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Selected AbstractsPike predation on hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon smolts in a northern Baltic riverECOLOGY OF FRESHWATER FISH, Issue 1 2008J. Kekäläinen Abstract,,, The effect of pike Esox lucius predation on the mortality of newly stocked Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts was investigated in the Pyhäjoki River, Finland. The number of smolts eaten by pike was assessed by estimating the size of the pike population (mark,recapture experiment) and studying the stomach contents of pike. Before recapturing the pike, approximately 39,700 smolts were stocked upstream of the 2.5-km-long (89-ha) research area. The estimated size of the >40-cm pike population was 1507 (95% CL 1012,4731) individuals (17 pike and 29.8 kg·ha,1). Pike were estimated to eat 29% of the released smolts during 1 week. The diet of the pike in the research area consisted almost entirely of smolts, whereas in the reference area with no stocked smolts, the meal sizes were significantly smaller and the importance of smolts as prey was substantially lower. Pike <40 cm had not eaten any smolts, probably indicating a size refuge for the smolts, or alternatively fear of intraspecific interactions or cannibalism of pike. [source] Environmental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls among raccoons (Procyon lotor) at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Western Kentucky, USA,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2003Philip N. Smith Abstract An investigation involving raccoons (Procyon lotor) as a sentinel species at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) in Western Kentucky (USA) delineated the extent of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and PCB spatial distribution. Raccoon exposure to PCBs was demonstrated through analysis of subcutaneous fat, abdominal fat, liver, and brain tissues from raccoons collected at the PGDP but also was clearly evident in raccoons from a reference area situated along the Ohio River (USA). Raccoons with the highest tissue PCB concentrations appeared to be those inhabiting areas nearest the plant itself and most likely those that ventured into the plants interior. Male raccoons at the PGDP had similar concentrations of total PCBs in subcutaneous fat (1.86 ± 0.64 ,g/g) as males from the reference site (1.41 ± 0.35 ,g/g), but females had higher PCB body burdens than those at the reference site (9.90 ± 6.13 ,g/g vs 0.75 ± 0.40 ,g/g). Gross measurements of exposure to radiation-producing materials revealed that counts per minute exceeded background in 61% of PGDP raccoons compared with 27% at the reference site and five raccoons at the PGDP had beta counts that were more than twice the background. Differences among trapping success, growth rates, and serum chemistry parameters were noted but may have been related to habitat and other environmental and population density factors. [source] Chronic effects of polychlorinated dibenzofurans on mink in laboratory and field environmentsINTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2009Matthew J Zwiernik Abstract Mink are often used as a sentinel species in ecological risk assessments of chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzo- p -dioxins (PCDDs), and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) that cause toxicity mediated through the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor. Considerable toxicological information is available on the effects of PCBs and PCDDs on mink, but limited toxicological information is available for PCDFs. Thus, exposure concentrations at which adverse effects occur could not be determined reliably for complex mixtures in which PCDFs dominate the total calculated concentration of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin equivalent (TEQ). Two studies were conducted to evaluate the potential toxicity of PCDFs to mink. The first was a chronic exposure, conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, in which mink were exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TCDF) concentrations as great as 2.4 × 103 ng 2,3,7,8-TCDF/kg wet-weight (ww) diet or 2.4 × 102 ng TEQ2006-WHO-mammal/kg ww diet. In that study, transient decreases in body masses of kits relative to the controls was the only statistically significant effect observed. The second study was a 3-y field study during which indicators of individual health, including hematological and morphological parameters, were determined for mink exposed chronically to a mixture of PCDDs and PCDFs under field conditions. In the field study, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the measured parameters between mink exposed to a median estimated dietary dose of 31 ng TEQ2006-WHO-mammal/kg ww and mink from an upstream reference area where they had a median dietary exposure of 0.68 ng TEQ2006-WHO-mammal/kg ww. In both studies, concentrations of TEQ2006-WHO-mammal to which the mink were exposed exceeded those at which adverse effects, based on studies with PCDD and PCB congeners, would have