Product Citations and Abstracts

A larval tarpon, Megalops atlanticus, an early Stage II as designated by Wade (1962), was collected in the upper reaches of East Bay, about 45 km from the Pensacola Inlet, Florida on 20 October 1970. It represents the second and most northern record of a larval tarpon from the Gulf of Mexico, and suggests late spawning in the Gulf.

Tagatz, M.E., P.W. Borthwick, G.H. Cook and D.L. Coppage. 1974. Effects of Ground Applications of Malathion on Salt-Marsh Environments in Northwestern Florida. Mosq. News. 34(3):309-315. (ERL,GB 179).

Effects of thermal fog [6 wt. oz/acre (420 g/ha)] and ULV aerosol spray [0.64 fl. oz/acre (57 g/ha)] applications of malathion 95 (0,0-dimethyl phosphorodithioate of diethyl mercaptosuccinate) on salt-marsh environments near Pensacola Beach, Florida, were investigated. Studies were conducted on selected plots after each of three treatments using a portable thermal fogger and three ultra low volume (ULV) sprays with a truck-mounted generator. The ULV sprays were typical of usual mosquito-control operations. The foggings were on a small scale and results should be considered as indicative of what may occur under usual conditions. Deaths due to malathion were not observed among confined blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus; grass shrimps, Palaemonetes vulgaris and P. pugio; pink shrimp, Penaeus duorarum; or sheepshead minnows, Cyprinodon variegatus. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity was not reduced in confined C. variegatus exposed to one or more treatments. Confined animals and the snail, Littorina irrorata, contained no measurable malathion at our limits of detectability. The chemical was not detected in sediment, but concentrations as high as 4.10 parts per million (ppm) were found in Juncus sp., trace amounts persisting as long as 14 days (>0.05 but <0.10 ppm). Highest concentration in marsh water after fogging was 5.2 parts per billion (ppb); after ULV spraying, 0.49 ppb. For each method of application, only trace amounts (>0.1 but <0.3 ppb) persisted in marsh water as long as 1 day.

Tagatz, M.E. and J.M. Ivey. 1981. Effects of Fenvalerate on Field- and Laboratory-Developed Estuarine Benthic Communities. EPA-600/J-81-113. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 27(2):256-267. (ERL,GB 212). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB82-127325)

Macrobentanimal communities developed in laboratory and in field aquaria during 8 weeks were exposed to various concentrations of the pyrethroid insecticide, fenvalerate. Laboratory communities, developed from planktonic larvae in unfiltered seawater, were continuously exposed to the toxicant during colonization. Field communities, developed in aquaria placed in Santa Rosa Sound, FL, were exposed in the laboratory to fenvalerate after colonization, for 1 week. Abundance of amphipods in both laboratory and field communities was significantly affected (a=0.05) by 0.01 µg fenvalerate/l water (nominal concentration). The lancelate, Branchiostoma caribaeum, also was very sensitive to 0.1 µg/l in field communities; it did not occur in laboratory communities. Numbers of mollusks and annelids in contaminated aquaria were not significantly reduced from control numbers by the highest concentrations of fenvalerate tested, 1.1 µg/l (measured) in field communities. Of an overall total of 79 species of animals, only 15 appeared in both laboratory and field studies.

Tagatz, M.E., P.W. Borthwick and J. Forester. 1975. Seasonal Effects of Leached Mirex on Selected Estuarine Animals. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 3(3):371-383. (ERL,GB 222).

Four 28-day seasonal experiments were conducted using selected estuarine animals in outdoor tanks that received continuous flow of mirex-laden water. Mirex (dodecachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2H-cyclobuta [cd] pentalene) leached from fire ant bait (0.3% mirex) by fresh water and then mixed with salt water was toxic to blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), pink shrimp (Penaeus duorarum), and grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) but not to sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus), at concentrations less than 0.53 µg/l in water. The amount of leaching was greatest in summer and least in spring. Greatest mortality occurred in summer at the highest water temperature and concentration of mirex; least mortality occurred in spring at next to the lowest temperature and at the lowest concentration. Earliest deaths of blue crabs occurred after six days of exposure and shrimps after two days. Small juvenile crabs were more sensitive to leached mirex than were large juveniles. Mirex did not appear to affect growth or frequency of molting in crabs. All exposed animals concentrated mirex. Among animals that survived for 28 days, sheepshead minnows concentrated mirex 40,800X above the concentration in the water, blue crabs 2,300X, pink shrimp 10,000X, and grass shrimp 10,800X. Sand substrata contained mirex up to 770X that in the water. Most control and exposed animals in samples examined histologically had normal tissues, but alteration in gills of some exposed fish and natural pathogens in some exposed and control crabs and shrimp were observed. The experiments demonstrated that mirex can be leached from bait by fresh water, concentrated by estuarine organisms, and can be toxic to crabs and shrimps.

