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PubMedDate not supplied

Seabirds as indicators of changes in marine ecosystems: ecological monitoring on Machias Seal Island.

Changes in marine ecosystems can be manifested in many different ways, on different temporal and spatial scales. Seabirds are top consumers in marine foodwebs and offer opportunities to detect and assess the biological effects of changes in physical parameters (sea-surface temperature [SST], salinity, depth of thermocline etc.) of the marine ecosystem. We compare six-eight years' of data on the biology (diet, and breeding success) of four species of seabird (arctic tern Sterna paradisaea and common tern S. hirundo, which feed at the sea surface; and Atlantic puffin Fratercula antica and razorbill Alca torda, which dive 30-60 m for their prey) breeding on Machias Seal Island (MSI) in the Bay of Fundy with both our own meteorological and oceanographic measurements, and with standard measurements from conventional sources. These are compared with fisheries data on changes in the main prey of all the seabirds concerned (juvenile or '0-group' herring Clupea harengus) which are the most direct link between the seabirds and the physical properties of the marine system. We explore relationships between seabird productivity and diet, and other aspects of both herring biology (larval surveys, and fat content) and oceanography (SST data from the island, and remotely sensed data from the entrance to the Bay of Fundy). Timing of laying by puffins followed SST variation at neither the local (MSI) nor regional scales, but at the scale of the North Atlantic, following the trend of populations breeding off northern Norway. The proportion of herring in the diet of terns over 6 years varied inversely with herring larval abundance the previous fall; this relationship was not statistically significant in the puffin and razorbill. A major new finding is the considerable (approximately 50%) inter-annual variation in the energy density (fat content) of juvenile herring that are the main seabird prey; breeding success of both species of tern varied in parallel with the energy density of juvenile herring in the diet until the last two years of the study, when sandlance (Ammodytes sp.) and euphausid shrimp predominated in the diet. Our long-term research approach combines traditional population monitoring (of numbers of breeding birds) with demographic, behavioural and environmental monitoring, to provide new understanding of the marine ecosystem as well as of seabirds.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The use of bacterial luciferase for monitoring the environmental regulation of expression of genes encoding virulence factors in Listeria monocytogenes.

A promoter probe vector, which utilized the lux AB genes from Vibrio fischeri as reporters of gene expression, was constructed for use in Listeria monocytogenes. Using this system gene expression can be monitored non-destructively and in real-time, simply by measuring cellular bioluminescence. Derivatives of the promoter probe were constructed that contained the cloned promoters from the hlyA and plcA genes of L. monocytogenes. The activity of these promoters was dependent on the transcriptional activator PrfA. Accordingly, in a strain containing an intact copy of the prfA gene, expression from both the hlyA and plcA promoters was 25-45-fold higher than in prfA mutants. Heat shock was identified as an environmental signal which induced expression of hlyA and plcA. Conversely, oxidative stress had no effect upon the expression of the virulence factors. In addition, the composition of the growth media was found to have a dramatic effect upon the expression of hlyA and plcA, suggesting the presence of an unidentified signal which may regulate induction of expression of virulence genes in L. monocytogenes.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed2003

Chemical analysis and sediment toxicity bioassays to assess the contamination of the River Lambro (Northern Italy).

This study consisted of a 10-day whole sediment toxicity test with the chironomid Chironomus riparius and a 28-day sediment toxicity test with the oligochaete Tubifex tubifex at seven sites to assess the quality of the River Lambro (Italy), one of the most contaminated rivers of the Po Basin. Endpoints measured were survival and growth for chironomids and cocoon deposition and development of young worms for tubificid oligochaetes. Responses were evaluated in relation to the occurence of organic micropollutants (PCBs, DDT, HCB, and HCH) representative of the industrial and agricultural contamination of the area. Though survival of the organisms remained unaffected, sublethal effects were observed at all sites. The sediment sampled at the farthest upstream site differed from the control only in the number of cocoons deposited by the worms. Both test species in the next three sediments, where concentrations of PCB and DDT were in the range 21.9-39.5 ng g(-1) DW and 0.6-1.3 ng g(-1) DW, respectively, experienced greater toxicity in terms of growth and reproduction. Contamination was particularly high in the site closest to Milan, where the river receives untreated urban and industrial discharges. Levels of total PCBs and total DDT here were up to two orders of magnitude higher than those found at the other sampling locations, and chironomid growth and the reproductive endpoints of tubificids were significantly lower than in the control and the other sites. The test results for the next two stations showed improvement relative to that of Milan, although contamination was still evident. Sublethal effects were in agreement with the measured concentrations of the principal persistent organic pollutants and should be included as part of environmental monitoring efforts as a basis for assessing the recovery of the river.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Cloning, characterization and expression of an Enterococcus faecalis gene responsive to heavy metals.