been expected. Yet in both instances where PCDF congeners were the sole or predominant source of the TEQ2006-WHO-mammal, predicted adverse effects were not observed. Taken together, the results of these studies suggest that the values of the mammalian-specific toxicity equivalency factors suggested by the World Health Organization overestimate the toxic potency of PCDFs to mink. Therefore, hazard cannot be accurately predicted by making comparisons to toxicity reference values derived from exposure studies conducted with PCBs or PCDDs in situations where mink are exposed to TEQ mixtures dominated by PCDFs. [source] Glial Limitans Elasticity Subjacent to the Supraoptic NucleusJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 8 2004A. K. Salm Abstract Two previous studies from our laboratory have indicated that the ventral glial limitans subjacent to the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON-VGL) undergoes a reversible thinning upon chronic activation of the magnocellular neuroendocrine cells (MNCs) of the supraoptic nucleus (SON). Numerous other studies have shown that MNC somata hypertrophy with activation. One aim of the current study was to understand better how SON-VGL thinning occurs. A second aim was to quantify overall changes of the MNC somata region due to cellular hypertrophy to compare relative changes in dimensions. Here, we undertook a light microscopic stereological investigation of the SON and the subjacent SON-VGL of Nissl stained material under basal and activated conditions. Astrocyte numbers in the underlying SON-VGL remained stable across hydration state as did the overall volume of the SON-VGL and dendritic zone reference area. How these data are consistent with our earlier observations of SON-VGL thinning was resolved by the finding of a highly significant, 30% increase in the mediolateral dimension of the SON-VGL in dehydrated rats. These observations fit well with previous work from our laboratory that demonstrates a reorientation of SON-VGL astrocytes, from vertical to horizontal, which occurs in the activated SON-VGL. We found a significant, approximately 54%, increase in the overall volume of the MNC region of the SON. No significant rostrocaudal lengthening of the SON was detected, although a trend was evident. All the observed changes reversed with rehydration. These data indicate that elasticity of the SON-VGL acts to accommodate the volume expansion of the MNCs and enables the SON-VGL to continue as an interface between the underlying cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space and the expanded SON above. [source] Morphological and Morphometric Changes of Pituitary Lactotrophs of Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus) in Relation to Reproductive Cycle, Age, and SexTHE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Verónica Filippa Abstract Lactotrophs in pituitary pars distalis (PD) of viscacha were studied by immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis in the following groups: 1) adult males throughout the reproductive cycle (reproductive, gonadal regression, and recovery periods), 2) melatonin-treated adults, 3) castrated adults, 4) prepubertal, 5) non-pregnant females, and 6) pregnant females (early, mid, and late pregnancy). Immunopositive percentage area (%IA), cell percentage in PD (% PDC), number of cells per reference area (no.cell/RA), major cellular and nuclear diameters were analyzed. Lactotrophs were mainly localized in the ventro,medial region and the caudal extreme of PD. In the male viscachas, they were isolated in small and big groups, close to blood vessels and near follicles. These cells were pleomorphic and with a heterogeneous cytoplasmic immunolabeling pattern. In the adult males of the gonadal regression period the morphometric parameters were the lowest. Most parameters of lactotrophs in the prepubertal were significantly lower than in the adult males in the reproductive period. In the melatonin-treated animals and in castrated animals there was a decrease in %IA, %PDC, and no.cell/RA. In the females, the morphometric parameters increased at the end of pregnancy. Non-pregnant females exhibited a higher immunopositive area and number, but a smaller size of cells than males. Our results showed that in the adult male viscacha, lactotrophs vary seasonally, probably due to the photoperiod effect through melatonin. Besides the changes observed after castration, in prepubertal animals, in adults of different sex, and during pregnancy suggest that the gonadal steroid hormones might modify the lactotrophs activity. Anat Rec, 293:150,161, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Animal decisions and conservation: the recolonization of a severely polluted river by the Eurasian otterANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 5 2009M. Delibes Abstract Animals make decisions relying on environmental cues associated to high survival or breeding success along their evolutionary history. However, because of rapid anthropogenic changes in the environment, they may lack useful cues, making bad decisions with