Tagatz, M.E., P.W. Borthwick, J.M. Ivey and J. Knight. 1976. Effects of Leached Mirex on Experimental Communities of Estuarine Animals. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 4(4):435-442. (ERL,GB 229).

Experimental communities of various estuarine animals in outdoor tanks were exposed to a continuous flow of water containing mirex for 10 weeks. The mirex was leached from from fire ant bait (0.3% active ingredient) by fresh water which was then mixed with salt water to yield exposure concentrations averaging 0.038 µg/L. The experiment simulated runoff from treated land into estuarine areas. Mortality of grass shrimp (Palaemonetes vulgaris), pink shrimp (Penaeus duorarum), common mud crabs (Panopeus herbstii), and striped hermit crabs (Clibanarius vittatus) was significantly higher in tanks containing the toxicant. Mortality of ribbed mussels (Modiolus demissus) and American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) was significantly lower in treated tanks, probably because numbers of both species of crabs, which ate the bivalves, were reduced. Sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) were least affected by mirex. Almost all deaths occurred after 10 or more days of exposure. All exposed animals accumulated mirex, with maximum concentrations ranging from 5,000X (pink shrimp) to 73,700X (soft tissues of oysters) above the concentration in the water. Sand substratum contained mirex up to 1,500X that in the water. The study demonstrated that mirex can be leached from bait by fresh water and concentrated by and affect survival of members in an experimental estuarine community.

Tagatz, Marlin E. 1976. Effect of Mirex on Predator-Prey Interaction in an Experimental Estuarine Ecosystem. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 105(4):546-549. (ERL,GB 276).

Tests of 14- to 16-days duration were conducted to determine the distribution and sublethal effects of mirex in an experimental estuarine ecosystem. The insecticide was translocated from water at concentrations of 0.011 to 0.13 µg/liter to sand, plant, and animal components. An alteration of predator-prey interaction due to mirex was manifested by a significant difference (X2 test, a = 0.05) in survival of grass shrimp, Palaemonetes vulgaris, in control and treated tanks after one, two, or three days of predation by pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides.

Tagatz, Marlin E., Joel M. Ivey, James C. Moore and Michael Tobia. 1977. Effects of Pentachlorophenol on the Development of Estuarine Communities. EPA-600/J-77-069. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health. 3(3):501-506. (ERL,GB 310). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB-277 154)

Pentachlorophenol affected the composition of communities of estuarine organisms developed in sand from planktonic larvae in estuarine water that flowed through ten control aquaria and ten aquaria per exposure concentration averaging 7, 76, or 622 µg/liter. Annelids, arthropods, and mollusks were the numerically dominant phyla when animals were collected in a 1-mm-mesh sieve after 9 wk of exposure. Mollusks were markedly fewer at 7 µg/liter; annelids and arthropods at 76 µg/liter. Almost no animals occurred at 622 µg/liter. The total numbers of individuals and species were significantly less (a=0.01) In aquaria exposed to 76 µg/liter. than in those unexposed or exposed to 7 µg/liter.

Tagatz, Marlin E. and Michael Tobia. 1978. Effect of Barite (BaSO4) on Development of Estuarine Communities. EPA-600/J-78-090. Estuarine Coastal Mar. Sci. 7(4):401-407. (ERL,GB 340). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB-294 908)

Barite (BaSO4), the primary component of oil drilling muds, affected the composition of estuarine communities developed from planktonic larvae in aquaria containing sand and flowing estuarine water. Aquaria contained: sand only; a mixture (by volume) of 1 part barite and 10 parts sand; 1 part barite, and 3 parts sand; or sand covered by 0.5 cm barite. For all environments, annelids and mollusks were the numerically dominant phyla collected in a 1-mm-mesh sieve after 10 weeks exposure; a total of 3020 animals, representing 59 species, was collected. Significantly fewer animals and species (a=0.01) developed in aquaria sand covered by barite than in aquaria unexposed or exposed to 1 barite:10 sand. Number of animals in aquaria containing 1 barite:3 sand also differed (a=0.05) from that in control aquaria. Annelids were particularly affected and significantly fewer (a=0.01) were found in all treatments than in the control. Mollusks decreased markedly in number only in barite-covered aquaria. Barite, however, did not impede growth (as height) of the abundant clam, Laevicardium mortoni, or decrease abundance of six other phyla. Our data indicate that large quantities of this compound, as discharged in offshore oil drilling, possibly could adversely affect the colonization of benthic animals.

