link. · Web viewat the University Koblenz-Landau, Landau campus, Germany, has impressively demonstrated one possible way to achieve these goals. For more information including a movie

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WELCOME

WELCOME TO THE 2ND YES-MEETING IN AACHEN, GERMANY

Within the SETAC Europe Student Advisory Council (SAC) it is a well-known problem that only a few students can affort the relatively high costs of participating in an international congress. Not only registration fees but especially the travel expenses easily exceed the financial resources of young scientists during their M.Sc. or Ph.D. studies. Furthermore, congress novices often feel overwhelmed

by the large number of senior scientists discussing cutting-edge science during e.g. SETAC Europe annual meetings, which ultimately leads to students behaving more like spectators than active participants. These circumstances strongly inhibit scientific exchange between the society and its student members. Thus, already very early in the history of the SETAC Europe SAC, it became clear that measures have to be taken to better link the young environmental science community and to prepare student-members for a self-confident self-expression to actively and effectively participate at international scientific congresses.

The first Young Environmental Scientists (YES) meeting entitled “New challenges in Environmental Sciences” at the University Koblenz-Landau, Landau campus, Germany, has impressively demonstrated one possible way to achieve these goals. For more information including a movie produced by the local organization committee, visit http://yes.sac-online.eu.

The primary scientific aim of the 2nd Young Environmental Scientists Meeting “Environmental challenges in a changing world” is to discuss environmental challenges at the cutting edge of science and thereby serve the SETAC motto “Environmental Quality through Science”. For this purpose, a digest of recent issues discussed within the scientific community was selected (see scientific framework). After every 15 minute platform presentation a considerable time will be given for vividly discussing the scientific results on the one hand and to give suggestions concerning style and performance of the presentation on the other. Furthermore, the meeting is intended to equip students with the

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WELCOME

necessary soft-skills to develop international networks with other environmental scientists. A workshop on how to prepare excellent scientific publications and presentations held by Dr. Peter Chapman will be a signpost to overcome typical problems students encounter when first trying to communicate research results to the scientific community. Additionally, this workshop aims to prepare students for publication of high quality papers. Another major part of the meeting will be the job corner, which will be an excellent opportunity for you to get into contact with possible future employers.

We hope that we have once again prepared an interesting and encouraging scientific and social programme for you and wish you all a successful and fruitful meeting,

Markus BrinkmannChair of the SETAC Europe Student

Advisory Council

Sabrina PeddinghausChair of the Local Organization Committee

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WELCOME

HEADS OF THE INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH, AACHEN

Welcome to the Second Young Environmental Scientist Meeting (YES-Meeting) from 28 February - 2 March 2011 in Aachen, Germany: The conference will be organized this year by the Institute for Environmental Research at RWTH Aachen University (http://www.bio5.rwth-aachen.de), one of the largest

university Environmental Research departments representing the three areas Ecochemistry, ecotoxicology and ecology. The main objective of the YES-Meeting under the auspices of the SETAC Europe Student Advisory Council (SAC) is to join young scientists from environmental fields, to present their research, discuss and meet also with experienced scientists, and to enjoy a fresh and casual atmosphere in an exciting and interdisciplinary field of research. The theme of the conference “Environmental challenges in a changing world” is worn with a variety of accounting program, which proposes an interdisciplinary bridge over molecular, organismic and ecosystem scales of environmental sciences. In addition to the science, the imperial city of Aachen with its important Roman and German history and its location on the borders of Belgium, Netherlands and Germany offers manifold ways to spend three exciting days. We hope that you also get to know these issues during your visit to Aachen and wish you a successful and stimulating conference!

Best regards,

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WELCOME

Andreas Schäffer Henner Hollert

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WELCOME

SETAC EUROPE PRESIDENT

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of SETAC Europe, I would like to tell you how glad we are to have in soon our 2nd Young Environmental Scientists Meeting! It is really exciting to have young scientists from all over the world meeting in Aachen, discussing most important environmental topics, and creating or reinforcing relationship that I am sure will be of great value in the next future! This year, Markus Brinkmann and the members of the SETAC Europe Student Advisory Council prepared very interesting scientific and social programmes and, thus, I would like to congratulate and thank them for this initiative that is so important for the future of SETAC Europe!The scientific programme, as I am sure you already know, includes seven sessions on top issues of environmental toxicology and chemistry that will be chaired by fourteen young colleagues that kindly accept to have this determinant function. I am anticipating that all the sessions will be very participative, presenting and discussing different points of view, and for sure great ideas for improving our knowledge and new hypotheses for testing will come up! I would like also to highlight the workshop by my very good friend Peter Chapman (Golder, Vancouver, Canada) on how to prepare high quality papers and communicate science that I am sure you will find most interesting and helpful. Another important moment will be the Career Talk Session, providing insights in the CVs of Juliane Hollender, Steve Maund and Anne Alix, that in addition of being a source of inspiration for all of us, constitute anexcellent example of the tripartite structure of SETAC. I also recommend a visit to the Job Corner where you will have the opportunity of knowing better some of the companies that sponsored the 2011 Yes Meeting and their important activities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them, and all the others sponsors, for their most important contribution! Finally, I would like to wish you all an excellent and productive Meeting!Take advantage of these days all together and have fun!

Lúcia GuilherminoSETAC Europe President

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WELCOME

We kindly thank our sponsors for supporting the YES-Meeting!

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SETAC Europe and SETAC GLB

MEETING PROGRAMME

MEETING PROGRAMME

MONDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2011

10:00 – 11:00 Registration11:00 – 15:30 Workshop (Peter Chapman, Golder Associates, Vancouver BC, Canada)15:30 – 16:00 Poster setup16:00 – 17:00 Career talk, Juliane Hollender, EAWAG17:00 – 18:00 Opening19:00 Get together

TUESDAY 01 MARCH 2011

08:25 – 11:30 Parallel sessions (6 talks, sessions 3 and 4)11:30 – 12:30 Lunch12:25 – 15:00 Parallel sessions (5 talks, sessions 3 and 2)15:30 – 16:30 Career talk, Steve Maund, Syngenta16:30 – 18:00 Poster social 20:00 Dinner

WEDNESDAY 02 MARCH 2011

07:55 – 10:30 Parallel sessions (5 talks, sessions 7 and 5)10:30 – 11:30 Career talk, Anne Alix, French Food Safety Agency11:30 – 12:30 Lunch12:25 – 15:30 Parallel sessions (6 talks, sessions 1 and 6)15:30 – 16:30 Closing

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MEETING PROGRAMME

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM OF THE MEETING: PARALLEL SESSION

Session 1: Nanoparticles: Fate, effects and risks.Chairs: Dominc Kaiser, University Frankfurt, Germany

André Dabrunz, University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany

Session 2: Omics and biomarkers: Linking sub-organismic responses to ecologically relevant effects.

Chairs: Markus Brinkmann, RWTH Aachen University, GermanyThomas-Benjamin Seiler, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

Session 3: Aquatic ecotoxicology: Fate and effects of pollutants in the aquatic environment.

Chairs: Mirco Bundschuh, University of Koblenz-Landau, GermanyJochen P. Zubrod, University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany

Session 4: Terrestrial ecotoxicology: Biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystem functions.

Chairs: Stefan Kimmel, Harlan Laboratories, SwitzerlandBernd Guckenmus, Dr. Knoell Consult, Germany

Session 5: From the screen to field: Modeling effects and exposure.Chairs: Nika Galic, Wageningen University, Netherlands

André Gergs, RWTH Aachen University Germany

Session 6: Environmental chemistry: Detecting emerging contaminants in a changing environment.

Chairs: Tao Liu, Linnaeus University, SwedenThorsten Junge, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

Session 7: Implementing scientific knowledge in decision making: Management and remediation techniques.

Chairs: Michael Melato, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa

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MEETING PROGRAMME

Kerstin Bluhm, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM OF THE MEETING: WORKSHOP

A scientific workshop that is intended to give students the right munitions to find their way through the scientific everyday life will be given Monday 28 February from 11:00 to 15:30. The speaker, Dr. Peter Chapman, will give insights in how to write excellent publications (e.g., research papers, opinion papers, reviews, technical reports) and how to give fascinating and interesting talks, and how scientific knowledge can be transported into legislation and decision making – briefly an all-inclusive package for the students’ future in the scientific community.

Dr. Chapman is a Principal and Senior Environmental Scientist with Golder Associates in North Vancouver, BC, Canada. He is the author of over 150 refereed journal and book publications and over 200 technical reports. His research interests focus on aquatic ecology, ecological risk assessment, and ecotoxicology, in particular on metals fate and effects and weight of evidence assessments. Furthermore, he is a member of the USEPA Science Advisory Board’s Environmental Processes and Effects Committee. His outstanding scientific achievements are also accommodated by numerous editorial efforts as Senior Editor for the journal Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, Editor of the Learned Discourses in Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management (IEAM), and member of the Editorial Boards of Marine Pollution Bulletin, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, and IEAM. In 2001 the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) awarded him its Founders Award, SETAC’s most prestigious award for an outstanding career and contributions to the environmental sciences.

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MEETING PROGRAMME

JOB CORNER

Some of the companies sponsoring the YES meeting will take the opportunity to present themselves with a booth during the coffee breaks and poster sessions in the context of a Job corner to get in contact with the meeting participants. Take this chance to chat with potential futer employers

CAREER TALK SESSIONS

We are happy that we have attracted three outstanding scientists from industry, academia, and government representing the tripartite structrure of SETAC. They will give talks on their professional career within the field of environmental toxicology and chemistry and provide you a broader perspective on how to make future plans.

Monday, 16:00 – 17:00 Juliane Hollender (CH, EAWAG)Tuesday, 15:30 – 16:30 Steve Maund (CH, Syngenta)Wednesday, 10:30 – 11:30 Anne Alix (FR, French Food Sefety Agency)

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MEETING PROGRAMME

SOCIAL PROGRAMME

Aachen is the westernmost city of Germany, located along its borders with Belgium and the Netherlands. It provides beautiful walks in historic streets and an attractive pedestrian zone as well as all the comforts of a modern city. The city stands with its name for the world-famous cathedral and the visionary architecture of the university hospital.

RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany's top-ranking locations in the world of international science and scholarship. The university was declared one of the winners of the German University Excellence Competition in 2007.

GET TOGETHER

During the Get Together on Monday evening (starting at 19:00) you will have the chance to get in touch with the other meeting participants. In the rooms of the KHG Aachen (see map), you will be served with free snacks (including vegetarian dishes) and drinks to finish off the first day of the meeting in a relaxing ambience.

MEETING DINNER

On the second evening (Tuesday starting at 20:00) you are kindly invited to participate in the meeting dinner taking place in the restaurant and bar “Image & Flowers” (see map). After a sparkling wine reception, you will be offered a complete free three-course dinner

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MEETING PROGRAMME

including vegetarian dishes. Please note that drinks except for the reception are not included!

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MEETING PROGRAMME

DETAIL OF THE MEETING VENUE

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MEETING PROGRAMME

A – YES-Meeting SuperC, Templergraben 57B – Get together KHG, Pontstrasse 74-76 C – Dinner Image/Flowers, MilchstrasseD – Main Building RWTH Aachen UniversityE – Market Place & Town Hall

1 - Bus Stop “Technische Hochschule” (Line 13A, 13B)2 - Bus Stop “Driescher Gässchen” (Line 33, 47, 73)

For food have a look along the Pontstraße (see B)

Meeting venue: The congress will take place on the 6th floor of the “SuperC”, the brand-new student service center and conference building at RWTH Aachen University.Not only of architectural interest, the SuperC is also remarkable for its utilization of geothermal energy - the building is cooled and heated through geothermal heat from a 2.5 kilometre deep drill. The extreme 16 m overhang is

made possible by 22-metre long steel cables, so-called monostrands, which stabilize the 6th floor 21 metres above the ground.

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MEETING PROGRAMME

TUESDAY MORNING PLATFORM PRESENTATIONS

ROOM 1 ROOM 2

SE

SS

ION Session 3

"Aquatic ecotoxicology: Fate and effects of pollutants in the aquatic environment."

MIRCO BUNDSCHUH, JOCHEN P. ZUBROD

Session 4"Terrestrial ecotoxicology: Biodiversity and

terrestrial ecosystem functions."STEFAN KIMMEL, BERND GUCKENMUS

8:25 SESSION INTRO SESSION INTRO

8:30

Kunkel et al., University of Bayreuth, GermanyAttenuation and dynamics of pharmaceuticals in a German stream

Abongwa et al., University of Buea, CameroonEvaluation of the efficacy of crude aqueous extract of Senna occidentalis in the amelioration of tetracycline-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rabbits

9:00

Simon et al., RWTH Aachen University, GermanyChemo- and bioanalyses of the partitioning of radiolabelled organic chemicals in sediment-water-organism-systems

Mikowska et al., Jagiellonian University, PolandGenetic diversity in the small rodent Myodes glareolus from isolated populations and populations from heavy metal polluted areas

9:30

Zubrod et al., University of Koblenz-Landau, GermanyEffects of the fungicide Tebuconazole on an aquatic decomposer-detritivore system

Šrut et al. , University of Zagreb, CroatiaGenotoxicity assessment of soils near heavy traffic roads using native populations of earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa

10:0

0

Nugroho et al., University of Bayreuth, GermanyEffects of copper on freshwater mussels: Distribution, bioaccumulation, and effects on calcium homeostasis

Motejlová et al., Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, Czech RepublicThe effect of 1,4-dichlorobenzene on soil organisms

10:3

0

Messing et al., University of Manitoba, Canada The impact of eight herbicides at environmentally relevant concentrations in Prairie Pothole wetlands on aquatic invertebrates

Selonen et al., University of Helsinki, FinlandEffects of lead on pine forest ecosystem in a shooting range area

11:0

0

Buresova et al., Alterra Wageningen, NetherlandsEffects of pesticides on aquatic and terrestrial plants

Peric et al., University of Barcelona, Spain Comparative study of aquatic and terrestrial toxicity of some aprotic and protic ionic liquids

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MEETING PROGRAMME

11:30 – 12:30 LUNCH BREAK

TUESDAY AFTERNOON PLATFORM PRESENTATIONS

ROOM 1 ROOM 2

SE

SS

ION Session 3

"Aquatic ecotoxicology: Fate and effects of pollutants in the aquatic environment."

MIRCO BUNDSCHUH, JOCHEN P. ZUBROD

Session 2"Omics and biomarkers: Linking sub-organismic

responses to ecologically relevant effects."MARKUS BRINKMANN, T.-B. SEILER

12:2

5

SESSION INTRO SESSION INTRO

12:3

0

Zafar et al., Wageningen University, NetherlandsEcological impacts of time-variable exposure regimes to the fungicide Azoxystrobine on freshwater communities in outdoor microcosms.

Panchout et al., University of Le Havre, France Comparison of extraction protocols of gills proteins in the shore crab Carcinus maenas (l.) For 2DE application

13:0

0

Englert et al., University of Koblenz-Landau, GermanyThe neonicotinoid thiacloprid affects the interaction of Gammarus fossarum and Baetis spp.

Delov et al., Fraunhofer Institute of Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, GermanyThe use of a transgenic fish line to refine the fish embryo test (FET) for vasotoxic effects

13:3

0

Agatz et al., University of York, United KingdomEffects of imidacloprid and carbaryl on the individual feeding activity of Gammarus pulex (L.)

Velki et al., Josip Juraj Strossmayer University Osijek, Croatia Suborganismic effects of formalin and temephos to earthworm Eisenia andrei

14:0

0

Wollenweber et al., RWTH Aachen University, GermanyAssessing the endocrine disrupting potential of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis based insecticides.

Nemec et al., LOEWE Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Germany), GermanyGenetic adaptation potential of Chironomus populations to temperature stress

14:3

0

Seeland et al., LOEWE Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, GermanyUncertainties in aquatic ecotoxicological risk assessment

Kanerva et al., University of Turku, Finland High contaminant level do not affect the redox status of ringed seals – A comparison between two populations

15:30 – 16:30 CAREER TALK: STEVE MAUND, SYNGENTA

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MEETING PROGRAMME

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MEETING PROGRAMME

WEDNESDAY MORNING PLATFORM PRESENTATIONS

ROOM 1 ROOM 2

SE

SS

ION Session 5

"From the screen to field: Modeling effects and exposure."

NIKA GALIC, ANDRÉ GERGS

Session 7"Implementing scientific knowledge in decision

making: Management and remediation techniques."

MICHAEL MELATO, KERSTIN BLUHM

7:55 SESSION INTRO SESSION INTRO

8:00

Tessema et al., Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, GermanyFactors controlling the hydrochemistry of the groundwater aquifer of Jena Biodiversity experimental field

Bluhm et al., RWTH Aachen University, GermanyEcotoxicological Investigations of potential biofuels

8:30

Hernout et al., University of York, UKPredicting exposure of bats to soil-associated heavy metals

Mansfield et al., University of Manchester, UKThe restoration of Manchester Docks to Salford Quays: 30 years of habitat management

9:00

Hamda et al., Jagiellonian University, PolandDecomposition analysis of LTREs may help to design short-term ecotoxicological tests: Population Modelling Approach

Sizmur et al., University of Reading, UK Innoculation of earthworms during contaminated land relamation and restoration: impacts on metal mobility and availability

9:30

Meli et al., Roskilde University, DenmarkSpringtail avoidance behavior in heterogeneously contaminated environments: an individual-based model

Thüns et al., University of Bayreuth, Germany Comparison of the characteristic travel distance of PAHs calculated by the OECD model “The tool” and measured values using peat bogs as passive samplers

10:0

0 Labite et al., University College Dublin, IrelandA review and evaluation of plant protection product ranking tools used in agriculture

Heger et al., RWTH Aachen University, GermanyWhat’s up inside the reactor – Biotests for risk assessment of biofuel fermentation

10:30 – 11:30 CAREER TALK: ANNE ALIX, FRENCH FOOD SEFETY AGENCY

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MEETING PROGRAMME

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON PLATFORM PRESENTATIONS

ROOM 1 ROOM 2

SE

SS

ION Session 1

"Nanoparticles: Fate, effects and risks."DOMINIC KAISER, ANDRÉ DABRUNZ

Session 6"Environmental chemistry: Detecting emerging

contaminants in a changing environment."TAO LIU, THORSTEN JUNGE

12:2

5

SESSION INTRO SESSION INTRO

12:3

0

Pang et al., Roskilde University, DenmarkAssessing risks of manufactured nanomaterials - are current EU regulations sufficient?

Sousa et al., University of Porto, PortugalSolar-induced transformation of Lorazepam (Lorenin® 1mg, Wyeth) in distilled water using a pilot plant with CPCs: direct photolysis vs. TiO2-assisted photocatalysis

13:0

0

Dabrunz et al., University of Koblenz-Landau, GermanyToxicity of two stable TiO2 nanoparticle suspensions to Daphnia magna in acute and chronic test systems

Meierjohann et al., Åbo University, FinlandSeasonal Variations of Pharmaceuticals in a River/Lake System in Eastern Finland

13:3

0

Seitz et al., University of Koblenz-Landau, GermanyTitanium dioxide nanoparticles reduce pirimicarb toxicity to Daphnia magna at ambient UV irradiation

Luft et al., Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), GermanyBiodegradation of biocides in sewage sludge

14:0

0

Völker et al., University Frankfurt, GermanyChronic effects of nanosilver to Daphnia magna

Ali et al., University of Antwerp, BelgiumAn exposure assessment of novel brominated flame retardants to toddlers and adults using dust samples from belgian homes and offices and UK day care centers and schools

14:3

0

Gil-Allué et al., Eawag, SwitzerlandUptake and toxicity of engineered silver nanoparticles to a cell wall free mutant of Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii

Fierens et al., VITO, BelgiumPhthalates in cow milk: possible contamination pathways at farm level

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MEETING PROGRAMME15

:00 Thit et al., Roskilde University, Denmark

Effects of nano sized CuO and ionic Cu: Toxicity to Daphnia magna and tight epithelial cells

Messing et al., University of Manitoba, Canada Air concentrations and bulk atmospheric deposits of pesticides in relation to wetland water quality

15:30 – 16:30 CLOSING CEREMONY

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ABSTRACT SECTION

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ABSTRACTS SESSION 1: "NANOPARTICLES: FATE, EFFECTS AND RISKS."

SESSION 1: PLATFORM PRESENTATIONS

TOXICITY OF TWO STABLE TIO2 NANOPARTICLE SUSPENSIONS TO DAPHNIA MAGNA IN ACUTE AND CHRONIC TEST SYSTEMS

A. Dabrunz1, L. Düster1/2, C. Prasse1/2 F. Seitz1, C. Schilde3, R. Rosenfeldt1 G. Schaumann1, R. Schulz1

1University of Koblenz-Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, Germany 2Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department of Aquatic Chemistry, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany3Technical University of Braunschweig, Institute for Particle Technology, Pockelsstrasse 14, 38106 Braunschweig, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Their unique physicocemical properties and growing range of technical applications lead to a permanent rise in terms of production and use of nanoparticles originating from metal oxides. Due to the fact that titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) are nowadays used most frequently, a release into the environment leading to risks for environmental health is likely. Although several studies focussing on (eco)toxic effects of nTiO2 were conducted over the last years, there is still a considerable lack of knowledge concerning the use of stable dispersion with known particle size and concentration information in acute and chronic toxicity tests. We conducted several acute standard toxicity tests using Daphnia magna with modified exposure times as several pre-tests showed the importance of elongated test durations of up to 96 h. A commercially available nTiO2 product (100% anatase) in stabilised dissolvent free aqueous suspensions was used for that purpose. The mean size of particles in suspensions actually applied in the tests varied between 100 and 200 nm and was characterised by photon correlation spectroscopy.

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Obtained results show a clear size dependency of nTiO2-toxicities with smaller particles being more toxic. Besides ecotoxicological endpoints as mortality, growth and lipid content, we also quantified the effective concentrations of nanoparticles within the media during the test phase as well as the interaction of particles with the daphnids employing ICP-MS methods. Embedded in these findings, we additionally will present the results of a modified 21-day toxicity test with an ajusted experimental setup and a further nTiO2 product.

Keywords: Nanoparticles – Crustacea - Chronic effects - Reproduction - Stable dispersions

UPTAKE AND TOXICITY OF ENGINEERED SILVER NANOPARTICLES TO A CELL WALL FREE MUTANT OF CHLAMYDOMONAS REINHARDTII

C. Gil-Allué1, 2, F. Piccapietra1, L. Sigg1, P. Pasanen2, R. Behra1

1Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland2University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, FinlandCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Engineered silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are already present in a wide variety of consumer products and therefore are susceptible to be released in significant amounts into the aquatic environment. Our understanding about their interactions with aquatic organisms and their potential hazards is still poor. Here we investigate the toxicity to photosynthesis and the uptake of AgNP and free silver ions (Ag+) in a cell wall free mutant of the green alga C. reinhardtii (CC400) and compare it with existing data for the wild type (1).In short-term toxicity tests, the mutant algae were exposed to different AgNP and AgNO3

concentrations in 10 mM MOPS buffer at pH 7.5. The photosynthetic yield was measured using PAM-fluorometry after 1 and 2 h of exposure. Under the same experimental conditions, intracellular silver accumulation was determined at different time points between 5 and 60 minutes by ICP-MS after digestion of the samples.

