Regurgitated skua pellets containing the remains of South Atlantic seabirds can be used as biomonitors of small buoyant plastics at sea.

Using seabirds as bioindicators of marine plastic pollution requires an understanding of how the plastic retained in each species compares with that found in their environment. We show that brown skua Catharacta antarctica regurgitated pellets can be used to characterise plastics in four seabird taxa breeding in the central South Atlantic, even though skua pellets might underrepresent the smallest plastic items in their prey. Fregetta storm petrels ingested more thread-like plastics and white-faced storm petrels Pelagodroma marina more industrial pellets than broad-billed prions Pachyptila vittata and great shearwaters Ardenna gravis. Ingested plastic composition (type, colour and polymer) was similar to floating plastics in the region sampled with a 200 µm net, but storm petrels were better indicators of the size of plastics than prions and shearwaters. Given this information, plastics in skua pellets containing the remains of seabirds can be used to track long-term changes in floating marine plastics.

Radioactivity from oil and gas produced water accumulated in freshwater mussels.

Legacy disposal of oil and gas produced water (OGPW) to surface water has led to radium contamination in streambed sediment creating a long-term radium source. Increased radium activities pose a potential health hazard to benthic organisms, such as freshwater mussels, as radium is capable of bioaccumulation. This project quantifies the impact of OGPW disposal on adult freshwater mussels, Eurynia dilatata, which were examined along the Allegheny River adjacent to a centralized waste treatment facility (CWT) that historically treated and then discharged OGPW. Radium isotopes (226Ra and 228Ra) were measured in streambed sediment, mussel soft tissue, and mussel hard shell collected upstream, at the outfall, 0.5 km downstream, and 5 km downstream of the CWT. Total radium activity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in mussel tissue (mean = 3.44 ± 0.95 pCi/g), sediment (mean = 1.45 ± 0.19 pCi/g), and hard shell (mean = 0.34 ± 0.11 pCi/g) samples 0.5 km downstream than background samples collected upstream (mean = 1.27 ± 0.24; 0.91 ± 0.09; 0.10 ± 0.02 pCi/g respectively). Mussel shells displayed increased 226Ra activities up to 5 km downstream of the original discharge. Downstream soft tissue and hard shell 87Sr/86Sr ratios, as well as hard shell metal/calcium (e.g., Na/Ca; K/Ca; Mg/Ca) and 228Ra/226Ra ratios demonstrated trends towards values characteristic of Marcellus OGPW. Combined, this study demonstrates multiple lines of evidence for radium retention and bioaccumulation in freshwater mussels resulting from exposure to Marcellus OGPW.

Assessing the water quality in a World Heritage Site using biomarkers in top fish predators.

The use of biomarkers in fish for biomonitoring is a valuable approach to reveal effects of human impacts on biota health. Top predator fish are effective models for monitoring human activities' impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The Guaraguaçu River is the largest river-system on coastal region of South Brazil and a World Heritage site. The river receives contaminants from disorderly urban growth, including discharges of domestic sewage and small fishery boats, particularly during the tourist season. Our study aimed to assess impact of anthropogenic activities on water quality in the Guaraguaçu River by analyzing environmental contamination biomarkers in the top fish predator Hoplias malabaricus. Fish were collected using a fyke net trap across sectors representing a gradient of anthropic impact: sector 1 - pristine; sector 2 - impacted; and sector 3 - less impacted. Water samples were collected to analyze the presence of trace elements and pesticide. Biomarkers of the antioxidant system, histopathology, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and concentration of trace elements were analyzed in fish tissues. In water samples Al, Fe and Mn were detected, but no pesticides were found. In fish muscle, zinc and iron were detected. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity decreased in impacted sectors, indicating neurotoxic effects. The antioxidant system increased activity in gills and liver, and damage from lipoperoxidation was observed, particularly in sector 2 when compared to sector 1, suggesting oxidative stress. Histopathological biomarkers revealed lesions in the liver and gills of fish in impacted sectors. Micronuclei, a genotoxicity biomarker, were observed in organisms from all sectors. Our results demonstrate detrimental effects of poor water quality on biota health, even when contaminants are not detected in water.