Tagatz, M.E., J.M. Ivey and M. Tobia. 1978. Effects of Dowicide G-ST on Development of Experimental Estuarine Macrobenthic Communities. In: Pentachlorophenol: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Environmental Toxicology. EPA-600/J-78-077. K. Ranga Rao, Editor. Plenum Press, New York, NY. Pp. 157-163. (ERL,GB 352). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB-290 037)

Aquaria containing clean sand received a continuous supply of flowing seawater from Santa Rosa Sound, Florida, mixed with known quantities of Dowicide® G-ST (79% sodium pentachlorophenate) for thirteen weeks. The measured concentrations of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in aquaria were 1.8, 15.8 and 161 µg/l. At the end of the experiment, macrofauna established in control and experimental aquaria was examined. Mollusks, arthropods and annelids were numerically dominant among the macrofauna. Although exposure to 1.8 µg PCP/l had no effect, the higher concentrations of PCP caused marked reduction in the numbers of individuals and species. Mollusks were the most sensitive taxonomic group to PCP. These results and our previous studies on the effects of a nine-week exposure to PCP in the establishment of macrobenthic communities indicate that discharge of PCP into natural waters could alter the normal colonization by benthic animals and could impact various ecological relationships among localized populations.

Tagatz, M.E., J.M. Ivey, H.K. Lehman and J.L. Oglesby. 1978. Effects of a Lignosulfonate-Type Drilling Mud on Development of Experimental Estuarine Macrobenthic Communities. EPA-600/J-78-069. Northeast Gulf Sci. 2(1):35-42. (ERL,GB 370). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB-290 040)

Drilling mud, as used in exploratory drilling for oil offshore, affected the composition of estuarine communities that developed from planktonic larvae in aquaria containing sand and flowing estuarine water. Aquaria contained: sand only; a mixture (by volume) of 1 part mud and 10 parts sand; 1 part mud and 5 parts sand; or sand covered by 0.2 cm mud. For all environments, annelids, mollusks, arthropods, and coelenterates were the numerically dominant phyla collected in a 1 mm mesh sieve after eight weeks exposure; a total of 1,025 animals, representing 45 species, was collected. Annelids and coelenterates were significantly fewer (a=0.05) in aquaria containing drilling mud than in the control aquaria. Arthropods were significantly affected only by mud cover over sand; mollusks also were diminished in this environment, but not significantly. Exposure to concentrations of drilling mud reduced not only the number of individuals, but also the frequency of occurence of macrobenthic species. Thus, the average number of annelid species in 1 part mud: 5 parts sand aquaria or in mud-covered aquaria was significantly less than in control aquaria. The average number of arthropod species per aquarium was also significantly less in mud-cover exposure than in the control. Discharge of large quantities of drilling mud at levels tested in the laboratory could adversely affect the colonization of various substrata by benthic animals in nature.

Tagatz, M.E., J.M. Ivey, H.K. Lehman and J.L. Oglesby. 1979. Effects of Sevin on Development of Experimental Estuarine Communities. EPA-600/J-79-060. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health. 5(4):643-651. (ERL,GB 373). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB80-177835)

The composition of animal communities developing from planktonic larvae in aquariums containing sand and flowing estuarine water was altered in the presence of the carbamate insecticide Sevin (carbaryl). Treatments were control and concentrations of Sevin that averaged 1.1, 11.1, and 103 µg/l; each treatment was replicated 8 times. Animals that colonized aquarium sand were collected in a 1-mm mesh sieve after 10 wk of exposure. Mollusks, arthropods, annelids, and nemerteans were the numerically dominant phyla. The average number of species per aquarium was significantly less (a=0.05) in aquariums containing 11.1 or 103 µg/l than in those containing 1.1 µg/l or in control aquariums. The abundant clam Ensis minor grew significantly less in length at the higher concentrations of Sevin. The amphipod Corophium acherusicum was particularly affected; significantly fewer were found at all concentrations than in the control aquariums. A marked increase in the abundance of the annelid Polydora ligni in aquariums containing 103 µg/l corresponded to a marked decrease in the number of other annelids and to a significant absence of nemerteans.

