Chemicals - Ecosystem impacts

Title

Conservation consequences of Chernobyl and other nuclear accidents

Reference

Biological Conservation
Volume 144, Issue 12, December 2011, Pages 2787–2798

Author(s)

A.P. Møller, T.A. Mousseau

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

The explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on 26 April 1986 released vast amounts of radioactive material over an area of 200,000 km2 in eastern and central Europe, affecting all living organisms. The biological impacts including the conservation consequences of this event are still poorly known even 25 years after the disaster. Here we assess the effects of this environmental disaster for conservation by focusing on two connected questions addressing the short-term ecological and the long-term evolutionary consequences: First, we pose the question of whether rare species are more impacted by radiation than common species? Second, what are the conservation consequences of elevated mutation rates due to the mutagenic effects of radionuclides from Chernobyl? Furthermore, we assess the extent to which ecological and evolutionary aspects interact. We censused breeding birds across 731 census points in Ukraine and Belarus during 3 years to assess the relationship between abundance of different species and radiation. Most bird species avoided contaminated sites and individuals were concentrated in relatively uncontaminated sites. While common species were recorded at a wide range of radiation levels, rare species were restricted to the least contaminated sites and to sites with a high biodiversity. Thus, rare species were disproportionately impacted by the accident. Mutation rates of plants and animals have increased by up to a factor 20 due to release of radionuclides from Chernobyl. Given that each slightly deleterious mutation is expected to result in a selective genetic death, and that an average fruitfly under normal conditions may carry as many as 80 mutations, the number of mutations in animals and plants around Chernobyl and hence the number of selective deaths is bound to be much higher. There is empirical evidence for highly elevated mortality rates and dramatically increased rates of reproductive failure in contaminated areas, consistent with the expected high frequency of selective deaths due to mutations. The average slightly deleterious mutation is present for 33–167 generations in Drosophila, so if these estimates are qualitatively similar in other organisms, we can expect that mutants will disperse outside contaminated areas resulting in the spread of mutations well beyond the reach of contamination with radionuclides. Therefore, it should be possible to document the gradual spread of mutations from Chernobyl. We consider that the Chernobyl disaster and other nuclear releases may have significant consequences for population size and population viability of many species due to the large number of selective deaths. These effects remain to be investigated. Finally, comparative analyses of birds revealed that species with high mitochondrial DNA substitution rates had short dispersal distances, suggesting that mutations will spread relatively short distances when they are common, but will spread longer distances in species when they are rare.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Threats to biodiversity >> Human impacts
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Ecosystem impacts

Keywords

Mutation; Mutational load; Radiation; Radioactivity; Selective mortality

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000632071100317X
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anders.moller@u-psud.fr

Title

TiO2 Nanoparticles Are Phototoxic to Marine Phytoplankton

Reference

PLoS ONE 7 (1), e30321.

Author(s)

Miller, R.J., Bennett, S., Keller, A.A., Pease, S., Lenihan, H.S.,

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (TiO2) is highly photoactive, and its function as a photocatalyst drives much of the application demand for TiO2. Because TiO2 generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), nanoparticulate TiO2 has been used in antibacterial coatings and wastewater disinfection, and has been investigated as an anti-cancer agent. Oxidative stress mediated by photoactive TiO2 is the likely mechanism of its toxicity, and experiments demonstrating cytotoxicity of TiO2 have used exposure to strong artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). In vivotests of TiO2 toxicity with aquatic organisms have typically shown low toxicity, and results across studies have been variable. No work has demonstrated that photoactivity causes environmental toxicity of TiO2 under natural levels of UVR. Here we show that relatively low levels of ultraviolet light, consistent with those found in nature, can induce toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles to marine phytoplankton, the most important primary producers on Earth. No effect of TiO2 on phytoplankton was found in treatments where UV light was blocked. Under low intensity UVR, ROS in seawater increased with increasing nano-TiO2 concentration. These increases may lead to increased overall oxidative stress in seawater contaminated by TiO2 and cause decreased resiliency of marine ecosystems. Phototoxicity must be considered when evaluating environmental impacts of nanomaterials, many of which are photoactive.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Nanomaterials
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Ecosystem impacts
Marine ecosystems >> Biodiversity

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0030321
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miller@msi.ucsb.edu

Title

Cytotoxicity of water-soluble fraction from biodiesel and its diesel blends to human cell lines 

Reference

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Volume 74, Issue 8, November 2011, Pages 2148-2155

Author(s)

Daniela Morais Leme, Tamara Grummt, Rita Heinze, Andrea Sehr, Matthias Skerswetat, Mary Rosa Rodrigues de Marchi, Marcos Canto Machado, Danielle Palma de Oliveira, Maria Aparecida Marin-Morales

