Control of Salvinia molesta with imazamox and analysis of environmental indicators in microcosms.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of imazamox for control of S. molesta and to assess the effects of plant decomposition on environmental indicators after application of this herbicide in microcosm conditions. The following rates were used: 600, 700, 800 and 900 g ai ha-1 and spray volume 50 L ha-1. Control efficacy was determined as the percentage (from 0 to 100%) of visible injury symptoms in the plants, biochemical and chemical oxygen demand (BOD5 and COD), water quality variables, chlorophyll a and pheophytin a at 0, 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after application (DAA) and fresh and dry biomass at 60 DAA. Imazamox was effective in controlling 94% of S. molesta with 900 g ai ha-1; it reduced 95% of fresh weight and 92% of dry weight of plant at 60 DAA, and reduced chlorophyll a of the plants for all rates. For BOD5, there was an increase for all rates at 15, 30 and 45 DAA with restoration of the parameters at 60 DAA, and for COD, there was an increase at 60 DAA with 700 and 900 g ai ha-1. For temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity, there was no significant effect after spraying. Imazamox was effective in controlling S. molesta with 900 g ai ha-1 without causing significant effects on the physical-chemical parameters of water quality.

Detection of anti-cancer drugs and metabolites in the effluents from a large Brazilian cancer hospital and an evaluation of ecotoxicology.

The use of chemotherapy agents has been growing worldwide, due to the increase number of cancer cases. In several countries, mainly in Europe countries, these drugs have been detected in hospitals and municipal wastewaters. In Brazil this issue is poorly explored. The main goal of this study was to assess the presence of three anti-cancer drugs, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), gemcitabine (GEM) and cyclophosphamide (CP), and two metabolites, alpha-fluoro-beta-alanine (3-NH2-F) and 2'-deoxy-2',2'-difluorouridine (2-DOH-DiF), in effluents from a large cancer hospital, in the municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent and effluent, and also to evaluate toxicity of the mixtures of these compounds by ecotoxicological testing in zebrafish. The sample collections were performed in Barretos Cancer Hospital of the large cancer center in Brazil. After each collection, the samples were filtered for subsequent Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry analysis. The presence of CP, GEM, and both metabolites (3-NH2-F and 2-DOH-DiF) were detected in the hospital wastewater and the WWTP influent. Three drugs, GEM, 2-DOH-DiF and CP, were detected in the WWTP effluent. Two drugs were detected below the limit of quantification, 2-DOH-DiF:

Electrostatic spraying of imazamox to control the floating aquatic plant Salvinia molesta and its effects on environmental indicators of water quality.

This study aimed to assess, in a microcosm condition, the efficacy of electrostatic spraying of herbicide imazamox in the control of Salvinia molesta and the effects of decomposition of plant material on water quality. The herbicide rates used were 600, 700, 800, and 900 g ai ha-1 and spray volume of 50 L ha-1 in electrostatic application. Control effectiveness was assessed at 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after application (DAA), expressed in percentage (0-100%) of visible injury symptoms in the plants, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), chlorophyll a and pheophytin a contents at 0, 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 DAA, and fresh and dry biomass at 60 DAA. Imazamox was effective in controlling 63% of S. molesta with 900 g ai ha-1 in 45 DAA and 30% with 800 g ai ha-1 in 30 DAA, and reduced 82.3% and 17.5% of fresh weight and 62.6% and 9.3% of dry weight of plant at 60 DAA, respectively. The imazamox spray reduced chlorophyll a with all doses applied and increased BOD5 in 45 DAA with 900 g ai ha-1 and COD in all assessment periods, but for temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, and pH, there was no significant effect after spraying. The herbicide imazamox reduced S. molesta plants with 900 g ai ha-1, without causing significant effects on environmental indicators of water quality. Electrostatic spraying of herbicide can be used in management strategies of aquatic plants to reduce plant density in water bodies and maintain the colonization of plants at a level not harmful to the aquatic biota.

Diquat associated with copper sources for algae control: Efficacy and ecotoxicology.

