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At least 523 records · Page 29Linked to original sources
USGS2021

Characterization of the biological, physical, and chemical properties of a toxic thin layer in a temperate marine system

The distribution of plankton in the ocean is patchy across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. One type of oceanographic feature that exemplifies this patchiness is a ‘thin layer’. Thin layers are subsurface aggregations of plankton that range in vertical thickness from centimeters to a few meters, which may extend horizontally for kilometers and persist for days. We undertook a field campaign to characterize the biological, physical, and chemical properties of thin layers in Monterey Bay, California (USA), an area where these features can be persistent. The particle aggregates (marine snow) sampled in the study had several quantifiable properties indicating how the layer was formed and how its structure was maintained. Particles were more elongated above the layer, and then changed orientation angle and increased in size within the layer, suggesting passive accumulation of particles along a physical gradient. The shift in particle aggregate orientation angle near the pycnocline suggests that shear may also have played a role in generating the thin layer. Pseudo-nitzschia spp. were the most abundant phytoplankton within the thin layer. Further, both dissolved and particulate domoic acid were highest within the thin layer. We suggest that phosphate stress is responsible for the formation of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. aggregates. This stress together with increased nitrogen in the layer may lead to increased bloom toxicity in the subsurface blooms of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. Several zooplankton groups were observed to aggregate above and below the layer. With the knowledge that harmful algal bloom events can occur in subsurface thin layers, modified sampling methods to monitor for these hidden incubators could greatly improve the efficacy of early-warning systems designed to detect harmful algal blooms in coastal waters.

Marine Ecology Progress Series (MEPS)↗
USGS2023

Amino acid variation at the mitochondrial binding site of Antimycin A is proposed to reflect sensitivity and toxicity differences among fish species

To better understand differential sensitivities among fish species to the piscicidal compound Antimycin-A (ANT-A), we hypothesized that variations in amino acids at the ANT-A binding site may reflect toxicity differences. Protein sequences for six motifs comprising the ANT-A binding site were obtained and compared for invasive carp species ( N = 515) and seven non-target species ( N = 277); a consensus was delineated from each species. The carp species, Common Carp ( Cyprinus carpio ), Silver Carp ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix ), Bighead Carp ( Hypophthalmichthys nobilis ), Grass Carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ), and Black Carp ( Mylopharyngodon piceus ) , showed the same amino acids at the site; thus, it was termed the carp consensus motif sequence (CCM). Channel Catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) showed the most amino acid polymorphisms, with three motifs 96–100% different from CCM. Within a species, Bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus ) and Fathead Minnow ( Pimephales promelas ) variation per motif was most dissimilar (46.7% and 21.6%, respectively). Organismal mortality data from the literature indicated Yellow Perch ( Perca flavescens ) , Walleye ( Sander vitreus ) , and American Gizzard Shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum ) to be most sensitive to the piscicide, Catfish least sensitive, and all others intermediate. The protein sequence variations of the binding site appeared to be in accord with organismal sensitivity categories when they differed from the CCM; the motifs in Gizzard Shad and Walleye were the same as in CCM. The physical/chemical nature of ANT-A is important to consider in organismal response comparisons. This cellular approach of studying ANT-A binding at its target enzyme is a non-destructive way to predict piscicidal efficacy of ANT-A against fishes of interest, informs management decisions in control efforts for invasives, and can be used to forecast effects on sympatric species.

Fishes↗
USGS2016

Toxicity of potassium chloride to veliger and byssal stage dreissenid mussels related to water quality

