Magnitude and extent of chemical contamination and toxicity in sediments of Biscayne Bay and vicinity

The toxicity of sediments in Biscayne Bay and many adjoining tributaries was determined as part of a bioeffects assessments program managed by NOAA’s National Status and Trends Program. The objectives of the survey were to determine: (1) the incidence and degree of toxicity of sediments throughout the study area; (2) the spatial patterns (or gradients) in chemical contamination and toxicity, if any, throughout the study area; (3) the spatial extent of chemical contamination and toxicity; and (4) the statistical relationships between measures of toxicity and concentrations of chemicals in the sediments. The survey was designed to characterize sediment quality throughout the greater Biscayne Bay area. Surficial sediment samples were collected during 1995 and 1996 from 226 randomly-chosen locations throughout nine major regions. Laboratory toxicity tests were performed as indicators of potential ecotoxicological effects in sediments. A battery of tests was performed to generate information from different phases (components) of the sediments. Tests were selected to represent a range in toxicological endpoints from acute to chronic sublethal responses. Toxicological tests were conducted to measure: reduced survival of adult amphipods exposed to solid-phase sediments; impaired fertilization success and abnormal morphological development in gametes and embryos, respectively, of sea urchins exposed to pore waters; reduced metabolic activity of a marine bioluminescent bacteria exposed to organic solvent extracts; induction of a cytochrome P-450 reporter gene system in exposures to solvent extracts; and reduced reproductive success in marine copepods exposed to solid-phase sediments. Contamination and toxicity were most severe in several peripheral canals and tributaries, including the lower Miami River, adjoining the main axis of the bay. In the open basins of the bay, chemical concentrations and toxicity generally were higher in areas north of the Rickenbacker Causeway than south of it. Sediments from the main basins of the bay generally were less toxic than those from the adjoining tributaries and canals. The different toxicity tests, however, indicated differences in severity, incidence, spatial patterns, and spatial extent in toxicity. The most sensitive test among those performed on all samples, a bioassay of normal morphological development of sea urchin embryos, indicated toxicity was pervasive throughout the entire study area. The least sensitive test, an acute bioassay performed with a benthic amphipod, indicated toxicity was restricted to a very small percentage of the area. Both the degree and spatial extent of chemical contamination and toxicity in this study area were similar to or less severe than those observed in many other areas in the U.S. The spatial extent of toxicity in all four tests performed throughout the bay were comparable to the “national averages” calculated by NOAA from previous surveys conducted in a similar manner. Several trace metals occurred in concentrations in excess of those expected in reference sediments. Mixtures of substances, including pesticides, petroleum constituents, trace metals, and ammonia, were associated statistically with the measures of toxicity. Substances most elevated in concentration relative to numerical guidelines and associated with toxicity included polychlorinated biphenyls, DDT pesticides, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, hexachloro cyclohexanes, lead, and mercury. These (and other) substances occurred in concentrations greater than effects-based guidelines in the samples that were most toxic in one or more of the tests. (PDF contains 180 pages)

Evaluation of chemical tests for the quality of prawns

The object of this study was to determine the value of physical, bacteriological and chemical tests used to find out and compare the indices of quality of prawns stored at 0°C and at 18°C. pH value, nature of drip, the total bacterial count, presence or absence of tryptophan, trimethylamine content, glycogen, lactic acid, vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin and niacin were estimated periodically to evaluate the quality of prawns stored at 0°C, whereas in addition to organoleptic changes, pH, bacterial count, nature of growth in peptone water, soluble protein in salt solution and loss of moisture, glycogen, lactic acid, and changes in vitamin B contents were noted periodically for prawns stored at -l8°C. Riboflavin and niacin were not affected appreciably but the retention of thiamin in prawns was very low.

Physico-chemical factors and bacteria in fish ponds

Analyses of pond water and mud samples show that nitrifying bacteria (including ammonifying bacteria, nitrite bacteria, nitrobacteria and denitrifying bacteria) are in general closely correlated with various physico-chemical factors, ammonifying bacteria are mainly correlated with dissolved oxygen; denitrifying bacteria are inversely correlated with phosphorus; nitrite bacteria are closely correlated with nitrites, nitrobacteria are inversely correlated with ammoniac nitrogen. The nitrifying bacteria are more closely correlated with heterotrophic bacteria. Nitrobacteria are inversely correlated with anaerobic heterotrophic bacteria. The correlation is quite weak between all the nitrite bacteria which indicates that the nitrite bacteria have a controlling and regulating function in water quality and there is no interdependence as each plays a role of its own. The paper also discusses how the superficial soil (pond mud down to 3.5 cm deep) and different layers of the mud affect the biomass of bacteria. The study shows that the top superficial layer (down to 1.5 cm deep) is the major area for decomposing and converting organic matter.