potential consequences for individuals and populations. Contaminants are difficult or impossible to detect for animals, so polluted habitats could be used in spite of their dangerous effects. The Eurasian otter Lutra lutra reoccupied the Guadiamar River (SW Spain) <1 year after a toxic spill that killed the fauna living in it. The levels of heavy metals and arsenic (As) in the river trophic web at that moment were probably harmful for otters. To investigate this, we determined the amount of several heavy metals including copper, cadmium, zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) and metalloids such as As in otter faeces and estimated the exposure of otters to these elements as average ingestion. Concentrations of Zn, Pb and As were statistically higher in faeces collected along the Guadiamar River than in those collected along the Guadalete River (reference area). An ,average otter' in the Guadiamar River would consume 3,4 mg of Pb and more than 5 mg of As daily. Such doses must be hazardous for the species and challenge the usual assertion that otter presence is a good indicator of river quality. [source] Is the combination of topsoil replacement and inoculation with plant material an effective tool for the restoration of threatened sandy grassland?APPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE, Issue 4 2010Carsten Eichberg Abstract Question: Is it possible to restore dry calcareous inland sand ecosystems with their characteristic plant community structure within a 4-yr period by means of combined abiotic,biotic techniques (topsoil replacement, inoculation with raked/mown plant material from target areas)? Location: Upper Rhine valley, Germany. Methods: Two 4-year experiments were carried out on former arable land, each in the proximity of a reference area bearing a similar complex of threatened sandy grasslands (experiment 1: fine-scale; experiment 2: landscape scale). In both experiments we used nutrient-poor deep-sand substrate (abiotic approach), raked/mown inoculation material from target areas and grazing as management tool (biotic and management approach). The vegetation of the restoration and donor areas was sampled once a year and analysed by non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination and target-species ratios. Mixed linear models were calculated to determine effects of grazing (experiment 1) and year (both experiments). Results: NMDS revealed a continuous development of the restored sites towards the corresponding donor sites. Similarly, target-species ratios of the restored sites tended towards the ratios of the donor sites. To date, grazing effects have mainly been structural: reduction of a carpet-forming pleurocarpous moss species and of litter. In addition, cover of target species in relation to total plant cover was significantly enhanced by grazing in the last two study years. Conclusions: The combination of nutrient-poor substrate, inoculation with raked/mown plant material and grazing proved to be a very effective restoration method for dry base-rich sand ecosystems. After 4 yr the restored plant communities serve as well-developed parts of a habitat network. [source] Influence of preimplant surgical intervention and implant placement on bone wound healingCLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH, Issue 5 2003Christer Slotte Abstract: The aims of the present investigation were to study (1) the influence of preimplant (4 weeks) surgical intervention and (2) the influence of the implant placement per se on bone density and mineralized bone,implant contact (BIC) at implant sites in the rabbit jawbone. The experiment was performed in the edentulous area of the maxillas of 16 adult rabbits. In eight rabbits, the alveolar bone on the left side (test) was surgically exposed and a groove was prepared in the bone crest. Trabecular bone and marrow tissue were removed, and a bioabsorbable barrier membrane was placed to cover the groove. The right side underwent no treatment and served as the control. Four weeks later, a screw-shaped titanium implant was placed transversally through the maxilla, penetrating both the test and the control areas. After another 4 weeks of healing, the animals were killed to obtain ground sections for histomorphometry. Untreated jaws from eight rabbits served as reference specimens. In the rabbits subjected to surgery, the areas (mm2) of both mineralized bone and marrow tissue were similar for test and control (4.9 ± 1.7 vs. 5.1 ± 2.2 and 6.3 ± 5.7 vs. 6.8 ± 5.7 for bone and marrow, respectively). The BIC (%) for all threads was significantly lower on the test side than on the control side (32.1 ± 27.7 vs. 47.7 ± 20.3). The bone density (%) of the total experimental area was similar for test and control (48.5 ± 12.1 vs. 46.5 ± 9.3), as was the bone density in the area within the implant thread valleys and their mirror areas (43.0 ± 13.9 vs. 41.3 ± 13.5, and 40.2 ± 11.0 vs. 40.3 ± 7.2 for thread area and mirror area, respectively). The bone density of the total experimental area in the untreated rabbits was 35.9 ± 5.2%. This value was significantly