Journal Article Citations and Abstracts

Oyster condition measures should be standardized through use of Hopkins' formula: Condition Index = (dry meat weight in g) (100)/(internal cavity volume in cm3). Cavity volumes, previously measured chiefly as capacity by a water displacement method, may be determined by subtracting the weight in air of the oyster's valves from the weight in air of the intact oyster (both in g). This method is valid because the effective density of cavity contents is close to 1 g per cm3. The technique is simple and time-efficient and could promote more widespread use of oyster condition studies.

Scott, Geoffrey I. and David R. Lawrence. 1982. American Oyster as a Coastal Zone Pollution Monitor: A Pilot Study. EPA-600/J-80-020. Estuaries. 5(1):40-46. (ERL,GB 403). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB82-258641)

The condition index [(dry meat weight)(100)/(internal cavity volume )] has been analyzed and compared in the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica, from two South Carolina estuaries, one of which was considered polluted by coliform bacteria standards. During the warmer months, oysters from the unpolluted habitat showed a consistently and significantly higher Condition Index. Best fit and power function regressions of Condition Index on total coliform bacteria levels conform with previously cited effects of pollutants on oysters. Condition index dropped markedly as the incidence of total coliforms increased toward levels of 100 per 100 ml of water. Our results and the known sensitivity of oysters to a spectrum of pollutants suggest that their condition could be used to monitor waterborne pollution in coastal zone areas.

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.

Crabtree, Roy E. and Douglas P. Middaugh. 1982. Oyster Shell Size and the Selection of Spawning Sites by Chasmodes bosquianus, Hypleurochilus geminatus, Hypsoblennius ionthas (Pisces, Blenniidae) and Gobiosoma bosci (Pisces, Gobiidae) in Two South Carolina Estuaries. Estuaries. 5(2):150-155. (ERL,GB 417).

Utilization of empty oyster shells as a habitat and spawning substate by the naked goby, Gobiosoma bosci, the striped blenny, Chasmodes bosquianus, crested blenny, Hypleurochilus geminatus, and freckled blenny, Hypsoblennius ionthas, was studied in the North Inlet and North Edisto River estuaries of South Carolina. Gape and length of shells occupied by fishes were measured. Fish inhabited and spawned in only a small portion of the size range of shells available. G. bosci, the smallest species studied, spawned in shells with narrower gapes than did C. bosquianus or H. geminatus and in shorter shells than did C. bosquianus. Thus, G. bosci may escape competition for spawning sites. Overall, there were a positive correlation between fish length and both gape and length of shells occupied by egg-guarding males.

Borthwick, Patrick W. and James M. Patrick. 1982. Use of Aquatic Toxicology and Quantitative Chemistry to Estimate Environmental Deactivation of Marine-Grade Creosote in Seawater. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 1(4):281-288. (ERL,GB 421).

The acute toxicity of marine-grade creosote, expressed as the 96-h LC50, is 0.018 mg/l for mysids (Mysidopsis bahia, Molenock), .024 mg/l for pink shrimp (Penaeus durorum, Burkenroad), and 0.72 mg/l for sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus, Lacepede). The 96-h EC50 (shell deposition) for Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica, Gmelin) is 0.71 mg/l. Mysid bioassays and chemical analyses estimate the half-life (<1 week) for marine-grade creosote in seawater.

Walsh, Gerald E., Donna L. Hansen and Debra A. Lawrence. 1982. Flow-Through System for Exposure of Seagrass to Pollutants. EPA-600/J-81-110. Mar. Environ. Res. 7(1):1-11. (ERL,GB 426). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB83-130070)

A flow-through system for exposure of seagrass to pollutants is described. Sea water with dissolved atrazine for PCP (pentachlorophenol) was pumped through a sealed 2-liter volume glass exposure vessel that contained wither whole plants or leaves of Thallassia testudinum. Effects of the compounds on oxygen evolution and uptake by leaves were measured after exposure for 40 and 88 h. Rate of oxygen evolution was depressed strongly after 40 h by 1 ppm of atrazine or PCP. The rate of oxygen uptake was slightly depressed by atrazine but strongly depressed by PCP. Photosynthesis/respiration ratios were depressed to less than one by 1 ppm of atrazine or PCP and by 0.5 ppm atrazine. EC50 values based upon depression of oxygen evolution after 40 hrs exposure were: atrazine, 0.32 ppm; PCP, 0.74 ppm. The data suggest that leaves may recover from or adapt to the presence of either toxicant.