The aims of this research were to evaluate the efficacy of copper oxychloride (CuCl2.3Cu(OH)2), copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) and diquat (1.1'-ethylene-2.2'-bipyridyldiylium dibromide), isolated and in association with 0.1% of both copper sources, in the control of the unicellular algae Ankistrodesmus gracilis and the filamentous algae Pithophora kewesis, and to determine the acute toxicity of the tested chemicals in Hyphressobrycon eques, Pomacea canaliculata, Lemna minor and Azolla caroliniana. The efficacy was estimated by the methods of chlorophyll a and pheophytin a readings, changed into growth inhibition percentage. Both algae were exposed to the following concentrations: 0.2; 0.4; 0.8; 1.2 mg L(-1) of diquat and its association with the copper sources; and 0.1; 0.3; 0.5; 0.7; 1.0 and 1.5 mg L(-1) in the isolated applications of copper hydroxide and copper oxychloride. An untreated control was kept. The acute toxicity was estimatedby 50% lethal concentration (LC50). The copper sources were effective for A. gracilis control, at rates as high as 0.1 mg L(-1) (>95% efficacy). Isolated diquat and its association with copper hydroxide were both effective at rates as high as 0.4 mg L(-1), with 95 and 88% control efficacy, respectively. The copper oxychloride was effective at 0.2 mg L(-1), with 93% efficacy. None of the tested chemicals and associations was effective on P. kewesis control. The most sensitive non target organism to the tested chemicals was L. minor; the less sensitive was H. eques.

Teflubenzuron as a tool for control of trichodinids in freshwater fish: Acute toxicity and in vivo efficacy.

In this study we describe the anti-Trichodina effects of teflubenzuron (TFB) for Oreochromis niloticus and for Piaractus mesopotamicus. We also evaluated the acute toxicity, for both species, by using TFB in the concentrations of 700.0, 800.0, 900.0 and 1000.0 mg L(-1) and a control, without the drug. To assess the efficacy of TFB against Trichodina spp., we used the concentrations of 30.0 or 50.0 mg L(-1) for one hour exposure in tilapia, and the concentration of 30.0, 50.0 and 80.0 mg L(-1) for one hour and 50 mg L(-1) for two hours exposures in pacu. Teflubenzuron did not present significant toxicity in either species, with LC50;48h > 1000.0 mg L(-1). The drug effectiveness was observed against four identified Trichodina species: T. magna, T. heterodentata, T. compacta and T. centrostrigeata, with 87.9% parasite reduction with one hour exposure to 50.0 mg L(-1) TFB on O. niloticus and 96.1% with two hours exposure to 50.0 mg L(-1) TFB on P. mesopotamicus. Teflubenzuron is a drug with potential to be used in Brazilian aquaculture; it attends to important requirements, such as low toxicity and high efficacy in controlling Trichodina spp. infection in O. niloticus and P. mesopotamicus.

Acute Toxicity and Determination of the Active Constituents of Aqueous Extract of Uncaria tomentosa Bark in Hyphessobrycon eques.

Uncaria tomentosa is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine by Amazon tribes. In this study the constituents of aqueous extract of U. tomentosa bark were quantified by chromatographic technique and its lethal concentration 50 (48 h) in Hyphessobrycon eques was determined. The chromatography showed high levels of oxindole alkaloids, quinovic acid glycosides, and low molecular weight polyphenols. The CL50 48 h was 1816 mg/L. Fish showed behavior changes at concentrations above 2000 mg/L, accompanied by a significant decrease of dissolved oxygen. At the highest concentration 100% mortality was observed attributed to oxygen reduction by the amount of oxindole alkaloids, polyphenols accumulation of the extract in the gills, and the interaction of these compounds with dopamine. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of U. tomentosa did not alter the chemical components and it was shown that U. tomentosa has low toxicity to H. eques; therefore, it can be used safely in this species.

Acute toxicity by water containing hexavalent or trivalent chromium in native Brazilian fish, Piaractus mesopotamicus: anatomopathological alterations and mortality.

This study evaluated the toxicity of hexavalent and trivalent compounds of chromium to the pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, in acute exposures of 96 h through mortality and histopathological responses. Hexavalent potassium dichromate was more toxic than trivalent compounds of chromium chloride, chromium oxide and chromium carbochelate. Sufficient mortalities occurred only with potassium dichromate to yield an LC50 value at 124.2 mg L(-1). Hexavalent chromium caused reversible and irreversible lesions, which may affect organ functionality. Histopathological evaluation showed that trivalent chromium caused lesions of lower severity. Pacu subjected to different concentrations of chromium carbochelate showed no histopathological changes in the kidneys, liver, skin and gills, being similar to those of the control fish. Among the three sources of Cr(3+), only chromium chloride at 200 mg L(-1) resulted in mortality, which reached 100 % within the first 18 h. These findings confirm that trivalent chromium, when administered within recommended levels, may be used safely in aquaculture.