Evaluation of succulent plants Echeveria elegans as a biomonitor of heavy metals and radionuclides.

This work evaluates the use of Echeveria elegans as a biomonitor of metals and radionuclides, using semi-urban soils as a study area. The study area is exposed to various trace elements of concern for various social groups in nearby localities. The quantification of metals and radionuclides was performed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and gamma spectrometry, respectively. Cumulative frequency distribution curves, descriptive statistics, and multivariate analysis were used to estimate the local geochemical baseline and identify geochemical and anthropogenic patterns of metals and radionuclides from topsoil and E. elegans. The evaluation of contaminants and the contribution of possible exposure routes (topsoil and atmospheric deposition) was performed with the enrichment factor (EF) and the relative concentration factor (CFR). The results suggest that the plant does not present significant physical stress due to the environmental conditions to which it was exposed. Likewise, it can bioaccumulate heavy metals from natural and anthropogenic sources. The quantification of radionuclides in the plant is below the detection limits, indicating a low bioavailability and transfer factor. The CFR and EF results showed that the plant accumulates metals from the topsoil and atmospheric deposition. The bioaccumulation mechanism would be related to the functioning of Crassulaceae Acid Metabolism (CAM). In topsoil, the organic acids of the plant would modify the solubility of the metals present in an insoluble form in the soil, acting as ligands and, subsequently, following the transport route of these metabolites. In atmospheric deposition, the metals deposited in the leaves would be incorporated into the plant through the opening of the stomata because of the capture of CO2 (at night, day, or during environmental stress) by the CAM. Overall, the evidence showed that the succulent can be used as a biomonitor of heavy metals. However, additional studies are required to determine its usefulness as a radionuclide biomonitor.

Lichen biomonitoring to assess spatial variability, potential sources and human health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and airborne metal concentrations in Manchester (UK).

Airborne metals and organic pollutants are linked to severe human health impacts, i.e. affecting the nervous system and being associated with cancer. Airborne metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban environments are derived from diverse sources, including combustion and industrial and vehicular emissions, posing a threat to air quality and subsequently human health. A lichen biomonitoring approach was used to assess spatial variability of airborne metals and PAHs, identify potential pollution sources and assess human health risks across the City of Manchester (UK). Metal concentrations recorded in lichen samples were highest within the city centre area and along the major road network, and lichen PAH profiles were dominated by 4-ring PAHs (189.82 ng g-1 in Xanthoria parietina), with 5- and 6-ring PAHs also contributing to the overall PAH profile. Cluster analysis and pollution index factor (PIF) calculations for lichen-derived metal concentrations suggested deteriorated air quality being primarily linked to vehicular emissions. Comparably, PAH diagnostic ratios identified vehicular sources as a primary cause of PAH pollution across Manchester. However, local more complex sources (e.g. industrial emissions) were further identified. Human health risk assessment found a "moderate" risk for adults and children by airborne potential harmful element (PHEs) concentrations, whereas PAH exposure in Manchester is potentially linked to 1455 (ILCR = 1.45 × 10-3) cancer cases (in 1,000,000). Findings of this study indicate that an easy-to-use lichen biomonitoring approach can aid to identify hotspots of impaired air quality and potential human health impacts by airborne metals and PAHs across an urban environment, particularly at locations that are not continuously covered by (non-)automated air quality measurement programmes.