Couch, John A. 1982. Aquatic Animals as Indicators of Environmental Exposures. EPA-600/J-82-242. J. Environ. Sci. Health Part A Environ. Sci. Eng. 17(4):473-476. (ERL,GB 431). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB83-131128)

Aquatic animals are useful as indicators of many kinds of pollutants in the aquatic environment. The presence of pollutants in the general environments of air, land and water is reflected in their accumulations in and effects on aquatic organisms because the aquatic portion of the biosphere is often the "sink" for human-generated pollutants. Aquatic animals lend themselves particularly well to the study of special phenomena, such as carcinogenesis and teratogenesis. The use of aquatic animals and systems adds an important dimension to research on those pollutants that may affect wildlife and human health.

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.

Reish, Donald J., Gill G. Geesey, Frank G. Wilkes, Philip S. Oshida, Alan J. Mearns, Steven S. Rossi and Thomas C. Ginn. 1982. Marine and Estuarine Pollution. EPA-600/J-82-276. J. Water Pollut. Control Fed. 54(6):786-812. (ERL,GB 445). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB83-163485)

The U.S. Department of Commerce published two annotated bibliographies on the ecology of insecticide water pollution, including marine organisms and ecosystems. Jernelov presented a history of chlorinated hydrocarbon pollution in the marine environment. Ernst reviewed the effects of pesticides in the marine environment and observed that estuaries exhibit higher concentrations than open seawater. He concluded that concentrations of a number of pesticides in the open ocean are unlikely to endanger marine life, but that the margin for safety is less in estuaries.

Dodge, R.E. 1982. Effects of Drilling Mud on the Reef-Building Coral Montastrea annularis. EPA-600/J-82-290. Mar. Biol. 71(2):141-147. (ERL,GB 473). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB83-182956)

The skeletal extension and corallite shape of individuals of the Caribbean and Atlantic reef-building coral Montastrea annularis were measured after more than six week's continuous flow-through exposure in laboratory aquaria to treatments of 0, 1, 10 and 100-ppm (µl l-1) drilling mud. Linear increase of the skeleton (extension rate) and fossa length were significantly depressed in the 100-ppm treatment. Chronic exposure to 100-ppm drilling mud impairs coral skeletal growth rate and possibly interferes with sediment rejection capability by lowering calical relief.

Richardson, Leonard B., Dennis T. Burton and Ann M. Stavola. 1982. Comparison of Ozone and Chlorine Toxicity to Three Life Stages of the American Oyster Crassostrea virginica. EPA-600/J-82-214. Mar. Environ. Res. 6(2):99-113. (ERL,GB X161). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB82-239021)

The effects of ozone-produced oxidants (OPO) on three developmental stages of the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica, were evaluated. Both straight-hinge (48-h post fertilization) and setting pediveliger larvae were exposed to a series of OPO concentrations ranging from 0:05 to 0:30 mg/litre OPO (as total residual chlorine) at 25 degrees C for 96 h. Mortality was used as the response parameter and results were quantitatively compared with the effects of chlorine-produced oxidants (CPO) obtained from the literature on these same developmental stages. Adult oysters (2- to 4-year class) were exposed to OPO concentrations ranging from 0:01 to 0:50 mg/litre at 15 degrees C for five days and to the same concentration range at 25 degrees C for two consecutive 6-day periods. Shell deposition and faecal matter accumulation were used as the response parameters for this stage. Straight-hinge larvae were significantly more sensitive to OPO than setting pediveliger larvae. Both larval stages were significantly more sensitive to CPO than to OPO. Shell deposition was significantly inhibited at all OPO concentrations for both 15 degree C and 25 degree C acclimated adult oysters. No significant differences were found between the shell deposition response of oysters at the two acclimation temperatures. Faecal matter accumulation was significantly reduced at OPO concentrations less than or equal to 0:05 mg/litre at both 15 degrees C and 25 degrees C. It was significantly (p less than 0:05) greater for 25 degrees C acclimated oysters than for 15 degrees C acclimated oysters at OPO concentrations less than 0:10 mg/litre but not at higher concentrations.

Powell, Eric N., Margaret Kasschau, Edward Chen, Michael Koenig and Jill Pecon. 1982. Changes in the Free Amino Acid Pool During Environmental Stress in the Gill Tissue of the Oyster, Crassostrea virginica. EPA-600/J-82-213. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A. Comp. Physiol. 71A(4):591-598. (ERL,GB X203). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB82-239039)

1. Oysters were exposed for 2- and 5-day periods to increased salinity (26ppt-38ppt), anoxia turbidity and drilling effluents. 2. After two days, the FAA pool in the gill tissue of oysters exposed to 38ppt salinity had elevated glycine, alanine and B-alanine levels; oysters exposed to anoxia showed elevated glycine and alanine and decreased aspartic acid levels. 3. After 2 days, both oysters exposed to turbidity and to drilling effluents had increased cysteic acid levels. Glutamic acid and alanine levels were also elevated in oysters exposed to drilling effluents. 4. After 5 days, glycine, alanine and B-alanine remained above control levels in oysters exposed to increased salinity whereas in those exposed to anoxia, turbidity and drilling effluents, a significant decrease in most amino acids occurred with the total FAA pool decreasing by 50%. 5. The FAA pool's response was unique for each stress studied suggesting that the FAA pool may prove to be a useful diagnostic tool for determining a posteriori the causative agent responsible for a given stress response.