Light microscope observations on the epididymis of paca (Agouti paca).

The features of paca epididymis, based on its appearance in light microscope, is described in this paper. The cellular population of the epithelial lining comprises principal cells, basal cells, apical cells, narrows cells, and hallo cells. The epididymis is divided in five distinct and continuous regions, Zone I, or initial segment, and zone II, are both localized into the head. Zone III comprises the distal head and all the body. Zones IV and V are restricted to the tail, in the proximal and distal cauda epididymis respectively. Each zone can be readily distinguished on the basis of morphological characteristics. The height of epididymal epithelium is greater in zone I. There is a progressive increase in the diameter of the tubular lumen through the different areas, with the maximum in the zone V. The presence of a high epithelium, and the virtual absence of sperm in zone I suggest fast transit of spermatozoa in this region. Zone V comprises the distal tail, has smaller epithelial lining, greater luminal diameter, shorter stereocilia than the other zones, and contains spermatozoa packed inside the lumen, that characterizes this zone as a place of sperm storage. The findings are compared with other reports in rodents and other domestic animals, to contribute to the understanding of epididymal morphophysiology.

Histopathological biomarkers in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) infected with aeromonas hydrophila and treated with antibiotics.

Pharmacochemicals usage in fish farming disease treatment can cause morphological and functional changes in absorption capacity, metabolism and excretion organs. The aim of this research was to evaluate the histopathological biomarkers in the gills, liver, kidney and skin of pacu (P. mesopotamicus), which have been infected with A. hydrophila and treated with oxytetracycline (OTC) and florfenicol (FFC). Fish were exposed to 2.4×10(7) mL(-1) of A. hydrophila bacteria experimental infection and after 24h exposed to FFC treatment for ten days and OTC for seven days. OTC was not effective in the A. hydrophila control in pacu in up to 170.0 mg kg(-1) concentration. Nevertheless, FFC was 100% effective with 10.0 mg kg(-1) concentration. After the treatment, skin, gills, liver and kidney samples were collected and processed for histopathological analysis. A. hydrophila caused lamellar fusion, sub epithelial edema, mucous hypertrophy and hyperplasia, lining, pillar and chloride cells. Hepatocytes hypertrophy was observed on liver, as a result of the antibiotics metabolism and bacteria cell wall. The histopathological biomarkers show the effects of the presence of the A. hydrophila. The use of the antibiotic florfenicol decreases the bacterial action effectiveness on tissues evaluated. Thus, the histopathological biomarkers show the A. hydrophila effect and the antibiotics treatment. The skin and liver are exposure biomarkers for both.

Acute exposure of a glyphosate-based herbicide affects the gills and liver of the Neotropical fish, Piaractus mesopotamicus.

The aim of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of Roundup(®) Ready (RR) in Piaractus mesopotamicus, and evaluate the effects on the morphology of the gills and liver of exposed surviving fish. Fish were exposed to 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5mgL(-1) of glyphosate, and the LC(50);48h was estimated at 3.74±0.2mgL(-1). Gill histopathology was rare, and the activity of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase enzyme did not change, suggesting normal function. However, the damage to the liver was classified as moderate to severe. Cytoplasmic vacuolization, lipid accumulation, nuclear and cellular membrane alterations and glycogen depletion were found in the liver, suggesting a reduction in the liver function. The glyphosate in the RR formulation was classified as moderately toxic for P. mesopotamicus, and the severe damage in the liver may affect the detoxification and/or tissue repair process and contribute to fish death.

Vas deferens surface epithelium of Agouti paca: fine structural features / Epitelio del conducto deferente de Agouti paca: observaciones de estructura fina

The surface epithelium of the vas deferens of Agouti paca, a wild and large South American rodent, was basically formed by principal and basal cells being only the principal cells related to endocytosis processes and also secretion taking base on their cytoplasmic ultrastructural features. Principal cell of vas deferens epithelium were characterized mainly by presence of vesicles with several shapes, sizes and internalized content at their apical cytoplasm occurring smaller pits and pale small vesicles seen next to the apical brush border of microvillus. Moreover, coated vesicles, smooth surface vesicles and great vesicles; multivesicular bodies, endosomes and lysosomes were seen. Presence of an apocrine secretory apparatus was also viewed, showing apical cytoplasmic expansions protruding into the vas deferens luminal compartment. The basal flattened cells, without luminal surface contact, occurred next to the basement membrane of the ductus, and did no exhibit special ultrastructural features.