Levels and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) near hospitals and schools using leaves and barks of Sambucus nigra and Acacia melanoxylon.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most studied organic compounds in urban environments, due to their known threat to human health. This study extends the current knowledge regarding the ability of different vegetative parts of different tree species to accumulate PAHs. Moreover, exposure intensity to PAHs in areas frequented by population susceptible to adverse health effects of air pollution is evaluated. For this, leaves and barks of Sambucus nigra (S. nigra) and Acacia melanoxylon (A. melanoxylon) were collected at urban areas in the Andean city of Quito, at seven points near hospitals and schools. A methodology, previously developed, for the extraction, purification, and quantification of PAHs associated with the leaves and bark of S. nigra was employed and also validated for leaves and bark of A. melanoxylon. The total PAH level varied from 119.65 ng g-1 DW (dry weight) to 1969.98 ng g-1 DW (dry weight) with naphthalene (Naph), fluoranthene (Flt), pyrene (Pyr), chrysene (Chry), and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) predominating in all samples. The results indicate that the leaves and bark of tree species studied have certain abilities to bio-accumulate PAH according to their molecular weight. The leaves of S. nigra and bark of A. melanoxylon showed the highest ability to accumulate PAHs, mainly those with high and medium molecular weight, respectively. The highest incidence of light molecular weight PAHs was found in the leaves of A. melanoxylon. Furthermore, coal combustion, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions were identified as the main PAHs sources. Concentrations of PAHs associated with tree species suggest an affectation in areas frequented by populations susceptible to air pollution. This fact shows the importance of regulatory scheme to significantly improve the air quality in the city integrating a knowledge-based decision-making.

Phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic assessment of glyphosate on Lactuca sativa L

Abstract The active ingredient glyphosate is the most commercialized herbicide on the world market due to its capability in eliminating weeds. However, it can harm the development of non-target organisms and threaten environmental quality. This study analyzed the effects of potentially toxic concentrations of glyphosate on germination, growth, cell cycle and genomic stability of Lactuca sativa L., and identified the most sensitive variables for assessing the toxicity of this herbicide to this biomonitor. Seeds of L. sativa were germinated in Petri dishes containing a sheet of filter paper moistened with 5 mL of a concentration of glyphosate (1.34, 3.35, 6.70, 10.05, 13.40 mg L-1). Controls consisted of distilled water (negative) and 3 mg L-1 CuSO4 (positive). Macroscopic and microscopic variables were analyzed. The germination of L. sativa was not affected by the concentrations of glyphosate. Root length and shoot height of the plants and the mitotic index decreased from the lowest concentration tested on. The chromosomal anomaly index and frequency of micronuclei increased by 3.2 and 22 times, respectively, with the presence of the lowest concentration of glyphosate compared to the negative control. The observed phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic effects demonstrate the negative influence that glyphosate has on the development of L. sativa. Root length and microscopic variables showed the highest sensitivity. This study warns of the possible harmful effects that glyphosate can have on non-target organisms and suggests greater control over the use of this herbicide to mitigate its environmental impact.

Resumo O ingrediente ativo glifosato é o herbicida mais comercializado do mercado mundial, pela sua capacidade de eliminar as plantas daninhas. No entanto, ele pode prejudicar o desenvolvimento dos organismos não-alvo e ameaçar a qualidade do ambiente. O estudo teve como objetivo analisar os efeitos de concentrações potencialmente tóxicas de glifosato sobre a germinação, o crescimento, o ciclo celular e a estabilidade genômica de Lactuca sativa L., e identificar as variáveis mais sensíveis para avaliar a toxicidade deste herbicida ao biomonitor. Sementes de L. sativa foram germinadas em placas de Petri contendo uma folha de papel-filtro umedecida com 5 mL das concentrações de glifosato (1,34, 3,35, 6,70, 10,05, 13,40 mg L-1). Os controles consistiram em água destilada (negativo) e 3 mg L-1 de CuSO4 (positivo). Variáveis macroscópicas e microscópicas foram analisadas. A germinação de L. sativa não foi afetada pelas concentrações de glifosato. O comprimento da raiz e a altura da parte aérea das plantas e o índice mitótico reduziram desde a menor concentração testada. O índice de anomalias cromossômicas e a frequência de micronúcleos aumentaram, respectivamente, 3,2 e 22 vezes na presença da menor concentração de glifosato em comparação ao controle negativo. Os efeitos fitotóxicos e citogenotóxicos observados demonstram a interferência negativa do herbicida no desenvolvimento de L. sativa. O comprimento da raiz e as variáveis microscópicas foram as que apresentaram maior sensibilidade. Este estudo alerta sobre os possíveis efeitos prejudiciais que o glifosato pode provocar nos organismos não-alvo, sugerindo um maior controle quanto à utilização deste herbicida, a fim de mitigar o seu impacto ambiental.

Phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic assessment of glyphosate on Lactuca sativa L / Avaliação fitotóxica e citogenotóxica do glifosato em Lactuca sativa L

The active ingredient glyphosate is the most commercialized herbicide on the world market due to its capability in eliminating weeds. However, it can harm the development of non-target organisms and threaten environmental quality. This study analyzed the effects of potentially toxic concentrations of glyphosate on germination, growth, cell cycle and genomic stability of Lactuca sativa L., and identified the most sensitive variables for assessing the toxicity of this herbicide to this biomonitor. Seeds of L. sativa were germinated in Petri dishes containing a sheet of filter paper moistened with 5 mL of a concentration of glyphosate (1.34, 3.35, 6.70, 10.05, 13.40 mg L-1). Controls consisted of distilled water (negative) and 3 mg L-1 CuSO4 (positive). Macroscopic and microscopic variables were analyzed. The germination of L. sativa was not affected by the concentrations of glyphosate. Root length and shoot height of the plants and the mitotic index decreased from the lowest concentration tested on. The chromosomal anomaly index and frequency of micronuclei increased by 3.2 and 22 times, respectively, with the presence of the lowest concentration of glyphosate compared to the negative control. The observed phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic effects demonstrate the negative influence that glyphosate has on the development of L. sativa. Root length and microscopic variables showed the highest sensitivity. This study warns of the possible harmful effects that glyphosate can have on non-target organisms and suggests greater control over the use of this herbicide to mitigate its environmental impact.

O ingrediente ativo glifosato é o herbicida mais comercializado do mercado mundial, pela sua capacidade de eliminar as plantas daninhas. No entanto, ele pode prejudicar o desenvolvimento dos organismos não-alvo e ameaçar a qualidade do ambiente. O estudo teve como objetivo analisar os efeitos de concentrações potencialmente tóxicas de glifosato sobre a germinação, o crescimento, o ciclo celular e a estabilidade genômica de Lactuca sativa L., e identificar as variáveis mais sensíveis para avaliar a toxicidade deste herbicida ao biomonitor. Sementes de L. sativa foram germinadas em placas de Petri contendo uma folha de papel-filtro umedecida com 5 mL das concentrações de glifosato (1,34, 3,35, 6,70, 10,05, 13,40 mg L-1). Os controles consistiram em água destilada (negativo) e 3 mg L-1 de CuSO4 (positivo). Variáveis macroscópicas e microscópicas foram analisadas. A germinação de L. sativa não foi afetada pelas concentrações de glifosato. O comprimento da raiz e a altura da parte aérea das plantas e o índice mitótico reduziram desde a menor concentração testada. O índice de anomalias cromossômicas e a frequência de micronúcleos aumentaram, respectivamente, 3,2 e 22 vezes na presença da menor concentração de glifosato em comparação ao controle negativo. Os efeitos fitotóxicos e citogenotóxicos observados demonstram a interferência negativa do herbicida no desenvolvimento de L. sativa. O comprimento da raiz e as variáveis microscópicas foram as que apresentaram maior sensibilidade. Este estudo alerta sobre os possíveis efeitos prejudiciais que o glifosato pode provocar nos organismos não-alvo, sugerindo um maior controle quanto à utilização deste herbicida, a fim de mitigar o seu impacto ambiental.

Metal(loid)s content in Concholepas concholepas (Mollusca) and human health assessment in a coastal environmental sacrifice zone, central Chile (∼32°S).