Conklin, Philip J. and K. Ranga Rao. 1982. Effects of Two Dithiocarbamates on the Grass Shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio: Molt-related Toxicity and Inhibition of Limb Regeneration. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 11(4):431-435. (ERL,GB X210).

The effects of two dithiocarbamate formulations (Aquatreat DNM-30 and Busan 85) on the initiation and progression of limb regeneration following the removal of the left fifth walking leg (pereiopod) were studied with the estuarine grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio. Exposure to either Aquatreat DNM-30 or Busan 85 affected both the initiation and progression of limb regeneration; the shrimp exhibited dose-related inhibition of regenerative growth. The resultant EC(50) values for inhibition of regenerative limb growth were well below the median lethal concentrations (LC(50)s) for grass shrimp. In tests with molting grass shrimp, Busan 85 was more acutely toxic than Aquatreat DNM-30.

Doughtie, Daniel G. and K. Ranga Rao. 1982. Rosette Glands in the Gills of the Grass Shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio. I. Comparative Morphology, Cyclical Activity, and Innervation. EPA-600/J-82-150. J. Morphol. 171(1):41-67. (ERL,GB X238). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB82-207846)

Two types of exocrine rosette glands (called type A and type B), located in the gill axes of the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, are described. The type A glands are embedded within the longitudinal median septum of the gill axes, whereas the type B glands typically project into the efferent hemolymph channels of the gill axes. Although both glands have certain common characteristics (i.e., a variable number of radially arranged secretory cells, a central intercalary cell, and a canal cell that forms the cuticular ductule leading to the branchial surface), they differ in the following respects. The type B gland is innervated, but the type A gland is not; axonal processes, containing both glandular (ca. 900-1300 A) and agranular (ca. 450-640 A) vesicles, occur at a juncture between adjacent secretory cells and the central cell of the type B gland. The secretory cells of type A and type B glands differ in their synthetic potential and membrane specializations. These differences are more pronounced in well-developed, mature glands, most frequently encountered in larger (24-28 mm, total length) grass shrimp, than in the underdeveloped, immature glands that are most abundant in smaller (14-18 mm, total length) grass shrimp. Thus, in mature glands, the secretory cells of the type a rosette glands are characterized by extensive RER, abundant Golgi, and numerous secretory granules, whereas the secretory cells of the type B gland are characterized by extensively infolded and interdigitated basal plasmalemmas and by the presence of numerous mitochondria. In general, both types of glands exhibit increased secretory activity soon after ecdysis. The central and canal cells in both glands seem to have a role in the modification of the secreted materials. The possible functions assigned to the type A gland and the type B gland include phenol-oxidase secretion and osmoregulation, respectively.

Doughtie, Daniel G. and K. Ranga Rao. 1982. Rosette Glands in the Gills of the Grass Shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio. II. Premolt Ductule Reformation: Replacement of Ciliary Processes by Cytoplasmic Processes in Relation to Gland Maturation. EPA-600/J-82-149. J. Morphol. 171(1):69-77. (ERL,GB X239). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB82-207838)

The events associated with premolt reformation of the cuticularized ductule in the underdeveloped (immature) branchial rosette glands, which are common in the gills of small (14-18 mm, total length) grass shrimp, are described and contrasted with the events of ductule reformation in the fully developed (mature) rosette glands most common in larger shrimp. In immature rosette glands two ciliary processes emerge from each of the component secretory cells and ascend into the basal luminal region of the old ductule. Subsequently a new ductule is formed around the old ductule, and the ciliary processes disappear either because of degeneration or retraction. The transitory ciliary processes appear to prevent the old ductule. Such transitory ciliary processes, however, are not found in association with premolt ductule reformation in the mature rosette glands; in their place are seen a number of microvilli-like cytoplasmic processes, which emanate from the apices of the secretory cells and from the channels of the central cell. These cytoplasmic processes in mature glands, like the ciliary processes in immature glands, are transitory and appear to prevent the collapse of the old ductule. Cytoplasmic processes comparable to those in mature glands, but relatively few in number and originating only from the secretory cells, are seen together with ciliary processes in some immature glands. The relative abundance of cytoplasmic processes in the mature glands, coupled with the observation that transitory ciliary processes occur in immature glands but not in mature glands, suggests that, during glandular maturation, transitory ciliary processes are replaced by transitory cytoplasmic processes.