Environmental and social impact monitoring of the Bujagali Hydropower Project (BHPP), Uganda Fisheries Component: monthly patterns in physico-chemical conditions and fish catch in the immediate vicinity of the Bujagali Hydropower construction site, 29th September - 28th October 2007

Following the commencement of construction works of a 250 MW hydropower plant at Dumbbell Island in the Upper Victoria Nile in September 2007, BEL requested NaFIRRI to conduct continuous monitoring of fish catches at two transects i.e. the immediate upstream transect of the project site (Kalange-Makwanzi) and the immediate downstream .transect (Buyala-Kikubamutwe). The routine monitoring surveys were designed to be conducted twice a week at each of the tWo transects. It was anticipated that major immediate impacts were to occur during construction, and these needed to be known by BEL as part of a mitigation strategy. For example, the construction of it cofferdam could be accompanied by rapid changes in water quality and quantity downstream of the construction. These changes in turn could affect the fish catch and would probably be missed by the quarterly monitoring already in place. Therefore, a major cbjective of the more regular and rapid monitoring was to discern immediate impacts of construction activities by focusing on selected water quality parameters (total suspended solids, water conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH) and fish catch characteristics (total catch, catch rates and value of the catch)

Evaluation of quality of shark livers using bio-chemical properties and organoleptic score sheet

Shark livers are considered as an important raw material providing a quality fish oil. It has been reported to aid white — blood-cell production and act as an active ingredient in hemorrhoid treatments. It is also reported that liver oil as a good supplement of vitamin A and poly-unsaturated fatty acids which are important to the development of brain cells in human. Freshness of livers is very important to extract better quality oil. In Sri Lanka, the annual shark production amounts to 8000t, however the quality of livers collected from landing sites has not being measured yet. Present study was conducted to evaluate the quality of silky (Charcarninus fakiformis) shark livers available in Negombo and Beruwala landing sites in the West Coast of Sri Lanka and also to study the relationship between organoleptic and bio-chemical correlation on freshness of shark livers. Liver samples which were collected from landing sites in the West coast of Sri Lanka, were evaluated for external and internal colour, texture and odour. Total volatile nitrogen (TVN), pH value, free fatty acid (FFA%) and peroxide (PV) values of livers were also determined to assess quality. According to the organoleptic scoring system 4.3% of liver samples were categorized as best in quality while 30.4%, 56.5% and 8.7% rated as good, medium and poor in quality respectively at the Negombo and Beruwala landing sites. Bio-chemical analysis showed that the better quality livers had the highest score for sensory evaluation and low values for TVN, FFA and peroxide value while low quality livers gave low score for sensory evaluation and high TVN, FFA, peroxide values. Correlation coefficient of organoleptic scores against total volatile nitrogen value, pH value, free fatty acid % and peroxide value of shark livers were determined by statistical analysis. Organoleptic score of shark livers was found to be highly.

Squilla protein: chemical composition and nutritive value

Protein extract prepared from squilla (Grato squilla nepa), a commercially unexploited crustacean, was analysed for crude protein and essential amino acids. All the essential amino acids except tryptophan and threonine were present in nutritionally adequate amounts. The protein was evaluated for its nutritional quality in respect of growth rate, protein efficiency ratio (PER) and liver nitrogen content by feeding on rats. Growth rates and protein efficiency ratios were similar in rats fed on casein, squilla protein and a combination of squilla protein and casein (1:1) diet. The weight of liver and kidneys were normal.

Monthly patterns in physico-chemical conditions and fish catch in the immediate vicinity of the Bujagali hydropower construction site 29th September - 28th October 2007

The specific objectives were to: WATER QUALITY 1. To measure the water physical variables as indicators of environmental conditions in the upstream and downstream transects of Kalange (1) and Buyala (2), respectively, 2. To determine the concentrations of total suspended solids as a major constituent likely to be released into the waters at any time during the construction activities, by comparing the concentrations at the two transects. FISH CATCH 1. To follow up trends in fish catch as construction activity progresses, and to precision of the estimate; 2. To estimate the prevailing fish catch rates, total fish catches and the total value of the fish catch to the local fishers at the two transects.