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After 1 h of exposure, the particles (EC50 = 1666 nM) showed a lower toxicity compared to AgNO3 (EC50 = 35.8 nM). The EC50 value for AgNP after 2 h of exposure was decreased by 70%. As expected (1), an excess of cysteine was able to abolish the toxicity of both treatments, suggesting an Ag+-mediated toxicity. Ongoing uptake experiments indicate a higher intracellular silver concentration in CC400 than in the wild type. The higher sensitivity of CC400 points to a protective role of the cell wall.

1. Navarro E, Piccapietra F, Wagner B, Kaegi R, Odzak N, Sigg L, Behra R. 2008.Toxicity of silver nanoparticles to Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Environ. Sci. Technol. 42: 8959–8964

Keywords: silver nanoparticles – silver ions – cell wall – uptake – photosynthetic activity

ASSESSING RISKS OF MANUFACTURED NANOMATERIALS- ARE CURRENT EU REGULATIONS SUFFICIENT?

C. Pang, H. Selck, J. Rank, V.E. ForbesDepartment of Environmental, Social and Spatial Change, Roskilde University, PO Box 260, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Nanotechnology undoubtedly presents a major opportunity for the economic development of many countries after the introduction of manufactured nanomaterials (MNs) in commercial products in the mid-1990s. However, relatively little is known about the environmental impact of nanomaterials and whether nanomaterials behave similarly as their macroscale counterparts. During the past several years there has been much debate among regulators, the public, toxicologists, and other stakeholders over how to best regulate nanomaterials. Currently, it is still unclear how to regulate nanomaterials because of the existing knowledge gaps and the uncertainty about nanomaterials’ toxicity on the one side and interest in promoting industrial competition and technological innovation on the other. This paper focuses on the challenge to regulate MNs under current European Union legislation based on a case study on the assessing risks of manufactured metallo-

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nanoparticles. In particular, we discuss the definition of MNs in the context of REACH, why they are challenging to regulate, and what we need to know to improve their regulation. Based on our analysis, we conclude that there is evidence that the risks of MNs cannot always be predicted from their bulk counterparts. In order to improve the scientific basis for managing MNs effectively, a more comprehensive and systematic analysis is needed of the factors controlling MN risk to humans and the environment.

Keywords: Manufactured nanomaterials; REACH; Chemical regulation; Risk assessment

TITANIUM DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES REDUCE PIRIMICARB TOXICITY TO DAPHNIA MAGNA AT AMBIENT UV IRRADIATION

Frank Seitz, André Dabrunz, Nicole Bandow, Mirco Bundschuh, Ralf SchulzInstitute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Whether stable dispersions of photocatalytically active nanoparticles affect the presence and toxicity of organic environmental chemicals at ambient UV irradiation is largely unknown. Here, we used a three-factorial test design to evaluate the interaction of acutely toxic levels (20 µg/L nominal concentration) of the carbamate insecticide pirimicarb, ambient UV irradiation (40 W/m2, 300 – 400 nm for 15 min) and nanosize titanium dioxide (nTiO2; 107 nm; 2 mg/L). Pirimicarb, Pirimicarb x UV and Pirimicarb x nTiO2 treatments all revealed between 70 and 80% immobilization in elongated 72-h Daphnia magna standard toxicity tests as a result of measured pirimicarb concentrations of at least 15.3 ± 1.5 µg/L. However, in the Pirimicarb x nTiO2 x UV treatment, pirimicarb concentrations were reduced below the limit of detection during UV pre-treatment and the associated toxicity was completely eliminated. A lower nTiO2-concentration of 200 µg/L was still sufficient to reduce pirimicarb concentrations by approximately 30% following UV irradiation. The insecticide detoxification mediated by the combination of ambient UV irradiation doses and stable nTiO2 dispersion observed in the present study has not been

25


addressed so far, however, it may be of importance even at lower and hence, field-relevant nTiO2 concentrations in surface waters.

Keywords: Ultraviolet light – Detoxification – Photocatalysis - Carbamate – Crustacea

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EFFECTS OF NANO SIZED CUO AND IONIC CU: TOXICITY TO DAPHNIA MAGNA AND TIGHT EPITHELIAL CELLS

Amalie ThitAB, Henriette SelckA, Henning F. BjerregaardB, Superb MisraC, Deborah BerhanuC

Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark. ADept. of Environmental, Social and Spatial Change and BDept. of Science, Systems and Models, CNatural History Museum, London, UK.Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Nanoparticles (NPs) have unique chemical and physical properties caused by their small size (1-100 nm) and high surface to volume ratio. This means that the NPs can be more reactive and potentially more toxic than their bulk counterparts. This study focus on toxicity of CuO NPs of two different sizes (7 and 100 nm) compared to copper ions (Cu2+) to the crustacean Daphnia magna and epithelial kidney cells from the aquatic toad Xenopus laevis (A6) as a model for tight ion-transporting epithelia. D. magna was exposed to CuO NPs (7 and 100 nm) and Cu2+ for 48h according to OECD Guideline 202. In addition, kidney cells (dividing and differentiated cells) were exposed to CuO NPs (7 and 100 nm) and Cu2+ in an in vitro study for up to 216hs. The study demonstrated that toxicity of CuO NPs (7 nm) and Cu2+ to D. magna showed great similarity, whereas toxicity of CuO NPs (100 nm) occurred at much higher concentrations. For kidney cells, exposure to both sizes of CuO NPs and Cu2+ caused significant increase in cell death (most likely via apoptosis), and morphological changes, but after different times of exposure. For cells exposed to CuO NPs (100 nm) the increase in apoptotic bodies occurred within 48h of exposure, whereas the effects of both CuO NPs (7 nm) and Cu2+ occurred much later (after 72h and 120h of exposure respectively). The toxic effects of the copper forms differ so that Cu2+ and CuO NPs (7 nm) decreases cell proliferation, whereas CuO NP (100 nm) causes the formation of apoptotic bodies. Furthermore, the effects of the different forms of copper on cells seem to depend on cell cycle stage. The implications from the study are that the toxic effects of copper depend on the form and size of the metal particles.

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Keywords: Copper oxide, Daphnia magna, Kidney cell line, Nano, Toxicity

CHRONIC EFFECTS OF NANOSILVER TO DAPHNIA MAGNA

Carolin Völker, Sabrina Giebner, Dominic Kaiser, Matthias Oetken and Jörg OehlmannInstitute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Siesmayerstrasse 70, 60323 Frankfurt, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Nanoscale silver is one of the most promising nanomaterials for various future applications. Due to its antibacterial properties nanosilver is increasingly employed in a variety of consumer products including wound dressings, textiles, personal care products, paints, or food storage containers. Currently, no data exists for environmental concentrations, but the incremental production of nanosilver inevitably leads to an increased environmental release. Several studies have demonstrated the toxicity of nanosilver to different species of bacteria, suggesting that these effects may be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems. Potential routes of uptake by aquatic organisms include direct ingestion or entry across epithelial boundaries such as gills or body wall. Toxicity and exposure data for aquatic invertebrates, however, is currently lacking. There are only few studies on the acute toxicity of nanosilver. Long dose and long-term invertebrate exposures giving priority to sublethal effects provide useful completion. The aim of this study is to evaluate the chronic toxicity of nanoscale silver on Daphnia magna. The effects on growth, reproduction, and viability were assessed in a multigeneration study. Particle size and shape were characterized by dynamic light scattering using a zeta sizer and transmission electron microscopy. To evaluate whether toxicity is related to nanoparticle properties or to the effects of released Ag+ ions, the effects were compared with silver nitrate (AgNO3). First results of current multigenerational studies are presented and discussed.

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SESSION 1: POSTER PRESENTATIONS

ECOTOXICITY OF PHOTOCATALYTICALLY ACTIVE TITANIUM DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES: CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS AS A MODEL ORGANISM FOR LIQUID AND SOLID PHASE TESTING.

J. Angelstorf, S. HeiseHamburg University of Applied Sciences, Lohbrügger Kirchstraße 65, 21033 HamburgCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) are used in a variety of consumer products and the number of applications is steadily increasing. The detection of nTiO2 in facade runoff and surface waters nearby indicates the release of nTiO2 into the aquatic environment (Kaegi et al. 2008), which is expected to increase rapidly within the next years. Even though the number of studies on the toxic effects of TiO2 nanoparticles is increasing, the knowledge concerning their ecotoxicological relevance is still very fragmentary and insufficient for reliable risk analysis.As a photocatalyst, nTiO2 is known to induce the formation of reactive oxygen species under UV irradiation, e.g. in bacteria and cells cultured in vitro. This physiological response indicates an elevated risk for those ecosystems exposed to both, sunlight and nTiO2

simultaneously. Therefore the presented study intends to investigate the photocatalytic effect of nTiO2 in combined exposure scenarios with in vivo tests on a multicellular level. Caenorhabditis elegans, a soil living nematode, has been shown to be an appropriate indicator of soil conditions and a suitable multicellular model organism for ecotoxicological testing (e.g. Sochová et al., 2006). C.elegans is a well established model for laboratory studies with a convenient handling. Due to their high abundance in terrestric, aquatic and benthic ecosystems, nematodes are of high ecological relevance. The standard bioassay ISO 10872, which is applicable for liquid and solid phase testing, has been modified for the investigation of nanoparticles within this study. In addition to an evaluation of the suitability of the test system, first results on the effects of photocatalytically active nTiO2 on C. elegans will be presented.

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Kaegi et al. 2008. Synthetic TiO2 nanoparticle emission from exterior facades into the aquatic environment. Environmental Pollution 156(2), 233-239.

Sochová et al. 2006. Using nematodes in soil ecotoxicology. Environment International 32, 374 – 383.

Keywords: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles – Photocatalytic effects – Caenorhabditis elegans – Ecotoxicity – Sediment phase

TOXIC EFFECTS AND BIOACCUMULATION OF NANO-, MICRON- AND IONIC-AG IN THE POLYCHAETE, NEREIS DIVERSICOLOR

Y. Conga, G.T. Bantaa, H. Selcka, D. Berhanub, E. Valsami-Jonesb, V.E. ForbesaaDepartment of Environmental Social and Spatial Change (ENSPAC), Roskilde University,

PO Box 260, 4000 Roskilde, DenmarkbDepartment of Mineralogy, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UKCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: There is increasing concern about the toxicities and potential risks, both still poorly understood, of silver nanoparticles for the aquatic environment after their eventual release. In this study, the toxicities of nano (< 100 nm)-, micron (2-3.5 µm)- and ionic (AgNO3)-Ag on the sediment-dwelling polychaete, Nereis diversicolor, were compared after 10 d of sediment exposure, using growth, DNA damage (comet assay) and bioaccumulation as endpoints. The nominal concentrations used in all exposure scenarios were 0, 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 µg Ag/g dry weight (dw) sediment. Our results show that Ag is able to cause DNA damage in Nereis coelomocytes and that this effect is both concentration- and Ag form-related. There were significantly greater genotoxity (higher tail moment and tail DNA intensities) at 25 and 50 µg/g dw in nano- and micron-Ag treated groups and at 50 µg/g dw in ionic-Ag treated group compared to the controls (0 µg/g dw). Nano-Ag has the greatest genotoxic effect of the three tested Ag forms and ionic-Ag is the least genotoxic, indicating different mechanisms are possibly involved to cause DNA damage by the different Ag forms. N. diversicolor did accumulate sediment-associated Ag from all three forms. Significant increases in Ag body burdens in worms treated with ionic-Ag (5, 10, 25,

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50 µg/g dw), nano- and micron-Ag (25, 50 µg/g dw) were observed compared to the controls. Ag body burdens at the highest exposure concentration were 9.86±4.94, 8.56±6.63 and 6.92±5.86 µg/g dw for ionic-, nano- and micron-Ag treated worms, respectively. However, there are no form- or size-related differences in bioaccumulation of Ag. No measurable change in wet weight for any of the worm groups during the 10 d experiment was observed, indicating that this measure of growth is not a useful endpoint for detecting effects of such short duration exposures for this species.

Keywords: Silver nanoparticles - Polychaete - Sediment exposure - Genotoxicity - Ag bioaccumulation

THE EFFECTS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES ON A MARINE CLAM, MACOMA BALTHICA AT THE ORGANISM AND SUBORGANISM LEVELS

L. Dai, K. Syberg, G.T. Banta, H. Selck and V.E. ForbesDept. of Environmental, Social and Spatial Change (ENSPAC), Roskilde University, PO Box 260, Universitetsvej 1, DK-4000 Denmark. Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: There has been a lot of concern about the fate and effects of engineered nano-particles (ENPs) due to their rapidly increasing applications in different products. For example, silver (Ag) ENPs are used in a wide variety of products (e.g., clothing, household appliances) due to their antibacterial properties. Ag and other metal ENPs released into the environment, intentionally or accidently, may end up in the aquatic environment via sewage treatment plants, waste handling or aerial deposition. There are concerns that metal ENPs may have higher reactivity that other forms of metals due to their small sizes and high surface areas, leading to greater bioavailability and thus toxicity in aquatic organisms. However, studies of metal ENP bioavailability in the aquatic environment are limited, and the toxic mechanisms of metal ENPs in aquatic invertebrates are not yet clear.

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We exposed the marine clam, Macoma balthica, to sediment-associated silver in different forms (nano-sizes, micro-sizes and Ag ions) to assess their relative toxicities. After 5 weeks’ of exposure, effects of silver were assessed by mortality, condition and behavior changes along with DNA damage. The influence of Ag form on toxicity and the potential implications of this for ecological risk assessment will be discussed.

Keywords: Bivalve – Macoma – Bioaccumulation - Comet Assay - Nano silver

EFFECTS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES ON NATURAL FRESHWATER MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES

M.K. Halling, T. BackhausDepartment of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, SwedenCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Engineered Nanoparticles (ENPs) find increasing use in; consumer products, e.g. household equipment, sport clothes, sunscreens and fuel additives. ENPs have specific properties that are significantly different from those of the corresponding bulk materials. Increasing evidence shows that there is a risk that ENPs might have adverse effects on human health and the environment. ENPs might end up in the aquatic environment intentionally and unintentionally after usage. Aquatic bacteria and algae, which are exposed to ENP’s, might be especially at risk by exposure to silver ENPs (AgNPs), as silver is known to possess strong antibacterial properties. It will be investigated whether conventional risk assessment approaches are valid for assessing the impact of ENPs on aquatic ecosystems or whether (and which) adaptations are necessary. A case study will be carried out, in which the toxicity of AgNPs to aquatic bacteria, microalgae and ecological communities of these (biofilms) will be determined. Emphasis will be on the chronic, long-term effects of ENPs on various levels of biological complexity using endpoints such as growth and species composition. Another part of the project is to investigate the effects of AgNPs on the proteome of algae and bacterial. The development

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of proteomic techniques will initially be performed with single species of microalgae and bacteria, and in a second step applied to microbial communities (biofilms). With this approach we hope to identify possible risks on an early stage level and contribute to improved hazard assessment strategies for this class of emerging contaminants. All experiments will be backed up by state-of-the art analytical tools e.g. light scattering, field-flow fractionation, ICP-MS, voltammetry and electron microscopy.

Keywords: Nanoparticles – Biofilm – Periphyton - Algae – Bacteria

ESTABLISHMENT OF AN IMPROVED LIPID DETERMINATION METHOD FOR DAPHNIA MAGNA AND ITS VALUE IN ACUTE NANOPARTICLE TOXICITY TESTS

R.R. Rosenfeldt, F. Seitz, A. Dabrunz, R. SchulzInstitute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Since their production amounts and applications are steadily increasing, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) will likely enter also non-target aquatic environments. Most aquatic ecotoxicity studies on nTiO2 have been conducted with the water flea Daphnia magna. To elucidate the potential effects of nTiO2 on the energy reserves in this species, the lipid content of juvenile D. magna after being exposed to nTiO2 (2 mg/L; average particle diameter: <100 nm) have been assessed in 48-h acute tests. Existing methods, based on the sulfo-phospho-vanilin reaction, were stepwise optimized aiming to allow the quantification of very small lipid amounts. This process included the identification of proper analytical extratction devices, sample cleaning procedures and measuring techniques resulting in an overall reduction of standard deviations from 131% to 21%. Conducted measurements displayed that, nTiO2 treated daphnids contained a slightly elevated, yet not statistically significant, lipid amount of approximately 116% compared to the control group. Furthermore, a DSC measurement confirmed this tendency showing a difference in total energy content of 37% between both groups. Although the interpretation of the obtained results is not yet possible, we could show that the improved method for the quantification of

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lipids in juvenile daphnids is a reliable tool for the investigation of stressors impacting physiological parameters such as lipid content.

Keywords: Titanium dioxide - Nanoparticles - Crustacea - Lipids – Sulfo-phospho-vanilin reaction

COMPARING ECOTOXICITY OF NANO AND BULK FORMS OF CEO2

T. Sovova, V. Koci, H. Motejlova; Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Prague, Czech RepublicCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: The development and use of engineered nanomaterials (NMs) is increasing at an ever accelerating rate even if little is known about their likely inputs, fate, behaviour and effects in the environment. Moreover, concerns are being expressed whether NMs would not pose a serious environmental threat.Ecotoxicological data concerning nanomaterials are also generally lacking even if the investigation of the environmental effects on NMs is of utmost importance, especially in the aquatic environment since it will ultimately receive the run-off and wastewater from domestic and industrial sources and has been targeted for some nano-scale environmental remediation techniques. Already published ecotoxicity studies have shown that in many cases, NMs may pose an increased health and environmental risk if compared to bulk forms of the same substances.The aim of this work was to evaluate acute aquatic toxicity of CeO2, in both nano and bulk forms. The nano CeO2 is being used in ceramics, optics, as a cleansing agent and has been tested as a gasoline additive to enhance combustion. We have tested several types of nano CeO2 that differed in particle size and method of preparation. The toxicity was evaluated using a soil worm Enchytraeus crypticus. The tests confirmed differences in toxicity between the nano and bulk form and between the different forms of nano CeO2.

Keywords: ecotoxicity - nanomaterials - nanoparticles - Enchytraeus crypticus – ceric oxide

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ABSTRACTS SESSION 2: "OMICS AND BIOMARKERS: LINKING SUB-ORGANISMIC RESPONSES TO ECOLOGICALLY RELEVANT EFFECTS."


THE USE OF A TRANSGENIC FISH LINE TO REFINE THE FISH EMBRYO TEST (FET) FOR VASOTOXIC EFFECTS

V. Delov, E. Muth-Köhne, C. Schäfers, M. Fenske; Fraunhofer Institute of Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Aachen and Schmallenberg; Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (BioVII) RWTH, Aachen; Correspondence: vera.delov@rwth-aachen

Abstract: The fish embryo test FET is highly debated as an alternative for animal testing in chemical safety assessment. To date, the application of the FET has focused on acute toxicity, although it has high potential to also evaluate toxic effects of chemicals, which go beyond the acute toxicity range. To this end, detailed morphological and submorphological analysis methods for the FET are required, which is so far neither established nor standardised. In addition to a refinement of the test endpoints, the FET procedures need to be adjusted to suit high throughput screening application. Gene expression markers can be used to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of adverse effects. They can also help increasing the sensitivity and specificity of the FET in comparison to the original test design, which was solely based on macroscopic morphological endpoints. This project demonstrates the suitability of the transgenic zebrafish line Tg(fli1:EGFP)y1 for the FET to test chemical toxicity on vasculogenesis. The transgenic line expresses enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in the vasculature under the control of the fli1 promoter. Fli1 belongs to the ETS transcription family and is crucial for the development of the vascular and circulatory system. Thus, it can serve as a relevant marker for the detection of vascular defects. Zebrafish embryos of the Tg(fli1:EGFP)y1 line and a wild type strain were exposed to triclosan, genistein, fenazaquin and cartap for 48 h. By using a fluorescent signal based assessment method, adverse effects on vasculogenesis could be detect earlier or even at all in the Tg(fli1:EGFP)y1 embryos than in the wild-type embryos. The results give good evidence that the transgenic zebrafish line Tg(fli1:EGFP)y1 is a promising tool to refine the FET for vasotoxic substances.

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Keywords: Danio rerio - FET – transgenic fish - vasotoxicity- fluorescent microscopy

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HIGH CONTAMINANT LEVEL DO NOT AFFECT THE REDOX STATUS OF RINGED SEALS – A COMPARISON BETWEEN TWO POPULATIONS

M. Kanerva1, H. Routti2, Y. Tamuz1 & M. Nikinmaa1

1Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland; 2Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar environmental Centre, NO-9296 TromsøCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Environmentally derived stress can affect the health, survival and reproduction of individual organisms and populations. Environmental oxidative stress, i.e. generation of reactive oxygen species to such an extent that the antioxidant defence systems of an organism is disturbed, can be caused by UV-radiation, contamination by many metal ions or enhanced toxicant metabolism utilizing the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway. Some natural compounds utilizing this pathway may also generate free radicals and cause oxidative stress, which can thus be generated by changes in food web and or food that the organism utilizes. It was found in previous studies with ringed seals that there are big differences in contaminant levels of Baltic and Atlantic seals. The levels of PCB and DDT compounds were elevated in the Baltic seals caught in 2002-2008. Also the biotransformation of these compounds to less toxic forms was raised. In our study we wanted to know if the Baltic seals suffer from higher oxidative stress compared to Atlantic ones as one would suggest according to the chemical levels. The oxidative stress status of different populations was determined by measuring the activities of different redox enzymes. As judged from the data in standard conditions, the oxidative stress statuses were almost the same in the two groups. The reasons for this might be that seals in general have better capacity to resist oxidative stress, compared to other mammals; due to adaptation for diving or that the populations differ in the cellular conditions at which their antioxidative systems work. The Baltic seals also had the same or even higher levels of different antioxidants (vitamins A and E, glutathione) in them as the Atlantic seals. This could also explain the result, since antioxidants can scavenge reactive oxygen species, without the activation of redox enzymes.

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Keywords: Redox status - Pollutants – Ringed Seal – Baltic Sea - Svalbard

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GENETIC ADAPTATION POTENTIAL OF CHIRONOMUS POPULATIONS TO TEMPERATURE STRESS

S. Nemec1,2, J. Barateiro4, B. Streit3, C. Nowak2

1Biodiversity and Climate Research Center (BiK-F), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; 2Conservation Research Section, Senckenberg Research Institutes and Natural History Museums, Research Station Gelnhausen, Clamecystr. 12, 63571 Gelnhausen, Germany; 3Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biological Sciences Division, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Siesmayerstrasse 70, 60054 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; 4University of Coimbra, PortugalCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: The potential of populations to adapt to environmental changes may be of increasing importance under rapid anthropogenic alterations, such as water pollution and Global Climate Change. The evolutionary potential of natural populations to environmental stress, however, is virtually unknown for most species. Here we use common garden life history experiments and measures of genetic diversity and differentiation in order to test, if populations of the freshwater model organism Chironomus riparius are adapted to local water temperatures. Six populations of C. riparius from a climatic gradient in Europe were subjected to three different temperatures (20, 24, 28 °C). While we found significant life history differences among populations and a significant reduction in fertility in all populations under temperature stress, there was no clear overall sign of genetic adaptation for most parameters investigated. Measures of some traits, however, provided evidence of differential temperature sensitivities between populations. In contrast to southern populations, for instance, midges from northern sampling sites produced egg masses of significantly reduced size under temperature stress. In the presentation, we correlate life history traits with several other factors, such as geographic origin, local climate differences, genetic variation, and differentiation among populations. Our results show that genetic factors have to be considered in assessments of organismal stress sensitivity.