Gehron, Michael J. and David C. White. 1982. Quantitative Determination of the Nutritional Status of Detrital Microbiota and the Grazing Fauna by Triglyceride Glycerol Analysis. EPA-600/J-82-327. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 64(2):145-158. (ERL,GB X254). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB83-223719)

Endogenous lipid storage components are accumulated or utilized by both microorganisms and marine invertebrates, depending upon their nutritional status. Triglycerides are commonly the lipid endogenous storage materials utilized by fungi, marine vertebrates and many invertebrates, and can be quantitatively estimated by gas chromatographic assay of triacyl glycerol from lipid extraction. Deprivation from a food source can be detected by loss of triglyceride glycerol and estimated as the ratio of triglyceride glycerol to phospholipid measured as extractable lipid phosphate. In several estuarine animals, deprivation from food sources resulted in decline of both neutral lipid glycerol and triglyceride glycerol. Amphipods, feeding on estuarine detritus in the laboratory, showed the same nutritional state as those taken from detrital baskets in the field and were considerably better nourished than control amphipods deprived of food for a week.

Tan, Barrie, Paul Melius and Paul Ziegler. 1982. Simple Gas Chromatographic Method for the Study of Organic Solvents: Moisture Analysis, Hygroscopicity, and Evaporation. J. Chromatogr. Sci. 20(5):213-217. (ERL,GB X278).

This paper presents the baseline separation of eight common laboratory organic solvents by GC with TCD and simple isothermal conditions. The influence of column temperature on the chromatographic parameters, capacity factor (K), and resolution (R), was studied. Rapid analysis of moisture in organic solvents was demonstrated. A linear detection response of 100 ppm to 30% (v/v) was shown for water in ethanol. Solvent samples placed in open beakers absorbed water at varying rates. The relative rate of hygroscopicity was ethanol, 2-propanol, acetonitrile ethyl acetate, acetone greater than methanol greater than chloroform. Solvent samples, stored in stoppered volumetric flasks or septum-capped vials and periodically sampled, gave no significant moisture absorption. A mixture of organic solvents in a slowly stirred open beaker indicated differences in atmospheric evaporation. The relative rate of evaporation was either equal to or greater than acetone, chloroform, acetonitrile greater than methanol, ethyl acetate greater than ethanol, 1-propanol equal to or greater than water.

Atema, Jelle, Dale F. Leavitt, Diana E. Barshaw and M. Carmela Cuomo. 1982. Effects of Drilling Muds on Behavior of the American Lobster, Homarus americanus, in Water Column and Substrate Exposures. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 39(5):675-689. (ERL,GB X298).

Studies were conducted to explore the effects of drilling muds on various aspects of lobster behavior directly related to survival in the field. Toxicity of different drilling muds varied from immediately lethal to adult lobsters to apparently harmless to postlarval stages, with a variety of intermediate effects. Both the chemical toxicity in the water column and the physical effects of covering the substrate with drilling mud were studied, and both interfered with normal lobster behavior. The studies are mainly concerned with postlarval lobsters (stages vi and v), i.e. just after settling on the bottom. They were tested in 36-d chronic exposures (7 mg/l) and in seminatural aquaria with 1-mm layers of drilling mud covering the substrate. Toxicity in the water column manifested itself in feeding and molting delays, severe delays in shelter construction, increased walking and swimming, unprovoked tail flipping, and lethargy. A natural bay mud used as a control caused no such effects. Physical effects of substrate cover were apparent in experiments with 1-, 2-, 4-mm layers of drilling mud and similar layers of a mixture of bentonite and barite covering a natural mud substrate. In depths of 4 mm both kinds of substrate cover caused severe delays in shelter construction and in quality of burrows constructed. Thus, substrates with 4-mm to perhaps as little as 1-mm covering of drilling mud may cause increased exposure of lobsters to predators and currents, resulting in the substrate becoming unsuitable for lobster settling and survival.

Flint, R. Warren, Thomas W. Duke and Richard D. Kalke. 1982. Benthos Investigations: Sediment Boxes or Natural Bottom?. EPA-600/J-82-031. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 28(3):257-265. (ERL,GB X299). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB82-229477)

Structure and biomass of two sets of benthic test systems--one colonized in the laboratory, the other on an estuarine bottom--were compared to structure and biomass of a community from a natural estuarine bottom. According to cluster analysis of the species from each system, the laboratory-colonized samples were most different from the other groups (60% dissimilarity level) whereas field-colonized and natural-bottom groups were more similar (40% dissimilarity level). Total density and biomass were greatest in the field-colonized samples, and least in the laboratory group. However, size of individuals of dominant fauna showed that the natural bottom supported more biomass per individual than the field-colonized group. We concluded that if sediment boxes were to be used to mimic the natural benthos, then the best experimental approach was to employ sediment boxes colonized in the field contrasted to boxes colonized in the laboratory.