lower than the values in the total experimental areas (test and control) of the surgically treated rabbits. Similarly, the density of the reference area in the untreated rabbits was 25.4 ± 5.3%, which was also significantly lower than the bone density of the periimplant area of the surgically treated rabbits. We conclude that the surgical trauma caused by the placement of implants in the maxilla of rabbits significantly enhanced the bone density of the implant sites. Surgical intervention in the implant sites 4 weeks prior to the implant placements, however, did not further enhance bone density or BIC. Résumé Les buts de cette étude ont été d'étudier 1) l'influence d'une intervention chirurgicale préimplantaire (4 semaines) et 2) l'influence du placement de l'implant per se sur la densité osseuse et le contact implant-os minéralisé (BIC). Cette expérience a été effectuée dans la région édentée du maxillaire de seize lapins adultes. Chez huit lapins, l'os alvéolaire du côté gauche (test) était chirurgicalement exposé et une marque a été faite dans la crête osseuse. L'os trabéculaire et le tissu spongieux ont été enlevés et une membrane biorésorbable a été placée pour couvrir ce trou. Le côté droit ne subissait aucun traitement et a servi de contrôle. Quatre semaines après, un implant en titane vis a été placé transversalement à travers le maxillaire pénétrant tant la zone test que contrôle. Après quatre semaines de guérison les animaux ont été tués pour obtenir des coupes pour l'histomorphométrie. Les mâchoires non-traitées de huit lapins ont servi de spécimens de référence. Chez les lapins soumis à la chirugie les zones d'os minéralisé et de tissu spongieux étaient semblables pour le test et le contrôle (respectivement 4,9±1,7 mm2 vs 5,1±2,2 mm2 et 6,3±5,7 mm2 vs 6,8±5,7mm2). Les BIC pour tous les filetages étaient significativement moins importants au niveau des tests que des contrôles (32,1±27,7% vs 47,7±20,3%). La densité osseuse du total de l'aire expérimentale était semblable pour les tests et les contrôles (48,5±12,1%vs 46,3±9,3%) comme l'était la densité osseuse dans la zone à l'intérieur du filetage de l'implant et de leurs aires mineures (43,0±13,9%vs 41,3±13,5% pour les filetages et 40,2±11,0% vs40,3±7,2% pour les aires mineures). La densité osseuse de l'aire expérimentale totale chez les lapins nont-traités était de 35,9 ±5,2%. Cette valeur était significativement inférieure à celles dans les aires expérimentales totales (tests et contrôles) des lapins traités chirurgicalement. Parallèlement, la densité de l'aire de référence des lapins non-traités était de 25,4±5,3% c.-à-d. inférieure à la densité osseuse de la zone paroïmplantaire des lapins traités chirurgicalement. Le trauma chirurgical causé par le placement d'implants dans le maxillaire de lapins augmente significativement la densité osseuse au niveau des sites implantaires. L'intervention chirurgicale des sites à implanter quatre semaines avant le placement des implants n'avait cependant augmenté ni la densité osseuse ni le BIC. Zussammenfassung Der Einfluss eines praeimplantären chirurgischen Eingriffes und der Implantation per se auf die Heilung der Knochenwunde. Eine Studie am Kieferknochen des Kaninchens. Ziel: Das Ziel dieser Studie war es 1) den Einfluss eines praeimplantären chirurgischen Eingriffes (4 Wochen vorher) und 2) den Einfluss der Implantation per se auf die Knochendichte und den mineralisierten Knochen-Implantatkontakt (BIC) an einer Implantationsstelle im Kieferknochen des Kaninchens zu untersuchen. Material und Methode: Die Testregion war der zahnlose Oberkieferabschnitt von 16 ausgewachsenen Kaninchen. Bei 8 Kaninchen wurde der Alveolarknochen der linken Seite (Test) chirurgisch freigelegt und eine Vertiefungen in den Knochenkortex präpariert. Dann entfernte man den trabekulären Knochen und das Knochenmark und deckte die Vertiefung mit einer bioresorbierbaren Membran ab. Die rechte Seite wurde unbehandelt belassen und diente als Kontrolle. Vier Wochen später implantierte man ein schraubenförmiges Titanimplantat transversal durch die Maxilla, so dass es Test- oder Kontrollregion durchdrang. Nach einer Heilphase von weiteren vier Wochen wurden die Tiere geopfert und von der zu untersuchenden Region Grundschnitte für die Histologie hergestellt. Als Referenz dienten unbehandelte (jungfräuliche) Kiefer von weiteren 8 Kaninchen. Resultate: Bei den Kaninchen, welche die oben beschriebenen chirurgischen Schritte durchlaufen haben, waren sowohl bei der Test- wie auch bei der Kontrollgruppe die Fläche von mineralisiertem Knochen und Knochenmark (in mm2) ähnlich gross (4.9+1.7 gegenüber 5.1+2.2 beim Knochen und 6.3+5.7 gegenüber 6.8+5.7 beim Knochenmark). Der BIC (%) war in allen Schraubenwindungen auf der Testseite signifikant tiefer als auf der Kontrollseite (32.1+27.7 gegenüber 47.7+20.3). Die Knochendichte (%) war in der untersuchten Region bei der Test- und Kontrollseite etwa gleich gross (48.5+12.1 gegenüber 46.5+9.3) wie die Knochendichte in den Vertiefungen der Schraubenwindungen und ihrer spiegelbildlichen Regionen (43.0+13.9 gegenüber 41.3+13.5 in den