Monitoring Of Environmental Contamination Research Articles

Genotoxicity evaluation of the insecticide endosulfan in the wetland macrophyte Bidens laevis L.

The frequency of micronuclei (MN) and chromosome aberrations in anaphase–telophase (CAAT) was determined in root tips of the wetland macrophyte Bidens laevis exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of endosulfan (0.01, 0.02, 0.5 and 5 μg/L) for 48 h. MN frequency varied from 0 in negative controls and plants exposed to 0.01 μg/L endosulfan to 0–3 in plants exposed to 5 μg/L. Moreover, a significant concentration-dependent increase of CAAT was observed. The higher proportion of laggards and vagrand chromosomes observed at 5 μg/L would indicate that endosulfan interacts with the spindle interrupting normal chromosome migration. Endosulfan resulted genotoxic to B. laevis, a species of potential value for bioassays and in situ monitoring of environmental contamination by pesticides.

Copper, Lead, Cadmium and Mercury Concentrations in the Mussel Elliptio

As the marine pollution increases world wide, control strategies and routine monitoring of contaminants in the marine environment are more required. Although their impact has no visible influence comparing to other pollutants heavy metal pollution can cause long-term effects on ecosystems. The bioaccumulation of contaminants in the tissues and the organs of marine organisms has been extensively studied throughout the world and led to the adoption of the bioindicator concept for the environmental quality assessment. Mussels are recognized as pollution bioindicator organisms as they accumulate pollutants in their tissues at elevated levels in relation to pollutant biological availability in the marine environment (Bat et al.

Maîtrise du risque fongique environnemental dans les établissements de santé

In the attempt of chemoprophylaxis that has been proved to be effective, prevention of hospital-acquired fungal infection is currently based on air-control measures with monitoring of environmental fungal contamination. It is the most important way to significantly reduce the incidence of nosocomial aspergillosis in particular. High-risk patients should thus benefit from air treatment such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, laminar airflow systems, and high rates of room-air changes, positive pressure, and well-sealed rooms. Prevention strategies should also fight contamination from the many other sources of spore transmission, food, water etc. Monitoring of environmental fungal contamination detects increases in conidia density and assesses the efficiency of air filtration. Monitoring of air and surface fungal loads is highly recommended (i) in hospital units, which benefit from air control measures, and (ii) during specific investigations in the case of Aspergillus infection. We describe the current French regulatory procedures on hospital environmental surveillance. The French Afnor recommendation (NF S 90 351) specifies different tests to evaluate the effectiveness of protective measures during installation of the system and once it is up and running. These tests include specific biocontamination controls. The French hospital guidelines specify that each hospital is responsible for the air and the water they provide to the patient, and that air-control efficiency must be monitored. Optimal environmental monitoring requires efficient and specific methodologies to detect fungal spores in addition to bacteria.

Composition of chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminants among major adipose tissue depots of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the Canadian high Arctic

Monitoring of environmental contaminants in Canadian Arctic polar bears (Ursus maritimus) typically has used superficial adipose tissue samples collected as part of controlled native subsistence hunts. However, little attention has been paid to the compositional difference in contaminants that may exist among the major adipose depots that are routinely collected. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the profiles and concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminants (CHCs), including major polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and organochlorine (OC) pesticides and metabolites, in six major adipose depots (i.e. superficial, inter-muscular and intra-abdominal regions) obtained from adult male polar bears in the vicinity of Resolute Bay, Canadian high Arctic. Concentrations and congener patterns of PCBs (20 congeners) and OCs (14 compounds; chlordanes and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes and metabolites, chlorinated benzenes, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, octachlorostyrene and dieldrin) were found to be relatively uniform throughout the adipose tissue of male polar bears. The only exception was the inter-muscular adipose depot from the cervical region, which was characterized, compared to other major depots routinely sampled, by lower proportions of higher-chlorinated and recalcitrant congeners such as CB170/190, 180, 194 and 206, and higher contribution of the lower-chlorinated PCBs, CB47, 74 and 99. No difference in the OC makeup and concentrations was found among the adipose depots investigated. In view of this, we conclude that the determination of CHCs in adipose tissue of polar bears from any major depots, with the potential exception of the fat under the neck muscles, would give a representative picture of the overall CHC composition and concentrations in polar bear fat for purpose of trend monitoring.