In seafood, the study of metal(loid)s is essential to assess their toxicity and to establish risks of human exposure. This study investigates the content of As, Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb in Concholepas concholepas in a coastal environmental sacrifice zone (Chile) to assess potential human-health risks by consumption of C. concholepas. The Cu and Cd content was found to be above the safety level established in chilean and international regulations. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for As were comparatively high with respect to the other metals analysed. The THQ-As and Hazard Index (HI) suggest a moderate carcinogenic risk due to the consumption of C. concholepas in six of the nine sectors analysed. THQ and HI are reasonable indicators to assess risks to human-health from the consumption of shellfish with HMs. C. concholepas can be considered as a biomonitor to study metal(loid)s on the Chilean coast.

Usability of biomonitors in monitoring the change of tin concentration in the air.

Air pollution, a pressing global issue, encompasses various harmful elements, with heavy metals being particularly significant pollutants affecting all forms of life. Effective monitoring and regulation of heavy metal concentrations, especially in the atmosphere, is pivotal. Employing trees as biomonitors emerges as a potent tool, particularly in retrospectively assessing long-term heavy metal contamination trends. This study aims to furnish insights into both tin (Sn) pollutants and the most suitable species for monitoring and mitigating such pollution. Within this study's ambit, samples were collected from Pinus pinaster, Cupressus arizonica, Picea orientalis, Cedrus atlantica, and Pseudotsuga menziesii species in Duzce Province. This area, ranked as the fourth-most air-polluted in Europe according to the World Air Pollution Report, was examined to discern changes in Sn concentration across species, organs, orientations, and age groups over the last four decades. The findings revealed varying potentials for Sn accumulation among the species. Specifically, Pinus pinaster and Picea orientalis were identified as suitable species for monitoring Sn pollution, while Cupressus arizonica, Cedrus atlantica, and Pseudotsuga menziesii exhibited potential for reducing Sn pollution.

Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria from Free-Living Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas).

Bioindicator species are used to assess the damage and magnitude of possible impacts of anthropic origin on the environment, such as the reckless consumption of antimicrobials. Chelonia mydas has several characteristics that make it a suitable bioindicator of marine pollution and of the presence of pathogens that cause diseases in humans. This study aimed to investigate the green sea turtle as a reservoir of resistant bacteria, mainly because C. mydas is the most frequent sea turtle species in Brazilian coastal regions and, consequently, under the intense impact of anthropic factors. Free-living green sea turtles ranging from 42.8 to 92 cm (average = 60.7 cm) were captured from Itaipú Beach, Brazil. Cloaca samples (characterizing the gastrointestinal tract) and neck samples (representing the transient microbiota) were collected. Bacterial species were identified, and their was resistance associated with the antimicrobials cephalothin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline, and vancomycin. Citrobacter braaki, Klebsiella oxytoca, K. variicola and Proteus mirabilis were found resistant to cephalothin and Morganella morganii and Enterococcus faecalis tetracycline-resistant isolates in cloaca samples. In neck samples, species resistant to tetracycline were Salmonella sp., Serratia marcescens, S. ureylitica and Proteus mirabilis. This data reinforces that the green turtle is a bioindicator of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Temporal Trends and Suspect Screening of Halogenated Flame Retardants and Their Metabolites in Blubbers of Cetaceans Stranded in Hong Kong Waters during 2013-2020.

Halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) are a large class of chemical additives intended to meet flammability safety requirements, and at present, they are ubiquitous in the environment. Herein, we conducted the target analysis and suspect screening of legacy and novel HFRs and their metabolites in the blubber of finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides; n = 70) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis; n = 35) stranded in Hong Kong, a coastal city in the South China Sea, between 2013 and 2020. The average concentrations of total target HFRs (ΣHFRs) were 6.48 × 103 ± 1.01 × 104 and 1.40 × 104 ± 1.51 × 104 ng/g lipid weight in porpoises and dolphins, respectively. Significant decreasing temporal trends were observed in the concentrations of tetra-/penta-/hexa-bromodiphenyl ethers (tetra-/penta-/hexa-BDEs) in adult porpoises stranded from 2013-2015 to 2016-2020 (p < 0.05), probably because of their phasing out in China. No significant difference was found for the concentrations of decabromodiphenyl ether and hexabromocyclododecane, possibly due to their exemption from the ban in China until 2025 and 2021, respectively. Eight brominated compounds were additionally identified via suspect screening. A positive correlation was found between the concentrations of tetra-BDE and methyl-methoxy-tetra-BDE (Me-MeO-tetra-BDE) (p < 0.05), indicating that the metabolism of tetra-BDE may be a potential source of Me-MeO-tetra-BDE in marine mammals.