Natural resource managers are seeking appropriate chemical eradication and control protocols for infestations of zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1769), and quagga mussels. D. rostiformis bugensis (Andrusov, 1897) that have limited effect on non-target species. Applications of low concentrations of potassium salt (as potash) have shown promise for use where the infestation and treatment can be contained or isolated. To further our understanding of such applications and obtain data that could support a pesticide registration, we conducted studies of the acute and chronic toxicity of potassium chloride to dreissenid mussels in four different water sources from infested and non-infested locations (ground water from northern Idaho, surface water from the Snake River, Idaho, USA, surface water from Lake Ontario, Ontario, Canada, and surface water from the Colorado River, Arizona, USA). We found short term exposure of veligers (< 24 h) to concentrations of 960 mg/L KCl produced rapid mortality in water from three locations, but veligers tested in Colorado River water were resistant. We used probit models to compare the mortality responses, predicted median lethal times and 95% confidence intervals. In separate experiments, we explored the sensitivity of byssal stage mussels in chronic exposures (>29 d) at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/L KCl. Rapid mortality occurred within 10 d of exposure to concentrations of 200 mg/L KCl, regardless of water source. Kaplan-Meier estimates of mean survival of byssal mussels in 100 mg/L KCl prepared in surface water from Idaho and Lake Ontario were 4.9 or 6.9 d, respectively; however, mean survival of mussels tested in the Colorado River water was > 23 d. The sodium content of the Colorado River water was nearly three times that measured in waters from the other locations, and we hypothesized sodium concentrations may affect mussel survival. To test our hypothesis, we supplemented Snake River and Lake Ontario water with NaCl to equivalent conductivity as the Colorado River, and found mussel survival increased to levels observed in tests of veliger and byssal mussels in Colorado River water. We recommend KCl disinfection and eradication protocols must be developed to carefully consider the water quality characteristics of treatment locations.

Management of Biological Invasions↗
USGS2004

Peracute sodium toxicity in free-ranging black-bellied whistling duck ducklings

From 23 to 25 July 2002, 98–103 newly hatched black-bellied whistling ducks ( Dendrocygna autumnalis ) were observed alive at an inland saline lake (La Sal Vieja) in Willacy County, Texas (USA). Seventy-one (71%) died after showing signs indicative of sodium toxicity within 5 hr of entering the water; some died within minutes. Six carcasses were sent to the United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center (Madison, Wisconsin, USA) for analysis, and brain sodium levels of all ducklings were above 2,000 parts per million wet weight. More black-bellied whistling duck ducklings are likely to have been affected, but they were not observed after hatching.

Texas↗
USGS1995

Wildlife toxicity testing

Reports of anthropogenic environmental contaminants affecting free-ranging wildlife first began to accumulate during the Industrial Revolution of the 1850s. early reports included cases of arsenic and lead shot ingestion, and industrial smokestack emission toxicity. One early report described the death of fallow deer ( Dama dama ) due to arsenic emissions from a silver foundry in Germany in 1887, whereas another report described hydrogen sulfide fumes in the vicinity of a Texas oil field that resulted in a large die-off of both wild birds and mammals. 1 Mortality in waterfowl and ring-necked pheasants ( Phaisanus colchicus ) due to the ingestion of spent lead shot was recognized at least as early as 1874 when lead-poisoned birds were reported in Texas and North Carolina.

Book chapter↗
USGS1956

Toxicity of chlorinated insecticides to quail and pheasants

'Residues from insecticidal applications of chlorinated hydrocarbons may remain toxic for extended periods. In experiments designed to furnish information on the effects upon quail and pheasants of prolonged feeding upon diets containing small percentages of these compounds, it was shown that aldrin, dieldrin and endrin are cumulative, and that quail are unable to survive after ingesting 5-10 mg./kg, of aldrin, 30-50 mg./kg, of dieldrin, or 6-15 mg./kg, of endrin. Maximum levels (p.p.m.) in the diets permitting survival for extended periods were: DDT, 200; strobane, above 500; aldrin, 0.5; dieldrin, 1.0; endrin, 1.0. Inclusion of these compounds in the diets of breeding quail and pheasants affected hatchability of eggs and viability of chicks, even though the adult birds appeared unaffected.' Detailed figures are given for all points mentioned.

Atlantic Naturalist↗
USGS1983

Impacts of forest herbicides on wildlife: Toxicity and habitat alteration

This paper begins with a review of both laboratory and field studies on tbe possible direct toxic effects of herbicides on terrestrial vertebrates, primarily birds and mammals. Alteration of the palatability of forage and changes in reproductive success are also discussed. Emphasis is placed on the use of herbicides in forestry; studies dealing with agricultural systems are referenced where appropriate. The indirect effects of herbicides on wildlife-habitat are then conceptualized and quantified using data from a 3-year study on effects of phenoxy and glyphosate herbicides on bird and small mammal communities in western Oregon. Data on density and habitat use are presented and compared with data available from other geographic regions.