Schraubenwindungen und 40.2+11.0 gegenüber 40.3+7.2 in den spiegelbildlichen Regionen). Die Knochendichte in der gesamten Region der unbehandelten (jungfräulichen) Kaninchen betrug 35.9+5.2%. Dieser Wert war signifikant tiefer als die Werte der gesamten untersuchten Region der chirurgisch behandelten Kaninchen (Test- und Kontrollseite). Ganz ähnlich war die Dichte in der Referenzregion der unbehandelten Kaninchen 25.4+5.3%, ein Wert der auch signifikant tiefer war als die Knochendichte in der periimplantären Region von chirurgisch behandelten Kaninchen. Zusammenfassung: Das chirurgische Trauma, das beim Setzen eines Implantates im Oberkiefer von Kaninchen entsteht, begünstigt die Knochendichte an den Stellen der Implantate signifikant. Der chirurgischen Eingriff vier Wochen vor der Implantation jedoch, förderte an den zur Implantation vorgesehenen Stellen weder Knochendichte noch BIC. Resumen Objetivos: La intención de la presente investigación fue estudiar 1) la influencia de la intervención quirúrgica (4 semanas) periimplantaria y 2) la influencia de la colocación de implantes per se en la densidad ósea y el contacto del hueso mineralizado al implante (BIC) en los lugares de implante en el hueso mandibular del conejo. Material y métodos: El experimento se realizó en el área edéntula del maxilar de 16 conejos adultos. Se expuso quirúrgicamente el hueso alveolar en el lado izquierdo (test) de 8 conejos y se preparó un hueco en la cresta ósea. Se retiró el hueso trabecular y el tejido de médula ósea, colocándose una membrana de barrera biorreabsorbible para cubrir el hueco. El lado derecho no sufrió ningún tratamiento y sirvió de control. Cuatro semanas mas tarde, se colocó un implante de forma roscada transversalmente a través del maxilar, penetrando las áreas de prueba y de control. Tras otras 4 semanas de cicatrización, los animales se sacrificaron para obtener cortes histológicos para histomorfometría. Las mandíbulas sin tratar de los 8 conejos sirvieron como especímenes de referencia. Resultados: En los conejos sometidos a cirugía las áreas (mm2) del hueso mineralizado y del tejido medular fueron similares para la prueba y el control (4.9 ± 1.7 vs. 5.1 ± 2.2 y 6.3 ± 5.7 vs. 6.8 ± 5.7, hueso y médula respectivamente). El BIC (%) para todas las roscas fue significativamente mas bajo en el lado de prueba que en el de control (32.1 ± 27.7 vs. 47.7 ± 20.3). La densidad de ósea (%) de toda el área experimental fue similar para la prueba y el control (48.5 ± 12.1 vs. 46.5 ± 9.3) así como la densidad ósea en el área en los valles entre las roscas y en su área espejo (43.0 ± 13.9 vs. 41.3 ± 13.5, y 40.2 ± 11.0 vs. 40.3 ± 7.2, área de roscas y área espejo respectivamente). La densidad ósea en el área total experimental en los conejos no tratados (vírgenes) fue del 35.9 ± 5.2%. Este valor fue significativamente mas bajo que los valores en el total de las áreas experimentales (test y control) de los conejos tratados quirúrgicamente. Del mismo modo, la densidad del área de referencia de los conejos no tratados fue de 25.4 ± 5.3%, que también fue significativamente mas baja que la densidad ósea del área periimplantaria de los conejos tratados quirúrgicamente. Conclusión: El trauma quirúrgico causado por la colocación de implantes en el maxilar de conejos estimuló significativamente la densidad ósea de los lugares de implantes. Sin embargo, la intervención quirúrgica de los lugares de implantes 4 semanas antes de la colocación de los implantes no estimuló mas la densidad ósea o el BIC. [source] Nestedness in fragmented landscapes: birds of the box-ironbark forests of south-eastern AustraliaECOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2002Ralph Mac Nally Nestedness in biota as a function of species richness , biota of depauperate assemblages being non-random subsets of richer biotas , has been widely documented in recent years (see Wright et al. 1998, Oecologia 113: 1,20). Ordering sites by richness maximizes nestedness indices; however, ordering by other criteria such as area or isolation may be more ecologically interpretable. We surveyed birds in true fragments (35 in all), and in "reference areas" in large extant forest blocks (30 locations), of the same range of areas (10, 20, 40, 80 ha). The avifauna was divided into "bush birds", species dependent on forest and woodland, and "open country" species. We looked at nestedness in four data sets: "bush birds" in fragments and reference areas, and "all birds" in fragments and in reference areas. All data sets were significantly nested. Ordering by area in all cases was not significantly less nested than ordering by richness. Ordering by area in fragments was significantly greater than in reference areas, but the differences in standardized nestedness indices were small (<15%). We identified those birds that had distributions among fragments that conformed strongly with area, those that were more randomly distributed and some species that were more likely to occupy the smallest fragments. Among the latter was a hyperaggressive, invasive, colonial native species (noisy miner Manorina melanocephala). A