Keywords: Chironomus - Global Climate Change - temperature - population – adaptation

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COMPARISON OF EXTRACTION PROTOCOLS OF GILLS PROTEINS IN THE SHORE CRAB CARCINUS MAENAS (L.) FOR 2DE APPLICATION

F. Panchout, J. Letendre, B. Rocher, F. Leboulenger, F. DurandLaboratory of Ecotoxicology – Aquatic Environments (LEMA), University of Le Havre, 25, rue Ph. Lebon B.P. 540, 76058 Le Havre Cedex, FranceCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Ecosystems being widely subjected to growing manmade stresses, the question of acclimation capacities of organisms to chemical pollution is of major concern. In this way, DECAPAR project aims at evaluating the resistance potential to stress of different decapods species (C. maenas, N. puber, H. sanguineus) according to their life history in terms of pollution exposure. To this end, study of cellular damages and defences capacities is combined to an open approach, i.e. proteomic, which should help to understand the cellular mechanisms underlying differential resistance capacities.In this framework, a preliminary work consists in establishing a suitable protocol of extraction of C. maenas gill proteins for a separation by two dimensional electrophoresis (2DE). Indeed, protein extraction represents a critical step of the method that greatly influences the obtained pattern. In our case, the presence of chitin in tissues of such model constitutes a challenge for the development of efficient extraction, since this polysaccharide with amine functions interferes with both protein solubilization and quantification. We compared three methods for gill proteins extraction: 1) homogenization in detergent, 2) homogenization in detergent followed by TCA precipitation and 3) grinding in liquid nitrogen followed by TCA precipitation. Considering the quality of proteomic prints in terms of number of revealed spots, repartition on gelS through pI and PM gradients as well as the absence of drags, the method consisting in grinding gills in liquid nitrogen followed by a precipitation of proteins gives the more promising results. We are currently studying the reproducibility of this method. This will be then applied for the comparison of proteomic prints of crabs issued from differently polluted sites and of animals subjected to stress on stress experiments.

Keywords: 2DE, Carcinus maenas, gill, TCA precipitation, environmental stress

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SUBORGANISMIC EFFECTS OF FORMALIN AND TEMEPHOS TO EARTHWORM EISENIA ANDREI

M. Velki, B.K. Hackenberger; Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in Osijek, Ljudevita Gaja 6, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia; [email protected]

Abstract: Since the removal of organochlorine insecticides from use, oganophosphate insecticides have become the most widely used group of insecticides in the world. Besides the target organisms, organophosphates also affect many other non-target organisms, including earthworms. Therefore, earthworms are often used for ecotoxicological research and in biomonitornig for assessing the physiological impact of exposure to organophospahtes. Since formaldehyde solutions are often used in the field as standard earthworm expellants, earthworms can be exposed to formalin in natural environment due to its use in sampling procedure. So the aim of this study was to investigate effects of exposure to organophosphate temephos alone and in combination with formalin using earthworms from Eisenia andrei species as model organisms. Suborganismic effects were examined analysing the activity of enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and catalase (CAT). Since natural occurring oximes could take part in maintaining the steady state of AChE activity in organism, amount of oximes was also measured. In first experiment earthworms were exposed to temephos (2 h) and then transferred to formalin (15 min). In second experiment earthworms were first exposed to formalin (2 h) and then transferred to temephos (2 h). As expected, both formalin and temephos caused decrease in AChE activity. More interestingly, when formalin exposure (15 min) followed temephos exposure (2 h), significant increase in AChE activity was recorded. But when earthworms were first exposed to formalin (2 h) and then to temephos (2 h) this effect was absent. Similar results were obtained when amount of oximes was measured. Also, measurement of CAT activity showed that temephos alone causes decrease in activity but in combination with formalin causes increase in CAT activity. Obtained results showed that exposure to formalin during the sampling (or from other sources) could change effects caused by exposure to temephos and therefore lead to misinterpretation of the obtained results.

Keywords: earthworm, dimethoate, cholinesterase, catalase, p-glycprotein

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THE CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF CD, PB AND ZN IN MOUSE AND SHREW CELLS

A.A. Chapman, S.A. ReineckeNorth-West University. Potchefstroom Campus. Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520. Republic of South Africa. Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Organisms exposed to heavy metals in the environment can absorb and accumulate these substances. Small mammals form an important link in the terrestrial food chain and by studying effects of toxicants on their cells, possible damage can be determined at an early stage. Shrews (Myosorex varius and Crocidura flavescens) were studied as bioindicators of environmentals exposure and kept in the laboratory for cytotoxicity tests. BALB/c mice were also used due to the small numbers of shrews available. Splenocytes of shrews and laboratory mice as well as mice whole blood cells (WBC's) were studied in vitro, using primary cell cultures. The cells were exposed to 20µM of metal ion stock solutions of CdCl2, PbCl2 for two hours at 37°C. Cells were exposed to ZnCl2 concentrations in the range of 0 µM, 2.5 µM, 5 µM, 10 µM and 20uM for two hours at 37°C. After splenocytes and WBC's were incubated with the metals, the LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) activity was measured to determine membrane damage. The rate of [3H] Thymidine incorporation, an indication of DNA synthesis, into WBC's ,was measured to determine chemically induced damage to the nucleic acids, and the Trypan blue exclusion assay performed to assess cell viability. Single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay) was used to determine cell damage of the exposed organisms. The results obtained indicated no increased LDH activity in the culture medium of the exposed shrews and BALB/s mice. The results of the single cell gel electrophoresis assay showed that Cd, Pb and Zn caused structural damage to the DNA of the mouse cells. Cd had the least effect on DNA damage when compared to Pb and Zn. Zinc was shown to effect more damage than Pb.

Keywords: Bioindicator - Cytotoxic – Cell viability – DNA synthesis – Heavy metals

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C. ELEGANS AS AN INDICATOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND HUMAN HEALTH RISK DUE TO FINE DUST FROM WOOD FIRING

B. Hegemann1, 2, W.Ahlf1, D. R. Dietrich2

1 Institute of Environmental Technology and Energy Economy, Hamburg University of Technology, 21073, Hamburg, Germany; 2 Department of Human- and Environmental Toxicology, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Along with the growing importance of wood as a renewable low-cost fuel for residential heating a risk for human and environmental health is emerging due to high particle emission from wood combustion. This project aimed to adjust biological test systems for a practicable risk assessment of fine dusts from residential heating. Test systems are supposed to account for the effect mechanism of various particles. As relevant properties of the particles we anticipate size, shape and chemical adsorbents. At first trials are conducted in suspension with characterised model particles and a sample of fine dust from wood briquette firing.The nematode C.elegans is an appropriate test organism for environmental as well as human medical science. In the nematode test on reproduction (ISO 10872) different effects of particles were observed accounting for their size. Particles <1µm can be internalised while particles >1µm only affect the cuticle. The shape of particles suggested an even stronger effect. The nematode test is to be amended for gene expression analysis considering subacute response potentially inducing chronic diseases in humans. Preliminary results indicate different expression patterns of gst-4 and sod-3 according to different particle size. Biomarkers have been selected according to expected reactions towards fine particles from wood combustion. Besides gst-4 and sod-3 for oxidative stress, tir-1 and nlp-29 for immune response, vit-6 for endocrine disruption and cyp-35C1 for xenobiotic detoxification were selected. A further assimilation of the test is planned for use of filter samples and a more direct exposure at the interface between atmosphere and liquids using a chamber (Cultex) designed for this purpose.

Keywords: Caenorhabditis elegans – Fine dust – Biomarkers – Human Health - Ecotoxicology

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COMPARISON OF BIOASSAYS FOR SCREENING DIOXIN-LIKE ACTIVITIES IN FOOD SAMPLES

A. Schiwy, T.-B. Seiler, I. Thiem, H. Hollert; Institute for Environmental Research; Department of Ecosystem Analysis, RWTH Aachen UniversityCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: In our environment we encounter a large number of hazardous substances almost on a daily basis. Knowledge about the toxicity of these substances is important to ensure human health as well as integrity of the ecosystems we live in. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs or dioxins), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs or furans) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are highly ubiquitous toxic substances. They enter the food chain and become health hazards. This has led the European Commission in 2001 to limit the presence of dioxins in food and feed. Strict but feasible maximum limits had been implemented at the beginning of 2002. Any food or feed exceeding these maximum limits is considered unsuitable for human consumption. Hence, monitoring of dioxin levels is of high importance and should be of primary relevance. Bioassays are a viable pre-screening tool to investigate dioxin like activity. A newly introduced method to test food and feed is the Micro EROD bioassay with H4IIe cells. The Micro EROD bioassay is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor based assay to detect the receptors interaction with dioxin like compounds. In this thesis the feasibility and application characteristics of this bioassay for food testing were evaluated. A comparison with the H4IIE-Luc and RTL-W1 bioassays was conducted. Sample clean-up methodology to gain fat free sample was investigated. In this study an acidic column chromatography was conducted and a review of alternative methods has been conducted. The acidic column chromatography in combination with the Micro EROD bioassay revealed to be a promising tool to pre-screen food and feed samples. It could be integrated as a pre-screening technique to determine dioxin like activity. High levels detected should be further analyzed by instrumental analysis. Nevertheless further investigation and modification of the Micro EROD bioassay is recommended to streamline and improve it, to gain an even better and integrated pre-screening tool for dioxin like activity in food and feed.

Keywords: EROD, Dioxin, H4IIE, H4IIE-LUC, RTL-W1

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AN APPROACH TO REFINE THE 48H-ZEBRAFISH EMBRYO TEST (ZFET) FOR PESTICIDES

A.F.M. Wichmann, V. Schiller, R. Kriehuber, C. Schäfers, H. Hollert, M. FenskeFraunhofer Institute for molecular biology and applied ecology, Forckenbeckstr. 6, Aachen, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: To develop alternatives to ethically questionable and costly animal experiments great efforts have been made to promote the zebrafish embryo toxicity test (ZFET) as an acute fish test replacement. Current legislation in Europe generally tolerates the use of embryonic stages of non-human vertebrates for testing, but some member states are more stringent than others regarding definitions of embryonic stage. In some parts of Germany, the use of embryos beyond 48 hours post fertilization (hpf) is still regulated. Methods to broaden the scope of the ZFET’s informative value within the regulatory limitations are therefore urgently needed. A large number of chemicals have already been tested in the ZFET, but pesticides are underrepresented and a mode-of-action (MoA) dependent evaluation of effects in the ZFET is lacking. The major challenge with pesticides is that the highest sensitivity of zebrafish embryos often occurs after 48 hpf or at the sub-morphological level. Therefore, several pesticides were tested in the 48h-ZFET and in an extended 120h-ZFET to investigate the consequences of a prolonged test period on the test outcome and the comparability with the acute fish toxicity data. Additionally, gene expression was analysed in 48 h embryos to study the transcriptome response to different pesticide MoAs at low effect levels. The first 48 hpf were found to be the least sensitive exposure period for the majority of the pesticides tested, when only malformations were assessed. Differentially expressed genes at this stage, however, relate to molecular functions, which can be linked to the morphological effects observed after 48h, even at the very low concentrations investigated. Thus, the 48h-ZFET allows for a MOA specific toxicity testing of pesticides only when non lethal morphological effects and molecular endpoints are included.

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Keywords: Zebrafish - Pesticide – Mode of Action - Microarray - Transcriptome


EFFECTS OF IMIDACLOPRID AND CARBARYL ON THE INDIVIDUAL FEEDING ACTIVITY OF GAMMARUS PULEX (L.)

A. Agatz1,2; R. Ashauer3; C.D. Brown1,2

1 University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom; 2 The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom; 3 Eawag-Aquatic Research, Dübendorf, Switzerland; Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Aquatic ecosystems are usually exposed to low concentrations of toxicants. Mostly, environmentally relevant concentrations of toxicants induce behavioural changes and not mortality as the initial impact. Focusing on feeding activity as an endpoint in ecotoxicological studies is a useful and sensitive tool to detect sub-lethal impacts on individual organisms with relevance to populations and beyond this to the ecosystem level. The freshwater amphipod Gammarus pulex is widely used in ecotoxicology. This organism is sensitive to different contaminants in terms of mortality and additionally plays an important role in the food chain and the ecosystem nutrient cycle. The food preferences for freshwater detritivores like Gammarus are influenced by leaf type, fungal species and incubation time. Food quality, natural environmental changes, the presence of pollutants, the body mass and infection with parasites can cause a change in feeding activity of Gammarus pulex. The effects of food quality, body mass and infection with parasites were observed experimentally to develop a method to measure the feeding rate of individual Gammarus pulex on a daily basis. Further experiments were undertaken to detect effects on feeding activity of Gammarus pulex of constant exposure to imidacloprid and carbaryl. The experiments also sought to determine whether the sub-lethal effect of the plant protection products (PPP) were time- and concentration-dependent and whether the organisms were able to recover from an inhibition of the feeding activity.

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Keywords: method development – sub-lethal-exposure – pesticides – feeding activity – Gammarus pulex

EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES ON AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL PLANTS

H. Buresova a,b, G.H.P. Arts a and J.D.M. Belgersa

a Alterra, Wageningen University and research Centre, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningenb Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28 Praha 6Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Spreading of pesticides via spray drift, runoff and leaching from agricultural fields can affect non-target terrestrial and aquatic plants in adjacent land and water ecosystems. The availability of standardized methodologies to assess the environmental risks of pesticides to non-target plants is currently limited. For aquatic plants test guidelines are available for algae and Lemna only. These tests may not be sufficient to address the risk of compounds in sediment to non-target aquatic plant species. Terrestrial plant tests mainly consider crop plants. Wild plant species are hardly considered in such tests. Lack of scientific information about differences in sensitivity between terrestrial and aquatic plants under similar conditions is also problematic for the complex field-level risk assessment of pesticides to ecosystems.The main aim of the study is to compare the sensitivity of a terrestrial and a aquatic dicotyledonous plant species to the concentration range of a herbicide. Plants are cultivated in spiked sediment under similar conditions for 21 days. At the end of the test, various morphological endpoints are measured and dose-response relationships, EC50 and NOECs are estimated. A second objective of the experiment is to quantify the exposure in the aquatic plant test and the terrestrial plant test. During the test period herbicide concentrations in sediment and water will be monitored. The results from experiments can demonstrate distinction between risks of a herbicide to plants in water and plants in terrestrial ecosystems and may lead to recommendations for improvement of test designs and risk assessment.

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Keywords: Herbicides – Aquatic macrophytes – Risk assessment - Endpoints – Terrestrial plants

THE NEONICOTINOID THIACLOPRID AFFECTS THE INTERACTION OF GAMMARUS FOSSARUM AND BAETIS SPP.

D. Englert, M. Bundschuh, R. Schulz; Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau Campus, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Predator-prey interactions are of central importance for the functioning of ecosystems, however, these interactions are currently largely ignored in the environmental risk assessment of chemicals (except in higher tier mesocosm studies). Therefore, we developed a test system to assess chemical effects on the interaction of two aquatic species: Gammarus fossarum (Crustacea: Amphipoda), which is known as a key-species in the leaf litter breakdown process, served as predator and Baetis spp. larvae (Insecta: Ephemeroptera), that are often coexisting with gammarids in streams, as prey, while leaf discs were offered G. fossarum simultaneously as alternative food source. The test organisms were exposed in three independent experiments to the neonicotinoid thiacloprid at concentrations of 0.5, 0.75 or 1.0 µg/L, which are below those detected in surface waters. The experiments revealed a concentration-dependent significant increase in predator-related mortality of Baetis spp. (repeated measure ANOVA, p<0.05, n=13-17) at all three concentrations, while gammarids feeding rate on leaves was significantly reduced (t-test, p<0.01, n=13-17) at 0.75 and 1.0 µg/L compared to the uncontaminated control. As Baetis nymphs are more sensitive to thiacloprid than gammarids, this stressor most likely affected the predator avoidance of mayflies, which resulted in the increased predation success of 15-35% of G. fossarum in the thiacloprid treatments compared to the respective controls. This increased possibility for Gammarus to catch high-quality food (=Baetis larvae), reduces its feeding rate on leaf discs. This suggests that the assimilation of energy may be higher for G. fossarum during exposure to low concentrations of thiacloprid, which hence may have implications on its physiological fitness. However, whether these

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potentially positive indirect effects for gammarids are overridden by direct toxic effects caused by the pollutant need to be addressed in further studies.

Keywords: predator-prey interaction – feeding rate – leaf litter breakdown - Gammarus – Baetis

ATTENUATION AND DYNAMICS OF PHARMACEUTICALS IN A GERMAN STREAM

U. Kunkel, M. Radke ; Department of Hydrology, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany; Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Pharmaceutical residues are commonly detected micropollutants in the aquatic environment. Their fate in rivers and the importance of individual elimination processes (photolysis, biotransformation, and sorption) is still incompletely understood since transfer of knowledge from laboratory experiments to rivers is not straightforward.Therefore, the aim of this study was to monitor the occurrence and dynamics of pharmaceuticals in a small German stream to determine the importance of the potential attenuation processes. Composite samples were taken at both ends of a river stretch of approximately 12 km downstream of a sewage treatment plant. Moreover, pore water samples were collected and in-situ photolysis experiments at several sites within the river stretch were performed. In total, a set of 15 pharmaceuticals were monitored and analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS.Pharmaceutical concentrations displayed diel variations at the first sampling site due to variable proportions of waste water in the river. Highest concentrations were measured after rainfall. Concentrations and loads at the downstream sampling site were lower for most pharmaceuticals. For example, bezafibrate and naproxen were not detected there under low flow conditions. Most parts of the river stretch are located in forested areas where photolysis is of minor importance. However, in areas with minor sun shading, phototransformation constituted an important removal process for compounds that are susceptible to photolysis, as illustrated by a half-life time for diclofenac of only 4 hours. Pore water samples indicated that biotransformation processes in the sediment could also

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contribute to the attenuation of pharmaceuticals since biodegradable substances like bezafibrate were only detected in the upper sediments.Preliminary analysis suggests that photolysis and biotransformation are relevant attenuation processes in small streams. Even within short river stretches, pharmaceuticals can be eliminated due to more intense exchange of river water and sediments and a higher proportion of radiation affected water compared to large rivers.

Keywords: pharmaceuticals – river– attenuation – dynamics

THE IMPACT OF EIGHT HERBICIDES AT ENVIRONMENTALLY RELEVANT CONCENTRATIONS IN PRAIRIE POTHOLE WETLANDS ON AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES

P. G. Messing1, A. Farenhorst1, L. Ross2, L. L. Thompson1, L. Coulthard3

1University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N22Ducks Unlimited Canada, Oak Hammock Marsh, P.O. Box 1160, Stonewall, Manitoba, R0C 2Z0, 3Manitoba Zero Tillage Research Association, Box 1000A RR#3, Brandon, MB, Canada, R7A 5Y3Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: There are several reports showing that wetlands within the Prairie Pothole Region of Canada are widely contaminated with a suite of herbicides. There is a lack of eco-toxicological field data on the effects of herbicide mixtures and other contaminants on aquatic organisms. The study objective was to determine the effects of elevated levels of herbicides on zooplankton and nekton communities within spiked wetlands. One permanent and one ephemeral wetland were selected at the Manitoba Zero Till Research Association Farm, near Brandon, MB. The wetlands were divided with lake-dividing curtains and sweep net samples were taken on each side to collect aquatic invertebrates once a week for three weeks beginning May 26, 2008. Following the third week of sampling a mixture of eight herbicides were added to one side of each wetland at levels ranging for individual herbicides from 62–179 μg/L. These concentrations were selected to

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simulate the concentration that would be found in the wetland following an accidental direct overspray event of a farmer applying herbicide products on the field at manufacturer recommended application rates. Nine weeks of invertebrate sampling on both sides of each curtain followed. The invertebrate data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) biplots to visualize differences between the species composition for the 12 sampling dates by treatment (herbicide added versus control). Invertebrate assemblage abundances were also used to assess the effects of the herbicides over the sampling period. The fates of the eight herbicides in the wetlands were examined by determining weekly herbicide concentrations in both the water-column and bottom sediments. Based on the PCA analyses, no differences in invertebrate abundances or composition were seen in either the ephemeral or permanent wetland, suggesting that the herbicides studied have no short-term effects on the invertebrate community. However, differences in invertebrate abundances and composition were evident between the ephemeral and permanent wetlands.

Keywords: pesticides - wetlands – aquatic - ecotoxicology – invertebrates

EFFECTS OF COPPER ON FRESHWATER MUSSELS: DISTRIBUTION, BIOACCUMULATION, AND EFFECTS ON CALCIUM HOMEOSTASIS

A.P. Nugroho1,2), H. Frank1)

1Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, University of Bayreuth, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany2Laboratory of Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta 55281, IndonesiaCorrespondence: [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract: Copper (Cu) in aquatic ecosystems is present in dissolved form, associated with suspended food particles, and as inorganic insoluble species in the sediment. It is an essential element to mussels at about 20 mg kg-1 body weight which is taken up from water, food, or both, but it is toxic above 80 mg kg-1. In view of the general decline of almost all freshwater mollusks, the aims of this study are to determine to which extent Cu

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is involved. Bivalves of the species Anodonta anatina are exposed via food or water by using the stable isotope 63Cu as tracer, to assess its accumulation in the various organs and to monitor its effects on calcium (Ca), carbohydrate, and protein levels. During 63Cu exposure via the water (0.3 µmol L-1 63Cu) or via the food (1.5 mg L-1 63Cu-loaded algae, equivalent to 0.35 µmol L-1 63Cu) for 24 days, the contents of exogenous (63Cu) and total Cu in all body compartments increase with time, by the water pathway to a higher level than via the food. Cu concentrations are highest in the digestive gland followed by the kidney, mantle, gills, and other tissues. Following the increases in Cu concentrations, Ca concentrations increase in all body compartments while carbohydrate and protein levels decrease; stronger effects are observed in the mussels exposed to Cu via the water. During depuration for 12 days, Cu is eliminated, accompanied by a decrease in Ca and increases in carbohydrate and protein levels. The results show that distribution and accumulation of copper are time- and pathway-dependent and organ-specific. The digestive gland is the main site of Cu accumulation. Increased copper uptake leads to disturbances of Ca homeostasis and to decreases in protein and carbohydrate levels.

