The effects of temperature on the uptake and metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene in isolated gill cells of the gulf toadfish,Opsanus beta

The effects of acclimation temperature and acute temperature change on the uptake and metabolism of the procarcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) by gill cells of the gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta, were examined. BaP was rapidly accumulated by isolated gill cells and uptake rates were directly proportional to BaP concentration in the medium (1 to 100 μg/ml). Uptake rates were higher in cells isolated from fish acclimated to 18°C when compared to cells from 28°C acclimated fish at all incubation temperatures. When cells were exposed to BaP at the respective acclimation temperatures of the fish, uptake rates were similar (0.14 ± 0.01 at 18°C and 0.12 ± 0.01 μg BaP/s/10 mg cells at 28°C). This finding is discussed in view of results which showed a partial compensation of membrane fluidity in plasma membranes isolated from fish from the two acclimation temperatures. At higher incubation temperatures, cells from fish acclimated to 18°C metabolized BaP at a greater rate than those at 28°C (49.6 ± 1.92 and 43.0 ± 2.24 μg/g/8h, respectively, at 23°C). Low but detectable activities of common biotransformation enzymes (aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, glutathione-S-transferase) and cytochrome P-450 content were found, however, no significant differences were evident between cells from fish acclimated to different temperatures. To whom to address correspondence     

Altered stress responses in rainbow trout following a dietary administration of cortisol and β-napthoflavone

Previous studies have demonstrated that fish inhabiting polluted waterways often have an impaired stress response at the organismal level. Given the possible link between the organismal (i.e. cortisol) and cellular (i.e. heat shock proteins; hsp) stress responses, we conducted this study to examine the ability of rainbow trout to respond to a 2 h, +14 °C heat stress (HS) challenge following a 28 d, sub-chronic exposure to increased concentrations of cortisol (5 mg kg⁻¹ b.w.), β-napthoflavone (bnf; 50 mg kg⁻¹ b.w.), and a combination of both (mixture), through the diet (1.5% b.w. every 48 h). While control fish responded to the HS by significantly increasing components of their organismal (cortisol, glucose, and lactate) and cellular (hepatic hsp70 protein) stress responses 6 and 24 h post HS, cortisol-, bnf-, and mixture-fed fish had impaired stress responses at both levels of organization. Additionally, hepatic hsp70 levels were significantly reduced 6 h post HS in cortisol-fed fish. While bnf-fed fish had significantly higher EROD activity, cortisol potentiated EROD activity in the mixture-fed fish. Similarly, plasma cortisol concentrations in the mixture-fed fish were significantly lower relative to cortisol-fed fish. These data are the first to indicate that sub-chronically stressed fish can have impaired stress responses at both the organismal and cellular levels. These findings raise questions regarding: (a) the universal and simple applicability of biological indicators of stress in fish; (b) the possible functional relationship between these two levels of stress responses; and (c) the importance of hsps in the generalized stress response of the whole organism. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

萘、菲和芘对铜绿微囊藻生长的影响

采用实验室培养铜绿微囊藻(M.aeruginosa)的方法,研究了3种多环芳烃(萘、菲和芘)对铜绿微囊藻生长和光合作用的影响。结果表明,菲对微囊藻生长的影响高于萘与芘,微量萘、芘暴露可对微囊藻生长具有一定的促进作用,而高浓度暴露组均抑制了微囊藻的生长,其比生长速率与暴露浓度显著负相关(P0.05),Pearson相关系数为-0.884～-0.653;高浓度萘、芘暴露对微囊藻的毒性都随着时间的延长而减弱,高浓度菲暴露对微囊藻产生不可逆的毒害作用。菲、芘通过降低微囊藻叶绿素a含量和光合速率抑制微囊藻的生长。     

银川平原及周边地区表层土壤中多环芳烃分布特征

为揭示银川平原及周边地区表层土壤中多环芳烃分布特征,分析了银川平原及周边地区37个表层土壤样品中16种美国环保署优先控制多环芳烃的含量与组成特征。结果表明,研究区域内表层土壤中多环芳烃含量为17.2~1 199.3 ng·g-1(干重)之间,算数均值为190.6±232.2 ng·g-1,几何均值为125.9 ng·g-1,与国内外相关研究相比处于较低水平。多环芳烃以三环和二环为主要组分,荧蒽与菲为主要污染物,主要来源为区域内的燃烧源排放。多环芳烃在研究区域内呈南北高、东西低的分布态势,人类生产、生活排放和土壤中有机质对多环芳烃的吸附性是影响其空间分布的重要因素。耕地中多环芳烃含量高于草地与荒地,接近我国东部地区耕地,且受土壤总有机碳影响,高环组分所占丰度高于草地和荒地。     

Temperature effects on bioremediation of PAHs and PCP contaminated south Louisiana soils: A laboratory mesocosm study