Gene encoding stress response proteins are induced by a variety of environmental stimuli including the presence of heavy metals. To address the utility of this response for pollutant detection, one cadmium-induced gene in Enterococcus faecalis was isolated, sequenced and studied at the transcriptional level. csrA contains an open reading frame encoding a protein of 168 amino acids with homology to the enzyme peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase. The csrA mRNA was barely present in unstressed E. faecalis cells grown in M17-glucose medium, but accumulated at higher levels in cadmium-treated cells. Mercury also had an effect on csrA expression, whereas lead, copper and manganese induced csrA expression only at the highest doses tested. Our results suggest that biosensors based on E. faecalis may have potential applications for environmental monitoring and should be constructed.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed2000

Collaborative evaluation of the analytical state-of-the-art of platinum, palladium and rhodium determinations in road dust.

In order to control the quality of platinum, palladium and rhodium determinations in road dust, the Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme (formerly BCR) of the European Commission has started a project, the final aim of which is to certify a road dust reference material for its contents of platinum group elements. The first part of this project consisted of an interlaboratory study, which aimed to test the feasibility of the preparation of a candidate road dust reference material and to detect and remove most of the pitfalls observed in platinum, palladium and rhodium determinations. This paper presents the main results of this interlaboratory study carried out prior to the certification campaign. The concordance of the data obtained by the participating laboratories for the three elements was considered to reflect the state-of-the-art and was encouraging enough to decide on the organization of a certification campaign to be conducted during the year 2000. The progress made with respect to the analytical state-of-the-art for these elements will be of great benefit to the quality of measurements carried out in environmental monitoring in this particular field.

Dust↗
PubMed2006

Human exposure assessment to environmental chemicals using biomonitoring.

In modern societies, humans may be exposed to a wide spectrum of environmental chemicals. Although the health significance of this exposure for many chemicals is unknown, studies to investigate the prevalence of exposure are warranted because of the chemicals' potential harmful health effects, as often indicated in animal studies. Three tools have been used to assess exposure: exposure history/questionnaire information, environmental monitoring, and biomonitoring (i.e. measuring concentrations of the chemicals, their metabolites, or their adducts in human specimens). We present an overview on the use of biomonitoring in exposure assessment using phthalates, bisphenol A and other environmental phenols, and perfluorinated chemicals as examples. We discuss some factors relevant for interpreting and understanding biomonitoring data, including selection of both biomarkers of exposure and human matrices, and toxicokinetic information. The use of biomonitoring in human risk assessment is not discussed.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1990

Environmental and biological monitoring for lead exposure in California workplaces.

Patterns of environmental and biological monitoring for lead exposure were surveyed in lead-using industries in California. Employer self-reporting indicates a large proportion of potentially lead-exposed workers have never participated in a monitoring program. Only 2.6 percent of facilities have done environmental monitoring for lead, and only 1.4 percent have routine biological monitoring programs. Monitoring practices vary by size of facility, with higher proportions in industries in which larger facilities predominate. Almost 80 percent of battery manufacturing employees work in job classifications which have been monitored, versus only 1 percent of radiator-repair workers. These findings suggest that laboratory-based surveillance for occupational lead poisoning may seriously underestimate the true number of lead poisoned workers and raise serious questions regarding compliance with key elements of the OSHA Lead Standard.

California↗
PubMed2004

Molecular monitoring of environmental conditions influencing the induction of ochratoxin A biosynthesis genes in Penicillium nordicum.