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The designation of biodiesel as a green fuel has increased its commercialization and use, making its fate in the environment a matter of concern. Fuel spills constitute a major source of aquatic pollution and, like diesel spills, biodiesel can produce adverse effects on aquatic environments, animals and humans. The present study assessed cytotoxic effects of water systems contaminated with neat biodiesel and its diesel blends by means of different procedures on human T cell leukemia (Jurkat) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells [detection of changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) using tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE), apoptosis recognition by Annexin V and impedance real-time cell analyzer (xCELLigence™ system)]. The data obtained showed concordance across the different bioassays, with cytotoxic effects observed as a dose-dependent response only for waters contaminated with pure diesel (D100) and B5 blend, which is characterized by a mixture of 95% diesel and 5% biodiesel. The data can also lead us to hypothesize that diesel accounts for the harmful effects observed, and that biodiesel does not worsen the impacts caused by diesel pollution.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Impacts >> Ecosystem impacts
Climate change and energy >> Climate change mitigation >> Low carbon and renewable energy
Water >> Water quality >> Water pollution and safety

Keywords

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Cell proliferation and viability; Cell death process; Apoptosis; Necrosis

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Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651311002557
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mamm@rc.unesp.br

Title

Acute and reproductive toxicity of nano-sized metal oxides (ZnO and TiO2) to earthworms (Eisenia fetida)

Reference

J. Environ. Monit., 2011
DOI:10.1039/C1EM10497G

Author(s)

Jaclyn E. Cañas, Beibei Qi, Shibin Li, Jonathan D. Maul, Stephen B. Cox, Sriya Das and Micah J. Green

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

An increase in nanomaterial applications will likely lead to an increased probability of environmental exposures, raising concerns regarding the safety of these materials. Recent studies have indicated that manufactured nanomaterials, such as metal oxides, have the potential to be harmful to aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The majority of nano-metal oxide research addressing potential toxicological issues has been focused in aquatic environments with very little terrestrial data. This study characterized the acute and reproductive toxicity of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) to earthworms (Eisenia fetida) in a terrestrial system. Following a 14 d exposure, nano-sized ZnO on filter paper was acutely toxic to E. fetida, while nano-sized TiO2 did not exhibit acute toxicity. In contrast, neither nano-sized ZnO nor TiO2 exhibited acute toxicity to earthworms in sand. Both nano-sized ZnO and TiO2, following a 4 week exposure, caused reproductive effects in earthworms in artificial soil. Overall, nano-sized ZnO exhibited greater toxicity than nano-sized TiO2 in Eisenia fetida.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Nanomaterials
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Ecosystem impacts
Soil >> Threats to soil >> Soil contamination

Keywords

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2011/em/c1em10497g
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jaclyn.canas@tiehh.ttu.edu

Title

Comparing the sensitivity of soil invertebrates to pesticides with that of Eisenia fetida

Reference

Chemosphere doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.07.032

Author(s)

Michiel A. Daam, Sara Leitão, Maria José Cerejeira, J. Paulo Sousa

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The sole routine testing of the standard earthworm Eisenia fetida for the terrestrial risk assessment of pesticides has been under much debate since other soil invertebrates may be more sensitive than this standard test species. However, the very low availability of laboratory toxicity data for taxa other than E. fetida has greatly hampered sensitivity comparisons. In the present study, the relative tolerance (Trel) approach was used to enable comparing toxicity thresholds obtained from the US-EPA ECOTOX database, for main terrestrial taxonomic groups and pesticidal types of action (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other) separately. Analyses confirmed previously reported lower and higher sensitivity of collembolans to fungicides and insecticides, respectively. However, various other discrepancies in susceptibility relative to E. fetida were encountered as indicated by species sensitivity distributions and/or calculated 95% confidence intervals of Trel values. Arachnids and isopods were found to be more sensitive to insecticides, and nematodes to fungicides, as compared to E. fetida. Implications of study findings for the terrestrial risk assessment of pesticides are discussed.