Goal, Scope and Background  Temperature and soil moisture content are important environmental variables in bioremediation technologies. Optimizing these variables in-situ would enhance and maintain remediation of hazardous wastes during cold winter seasons or in cold regions and may lead to reduced maintenance and/or cost. The effect of elevated temperature and soil moisture on bioremediation efficiency was investigated using a laboratory mesocosm approach. Selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phenols degradation in contaminated flooded soils, commonly found in Superfund sites situated in coastal plains sediments/soils, were evaluated in the mesocosms. Material and Methods  Four laboratory mesocosm treatments in triplicate simulating in-situ bioremediation of contaminated site soils using an immobilized microbe bioreactor system, i.e., bioplug, were established to evaluate temperature effects. Elevated temperature treatments of site soils with and without contaminant-specific microorganisms were established at a temperature of 42±2°C. Similarly, treatment of site soils with and without contaminant-specific microorganisms were established at an ambient temperature of 21±1°C. Composite samples were analyzed for selected PAHs and chlorinated phenols to determine rates of mineralization and overall remediation efficiency for different temperature regimes. Results  Mesocosm studies indicated that the high temperature inoculated treatment demonstrated a significant reduction in mean total PAHs and total phenols with a kinetic rate (KR) of 76±13 ng g⁻¹ d⁻¹ in 49 days (approximately 84% reduction; p<0.01) The KR for low temperature inoculated treatment was 54±1 ng g⁻¹ d⁻¹ in 49 days (approximately 66% reduction; p<0.01). High temperature non-inoculated mesocosms exhibited significant mineralization of all constituents with KR of 15±6 ng g⁻¹ d⁻¹ (approximately 65% reduction; p<0.01) in 49d compared to 54% reduction for low temperature non-inoculated treatment with KR of 12±3 ng g⁻¹ d⁻¹ (p=0.1794). Phenol compounds in inoculated treatments were also significantly reduced (65%, p<0.01) at elevated temperatures compared to ambient (52%, p<0.01). Discussion  Increased bioavailability and desorption were noted for elevated temperature and moisture in the soil laboratory mesocosms simulating a field in situ remediation protocol. This protocol employing the application of immobilized microflora indicated that in situ systems provide an economical advantage if optimal elevated temperature and moisture are controlled properly. Results also suggested that temperature and moisture optimization needs to be combined with efficient nutrients delivery systems for impacted soils/sediments. Conclusions  The study demonstrated that temperature and soil moisture contents are important factors in the success of in-situ bioremediation techniques at hazardous waste sites situated in a coastal zone. Kinetic rates were significantly enhanced to remediate known recalcitrant compounds (PAHs and phenols) in aged soil. Recommendations and Perspectives  The placement of a preferred microbial consortia such as an immobilized microbial population in an entrained bioreactor, i.e., bioplug, can significantly reduce constituents of concern in a timely manner for contaminated soils/sediments. However, frequent monitoring of the soil temperature, moisture content, nutrient level, and dissolved oxygen is necessary to achieve predictable kinetic rates of mineralization. ESS-Submission Editor: Dr. Teresa Cutright (tcutright@uakron.edu)     

Polycyclic aromatic compounds and microtox® acute toxicity in contaminated sediments in Sweden

Limnic and brackish aquatic sediments from contaminated locations in Sweden were analysed for polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and tested for acute aquatic toxicity. The organic compounds were analysed in solvent-extractable and alkaline-treated fractions to complete the analysis of a set of priority pollutants according to the Swedish EPA. Additionally, the acute toxicity was measured by the solid phase Microtox test. The measured effects were correlated with sedimentological and chemical parameters. Analysis revealed no indication of a contribution of PACs to the acute sediment toxicity in highly contaminated sediments, with concentrations in the range of 11.3-307 μg SPAC_37/39/g dry matter. Despite a high ranking of 3 to 5 within the Swedish EPA list for coastal sediments, the acute toxicity results indicate a very low bioavailability of the analysed PACs from the creosote and combustion-contaminated sediments. A correlation of acute toxicity to elemental sulfur was indicated.     

