alterations in the number of capillaries adjacent to each fiber type did not occur during the training period. There were increases in the activities of both citrate synthase and 3-hydroxy-acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase after 6 weeks (P less than 0.05) and 12 weeks (P less than 0.001) of training. Alterations in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase did not occur in response to training.     

Coccidiosis: T-lymphocyte-dependent effects of infection with Eimeria nieschulzi in rats

The intestinal pathology caused by infection with $\text{Eimeria nieschulzi}$ was investigated and comparisons were made between the effects in athymic nude (rnu/rnu) rats and their heterozygous (rnu/+) litter-mates. Most of the changes noted, i.e. increase in gut weight, partial villous atrophy and increased numbers of mast, goblet and pyroninophilic cells were shown to be largely or wholely thymus dependent. The numbers of intraepithelial lymphocytes were decreased in both groups during the period of study. The peripheral blood leucocyte response was similar in both groups of rats during a primary infection but differed after a challenge inoculum, indicating that the secondary type of response which occurred in the rnu/+ rats was thymus dependent, as is resistance to reinfection.     

A heat-stable toxin isolated from the turkey coryza agent, Bordetella avium

A toxin was isolated from Bordetella avium grown in a defined medium. The toxin was active for mice but not for turkey poults or Japanese quail. The extraction procedure is described. The toxin was trypsin-sensitive and heat-stable (85 C for 30 min), and its activity was blocked by B. avium hyperimmune serum.     

Effect of primary phase feline immunodeficiency virus infection on cats with chronic toxoplasmosis.

The effect of primary phase feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection on clinical signs, hematological values, Toxoplasma gondii oocyst shedding, T. gondii-specific serology, T. gondii-specific cell-mediated immune responses, non-specific cell-mediated immune responses, and lymphocyte subpopulations from cats with experimentally induced chronic toxoplasmosis was studied. No significant clinical or hematologic abnormalities were noted following inoculation with FIV. T. gondii-specific IgM was significantly increased, concanavalin A, T. gondii tachyzoite antigen and T. gondii secretory antigen induction of lymphocyte transformation were significantly suppressed, and CD4+ cell numbers were significantly decreased following inoculation with FIV. The changes were attributed to FIV effects on the immune system and resultant activated toxoplasmosis.     

Method of investigation of the accuracy of four digitally-displaying heart rate meters suitable for use in the exercising horse

The measurement of heart rate during exercise in the horse has been recommended as a means of prescribing work effort, monitoring the changes in aerobic capacity during training and as part of the clinical examination of the performance horse. The accuracy of four heart rate meters (PEH 100, PU 10, HR 14 and HRM-7) was assessed by comparison with heart rate determined by simultaneous telemetry electrocardiography (ECG) using a rapid incremental exercise test on a treadmill. Heart rate displayed by all four meters showed significant correlations with the ECG heart rate, but only two meters (PEH 100 and HRM-7) had correlation coefficients of 0.98 or greater.     

ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY AND HAEMATOLOGY OF HORSES COMPETING IN A THREE-DAY EVENT

The electrocardiograms of 22 horses competing in a 3-day event were recorded before and after the event. In addition, blood samples were taken for determination of packed cell volume and total plasma protein before, during and after the speed and endurance phases (Day 2).
The electrocardiograms of 13 horses showed various abnormalities before the event, most of which were T wave changes. As a result of competition in the event, there was a significant increase in the number of leads showing T wave abnormalities when the electrocardiograms taken before and after the event were compared. At all times measurements were taken there were significant increases in packed cell volume and total plasma protein over values obtained prior to the event.