Tagatz, M.E., J.M. Ivey and J.L. Oglesby. 1979. Toxicity of Drilling-Mud Biocides to Developing Estuarine Macrobenthic Communities. Northeast Gulf Sci. 3(2):88-95. (ERL,GB 391). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB82-106031)

The effects of various biocides, as used in drilling muds for exploratory drilling for oil offshore, were determined by comparing macrobenthic communities that developed from planktonic larvae in treated and untreated aquaria. Surflo®-B33 and Aldacide® were tested simultaneously. Harvest at seven weeks yielded 1,941 animals, representing 37 species of 6 phyla. The effects of Surflo®-B33 (25 percent dichlorophenol and other chlorophenals) on these communities were similar to those of pentachlorophenol, a biocide known to be toxic to many aquatic organisms. Significantly fewer (a=0.05) chordates, mollusks, and annelids occurred in 819 µg Surflo®-B33/l (measured) than in the control; mollusks were most sensitive and also significantly fewer in aquaria receiving 41 µg/l. Average numbers of animals and species per aquarium did not significantly decrease in Aldacide® (91% paraformaldehyde) at nominal concentrations of 15 and 300 µg/l. The high toxicity of the chlorophenols tested indicates that the use of alternative biocides, possibly paraformaldehyde, should be considered for natural waters.

Tagatz, M.E., J.M. Ivey, H.K. Lehman, M. Tobia and J.L. Oglesby. 1980. Effects of Drilling Mud on Development of Experimental Estuarine Macrobenthic Communities. In: Symposium: Research on Environmental Fate and Effects of Drilling Fluids and Cuttings, January 21-24, 1980, Lake Buena Vista, FL., Vol. 2. EPA-600/D-81-006. American Petroleum Institute, Washington, DC. Pp. 847-865. (ERL,GB 401).

The effects of drilling mud on development of estuarine macrobenthic communities, which result from settling planktonic larvae, were assessed by comparing number and species of animals that grew in uncontaminated and contaminated aquaria for at least 7 weeks. Aquaria contained sand and were continuously supplied with unfiltered seawater. We tested whole drilling mud, barite (mud-weighting agent), a paraformaldehyde-type biocide (Aldacide®), and three chlorophenol-type biocides (pentachlorophenol, Dowicide® G-ST, and Surflo B-33). Tests with whole drilling mud and barite were designed to determine their impact as a cover (2 or 5 mm) over the substratum and when mixed with clean sand (ratios of 1:10 sand and higher). Annelids were most sensitive to drilling mud and barite and significantly fewer (a=0.05) in all contaminated aquaria than in control aquaria. For all phyla, the average number of species per aquarium was significantly less in treatments with a cover of mud or barite than in the controls. Mollusks were particularly affected by the chlorophenol-type biocides and significantly fewer (a-0.05) at concentrations (active ingredient in water) of 7 µg pentachlorophenol/l, 18 µg Dowicide G/l, and 10 µg Surflo B-33/l. Numbers of individuals and species of annelids per experimental aquarium were also significantly less than in control aquaria at 76 µg pentacholorphenol/l, 183 µg Dowicide G/l, and 205 µg Surflo B-33/l. Numbers of animals and species did not significantly decrease in the presence of Aldacide at nominal concentrations (active ingredient) as high as 273 µg/l. Adverse effects of drilling mud on marine benthos could result from toxic constituents or from those that physically alter the substrate.

Tagatz, M.E., J.M. Ivey, C.E. DalBo and J.L. Oglesby. 1982. Responses of Developing Estuarine Macrobenthic Communities to Drilling Muds. EPA-600/J-81-070. Estuaries. 5(2):131-137. (ERL,GB 413). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB82-236415)

The effects of drilling mud, used in oil drilling operations, on development of estuarine macrobenthic communities from settling planktonic larvae were assessed by comparing numbers and species of animals that grew in uncontaminated and contaminated aquaria for 8 weeks. Aquaria contained sand and were continuously supplied with unfiltered seawater. Seven lignosulfonate-type drilling muds obtained from an active exploratory platform in estuarine waters were tested consecutively at nominal concentrations of 0.5, 5, and 50 parts per million (ppm) in the water column. Numbers of tunicates, mollusks, and annelids per aquarium were significantly (a=0.05) decreased from control numbers in 50 ppm. Structural differences in communities exposed to 50 ppm from those in the control and lower concentrations were indicated by a decrease in Spearman's measure of rank correlation of species abundance and an increase in the Shannon-Weaver index of species diversity. A total of 13 species occurred in 50 ppm compared to 23 species in each of the other situations. Growth in diameter of Molgula manhattensis was significantly affected in all concentrations of mud.