El epitelio que recubre la luz del conducto deferente de la laca (Agouti paca), un roedor silvestre de Sudamérica, está formado por células principales (P) y básales (B), en donde las células principales están asociadas a los procesos de endocitosis y secreción, teniendo una base en su característica ultraestructural citoplasmática. Las células principales de los vasos deferentes del epitelio se caracteriza principalmente por la presencia de vesículas con variadas formas, tamaños y contenido interior en su citoplasma apical produciendo pequeñas invaginaciones y pequeñas vesículas pálidas ubicadas continuas al borde en cepillo de las microveilosidades apicales. Además, fueron observados, vesículas de superficie lisa y vesículas de gran tamaño; órganos multivesiculares, endosomas y lisosomas. También se observó la presencia de un aparato secretor apocrino, con expansiones citoplasmáticas apicales que se protruyen en el compartimiento luminar del conducto deferente. Células básales aplanadas, sin contacto con la superficie luminal, se encuentran junto a la membrana basal del conducto, las que no presentan características ultraestructurales especiales.

Acute toxicity of copper sulfate and aqueous extract of dried neem leaves on snails (Pomacea canaliculata) - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i3.3615 / Toxicidade aguda do sulfato de cobre e do extrato aquoso de folhas secas de nim para o caramujo (Pomacea canaliculata) - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i2.3615

Snails can become an environmental and economic problem, causing substantial losses. The objective of this work was to estimate the acute toxicity of copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O) and the aqueous extract of dried neem leaves on snails (P. canaliculata) under laboratory conditions. In order to estimate the lethal concentration 50% (LC (I)50;96h), snails were exposed to six increasing copper sulfate concentrations (0.0; 0.01; 0.03; 0.05; 0.07 and 0.1 mg L-1) and six increasing concentrations of aqueous extract of dried neem leaves 0.0; 100; 125; 150; 175 and 200 mL aqueous extract of dried neem leaves L-1 water, equivalent to (0.0; 1.18; 1.47; 1.77; 2.06; and 2.36 mg azadirachtin L-1), in triplicate and one control treatment in an entirely random delineation. Estimated LC (I)(50;96h) of copper sulfate was 0.02 mg copper sulfate L-1, with a 0.01 mg L-1 lower limit and a 0.03 mg L-1 upper limit. Estimated lethal concentration 50% of the aqueous extract of dried neem leaves was 142.75 mL L-1, equivalent to 1.68 mg L-1 of azadirachtine, with a 130.89 mL L-1 (1.54 mg L-1) low limit and 155.69 mL L-1 (1.83 mg L-1) as the upper limit.

Os caramujos podem se tornar um problema ambiental e econômico, podendo causar muitos prejuízos. O trabalho teve como objetivo estimar a toxicidade aguda do sulfato de cobre pentaidratado (CuSO4.5H2O) e do extrato aquoso de folhas secas de nim para o P. canaliculata, em condição de laboratório. Para determinação da CL (I)(50;96h), o caramujo foi exposto a seis concentrações crescentes de sulfato de cobre (0,0; 0,01; 0,03; 0,05; 0,07 e 0,1 mg L-1) e a seis concentrações crescentes de extrato aquoso de folhas secas de nim (0,0; 100; 125; 150; 175 e 200 mL de extrato aquoso de folhas secas de nim L-1 de água), equivalente a 0,0; 1,18; 1,47; 1,77; 2,06; e 2,36 mg de azadiractina L-1, com três repetições e um tratamento-controle em um experimento no delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC). A CL (I)(50;96h) estimada para o caramujo foi de 0,07 mg de sulfato de cobre L-1, com limite inferior de 0,05 mg L-1 e limite superior de 0,1 mg L-1. A concentração letal 50% (CL (I)50;96h) estimada do extrato aquoso de folhas secas de nim (EAFSN) para o caramujo foi de 142,75 mL L-1, equivalente a 1,68 mg L-1 de azadiractina, com limite inferior de 130,89 mL L-1 (1,54, mg L-1) e limite superior de 155,69 mL L-1 (1,83 mg L-1).