Remediation of contaminated soil using soil washing and biopile methodologies at a field level

Background, Aims and Scope  An out-of-service oil distribution and storage station (ODSS), which operated from 1966 to 2000 in Mexico, is contaminated mainly by gasoline and diesel, showing the presence of methyl-tert-butyl-ether, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylenes. Nine of the 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were found, as well as Fe, Pb, V, and Zn. The health risk assessment suggested the necessity of reducing of three PAHs [benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, and benzo-(b)fluoranthene], and vanadium. The aim of this work is to show that soil washing (on-site) and biopiles are excellent remediation methodologies to treat soils contaminated with petroleum derivates and metals. Applying them, it is possible to reach the goal value of 2,000 mg TPH/kg in a few months, as requested by Mexican legislation. Methods  More than 140 m³ were excavated from the ODSS. Three soil-washing dishes were built. 1540 m³ were treated by soil washing using a nonionic surfactant. A 100 m³ biopile was built to study the system capabilities in the biodegradation of around 4,500 mg/kg of TPH using the autochthonous microflora. Results and Discussion  The soil washing, average TPH-removal value was 83%, but values up to ca. 93% were observed. Removal values resulted in a function of the TPH initial values. Biopile (100 m³) worked during 66 days, reaching a TPH-removal value of 85%. At the end of the processes, no PAHs were detected. The contaminated soil was treated successfully, reaching the legislation limits (TPH values under 2,000 mg/kg, and a significant reduction in PAH concentrations). Conclusion and Recommendation  Both systems are suitable for remediation purposes, achieving high removal efficiencies at short and medium stages. It is highly recommended to proceed with soil washing studies, identifying new products, and mixtures, which could reduce costs and assure optimum operation.     

Bioaugmentation of butane-utilizing microorganisms for the in situ cometabolic treatment of 1,1-dichloroethene, 1,1-dichloroethane, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane

Bioaugmentation of microbial cultures is a potential method to enhance the performance of in situ bioremediation. In this study we evaluated the bioaugmentation of aerobic microorganisms that grow on butane that can transform chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon (CAH) mixtures, such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), 1,1-dichhloroethane (1,1-DCA) and 1,1-dichloroethene (1,1-DCE). This mixture of contaminants is of interest, since 1,1,1-TCA was a frequently used solvent at Department of Defense (DoD) facilities in the United States, and 1,1-DCE and 1,1-DCA are abiotic and biotic transformation products of 1,1,1-TCA. Kinetic studies with butane grown enrichment cultures and pure cultures isolated from the enrichment culture showed effective transformation of mixtures of these contaminants, with 1,1-DCE most rapidly transformed, followed by 1,1-DCA, and 1,1,1-TCA. In laboratory microcosm batch experiments, with aquifer material and groundwater from the field site, microcosms bioaugmented with mixed and pure cultures outperformed microcosms where indigenous butane-utilizing microorganisms were stimulated. The microcosm tests were consistent with the kinetics from mixed and pure cultures. Field studies were conducted in the saturated zone at the Moffett Field In Situ Test Facility in California. Tests were performed in an indigenous test leg along with a bioaugmented test leg, and the bioaugmented test leg outperformed the indigenous test leg. In the bioaugmented leg, 1,1-DCE was more effectively transformed, followed by 1,1-DCA, and 1,1,1-TCA, consistent with the results from laboratory kinetic studies and microcosm studies.     

长江三角洲地区土壤环境质量与修复研究Ⅲ.农业土壤不同粒径组分中菲和苯并[a]芘的分配特征

持久性有机污染物在土壤环境中的行为在很大程度上取决于土壤有机质对它们的吸附作用，粒径分组通常用来区分具有不同有机质组成和周转速率的有机质库。本研究利用菲（Phe）和苯并[a]芘（Bap）作为多环芳烃（PAHs）低、高环组分的代表物质，研究了它们在污染区9个农业表层土壤（0～20cm）不同粒径组分（粘粒、细粉粒、粗粉粒、细砂粒和粗砂粒）中的分配特征。结果表明，Phe在不同粒径组分中的平均含量大小顺序为粗砂粒〉细砂粒〉粘粒〉细粉粒〉粗粉粒，Bap为粗砂粒〉细砂粒〉粗粉粒〉细粉粒〉粘粒。Phe和BaP在不同粒径组分中的含量与粒径组分中有机质的含量均呈显著性正相关（P〈0．01）。不同粒径组分中的有机质对Phe富集能力的大小顺序为粗粉粒〉细粉粒〉细砂粒〉粗砂粒〉粘粒，对Bap的富集能力为粗粉粒〉粗砂粒〉细粉粒〉细砂粒〉粘粒。     

Cytochrome P450 1 enzyme inhibition and anticancer potential of chromene amides from Amyris plumieri

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme inhibitory properties of six chromenylated amide compounds (CAs) from Amyris plumieri are described. Inhibition of CYP microsomes (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, CYP2D6, CYP3A4 and CYP2C19) was monitored using a fluorescent assay. Potent inhibition was found against CYP1A1 with IC₅₀ and K_i for CA1 (acetamide), being the lowest at 1.547 ± 1.0 μM and 0.37 μM respectively, displaying non-competitive kinetics. The selectivity for CYP1A1 was increased in CA3 (butanamide), which also exhibited cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, MCF7 with an IC₅₀ of 47.46 ± 1.62 μM. Structure-activity relationship studies provide insight at a molecular level for CAs with implications in chemoprevention and chemotherapy.