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Molecular methods for environmental monitoring and containment of genetically engineered microorganisms.

Plans to introduce genetically engineered microorganisms into the environment has led to concerns over safety and has raised questions about how to detect and to contain such microorganisms. Specific gene sequences, such as lacZ, have been inserted into genetically engineered microorganisms to permit their phenotypic detection. Molecular methods have been developed based upon recovery of DNA from environmental samples and gene probe hybridization to specific diagnostic gene sequences for the specific detection of genetically engineered microorganisms. DNA amplification using the polymerase chain reaction has been applied to enhance detection sensitivity so that single gene targets can be detected. Detection of messenger RNA has permitted the monitoring of gene expression in the environment. The use of reporter genes, such as the lux gene for bioluminescence, likewise has permitted the observation of gene expression. Conditional lethal constructs have been developed as models for containment of genetically engineered microorganisms. Suicide vectors, based upon the hok gene have been developed as model containment systems.

Bacteria↗

Nuclear fuel-cycle radionuclides in raptor castings: implications for environmental monitoring.

Our sampling results indicate that raptor castings (regurgitated material containing the nondigestible remains of prey) faithfully reflect the composition of known environmental gamma-emitting radionuclides. The castings are easily obtainable and provide a way to monitor for the presence of biologically available radionuclides. Raptor castings can also provide a useful adjunct to existing monitoring programs where small mammal burrowing into buried waste may occur.

Animals↗

Environmental monitoring by wireless communication networks.

The global spread of wireless networks brings a great opportunity for their use in environmental studies. Weather, atmospheric conditions, and constituents cause propagation impairments on radio links. As such, while providing communication facilities, existing wireless communication systems can be used as a widely distributed, high-resolution atmospheric observation network, operating in real time with minimum supervision and without additional cost. Here we demonstrate how measurements of the received signal level, which are made in a cellular network, provide reliable measurements for surface rainfall. We compare the estimated rainfall intensity with radar and rain gauge measurements.

Journal Article↗

A calibration curve at 2000 meters (A.S.L.): alpine valleys as field laboratories for teaching environmental monitoring to undergraduate students.

High-altitude alpine valleys may be considered as ideal field laboratories for the interdisciplinary teaching of Environmental Sciences to undergraduate students in a Laurea degree, since different typologies of sampling sites (rivers, lakes, glaciers) may be found within walking distance, and students are encouraged to develop cooperative learning activities. Scientific data have been collected by 1st year students at the University of Insubria in Como during a teaching program in Ventina Valley and Caronno Valley near Sondrio (Italy). Analytical and geochemical results will be presented and discussed on the basis of organic deposition and water-rock interactions.

Altitude↗

Analytical methods for PCBs and organochlorine pesticides in environmental monitoring and surveillance: a critical appraisal.

Analytical methods for the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are widely available and are the result of a vast amount of environmental analytical method development and research on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) over the past 30-40 years. This review summarizes procedures and examines new approaches for extraction, isolation, identification and quantification of individual congeners/isomers of the PCBs and OCPs. Critical to the successful application of this methodology is the collection, preparation, and storage of samples, as well as specific quality control and reporting criteria, and therefore these are also discussed. With the signing of the Stockholm convention on POPs and the development of global monitoring programs, there is an increased need for laboratories in developing countries to determine PCBs and OCPs. Thus, while this review attempts to summarize the current best practices for analysis of PCBs and OCPs, a major focus is the need for low-cost methods that can be easily implemented in developing countries. A "performance based" process is described whereby individual laboratories can adapt methods best suited to their situations. Access to modern capillary gas chromatography (GC) equipment with either electron capture or low-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) detection to separate and quantify OCP/PCBs is essential. However, screening of samples, especially in areas of known use of OCPs or PCBs, could be accomplished with bioanalytical methods such as specific commercially available enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays and thus this topic is also reviewed. New analytical techniques such two-dimensional GC (2D-GC) and "fast GC" using GC-ECD may be well-suited for broader use in routine PCB/OCP analysis in the near future given their relatively low costs and ability to provide high-resolution separations of PCB/OCPs. Procedures with low environmental impact (SPME, microscale, low solvent use, etc.) are increasingly being used and may be particularly suited to developing countries.

Journal Article↗