Tagatz, M.E., J.M. Ivey, N.R. Gregory and J.L. Oglesby. 1981. Effects of Pentachlorophenol on Field- and Laboratory-Developed Estuarine Benthic Communities. EPA-600/J-80-126. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 26(1):137-143. (ERL,GB 416). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB81-197378)

A study of the response of benthic communities exposed to pentachlorophenol (PCP) was conducted to obtain additional information on the effects of this widely used chemical on the estuarine environment and to compare its effect on estuarine benthic communities developed in the field and in the laboratory. PCP is used as a wood preservative, and insecticide, a fungicide and a bactericide, and is toxic to many aquatic organisms. In earlier laboratory experiments, developing benthic communities, from planktonic larvae settling in sand-filled aquaria, were continuously exposed to PCP. In the present study, already established communities were exposed to PCP.

Tagatz, M.E., N.R. Gregory and G.R. Plaia. 1982. Effects of Chlorpyrifos on Field- and Laboratory-Developed Estuarine Benthic Communities. EPA-600/J-82-151. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health. 10(3):411-421. (ERL,GB 436). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB83-140756)

Macrobenthic animal communities, developed in sand-filled aquaria in the laboratory and in the field, were exposed to various concentrations of the insecticide, chlorpyrifos, and effects on community structure assessed. Laboratory communities were continuously exposed to the toxicant for eight weeks during colonization by planktonic larvae in unfiltered Santa Rosa Sound, Florida, seawater. Field communities developed for eight weeks in aquaria placed in Santa Rosa Sound and then removed to the laboratory for exposure to chlorpyrifos for one week. Abundance of arthropods was significantly diminished (a=0.05) by measured concentrations of chlorpyrifos which is greater than or equal to 0.1 µg/l in water in laboratory communities and by 5.9 µg/l in water in field communities. Numbers of annelids and chordates in contaminated aquaria were not reduced by the highest concentrations of chlorpyrifos tested, 8.5 µg/l in laboratory-colonized aquaria and 5.9 µg/l in field-colonized aquaria. One species of annelid, Cistenides gouldii, was more abundant in field aquaria receiving 1.0 µg/l or 5.9 µg/l than in the control and lowest concentration. Molluscan larvae colonizing laboratory aquaria were sensitive to >or = 0.1 µg/l ; however, later developmental stages characterizing field aquaria were not sensitive to less than or equal to 5.9 µg/l. Although only 20 of 78 animals species appeared in both laboratory and field communities, sensitivity of animals in these tests and in single species tests could be compared.

Tagatz, Marlin E. and Christine H. Deans. 1983. Comparison of Field- and Laboratory-Developed Estuarine Benthic Communities for Toxicant-Exposure Studies. EPA-600/J-83-078. Water Air Soil Pollut. 20(2):199-209. (ERL,GB 439). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB84-112341)

The structures of macrobenthic communities that colonized sand-filled boxes were compared to learn if laboratory-developed assemblages of animals used in toxicity studies realistically simulate those in nature. Laboratory boxes were colonized for eight weeks in Spring and Fall by planktonic larvae from continuously-supplied unfiltered seawater; field boxes, by naturally-occurring estuarine animals. Laboratory communities had larger numbers, but fewer species than field communities. One-fourth of the species found in field boxes also occurred in laboratory boxes. Species density, diversity, and dominance were similar in both environments in Fall, but differed in Spring. The degree of similarity of laboratory assemblages of benthic animals to the highly variable assemblages in the field indicates applicability of laboratory toxicity studies to nature.

Tagatz, M.E., C.H. Deans, G.R. Plaia and J.D. Pool. 1983. Impact on and Recovery of Experimental Macrobenthic Communities Exposed to Pentachlorophenol. EPA-600/J-83-139. Northeast Gulf Sci. 6(2):131-136. (ERL,GB 443). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB84-144500)