Smith, Glen A., Janet S. Nickels, Ronald J. Bobbie, Norman L. Richards and David C. White. 1982. Effects of Oil and Gas Well-Drilling Fluids on the Biomass and Community Structure of Microbiota That Colonize Sands in Running Seawater. EPA-600/J-82-325. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 11(1):17-23. (ERL,GB X303). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB83-223602)

Well-drilling fluid and a number of the known components (barite, clay, Aldacide, Surflo, and Dowicide, were tested for effects on the biomass and community structure of the microbiota that colonize marine sands exposed for eight weeks to running ambient seawater. Shading the microbiota from light depressed the microflora without a significant effect on the biomass, while well-drilling fluids layered on the surface or mixed with the sand significantly increased a component of the bacteria and the microfauna as reflected in changes in the fatty acid composition. There were some shading effects from the surface layering of well-drilling fluids as reflected in the fatty acids from the microflora when compared to the sands mixed with well-drilling fluids. Barite had essentially no effect on the biomass or community structure while clays increased nearly all of the biomass indicators for the bacteria as well as the microfauna; the clay overlay mirrors the effect of the drilling fluids. Aldacide shifted the bacterial composition, depressing the proportions of microbes containing the cyclopropane fatty acids and the anaerobic pathways of desaturation. Concentrations of 1 and 15 ug/L increased the bacterial biomass as reflected in the total lipid (16:0) and extractable lipid phosphate coupled with a decrease in the total microeukaryotes. Surflo increased in the biomass and shifted the bacterial community structure at concentrations between 4 and 800 ug/L. The lowest level also stimulated the microfauna. Dowicide at 100 ug/L increased the bacteria forming cisvaccenic acid and the microfauna similar to low concentrations of Surflo.

Schultz, Mary E. and R. Jack Schultz. 1982. Induction of Hepatic Tumors with 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in Two Species of Viviparous Fishes (Genus Poeciliopsis). Environ. Res. 27(2):337-351. (ERL,GB X312).

Liver neoplasms were induced in two species of viviparous fishes Poeciliopsis lucida and P. monacha by repeated short-term exposures to an aqueous suspension of 5 ppm 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Predominantly hepatocellular neoplasms deceloped in 47 out of 106 fish surviving the period allowed for tumor development, 6-9 months after initial exposure to DMBA. The use of short-term exposure periods of 6 hours in young fish and up to 29 hours in adults reduced stress and mortalities caused by the toxicity of DMBA at 5 ppm. A lower concentration of DMBA, 0.25 ppm , failed to induce tumors in any of the surviving 230 of 295 young fish administered repeated 20-hour exposures. This study shows for the first time that DMBA is carcinogenic to fish.

Kalke, Richard D., Thomas W. Duke and R. Warren Flint. 1982. Weathered IXTOX I Oil Effects on Estuarine Benthos. EPA-600/J-82-032. Estuarine Coastal Shelf Sci. 15(1):75-84. (ERL,GB X321). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB83-194696)

The impact of weathered IXTOC I oil on experimental benthic communities colonized in the laboratory and in situ was observed. Test systems containing clean sand and receiving seawater from Aransas Pass Inlet were placed in the laboratory while similar systems were placed on the seafloor. All of these test systems were allowed to colonize for 8 weeks by settlement of planktonic larvae. Weathered IXTOC I oil was added to randomly selected laboratory and in situ replicate compartments within the test systems and these were then exposed to flowing seawater in the laboratory for an additional 4 weeks. Observations of the structure and biomass of the communities at the end of the 12-week period indicated no significant effects on the laboratory colonized communities. However, total density was significantly affected in the in situ colonized systems as was species composition. Although not significant, total biomass was substantially reduced by oiling. Eh measurements of sediments showed that the oil reduced the depth of the oxygenated layer approximately half. This reduction may reduce subsurface benthic production and alter processes such as nutrient regeneration.

Parker, Jeffrey H., Glen A. Smith, Herbert L. Fredrickson, J. Robie Vestal and David C. White. 1982. Sensitive Assay, Based on Hydroxy Fatty Acids from Lipopolysaccharide Lipid A, for Gram-Negative Bacteria in Sediments. EPA-600/J-82-326. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 44(5):1170-1177. (ERL,GB X338). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB83-223693)

Biochemical measures have provided insight into the biomass and community structure of sedimentary microbiota without the requirement of selection by growth or quantitative removal from the sediment grains. This study used the assay of the hydroxy fatty acids released from the lipid A of the lipopolysaccharide in sediments to provide an estimate of the gram-negative bacteria. The method was sensitive to picomolar amounts of hydroxy fatty acids. The recovery of lipopolysaccharide hydroxy fatty acids from organisms added to sediments was quantitative. The lipids were extracted from the sediments with a single-phase chloroform-methanol extraction. The lipid-extracted residue was hydrolyzed in 1 N HCL, and the hydroxy fatty acids of the lipopolysaccharide were recovered in about fivefold more sensitive than the classical phenol-water of trichloroacetic acid methods when applied to marine sediments. By examination of the patterns of hydroxy fatty acids, it was also possible to help define the community structure of the sedimentary gram-negative bacteria.