Impacts of atmospheric copper and cadmium deposition on the metal accumulation of camphor leaves and rings around a large smelter.

The atmospheric deposition of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) was monitored in eight sites around a Cu smelter with similar distance to verify whether tree leaf and ring can be used as bio-indicators to track spatial pollution record. Results showed that total atmospheric deposition of Cu (103-1215 mg/m2/year) and Cd (3.57-11.2 mg/m2/year) were 4.73-66.6 and 3.15-12.2 times higher than those in background site (164 mg/m2/year and 0.93 mg/m2/year). The frequencies of wind directions significantly influenced the atmospheric deposition of Cu and Cd, and the highest atmospheric deposition of Cu and Cd were at the prevalent northeastern wind (JN), and low frequency south (WJ) and north (SW) winds for the lowest deposition fluxes. Since the bioavailability of Cd was higher than that of Cu, the atmospheric deposition of Cd was more easily adsorbed by tree leaf and ring, resulting in only significant relation between atmospheric Cd deposition and Cinnamomum camphora leaves and tree ring Cd. Although tree rings cannot correctly record the atmospheric Cu and Cd deposition, higher concentrations in the indigenous tree rings than the transplanted tree rings suggested that tree rings can reflect to some extent the variations of atmospheric deposition. Generally, spatial pollution of atmospheric deposition of heavy metals cannot reflect the distribution of soil total and available metals around the smelter, and only camphor leaf and tree ring can bio-indicate Cd deposition. A major implication of these findings is that leaf and tree ring can serve for biomonitoring purposes to assess the spatial distribution of atmospheric deposition metal with high bioavailability around a pollution source with similar distance.

Influence of the storage procedure on the trace element content measured in the aquatic moss Fontinalis antipyretica Hedw.

Aquatic bryophytes have been used as pollution biomonitors for decades. Despite this, sample collection and preparation methods have not been standardized, which makes it difficult to compare the results of different studies. Most times, the samples have to be stored before processing, for example, when many of them are collected in a short time, as occurs in extensive pollution studies. Storage must be done in a way that does not change the pollutant concentrations in the samples. We studied whether the concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the aquatic moss Fontinalis antipyretica were affected by three storage procedures: dry at room temperature, fresh (in refrigerator at 6°C), and frozen at -20°C. In addition, we evaluated whether the subsequent washing of the samples affected the concentrations of these elements differently depending on the storage method. Our results showed that the three methods were, in general, adequate since the concentrations did not change, and we did not observe differences between washed and unwashed samples either. Since the simplest method is refrigeration, we concluded that this is the best of them. However, the concentrations of Hg increased steadily over time in the fresh material, probably because of redistribution after volatilization from the basal parts of the mosses. We believe that the respiration of the plants lowered the concentrations of oxygen inside the hermetically sealed bags containing the samples, thus promoting the reduction of the Hg and its posterior volatilization and redistribution. We did not observe interactions between the storage method and the posterior washing of the samples. PRACTITIONER POINTS: We studied the influence of storage procedure on element content in aquatic mosses. The procedures were as follows: dried at room temperature, stored in refrigerator, and frozen. The procedures did not change the element contents, except for Hg in refrigerator. All the procedures seemed suitable, but refrigeration was the simplest one.

Experimental evidence for clothianidin deposition in feathers of house sparrows after ingestion of sublethal doses treated seeds.

