Abstract
The transformation of hazardous pollutants in the environment usually results in formation of hard-to-identify compounds that may have a significant impact on ecosystems. They are difficult to identify by conventional methods of quantitative chemical analysis, but their detrimental effects can be detected by biological methods. The goal of this study was to develop novel methodological approaches to the express assessment of the state of the environment as well as toxicity of its components in the process of biological monitoring at hazardous industrial facilities. The article presents the results of comprehensive toxicity assessment of environmental objects using originally developed system of express methods. The objects of research were water fleas (Daphnia magna Straus and Ceriodaphnia affinis Lilljeborg), infusoria (Paramecium caudatum), preparation of lyophilized fluorescent bacteria based on recombinant Escherichia coli strain M-17 (Ecolum), algae (Chlorella vulgaris Beijer, Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Breb.), and mammalian gonads. The original methods for determining toxicity by changing the motor activity of water fleas at elevated temperatures of the studied environment are described. The description of the following original utility models is presented: “Method of bioassay for water samples and device for its implementation”, “Device for express assessment of natural environment quality” and “Device for comprehensive assessment of natural environment quality”, confirmed by the patents of the Russian Federation. Their use may significantly reduce the cost of ecotoxicological studies in terms of time and money expenditures. The effectiveness of the system of express methods was established during a biological monitoring of a sanitary protection zone of the Balakovo NPP. Toxicity of the samples of bottom sediments, soil, as well as water samples from the cooler pond and the adjacent water area of the Saratov reservoir were identified. The bioassay results were matched by both conventional methods’ results and originally developed system of express methods.
Highlights
In recent decades, the Russian Federation has established a system of environmental control and monitoring with a characteristic structure that has never been used before
Biotest objects were used as research objects: daphnia (Daphnia magna Straus), ceriodaphnia (Ceriodaphnia affinis Lilljeborg), ciliates (Paramecium caudatum), the preparation of lyophilized luminescent bacteria “Ekolyum” based on the recombinant strain of Escherichia coli M-17, algae (Chlorella vulgaris Beijer, Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Breb.), mammalian germ cells; environmental objects: natural water, bottom sediments, soil samples
– a method of biotesting water samples and aqueous extracts by assessing the toxicity of the test solution based on the behavioral reaction of Daphnia magna Straus
Summary
The Russian Federation has established a system of environmental control and monitoring with a characteristic structure that has never been used before. Great importance is currently given to biological laboratories conducting direct analysis of the toxicity of the natural objects using various sensitive plant and animal organisms without adaptive capabilities as bioassay objects (Ashikhmina, 2002; Ashikhmina et al, 2008; Melekhova et al, 2010). The complex of biological studies of such system consists of ecotoxicological monitoring, as well as the monitoring of animal and plant life. Ecotoxicological monitoring includes: studies of the toxicity of components of the natural environment by bioassay methods on bioassay objects belonging to different systematic groups (cell cultures, microorganisms, lower plants, invertebrates); studies of genotoxicity and mutagenicity of contaminated components of the natural environment (genetic monitoring). Monitoring of flora and fauna includes: studies of the state of plant communities using bioindication methods; studies of the state of representative species of higher animals from the changes in their hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters
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