Chemical, microbiological and sensory examinations of dried Lake Tanganyika sardine presently marketed in Zambia

Proximate composition, PH, total aerabic counts, coliform counts, appearance and taste of dried Lake Tanganyika sardine (Limnothrissa miodon and Stolothrissa tanganicae) sampled at Lusaka markets were analysed for the period July 1969 to February 1970. Water content for the dried sardine varied between 7 and l4% and oil content between 8 and 14% according to season. Flavour of the cooked sardine was scored as good to fair, which discredits the common belief that is poor in quality. Cooked fish scores correlated poorly to the oil content and bacterial counts of the dried fish.

Chemical, bacteriological and sensory examination of split, dried, smoked bream on the market in Zambia

A critical examination of the market quality of split, dried and smoked bream (Tilapia spp.) was chemically, bacteriologically and organoleptically conducted for the period of August 1968 to January 1969. The aim of this survey was to obtain basic information for the development of national quality standards for the commodity. Relationships of cooked meat score to pH, fish size, appearance and smell score, and water content wcre significantly correlated and responsive. Therefore, these parameters were proposed to be used as indices for the quality standards of the products.

An assessment of chemical contaminants, toxicity and benthic infauna in sediments from the St. Thomas East End Reserves (STEER)

This report contains a chemical and biological characterization of sediments from the St. Thomas East End Reserves (STEER) in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). The STEER Management Plan (published in 2011) identified chemical contaminants and habitat loss as high or very high threats and called for a characterization of chemical contaminants as well as an assessment of their effects on natural resources. The baseline information contained in this report on chemical contaminants, toxicity and benthic infaunal community composition can be used to assess current conditions, as well as the efficacy of future restoration activities. In this phase of the project, 185 chemical contaminants, including a number of organic (e.g., hydrocarbons and pesticides) and inorganic (e.g., metals) compounds, were analyzed from 24 sites in the STEER. Sediments were also analyzed using a series of toxicity bioassays, including amphipod mortality, sea urchin fertilization impairment, and the cytochrome P450 Human Reporter Gene System (HRGS), along with a characterization of the benthic infaunal community. Higher levels of chemical contaminants were found in Mangrove Lagoon and Benner Bay in the western portion of the study area than in the eastern area. The concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), chlordane, zinc, copper, lead and mercury were above a NOAA sediment quality guideline at one or more sites, indicating impacts may be present in more sensitive species or life stages in the benthic environment. Copper at one site in Benner Bay, however, was above a NOAA guideline indicating that effects on benthic organisms were likely. The antifoulant boat hull ingredient tributyltin, or TBT, was found at the third highest concentration in the history of NOAA’s National Status and Trends (NS&T) Program, which monitors the Nation’s coastal and estuarine waters for chemical contaminants and bioeffects. Unfortunately, there do not appear to be any established sediment quality guidelines for TBT. Results of the bioassays indicated significant sediment toxicity in Mangrove Lagoon and Benner Bay using multiple tests. The benthic infaunal communities in Mangrove Lagoon and Benner Bay appeared severely diminished.

Flow and chemical characteristics of the St. Johns River at Jacksonville, Florida

This report will be of substantial value to water managers in developing the St. Johns River as a multiple resource. Evaluation of the capacity of the river to accept pollutants without adversely affecting other uses requires detailed data of flow and chemical characteristics and an understanding of how they interact. (66 page document)