Keywords: copper - Anodonta anatina - calcium homeostasis - bioaccumulation

UNCERTAINTIES IN AQUATIC ECOTOXICOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT

A. Seeland, R. Müller, J. OehlmannLOEWE Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Siesmayerstraße 70, 60323 Frankfurt/Main, GermanyGoethe University Frankfurt/Main, Siesmayerstraße 70, 60323 Frankfurt/Main, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: To assess the risk of pesticides for the aquatic environment, the performance of ecotoxicological tests in accordance to OECD guidelines with aquatic standard organisms is prescribed by law. Standard organisms represent a wide range of trophic levels in an ecosystem, but molluscs as important taxa are missing. Furthermore, increasing temperature due to climate change may modify ecotoxicity of pesticides. This risk might not

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be covered by ecotoxicological values derived from OECD standard tests carried out at a constant optimal temperature. To estimate the importance of those uncertainties in ecotoxicology we tested the response of aquatic species to the fungicide pyrimethanil as model for environmentally released pesticides. At first we examined the ecotoxicity by means of standard ecotoxicological test designs and standard organisms representing different trophic levels. Among five tested standard organisms, the water flea Daphnia magna was the most sensitive organism (EC10

= 0.95 mg/L). However, experiments with two aquatic snails revealed that they were considerably more sensitive (EC10 of 0.08 mg/L). The fungicide induced a negative effect on the fertility of their egg masses as well as high mortalities. In addition to these tests at optimal temperatures, we exposed two sensitive standard organisms to pyrimethanil at four constant and three dynamic temperature regimes. Acute test with the midge Chironomus riparius demonstrates that the higher the temperature is the lower is the effect concentration. In a multigenerational study with D. magna exposed to dynamically changing temperatures and low doses of the fungicide, we could show that over a long test period the temperature highly influenced the reproductive output of the maternal daphnids, especially under climate change conditions.Tests with standard organisms do not disclose the potential risk of the fungicide pyrimethanil for the aquatic environment. Snails responded tenfold more sensitive to pyrimethanil if compared to the standard organisms. Moreover, pollutant effects become obvious at lower concentrations if investigated at higher constant and dynamic temperatures. This amplification of ecotoxicity might become enforced in the future due to an increased use of pesticides under warmer climatic conditions.

Keywords: risk assessment, pesticides, temperature, Daphnia magna, snails

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ABSTRACTS SESSION 3: "AQUATIC ECOTOXICOLOGY: FATE AND EFFECTS OF POLLUTANTS IN THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT."

CHEMO- AND BIOANALYSES OF THE PARTITIONING OF RADIOLABELLED ORGANIC CHEMICALS IN SEDIMENT-WATER-ORGANISM-SYSTEMS

A. Simon1, H. Zielke1, B. Schmidt1, T.-B. Seiler1, A. Schäffer1, J.V.K Kukkonen2 and H. Hollert1 1 Institute for Environmental Research (Biology V), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany2 University of Eastern Finland, Department of Biology, Joensuu, FinlandCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Sediments can act as a sink as well as a source for environmental pollutants. A multitude of factors can influence this dual quality and the related partitioning between organisms as potentially affected targets, water and sediment. Those factors include sediment properties, water quality, the type of organism and substance characteristics.Aim of the present project was to gain knowledge on the partitioning of organic pollutants in a system comprising sediment, water and organisms. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and the sediment dwelling worm Lumbriculus variegatus were used as model organisms. The tests were conducted as whole-sediment toxicity tests, i.e. the test species were introduced directly onto or into the sediment spiked with organic pollutants. Two natural sediments were used (Altrip, back water of the Rhine and Höytiäinen, lake in eastern Finland) as well as an artificial sediment, each spiked with 3,4-dichloroaniline, pentachlorophenol or fluoranthene at concentrations below lethal effect levels. After the test-dependent exposure time, chemical (HPLC) or radioactive analyses of the different test compartments (organism, water, sediment) were carried out after conducting the necessary processing steps. Lumbriculus variegatus samples and zebrafish samples were exposed to the 14C-radiolabelled compounds and subsequently investigated with scintillation counting in order to quantify the incorporated radioactivity. Furthermore, zebrafish samples were analyzed at different time-points after the initial spiking to obtain data on ageing-dependent changes in partitioning.

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ASSESSING THE ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING POTENTIAL OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS ISRAELENSIS BASED INSECTICIDES.

M. Wollenweber1, S. Maletz1, T. Floehr1, H. Hollert1

1 Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen UniversityCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Synthetic insecticides have always played an important role in ecotoxicology. The excessive use of insecticides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) has lead to crucial hazardous impacts on both humans and wildlife. In response, a protein isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) has been increasingly used as a specific biological control agent against mosquitoes since 1981. Several studies have shown that BTI contains a specific mode of action, causing no impact on the environment. However, recent studies implicated that BTI may act like an endocrine disruptor. To assess a potential threat to the environment, three BTI-formulations based on solid matrices and one based on liquid matrices have been used to investigate estrogen receptor mediated endocrine activity using the yeast estrogenic screen (YES-assay). No estradiol equivalent quotients (EEQ) could be determined for the BTI-formulation using a liquid matrix. Nevertheless, each solid formulation has shown estrogenic activity in the YES-assay, with EEQs ranging from 9,2 ng/l to 22,8 ng/l.

Keywords: insecticides, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, yeast estrogenic screen, endocrine disruption

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ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF TIME-VARIABLE EXPOSURE REGIMES TO THE FUNGICIDE AZOXYSTROBINE ON FRESHWATER COMMUNITIES IN OUTDOOR MICROCOSMS.

Mazhar Iqbal Zafar1,2, J.D.M. Belgers2, Rene.P.A.Van Wijngaarden2, G.H.P. Arts2, Ivo Roessink2 , T.C.M. Brock2 and Paul J. Van den Brink1,2

1Department of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management ,Wageningen University , P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.2Alterra, Wageningen University and Research centre, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: The risks of pesticides to aquatic ecosystems are often assessed by performing cosm experiments evaluating a particular exposure regime (e.g. 1 pulse application), not necessarily corresponding with the exposure part of risk assessment (e.g. multiple applications).This mismatch is one of the biggest challenges in contemporary ecological risk assessment. The aim of the present study is to compare the effects of a chronic exposure with the effects of a peak exposure and a multiple peak scenario with an identical Area under the Curve. For this, microcosms (water volume approx. 1270 L) were established using sediment of fine clay having communities typical of macrophyte-dominated freshwater ecosystems. Azoxysrobine is a strobilurin fungicide that currently is used on a number of agronomic and horticultural crops worldwide. Azoxystrobine was introduced into outdoor- microcosms using three different regimes; (1) A single application of 31.3 µg /L, (2) four applications of 15.8 µg /L , with a time interval of 10 days and (3) a continuous exposure of 10 µg /L for 42 days. The three different treatment regimes aimed having the same 42d-Time Weighted Average (TWA) exposure. Multivariate analyses of the zooplankton data set, reveals small variation in the pre-treatment period and large concentration-dependent differences with the control after start of the treatment. Effects are first observed for the single application and the chronic 33 μg/L treatment followed by the 4 application and 10 μg/L treatment. Taxa belonging to Copepoda (Nauplii, Cyclopoida and Calanoida) and Cladocera (Daphnia longispina) are the most responsive zooplankton

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species observed. Rotifera are indicated to have increased due to azoxystrobin exposure as a result of indirect effects. By the end of experimental period, community level effects shows approximately the same effect magnitude for all treatment regimes, indicating that for most species the time-weighted concentration seems more important than peak concentration for long-term effects.

Keywords: time-variable exposure, microcosm, aquatic communities, azoxystrobine

EFFECTS OF THE FUNGICIDE TEBUCONAZOLE ON AN AQUATIC DECOMPOSER-DETRITIVORE SYSTEM

J.P. Zubrod, M. Bundschuh, R. Schulz

Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, D-76829 Landau, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract Leaf litter breakdown is a fundamental process in streams with forested catchments. It is realized by decomposer-detritivore systems comprising interacting microorganisms and leaf-shredding invertebrates (=shredders) that provide food for local and downstream communities, e.g. in the form of invertebrate faeces. Biocidal compounds, e.g. fungicides, might impact these systems by altering the leaf associated microbial communities and causing direct toxic effects on shredders. We tested this hypothesis using the shredder Gammarus fossarum and the model substance tebuconazole. A first experiment revealed a significantly reduced feeding, assimilation and dry weight of directly exposed gammarids at 600 µg/L over three weeks. In a second experiment, a food-choice trial, gammarids significantly preferred leaf discs conditioned (=microbially colonized) in the control over leaf discs conditioned in the presence of tebuconazole (50 or 500 µg/L). This effect went along with a significant decrease of both fungal diversity and fungal biomass.

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Finally, in the last experiment gammarids exposed directly to 75 µg tebuconazole /L for five weeks were also fed on leaves conditioned in the presence of this tebuconazole concentration. Compared to the control, leaf associated fungal biomass, as well as faeces production and lipid content of gammarids were significantly reduced while assimilation of gammarids was significantly increased. These results suggest that tebuconazole can affect both leaf associated microbial communities and the shredder G. fossarum while effects on the amphipods are suggested to be more pronounced when both parts of this decomposer-detritivore system are exposed simultaneously. Effect concentrations for Gammarus during such simultaneous exposures seem to be better indicated by food-choice trials than by experiments restricted to direct exposure of Gammarus. Furthermore, the physiological fitness related effects in Gammarus, i.e. reduced dry weight and lipid content, can be linked to population level effects like a reduced reproduction and growth. Thus, these effects in combination with the observed lower faeces production may finally result in a reduced energy supply for local and downstream communities.

Keywords direct and indirect effects – leaf litter breakdown – leaf associated microbial communities – shredder – triazole fungicide

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SESSION 3 POSTER PRESENTATIONS

CHEMICAL EFFECTS ON AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES IN RELATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

S.O. Agbo, J. Lemmetyinen, J. Akkanen, M.T. Leppänen, J.V.K. KukkonenDepartment of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu Campus, P. O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland; Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Benthic organisms face adverse environmental conditions particularly hypoxia and exposures to xenobiotics. Although molecular adaptations to single stressor have been studied previously, documented evidence of combined stressor effects in relation to endogenous metabolites regulations is limited. Apart from the physicochemical property of organic contaminants, organism’s physiology in relation to ambient conditions plays important role in determining their environmental fate. For this reason, specific intrinsic characteristics may predispose an organism to stressors especially in the aquatic environment due to the continually changing environmental variables. Reduced ambient oxygen, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and solar radiation, may influence organic contaminant distribution, uptake and effects in aquatic organisms. Therefore, the kinetics of contaminant uptake in biota, sorption to humic materials and degradation under solar irradiation, may affect the bioavailability of contaminants and ultimately their toxicity in aquatic organisms. We present results from bioavailability and photostability studies with organic chemicals, and report the fitness of Daphnia magna neonates in pre-irradiated water for the assessment of photoproduct-mediated toxicity. Survivorship of the animals increased until 100% and correlated positively with irradiation time. Sub-organismic responses are shown from a related study after singular exposure of Lumbriculus variegatus to benzo[a]pyrene, cadmium, chlorpyrifos, and pentachlorophenol.

Keywords: bioavailability, BCF, hypoxia, solar radiation, aquatic invertebrate

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AH-RECEPTOR-AGONIST ACTIVITY OF SEDIMENT EXTRACTS AND NATIVE SEDIMENTS FROM HAMBURG HARBOUR AND THE RHINE RIVER IN DANIO RERIO

J. Bräunig, S.Peddinghaus, T. Bui, T. Hoen, K. Winkens, H. Hollert & S. Keiter; Institute for Environmental Research, RTWH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: The European Water Framework Directive (EWFD) aims to achieve a good ecological and chemical status in the surface water of European rivers until 2015. However, there is still need for basic research in order to fulfill this legal obligation. Sediment toxicology plays a major role in this intention as sediments can act as a secondary source of pollution. The present study is part of the joint research project DanTox, which – among other specific endpoints – investigates dioxin-like effects of acetonic sediment extracts from the Rhine River and Hamburg Harbour in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos.Dioxins or dioxin-like compounds all represent ligands for the arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which mediates the induction of CYP1A, a Phase I biotransformation enzyme. The 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) assay monitors the detoxifying enzyme CYP1A and is therefore a suitable biomarker for exposure of organisms to CYP1A inducers.In the present study, the fish embryo toxicity test (FET) and the EROD assay were combined: Embryos were exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or acetonic sediment extracts for 48 h according to the FET (DIN 38415-6). Subsequently, embryos were homogenized to isolate all cell protein, including CYP1A and used in the EROD assay. The induction of EROD indicates dioxin‐like activity of environmental samples on the test species. Exposures to TCDD lead to a decrease in EROD activity below basal level while exposures to acetonic sediment extracts lead to inductions above basal level and tendencies towards dose-response relationships could be seen. The fish egg EROD assay has shown to be an applicable test to investigate dioxin-like activity in Danio rerio embryos; however, TCDD does not seem to be suitable as a positive control since the results indicate that the natural barrier function of the chorion prevents TCDD from entering and harming the embryo.

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Keywords: Danio rerio, EROD, CYP1A, dioxins, sediment toxicity

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METABOLITES OF THREE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS IN FISH BILE AS INDICATORS OF THE FISH’S EXPOSURE TO PHARMACEUTICALS

J.-M. Brozinski, M. Lahti, A. Oikari and L. KronbergÅbo Akademi University, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Biskopsgatan 8, 20500 ÅBO/TURKU, FinlandCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: The anti-inflammatory drugs diclofenac (DCF), naproxen (NPX) and ibuprofen (IBF) has been found as micropollutants in river water downstream of the discharge point of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). In this study, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were exposed to DCF, NXP and IBF and the metabolism of the drugs were studied. Following exposure through intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) and through water at environmentally relevant concentrations, the bile was collected and analyzed with LC-MS/MS methods. The identification of the formed metabolites in i.p. injected fish was based on the exact mass determinations by a time-of-flight mass analyzer (Q-TOF-MS) and on the studies of fragments and fragmentation patterns of precursor ions by ion trap mass analyzer (IT-MS). No matter of the exposure route, the main metabolites were found to be acyl glucuronides of DCF, NPX and IBF and of their phase I metabolites. Also sulphate and taurine conjugates, and unmetabolized DCF, NPX and IBF were detected in the fish bile. The total bioconcentration factors (BCFtotal-bile) of DCF, NPX and IBF and their metabolites in the bile of fish exposed through water ranged from several hundreds to several thousands. These findings suggest that fish living downstream from the WWTPs may take up DCF, NPX and IBF and metabolize them, and the metabolites in fish bile can be used to monitor the fish’s exposure to DCF, NPX and IBF.

Keywords: pharmaceuticals - fish - rainbow trout - wastewater treatment plant discharges – bioconcentration

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CYTOTOXICITY OF ATORVASTATIN AND SIMVASTATIN TO RAINBOW TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS) PRIMARY HEPATOCYTES

K.S. Ellesat1, K.-E. Tollefsen2, A. Åsberg3, K.V. Thomas2, K. Hylland1

1Department of Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway2Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway3School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, NorwayCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Statins, or 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) inhibitors, are one of the most widely prescribed pharmaceuticals in Europe. Statins inhibit the enzyme HMGR of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway and are used to lower cholesterol levels as well as prevent cardiovascular diseases. Most statins are administered in the active acid form but simvastatin and lovastatin are given as the lactone prodrugs. Equilibrium between these forms occurs in vivo. Generally, statins are well tolerated but in 1-7% of patients, adverse effects as myo- and hepatotoxicity have been observed. However, mechanisms of toxicity are still unknown. Effects of statins on non-target organisms could be of concern since statins reach the environment via wastewater effluents. Environmental statin concentrations have been observed in the µg/L range. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of acid and lactone forms of atorvastatin and simvastatin to rainbow trout hepatocytes. Primary hepatocyte cultures were established and cells were exposed to eight different concentrations (3 to 400 µM) of atorvastatin and simvastatin, both in the acid and lactone forms, for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cytotoxicity was measured as a decrease in membrane stability and metabolic activity with the fluorescent probes 5’carboxyfluorescein diacetate, acetoxymethyl ester (CFDA-AM) and alamar blue (AB), respectively.Atorvastatin and simvastatin acids and lactones showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on rainbow trout primary hepatocytes. The lactone forms were more toxic than the acid forms and simvastatin was more toxic than atorvastatin. Moreover, atorvastatin toxicity increased with time.

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Keywords: atorvastatin; simvastatin; cytotoxicity; hepatocytes; rainbow trout

MORPHOLOGICALLY IDENTICAL BUT GENETICALLY DIFFERENT: ARE THERE DIFFERENCES IN SENSITIVITY BETWEEN CRYPTIC SPECIES OF GAMMARUS FOSSARUM?

A. Feckler, M. Bundschuh, A. Thielsch, K. Schwenk, R. SchulzInstitute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, D-76829 Landau, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Species that look morphologically identical but are reproductively isolated and hence exhibit a certain genetic distance are called cryptic species. Although this concept is well known in genetics for several decades, its relevance is poorly investigated in the ecotoxicological context. Therefore, we assessed two cryptic species of Gammarus fossarum - type A was collected from the Swabian Mountains and type B from the Palatinate Forest - for differences in sensitivity. In a first set of experiments, we exposed different size classes (diameter 1.3 – 1.6 mm & 1.6 – 2.0 mm) of both cryptic species to the triazole fungicide tebuconazole at concentrations of 0, 200 and 600 µg/L tebuconazole for seven days. The feeding rate of gammarids on leave discs (Alnus glutinosa (L.) GAERTN.) was assessed as a sublethal endpoint since it can be considered as robust, reproducible and environmentally relevant. Feeding rate impairment relative to the corresponding control was significantly higher for G. fossarum type A at 200 µg/L compared to G. fossarum type B. A significant deviation was not observed at 600 µg/L, as feeding rate was reduced almost to zero for both cryptic species. Moreover, a size effect seemed to be present but has to be confirmed in further studies. These results display difference in sensitivity to a chemical stressor between cryptic species of G. fossarum. As differences in sensitivity between both cryptic species of G. fossarum are currently only displayed for one chemical stressor and two locations, future experiments will address their sensitivity to further stressors (e.g. insecticides) and ecological aspects like physiological fitness of the individuals from a broad range of field populations will be studied.

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Keywords: Gammarus fossarum – cryptic species – leaf litter breakdown – sensitivity – feeding rate

INVESTIGATING ENDOCRINE POTENTIALS OF HOSPITAL SEWAGE EFFLUENTS AFTER DIFFERENT TREATMENTS APPLYING THE LYES AND H295R ASSAY

T. Floehr1, S.X. Maletz1, S. Beier2, E. Higley3, H.F. Schröder2, J. Giesy3, M. Hecker3, J. Pinnekamp2, H. Hollert1

1Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany2Institute for Environmental Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Straße 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany3Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, CanadaCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Pharmaceuticals have been designed to cure and prevent diseases. However, in addition to their beneficial properties they bear the risk to cause unintended harmful effects on non-target organisms in the environment, as well as on humans. One effect type of concern is the interference of these substances with the endocrine system of organisms. One of the main sources of human pharmaceuticals into aquatic ecosystems are hospital effluents. The focus of the present study was on the endocrine potentials of hospital sewage, and to which degree a recently established model sewage treatment plant is able to eliminate or diminish the endocrine disrupting potential of the effluent.As part of the present study effluents were subjected to a membrane bioreactor and ozonation with three different adjustments (7.5 mg ozone L-1 for 7.5 min, 7.5 mg ozone L-1

for 15 min; 12.5 mg ozone L-1 for 7.5 min). Extracts of sewage taken before and after these treatments were analyzed by use of the Lyticase Yeast Estrogen Screen (LYES) (endpoint: estrogen receptor binding potential) and the H295R assay (a steroid biosynthesis interference assay, endpoints: estradiol production and aromatase activity) regarding their endocrine disrupting potential. Each sample was collected over a period of 24 h, homogenized and extracted on HLB-columns (Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance-column).

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It has been found that the crude sewage possessed significant endocrine potentials. These were reduced significantly by a membrane bioreactor. Advanced treatment with ozone led to a further decrease of the endocrine disrupting potential in the LYES. No significant differences were detected between the elimination efficiencies of the three ozone treatment approaches. Analysis of selected ozonated sewage by use of the H295R assay indicated that ozonation did not reduce but partly increased effects of the sewage on steroidogenesis. As a key factor CYP19 aromatase, catalyzing the conversion from testosterone to estradiol is considered.

Keywords: Sewage - Ozonation - Endocrine Disruptor - LYES - H295R

ASSESSING INTER- AND INTRA-SPECIFIC DIFFERENCES IN ORGANOCHLORINE COMPOUND PATTERNS IN TWO INVASIVE SPECIES INHABITING THE FLIX WATER RESERVOIR (EBRO RIVER, CATALONIA, SPAIN)

D. Huertas, J.O. GrimaltDepartment of Environmental Chemistry (IDÆA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) are two invasive species that have generated huge environmental and economical problems in the last stretch of the Ebro River. The Flix water reservoir is a heavily polluted area as consequence of organochlorine wastes dumped into the river bed from a chlor-alkali plant during last century. Due to their low mobility and relative facility of collection, we are evaluating here the use of these species to assess differences in bioaccumulation patterns of main groups of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as consequence of the point source spills. A total of 20 individuals of crayfish (10 at each shore) and 8 pools of zebra mussel (3 sampling points and different size ranges (>20 mm; 10-20 mm; and <10 mm)) were analysed. In both species, the results showed between 3 and 8 times higher concentrations in the river shore close to the chlor-alkali plant for HCB, total DDTs and total PCBs (crayfish p<0.011, p<0.024, p<0.005 and zebra mussel p<0.048, p<0.085,

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p<0.067, respectively). In addition, the concentrations of total DDTs indicate some inter-specific differences between the two organisms, probably due to alimentary habits (p<0.004). The highest mean concentrations in crayfish were 42, 63 and 44 ng/g for HCB, total DDTs and total PCBs, respectively, while zebra mussel showed values up to 94, 380 and 140 ng/g, respectively. Differences between sizes in zebra mussel have also been assessed. Small specimens (<10 mm) had mean highest concentrations in all sampled locations for HCB, total DDTs and total PCBs than medium and large (> 10 mm) specimens. Intermediate size individuals (10-20 mm) showed lower concentrations than the smallest individuals and the bigger zebra mussels (>20 mm) had the lowest concentrations. This trend has been found in all sampling sites and for all groups of organochlorine compounds, suggesting a decrease of concentrations with growth.

Keywords: Crayfish – Zebra Mussel – PCB - DDT – Hexachlorobenzene

LATEX DEGRADATION UNDER REALISTIC CONDITIONS

S. Lambert 1, 2, A. Boxall 1, C. Sinclair 2.1 – University of York, Heslington, York, UK.2 – Food Environmental Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, UK.Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Natural and synthetic polymers are commonly used in a wide range of applications and have now replaced glass, wood, metal and masonry in many industrial, commercial and domestic applications. During their life-cycle these materials can be intentionally or inadvertently released into the environment where they undergo a change of properties facilitating the disintegration of the polymer matrix and release of chemical additives used in manufacturing. Currently the literature concerning the disintegration and degradation of polymeric materials has focused largely on controlled laboratory conditions; therefore there is a need for data regarding the degradability of such materials under more realistic (semi-field) conditions. This work aims to examine the degradability of two types of polymeric materials, namely a latex film (supplied by SSL International) and polystyrene nano particles (purchased from Sigma-Aldrich) under realistic condition in water and water

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sediment systems. Weight loss will be used as a method to assess fragmentation of the latex film, along with HPLC and LC-TOF-MS to assess the leaching of chemicals overtime. Nano-particle Tracking Analysis will be used to assess changes in size distribution of nano polystyrene particles. It is hypothesised that the combination of water and sediment will have a greater affect on the disintegration of both materials used in this study than water alone. It is hoped that results from this work will provide an insight into the length of time it takes thin polymer films and polymer particulates to breakdown under semi-field conditions.