Policy theme(s)

Agriculture >> Agricultural pollution >> Pesticide pollution
Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Pesticides
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Ecosystem impacts
Soil >> Soil biodiversity

Keywords

Environmental risk assessment; Soil invertebrates; Eisenia fetida; Relative tolerance; Terrestrial ecotoxicology

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Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004565351100868X
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madaam@utl.pt

Title

Reporting and evaluation criteria as means towards a transparent use of ecotoxicity data for environmental risk assessment of pharmaceuticals

Reference

Environmental Pollution
Volume 159, Issue 10, October 2011, Pages 2487-2492

Author(s)

M. Ågerstrand, A. Küster, J. Bachmann, M. Breitholtz, I. Ebert, B. Rechenberg, C. Rudén

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Ecotoxicity data with high reliability and relevance are needed to guarantee the scientific quality of environmental risk assessments of pharmaceuticals. The main advantages of a more structured approach to data evaluation include increased transparency and predictability of the risk assessment process, and the possibility to use non-standard data.
In this collaboration, between the research project MistraPharma and the German Federal Environment Agency, a new set of reporting and evaluation criteria is presented and discussed. The new criteria are based on the approaches in the literature and the OECD reporting requirements, and have been further developed to include both reliability and relevance of test data.
Intended users are risk assessors and researchers performing ecotoxicological experiments, but the criteria can also be used for education purposes and in the peer-review process for scientific papers. This approach intends to bridge the gap between the regulator and the scientist's needs and way of work.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Impacts >> Ecosystem impacts
Risk assessment >> Risk assessment methodologies

Keywords

Reliability; Relevance; Data evaluation; Data reporting; Non-standard data/studies/tests

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Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News

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N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749111003514
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maa2@kth.se

Title

The Consequences of Feminization in Breeding Groups of Wild Fish

Reference

Environmental Health Perspectives

Author(s)

Catherine A. Harris, Patrick B. Hamilton, Tamsin J. Runnalls, Veronica Vinciotti, Alan Henshaw, Dave Hodgson, Tobias S. Coe, Susan Jobling, Charles R. Tyler, John P. Sumpter

Study type

Peer review journal

Abstract

Background: The feminization of nature by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is a key environmental issue affecting both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. A crucial and as yet unanswered question is whether EDCs have adverse impacts on the sustainability of wildlife populations. There is widespread concern that intersex fish are reproductively compromised, with potential population-level consequences. However, to date, only in vitro sperm quality data are available in support of this hypothesis.
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether wild endocrine-disrupted fish can compete successfully in a realistic breeding scenario.
Methods: In two competitive breeding experiments using wild roach (Rutilus rutilus), we used DNA microsatellites to assign parentage and thus determine reproductive success of the adults.
Results: In both studies, the majority of intersex fish were able to breed, albeit with varying degrees of success. In the first study, where most intersex fish were only mildly feminized, body length was the only factor correlated with reproductive success. In the second study, which included a higher number of more severely intersex fish, reproductive performance was negatively correlated with severity of intersex. The intersex condition reduced reproductive performance by up to 76% for the most feminized individuals in this study, demonstrating a significant adverse effect of intersex on reproductive performance.
Conclusion: Feminization of male fish is likely to be an important determinant of reproductive performance in rivers where there is a high prevalence of moderately to severely feminized males.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Threats to biodiversity >> Human impacts
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Ecosystem impacts

Keywords

DNA microsatellites, ecotoxicology, genetic diversity, intersex, reproductive success, roach, secondary sexual characteristics, size, sperm viability.

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.1002555
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catherine.harris@brunel.ac.uk

Title

Selenium Moderates Mercury Toxicity in Free-Ranging Freshwater Fish.

Reference

Environ. Sci. Technol.,
DOI: 10.1021/es200478b

Author(s)

Eugen G. Sørmo, Tomasz M. Ciesielski, Ida B. Øverjordet, Syverin Lierhagen, Grethe S. Eggen, Torunn Berg, and Bjørn M. Jenssen

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Due to the extremely high affinity of selenium (Se) to mercury (Hg), Se sequesters Hg and reduces its biological availability in organisms. However the converse is also true. Hg sequesters Se, causing Hg to inhibit the formation of Se dependent enzymes while supplemental Se supports their continued synthesis. Hence, whether or not toxic effects accompany exposure to Hg depends upon the tissue Se:Hg molar ratio of the organism. The main objective of the present study was to investigate how levels of Hg and Se affected metallothionein (MT) induction in free-ranging brown trout, Salmo trutta, from Lake Mjøsa, Norway (a Se depauperate lake). MT is proposed as a sensitive biomarker of potential detrimental effects induced by metals such as Hg. Emphasis was addressed to elucidate if increased tissue Se:Hg molar ratios and Se levels affected the demands for MT in the trout. The Se:Hg molar ratio followed by tissue Se levels were most successful for assessing the relationship between metal exposure and MT levels in the trout. Thus, Hg in molar excess over Se was a stronger inducer of MT synthesis than tissue Hg levels in the trout, supporting the assumption that Se has a prominent protective effect against Hg toxicity. Measuring Hg in animals may therefore provide an inadequate reflection of the potential health risks to humans and wildlife if the protective effects of Se are not considered.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Ecosystem impacts