Monitoring of Petroleum-Related Environmental Contamination Using Fluorescence Fingerprinting

Petroleum and its refined products are considered the most complex contaminants frequently impacting the environment in significant quantities. They have heterogeneous chemical composition and alterations occur during environmental weathering. No single analytical method exists to characterize the petroleum-related environmental contamination. For monitoring, the analytical approaches include gravimetric, spectrometric and chromatographic methods having significant differences in their selectivity, sensitivity and cost-effectiveness. Recording fluorescence fingerprints of the cyclohexane extracts of the water, suspended solids, sediment or soil samples and applying appropriate statistical evaluation (e.g. by correlating the concatenated emission spectra of the fingerprints of the samples with arbitrary standards (e.g. petroleum products)), provides a powerful, cost-effective analytical tool for characterization of the type of oil pollution and detecting the most harmful aromatic components of the petroleum contaminated matrix. For monitoring purposes, the level of the contamination can be expressed as the equivalent concentration of an appropriate characteristic standard, based on the fluorescence intensities at the relevant characteristic wavelengths. These procedures are demonstrated in the monitoring of petroleum-related pollution in the water and suspended sediment in the Danube river basin

Monitoring of Petroleum-Related Environmental Contamination Using Fluorescence Fingerprinting

Monitoring of Petroleum-Related Environmental Contamination Using Fluorescence Fingerprinting

The use of bioaccumulation, biomarkers and histopathology diseases in shape Procambarus clarkii to establish bioavailability of Cd and Zn after a mining spill

Individuals of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii (males and females) were exposed simultaneously to cadmium and zinc during 21 days. Exposure concentrations were those determined at the Guadiamar river after the Aznalcóllar mining spill (SW, Spain): 10 and 30 microg L(-1) of cadmium and 1000 and 3000 microg L(-1) of zinc. Three biomarkers (MT: metallothioneins like proteins, VTG: vitellogenin/vitellin like proteins and histopathology) together with heavy metal bioaccumulation were determined in soft tissues of male and female P. clarkii. At the concentrations tested, increasing cadmium exposure resulted in increasing cadmium bioaccumulation and increasing subletal effects (induction of MT, VTG and histopathological damage in tissues). Nevertheless, although increasing zinc exposure showed increasing VTG induction and histopathological damages, not a positive relationship was determined with MT induction. Concerning to responses determined in male and female crayfishes only differences were found between sexes at the highest cadmium exposure concentration related to bioaccumulation in hepatopancreas tissues. Biomarkers responses to heavy metal contamination in this crayfish, even VTG induction not before tested in heavy metal contamination assessment in crustaceans resulted potential tools for the monitoring of heavy metal environmental contamination.

Biochemical biomarkers in gills of mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae from three Brazilian estuaries

Responses of biochemical biomarkers were evaluated in gills of immature adult mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae collected in three estuarine regions along the Brazilian coast. In each region, ten oysters were collected in one reference site (R) located far from pollution sources, and in two polluted sites (P-I and P-II sites) located in another water body with similar characteristics. P-I site is located close to recognized pollution sources while P-II site is in the same water body, but far from pollution sources. At the Paranaguá Bay (Southern Brazil), polluted sites receive domestic, harbor and phosphate fertilizer plant discharges. High lipid peroxides (LPO) content was observed in winter oysters from the P-I site. In summer, higher catalase activity was observed in these oysters. In the Piraquê region (Southeastern Brazil), polluted sites receive domestic and agricultural effluents. Lower total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) towards peroxyradicals was observed in summer oysters from both P-I and P-II sites. In the Itamaracá region (Northeastern Brazil), polluted sites receive paper mill and caustic soda and chlorine factories effluents. Increased glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was observed in oysters from the P-I site in both summer and winter. At Paranaguá Bay (higher latitude), no seasonal differences were observed in oysters from the R site, suggesting that temperature was not an important factor influencing biomarkers levels. Lower GST activity was observed in oysters from the R site of the Itamaracá Bay (lower latitude) in winter and summer. Taken together, data obtained point to responses of biomarkers in oysters from polluted sites of the three estuarine regions analyzed, indicating the need for future monitoring of the biological effects of contaminants in these environments. They also point to the relevance to consider both season and latitude as factors influencing biomarker responses in environmental contamination monitoring programs.