Keywords: latex, polystyrene, degradation, disintegration, HPLC, LC-TOF-MS, polymers.

OIL DEGRADING BACTERIA IN THE BALTIC SEA

Lindroos, P. LeskinenDepartment of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014, Turku, Finland.Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: The Baltic Sea is one of the largest brackish water bodies in the world. Its coastline is shared by nine industrialised countries which all use the Baltic as an important route of transportation of freight. Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) belong to the most widespread contaminants entering water systems around the world. Microbes, which have a high capacity of metabolic adaptation have developed various mechanisms for using PHCs as sources of carbon and energy. Although a considerable amount of research has been carried out on biodegradation of the oil in the oceans and in terrestrial environments, there are only few studies on biodegradation of oil in the Baltic Sea. The objective of our study is to characterize oil degrading microbial communities in coastal waters in the Finnish Archipelago. Microcosm experiments were carried out to study the dynamics of indigenous oil degrading bacterial communities of the Baltic Sea. Genetic profiles of microbial communities were achieved using bacterial 16S rRNA gene PCR and Terminal Restriction Fragment Analysis (T-RFLP). Based on the community profiles, samples were selected for clone library

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construction and sequencing to determination of the major bacterial groups. Enumeration of bacteria was done using flow cytometer analysis. The results showed that distinct bacterial communities developed in the diesel-exposed microcosms compared to the clean controls. Further, it was possible to conclude that the bacterial communities from the previously contaminated sites responded to the oil pollution faster than the community from a non-polluted site. The sequencing of diesel exposed communities showed that the dominating bacterial phylotypes resembled oil degraders found in rhizosphere and soil environments, whereas typical marine oil degraders were missing.

Keywords: bacterial oil degradation – petroleum hydrocarbons – microcosm – T-RFLP – Baltic Sea

ENVIRONMENTAL METABOLISM OF 1-METHYLPYRENE BY NEREIS DIVERSICOLOR IN RELATION TO ECOTOXICOLOGY

L.M.V. Malmquist, J.H. Christensen, H. SelckENSPAC, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, DenmarkCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Mineral oils from spills contain magnitudes higher proportions of alkylated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) compared to unsubstituted PAHs. Despite this, assessments of contaminations are often limited to only consider the “16 USEPA priority PAHs”, which are all unsubstituted. We studied the metabolism of 1-methylpyrene by exposure to the benthic invertebrate Nereis diversicolor in laboratory mesocosms. Analyses of worm, water and sediment extracts were performed by use of Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV, Fluorescence and Quantitative Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry detection (UPLC-UV/FLR/QToF). These analyses show formations of known phase II metabolites such as sulphate, glucoronide and glucoside conjugates. However, more than 90% of the metabolites excreted by the organism to water consist of the double benzylic hydroxylated 1COOH-pyrene, not previously reported in relation to ecotoxicology.

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This metabolite can act as a source to the unsubstituted PAH, pyrene, through environmental decarboxylation processes.

Keywords: Alkylated PAHs, 1-methylpyrene, Nereis diversicolor, metabolism, decarboxylation, UPLC, fluorescence, mass spectrometry, Time of Flight

BIOACCUMULATION OF SELECTED METALS IN FRESHWATER SNAILS INHABITING THE KUILS RIVER, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA.

A.M Melato1, R Snyman1,2, J.P Odendaal11Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, 2Department of Biodiversity and Conservation, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town campus, Western Cape, South Africa, Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: In the recent past there has been a tremendous growth in the establishment and development of human settlements, both formal and informal in the Cape Town area. The surroundings of the Kuils River are no exception. There are various communities and industries in close proximity to the Kuils River. This has caused an increased production of potential environmental pollutants, including metals. The aim of the study was to determine the bioaccumulation of selected metals in freshwater snails (Physa acuta) inhabiting the Kuils River. Four sampling sites were identified along the Kuils River. Freshwater snails and sediment were collected every 2 months for a period of one year. The following metals were investigated: Aluminium (Al), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn). Samples were digested with 55 % nitric acid. The ICP-AES was used for metal analyses. The results were statistically analysed by means of ANOVA on ranks using the Sigmastat statistical package. Results revealed that most metals found in sediment and snails had significantly higher concentrations at site 1. This is possibly due to input from the surrounding urban area and nearby agricultural activities. Snail samples contained significant levels of Cu, Fe and Mn. This is an indication that some metals are bioavailable in the Kuils River. Consequently, there is a distinct possibility that some metals may cause toxic stress in the fauna inhabiting the river. Further investigations involving toxicity testing should be

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conducted to determine the toxicity of these metals to Physa acuta and other organisms in the Kuils River.

Keywords; Metal toxicity; Freshwater snails; river pollutants

EFFECT ON HYALELLA AZTECA AFTER PULSE EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTALLY REALISTIC CONCENTRATIONS OF PERMETHRIN.

S. Pedersen, A. Palmqvist, V. ForbesDepartment of Environmental, Social and Spatial Change, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark.Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Exposure of non-target aquatic organisms to pesticides is likely to occur in short pulses following periods of drain flow, surface run-off or spray drift. However, standard aquatic toxicity tests are primarily based on continuous and maintained exposure periods of 24 to 96 hours for acute effect assessment. There is therefore a mismatch between laboratory and field exposure patterns, which has implications for standard risk assessments and could result in over- or underestimation of toxicity. The aim of the present study was to examine the short-term and delayed effects of different environmentally realistic pulse exposure and concentration of a pyrethroid pesticide, permethrin, on the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca. Permethrin is a pyrethroid insecticide used in mosquito control and to control a wide range of insect pests on various crops and is known to be highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates. H. azteca is widely distributed through North America where it is common as a food source for birds, fish and large invertebrates and is therefore considered as an ecologically important organism. In addition H. azteca has been extensively used as a test organism and is generally sensitive to contaminants. The toxicity of permethrin to H. azteca was first estimated in a 96 hour test with constant exposure. Then the toxicity and delayed effects after 10 days were tested with different concentrations and pulse lengths. The exposure pulses lasted for 1, 3 or 24 hours simulating a realistic run-off event. After exposure, the

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organisms were transferred to clean water and survival was recorded immediately after the pulse and again after 10 days from the start of the experiment.Implications of using constant exposure and short-term effects versus pulse exposure and delayed effects will be discussed.

Keywords: pulse exposure, Hyalella azteca, permethrin, pesticide

UPTAKE AND EFFECTS OF HEAVY METALS FROM SPIKED SEDIMENTS IN ZEBRAFISH EMBRYOS

R. Redelstein1, H. Zielke1, D. Spira2, U. Feiler2, L. Erdinger3, H. Zimmer4, T.-B. Seiler1, H. Hollert1

1Department of Ecosystem Analysis, Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany2German Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany3Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany 4University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Internal Medicine I, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Predicting the bioavailability of heavy metals in sediments is of major concern within sediment risk assessment. The present study investigated, to which extent heavy metals from spiked sediments are bioavailable and can accumulate in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos as a model for sediment-living organisms.Danio rerio embryos were exposed to a natural and to an artificial sediment, both spiked with cadmium, copper, nickel and zinc as single substances and as a mixture, respectively. Following exposure, the fish embryos were digested and heavy metal concentrations were determined by means of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Additionally, toxicity tests with corresponding metal solutions and direct sediment contact tests on spiked sediments were carried out.

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Results on toxicity revealed that the impact of heavy metals from sediments on zebrafish embryos was lower by a factor of up to 10² compared to aqueous solutions. In the uptake-experiments, Danio rerio eggs accumulated heavy metals from spiked sediments in concentrations up to a few hundred times higher compared to the spiked concentrations. Copper gave significantly higher accumulation factors than the other heavy metals. Due to a higher content of organic matter and higher bacterial activity which reduce bioavailability of metals spiked to the tested natural sediment, all heavy metals accumulated to a higher extent after exposure to the artificial sediment. Furthermore, the presence of other heavy metals reduced the uptake of individual metals. As a result of the short equilibration time, obtained data represent the bioavailability of heavy metals from sediments immediately after the initial contamination event.

Keywords: Heavy metals – Sediments – Bioavailability – Zebrafish (Danio rerio) – Bioaccumulation

EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES ON THE ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION OF BENTHIC GRAZING

M. Rybicki, C. Winkelmann, D. Jungmann; Dresden University of Technology, Institute of Hydrobiology, 01062 Dresden; Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Stream ecosystems are polluted with varios environmental chemicals. In this context pesticides are of special importance, due to their high biological effectivness and their massiv use in crop protection in industrial agriculture. Current concepts in ecotoxicology assume that chemicals firstly induce structural changes in ecosystems and that functional parameters are influenced secondarily due to structural changes. Therefore, effect analysis of chemicals focuses more on structural parameters like mortality and reproduction. An important ecological function in stream ecosystems is the benthic grazing of macroinvertebrates (grazer). Different studies show, that grazer like mayflies, are able to reduce aufwuchs biofilms effectively and thus prevent biological clogging of stream beds (biotic colmation). The effects of pesticide exposure on the ecological function of benthic grazing was investigated in different micro- and mesocosm experiments. The results show that the insecticide λ-Cyhalothrin reduce the foreage activity of grazers at 0,9 µg g-1 OC,

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whereas survival was affected from 9 µg g-1 OC. Furthermore, λ-Cyhalothrin decreased the dry weight and triglyceride content of grazers at 0,9 µg g-1 OC and thus also reduced the physiological fitness. Experiments with a herbicide (Terbutryn) also revealed indirect effects on the physiological fitness of grazers, induced by reduced aufwuchs quality and/or quantity. In conlusion the experiments show, that ecological functions, like the benthic grazing, might be disturbed by sublethal pesticide concentrations and hazards might be underestimated using exclusivly structural end points.

Keywords: benthic grazing – ecological function – pesticide – grazer – aufwuchs

USE OF SOLID-PHASE MICROEXTRACTION AND TOXICITY TESTS TO DETERMINE THE BIOAVAILABILITY, BIOACCUMULATION AND TOXICITY OF NO-HETEROCYCLES WITH THE OLIGOCHAETE LUMBRICULUS VARIEGATUS IN SEDIMENT-PORE WATER SYSTEMS.

A.J. Schneider1, T.B. Seiler1, K. Schmidt2, G. Witt2, B. Schmidt1, A. Schäffer1, H. Hollert1

1RWTH-Aachen University, Institute for Environmental Research, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany; 2Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW), Faculty of Life Sciences, Lohbrügger Kirchstraße 65, 21033 Hamburg, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Polyaromatic heterocycles (hetero-PAH) are N-, S-, O- substituted polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). They occur together with their unsubstituted analoga e.g. at creosote-contaminated sites. Their acute, chronic and reproduction toxicity as well as their higher water solubility compared to their unsubstituted parent compounds account for their ecotoxicolgical relevance. In the present study the chronic toxicity of two hetero-PAH acridine (AC) and xanthene (XA) in a sediment-porewater system of a spiked natural river sediment (Altrip, Rhein, Worms; AC 6.3-146.2 µg/g DW; XA 0.1-270 µg/g DW) on the reproduction of sediment dwelling endobenthic oligochaetes Lumbriculus variegatus was determined according to

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OECD guideline 225. In parallel to chronic toxicity, the freely dissolved pore water concentrations (cfree) of the substances were determined by solid-phase micro extraction (SPME) and high performance liquid chromatography.Determined effect concentrations (ECx) for the reproduction of L. variegatus were based on the total sediment concentration (EC50 AC 37.8 µg/g DW, EC50 XA 2.4 µg/g DW), the tissue concentration (EC50 AC 0.0052 µg/mg DW tissue) and cfree (EC50 AC 0.034 µg/ml). Hormesis was observed for the reproduction of L.variegatus at the lowest tested concentrations of both substances. Furthermore, with the SPME technique it was possible to determine cfree of both substances in sediment pore water at higher sediment concentrations (AC ≥ 30.5 µg/g DW and XA ≥90 µg/g DW) and to prove metabolic degradation of xanthene to xanthone in the sediment. In contrary, no degradation of acridine to acridone was detected in both, the sediment and L. variegatus. The results emphasize, that for sediment contact tests, i.e., testing the ecotoxicity of hydrophobic organic chemicals (log KOW < 5.7) on endobenthic organisms, it is important to simultaneously determine cfree of the substances to be able to link the observed ecotoxic effects to the real exposure.

Keywords: hetero-PAH – Lumbriculus variegatus – matrix-SPME – chronic toxicity - sediment

EFFECS OF CADMIUM-SPIKED SEDIMENTS ON THE FEEDING RATE OF LEAF-SHREDDING ORGANISM ASELLUS AQUATICUS

R.S. Schulz, M. Bundschuh, A. Dabrunz, R. SchulzInstitute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau Campus, Fortstrasse 7, 76829 Landau, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Invertebrate-mediated leaf litter breakdown is a fundamental energy transfer process in small and medium-sized aquatic ecosystems. An aquatic invertebrate species

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involved in this ecosystem function is the sediment-dwelling water louse Asellus aquaticus L., which is inhabiting, in contrast to gammarids, mainly lower reaches of rivers. Moreover, A. aquaticus is used as an indicator for organic contamination. However, investigations relating to its leaf consumption and, hence, the leaf litter breakdown during exposure to chemical stressors are lacking. Heavy metals are released into the environment across the world, for instance, during industrial processes and in agriculture (e.g. fungicide). Cadmium was used as a model compound to assess any alteration in feeding rate of A. aquaticus on preconditioned black alder leaf discs (Alnus glutinosa). The test species was exposed for seven days to a wide range of cadmium concentrations (30 to 1000 µg/g), spiked into OECD standard sediment. In a first experiment, statistically significant reductions in feeding were displayed at a cadmium concentration of 100 µg/g sediment while concentrations equal to or above 300 µg/g caused 100% mortality of the test organisms. Despite, these relatively high effect concentrations found in the present study for cadmium, the test system applied may provide a useful tool to assess sediment contamination in the light of an ecosystem function, the invertebrate mediated leaf litter breakdown.

Keywords: sediment, heavy metals, sublethal effects, feeding rate, Asellus aquaticus

INTERACTIONS BETWEEN EUTROPHICATION, OIL AND CONTAMINANTS IN MARINE SEDIMENTS

E.S. Stomperudhaugen1, K. Thomas2, M.T. Schaanning2, K. Hylland1

1Department of Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway2Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, NorwayCorrespondance: [email protected]

Abstract: Human settlement and activities in coastal areas lead to the release of oil, contamiants and nutrients to the marine and estuarine environments. Little is known about the combined effects of these stressors on ecosystem processes and this is the focus of our research project. This work is addressing effects on biogeochemical processes occurring at the sediment-water interface and in the sediment proper. We chose emamectin benzoate s our model compound, since it was much used in Norwegian salmon

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aquaculture. We wanted to study the matrix modifying effects of oil in sediment in relation to contaminant release. For this purpose, a mineral oil with low toxicity was chosen. For organic matter enrichment we used a commercial algal product (Shellfish Diet) that we mixed into the sediment in our experimental units.We did two sediment microcosm experiments where we used emamectin benzoate as a constant factor and with preset levels of organic matter and oil in different combinations. Three levels of bioturbation (no organisms, a small bivalve Nuculoma tenuis and the sea urchin Brissopsis lyrifera) were also used in the two experiments. We had two different end points; 1) fluxes of emamectin benzoate and nutrients from sediment to the overlying water and 2) effects on oxygen penetration in sediment as an effect of bioturbation, oil and organic matter. No significant effects on fluxes of nutrients were found. Statistical work is underway for the results on emamectin fluxes and oxygen penetration in sediment.

Keywords: Sediment, emamectin benzoate, eutrophication, oil, bioturbation

EFFECTS OF TIME-VARYING EXPOSURE TO SIX PESTICIDES ON GAMMARUS PULEX

Yu-Jue Wang1,2 and Colin Brown1,2

1Environment Department, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK

2Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ, UKCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Non-target aquatic organisms may be exposed to fluctuating concentrations or sequential pulses of pesticide contaminants. The Threshold Damage Model (TDM) is a process-based model to predict the acute effects of pulsed exposure to pesticides on survival of aquatic invertebrates. We aim to evaluate the TDM model by applying it to pesticides with a variety of properties and modes of action. To date, uptake and elimination experiments and pulsed toxicity experiments on Gammarus pulex have been undertaken to calibrate the toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic elements of the model. The calibrated model was then evaluated against long-term data for effects of the pulsed experiments to six compounds (glyphosate, difenoconazole, chlorothalonil, imidacloprid, dimethoate, and

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carbendazim) on survival of Gammarus pulex. Results of the evaluation will be presented and implications for use of the model in risk assessment will be discussed.

Keywords: pesticides, uptake and elimination, pulsed exposure, TDM model, and Gammarus pulex

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DIRECT EFFECTS OF A FUNGICIDE ON THE ENERGY PROCESSING OF GAMMARUS FOSSARUM

J.P. Zubrod, M. Bundschuh, R. Schulz; Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, D-76829 Landau, Germany; Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Leaf litter breakdown is a fundamental energy transfer process in aquatic ecosystems with forested catchments. However, species playing a key role in this process, like gammarids, are currently not considered in environmental risk assessment of plant protection products or biocides regarding the ecosystem service they provide. The present study, therefore, investigates endpoints related to energy processing within the leaf-shredding amphipod Gammarus fossarum and finally to leaf litter breakdown. Tebuconazole, a frequently used triazole fungicide, was used as model compound. In the first experiment, Gammarus was exposed to a wide range of tebuconazole concentrations for one week. Although, feeding was substantially reduced at 300 µg/L, only at 600 µg/L a statistically significant reduction was observed. Based on these results, gammarids were exposed to three concentrations (0, 200 and 600 µg/L) for three weeks in a second experiment using a semi-static test design. Gammarids exposed to 600 µg/L showed a statistically significant reduction (approx. 40%) in average feeding if compared to the control. Consequently, in this treatment both average assimilation and the final gammarids` dry weight were significantly reduced (approx. 60 and 20%, respectively) compared to the control. At 200 µg/L no significant effects on feeding and dry weight were observed. However, assimilation deviated significantly from the control during the second and third week. This shows, in contrast to former studies, that assimilation can be a more sensitive endpoint than feeding if chronic stress scenarios are considered. As the endpoints assessed in the present study can be linked to effects at higher levels of organization this test design seems to be appropriate to evaluate the ecotoxicity of a broad range of environmental contaminants and may, hence, further improve aquatic environmental risk assessment.

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Keywords: Gammarus - shredder – triazole fungicide – sublethal endpoints – environmental risk assessment

TOXICODYNAMIC EXPERIMENT FOR DIFFERENT TIME-VARIABLE EXPOSURE REGIMES OF THE INSECTICIDE CHLORPYRIFOS ON AQUATIC ARTHROPODS.

Mazhar Iqbal Zafar1,2, Noël J. Diepens1, Mascha N. Rubach1,2, and Paul J.Van den Brink1,2

1Department of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management ,Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.2Alterra, Wageningen University and Research centre, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Non-target organisms may be exposed to fluctuating concentrations or sequential pulses of pesticide contaminants. Currently, evaluation of the potential adverse effects of pulsed pesticide exposure on non-target aquatic organisms is considered as a major challenge. The Threshold Damage Model (TDM) is a process -based model to predict the acute effects of pulsed pesticide exposure on the survival of aquatic invertebrates and consists of a toxicokinetic part in which uptake and elimination are described and of a toxicodynamic part including processes such as damage and recovery. In the latter step, internal thresholds are compared with hazard values and then translated into survival. The model assumes stochastic death. Here we present data from a Toxicodynamic experiment (TD) in the laboratory with the model substance chlorpyrifos. The survival experiment is designed to (1) get information about faunal responses to time variable exposures and how species may differ in sensitivity (2) parameterize the toxicodynamics part of the TDM for different species on basis of the two endpoints mortality and immobilization. Toxicodynamic experiment quantified survival of Cloeon dipterum and Chaoborus obscuripes to varying patterns of chlorpyrifos exposure over 34 and 31 days, respectively. The toxicodynamic parameter values for the killing rate constant (kk), recovery rate constant (kr), the threshold and background mortality were estimated by fitting the TDM with the experimental observed survival data per species. This was done with the least-squares method based on Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm implemented in

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the program Open Model v1.2 . C. obscuripes showed a delayed effect in immobility and mortality without any recovery where as C. dipterum responded directly to the exposure and some recovery occurred within 2 to 6 days. In general, the effect of the pulses became less when more time was given for elimination and potential recovery, as was intended by the experimental design. The TDM was able to predict the experimental data well (R2 0.94 and 0.91 respectively for C. obscuripes and C. dipterum) however not all parameters were robust e.g. the threshold parameter.

Keywords: pesticides, time-varying exposure, Toxicodynamics, chlorpyrifos

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ABSTRACTS SESSION 4: "TERRESTRIAL ECOTOXICOLOGY: BIODIVERSITY AND TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONS."


EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF CRUDE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF SENNA OCCIDENTALIS IN THE AMELIORATION OF TETRACYCLINE-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY AND NEPHROTOXICITY IN RABBITS

M. Abongwa1, G. R. Ahmed2, O. Arowolo3, C. Dawurung4, Olusola Oladipo4, A. Atiku4, P. Okewole5, David Shamaki41Biotechnology Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon;2Medicolegal Labs, 11 Palestine Street, Reaad Street, Assuit, Egypt; 3Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria;4Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Toxicology Section, NVRI Vom, P.O Box 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria;5Central Diagnostics Laboratory, NVRI Vom, P.O Box 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Management of liver disease remains a challenge to modern medicine, especially as hepatotoxicity is the most common single adverse effect causing major drug problems, including withdrawals and refusals to approve. An example of such a drug is tetracycline; discovered in the 1940s as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, malaria prophylactic and animal growth promoter. However, a serious factor which has influenced the use of tetracycline is its toxic effect on the liver and this is the most important of various toxic effects attributed to tetracycline. The nephrotoxicity of tetracycline has also been incited. In the absence of reliable liver-protective drugs in allopathic medical practices, herbs play a vital role in the management of liver disorders. Consequently, the ameliorative effect of Senna occidentalis crude extract on tetracycline induced hepato- and nephro-toxicities was evaluated in female cross-breed rabbits for validation of its traditional use in combating these toxicities. An oral daily dose range of 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous leaf extract of S. occidentalis was administered to the rabbits in addition to 1000

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mg/kg Tetracycline HCl (orally, every 48 hours) for 14 days. During and after administration period, rabbits were examined for clinical signs, body weight changes, serum biochemical and haematological parameters and pathologic lesions. The LD50 of the orally administered aqueous leaf extract of S. occidentalis in rabbits was found to be >2000 mg/kg. A significant decrease in body weight, increases in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, urea and bilirubin were observed in animals treated with tetracycline; indicative of hepato- and nephro-toxicities. Gross and histopathology of the liver and kidneys also confirmed tetracycline induced hepato- and nephro-toxicities. S. occidentalis produced a significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent ameliorative effect by reducing weight loss, serum level of liver enzymes and serum biomarkers of renal damage.

