Effects of dissolved organic carbon on the toxicity of copper to the developing embryos of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas).

The effects of humic acid (HA) on copper speciation and its subsequent toxicity to the sensitive early life stages of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) are presented. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry with a hanging mercury drop electrode was used to measure the copper species as labile copper (LCu; free ion and inorganic copper complexes) and total copper (TCu) with respect to increasing HA concentration. The TCu and LCu 50% effect concentrations (EC50s) in the absence of HA were 20.

Dissolved organic carbon reduces the toxicity of copper to germlings of the macroalgae, Fucus vesiculosus.

This study investigates the effects of waterborne copper exposure on germling growth in chemically defined seawater. Germlings of the macroalgae, Fucus vesiculosus were exposed to a range of copper and dissolved organic carbon (DOC as humic acid) concentrations over 14 days. Germling growth was found to be a sensitive indicator of copper exposure with total copper (TCu) and labile copper (LCu) EC(50) values of approximately 40 and 20 microg/L, respectively, in the absence of added DOC.

TBT causes regime shift in shallow lakes.

Tributyltin (TBT) is an organotin compound used since the early 1960s as a biocide in boat antifouling paints. Its use has been linked to a host of negative effects in marine ecosystems including malformations and imposex in Mollusca and acute toxicity in many other aquatic animals. Yet, the consequences of TBT use in freshwaters are largely unknown.

Surveys of plasma vitellogenin and intersex in male flounder (Platichthys flesus) as measures of endocrine disruption by estrogenic contamination in United Kingdom estuaries: temporal trends, 1996 to 2001.

Plasma vitellogenin (VTG) concentrations and the presence of the ovo-testis (intersex) condition have been recorded in male flounder (Platichthys flesus) captured from several United Kingdom (UK) estuaries since 1996 as part of the endocrine disruption in the Marine Environment (EDMAR) project and earlier programs. It has been confirmed that plasma VTG concentrations in male flounder have remained elevated in several UK estuaries (e.g.

Increased persistence of antifouling paint biocides when associated with paint particles.

Current regulatory risk assessment procedures only assess the impact of antifouling paint biocides that are released through leaching from a painted surface. Hull cleaning activities can lead to particles of antifouling paint containing biocides to enter the environment. Comparative pseudo-first order anaerobic degradation rate constants and half-lives were determined for a selection of common antifouling paint booster biocides, their degradation products, and associated with paint particles.