Automated Ground-Water Sampling and Analysis of Hexavalent Chromium using a “Universal” Sampling/Analytical System

The capabilities of a “universal platform” for the deployment of analyticalsensors in the field for long-term monitoring of environmental contaminants were expandedin this investigation. The platform was previously used to monitor trichloroethene inmonitoring wells and at groundwater treatment systems (1,2). The platform was interfacedwith chromium (VI) and conductivity analytical systems to monitor shallow wells installedadjacent to the Columbia River at the 100-D Area of the Hanford Site, Washington. Agroundwater plume of hexavalent chromium is discharging into the Columbia River throughthe gravels beds used by spawning salmon. The sampling/analytical platform was deployedfor the purpose of collecting data on subsurface hexavalent chromium concentrations atmore frequent intervals than was possible with the previous sampling and analysis methodsemployed a the Site.

Elaboration of odorant biosensors based on Langmuir-Blodgett technique

The advent of electronic noses opened a new kind of analytical approach, which offers an easy, quick, and cheap measurement comparing to conventional analytical approaches. It has potential applications on many different fields, such as assessment of various foodstuffs and beverages, environmental contamination monitoring and medical diagnostics etc. In this study, we used odorant binding protein (OBP) as odor-sensing material for developing such kind of artificial odorant biosensor. And biological films of OBP-1F (rat OBP) were deposited by Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique on gold electrode previously functionalised with 1-octadecanethiol (ODT) by self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). It is known that successful immobilization of the Langmuir-Blodgett films depends strongly on the characteristics, particularly stability, of the corresponding Langmuir films at the air/water interface. Hence the characteristics of monolayer of amphiphile octadecylamine (ODA) and the mixed monolayer of ODA/OBP were studied. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to monitor the response of the system to a specific odorant molecule, isoamyl acetate.

Scientific advances provide opportunities to improve pediatric environmental health

Scientific advances provide opportunities to improve pediatric environmental health

Monitoring of environmental contaminants: 10 years of application of k0-I INAA

Examples of the application of k0 standardized instrumental neutron activation analysis (k0-INAA) to aerosols and biological monitors in the last 10 years at Instituto Tecnologico e Nuclear (ITN) are given. As an analytical technique, INAA, in association with the k0 method was applied to these materials in four different projects, aiming at monitoring concentrations of heavy metals and others elements in the atmosphere in the Portuguese territory. In these studies we analysed the lichen Parmelia sulcata Taylor and olive tree bark as monitors as well as aerosol samples. For each project some representative results are presented, followed by a discussion of the application of this technique to environmental studies.

Monitoring of environmental contaminants: 10 years of application of k0-I INAA

Monitoring of environmental contaminants: 10 years of application of k0-I INAA

Aflatoxin M 1 contamination in commercial samples of milk and dairy products in Kuwait

As part of the programme on monitoring of environmental contaminants in food stuffs in Kuwait, 54 samples of fresh full cream and skimmed milk, powdered milk, yoghurt, and infant formula were analysed for aflatoxin M1 (AFM 1) by HPLC following sample clean up using immuno-affinity columns. Of samples, 28% were contaminated with AFM 1 with 6% being above the maximum permissible limit of 0.2 μg l -1. Three fresh cow milk samples collected from a private local producer showed the highest level of 0.21 μg l -1 AFM1. There was no contamination with AFM 1 in powdered milk and infant formulas. These results show the necessity of a survey involving a larger number of milk and its products and suggest that presently the contamination of milk and milk products with AFM 1 does not appear to be a serious health problem in Kuwait. Nevertheless, a continuous surveillance programme may be warranted to monitor regularly the occurrence of aflatoxins in the animal feeds responsible for current limited contamination and to note rapidly any worsening in the situation that may depend on market changes or on unfavourable climatic developments.

Environmental Monitoring of Pesticides by Immunoanalytical Techniques: Validation, Current Status, and Future Perspectives

Reliable monitoring technology is an essential component of effective regulation and risk management of environmental contaminants such as pesticides. Most environmental monitoring and analysis is currently conducted using instrumental techniques such as gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) and liquid chromatography (LC). Immunoanalysis provides powerful monitoring techniques that have emerged in the last 3 decades. This paper shows they can deliver rapid, accurate, and relatively inexpensive analysis with high throughput and that have the capability to be field oriented. The technique is versatile in application and can be formatted to suit different purposes such as quantitative analysis or simple "yes/no" tests that are field-portable. While there is a range of opinion on the merits of immunoassays as an analytical tool for pesticides, we suggest that this technology is best considered as complementary to GLC and LC, extending the range of capability for field monitoring. Supporting this view, an increasing number of successful applications of immunoassays to monitoring have been reported in recent years. We also report here the implications of recent developments in the field of immunodiagnostics and their application to monitoring of environmental contaminants. We emphasise that, together with adequate validation by instrumental techniques, immunoassays provide monitoring services yielding realistic and comprehensive data for risk management, allowing decisions on appropriate action by various authorities to be made.