Keywords: Hepatotoxicity – Nephrotoxicity – Tetracycline – Efficacy - Senna occidentalis

GENETIC DIVERSITY IN THE SMALL RODENT MYODES GLAREOLUS FROM ISOLATED POPULATIONS AND POPULATIONS FROM HEAVY METAL POLLUTED AREAS

Magdalena Mikowska, Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska, Edyta Sadowska, Paweł KotejaJagiellonian University, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 KrakówCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: It is commonly known that populations from isolated areas are at a risk of extinction due to inbreeding effect. Isolation and thus inbreeding, causes loss of genetic diversity. There are some hypotheses about other factors that can change genetic diversity in wild populations. Ones of these factors are heavy metals. Determination of conditions that may negatively affect population is very important for endangered species, but it can be investigated only on model organisms. Myodes glareolus as a very abundant small mammal is good model for such studies. Our attempt was to study genetic diversity in populations from isolated and metal polluted areas. For this purpose, we collected animals from nine populations (about 20 animals from each population). Three of them originated

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from areas near zinc and lead smelters (Katowice, Olkusz, and Miasteczko Slaskie), another three were island populations from Mazurian Lake District which is very clean area (Dejguny Lake, Dobskie Lake) and Bieszczady Mountains (Skalista Island). We also collected animals from three clean open sites – Mikolajki (Mazurian Lake District), Niepolomice (Puszcza Niepołomicka) and Telesnica Oszwarowa (Bieszczady Mountains).. Cadmium, lead, zinc and iron concentrations in the liver and kidney were measured to assess metal exposure of animals. To determine genetic diversity we used 8 microsatellite markers.Based on these results, we will discuss the influence of isolation and heavy metal pollution on genetic diversity in studied bank vole populations. The levels of genetic diversity will be presented as Nei’s genetic distance, expected heterozygosity, number of alleles and number of private alleles

Keywords: genetic diversity, Myodes glareolus, heavy metals, isolation, microsatellites

THE EFFECT OF 1,4-DICHLOROBENZENE ON SOIL ORGANISMS

H. Motejlová, T. Sovová, V. KočíInstitute of Chemical Technology, Prague, Prague 6, Czech Republic Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: 1,4 – dichlorobenzene is hazardous substance belonging to the group of chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons which is present in all components of environment. It is a raw material commonly used in industry for example for producing pesticides. Especially the industrial activity, application of sludge on agricultural land or atmospheric deposition are the cause of pollution 1,4-DCB of particular components of environment. Ecotoxicity data for 1,4-DCB for aquatic environment can be found in the literature but there is absence of information for terrestrial environment. The main aim of this study is to determine sensitivity of soil organisms compared with tested substance 1,4-DCB using a set of contact toxicity tests. The same concentration range of 1,4-DCB 125, 250, 500, 750 a 1000 mg.kg-1 was selected for all tests. Toxicity was determined by the help of a set of four terrestrial tests: determination of effects on reproduction and survival of Enchytraeidae

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(Enchytraeus crypticus), futher avoidance tests with Enchytraeus crypticus, inhibition of reproduction of Collembola (Folsomia candida) and the last one is the determination of effect of pollutants on lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa L.). This study is in the same time a part of next research which is related to the characterization factors in the methodology CML-IA (CML impact assessment) because 1,4-DCB is one of reference substances used in the methodology CML-IA for LCIA (Life Cycle Impact Assessment) in analysis LCA (Life Cycle Assessment).

Keywords: 1,4-dichlorobenzene – soil organisms – terrestrial ecotoxicology – contact toxicity tests

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL TOXICITY OF SOME APROTIC AND PROTIC IONIC LIQUIDS

B. Peric, J. Sierra, E. Martí, M.A. Garau, R. Cruañas, M. IglesiasSoil Science Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, SpainCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Ionic liquids are salts composed entirely of ions and non-volatile, but as they are soluble in water, their release into aquatic and terrestrial environments may lead to water and soil pollution and related risks. Ionic liquids can be divided into two main groups: aprotic (AILs) and protic (PILs) ionic liquids. A new group of PILs with different cations and anions than those used up to now has been designed and has a potentially smaller environmental impact. Considering the interest in these substances as more environmentally sustainable solvents, it is important to examine their potential toxicity, especially taking into account the need of this information to fulfil the REACH criteria. Series of tests have been performed in order to determine and compare terrestrial and aquatic toxicities of two imidazolium based AILs (BMIM and OMIM chloride) and three PILs (monoethanolamine formiate, diethanolamine propionate and triethanolamine pentanoate). In all of the tests performed, aprotic ionic liquids proved to be much more toxic than the protic ones. Generally speaking the toxicity of analyzed PILs is low, with EC50 values between 870-2600 mg/kg, respectively for the tests of aquatic toxicity (Microtox® test,

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green algae growth inhibition test and ready biodegradability test) and between 826-18663 mg/kg for the terrestrial toxicity tests (seedling growth inhibition test and carbon and nitrogen mineralization). Within this group the toxicity increases with the size of the molecule. The compounds show some biodegradability. Imidazolium based AILs have EC50

values between 0.1 and 300 mg/L for the tests of aquatic toxicity and between 100-1000 mg/kg in the case of terrestrial toxicity tests. OMIM has a longer side alkyl chain and is more toxic than BMIM. AILs showed no biodegradability in water and it was very low in soil.

Keywords: ionic liquids, terrestrial and aquatic toxicity, protic ionic liquids, BMIM, OMIM

EFFECTS OF LEAD ON PINE FOREST ECOSYSTEMIN A SHOOTING RANGE AREA

S. Selonen, M. Liiri, R. Strömmer, H. SetäläUniversity of Helsinki, Department of Environmental Sciences, Niemenkatu 73, 15140 Lahti, FinlandCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: We studied the fate and effects of shooting derived lead (Pb) in a pine forest ecosystem adjacent to a shotgun shooting range area in Southern Finland. We assayed soil biota, soil characteristics, litter decomposition, nutrient and Pb leaching, litter fall and tree growth and health. Here, a selection of results of this ecosystem scale study is presented.Lead proved to affect the nematode community and trophic structure by reducing the total number of individuals, but especially omnivores. In addition, Pb had negative effects on enchytraeid worms, which are considered as keystone species for the decomposition process in coniferous forest soils. Decomposition of pine needle litter was hampered by increasing lead concentration, whereas the decomposition rate of grass litter was unresponsive to soil lead concentration. Fungi, responsible for the decomposition of complex chemical structures typical to pine needles, seemed to suffer more than bacteria as depicted by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis.

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Both soil pH and soil nitrate concentration increased along increasing lead concentration in the soil. Only a small fraction of the lead in soil was found in water soluble or exchangeable forms, but this fraction seemed to increase as time passed by. Lead was observed to accumulate in plants, and enter also the food web below the ground.Our findings show that shooting derived lead has affected both the structure and function of the pine forest ecosystem.

Keywords: Lead – Pb – Soil – Ecosystem – Forest

GENOTOXICITY ASSESSMENT OF SOILS NEAR HEAVY TRAFFIC ROADS USING NATIVE POPULATIONS OF EARTHWORM APORRECTODEA CALIGINOSA

Šrut Majaa, Štambuk Anamariaa, Husnjak Ivanab, Merkaš Martinac, Traven Lukad,e,

Cvetković Želimiraf, Klobučar Göran I.V.a

aDepartment of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiabMinistry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction, Ulica Republike Austrije 14, ZagrebcCroatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiadDepartment of Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20a, 51000 Rijeka, CroatiaeTeaching Institute of Public Health of the Primorsko-goranska county, Krešimirova 52a, 51000 Rijeka, CroatiafDepartment of Ecology, Institute of Public Health, Mirogojska c. 16, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: The application of biomarkers to field collected earthworms receives increasing interest due to their important role in the terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the usability of native populations of endogeic, widely distributed earthworm species, Aporrectodea caliginosa in the assessment of soil genotoxicity using the Comet assay. Validation of the Comet assay on earthworm coelomocytes has been

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established using A. caliginosa exposed to copper in a filter paper contact test. Furthermore the method has been applied on native populations of A. caliginosa sampled from the soils with different pollution intensity. Two of the sites were in the urban area (city of Zagreb) polluted by vehicular traffic, with high concentrations of heavy metals, PAHs, and mineral-oil hydrocarbons while the third site was considered as a reference site. To additionally assess the toxic effect neutral red retention time (NRRT) assay, a well established earthworm biomarker of toxicity, was conducted on copper exposed and field collected earthworms. Both methods revealed significant biological effect in copper exposed earthworms as well as in populations of A. caliginosa from polluted sites in comparison to the earthworms from the reference site. These results confirm the applicability of A. caliginosa as a suitable earthworm species for the in situ soil toxicity and genotoxicity surveys.

Keywords: Comet assay, DNA damage, NRRT assay, coelomocytes, Aporrectodea caliginosa

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AUTOMATED EVALUATION OF ECOTOXICOLOGIC TEST SYSTEMS BY IMAGE ANALYSIS

Kimmel, Stefan & Magyar, Josef P.Harlan Laboratories Ltd., Zelgliweg 1, Ch-4452 Itingen, SwitzerlandCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Analysis of ecotoxicologic test systems frequently require the counting of many hundreds of objects on several treatments and replicates. Manual counting of such systems is time consuming, is of limited reproducibility and is difficult to verify and to document. These deficits can be resolved by automated image analysis and particle counting. The ecotoxicology tests which can profit from automated image analysis-based counting include but are not restricted to Collembolan reproduction (OECD 232), Lemna growth inhibition (OECD 221) and honeybee brood studies.As a first step to establish automated counting of Collembola reproduction studies, optimized computer-assisted digital image acquisition to deliver high resolution images with maximal contrast and minimal reflections was established. Second, customized macros of the public domain image analysis program ImageJ were created. These macros allow the image analysis and particle counting of any number of images in a folder (batch processing), provide full analysis report of individual images (e.g. non-destructive labelling of individual Collembola, thumbnail collection of all counts, full report of all parameter settings), enable human control and revision if necessary and enable the measurement of additional morphometric parameter (e.g. size or shape).Third, validation of the automated image analysis-based counting was conducted by comparing it to the manual counting of the same digital images. This comparison has shown that the automated image analysis delivers comparable results (within the range of variation), but is by far superior with regard to speed, reproducibility, and documentation.

Keywords: Image analysis, Collembola spp., Bee Brood, automated evaluation

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AUTOMATED EVALUATION OF HONEYBEE BROOD DEVELOPMENT WITH THE HELP OF IMAGE ANALYSIS

Jeker, Lukas / Kimmel Stefan / Meschberger, Thomas / Schmidt, Thomas / Magyar, JosefHarlan Laboratories Ltd., Zelgliweg 1, Ch-4452 Itingen, SwitzerlandCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Adverse effects of plant protection products on development of the honeybee (Apis mellifera) brood under conditions close to the open environment are assessed according to the OECD guidance document 75. This evaluation requires assessment and correlation of the developmental stages in a large number of cells in several treatments and replicates at several time points. Manual counting of such systems is time consuming, of limited reproducibility and difficult to verify. These deficits can be resolved by purpose-built computerised image analysis tools.We optimized computer-assisted digital image acquisition to deliver high resolution images with maximal contrast and minimal reflections. For the analysis of the images, customized macros of the freeware program “ImageJ” were created, providing automatic identification of the combs and an optimal interface to assess the developmental stage of the larvae. The features include: (1) jumping from comb to comb at optimal magnification, (2) non-destructive user-defined labelling of the staging of individual eggs, larvae or pupae, (3) galleries of the same comb on consecutive images of the same frame at different time points, (4) results of individual combs to facilitate data evaluation.Ongoing development is aimed to implement pattern recognition of the combs’ content, allowing the completely automated assessment of entire bee brood studies in a batch mode and also enabling the measurement of additional morphometric parameter (e.g. size, shape, staging). The digital evaluation significantly accelerates the assessment of honeybee brood studies and allows full documentation of these studies with possibility of control and revision at the individual comb level.

Keywords: Image analysis, Bee brood, plant protection products, automated evaluation

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THE EFFECT OF NATURAL DISTURBANCES ON MICROBIAL BIOMASS AND ACTIVITY IN HEAVY METAL POLLUTED SOILS.

Justyna Morawska-Płoskonka1, Dominik Płoskonka2, Marcin Chodak1, Maria Niklińska1

1Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; 2Institute of Geography and Spatial Management, Jagiellonian University; Gronostajowa 7,30-387 Kraków, Poland; Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Soil microorganisms play an essential role in the decomposition of organic matter. The unique community structure of microbes makes them both sensitive and resilient to various disturbances (heavy metals pollution, natural factors). Numerous studies have demonstrated the adverse effect of single stressors on the soil microorganisms but only limited research has been carried out to test the effect of diverse stressing factors on microbes. Aim of the study was to estimate the effect of interactions between long term chemical stress (heavy metals) and elevated temperature and drought stress on soil microbial communities. Samples of O horizons were taken at 5 sites along pollution gradient located near Zn-smelter in Poland. The samples were acclimated under optimal conditions (22oC,50%WHC) for a week, placed under stressing conditions (temperature fluctuations: 20oC /30oC per 12h, drought) for eight weeks and then incubated again under optimal conditions for six weeks. Microbial properties were measured prior to the stress period, directly after it and then two weeks after the stress period. Measured were basal respiration rate (RESP), microbial biomass (Cmic), nitrogen mineralization rate and soil enzymes activity. The heavy metal content did not affect initial Cmic, however the RESP was lower in Zn polluted soils. The stress period did not affect microbial biomass (Cmic) but significantly increased RESP in the most polluted soils, resulting in higher values of metabolic quotient. Urease activity (URE) increased after stressing period, but drought and elevated temperature in polluted sites caused stronger inhibition of the enzyme. Measured RESP and URE values indicate that soil microbes from polluted O horizons react differently to additional disturbance than those from unpolluted ones. The increase of RESP and URE after stress period was probably due to better availability of easily degradable soil C released after drought. Microbes from Zn-pollutes sites seem to have lower resistance abilities.

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Keywords: Microorganisms, resistance, heavy metals, drought, temperature.

DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF LAND SNAILS IN VARIOUS AGRICULTURAL CROPS AND THEIR BOUNDARY RIDGES OF DIFFERENT WIDTH

K. Swarowsky, C.A. BrühlInstitute for Environmental Sciences, Fortstrasse 7, D-76829 Landau, Germany Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: My current master thesis investigates the diversity and abundance of land snails in different agricultural crop types (conventionally managed vine, cereals and apple orchard). In these crops, field margins of >4 m and ca 1 m width were sampled in 3 m and 0.5 m distance to the field, respectively, to characterize the effects of different pesticide drift at these distances on snails. I also took samples 20 m in the field to monitor the combined effects of specific soil tillage and pesticide applications on the snail fauna in the diverse crops, and sampled different reference meadows. The 6 studied areas all lay in a ca. 15 km radius around Landau (Pfalz) and included agricultural landscapes of different land use intensity which gives the study a regional significance. Until now, I took 360 standardized samples (72 x 5 replicates) of soil / vegetation (19 x 19 cm, 8 cm deep), resulting in a total amount of ca. 1 t of soil, during a time-span of 2.5 d. All samples were deep-frozen at -20°C. The penetration resistance for each sample up to a depth of 15 cm (1 cm steps) and the relative humidity were measured in situ. Soil samples will be wet-sieved and searched for snails. As accompanying parameters, Ca-content (especially important for the reproduction and shell formation of snails) and pH as a proxy for Ca-supply will be determined for the pooled replicate samples in the laboratory. I will present first results of my work at the YES-Meeting. The study is funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Forestry and Consumer Protection of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Keywords: Biodiversity - snails – boundary ridges - pesticides – land management

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ABSTRACTS SESSION 5: "FROM THE SCREEN TO FIELD: MODELING EFFECTS AND EXPOSURE."


HOW HABITAT PERMEABILITY INFLUENCES METAPOPULATION DYNAMICS AND POPULATION RECOVERY IN A WEAK FLYER: THE CASE OF CHIRONOMUS RIPARIUS

Nika Galic1, Hans Baveco2, Pernille Thorbek3, Amelie Schmolke4, Eric Bruns5, and Paul van den Brink1,2

1Department of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management, Wageningen University, the Netherlands2Alterra , Wageningen University and Research centre, AA Wageningen, the Netherlands3Syngenta Ltd, Bracknell, UK4UFZ, Leipzig, Germany5Bayer CropScience, Monnheim, Germany

Abstracts: Pesticides are widely applied in intensive agroecosystems and often have adverse effects on non-target organisms in waterbodies adjacent to crop fields. European pesticide registration process allows for some effects on non-target populations if recovery of their populations after a pesticide application is demonstrated. Population recovery is a function of species specific life-history, pesticide fate in the environment and habitat characteristics. Species with aerially dispersing life stages, such as aquatic insects, are assumed to efficiently recolonize aquatic habitats after stress events. However, just how effective dispersal is in aquatic insects is not well understood. Some species, for instance mayflies and stoneflies, usually migrate upstream for oviposition, limiting their potential to colonize new streams. In addition, recolonization of a waterbody may depend on the species’ flying ability (weak or strong flyers) as well as landscape characteristics. In weak flyers, riparian vegetation forms a barrier for dispersal, but offers ample opportunities to rest and find mates. We developed an individual-based model of a weak flying insect, the non-biting midge, Chironomus riparius, to understand the potential trade-off between dispersal and recolonization of stressed habitats versus limited dispersal, but higher local reproductive output. In this study, we looked into the population recovery time in stressed

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habitats, and the overall abundance and dynamics of the metapopulation of this species. The modeled landscape is composed of two ditches (representing the available aquatic habitats) that are separated by a terrestrial landscape. The landscape is characterized by its permeability for the flying midges: low, high, or seasonally varying. Preliminary results show that, after an extreme stress event (100% mortality), population recovery does not occur in the treated ditch in landscapes with low permeability. Ditches in landscapes with high permeability are recolonized faster than in seasonally permeable landscapes, but with a lower probability. Our results suggest that timely recolonization of waterbodies by flying insects cannot be readily assumed. Instead, recovery of metapopulations may be as dependent on species as on landscape characteristics.

Keywords: individual-based model – agroecosystems – stress – population recovery

DECOMPOSITION ANALYSIS OF LTRES MAY HELP TO DESIGN SHORT-TERM ECOTOXICOLOGICAL TESTS: POPULATION MODELLING APPROACH

Natnael T. Hamda, Dragan M. Jevtic, Ryszard LaskowskiInstitute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University,Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, PolandCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: A Life Table Response Experiment (LTRE) lasting 42 days was performed to investigate toxic effects of cadmium (Cd) and imidacloprid on reproduction and survivorship of aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris). Daily life table data obtained from the experiment described by Laskowski (2001) were used to construct and develop an age classified matrix model to estimate population growth rate () at each treatment level. Decomposition analysis was performed to examine the relative contribution of changes in each life-history trait on ∆, that is the difference between the control and a treatment. Results of the decomposition analysis indicate that the contribution of differences in survival to ∆ was most important at the 1st and 2nd weeks, while the contribution of differences in fertility to ∆ was the greatest at the 3rd and 4th weeks. The two toxicants exhibited different actions though. Cadmium affected ∆ mostly by impairing fertility at the

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age of three weeks and survivorship from 2nd to 3rd week. On the other hand, imidacloprid affected mostly the survivorship at the 1st and 2nd weeks of the age. This LTRE analysis clearly indicates the shortcomings of traditional ecotoxicological assays, which usually concentrate on the traits that are most sensitive to toxicants. As shown by this study, the population-level interpretation of individual-level effects requires information on both the effects of a toxicant on vital rates and the demographic sensitivity of life stages. LTREs with decomposition analysis, as shown in this article, can be used as an important analytical tool to fill this gap by combining effects of toxicants with demographic sensitivity of the organism.

Keywords: Life Table Response Experiment, matrix population model, decomposition analysis, Acyrthosiphon pisum, ecotoxicological assays

PREDICTING EXPOSURE OF BATS TO SOIL-ASSOCIATED HEAVY METALS

B. Hernout1,2, K. Somervill2, K. Arnold1, C. McClean1, V. Grimm3 and A. Boxall1. 1Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK2The Food and Environment Research Agency Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ, UK3Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, Permoserstr. 15 , D-04318 Leipzig, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Wildlife may be exposed to heavy metals in soils via uptake through the food chain. The accumulated metals may then affect the health of the wildlife species. It is therefore important to develop a better understanding of the potential for wildlife to be exposed to metals in soils and to assess the subsequent risks. In this study, we developed a spatial model to predict the exposure of insectivorous bats to cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in soils. Data were collected on bat distribution, the diet of bat species, bioaccumulation factors for insect prey and concentrations of heavy metals in soils across England and Wales. These data were used in a GIS-based exposure model to estimate daily levels of exposure for heavy metals in bats across England and Wales at a 5km2 scale. Exposure levels were compared to available toxicological information to establish

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the level of risk. Preliminary results show that highest exposure will occur around industrial areas. Predicted exposures in these areas are at a level where toxicological effects might be expected. Further work is planned to evaluate the model against experimental monitoring data of bats and to explore in more detail the transfer of metals through different stages of the food chain.

Keywords: Chiroptera, Heavy Metal, Contamination, Food chain

A REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCT RANKING TOOLS USED IN AGRICULTURE

H. Labite and E. Cummins; Biosystems Engineering, UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, IrelandCorrespondence: [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract: Pesticides used in the agricultural sector could potentially negatively impact the ecosystem, and consequently human and animal health. At the European level, legislation such as European Directive 67/548EEC stipulates that prior to the use of plant protection products, a risk assessment has to be performed. Due to the large number of chemicals used worldwide, it is practically impossible to implement a full quantitative risk assessment for all chemicals. Therefore, chemical ranking systems can be used as an initial screening of pesticides with the view to identifying those requiring further analysis. Nineteen commonly used pesticide ranking tools were evaluated according to: scale of intervention; environmental compartments; human and ecosystem effects; and stage of development and functionality. The tools were assigned a numerical score (maximum of 15) based on their fulfilment of these criteria. This facilitated identification of tools that could be used for a given set of input data and user requirements. The results showed great diversity with total scores between 6 and 13.5. The advantages and disadvantages of each individual model are described. Care needs to be taken in selecting a pesticide ranking tool that fulfils the required criteria in terms of scale, effects, functionality, and environmental compartments analysed.

Keywords: pesticides, risk ranking, environment, scores.

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SPRINGTAIL AVOIDANCE BEHAVIOR IN HETEROGENEOUSLY CONTAMINATED ENVIRONMENTS: AN INDIVIDUAL-BASED MODEL

Mattia Meli1, Dragan M. Jevtic2, Juergen B. Schmidt1, Valery Forbes1, Annemette Palmqvist1, Ryszard Laskowski2, Volker Grimm3; 1Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, PO Box 260, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; 2Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; 3Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: The individual-based model we present simulates the avoidance behavior of the parthenogenetic collembolan Folsomia candida and the effect of the heterogeneously contaminated soil on its population dynamics. The model includes two kinds of entities: the female springtails (F. candida) and patches of soil they live on. Springtails are characterized by their position, age, time that passed since reaching adulthood, and the number of days they spend on contaminated patches of soil. Patches of soil are characterized by their concentration of toxicants and the collembolan avoidance probability. The model world is two-dimensional; each cell of a 100x100 square grid represents one square patch of soil of 1 cm2. One time step corresponds to one day. Simulations run for 730 days (2 years). The outputs of the model are expected to emerge from the behavior of the single individuals. All the individual characteristics and behaviors are modeled using probabilities and stochasticity. The individuals have the possibility to sense and avoid the contaminated patches; or walk over them. Movement is random if the patch ahead of the animal is not contaminated. If the patch ahead is contaminated the animal can turn from the patch with a certain avoidance probability. If during execution of any time step an animal moves over a contaminated patch, that time step will be regarded as a day spent on the contaminated patch of soil.Results of model testing, patterns emerging from simulations will be presented, and some preliminary conclusions on the effects of heterogeneous contamination on population dynamics of F. candida will be drawn.