A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system specific for the ochratoxin A polyketide synthase gene (otapksPN) of Penicillium nordicum has been used to analyze environmental conditions, influencing the induction of that key gene of the ochratoxin A biosynthetic pathway. Generally, the induction of that gene coincides very well with the biosynthesis of ochratoxin A, demonstrating that its induction can be used as a molecular signal to monitor ochratoxin A production. It could be shown, that the expression of the otapksPN gene is greatly dependent on the media used. In YES medium expression is highest, followed by minimal medium which support ochratoxin A production and minimal medium which suppresses ochratoxin A production. The amount of ochratoxin A produced shows the same tendency. The amount produced is highest on YES medium and decreases successively to the two minimal media. The system was also used to determine the influence of environmental parameters like temperature, pH and NaCl concentration on the expression of the otapksPN gene and on ochratoxin A production in parallel. It could be shown that under acidic conditions, below pH 5.0, the expression of the otapksPN gene as well as the ochratoxin A concentration were reduced. In case of salt concentration again both measures coincide, having both highest values at increasing NaCl concentrations. In case of the temperature, however, expression of the otapksPN gene was uncoupled to ochratoxin A production. The expression was high at all temperatures tested, however, clear differences in the biosynthesis of ochratoxin A by P. nordicum could be observed at the different temperatures, showing highest production at 25 degrees C. The importance of these data are discussed with reference to the natural habitat of P. nordicum.

Environment↗
PubMed1996

[Biological monitoring with regard to parasites].

The paper deals with the discussion on the sozological aspects of parasitology in the context of environmental monitoring, particularly the role of parasites as indicators of environmental quality bio-assessment. Parasites and parasitological rules are also suspected to have great weight with the study of biology, ecology and evolutionary relations between hosts in different ecosystems. It can be done by tracing the changes among host-parasite relationships and investigations of host and biotope condition.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Introduction: utilization of higher plant systems as monitors of environmental mutagens.

Research over the past 10 years has clearly demonstrated the presence of mutagens among the numerous man-made and naturally occurring chemicals in our environment. These mutagens occur in all classes of chemicals, including foods, drugs, cosmetics, pesticides, household and industrial chemicals as well as in pollutants of both air and water. More recently, a high correlation has been found between carcinogenic and mutagenic activity; at least 90-95% of chemical carcinogens are mutagens. There is a widespread expectation that the discovery of mutagenic activity in chemical screening programs may alert us not only to mutagenic potential in man, but carcinogenic potential as well. The types of genetic damage which can be produced are numerous and the specificity of chemical mutagens makes it possible for one type of effect to be produced predominantly or exclusively. Thus, any screening program must consist of a battery of tests capable of detecting nondisjunction, chromosome aberrations, gene mutations (point mutations as well as interstitial deletion), in addition to more subtle effects of DNA repair. In addition, since innocuous chemicals can be converted by mammalian metabolism to potent mutagens and carcinogens, these metabolites must be evaluated as well as the parent compounds. Chemicals such as air pollutants present particular problems for mutagenicity testing using conventional microbial assays. Some of these problems can be overcome by using various higher plant systems. The general utility of these systems needs to be evaluated in terms of the types of genetic damage which can be detected, relative sensitivity, and general utility for use in mutagen screening and monitoring.

Biological Assay↗
PubMed2001

Effects of salinity and chemical speciation on cadmium accumulation and toxicity to two mysid species.

The estuarine environment is characterized by frequent fluctuations in salinity. Consequently, organisms used for environmental monitoring of estuaries must be euryhaline so that their laboratory responses to chemical pollutants are measured under the full range of salinity exposures experienced in the field. Neomysis integer and Praunus flexuosus are two potential candidates for use in environmental monitoring of European estuaries. The present study assesses the effects of salinity on survival, trace metal accumulation, and toxicity to these two mysid species. Neomysis integer was more euryhaline, showing 100% survival at 1 to 40@1000 compared with P. flexuosus, which showed 100% survival at salinities of 10 to 40@1000. Toxicity of the free cadmium ion to both species was unaffected by salinity, and 96-h LC50s ranged from 4.8 to 15 micrograms Cd2+/L for N. integer and from 12.3 to 16 micrograms Cd2+/L for P. flexuosus. The 7-d LC50s ranged from 1.0 to 4.2 and 4.8 to 5.3 micrograms Cd2+/L for N. integer and P. flexuosus, respectively. No effect of exposure salinity was found on cadmium body burdens of mysids exposed for 7 d to 0.5 and 1.0 microgram Cd2+/L. The results are discussed in terms of possible effects of osmoregulatory mechanisms on trace metal uptake, accumulation, and toxicity.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Children's exposure to environmental pollutants and biomarkers of genetic damage. I. Overview and critical issues.