suite of small, insectivorous birds were more likely to strongly conform with expected distributions in relation to area, which was consistent with observations of their vulnerability to the effects of the noisy miner in smaller fragments. [source] Long-term trends in liver neoplasms in brown bullhead in the Buffalo River, New York, USAENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2010Darrel J. Lauren Abstract The Buffalo River area of concern (AOC) was assigned an impaired status for the fish tumors and other deformities beneficial use impairment category by the New York State Department of Environmental Protection in 1989. This was initially based on an inadequately documented brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) feeding study using river sediment extracts. The presence of liver tumors was subsequently supported by reports of a 19 to 27% prevalence in wild brown bullhead between 1983 and 1988 and a 4.8% prevalence in 1998. However, neither fish size (or age) nor sample locations were given, and histopathological definitions were inconsistent in these previous studies. Therefore, in 2008, we re-evaluated the prevalence of hepatocellular and chloangiocellular tumors (as well as other gross indicators of fish health) in brown bullhead averaging 25,cm in length collected from three reaches of the Buffalo River and recorded our collection sites by global positioning system. Among the 37 fish of appropriate size collected, only three exhibited liver tumors (8%). The tumors were evenly distributed within the three reaches, and only hepatocellular tumors were found. There were no differences in the prevalence of hepatic foci of alteration, body weight, length, or hepatosomatic index among the three reaches, but the conditions factor was significantly lower in fish from reach 2. Natural attenuation of water and sediment quality are the most likely causes for the decrease in liver tumors. The prevalence of liver tumors between 1998 and 2008 in the Buffalo River is similar to that found in recovery-stage AOCs and some Great Lakes reference areas. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1748,1754. © 2010 SETAC [source] Productivity of American robins exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls, Housatonic River, Massachusetts, USAENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 11 2003Miranda H. Henning Abstract American robins (Turdus migratorius) breeding in the Housatonic River (MA, USA) watershed were studied in the field in 2001 to determine whether productivity was adversely affected by exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as would be suggested by extrapolation from laboratory studies on other avian species. The study involved identifying nests within the Housatonic River floodplain (target area) and in reference areas beyond foraging distance of the floodplain, monitoring clutch size and number hatched and fledged, collecting eggs and nestlings for analysis for PCBs, and testing for differences in productivity between populations. One hundred and six active robin nests were monitored. Although concentrations of PCBs in target specimens were more than two orders of magnitude greater than in reference specimens, the only statistically significant differences in productivity were inconsistent with an exposure-related effect. First-generation productivity of exposed robins was within the range of natural background variation. Bioequivalence tests confirmed that first-generation productivity was statistically and biologically equivalent in target and reference robins. These findings contrast with extrapolations from laboratory studies of other avian species. [source] Sediment chemical contamination and toxicity associated with a coastal golf course complex,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2001Michael A. Lewis Abstract The increasing density of golf courses represents a potential source of sediment contamination to nearby coastal areas, the chemical and biological magnitude of which is almost unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of contaminants and toxicities of sediments impacted by a coastal golf course complex. Sediment contaminant concentrations were determined at least twice during the two-year study period at 14 sampling stations. In addition, a combination of acute and chronic bioassays were conducted exposing four invertebrate test species to whole sediments and associated pore waters. Overall, the Florida, USA, golf course complex had a measurable impact on sediment chemical quality, particularly in near-field areas. Higher concentrations of several trace metals and organochlorine pesticides were detected in many golf course-associated sediments compared with reference areas; however, concentrations decreased seaward and only a few, primarily chlorinated pesticides, exceeded proposed sediment quality guidelines. Chromium, zinc, and mercury were detected more frequently than other trace metals. The DDT and associated metabolites, dieldrin and chlordane, were the more commonly detected organic contaminants. Acute toxicity