Recovery of macrobenthic animal communities in sand-filled aquaria was determined 7 weeks after a 5-week exposure to 55 µg/l pentachlorophenol. The communities developed from planktonic larvae in flowing estuarine water continuously supplied during treatment and recovery. Significantly fewer (a =0.05) individuals and species occurred in contaminated aquaria than in control aquaria immediately after exposure to pentachlorophenol. Numbers of arthropods, chordates, echinoderms, and mollusks were decreased; annelids and coelenterates were not affected. Seven weeks after exposure was discontinued, total numbers of individuals and species in previously contaminated and control aquaria no longer differed. The dominant echinoderm, Leptosynapta inhaerens, reduced numerically in contaminated aquaria at 5 weeks, increased in number not significantly different from the control at 12 weeks. However, there were some differences among species in previously contaminated aquaria and the control that could be attributed to the toxicant. Numbers of Galathowenia sp., the dominant annelid at 12 weeks and not collected at 5 weeks, were lower in previously contaminated aquaria than in control aquaria. The dominant mollusk, Laevicardium mortoni, did not recover after it was reduced in abundance by exposure to PCP. Major differences in community structure between 5 and 12 weeks were not toxicant related, however, and possibly represent natural succession. These consisted of reduced numbers of amphipods, Corophium acherusicum, and tunicates, Molgula manhattensis, at 12 weeks in both control and previously contaminated aquaria.

Tagatz, M.E., C.H. Deans, J.C. Moore and G.R. Plaia. 1983. Alterations in Composition of Field- and Laboratory-Developed Estuarine Benthic Communities Exposed to Di-n-Butyl Phthalate. EPA-600/J-83-024. Aquat. Toxicol. 3(3):239-248. (ERL,GB 451). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB83-231449)

Macrobenthic animal communities developed in sand-filled aquaria in the laboratory and in the field were exposed to three concentrations of the plasticizer, di-n-butyl phathalate (DBP), and effects on community structure were assessed. Laboratory communities were colonized by planktonic larvae in unfiltered sea water; field communities, by naturally occurring animals. After 8 wk of colonization, laboratory and field communities (removed to the laboratory) were exposed to DBP for 2 wk. The numbers of individuals and species of animals in aquaria receiving 3.7 mg DBP/1 (laboratory-colonized) or 3.8 mg DBP/l (field-colonized) were significantly less than those in control aquaria or in aquaria that received lower concentrations of the plasticizer. Affected phyla in laboratory or field faunal assemblages were chordates, mollusks, arthropods, and annelids. Amphipods, Corophium acherusicum, collected only from laboratory communities, also were significantly fewer in communities exposed to 0.34 mg DBP/l. Density of individuals and numbers of species were not affected by 0.04 mg DBP/l.

Tagatz, Marlin E., Gayle R. Plaia, Christine H. Deans and Emile M. Lores. 1983. Toxicity of Creosote-Contaminated Sediment to Field- and Laboratory-Colonized Estuarine Benthic Communities. EPA-600/J-83-189. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2(4):441-450. (ERL,GB 486). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB84-175231)

Macrobenthic animal communities that colonized uncontaminated and creosote-contaminated sand (177, 844 and 4,420 µg/g, nominal) during 8 weeks were compared to assess effects of marine-grade creosote on community structure. Aquaria were colonized in the laboratory by planktonic larvae entrained in continuously supplied unfiltered seawater and in the field by animals that occurred naturally. Individuals and species in aquaria that contained 844 and 4,420 µg creosote/g were significantly fewer (a=0.05) than those in the control. Abundance of animals in field-colonized communities contaminated with 177 µg/g, but not in laboratory-colonized communities, also was less than that in the control. The lowest creosote concentration at either site that affected numbers of individuals or species was 844 µg/g for mollusks and 177 µg/g for echinoderms, annelids and arthropods. The Shannon-Weaver index of diversity, Simpson's index of dominance, and the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index differences were greater with each increase in creosote concentration. Rarefaction indices of diversity indicated that the distribution of individuals within species was about the same for laboratory and field assemblages of animals. Initial measured concentrations of creosote in sand (midrange concentration) decreased by 30% in the laboratory and by 42% in the field at the end of the 8-week test.

Tagatz, Marlin E., Gayle R. Plaia and Christine H. Deans. 1985. Responses of Macrobenthos Colonizing Estuarine Sediments Contaminated with Drilling Mud Containing Diesel Oil. EPA/600/J-85/125. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 35(1):112-120. (ERL,GB 505). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB86-100294)

Boxes filled with clean sand or clean sand with a 2-cm overlay of mixtures of sand with barite or drilling mud were placed in Santa Rosa Sound, Florida, to determine the effects of a used lime drilling-mud on field-colonized macrobenthic communities. Effect of the drilling mud on community structure was greater than that of its barite component after colonization for 8 weeks. Barite causes changes in texture of the sediment and thereby recruitment. The average numbers of animals and species in boxes containing 1:10 and 1:3 mixtures of mud to sand were significantly less than those in control boxes and most of the barite/sand mixtures. The Shannon-Weaver index of diversity, Simpson's index of dominance, and the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index differed only for 1:3 mud/sand communities. Toxic effects of the lime drilling mud were attributed to a diesel fuel oil component (3.98 mg/g of mud).