Acute toxicity and histopathologic effects of diquat herbicide on the gill and liver of nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) / Toxicidade aguda e efeitos histopatológicos do herbicida diquat na brânquia e no fígado da tilápia nilótica (Oreochromis niloticus) - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i1.1462

The lethal concentration of 50% (LC (I) 50-96h) and the histopathologic effects of diquat herbicide on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish were evaluated in three experiments. The fishes were exposed to concentrations of 0, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 mg diquat L-1, and gill and liver histology were evaluated in the surviving fishes. The estimated LC (I) (50-96h) of diquat was 37.28 mg L-1, with lower limits of 33.12 mg L-1 and upper limits of 41.44 mg L-1. In the treatment with 30, 35 and 40 mg L-1, signs of apical fusion of the secondary lamellae were observed; with 45 and 50 mg L-1, congestion of the primary lamellae was observed; in the treatment with 55 mg L-1, congestion of blood vessels on secondary lamellae took place. The livers of fishes in treatments with 0, 25, 30 and 35 mg L-1 showed cordonal organization of hepatocytes. In the treatments with 40 and 45 mg L-1, hypertrophy of hepatocytes took place; with 50 and 55 mg L-1, cell fusion and the presence of vacuoles inside hepatocytes were observed. Diquat presented low risk of toxicity for Nile tilapia, as the more severe histopathologic alterations occurred only in higher concentrations

A concentração letal 50% e os efeitos histopatológicos do herbicida diquat para a tilápia nilótica (Oreochromis niloticus) foram avaliados em três experimentos. Os peixes foram expostos às concentrações de 0; 25; 30; 35; 40; 45; 50; 55; e 60 mg de diquat L-1 e a histologia da brânquia e do fígado foi avaliada nos peixes sobreviventes. A CL (I) 50-96h do diquat estimada foi de 37,28 mg L-1, com limite inferior de 33,12 mg L-1 e superior de 41,44 mg L-1. No tratamento com 30, 35 e 40 mg L-1, ocorreram início de fusão apical das lamelas secundárias; com 45 e 50 mg L-1 ocorreram congestão nas lamelas primárias e no tratamento com 55 mg L-1, ocorreu congestão sangüínea nas lamelas secundárias. O fígado dos peixes dos tratamentos controle, 30 e 35 mg L-1 estavam com organização cordonal dos hepatócitos. Nos tratamentos com 40 e 45 mg L-1, ocorreram hipertrofia dos hepatócitos; com 50 e 55 mg L-1 ocorreram fusão celular e presença de vacúolos. O diquat apresentou baixo risco de intoxicação à tilápia nilótica e as alterações histopatológicas mais severas ocorreram somente nas concentrações mais elevadas

Morphology of oesophagus and crop of the partrigde Rhynchotus rufescens (Tiramidae) - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v28i2.1041 / Morfologia do esôfago e do papo de perdizes Rhynchotus rufescens (Tiramidae) - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v28i2.1041

Twenty adult partridges Rhynchotus rufescens were used to study the morphology of oesophagus and crop. Materials to the morphologic study were collected and lengths of the oesophagus and of the crop were measured. For histological study, fragments of the oesophagus and of the crop were stained routinely with Massons trichrome stain. Total oesophagus was larger in females. In the entrance of the thorax, its ventral wall is enlarged broadly, forming the crop, which is larger in males. Oesophagus mucosa is constituted by stratified squamous epithelium, with mucous glands and lymphatic tissues. There are three layers of smooth muscle, involved in serosa. The histological structure of the crop is similar to the oesophagus. The mucous glands are reduced in size and the lymphatic tissues are dispersed in the connective tissue. There is a thin stratum of smooth muscle and other two wider layers of longitudinal and circular musculature.

Vinte exemplares de Rhynchotus rufescens foram utilizadas para estudar a morfologia do esôfago e do papo. O material para o estudo morfológico foi coletado e o comprimento dos órgãos foi avaliado. Para o estudo histológico, as secções histológicas foram coradas com tricromo de Masson, posteriormente analisadas e descritas. O comprimento médio total do esôfago foi maior em fêmeas. Na entrada do tórax, a parede ventral do esôfago se dilata, formando o papo, maior em machos. A mucosa do esôfago é formada por epitélio escamoso estratificado, com glândulas mucosas e nódulos linfáticos. Há três camadas de músculo liso, as quais são envolvidas por serosa. A característica histológica do papo é semelhante à do esôfago. No papo, as glândulas mucosas são menores e os nódulos linfáticos estão dispersos no tecido conjuntivo. Há uma camada delgada de músculo liso e outras duas camadas mais largas de musculaturas longitudinal e circular.