Derby, Charles D. and Jelle Atema. 1982. Narrow-Spectrum Chemoreceptor Cells in the Walking Legs of the Lobster Homarus americanus: Taste Specialist. J. Comp. Physiol. A Sens. Neural. Behav. Physiol. 146(2):181-189. (ERL,GB X341).

The present study describes the specificity of chemoreceptors in the walking legs of the lobster Homarus americanus. The results indicate that the peripheral coding system of this species is based at least in part on narrowly-tuned chemoreceptor cells, which represents one of the most extreme cases to date of a chemosensory system based on labeled line coding. The chemoreceptors in the legs of lobsters function in the localization and handling of food. Multi-unit neurophysiological analysis fo these receptors has demonstrated that certain amino acids and amines are highly excitatory stimuli, some peptides and proteins are moderately excitatory, whereas carbohydrates, alcohols, nucleosides, and nucleotides are in general only slightly excitatory. By single-unit extracellular recording techniques, the specificty of single primary chemoreceptors cells is described here in detail.

Moseman, Robert F. and Henry F. Enos. 1982. Utility of Urine and Blood Analysis for the Assessment of Man's Exposure to Chemicals. J. Environ. Sci. Health Part A Environ. Sci. Eng. A17(4):519-523. (ERL,GB X362).

Man's exposure to many chemicals can be assessed by analysis of blood and urine. Lipophilic compounds such as chlorinated hydrocarbons are ty#ically analyzed in blood or body fat. More polar compounds, or those that are rapidly metabolized to phenols or acids, can be determined in the urine. The use of animal model systems can provide valuable information about the metabolism, storage, and excretion patterns of toxic chemicals to which man is exposed, as well as a means of estimating prior exposure.

Meyers, Theodore R. and Jerry D. Hendricks. 1982. Summary of Tissue Lesions in Aquatic Animals Induced by Controlled Exposures to Environmental Contaminants, Chemotherapeutic Agents, and Potential Carcinogens. Mar. Fish. Rev. 44(12):1-17. (ERL,GB X368).

This article was written to provide a useful reference for aquatic toxicologists/pathologists by consolidating this descriptive material with key references through 1981. This information is presented in five tables. Table 1 identifies at least 90 environmental contaminants used as pesticides, herbicides, or as industrial chemicals which are categorized in the following manner: organochlorines, petroleum compounds, organophosphates, carbamates, heavy metal salts, nitrogenous compounds, miscellaneous compounds, and chemotherapeutic agents. Table 4 lists at least 50 compounds grouped as mycotoxins, plant derivatives, and other chemicals all of which have been tested for carcinogenic activity. Tables 2, 3 and 5 describe and reference histologic and/or ultrastructural lesions or abnormalities caused by these compounds, their routes of exposure, and aquatic species tested.

Federle, Thomas W. and David C. White. 1982. Preservation of Estuarine Sediments for Lipid Analysis of Biomass Community Structure of Microbiota. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 44(5):1166-1169. (ERL,GB X381).

Various methods were tested for preserving estuarine sediments in the field before biochemical analysis of the microbiota. Total microbial biomass was determined as lipid phosphate (LP), and the fatty acids of the microbial lipid were used as indicators of community structure. Control samples were sieved to remove macroinvertebrates and plant materials and were extracted immediately in the field. Other samples were preserved both before and after sieving and stored for 5 days before analysis. Freezing resulted in a 50% decline in LP and significant decreases in many fatty acids. Refrigeration resulted in a 19% decrease in LP but no change in the fatty acids. Samples preserved with Formalin before sieving exhibited no significant change in LP but substantial increases in many fatty acids, which were probably derived from the macroinvertebrates. Sieved samples preserved with Formalin showed a 17 to 18% decline in LP but no change in the fatty acids. Ideally, samples should be sieved and extracted immediately in the field. However, short-term refrigeration and longer-term preservation of sieved samples with Formalin may be acceptable compromises.

Clark, James R., Donald S. Cherry and John Cairns. 1982. Food Quality of Aufwuchs from Artificial Streams Receiving Low Levels of Perturbations. Water Resour. Bull. 18(5):761-767. (ERL,GB X391).