Transactions of the North American Wildlife and Na↗
USGS2001

Lead shot toxicity to passerines

This study evaluated the toxicity of a single size 7.5 lead shot to passerines. No mortalities or signs of plumbism were observed in dosed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) fed a commercial diet, but when given a more natural diet, three of 10 dosed birds died within 1 day. For all survivors from which shot were recovered, all but one excreted the shot within 24 h of dosing, whereas, the dead birds retained their shot. Shot erosion was significantly greater (P < 0.05) when weathered shot were ingested compared to new shot, and the greatest erosion was observed in those birds that died (2.2-9.7%). Blood lead concentrations of birds dosed with new shot were not significantly different (P=0.14) from those of birds exposed to weathered shot. Liver lead concentrations of birds that died ranged from 71 to 137 ppm, dry weight. Despite the short amount of time the shot was retained, songbirds may absorb sufficient lead to compromise their survival.

Environmental Pollution↗
USGS2009

Toxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (de-71) in chicken (Gallus gallus), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), and American kestrel (Falco sparverius) embryos and hatchlings

Embryonic survival, pipping and hatching success, and sublethal biochemical, endocrine, and histological endpoints were examined in hatchling chickens (Gallus gallus), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and American kestrels (Falco sparverius) following air cell administration of a pentabrominated diphenyl ether (penta-BDE; DE-71) mixture (0.01-20 mu g/g egg) or polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener 126 (3,3', 4,4', 5-pentachlorobiphenyl; 0.002 mu g/g egg). The penta-BDE decreased pipping and hatching success at concentrations of 10 and 20 mu g/g egg in kestrels but had no effect on survival endpoints in chickens or mallards. Sublethal effects in hatchling chickens included ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (EROD) induction and histological changes in the bursa, but these responses were not observed in other species. Polychlorinated biphenyl congener 126 (positive control) reduced survival endpoints in chicken and kestrel embryos and caused sublethal effects (EROD induction, reduced bursal mass and follicle size) in chickens. Mallards were clearly less sensitive than the other species to administered penta-BDE and PCB 126. In a second experiment, the absorption of penta-BDE (11.1 mu g/g egg, air cell administered during early development) into the contents of chicken and kestrel eggs was determined at various intervals (24 h postinjection, midincubation, and pipping). By pipping, 29% of the penta-BDE administered dose was present in the egg contents in chickens, and 18% of the administered dose was present in kestrel egg contents. Based on uptake in kestrels, the lowest-observed-effect level on pipping and hatching success may be as low as 1.8 mu g total penta-BDE/g egg, which approaches concentrations detected in eggs of free-ranging birds. Because some penta-BDE congeners are still increasing in the environment, the toxic effects observed in the present study are cause for concern in wildlife.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry↗
USGS1951

Chronic toxicity of some new insecticides to bobwhite quail

Presents and discusses results of toxicity studies on northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). Compounds tested were chlordane, toxaphene, DDT, benzene hexachioride, methoxychior, TDE (Rhothane}, and parathion.

Special Scientific Report - Wildlife↗
USGS2010

Chronic toxicity of diphenhydramine hydrochloride and erythromycin thiocyanate to Daphnia, Daphnia magna, in a continuous exposure test system

Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DH; Benadryl TM, an over-the-counter antihistamine) and erythromycin thiocyanate (ET; a commonly used macrolide antibiotic) are pharmaceutical compounds whose chronic toxicity to Daphnia magna had not been characterized. Continuous exposure to DH concentrations about 5 times greater than the maximum reported environmental concentration of 0.023 lg/L for 21 days or to ET concentrations about 40 times the maximum reported environmental concentration of 6 (mu or u)g/L for 21 days did not significantly impact D. magna survival and production. In this study the no observable effect concentration for DH was 0.12 (mu or u)g/L and for ET was 248 (mu or u)g/L.