In the last decade, molecular epidemiological studies have provided new perspectives on studying environmental risks in pediatric populations, based on the growing understanding that children may be more susceptible to toxicants than adults. Protecting children's health is a social priority, and specific research programs have been initiated with this purpose in the United States and Europe. These programs address the development of (i) less invasive methods for biological specimens collection, (ii) specific tools for interpretation and validation of biomarkers, (iii) methods for translating biomarker results into intervention strategies and for integrating them with environmental monitoring and health data, (iv) optimal ways to obtain consent and provide information to children and/or their parents participating in the studies and (v) techniques for the effective communication with policy makers and the public. Critical issues in children's environmental research discussed in this paper include specific needs of study design, exposure assessment, sample collection and ethics. Special consideration is given to the autonomy of the child in giving consent, the details and nature of the information provided, and the need to warrant controlled access to sensitive information. The use of incentives such as gifts and payment to ensure the participation of school-aged children is specifically discussed. Examples of field studies that are focused on the effects of pesticides, air pollution and formaldehyde are used to illustrate advantages and limitations of biomarker studies in children.

Biomarkers↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Increased mercury exposure in inhabitants living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste incinerator: a 10-year follow-up.

A hazardous-waste-treatment plant that housed an incinerator began operation in 1984, before which a baseline survey of the surrounding population and environment was conducted; 10 y later, investigators studied the same subjects. Researchers focused on mercury exposure because mercury concentrations were present in the stack emissions, and environmental monitoring revealed mercury concentrations near the plant. In 1984 and 1994 the median hair mercury concentrations were 0.5 mg/kg and 0.8 mg/kg, respectively. During the 10-y period, median hair total mercury concentrations increased by 0.35 mg/kg in workers (n = 11); by 0.16 mg/kg, 0.13 mg/kg, and 0.03 mg/kg in individuals who lived 2 km (n = 45), 2-4 km (n = 38), and 5 km (n = 30) from the plant, respectively; and by 0.02 mg/kg in the reference group (n = 55). In summary, mercury exposure increased as distance from the plant decreased; however, the increase in exposure was minimal and, on the basis of current knowledge, did not pose a health risk.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Differences in Cd elimination from Mytilus californianus and Mytilus trossulus soft tissues.

Field results have shown that Mytilus californianus is able to release its Cd concentrations significantly in just a few days. The existing paradigm states that Cd elimination from Mytilus soft tissues is a very slow process. This discrepancy was investigated in the laboratory, testing the effect of two Cd levels (10 and 1 microgram l-1) on its release from Mytilus trossulus and M. californianus soft tissues. After exposure to 10 micrograms l-1, both species showed a significant uptake with no elimination after several days of depuration. After exposure to 1 microgram l-1, the responses were different. No significant Cd uptake was seen in M. trossulus while in M. californianus uptake was significant but returned to the background level after just 1 day of depuration. This response of M. californianus is consistent with that reported from field studies. These results are important for environmental monitoring programs since M. californianus has been used as equivalent to other Mytilus species in the assessment of Cd pollution.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Non-aerosol detection of explosives with a continuous flow immunosensor.

Contamination of groundwater, soil, and the marine environment by explosives is a global issue. Identification, characterization and remediation are all required for a site recognized as contaminated with 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) or hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). For each step, a method to accurately measure the contaminant level is needed. This paper reviews some of the current methods with emphasis on a single biosensor developed in our laboratory. Current regulatory methods require samples to be sent off-site to a certified laboratory resulting in time delays up to a month. A continuous flow biosensor for detection of explosives has been developed and tested for the rapid field screening of environmental samples. The detection system is based on a displacement immunoassay in which monoclonal antibodies to (TNT) and RDX are immobilized on solid substrates, allowed to bind fluorescently labeled antigens, and then exposed to explosives in aqueous samples. Explosive compounds present in the sample displace proportional amounts of the fluorescent label, which can then be measured to determine the original TNT or RDX concentration. The system can accurately detect ppb to ppt levels of explosives in groundwater or seawater samples and in extracts of contaminated soil. The biosensor has applications in environmental monitoring at remediation sites or in the location of underwater unexploded ordnance.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2005

Environmental health implications of global climate change.