Protein, carbohydrate, and organic content of Aufwuchs samples from artificial streams dosed separately with chlorine copper, or dextrose were altered by changes in the taxonomic composition or physiological condition of the community. Protein content increased as community composition shifted toward a dominance by blue-green algae or heterotrophs. Bluegreens or cyanobacteria were dominant most often in Aufwuchs developing under copper or chlorine treatments and when water temperatures approached the seasonal maximum (22.8 C-25.8 C), while heterotrophs proliferated in the dextrose-enriched stream. Due to the associated extracellular mucilage, carbohydrate content also tended to be higher when blue-green algae or bacteria were abundant. However, carbohydrate content decreased in communities developing under chlorine or copper treatments at low or moderate temperatures (3 C-22.8 C), indicating a utilization of stored photosynthetic products to adapt to the stress. The organic content of Aufwuchs was related to the extent of mucilage production and the tendency of the community to accumulate detritus and suspended inorganic sediment. Protein and carbohydrate estimates were significantly correlated with dry weight and ash-free dry weight, a result of the copious extracellular mucilage associated with rapidly growing blue-greens and other bacteria. Estimates of Aufwuchs food quality are important in evaluating the impact of pollutants on higher trophic levels; however, the tendency of change with both taxonomic shifts and physiological adaptations tends to confound interpretations for water quality assessment.

Botero, Leonor and Jelle Atema. 1982. Behavior and Substrate Selection During Larval Settling in the Lobster Homarus americanus. J. Crustacean Biol. 2(1):59-69. (ERL,GB X399).

During the molt from third- to fourth-stage, larvae of Homarus americanus metamorphose into their adult form and pigmentation. In the course of the fourth stage, their pelagic life changes to a benthic existence. Artificial substrate choice experiments and qualitative illumination experiments show that during the early fourth stage the phototactic response reverses from positive to negative. Together with positive thigmotaxis, this results in a choice of dark crevices. Among natural substrate choices, preferential settlement occurred on macroalgal-covered rocks, followed by rocks on sand, mud, and sand. Moreover, when no choice was given, settling occurred most rapidly on macroalgal-covered rocks (34 h), followed by scattered rocks on sand (38 h), and mud (62 h); no settling occurred on sand even two weeks after the last animal had settled on all other substrates. These animals continued to explore the sand substrate with dives to the bottom. Although mud was not a preferred substrate in choice tests, the animals that chose mud and those that were presented only with mud settled successfully and were immediately efficient in their burrowing behavior, constructing U-shaped tunnels when in the center of the aquarium without using a pebble or rock as a starting point. These laboratory tests confirm field observations that lobsters can successfully exploit a variety of substrates. They show that a substrate can be manipulated to make suitable burrows.

LaTouche, Y. David and Michael C. Mix. 1982. Effects of Depuration, Size and Sex on Trace Metal Levels in Bay Mussels. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 13(1):27-29. (ERL,GB X412).

The effects of depuration, size and sex on the concentrations of Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd were determined for gonadal and somatic tissues of Mytilus edulis from Yaquina Bay, Oregon. After depuration, Mn levels decreased significantly in both tissues while Cu and Ni concentrations increased in somatic tissues. The latter finding may have been associated with a stress response manifested by the appearance of new byssal threads and attachment to the vessel. Larger, and presumably older, mussels contained higher concentrations of Ni, Cu and Cd in their somatic tissues while smaller animals had greater somatic levels of Mn. There were no significant differences in gonad concentrations between the two size groups. Manganese and Zn levels were greater in the gonads of female mussels and Cd was more concentrated in the somatic tissues of females.

Christiansen, M.E. and J.D. Costlow. 1982. Ultrastructural Study of the Exoskeleton of the Estuarine Crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii: Effect of the Insect Growth Regulator Dimilin (Diflubenzuron) on the Larval Cuticle. Mar. Biol. 66(3):217-226. (ERL,GB X417).

Ultrastructure of larval cuticle during the molt cycle of the estuarine crab Rhitropanopeus harrisii (Gould) (Crustacea: Brachyura) was studied in control larvae as well as in larvae exposed to 10 ppb of the insect growth regulator Dimilin (diflubenzuron). First zoeal larvae of R. harrisii, and nearly all exposed larvae died during molting to the next stage. Distinct differences in structure of the cuticle were found between the two groups of larvae. Both endocuticle and exocuticle appear to be deformed in Dimilin-treated larvae, whereas formation of epicuticle did not seem to be affected. The results indicate that Dimilin probably inhibits chitin synthesis in crab larvae as shown earlier by several authors for insect larvae.

LaTouche, Y. David and Michael C. Mix. 1982. Seasonal Variations of Arsenic and Other Trace Elements in Bay Mussels (Mytilus edulis). EPA-600/J-82-379. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 29(6):665-670. (ERL,GB X418).