Survey of sediment quality in Sabine Lake, Texas and vicinity

The toxicity of sediments in Sabine Lake, Texas, and adjoining Intracoastal Waterway canals was determined as part of bioeffects assessment studies managed by NOAA’s National Status and Trends Program. The objectives of the survey were to determine: (1) the incidence and degree of toxicity of sediments throughout the study area; (2) the spatial patterns (or gradients) in chemical contamination and toxicity, if any, throughout the study area; (3) the spatial extent of chemical contamination and toxicity; and (4) the statistical relationships between measures of toxicity and concentrations of chemicals in the sediments. Surficial sediment samples were collected during August, 1995 from 66 randomly-chosen locations. Laboratory toxicity tests were performed as indicators of potential ecotoxicological effects in sediments. A battery of tests was performed to generate information from different phases (components) of the sediments. Tests were selected to represent a range in toxicological endpoints from acute to chronic sublethal responses. Toxicological tests were conducted to measure: reduced survival of adult amphipods exposed to solid-phase sediments; impaired fertilization success and abnormal morphological development in gametes and embryos, respectively, of sea urchins exposed to pore waters; reduced metabolic activity of a marine bioluminescent bacteria exposed to organic solvent extracts; and induction of a cytochrome P-450 reporter gene system in exposures to solvent extracts of the sediments. Chemical analyses were performed on portions of each sample to quantify the concentrations of trace metals, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and chlorinated organic compounds. Correlation analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between measures of toxicity and concentrations of potentially toxic substances in the samples. Based upon the compilation of results from chemical analyses and toxicity tests, the quality of sediments in Sabine Lake and vicinity did not appear to be severely degraded. Chemical concentrations rarely exceeded effects-based numerical guidelines, suggesting that toxicant-induced effects would not be expected in most areas. None of the samples was highly toxic in acute amphipod survival tests and a minority (23%) of samples were highly toxic in sublethal urchin fertilization tests. Although toxic responses occurred frequently (94% of samples) in urchin embryo development tests performed with 100% pore waters, toxicity diminished markedly in tests done with diluted pore waters. Microbial bioluminescent activity was not reduced to a great degree (no EC50 <0.06 mg/ml) and cytochrome P-450 activity was not highly induced (6 samples exceeded 37.1 ug/g benzo[a]pyrene equivalents) in tests done with organic solvent extracts. Urchin embryological development was highly correlated with concentrations of ammonia and many trace metals. Cytochrome P450 induction was highly correlated with concentrations of a number of classes of organic compounds (including the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated compounds). (PDF contains 51 pages)

The design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Replicated Modular Estuarine Mesocosm

Perhaps the most difficult job of the ecotoxicologist is extrapolating data calculated from laboratory experiments with high precision and accuracy into the real world of highly-dynamics aquatic environments. The establishment of baseline laboratory toxicity testing data for individual compounds and ecologically important and field studies serve as a precursor to ecosystem level studies needed for ecological risk assessment. The first stage in the field portion of risk assessment is the determination of actual environmental concentrations of the contaminant being studied and matching those concentrations with laboratory toxicity tests. Risk estimates can be produced via risk quotients that would determine the probability that adverse effects may occur. In this first stage of risk assessment, environmental realism is often not achieved. This is due, in part, to the fact that single-species laboratory toxicity tests, while highly controlled, do not account for the complex interactions (Chemical, physical, and biological) that take place in the natural environment. By controlling as many variables in the laboratory as possible, an experiment can be produced in such a fashion that real effects from a compound can be determined for a particular test organism. This type of approach obviously makes comparison with real world data most difficult. Conversely, field oriented studies fall short in the interpretation of ecological risk assessment because of low statistical power, lack of adequate replicaiton, and the enormous amount of time and money needed to perform such studies. Unlike a controlled laboratory bioassay, many other stressors other than the chemical compound in question affect organisms in the environment. These stressors range from natural occurrences (such as changes in temperature, salinity, and community interactions) to other confounding anthropogenic inputs. Therefore, an improved aquatic toxicity test that will enhance environmental realism and increase the accuracy of future ecotoxicological risk assessments is needed.

Determination of proximate composition, shelf life and fatty acid profiles of breaded kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris) during frozen storage