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es200478b
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eugen.sormo@bio.ntnu.no

Title

The Consequences of Feminization in Breeding Groups of Wild Fish

Reference

Environmental Health Perspectives

Author(s)

Catherine A. Harris, Patrick B. Hamilton, Tamsin J. Runnalls, Veronica Vinciotti, Alan Henshaw, Dave Hodgson, Tobias S. Coe, Susan Jobling, Charles R. Tyler, John P. Sumpter

Study type

Peer review journal

Abstract

Background: The feminization of nature by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is a key environmental issue affecting both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. A crucial and as yet unanswered question is whether EDCs have adverse impacts on the sustainability of wildlife populations. There is widespread concern that intersex fish are reproductively compromised, with potential population-level consequences. However, to date, only in vitro sperm quality data are available in support of this hypothesis.
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether wild endocrine-disrupted fish can compete successfully in a realistic breeding scenario.
Methods: In two competitive breeding experiments using wild roach (Rutilus rutilus), we used DNA microsatellites to assign parentage and thus determine reproductive success of the adults.
Results: In both studies, the majority of intersex fish were able to breed, albeit with varying degrees of success. In the first study, where most intersex fish were only mildly feminized, body length was the only factor correlated with reproductive success. In the second study, which included a higher number of more severely intersex fish, reproductive performance was negatively correlated with severity of intersex. The intersex condition reduced reproductive performance by up to 76% for the most feminized individuals in this study, demonstrating a significant adverse effect of intersex on reproductive performance.
Conclusion: Feminization of male fish is likely to be an important determinant of reproductive performance in rivers where there is a high prevalence of moderately to severely feminized males.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Threats to biodiversity >> Human impacts
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Ecosystem impacts

Keywords

DNA microsatellites, ecotoxicology, genetic diversity, intersex, reproductive success, roach, secondary sexual characteristics, size, sperm viability.

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.1002555
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catherine.harris@brunel.ac.uk

Title

PAH body burden and biomarker responses in mussels (Mytilus edulis) exposed to produced water from a North Sea oil field: Laboratory and field assessments

Reference

Marine Pollution Bulletin
Volume 62, Issue 7, July 2011, Pages 1498-1505

Author(s)

Rolf C. Sundt, Daniela M. Pampanin, Merete Grung, Janina Baršiene and Anders Ruus

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

In order to study the impact of produced water (PW) from a North Sea oil field on blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), chemical and biological markers were selected. A laboratory exposure (0.125%, 0.25% and 0.5% of PW) and a field study (6 stations 0.2-2 km from a PW discharge point) were conducted. In the laboratory study, PAH bioaccumulation increased in mussel soft tissue even at the lowest exposure dose. Micronuclei frequency demonstrated a dose-response pattern, whereas lysosomal membrane stability showed tendency towards a dose-response pattern. The same markers were assessed in the field study, biomarker analyses were consistent with the contamination level, as evaluated by mussel polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons body burden. Overall, obtained results confirmed the value of an ecotoxicological approach for a scientifically sound characterisation of biological effects induced by offshore oilfield operational discharges.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Impacts >> Ecosystem impacts
Marine ecosystems >> Biodiversity
Marine ecosystems >> Marine pollution

Keywords

Produced water, Mussel, Lysosomal membrane stability, Micronuclei, Bioaccumulation, Monitoring

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X11001974
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rolf.sundt@iris.no

Title

The potential impacts of insecticides on the life-history traits of bees and the consequences for pollination

Reference

Basic and Applied Ecology
Volume 12, Issue 4, June 2011, Pages 321-331

Author(s)

Claire Brittain and Simon G. Potts

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Maintaining the relationships between plants and pollinators is vital to ecosystem stability. Insecticides may disturb these interactions with poorly understood consequences for pollination. Community level research is essential, if we are to understand the wider effects of insecticides on a variety of pollinating taxa and the impacts on the plants they pollinate. In this article we discuss the potential effects of both the lethal and sub-lethal impacts of insecticide use in agro-ecosystems on pollination services by bees. In particular, we consider how particular life-history traits of pollinators, such as sociality and floral specialisation may be differentially affected by insecticides. We discuss how this might translate through to pollination services. We propose that a trait-based approach can give insight into the potential impacts of insecticides on plant–pollinator communities.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Threats to biodiversity >> Human impacts
Biodiversity >> Ecosystem services
Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Pesticides
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Ecosystem impacts

Keywords

Biodiversity, Disturbance, Ecosystem service, Environmental chemicals, Pesticide pressure, Pollinator

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1439179110001623
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claire.brittain@uni.leuphana.de