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS2003

Effect of treatment in a constructed wetland on toxicity of textile wastewater

Constructed wetlands for treating wastewater have proliferated in recent years and their characteristics have been studied extensively. In most cases, constructed wetlands have been used primarily for removal of nutrients and heavy metals. Extensive literature is available concerning construction and use of wetlands for treatment of wastewater. Even so, quantitative descriptions of wetland function and processes are highly empirical and difficult to extrapolate. The processes involved in removal of pollutants by wetlands are poorly understood, especially for waste streams as complex as textile effluents. The few studies conducted on treatment of textile wastewater in constructed wetlands were cited in earlier publications. Results of a two-year study of a full-scale wetland treating textile effluent are presented here. The paper describes the effects of the wetland on aquatic toxicity of the wastewater and draws conclusions about the utility and limitations of constructed wetlands for treatment of textile effluents.

AATCC Review↗
USGS1973

Tests of rhodamine WT dye for toxicity to oysters and fish

Because of the toxicity to oyster larvae and eggs of rhodamine B dye in concentrations greater than 1 mg/l in earlier tests, there was a concern that rhodamine WT, a similar tracer dye, would have a detrimental effect on marine life being developed under the aquaculture program of the Lummi Indian Tribe near Bellingham, Wash. Tests showed that 48-hour exposures at 24&deg; C of 11,000 oyster eggs per liter and 6,000 12-day-old larvae per liter, in sea water with concentrations of rhodamine WT ranging from 1 &mu;g/l to 10 mg/l, resulted in development of the eggs to normal straight-hinge larvae and no abnormalities in the larvae development. Tests made on the smolt of both silver salmon and Donaldson trout, with the fish held for 17.5 hours in a tankfull of sea water with a dye concentration of 10 mg/l at 22&deg;C showed no mortalities or respiratory problems. With the concentration increased to 375 mg/l, and the time extended an additional 3.2 hours, still no mortalities or abnormalities were noted. The fish remained healthy in dye-free water when last checked a month after the test.

Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey↗
USGS2010

Alternative aircraft anti-icing formulations with reduced aquatic toxicity and biochemical oxygen demand

The current research was conducted to identify alternative aircraft and pavement deicer and anti-icer formulations with improved environmental characteristics compared to currently used commercial products (2007). The environmental characteristics of primary concern are the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and aquatic toxicity of the fully formulated products. Except when the distinction among products is necessary for clarity, &ldquo;deicer&rdquo; will refer to aircraft-deicing fluids (ADFs), aircraft anti-icing fluids (AAFs), and pavementdeicing materials (PDMs).

Report↗
USGS2018

Infection by Nanophyetus salmincola and toxic contaminant exposure in out‐migrating steelhead from Puget Sound, Washington: Implications for early marine survival

Out‐migrating steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss from four Puget Sound rivers and associated marine basins of Puget Sound in Washington State were examined for the parasite, Nanophyetus salmincola in 2014 to determine whether recent trends in reduced marine survival are associated with the presence of this pathogen. A subset of steelhead from three of these river–marine basin combinations was analyzed for the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to assess whether exposure to these contaminants is a contributing factor to their reduced marine survival. The prevalence and parasite load of N. salmincola were significantly higher in fish from central and southern Puget Sound than in fish from river systems in northern Puget Sound. The proportion of steelhead samples with concentrations of POPs higher than adverse effects thresholds (AETs) or concentrations known to cause adverse effects was also greater in fish from the central and southern regions of Puget Sound than in those from the northern region. Polybrominated diphenyl ether concentrations associated with increased disease susceptibility were observed in 10% and 40% of the steelhead sampled from central and southern Puget Sound regions, respectively, but in none of the fish sampled from the northern region. The AET for polychlorinated biphenyls was exceeded in steelhead collected from marine habitats: 25% of the samples from the marine basins in the central and southern regions of Puget Sound and 17% of samples from northern Puget Sound region. Both N. salmincola and POP levels suggest there are adverse health effects on out‐migrating steelhead from one southern and one central Puget Sound river that have lower early marine survival than those from a river system in northern Puget Sound.

Washington↗