The purposes of this study were to investigate seasonal variations of arsenic in a population of bay mussels (Mytilus edulis) and to compare results with variations of several other trace elements more commonly measured in environmental studies. Seasonal variations of manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, and cadmium were investigated previously, but arsenic and its relationship with those metals is now reported for the first time.

Mix, Michael C., Susan J. Hemingway and Randy L. Schaffer. 1982. Benzo(a)pyrene Concentrations in Somatic and Gonad Tissues of Bay Mussels, Mytilus edulis. EPA-600/J-82-344. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 28(1):46-51. (ERL,GB X425).

Recent studies have demonstrated clearly that polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAH) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants (NEFF 1979). Bivalve molluscs, especially M. edulis, have been used as biological monitors for evaluating levels of PNAH in marine ecosystems. Most reports have been limited to concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene (BAP) in mussels. Benzo(a)pyrene, a known carcinogen, has been considered to be a general indicator compound for PNAH. Results from various shell fish monitoring programs tend to support the belief that shellfish can be useful biomonitors of the marine environment. However, certain questions about seasonability and tissue storage sites remain to be resolved. While some attempts have been made to determine tissue storage sites of BAP in shellfish, the data are limited. The purposes of the present study were to measure BAP concentrations in the somatic and gonadal tissues of M. edulis and determine whether or not variations in those two tissue compartments could be related to seasonal fluctuations described previously.

Davies, J.E., V.H. Freed, H.F. Enos, R.C. Duncan, A. Barquet, C. Morgade, L.J. Peters and J.X. Danauskas. 1982. Reduction of Pesticide Exposure with Protective Clothing for Applicators and Mixers. J. Occup. Med. 24(6):464-468. (ERL,GB X426).

Systematic pesticide illness in agricultural workers may result from excessive dermal exposure to pesticides. Workers who apply and mix pesticides (applicators and mixers) are at special risk. Both acute and chronic exposures can occur from spillage or by environmental contamination of clothing. Two exposure assessment studies were conducted of Central Florida citrus grove workers who applied ethion daily. Measuring the percentage of penetration of ethion through clothing and measuring the daily urinary excretion of diethyl phosphate (DEP) were the techniques used to assess the protection afforded by changing daily to freshly laundered 100 per cent cotton coveralls. Coveralls provided significantly greater protection than did regular clothing and the use of respirators.

Portier, R.J. and S.P. Meyers. 1982. Monitoring Biotransformation and Biodegradation of Xenobiotics in Simulated Aquatic Microenvironmental Systems. In: Developments in Industrial Microbiology, Vol. 23. EPA-600/J-82-261. Society for Industrial Microbiology, Washington, DC. Pp. 459-475. (ERL,GB X432). (Avail. from NTIS, Springfield, VA: PB83-153718)

Microbiological studies coupled with physiochemical analysis of environmentally significant xenobiotics were conducted in continous flow-through and carbon metabolism microcosms to determine the behavior of these toxic substances in soil and sediment-water systems typical of coastal wetlands. The organophosphate, 14C-methyl parathion, and the chlorinated insecticide, 14C-Kepone, were examined for stress indexes based on microbial response and compound turnover. Significant increases in microbial populations, ATP, and specific enzyme systems (i.e., phosphatase and dehydrogenase), coinciding with rapid 14CO2 expiration and 14C-assimilation by the cellular component, pointed to both rapid biotransformation and biodegradation of methyl parathion. Minimal rates of 14CO2 release were noted for Kepone, with no significant variation seen in total microbial response or ATP levels. However, 14C-assimilation of Kepone was detected. Degradation rates for methyl parathion were comparable to in situ rates at experimental plots. Fungal biotransformation is suggested as important in methyl parathion degradation, with a negative response for Kepone. Similar activity was discerned for both compounds in axenic flask studies. Statistically valid correlations are evident between microcosm and field data.

Anderson, Robert S., Jessica E. Doos and Francis L. Rose. 1982. Differential Ability of Ambystoma tigrinum Hepatic Microsomes from Polycylic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Aromatic Amines. Cancer Lett. 16(1):33-42. (ERL,GB X460).

A number of carcinogenic aromatic amines, when activated by liver microsomes from a salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, are mutagenic for Salmonella tester strains sensitive to frameshift mutagens. However, 2 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and perylene) that are rendered mutagenic by mammalian microsomes are not activated by Ambystoma mixed-function oxidases. BaP was chosen for study because it is a well-known environmental carcinogen; perylene, an isomer of BaP, has been implicated as an etiological agent in cutaneous neoplasia in Ambystoma. These results support the observation that amphibians are quite resistant to PAH carcinogenesis and suggest that aromatic amines may be more appropriate model carcinogens.