was uncommon and occurred consistently for sediment collected from one coastal location. In contrast, chronic toxicity occurred at several study sites based on the response of Mysidopsis bahia. It was concluded that the impact of golf course runoff on sediment quality may be subtle and sensitive biological assessment methods, such as chronic toxicity tests, will be needed to detect adverse effects. [source] Chlorinated hydrocarbons in flatfishes from the Southern California, USA, BightENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2000Kenneth Schiff Abstract Alhough inputs of chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds to the Southern California Bight (SCB) are presently low, historical deposits represent a source of bioaccumulation potential to sediment-associated fauna. To assess this bioaccumulation potential, 14 chlorinated hydrocarbon classes were measured in livers of three species of flatfish collected from 63 randomly selected sites on the coastal shelf between Point Conception and the United States,Mexico international border. Tissue contamination was widespread throughout the SCB, but was limited to just two chlorinated hydrocarbon classes. Virtually 100% of Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus) and longfin sanddab (Citharichthys xanthostigma) populations were estimated to be contaminated with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (total DDT = sum of o,p, and p,p, isomers of DDT + dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene [DDE] + dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane [DDD]) and/or polychlorinated biphenyls (total PCBs). Total DDT also contaminated the majority (64%) of the Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus) population in the SCB. Total PCB measurements in tissues of SCB flatfish were dominated by 12 congeners (52, 66, 87, 101, 105, 118, 128, 138, 153, 170, 180, and 187), which averaged 95% of the combined mass of the 27 congeners analyzed. Sediment concentrations (normalized by total organic carbon content) accounted for most of the variability observed in tissue concentrations (normalized by lipid content) for 8 of these 12 congeners and total PCBs. Normalized sediment concentrations were also significantly correlated to normalized tissue concentrations for total DDT and p,p,-DDE. Tissue concentrations measured in this study from reference areas of the SCB were compared to tissue concentrations measured from reference areas in studies conducted in 1977 and 1985. Total DDT and total PCB liver concentrations were found to have decreased one to two orders of magnitude in Pacific and longfin sanddabs between 1985 and 1994. Total DDT and total PCB liver concentrations decreased 5- to 35-fold in Dover sole between 1977 and 1994. [source] Invertebrates and the Restoration of a Forest Ecosystem: 30 Years of Research following Bauxite Mining in Western AustraliaRESTORATION ECOLOGY, Issue 2007Jonathan D. Majer Abstract Restoration needs to consider more than just soils and plants. The role of terrestrial invertebrates in the restoration of Alcoa's bauxite mines in the Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest of Western Australia has been the subject of over 20 individual studies. Projects range from arthropods in soil and leaf litter, to the understorey vegetation, and the tree canopy. Moreover, projects span a range of trophic groups, including decomposers (e.g., springtails and termites), predators (e.g., ants and spiders), and herbivores (e.g., true bugs and ants preying on seeds). Elucidation of recolonization trajectories uses both space-for-time substitutions and long-term regular sampling. Importantly, many studies are at species level rather than coarser taxonomic ranks. This paper provides an historical account and an integrated review of this research. The role of ants as seed predators and as indicators of ecosystem health is described. Successional data for other groups, when measured by species richness (ants, spiders, and hemipterans) and composition (ants and spiders), show their reassembly trajectories tracking toward unmined reference areas. Hemipteran species composition tracks the vegetation reassembly trajectory but not toward unmined reference areas. Studies also have revealed optimal sampling methods for surveying invertebrates and their rich biodiversity in southwestern Australia. In restored mine pits burnt to reduce fuel loads, the response of spiders to this additional disturbance was retrogression/alteration of the post-mining trajectory. Finally, attention is drawn to research areas receiving limited scrutiny to date, such as the contribution of terrestrial invertebrates to ecosystem function and taxonomic groups not yet studied. [source] Salt Marsh Restoration in Connecticut: 20 Years of Science and ManagementRESTORATION ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2002R. Scott Warren Abstract In 1980 the State of Connecticut began a tidal marsh restoration program targeting systems degraded by tidal restrictions and impoundments. Such marshes become dominated by common reed