Keywords: Folsomia candida – Individual-based – avoidance – heterogeneity – population dynamics

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FACTORS CONTROLLING THE HYDROCHEMISTRY OF THE GROUNDWATER AQUIFER OF JENA BIODIVERSITY EXPERIMENTAL FIELD

S.G. Tessema (1, 2), D. Mirgorodsky (1), D. Merten (1), A. Hildebrandt (1, 2), S. Attinger (1, 2), and G. Buechel (1)(1) Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Institute of geosciences, Jena, Germany(2) Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research, Leipzig, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Jena Biodiversity experiment has been established in the Saale valley nearby Jena (Germany) in 2002 in order to study the interaction between biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The effect of biodiversity on ecosystem function is complex and requires understanding of all interacting systems, such as hydrology, geology and above ground system of the study area. In this study hydrochemistry of the groundwater of the study area and nearby area are characterized. We also investigated if river Saale has an effect on the groundwater chemistry of the study area. We used hydrochemical modelling using phreeqc to interpret the possible reactive minerals. We also used multivariate statistics to characterize and understand the biogeochemical processes of the groundwater. Our result of hydrochemical modelling using phreeqc shows that calcite (CaCO3), Quartz (SiO2), Dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), and siderite (FeCO3) (only in some locations) are reactive minerals which probably controls the chemical composition of the groundwater. We also validated the existence of these minerals by using x-ray diffraction. Groundwater flow model together with phreeqc also reveal that river Saale has insignificant effect on the groundwater chemistry of the study area. Result of multivariate statistical techniques show that, groundwater geologic matrix interaction, and redox and redox sensitive elements are the major factors responsible for the variation in chemical composition.

Keywords: Hydrochemical modelling: Groundwater chemistry –Jena experiment –Multivariate statistics-phreeqc

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CORRELATED RANDOM WALK AS MODE OF DISPERSAL FOR ASELLUS AQUATICUS – AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH FOR MODEL PARAMETERIZATION

J. Augusiak1,2, N. Galic1,2, J.M.H. Baveco1, P. van den Brink1,2; 1Department of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management ,Wageningen University , P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands; 2Alterra, Wageningen University and Research centre, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands; Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Current EU legislation on risk assessment (RA) concepts for pesticides mainly focuses on individual-level studies whereas envisaged protection goals aim at populations of non-target species. Within the context of pesticide RA, ecological models are rarely recommended in official documents but are often applied by researchers to predict risks to populations. Part of the hesitation to use models for the spatio-temporal extrapolation of effects in official RA studies are a lack of case studies and validation data verifying the appropriateness of the model used, thus rendering such measures to crucial steps in model development. An individual-based model, MASTEP (Metapopulation model for Assessing Spatial and Temporal Effects of Pesticides), has been developed at Alterra (Wageningen, The Netherlands) and was used to estimate the combined allogenic and autogenic recovery of Asellus aquaticus after a spray drift event of a theoretical insecticide. In the case of A. aquaticus, and other species also, recovery by immigration of individuals from uncontaminated sites is supposed to be a driving factor for re-establishing population densities after pesticide exposure. However, not many information on movement patterns of aquatic macroinvertebrates are available. For allogenic recovery processes, MASTEP assumes correlated random walk as a possible mode of dispersal for A. aquaticus. The parameters for this sub-model have been estimated from previous studies. However, such studies did not account for habitat quality or density effects on locomotion of asellids. Therefore, video tracking experiments have been performed to derive information on movement behaviour of individual A. aquaticus (e.g. preferred turning angle range, resting

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times, velocity). The experiments tested for different population densities and habitat qualities (e.g. presence of food or shelter) as different locomotion activities were assumed under varying conditions. The obtained information will be used to parameterize and adjust the correlated random walk model in MASTEP to enable for more precise estimations of population dispersal.

Keywords: parameterization - Asellus aquaticus - MASTEP - dispersal – pesticide

MODELLING ADSORPTION COEFFICIENTS IN SOIL FOR PARENT AND METABOLITE PESTICIDES

E.L. Christie1, F. Worrall1, A. Eatherall2; Earth Sciences Department, Durham University, Science Labs, Durham DH1 3LE, UK; Syngenta, Jeallott’s Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6EY, UK; Correspondence: [email protected]

Introduction The adsorption parameters of a pesticide are one of the key parameters in the registration of new compounds. Soil Adsorption coefficients Kd and Koc are widely reported in the literature and represent a primary screening parameter of new compounds. The problem surrounding the use of soil adsorption coefficients is that they are often believed to be constant but actually vary between soils. This project aims to understand the variation between compounds, allowing for the variation between soils, in order to develop predictive models for Koc. This presentation will focus on modelling Koc in parent and metabolite compounds to investigate how adsorption is affected.Methodology A database of Koc values, soil, semi-empirical and topological properties, based on industry reports from Syngenta, has been constructed for 70 compounds. Analytical methods used were principal component analysis, multiple and logistic regression. Preliminary analysis of the full database identified two main trends within the data with the compounds falling into groups of either atypical, high adsorption behaviour or more typical sorption behaviour. From the high adsorption trend, the aminophosphonic group was selected for a further lab based study of a parent and its metabolite. Full analysis of all the parent and metabolite compounds was performed.

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Results The results show that there is segregation between parents and their metabolites for certain compounds. A logistic regression model was created to try to distinguish between a parent and metabolite based on their semi-empirical and topological properties. Logistic regression models focusing on the relative change in Koc in metabolites compared to their parents are in development. Conclusions Certain compounds show a segregation in Koc between parent and metabolite. Results indicate that relative change between parents and metabolites is important

Keywords: Pesticides – Metabolite – Adsorption Coefficients – Predictive Models

MODELING THE CHRONIC EFFECTS OF PHARMACEUTICAL MIXTURES AT ENVIRONMENTALLLY RELEVANT CONCENTRATIONS ON THE LIFE HISTORY STRATEGIES OF CERIODAPHNIA DUBIA: A MULTIGENERATIONAL STUDY

K. Lamichhane, T.W. La PointDepartment of Environmental Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USACorrespondence: email-address: [email protected]

Abstract: Trace quantities of pharmaceuticals (including carbamazepine, fluoxetine, ibuprofen, and ivermectins) are continuously discharged into the environment, causing concern among scientists and regulators regarding their potential long term impact on aquatic ecosystems. These compounds and their metabolites are continuously interacting with the organisms at various life cycle stages, and may differentially influence development of embryo, larvae, juvenile, and adult stages. Rather than choose a single chemical to study, we recognize that aquatic organisms live in a “soup“ of chemicals. Hence, to fully understand the cumulative effect of exposure to multiple chemicals, a multigenerational approach will be taken. We will examine and model the chronic toxicity of selected pharmaceutical mixtures at environmentally relevant concentrations on life history and morphological parameters over four generation on Ceriodaphnia dubia . Model endpoints will include survival, growth, reproduction, brood size, interbrood duration, sex ratio, and life span. The model will predict the simulated effects of chronic toxicity of

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Ceriodaphnia dubia individual behavior at laboratory condition. Model results will be extrapolated to populations in the natural ecosystem. Our modeling approach will establish a cumulative life history consequence of multigenerational exposure to these chemicals. This approach may provide a tool with which to understand the effect of chemical to the individual organism and predict the population level effects in ecological risk assessment of the pharmaceuticals over time and space.

Keywords: Pharmaceuticals, chronic toxicity, Ceriodaphnia dubia, multigenerational, environmentally realistic concentration

ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF PESTICIDES ON WOOD MOUSE POPULATIONS USING INDIVIDUAL-BASED MODELS

Chun Liu1,2, Richard M Sibly2, Pernille Thorbek1

1 Environmental Safety, Syngenta Ltd, UK2 School of Animal and Microbial Sciences, Reading UniversityCorrespondence: [email protected]

Pesticides undergo a comprehensive risk assessment before they may be registered. Currently most ecological risk assessments focus on the individuals whereas the protection goals may be focused on populations. Tools are therefore required that can extrapolate from laboratory experiments to population level risk assessments without increasing the need for animal testing. Ecological modelling provides a new opportunity for such population level risk assessments. The wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) is the most common and widespread wild rodent species on agricultural land in much of Europe and is commonly used as a focal species in higher tier risk assessment and is therefore of particular interest. The aim of my PhD project is to construct an ecological model in support of population level risk assessment of pesticides for the wood mouse. An individual-based model (IBM) is being developed to simulate and predict the potential effects of pesticides

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applications, as well as their interactions with other agricultural practices, on populations of wood mice. The model may be used to assess the risk of pesticides with different potential toxic effects, e.g. - acute effect on survival, sub-lethal effects on reproduction and somatic growth. The model will include life history traits (e.g. breeding pattern, dispersal), behaviour (e.g. foraging and territoriality), pesticide application patterns (i.e. where, when and how much) and interactions with other agricultural practices (e.g. ploughing, harvesting). Here, I present some preliminary results showing the effect of different application patterns on the population dynamics of wood mice. Keywords: Wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) – Individual-based model (IBM) –– population level risk assessment – sub-lethal effects

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ABSTRACTS SESSION 6: "ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY: DETECTING EMERGING CONTAMINANTS IN A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT."


AN EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT OF NOVEL BROMINATED FLAME RETARDANTS TO TODDLERS AND ADULTS USING DUST SAMPLES FROM BELGIAN HOMES AND OFFICES AND UK DAY CARE CENTERS AND SCHOOLS

Nadeem Ali1*, Stuart Harrad2, Hugo Neels1, Adrian Covaci1, 3

1 - Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium2 - Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK3 - Laboratory for Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, BelgiumCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Concentrations of several “novel” brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) are measured in indoor dust samples from Belgian homes (n=39) and offices (n=6) of Antwerp and from day care centers and schools in the West Midlands of the UK (n=36). Using a GC-ECNI/MS method, the following NBFRs were quantified: decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) (range <20 - 2467 ng/g), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE) (range <0.5 - 1741 ng/g), tetrabromobisphenol A-bis(2,3-dibromopropylether) (TBBPA-DBPE) (range <20 - 9961 ng/g), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB) (range <20 - 436 ng/g) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) (range <2 - 6175 ng/g). Hexachlorocyclopentadienyl-dibromocyclooctane (HCDBCO), another NBFR under consideration, was not present in any dust sample. The levels of NBFRs showed no correlation with the concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) congeners. The ratio of TBB/TBPH present in the dust samples ranged from 0.01 to 4.77 (average 0.42), varying considerably from the ratio present in the commercial mixture of FM 550™ (TBB: TBPH = 4:1). Furthermore, the concentrations of DBDPE and TBBPA-DBPE, and TBB and TBPH in both Belgian houses and offices and UK day care centers dust showed no correlation which may suggest different sources of emission with different chemical

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compositions or different fate and transport in the environment for these compounds. Different exposure scenarios of NBFRs to toddler and adults were calculated using 5th

percentile, 95th percentile and median concentration values. Exposure scenarios were calculated assuming 100% absorption of intake dust and using mean dust ingestion (adults = 20 mg/day; for toddlers = 50 mg/day) and high dust ingestion (adults = 50 mg/day; for toddlers = 200 mg/day). Our results showed that, similar to PBDEs, toddlers have higher exposure to NBFRs than adults. This study documents the presence of NBFRs in our indoor environments, which emphasizes the need to define a way forward in relation to these alternative BFRs.

Keywords: “Novel” brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) - Human exposure – Toddlers - Indoor dust - Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).

SOLAR-INDUCED TRANSFORMATION OF LORAZEPAM (LORENIN® 1MG, WYETH) IN DISTILLED WATER USING A PILOT PLANT WITH CPCS: DIRECT PHOTOLYSIS VS. TIO2-ASSISTED PHOTOCATALYSIS

M.A. Sousa1,2, C. Gonçalves1,2, J. Pereira3, V. Vilar3, R. Boaventura3, M.F. Alpendurada1,2

Laboratory of Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Aníbal Cunha 164, 4050-047 Porto, PortugalIAREN – Water Institute of the Northern Region, Rua Dr. Eduardo Torres 229, 4450-113 Matosinhos, PortugalLaboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering (LSRE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: A solar pilot plant with compound parabolic collectors (CPCs) designed for solar photo(cata)lytic applications, coupled with a global UV radiometer, was used in this work to study the photooxidation of lorazepam, a commonly used anxiolytic, taking profit of solar renewable energy. This pharmaceutical was acquired and further tested in one of its most commercialised dosage forms in Portugal: Lorenin® pills, 1mg (Wyeth). To the authors’

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knowledge, never this drug, frequently detected in surface and wastewaters, was studied throughout environmental phototransformation reactions. Photolysis and photocatalysis experiments were conducted during sunny days, both with lorazepam in the initial concentration of ca. 200ppb (obtained by dissolving the pills in distilled water). In the case of photocatalysis, TiO2 (P25 Degussa, 80% anatase and 20% rutile) was added in the concentration of 0.2g.L-1. The data collected by the radiometer allowed to calculate the accumulated UV energy (kJ.L-1), enabling to establish a correspondence between the amount of lorazepam quantified, by LC-MS/MS (Varian-500MS), in each collected sample aliquot (every 5min over the first half an hour; every 10-15min onwards) and the amount of solar UV energy spent on its degradation.Results obtained under the experimental conditions showed that, while the half-life time of lorazepam through direct photolysis was >150min (t30W >57min), with the addition of TiO2 it lowered to ~7min (t30W ~3min).Primary conclusions highlighted the advantage of using TiO2 as catalyst in the significant acceleration of lorazepam’s degradation under sunlight exposure. However, additional experiments taking into account the presence of the several dosage form excipients, as well as other potential influencing factors (initial concentrations of lorazepam and catalyst, hydrolysis, pH, temperature, DOC&POC) were also carried out. Future trends must ultimately consider the implications of global environmental changes. Increased UVB irradiation and temperatures, due to ozone layer depletion, greenhouse effect,… might influence the toxicity of several pharmaceuticals.

Keywords: Lorazepam - Photolysis - Photocatalysis - TiO2 - Solar Pilot Plant with CPCs

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PHTHALATES IN COW MILK: POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION PATHWAYS AT FARM LEVEL

T. Fierens1,2, M. Van Holderbeke1, H. Willems1, I. Sioen2 & S. De Henauw2

1VITO – Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium2Ghent University – Department of Public Health, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, BelgiumCorrespondence: [email protected] or [email protected]

Abstract: Phthalates are organic lipophilic compounds which are mainly used as plasticizer to increase the flexibility of plastic polymers. Human exposure occurs mainly via food ingestion and can cause a wide range of negative health effects (e.g. disruption of the endocrine system). Phthalates are not only present in food because of environmental contamination, but also as a result of migration from packaging and contact materials (e.g. conveyor belts). This study investigates the phthalate contamination in cow milk at farm level.The levels of eight phthalates (DMP, DEP, DiBP, DBP, BBP, DEHP, DCHP and DNOP) were determined in raw milk samples collected from five farms in an area around the city of Mol in ‘The Kempen’ in Flanders (Belgium). Both manually obtained milk samples as milk samples obtained by milking machines were collected. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with electron impact ionisation. The phthalate concentrations in the raw milk samples were compared with each other in order to determine the contamination pathways for cow milk at farm level.The analysis of the milk samples milked by machine revealed a difference in total phthalate level between the different farms, ranging from 90.6 to 1065.1 µg/kg fat (results of the summer sampling period). While comparing milk samples from the same farm, lower total phthalate levels were found in the milk samples milked by hand than those by machine (e.g. 90.2 versus 174.4 µg/kg fat). DEHP which is the most commonly used plasticizer worldwide, was the most dominating phthalate in all the milk samples.This study seems to indicate that phthalate contamination in raw milk strongly depends on the type of milking equipment (e.g. the use of plastic milking tubes) the farms are using and to a smaller degree results from an environmental transfer.

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Keywords: Dairy products - Migration - Milk - Phthalate - Plasticizer

BIODEGRADATION OF BIOCIDES IN SEWAGE SLUDGE

A. Luft, T.A. TernesFederal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), Koblenz, GermanyCorrespondence email: [email protected]

Abstract: Irgarol, terbutryn, carbendazim, triclosan and triclocarban are widely used biocidal compounds, which are considered to be environmental organic water pollutants. Irgarol is employed as an algicide in antifouling coatings required to protect e.g. ship hulls from biofouling (algae growth). Terbutryn and carbendazim are not only used agriculturally but might also be employed as herbicide or fungicide in building materials. Triclosan and triclocarban are for example applied as bacteriostats in personal care products. All biocides mentioned above have already been detected in wastewater, as well as in surface water, where they can have adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. Particularly the use of biocides is expected to increase during the next decades due to climate change. Furthermore, the fate of those substances under the influence of rising temperatures is unclear. The aim of this study is to elucidate the biodegradation of irgarol, terbutryn, carbendazim, triclosan and triclocarban in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Therefore, batch systems, using sewage sludge and groundwater, spiked with the respective analyte, were employed under aerobic conditions. Liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS) was used for the determination of biocidal compounds. The analyte, as well as the potential degradation product were determined by LTQ-Orbitrap-MS detection, relying on the ultra-high resolution mass data provided by this kind of mass detector. This study focuses on the elucidation of biodegradation pathways of known and widely used biocides. Forthcoming studies will be able to consider not only the parent compound, but also the potential degradation product e.g. for toxicity assessments.

Keywords: Biodegradation – Biocides – Wastewater treatment – Sewage sludge – Liquidchromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS)

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SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF PHARMACEUTICALS IN A RIVER/LAKE SYSTEM IN EASTERN FINLAND

A.Meierjohann, J.-M. Brozinski and L. KronbergÅbo Akademi University, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Biskopsgatan 8, 20500ÅBO/TURKU, FinlandCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: The river Rakkolanjoki in eastern Finland receives water from the waste water treatment plant (WWTP) of the city of Lappeenranta (72000 inhabitants). The river is approximately 3 – 10 m wide and consists essentially entirely of treated waste water from the WWTP. About 15 km downstream from the WWTP the river enters a small eutrophic lake. At the opposite side of the lake the water enters a small river that reaches the Russian border within a distance of 6 km. The river/lake system was sampled at 9 points and the concentration of 17 different pharmaceuticals including the four antidepressants fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline and venlafaxine, which have not been determined in Finnish surface water before, were determined by LC – MS/MS analysis following solid phase extraction.Microgram per liter concentrations for e.g. metoprolol, bisoprolol, carbamazepine, naproxene and ibuprofen, were found at the sampling points closest to the WWTP. The February samples were taken underneath a thick layer of ice and snow, inhibiting any form of phototransformation, thus showing the highest concentration of pharmaceuticals and the lowest rate of transformation downstream. Although the transformation rate in samples taken in May and July was significant most compounds could still be detected at the last sampling point approximately 26 km downstream. It can thus be concluded that the river Rakkolanjoki is ideally suited for studying the fate of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment, specifically phototransformation, due to the high concentration of pharmaceuticals combined with the possibility of taking samples during complete darkness due to almost certain snow and ice coverage in winter.

Keywords: wastewater treatment plant discharges – pharmaceuticals – phototransformation – antidepressants – surface water

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AIR CONCENTRATIONS AND BULK ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITS OF PESTICIDES IN RELATION TO WETLAND WATER QUALITY

P. G. Messinga, A. Farenhorsta, D. T. Waiteb, D.A.R. McQueena, J. F. Sproullc, D. Humphriesd, L. L. Thompsona, L. Coultharde; aDepartment of Soil Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; bAir Quality Research Division, Environment Canada, Regina, SK, Canada – Retired; cPrairie & Northern Laboratory for Environmental Testing, Environment Canada, Edmonton, AB, Canada; dSustainable Ecosystems, Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, Vegreville, AB, Canada; eThe Manitoba Zero Tillage Research Association, Brandon, MB, Canada; Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine air concentrations of pesticides and also assess the impact of atmospheric deposition of pesticides on wetland water quality. The study included taking weekly air samples and bulk atmospheric deposition (rainfall + particulate deposition) samples from May 26 to September 15, 2008 at the Manitoba Zero Till Research Association (MZTRA) Farm, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. Water samples were taken from four on-site wetlands (approximate sizes 0.15 - 0.45 ha) every second week. The samples were analyzed for 11 currently used herbicides and three legacy pesticides. In addition, the bulk deposition and wetland water samples were also analyzed for the herbicides glyphosate and glufosinate. 12 pesticides were detected in the air, with MCPA, triallate, and gamma-HCH being detected every week. Nine pesticides were detected in bulk deposition samples with MCPA again being the most frequently detected compound (76%) followed by 2,4-D (65%). Nine pesticides were found in the wetland samples but the detection frequencies were very low with the exception of clopyralid (100%) and MCPA (57%). Maximum concentrations in wetland water was 0.34 µg L -1 for clopyralid and 0.17 µg L-1 for MCPA with maximum air concentrations of 3.71 ng m -3 and 1.84 ng m-3, respectively, and maximum bulk depositions of 16.99 µg m-2 week-1 and 70.87 µg m-2 week-1, respectively. A predictive model was developed that estimated the wetland water contamination of clopyralid and MCPA due to the atmospheric deposition of these chemicals. The estimated concentrations were close to actual concentrations for MCPA, but not for clopyralid suggesting a source other than atmospheric deposition.

Keywords: pesticides - agriculture - wetlands - air - bulk deposition

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ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DETERMINATION OF MAJOR NOVEL BROMINATED FLAME RETARDANTS (NBFRS) IN DUST

Nadeem Ali1*, Stuart Harrad2, Hugo Neels1, Adrian Covaci1,3

1 - Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium2 - Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK3 - Laboratory for Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, BelgiumCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: A new method was developed and optimized for the detection of selected “novel” brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), which included decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE), tetrabromobisphenol A-bis(2,3-dibromopropylether) (TBBPA-DBPE), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB), bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) and hexachlorocyclopentadienyl-dibromocyclooctane (HCDBCO). Several solid phase sorbents, such as Florisil®, acidified silica (silica gel impregnated with sulphuric acid 44% w/w), deactivated silica, and activated silica were tested. A two-step cleanup procedure was optimized and good relative recoveries for NBFRs (range 84-114%) were achieved. The 1st cleanup step was used to fractionate the dust extracts, while the 2nd step was essential for advanced cleanup. Analysis was performed using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometer (MS) operated in electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) and equipped with a DB-5ms (15 m x 0.25 mm x 0.1 µm) capillary column. Quantification of DBDPE, BTBPE and TBBPA-DBPE was based on ion m/z 79, while more characteristic ions were used for TBB (m/z 359), HCDBCO (m/z 310) and TBPH (m/z 384). The method provided good repeatability; within- and between-day precision was ≤14% for all NBFRs. Method limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged between 1-20 ng/g dust and NBFRs were not detected in blanks. The method was further applied to indoor dust samples (n = 22) collected from e-waste facilities in Thailand. With exception of HCDBCO, all NBFRs were detected in the e-

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waste dust with concentrations up to 76 µg/g DBDPE and 45 µg/g BTBPE. The dust profile was dominated by DBDPE (60%) > BTBPE (35%) > TBBPA-DBPE (3.8%) > TBPH (1.3%) > TBB (0.1%). Significant correlations (p<0.05) were found between the concentrations of BTBPE and BDE 183 and BDE 197 on the one hand, and TBBPA-DBPE and BDE 209, on the other hand. TBB correlated positively with TBPH, which suggests a common source of emission (e.g. same FR formulation).