Bird feathers are commonly used to assess environmental contamination by chemical pollutants. However, although neonicotinoid insecticides are widely applied worldwide, feathers have rarely been used to survey the contamination by neonicotinoids in birds. To investigate whether clothianidin, one compound of the neonicotinoid class, is deposited into birds' feathers, we conducted an experiment with 56 wild male and female house sparrows dispatched in 7 aviaries. During this experiment, house sparrows were fed with certified organic seeds treated with clothianidin at an estimated concentration of 0.25 µg/g BW per day and per individual. We collected blood samples and plucked four tail feathers at the onset of the experiment to confirm that no birds were previously exposed to clothianidin. 35 days later, we collected blood samples and the newly grown feathers. Before exposure, a small number of birds showed very low clothianidin concentrations in plasma and feathers. After exposure, the plasma and the newly grown feathers of all birds contained clothianidin. Clothianidin concentrations in feathers were similar in both sexes, but the plasma of males contained clothianidin at higher concentrations than that of females. Our results confirm that ingested clothianidin transits in the plasma and is deposited in feathers during their growth. They also suggest substantial individual variation in the amounts of clothianidin transiting in the plasma and being deposited in feathers that may reflect variation in metabolism and/or access to food in relation to sex, social hierarchy and group dynamics. Whether increasing levels of exposure translate linearly or non-linearly (e.g. saturation process) into increasing clothianidin concentrations in bird plasma and feathers remains to be investigated. To conclude, these results confirm the relevance of using feathers to biomonitor the presence of neonicotinoids, but the relationship between the level of exposure and the concentrations found in feathers remains to be established.

Heavy metal accumulation in leaves of selected plant species in urban areas of Delhi.

Heavy metals beyond their permissible limits are major contaminants and causes of concern due to their persistent nature and health hazards. Several studies validated the utilization of plants as biomonitors and bioaccumulators for heavy metal pollution. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the proficiency for heavy metal monitoring and mitigation by commonly found plant species in urban areas of Delhi. For this objective, four sites (viz., control, residential, commercial, and industrial) and sixteen usually growing plant species were selected. Four heavy metals, i.e., lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), were analysed for soil and dust from each site, and leaf samples from each plant, at all sites, and various other parameters were calculated. Among the four elements, Pb and Cd showed maximum geoaccumulation and contamination at all sites. Pollution load index (PLI) values for both soil and dust indicated that industrial sites (1.78, 2.15) were most contaminated followed by commercial (1.52, 1,87), residential (1.41, 1.67), and control (1.22, 1.37) sites. Concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn were found to be highest in Morus alba, while Cd concentrations were found to be highest in Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi. From various analyses, we concluded that commonly found plant species such as Ficus religiosa L., Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. Ex DC.) Wight &Arn., Morus alba L., Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC., and M. pinnata proved to be exceptional biomonitors and bioaccumulators for heavy metals in urban areas. Therefore, these plant species are highly recommended for plantation in urban areas for decontamination of the air and soil by mitigating heavy metal pollution.

Assessment of water quality and concentration of heavy metals in fishes in the estuary of the Perizes River, Gulf of Maranhão, Brazil.

The present study evaluated physicochemical and microbiological variables of the water in the estuary of the Perizes River in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, heavy metal levels in the muscle tissue of fish species (Genyatremus luteus, Macrodon ancylodon, Sciades herzbergii and Mugil curema). Data were collected bimonthly between Nov 2017 and May 2018. Physicochemical variables of the water (pH, salinity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and turbidity). The microbiological analysis of the water was performed using the multiple-tube method. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used for the determination of heavy metals in muscle tissue of the fishes. The results revealed minor fluctuations in the environmental variables, with the exception of turbidity. The microbiological quality of the water was associated with acceptable bacterial levels. Regarding heavy metals, acceptable concentrations were found of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni and Hg, whereas Cr and Pb were found at concentrations higher than the maximum.

Assessing magnetic properties of biomonitors and road dust as a screening method for air pollution monitoring.

