Toxicity of pulp and paper solid organic waste constituents to soil organisms.

This study examined the potential biological hazard of pulp and paper waste solids. The solids examined were chosen on the basis of the range of wood-related organic extractives and were either primary solids screened from the effluent stream before secondary treatment, or biosolids from aerated stabilisation lagoons. Acute effects were tested at the level of plants, invertebrates and soil microbes using an oat germination and growth test, earthworm survival and reproduction test, an enchytraeid worm survival and reproduction test, and standard measures of microbial respiration.

Response of a New Zealand mayfly (Deleatidium spp.) to acid mine drainage: implications for mine remediation.

Investigating the toxicity of acid mine drainage (AMD) on benthic communities in receiving waters can be highly challenging because of the difficulty in unraveling the effects of acidity, dissolved metals, and precipitates. Furthermore, the survival of different species may vary depending on any natural adaptation they may have acquired to low pH, metals, or sedimentation. We investigated the effect of different pHs and AMD on the survival of a common New Zealand leptophlebiid mayfly (Deleatidium spp.

Effect of in vitro and in vivo organotin exposures on the immune functions of murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii).

Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) is an iconic native Australian freshwater fish and an ideal species for ecotoxicological testing of environmental pollutants. The species is indigenous to the Murray-Darling basin, which is the largest river system in Australia but also the ultimate sink for many environmental pollutants. The organotins tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) are common pollutants of both freshwater and marine environments and are also known for their immunotoxicity in both mammals and aquatic organisms.

Hepatic and immune biological effect assays in C57BL/6 mice to measure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon bioavailability under laboratory exposures with increasing environmental relevance.

Background: Monitoring biological responses that are mediated via the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in animals exposed to environmental contaminants can indicate both the presence of chemicals that act through this biochemical pathway and whether these chemicals are bioavailable.

Objectives: The use of an ex-situ method that incorporated biological responsiveness monitoring in mice for determining the presence of 'biologically active' hydrocarbons in contaminated soils was investigated.

Methods: The use of C57BL/6 as a test organism was validated by determining hepatic and immune responsiveness to two polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): 3,4 benz[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and 1,2 benz (a)anthracene (BA) administered via intraperitoneal (i.

The effects of in vitro pesticide exposures on the phagocytic function of four native Australian freshwater fish.

There are limited data concerning the lethal and sublethal effects of environmental pollutants on Australian freshwater fish and consequently many of the Australian water quality guidelines are based on data from exotic fish species. This study used a flow cytometric assay to assess the effect of in vitro exposures to commonly used pesticides, on the phagocytic function and cellular composition of head kidney cells from four Australian native fish, i.e.

Flow cytometric analysis and optimisation for measuring phagocytosis in three Australian freshwater fish.

The phagocytic activity of fish immunocytes has been measured by a wide range of methods, and has been used as a bio-indicator to assess the immunotoxicity of environmental pollutants and the efficiency of immunostimulants used in aquaculture. This study demonstrates the utilisation of a flow cytometric technique for measuring phagocytosis as an alternative to manual evaluations by light microscopy. Optimal conditions for the phagocytosis of latex beads were ascertained, including incubation period, cell:bead ratio and media components, for head kidney cells isolated from three native Australian fish that inhabit the Murray-Darling basin, i.

Ecotoxicity of sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080) to soil organisms.

Sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080) is applied as a vertebrate pesticide in New Zealand for control of introduced mammalian pests. Despite its widespread use, little is known about the soil ecotoxicity of 1080. Therefore, the hazard of 1080 to soil invertebrates, plants, and soil microorganisms was evaluated in a series of controlled laboratory tests.

Biomarkers in toxicology versus ecological risk assessment.

Toxicity testing of drugs, pesticides, and hazardous compounds has evolved into a battery of standardized tests conducted in a range of surrogate test organisms. The toxicity of these xenobiotics in terms of their LD(50) and LC(50) (Dose or concentration lethal to 50% of the test population), ED(50) and EC(50) (Dose or concentration producing a specified response in 50% of the test population), MATC (Maximum acceptable toxicant concentration), LOEL (Lowest observable effects level), LOEC (Lowest observable effects concentration), NOEL (No observable effects level) or NOEC (No observable effects concentration) is extrapolated to humans and wildlife. Historical failures in the risk assessment process have been largely due to over reliance on regulatory toxicology and an 'assembly line' mentality to toxicology.