Keywords: “Novel” brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) - Two-step cleanup - Analytical method - E-waste dust - Thailand.

DETECTION OF PARALYTIC SHELLFISH TOXINS IN WATER USING LARGE-VOLUME INJECTION LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY

R. Beel, M. Schulz, T. A. TernesFederal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), Koblenz, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PSTs), produced by marine dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria, are known for their ability to accumulate in organisms such as mussels. Saxitoxin, which is one of the most potent toxins known, can cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning by blocking sodium channels in mammals, leading to paralysis and respiratory failure. Especially events of Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) can cause higher environmental toxin concentrations. The frequency of HABs is expected to increase during the next decades due to extended use of fertilizers, as well as climate change, because their growth may be favoured by rising temperatures, resulting in lower oxygen-concentrations in waters. Environmental concentrations of PSTs vary significantly during seasons on a low range. Furthermore, the substances are chemically closely related, resulting in a difficult chromatographic separation. To detect PSTs and specify the signals to the known toxins, for instance for toxicity assessments, a sensitive and reliable analytical method is needed. The objective of this work is to develop an efficient method of PST-analysis in environmental samples via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

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(LC-MS/MS). LC-MS/MS is a suitable detection method for studying environmental water samples. MS detection allows characterising and quantifying the analytes, even if the chromatographic separation could not be fully achieved. In order to resign from elaborate extraction procedures, the environmental sample is directly injected with a larger injection volume than usually applied in HPLC. This method provides a useful time and material-efficient tool for the detection of PSTs in environmental waters. The occurrence of PSTs and the impact of these substances on the environment and toxicology can be studied further.

Keywords: Paralytic Shellfish Toxin – Saxitoxin – liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) – large-volume injection – water analysis

SIMULTANEOUS SURVEY OF FIVE VETERINARY PHARMACEUTICALS IN EFFLUENTS OF TREATED WASTEWATERS

P.N. Carvalho1.2, S. Cavenati1, C.M.R. Almeida1, M.C.P. Basto1,2, M.T.S.D. Vasconcelos1

1CIMAR/CIIMAR – Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, R. dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal2Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, R. Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, PortugalCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered one of the more relevant sources of pharmaceutical residues for the aquatic medium once these systems are not prepared to remove pharmaceutical compounds. With respect to veterinary drugs, inputs from manure application to soils and aquaculture activities have been considered the most important sources. However, discharges of livestock or slaughterhouse industries effluents, either treated or untreated, into the aquatic medium (directly drain out to rivers and lakes) can also be a significant source of these compounds in the environment. The aim of this work was the survey of five commonly used veterinary pharmaceuticals, minocycline, oxytetracycline, tetracycline (tetracycline family), enrofloxacin (a

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fluoroquinolone) and ceftiofur (cephalosporin type), in livestock and slaughterhouse WWTPs effluents. For the simultaneous determination of the five selected drugs, a simple analytical method was validated. Treated wastewater samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC–DAD). Method validation was performed using the WWTPs effluents. Mean SPE recovery values were above 80% for most of the pharmaceuticals studied, and the overall variability of the method was below 14%. The limits of detection were in the range 0.8 to 2 µg L-1. The method yielded good selectivity and recovery results and also it had an acceptable reproducibility, allowing the simultaneous quantification of drugs from three different pharmaceutical families (tetracycline, fluoroquinolones and cephalosporin). Using this method, detectable levels of enrofloxacin and quantifiable tetracycline were found in slaughterhouse WWTPs effluents. The methodology was also applied to four urban WWTPs effluents being minocycline, oxytetracycline, tetracycline and enrofloxacin detected and/or quantified in three of them.

Acknowledgements: The authors acknowledge the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for the financial support of the project equipment (REEQ/304/QUI/2005), Pedro Carvalho PhD fellowship (SFRH/BD/44934/2008) and Simone Cavenati Pos-doc fellowship (SFRH/BPD/45310/2008). Acknowledgments are also due to António Pirra (Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro) and the company CQO Plus for the help in the effluents sampling.

Keywords: veterinary pharmaceuticals - wastewater – livestock - slaughterhouse – SPE-HPLC-DAD analytical methodology

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QUANTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT TRACE-ELEMENTS IN RIVER BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF THE PANGANI BASIN, TANZANIA, BY MICROWAVE ASSISTED SAMPLE DIGESTION AND ICP-MS

H. Hellar-Kihampa1,2, S. Potgieter-Vermaak1, E. de Deckere3, M. Kishimba4 and R. Van Grieken1

1Micro and Trace Analysis Centre (MiTAC), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium 2Institute of Continuing Education, The Open University of Tanzania, P. O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania3Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development (IMDO), Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium4Department of Chemistry, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaCorrespondence: [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract: Trace-element concentrations in river-bottom sediments of the Pangani basin in Tanzania were determined in response to the growing socio-economic activities in the area. Samples were collected from 12 representative sites in two distinct seasons; September 2009 (dry season) and April 2010 (rainy season), and analysed for concentrations of Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Ni, Zn, V, Co, Sn, Ce, Nb, Th and Ga. The aim was to detect any potential contamination of the environment, establish spatial distributions and seasonal variations trends and examine the effects of different parameters in metal concentrations. Previously freeze-dried and sieved <63 μm sediment fractions were digested in a professional microwave closed vessel system using aqua regia and analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma- Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Analytical performance was verified by using a BCR certified standard reference material CRM 141R. Grain-size distribution, organic matter content, water content and major elements were also determined using standardized methods. Multiple correlation matrices were employed in data analysis to evaluate relations among elemental concentrations and sediment parameters. The degree of contamination in each site was determined by evaluating the

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Pollution Load Index (PLI). Sediments characterization revealed the dominance of sand (52 – 91%) followed by silt (7.6 – 39%) and clay (1.3 – 11%). Organic matter content (5% – 22%) was positively correlated to the clay portion of the sediments. Trace-elements concentrations were affected by the sediments’ particle sizes and major elements compositions.

Keywords: Trace-elements; Sediment; ICP-MS; Microwave-digestion; Environmental contamination; Pangani basin

DEGRADATION OF HEXCHLOROCYCLOHEXANES BY THE DEHYDROGENASES LINA1 AND LINA2 FROM THE SOIL BACTERIUM SPHINGOBIUM INDICUM B90A

M.E. Miska, Simran Jit, Thomas Poiger, Hans-Peter E. Kohler, Birgit Geueke; Technical University Braunschweig, Germany; Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Various halogenated organic insecticides cause serious environmental problems such as soil- and ground water-pollution. Since the 1940s the very persistent und toxic insecticide -hexachlorocyclohexane (-HCH) has been used in agriculture and public health. The compound was applied either as a part of a technical mixture of mainly four isomers (α-, β-, γ- and δ-HCH) or purified γ-HCH (commercial name: lindane). Although its use has been prohibited by many countries, lately even by the Stockholm Convention of Organic Persistent Pollutants, highly HCH-contaminated sites are still present worldwide.Aerobic bacteria of the genus Sphingobium have been isolated from polluted areas carrying the lin genes that are responsible for the degradation of the different HCH isomers. The two variants of dehydrochlorinases, LinA1 and LinA2, from Sphingobium indicum B90A catalyse the first degradation steps of the α-, γ- and δ-HCHs to the metabolites pentachlorocyclohexanes (PCCHs).In order to set up mass balances and investigate a possible enantioselective effect during degradation various incubations of HCH-isomers with purified LinA1 and LinA2 were performed. The enzymes were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography. Emerging metabolites were identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Based on these results, elimination mechanisms for

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the different HCHs were postulated. Although different distributions of metabolites were observed for the different HCH-isomers 1,2,4-TCB was determined as the main product in all test systems. Depending on the HCH-isomer, it was accompanied by significantly smaller amounts of 1,2,3- and 1,3,5-TCB. This comprehensive knowledge of similarities and diversities within the enzymatic degradation of HCH-isomers is, along with information about the toxicology of the emerging metabolites, fundamental for the development of efficient bioremediation techniques.

Keywords: hexachlorocyclohexane – enzymatic degradation – LinA – enantioselective - Sphingobium indicum B90A

LEACHING OF COPPER SLAGS IN SURFACE WATER UNDER DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.

A. Schmukat, P. Heininger, T.A. TernesFederal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: For hydraulic and coastal engineering copper slags are used due to their high densities. However, these slags contain high quantities of metals such as Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Co with values generally exceeding those of most natural stones. In order to avoid potential adverse effects on biota resulting from their use in waterway construction it is essantial to investigate the release of the toxic metals under environmental relevant conditions. The release is influenced by a large number of parameters. In this study we are focused on the influence of temperature, redox potential, DOC and pH. All experiments were performed using a modified pH dependence test over a period of 48 h (PrEN 14429). Thereby, the temperature and the composition of the water phase were varied in the range typically observed in natural surface waters (pH 6-9, salinity 0-40 g/l, redox 0-6 eV). Increasing the ionic strength via salinity resulted in elevated concentrations of Ni, Cu, As and Cd by a maximum factor of 5 in the leachates. Furthermore, a positive correlation of

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the metals was found for temperature and DOC. The latter can be explained by the complexation capacity of DOC which has a high affinity to bind heavy metals. The pH dependent release curves of the different slags investigated are similar for different groups of elements (salts, cations, anions), only varying in absolute amounts of metals released. The results clearly show that the developed test can be used to assess the environmental change of slags in different surface waters.

Keywords: copper slag, leaching, salinity, temperature, redox potential

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ABSTRACTS SESSION 7: " IMPLEMENTING SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IN DECISION MAKING: MANAGEMENT AND REMEDIATION TECHNIQUES."


ECOTOXICOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF POTENTIAL BIOFUELS

K. Bluhm, S. Heger, J. Lörks, T.-B. Seiler, A. Schäffer, H. HollertInstitute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Germany Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Biofuels for the transport sector have gained increasing interest during the past few years. They are considered renewable alternatives with the benefits of reduced dependence on fossil fuels and a potential to slow down the effect of global climate change due to decreased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Consequently, biofuel production increased dramatically in the recent years. Growing production capacities and the associated rise in biofuel consumption increases the risk of a release into the environment. However, comparatively few information on (eco)toxicological effects of biofuels are available. In this study we investigated the potential risks of selected substances derived from biomass and with promising properties for the use in combustion engines (e.g., ethyl levulinate). The substances were compared to water accommodated fractions of a fossil diesel fuel using assays on the acute aquatic toxicity and biotests to reveal mechanism specific effects. First results revealed problems regarding practical investigations of these materials (e.g., low pH-value, aggressive to pipette tips and microplates) as well as indications for adverse impacts on the organisms or cell cultures tested.In conclusion, further investigations regarding potential biofuels or biofuel components are essential to provide a basis for the identification of the most environmentally friendly alternative fuel.

Acknowledgement: This work was performed as part of the Cluster of Excellence "Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass", which is funded by the Excellence Initiative by the German federal and state governments to promote science and research at German universities.

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ABSTRACTS SESSION 7: “IMPLEMENTING SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE IN DECISION MAKING: MANAGEMENT AND REMEDIATION TECHNIQUES.”

Keywords: biofuel - diesel fuel - ecotoxicology - acute aquatic toxicity

WHAT’S UP INSIDE THE REACTOR – BIOTESTS FOR RISK ASSESSMENT OF BIOFUEL FERMENTATION

S. Heger1, K. Bluhm1, M. Brinkmann1, K. Winkens1, A. Schneider1, M. Wollenweber1, S. Maletz1, J. Wölz1, M.T. Agler2, L.T. Angenent2, T.B. Seiler1 and H. Hollert1

1Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University2Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NYCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: As a consequence of the increasing use of biofuels and bioenergy as alternative energy sources to replace fossil fuels, there is an urgent need for ecotoxicological evaluation, in particular within processes that are used to gain these alternative energies. Although research in the field of energy sciences was steadily growing during the last years, ecotoxicological data on the intermediates in the fermentation processes have not yet been sufficiently investigated.Thus, a project was initiated to assess the pollutant development by microbial conversion from substrate to end product in cooperation between Cornell University and RWTH Aachen University. Cornell University works on the conversion of lignocellulosic wastes into n-butyrate, which can be further converted to the liquid biofuel n-butanol in a subsequent fermentation step. To ensure sufficient biological breakdown, lignocellulosic materials are pretreated with several different techniques, such as hot water acid and hot water base treatment. This process, however, has a known disadvantage of generating toxic compounds, which can inhibit microbial cultures that are grown in down-stream bioprocesses. Undefined mixed cultures may destroy the toxic compounds, which would prevent inhibition. However, if intermediates are not degraded they are assumed to be of ecotoxicological relevance due to possible release into the environment.In this approach, we want to meet this hypothesis applying a battery of acute and mechanism specific in vitro biotests. Biological analysis will focus on different pretreated and untreated substrate samples, as well as on complementary effluent samples. In detail, cytotoxicity will be assessed using the neutral red retention assay, and Ah receptor agonist

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activity will be detected with the EROD assay, both using RTL-W1 cells. In addition endocrine activity will be determined in the yeast endocrine screen (YES) assay. Further biotests are considered. Finally, toxic impacts of effluents resulting from the production process will be assessed.

Keywords: biofuel, bioassay, fermentation, n-butanol

THE RESTORATION OF MANCHESTER DOCKS TO SALFORD QUAYS: 30 YEARS OF HABITAT MANAGEMENT

R. P. Mansfield1, K. Hendry2, K. White1

1 Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; 2 APEM Ltd, Manchester UKCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Salford Quays were once the third largest port in the UK but declining trade resulted in their closure in 1985. In common with many other UK docks, redevelopment for commercial, leisure and residential use was undertaken but this required remediation of a number of water quality problems connected to the areas’ industrial legacy and low habitat heterogeneity. Isolation from the polluted Manchester Ship Canal (MSC) was essential to allow for the restoration of Salford Quays. Following this, stratification has been prevented through the use of artificial mixers, allowing bottom waters to remain oxygenated throughout the year. This has caused oxygen demand to decline and an oxidised surface layer of sediment to form, so preventing the release of phosphorus and industrial contaminants to the water column. Low biodiversity has been addressed by habitat diversification (artificial reefs and islands), addition of invertebrates, fish and macrophytes resulting in an improvement not only in ecological quality but also in the aesthetic value of the area.The restoration efforts have been accompanied by a near continuous monitoring effort. This has produced an extensive dataset that can now be analysed for trends and offers the possibility to produce a predictive computer model. The aim of the present study is to produce such a model and use it to investigate the effects of the current management regime on Salford Quays. It is also hoped that this will help disentangle the effects of past

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management techniques and the cause/effect relationship of factors such as the establishment of the Zebra Mussel, Dreissena polymorpha and the regular autumnal blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa. In this way it is hoped to help inform proper management at other sites, for example the nearby Manchester Ship Canal.

Keywords: Manchester Ship Canal – Oxygenation – Habitat diversification – algal blooms – zebra mussel

INNOCULATION OF EARTHWORMS DURING CONTAMINATED LAND RELAMATION AND RESTORATION: IMPACTS ON METAL MOBILITY AND AVAILABILITY

T. Sizmur*, M. Watts#, J. Gomez-Eyles*, J. Wingate~, T. Hutchings~, B. Palumbo-Roe# and M.E. Hodson**University of Reading, UK#British Geological Survey, UK~Forest Research, UKCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Earthworms are known to survive in soil contaminated with high levels of metals and accumulate these metals within their bodies. Earthworms are also known to modify their soil environment chemically, physically and biologically to benefit plant growth. In addition, earthworms facilitate the accumulation of humus and aid soil formation at sites disturbed by metal mining activities. It is suggested that the inoculation of earthworms to such sites during remediation activities may aid in ecosystem recovery. In order to properly risk assess the toxicity of metals in such environments, the effect of introduced earthworms on the mobility and availability of metals must be investigated.We carried out a number of experiments to determine the impact of earthworms from different ecological groups on the mobility of metals and metalloids from contaminated soils. We found that earthworms from all ecological groups increased the mobility and availability of metals. Further investigation revealed that increases were due to changes in soil chemistry that occurred during the passage of soil through the earthworm gut. Earthworms degraded organic matter and released organically bound metals into solution.

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In addition they increased dissolved organic carbon and decreased soil pH which in turn increased the mobility of metals.Inoculating earthworms into contaminated land that had been remediated with biochar and compost amendments revealed that the effects of the amendments were far greater than that of the earthworms and that earthworms did not re-mobilise previously sequestered metals in remediated soils. It is therefore useful for risk assessors to be aware that innoculation of earthworms during an integrated contamianted land remediation programe is unlikely to lead to the re-mobilisation of metals that have previously been immobilised. However, longer term field trials with the use of a larger variety of amendments, soil types and earthworm species are required to confirm this.

Keywords: Earthworms - Metals – Mobility - Remediation – Ecological Restoration

COMPARISON OF THE CHARACTERISTIC TRAVEL DISTANCE OF PAHS CALCULATED BY THE OECD MODEL “THE TOOL” AND MEASURED VALUES USING PEAT BOGS AS PASSIVE SAMPLERS

S. Thüns1, M. Radke1, F. Wania2 and C. Blodau3 1Department of Hydrology, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany;2Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada3Department of Land Resource Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: To ban a harmful chemical by the Stockholm Convention it has to fulfill certain criteria. One of them is the long-range transport potential (LRTP). For volatile organic pollutants, often multimedia fate and transport models are used to predict the LRTP by calculating the characteristic travel distance (CTD). As these predictions are based on assumptions, it is important to compare the calculated with experimentally derived travel distances. Ombrotrophic peat bogs only receive wet and dry deposition but no terrestrial inputs. Assuming continuous growth and limited bioturbation, these bogs can be used as archives of atmospheric deposition of multiple classes of organic and inorganic

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contaminants. In 2008, peat cores were sampled at four bogs located along a 400 km-transect downwind of an industrial area in Canada and analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well as for Cu and Pb. The rate of PAH deposition to the bogs was then evaluated as function of distance to the emission source to derive the CTD. This data was compared to the CTDs calculated by the OECD POV & LRTP Screening Tool (“The Tool”). The measured CTDs of all PAHs are in the range of 100 to 200 km even though they differ in gas-particle partitioning and degradation rates. Measured and calculated CTDs agree well for PAHs that are mainly present in the gas phase. The measured CTDs for particle bound PAHs are significantly lower than the calculated ones but comparable to those of Cu and Pb, which are particulate as well.“The Tool” clearly appears to overestimate the CTD of particle bound PAHs and metals, yet the deposition parameters (dry particle deposition velocity, particle scavenging ratio) which control the estimated CTD are reasonable. It might be explained by arguable degradation rates in air.

Keywords: long-range transport - PAH – characteristic travel distance – passive samplers – transport modelling

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MONITORING CHANGE IN FOREST RESERVES AND ITS IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE IN THE NIGER DELTA, OF NIGERIA.

A. AyanladeDept. Of Geography, King’s College London, University of London, UKCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: Change in forest reserves and its implication on wildlife has become a great matter of public, political and academic concern in the Niger Delta over the last few decades. This is because forest reserves and conservation of wildlife are critical to the economic development of Nigeria. Little research has been conducted in the region to monitor accelerated change in the forest reserves and the impact of this on wildlife. Therefore, there is a need for an in-depth and integrated study of spatiotemporal change in forest reserves in the Niger Delta of Nigeria and implication of this on wildlife, using satellite techniques. This study, thus, uses remote sensing and GIS methodology to examine and monitor change in major forest reserves in the region. This study hold a benefit of enhancing wildlife conservation and management of forest reserves, not only in the Niger Delta of Nigeria, but the outcome of this research will be useful for furthering study in various parts of Africa.

Keywords: remote sensing, environmental change, Change in forest reserves, Niger Delta

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CLIMATE CHANGE SCENARIOS AS A PREREQUISITE FOR ECOLOGICAL QUESTIONS

J. Oellers1, M. Ernst1, A. Toschki2, M. Roß-Nickoll11Institute for Environmental Research (Biology V), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany 2Research Institute for Ecosystem Analysis and Assessment (Gaiac), Mies-van-der Rohe Str. 19, 52074 Aachen, GermanyCorrespondence: [email protected]

Abstract: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its 4 th

Assessment Report in 2007. This report reveals that during the next century, a global climate change consisting of an increase of the global average temperature as well as precipitation and wind pattern changes is expected. These changes influence the melting of glaciers and polar ice and the rise of sea-level, and initiate ecological responses like range shifts of species and communities on a regional level.For this phenomenon, the most likely reason is the anthropogenic release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. The predictions are based on different emission scenarios which depend on economic and global population growth and technological changes. Different research institutes, e.g. the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI) in Hamburg, Germany, develop simulation models to predict alterations of temperature and precipitation on a global and regional scale. The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (UBA) and other decision makers can use the information about prospective scenarios of climate provided by the IPCC, the MPI and other scientific work groups for their political strategy planning.As the change of climate affects the environment in different ways, e.g. by alterations of organism communities, it is an important matter of environmental research now and in the future.

Keywords: climate change – IPCC – scenarios – simulation - decisions

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SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

Chair: Dominic Kaiser (Frankfurt, Germany)Co-chair: Markus Brinkmann (Aachen, Germany)

Kerstin Bluhm (Aachen, Germany)Mirco Bundschuh (Landau, Germany)

André Dabrunz (Landau, Germany)Nika Galic (Wageningen, Netherlands)

André Gergs (Aachen, Germany)Bernd Guckenmus (Mannheim, Germany)

Thorsten Junge (Aachen, Germany)Stefan Kimmel (Itingen, Switzerland)

Thomas-Benjamin Seiler (Aachen, Germany)Tao Liu (Kalmar, Sweden)

Michael Melato (Cape Town, South Africa)Jochen P. Zubrod (Landau, Germany)

LOCAL ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE

Chair: Sabrina Peddinghaus (Aachen, Germany)Co-chair: Markus Brinkmann (Aachen, Germany)Finances: Dominic Kaiser (Frankfurt, Germany)Abstract book: Tilman Floehr (Aachen, Germany)Kerstin Bluhm (Aachen, Germany)Benjamin Daniels (Aachen, Germany)Björn Deutschmann (Aachen, Germany)Kathrin Eichbaum (Aachen, Germany)Kristine Holz (Aachen, Germany)Sebastian Hudjetz (Aachen, Germany)Steffen Keiter (Aachen, Germany)Johanna Öllers (Aachen, Germany)Stefan Riehm (Aachen, Germany)Anne Schneider (Aachen, Germany)Andrzej Schiwy (Aachen, Germany)Anne Seeland (Frankfurt, Germany)Thomas-Benjamin Seiler (Aachen, Germany)Carolin Völker (Frankfurt, Germany)Kerstin Winkens (Aachen, Germany)Marc Wollenweber (Aachen, Germany)

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Documents

link. · Web viewat the University Koblenz-Landau, Landau campus, Germany, has impressively demonstrated one possible way to achieve these goals. For more information including a movie