grass (Phragmites australis) and cattail (Typha angustifolia and T. latifolia), with little ecological connection to Long Island Sound. The management and scientific hypothesis was that returning tidal action, reconnecting marshes to Long Island Sound, would set these systems on a recovery trajectory. Specific restoration targets (i.e., pre-disturbance conditions or particular reference marshes) were considered unrealistic. However, it was expected that with time restored tides would return ecological functions and attributes characteristic of fully functioning tidal salt marshes. Here we report results of this program at nine separate sites within six marsh systems along 110 km of Long Island Sound shoreline, with restoration times of 5 to 21 years. Biotic parameters assessed include vegetation, macroinvertebrates, and use by fish and birds. Abiotic factors studied were soil salinity, elevation and tidal flooding, and soil water table depth. Sites fell into two categories of vegetation recovery: slow, ca. 0.5%, or fast, more than 5% of total area per year. Although total cover and frequency of salt marsh angiosperms was positively related to soil salinity, and reed grass stand parameters negatively so, fast versus slow recovery rates could not be attributed to salinity. Instead, rates appear to reflect differences in tidal flooding. Rapid recovery was characterized by lower elevations, greater hydroperiods, and higher soil water tables. Recovery of other biotic attributes and functions does not necessarily parallel those for vegetation. At the longest studied system (rapid vegetation recovery) the high marsh snail Melampus bidentatus took two decades to reach densities comparable with a nearby reference marsh, whereas the amphipod Orchestia grillus was well established on a slow-recovery marsh, reed grass dominated after 9 years. Typical fish species assemblages were found in restoration site creeks and ditches within 5 years. Gut contents of fish in ditches and on the high marsh suggest that use of restored marsh as foraging areas may require up to 15 years to reach equivalence with reference sites. Bird species that specialize in salt marshes require appropriate vegetation; on the oldest restoration site, breeding populations comparable with reference marshland had become established after 15 years. Use of restoration sites by birds considered marsh generalists was initially high and was still nearly twice that of reference areas even after 20 years. Herons, egrets, and migratory shorebirds used restoration areas extensively. These results support our prediction that returning tides will set degraded marshes on trajectories that can bring essentially full restoration of ecological functions. This can occur within two decades, although reduced tidal action can delay restoration of some functions. With this success, Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection established a dedicated Wetland Restoration Unit. As of 1999 tides have been restored at 57 separate sites along the Connecticut coast. [source] The ecological barriers to the recovery of bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides (L.) Druce) infested sites: Impacts on vegetation and the potential increase in other exotic speciesAUSTRAL ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2008PETER J. TURNER Abstract To protect native biodiversity from environmental weeds, the impacts that these weeds cause need to be known before weed control commences. Asparagus asparagoides (L.) Druce (bridal creeper) (Asparagaceae) is a serious environmental weed and has been selected for biological control in Australia. To predict the responses of plant communities to the control of bridal creeper, a prerelease baseline of the impacts of bridal creeper on native plant communities was undertaken. Plant assemblages in areas invaded by bridal creeper were compared with reference areas that contained little or no bridal creeper. Areas invaded by bridal creeper contained 52% fewer native plant species when compared with nearby reference areas. However, there was no difference in the number of other exotic plant species between areas. Similar trends were found for the germinable seed bank. Although a greater number of exotic species were present in the seed bank compared with the vegetation surveys, there was still no difference between areas with and without bridal creeper. In a glasshouse trial, exotic species germinated more frequently compared with native species. This could indicate that as bridal creeper density decreases following control, exotic species have an advantage over native species when colonizing areas left vacant by bridal creeper. Second, as bridal creeper areas contained reduced native species richness and cover, they may be susceptible to further weed invasion after bridal creeper is removed. Therefore, simply reducing the presence of bridal creeper may not guarantee successful restoration of invaded areas and additional restoration efforts will be needed to ensure the ultimate goal of protecting native biodiversity is reached. [source] | |||||||||||||