This paper reviews the background that has led to the now almost-universally held opinion in the scientific community that global climate change is occurring and is inescapably linked with anthropogenic activity. The potential implications to human health are considerable and very diverse. These include, for example, the increased direct impacts of heat and of rises in sea level, exacerbated air and water-borne harmful agents, and--associated with all the preceding--the emergence of environmental refugees. Vector-borne diseases, in particular those associated with blood-sucking arthropods such as mosquitoes, may be significantly impacted, including redistribution of some of those diseases to areas not previously affected. Responses to possible impending environmental and public health crises must involve political and socio-economic considerations, adding even greater complexity to what is already a difficult challenge. In some areas, adjustments to national and international public health practices and policies may be effective, at least in the short and medium terms. But in others, more drastic measures will be required. Environmental monitoring, in its widest sense, will play a significant role in the future management of the problem.

Climate↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparative mold and yeast recovery analysis (the effect of differing incubation temperature ranges and growth media).

Environmental monitoring methodology for recovering fungal organisms often dictates the use of a selective medium incubated at ambient temperatures (20-25 degrees C) for as many as seven days incubation to ensure reliable recovery. However, these methods (which must remain standardized for identification purposes) are not the only avenue environmental monitoring programs may follow. This study comparatively analyzed recovery rates of fungal organisms cultured on both a general purpose bacteriological nutrient medium (Tryptic Soy Agar supplemented with Lecithin and Polysorbate 80), and on a medium selective for the growth of yeasts and molds (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar). The bacteriologic medium was incubated at elevated temperatures (30-35 degrees C) for 70-72 hours then transferred to ambient temperatures for another 70-72 hours incubation. The control case selective medium was incubated solely at 20-25 degrees C for 110-130 hours. Additionally, in a separate test the selective medium was incubated at the same temperature and time specifications as the bacteriologic medium to analyze recovery capabilities. Equivalent or better recovery was obtained for all test panel organisms of yeasts and molds using Tryptic Soy Agar supplemented with Lecithin and Polysorbate 80 incubated at 30-35 degrees C. Equivalent or better recovery was obtained for eight of the nine test panel organisms of yeasts and molds incubated at elevated temperatures on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar versus recovery on Agar versus recovery on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar incubated solely at 20-25 degrees C. No inhibition of growth was observed at the elevated temperature range of 30-35 degrees C. Three days incubation at elevated temperatures was a sufficient incubation period to detect the test organisms cultured on Tryptic Soy Agar supplemented with Lecithin and Polysorbate 80.

Culture Media↗
PubMed2002

Unequal exposure to ecological hazards: environmental injustices in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

This study analyzes the social and geographic distribution of ecological hazards across 368 communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Combining census data with a variety of environmental data, we tested for and identified both income-based and racially based biases to the geographic distribution of 17 different types of environmentally hazardous sites and industrial facilities. We also developed a composite measure of cumulative exposure to compare the relative overall risks characteristic of each community. To the best of our knowledge, this point system makes this the first environmental justice study to develop a means for measuring and ranking cumulative exposure for communities. The study also controls for the intensity of hazards in each community by accounting for the area across which hazards are distributed. The findings indicate that ecologically hazardous sites and facilities are disproportionately located and concentrated in communities of color and working-class communities. The implication of this research for policymakers and citizen advocates is that cumulative exposure of residents to environmentally hazardous facilities and sites should receive greater consideration regarding community demographics and environmental health indicators. We conclude that the provision of additional resources for environmental monitoring and ranking, as well as yearly progress reports, is necessary for communities and state agencies to achieve equal access to clean and healthy environments for all residents.

Environmental Exposure↗