Tagatz, Marlin E. and Gayle R. Plaia. 1985. Effects of Ground ULV Applications of Fenthion on Estuarine Biota: V. Field and Laboratory Estuarine Benthic Communities. EPA/600/J-85/460. J. Fla. Anti-Mosquito Assoc. 56(2):76-81. (ERL,GB 523E). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB87-152807)

The effects of fenthion on macrobenthic animals that colonized sand-filled boxes at two salt marsh sites were determined after two field sprayings within 5 days and in the laboratory after intermittent exposures that simulated field conditions. ULV ground applications for adult mosquito control resulted in water concentrations <=0.68 µg fenthion/l at one site and <=0.38 µg/l at the other site. There were no statistically significant differences (a= 0.05) in average numbers of benthic individuals and species (primarily annelids and arthropods) that colonized control communities and those exposed to these concentrations. The average numbers of individuals and species of animals that colonized sand-filled boxes in the laboratory (during 9 wk by planktonic larvae from continuously supplied unfiltered seawater) were not significantly affected by two treatments at 1.1 µg fenthion/l or by four treatments at 1.3 µg/l. However, the average number of species in communities exposed to two treatments at 11.8 µg/l was significantly less than that in control communities and those exposed to lower concentrations. Mean abundances of mollusks, arthropods, and chordates were substantially (19 or more percent), but not statistically significantly, lower in this concentration than in the control.

Tagatz, Marlin E. 1986. Some Methods for Measuring Effects of Toxicants on Laboratory- and Field-Colonized Estuarine Benthic Communities. In: Community Toxicity Testing, ASTM STP 920. EPA/600/D-85/120. John Cairns, Jr., Editor. American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA. Pp. 18-29. (ERL,GB 529). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB85-212132)

Effects of toxicants on estuarine macrobenthic animals that developed in sand-filled boxes in the laboratory and field during eight weeks were determined by comparing community structures in control boxes and in boxes treated with a toxicant. Boxes were colonized in the laboratory by planktonic larvae in continuously supplied unfiltered seawater and in the field by animals that occurred naturally. Field boxes were placed in estuarine waters, either near the laboratory or at salt-marsh sites subjected to contamination by mosquito control pesticide applications. Eight separate studies were conducted using the same test materials in laboratory and field tests. Communities that developed were diverse and averaged 1441 individuals, 30 species, and 6 phyla for laboratory tests and 933 individuals, 51 species, and 8 phyla for field tests. Toxicants were introduced via water, air, or sediment and before, during, or after colonization. Tests with laboratory- and field-colonized communities provided corroborating data as well as date unique to each test. Various structural attributes among laboratory, experimental field, and natural field communities were similar, indicating that data derived from the laboratory and field toxicity tests can have good environmental applicability.

Tagatz, M.E., G.R. Plaia and C.H. Deans. 1985. Effects of 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene on Estuarine Macrobenthic Communities Exposed via Water and Sediment. EPA/600/J-85/337. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 10(3):351-360. (ERL,GB 535). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB86-171626)

Macrobenthic animal communities that colonized sand-filled aquaria were exposed to 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB), a recent replacement for polychlorinated biphenyls in the electrical industry. In one test, communities established by planktonic larvae entrained in continuously supplied unfiltered seawater for 50 days were exposed to waterborne TCB for 6 days; in the second test, the toxicant was added to the sediment before 8 weeks of colonization. Concentrations that affected community structure were usually two orders of magnitude lower for waterborne TCB than for sediment-bound TCB, but the same types of organisms were affected by each route of exposure. The lowest TCB concentrations (measured) that affected average numbers of individuals exposed via the water were 0.04 mg/liter for mollusks, 0.4 mg/liter for arthropods, and 4 mg/liter for annelids. Average number of species was significantly lower than the control at 4 mg/liter. For TCB exposures via the sediment, the lowest concentrations (nominal) that affected average numbers of individuals were 100 µg/g for mollusks and echinoderms, and 1000 µg/g for arthropods and annelids. Average number of species in experimental aquaria was significantly lower than the control at >= 100 µg/g. TCB persisted in sediments, but some leached into water throughout the 8-week exposure via sediment.