Effects of pesticides on the acute phase proteins in fishes: an experimental study

The acute phase response is a nonspecific reaction of fish to disturbances in homeostasis. The acute phase proteins (APPs) are mainly glycoproteins released by hepatocytes following specific stimulation by the cytokines. The function of APP is to modulate an immune response. We have recently isolated several different APPs from fishes including ceruloplasmine (Cp), fibrinogen (Fg), serum amyloid A and C-reactive protein (CRP). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different pesticides on the APP responses in fishes and to investigate the utility of applying APP measurements for monitoring of aquatic environmental contamination. We analyzed the kinetics of different APP levels after intoxication. Cp and CRP exhibited a three- to five-fold elevation following intoxication suggesting that APP may be sensitive and highly effective biomarkers.

Lesion scoring in field vole teeth: Application to the biological monitoring of environmental fluoride contamination

The relationship between fluoride-induced lesions, measured using an incremental scoring system, and fluoride concentration was investigated in the teeth of the field vole (Microtus agrestis). Both the magnitude of lesion score and the severity of observed lesions in both incisor and molar teeth was correlated with the respective tissue fluoride concentration. This relationship was observed not only in animals trapped from sites contaminated by industrial fluorides, but also those bred and maintained under laboratory conditions and consuming fluoride in either diet or drinking water. Although some variation occurred between field and laboratory animals as to the mean fluoride concentrations in the incisor or molar for each specific lesion score, this may result in part from differences in the nature of the assimilable fluoride in laboratory diets compared to those consumed by wild animals. The practical application of the relationship between dental lesion score and tissue fluoride concentration to monitoring environmental fluoride contamination is discussed. Because the incisor and molar teeth of the field voles are open-rooted and grow throughout life, they are sensitive to even minor temporal changes in fluoride concentration in tissue fluids and blood and, by inference, in the diet and the environment. Therefore, assessment of visual lesions in the dentition of wild-caught field voles may provide the basis of a scheme to monitor the magnitude and effects of environmental fluoride contamination on populations of wild and domestic mammals. The development of non-destructive methods to allow the repeated examination of the teeth of captured field voles, and hence the dynamic monitoring of environmental fluoride contamination, is also considered.

In vitro Immunotoxicology - Practical Application

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Sorbent evaluation for diffusive monitoring of environmental contaminants

The adsorption characteristics of several adsorbate-adsorbent systems were analysed to obtain a better understanding of the parameters involved in the selection of adequate sorbents for diffusive sampling. Nitrogen adsorption was used to establish the porous texture of the adsorbent. Gas-solid chromatography and immersion calorimetry were used for studying the adsorption interactions of benzene and n-hexane with the adsorbent surfaces. In this way, specific retention volumes, isostatic heats of adsorption at low surface coverage and immersion heats for benzene and n-hexane were determined. The results obtained showed the important role of micropore volumes for a strong interaction of the adsorbents with the adsorbates. Chromosorb 106 and activated carbon were the best adsorbents for benzene and n-hexane when tube-type samplers and thermal desorption-gas chromatography were used.

Semipermeable membrane devices containing model lipid: A new approach to monitoring the bioavaiiability of lipophilic contaminants and estimating their bioconcentration potential

Low density “layflat” polyethylene tubing containing thin films of model lipid may simulate the bioconcentration of nonpolar organic contaminants by aquatic organisms. These semipermeable polymeric membrane devices (SPMDs) are shown to hold considerable promise as time-integrated concentrators of nonpolar organics in aquatic environments, and as a method for estimating bioavailability and potential bioconcentration factors for contaminants in organisms. The devices may also help define the relative role of equilibrium partitioning in the bioaccumulation of organic contaminants. The use of purified lipid extracts from aquatic organisms or specific lipids, such as triolein, in SPMDs is made more practical by a complementary analytical development showing the utility of polyethylene film as a membrane for dialyzing nonpolar organic compounds from coextracted lipids. Data are presented on the uptake kinetics and steady state distribution coefficients of aqueous residues of fenvalerate, mirex, 2,2′,5,5′-, and 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyls when lipids are used in SPMDs. The feasibility of the SPMD approach for in situ monitoring of environmental contaminants is demonstrated by exposing SPMDs to Asana R (an isomer of fenvalerate) in a littoral enclosure of a small pond.