Particulate matter (PM) pollution is one of the world's most serious environmental challenges. Among PM components, atmospheric heavy metals (HMs) are considered one of the main pollutants responsible for causing significant negative impacts on human health, and ecological quality. This study aimed to assess environmental magnetism as a simple and rapid method that can be used to evaluate heavy metal contamination in urban areas from the relationships between magnetic properties and heavy metal concentrations. For this purpose, road dust and leaf samples of two common evergreen species (Cupressus lusitanica/Casuarina equisetifolia) were sampled simultaneously for 2 years at sites with different levels of traffic pollution. The results found significant statistical correlations between the magnetic properties and the chemical substances of the plants studied, as Fe, Cr and V showed an r ≥ 0.9 and Cr and Zn r ≥ 0.7 with χlf in C. equisetifolia. The frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility was found to be between 0% and 14% for plants, and 0% and 2% for road dust, suggesting a rather dissimilar particle size distribution for plants, and a less important contribution from the more hazardous ultrafine superparamagnetic magnetite for both. Confirming that magnetic analyses can be used to distinguish different degrees of urban air pollution.

Padronização de testes com compostos naturais utilizando Caenorhabditis elegans como modelo

Parasitic nematodes can cause damages worth 35 billion a year to agriculture, as the Brazilian Society of Nematology (SBN) estimates. Nematode control in agriculture is made by employing methods of crop rotation and destruction of infested plants. Nematicides are used to control nematodes in humans and animals. Caenorhabditis elegans is a free-living nematode, found in organic matter present in the soil. It has 40% of the genes with orthologs for human diseases and similarity with parasitic nematodes. Due to its characteristics it has been used as a biological model in research in molecular biology, neuroscience and toxicology. In order to standardize tests with the biological model C. elegans, extracts of yerba mate Ilex paraguariensis were used. Worm motility in all life stages was evaluated in defined time periods: 1h, 2h, 4h, 6h and 24h. Individual survival of the worms after adding the extracts. New bioactive compounds can be developed from the extraction of secondary products from plants and other organisms, aiding in the development of nematicides, and C. elegans can be used as a biomonitor in soil and aquatic environments.

Nematoides parasitas chegam a causar prejuízos de 35 bilhões ao ano à agropecuária, estima a Sociedade Brasileira de Nematologia (SBN), sendo utilizado para o seu controle na agricultura os métodos de rotação e remoção de culturas, além do uso de nematicidas para humanos e animais. Caenorhabditis elegans é um nematoide de vida livre, encontrado no solo e em matéria orgânica, possuindo 40% dos genes com ortólogos em doenças humanas e similaridade com nematoides parasitas. Devido às suas características vem sendo usado como modelo biológico em pesquisas de biologia molecular, neurociência e toxicologia. A fim de padronizar testes com o modelo biológico C. elegans foram utilizados extratos da erva mate Ilex paraguariensis, sendo avaliada a motilidade dos vermes de todos os estádios entre 1h, 2h, 4h, 6h e 24h, sendo observada a sobrevida dos vermes após adição dos extratos. Novos compostos bioativos podem ser desenvolvidos a partir da extração de produtos secundários de plantas e outros organismos, auxiliando no desenvolvimento de nematicidas, podendo ser utilizado o nematoide C. elegans como biomonitor do solo e de meios aquáticos.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Araucaria heterophylla Needles in Urban Areas: Evaluation of Sources and Road Characteristics.

Araucaria heterophylla needles were collected in urban areas of the city of Quito, Ecuador, to analyze the relationship between the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with different emission sources and road characteristics. The PAHs were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and included naphthalene (Naph), benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), chrysene (Chry), and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), which are related to the sources considered in this work. The results indicated that some streets with moderate and low traffic intensity had higher total concentrations of PAHs than streets with high traffic intensity, showing the importance of non-traffic related emission sources and road characteristics on PAH emissions. All the studied PAHs were associated with traffic emissions, although Naph and BaP were more associated with acceleration and braking activities, while BaA and Chry also seemed to come from restaurant emissions. The presence of gas stations was also important in the emission of PAHs. Road capacity seems to have a higher effect on pollutant emission than road gradient and urban forms. The outcomes of this study are expected to facilitate the diagnostics of the concentration of PAHs in urban areas, which contribute to the design of strategies for the mitigation of pollution by PAHs in urban environment.