Tagatz, Marlin E., Gayle R. Plaia and Christine H. Deans. 1986. Toxicity of Dibutyl Phthalate-Contaminated Sediment to Laboratory- and Field-Colonized Estuarine Benthic Communities. EPA/600/J-86/192. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 37(1):141-150. (ERL,GB 547). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB87-152815)

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), one of a large class of alkyl esters of 1,2-benzene dicarboxylic acid, is used widely in the United States and other countries as a plasticizer for epoxy and PVC resin. Significant amounts of DBP commonly occur in the aquatic environment, including the sediment. Its octanol-water partition coefficient of #5.2 (US EPA 1979) indicates that sorption of DBP by sediment could be substantial in waters polluted by this chemical. Concentrations as high as 89 ppb have been reported in sediment samples from Chesapeake Bay and up to 15.5 ppm in those from the Rhine River. To obtain information on the effects of DBP on estuarine communities exposed via the sediment, we investigated the responses of macrobenthic animals that colonized sand contaminated with this chemical in the laboratory and field.

Tagatz, M.E., R.S. Stanley, G.R. Plaia and C.H. Deans. 1987. Responses of Estuarine Macrofauna Colonizing Sediments Contaminated with Fenvalerate. EPA/600/J-87/062. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 6:21-25. (ERL,GB 569). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB87-213229)

Macrobenthic animal communities that colonized uncontaminated and fenvalerate-contaminated sand (0.1, 1 and 10 µg/g dry weight, nominal) in boxes placed for 8 weeks in an estuary were compared to assess effects of fenvalerate on community structure. As much as 27% of initial concentrations of this synthetic pyrethrin persisted in sediment at the end of the test. The average number of species (35.6) in communities in five replicates exposed to 10 µg/g was significantly less than that in the control (47.8) and lower concentrations (45.0 and 46.2). Of the dominant phyla collected (Annelida, Mollusca, Chordata, and Arthropoda), abundance of chordates only (primarily lancelets, Branchiostoma caribaeum) was reduced by 10 µg fenvalerate/g. Biological indices applied to the data showed the greatest structural differences for communities exposed to the highest concentration, but these did not differ substantially from those for the control. Effective concentration for exposure via the sediment was five orders of magnitude greater than that for waterborne exposure determined in earlier benthic community studies.

Concentrations of mirex among individual tanks in each test were not statistically different at the 5-percent significance level; whereas, differences in mirex concentrations in tank water among experiments were significant. Paired comparisons indicated statistical differences between the first and second, and the second and third experiments, but not between the first and third experiment. These differences in mean mirex concentrations in tank water may have been caused by seasonal variations in water temparature. Fluctuations in the mirex concentrations within individual tanks were not significant. In its present state of development, the described gravity-flow column is being utilized in seasonal tests to deliver mirex-laden water to determine toxicity and uptake of mirex by several animal species in an artificial estuarine ecosystem.

Hansen, David J. and Marlin E. Tagatz. 1980. Laboratory Test for Assessing Impacts of Substances on Developing Communities of Benthic Estuarine Organisms. In: Aquatic Toxicology, ASTM STP 707. EPA-600/D-80-035. J.G. Eaton, P.R. Parrish, and A.C. Hendricks, Editors. American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA. Pp. 40-57. (ERL,GB 371).

The effect of substances on development of estuarine communities was assessed by comparing the numbers, species, and phyla of benthic animals that grew from planktonic larvae in an uncontaminated apparatus and three identical apparatuses continuously contaminated (each with a different concentration) for two to four months. Each apparatus was separated into 10 sand-filled compartments (40 total) and received a continuous flow of seawater containing natural plankton. We conducted six experiments, using Aroclor 1254, toxaphene, pentachlorophenol, Dowicide G-ST, barite, and a lignosulfonate drilling mud. The communities that developed during each test were diverse, averaging more than 4000 individuals, 50 species, and seven phyla. Comparison of the results of these tests with results of acute and chronic exposures of single species demonstrates that: (a) the test can be as sensitive or more sensitive than chronic exposures of single species because the often more sensitive early developmental stages are exposed; and (b) species typically impacted are representatives of phyla also sensitive in single species tests. Also, the test may identify sensitive species not normally tested, thereby helping us to select species for additional toxicity tests. The test can also assess impacts of substances that affect community structure by physically altering the substrate.