The present study aimed production of a new product with various texture and sensory properties in chase of the impetus for increasing human consumption considering suitable resources of Kilka fish in Caspian Sea. Following deheading, gutting, and brining, common Kilka were battered in two different formulations, i.e. simple batter and tempura batter, via automated predusting machinery and then, they were fried through flash frying for 30 seconds at 170°C in sunflower oil after they were breaded with bread crumbs flour. The products were subjected to continuous freezing at -40°C and were kept at -18°C in cold storage for four months once they were packed. Chemical composition (protein, fat, moisture, and ash), fatty acid profiles (29 fatty acids), chemical indices of spoilage (peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid, free fatty acids, and volatile nitrogen), and microbial properties (total bacteria count and coliform count) were compared in fresh and breaded Kilka at various times before frying (raw breaded Kilka), after frying (zero-phase), and in various months of frozen storage (phases 1, 2, 3, and 4). Organoleptic properties of breaded Kilka (i.e. odor, taste, texture, crispiness, cohesiveness of batter) and general acceptability in the phases 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 were evaluated. The results obtained from chemical composition and fatty acid profiles in common Kilka denoted that MUFA, PUFA, and SFA were estimated to be 36.96, 32.85, and 29.12 g / 100g lipid, respectively. Levels of ù-3 and ù-6 were 7.6 and 1.12 g / 100 gr lipid, respectively. Docosahexaonoic acid (20.79%) was the highest fatty acid in PUFA group. ù-3/ù-6 and PUFA/SFA ratios were 7.6 and 1.12, respectively. The high rates of the indices and high percentage of ù-3 fatty acid in common Kilka showed that the fish can be considered as invaluable nutritional and fishery resources and commonsensical consumption of the species may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Frying breaded Kilka affected overall fat and moisture contents so that moisture content in fried breaded Kilka decreased significantly compared to raw breaded Kilka, while it was absolutely reverse for fat content. Overall fat content in tempura batter treatment was significantly lower than that of simple batter treatment (P≤0.05). Presence of hydrocolloids, namely proteins, starch, gum, and other polysaccharides, in tempura batter may prohibit moisture evaporation and placement with oil during frying process in addition to boosting water holding capacity through confining water molecules. During frying process, fatty acids composition of breaded Kilka with various batters changed so that rates of some fatty acids such as Palmitic acid (C16:0), Stearic acid (C18:0), Oleic acid (C18:1 ù-9cis), and linoleic acid (C18:3 ù-3) increased considerably following frying; however, ù-3/ù-6, PUFA/SFA, and EPA+DHA/C16:0 ratios (Polyan index) decreased significantly after frying. ù-3/ù-6, PUFA/SFA, and EPA+DHA/C16:0 ratios in tempura batter treatment were higher than those of simple batter treatment which is an indicator of higher nutritional value of breaded Kilka with tempura batter. Significant elevations were found in peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, and free fatty acids in fried breaded Kilka samples compared to raw samples which points to fat oxidation during cooking process. Overall microorganism count and coliform count decreased following heating process. Both breaded Kilka samples were of high sanitation quality at zero-phase according to ICMSF Standard. The results acquired from organoleptic evaluation declared that odor, cohesiveness, and general acceptability indices, among others, had significant differences between the treatments (P≤0.05). In all evaluated properties, breaded Kilka with tempura batter in different phases gained higher scores than breaded Kilka with simple batter. During cold storage of various treatments of breaded Kilka, total lipid content, PUFA, MUFA, ù-3, ù- 3/ù-6, PUFA/SFA, Polyen index decreased significantly. The mentioned reductions in addition to significant elevation of spoilage indices, namely peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, and free fatty acids, during frozen storage, indicate to oxidation and enzymatic mechanism activity during frozen storage of breaded Kilka. Considering sensory evaluation at the end of the fourth month and TVB-N contents exceeded eligible rate in the fourth month, shelf life of the products during frozen storage was set to be three months at -18°C. The results obtained from statistical tests indicate to better quality of breaded Kilka processed with tempura batter compared to simple batter in terms of organoleptic evaluation, spoilage indices, and high quality of fat in various sampling phases.

Evaluation and comparison of durability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAHs) and its relation to the lipid content in smoked fishes, Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), Rutilus frisii kutum and Herring (Alosa caspia)

Cold smoking method is one of the commonest ways for fish smoking. It is done by the smoke that is the result of burning hard and soft woods is smoking rooms. Smoke includes a number of chemical constructs and its main part is poly aromatic hydrocarbons. More than one hundred kinds of these constructs are recognized in smoke that is produced from saturated hydrocarbons resulted from the solution of the woods Ligno cellulose in high temperature and lack of oxygen conditions. The high poisoning potentials and carcinogenic features sixteen constructs among them are proved and observed on humans. In this research, the PAH compounds were identified and observed in a three month period after smoking and during storing among three types of smoked fishes Silver carp and Caspian sea Sefid and herring. They are the most produced and consumed smoked fish in Iran. To find the relationship between the concentrations of PAH constructs and the amount of lipid in fish, first, the amount of lipid were determined separately in the skin and flesh of 30 samples of each type. The method used was Bligh and Dyer (1959). PAH compounds derivation were made for all skin and flesh samples smoked fish using organic solvents with Soxeleh and the derived samples were injected to gas chromatography (GC) by Hamilton injectors for determining their components quality and their quantity. The height of the used column was 25 meters and its diameter was 0.32 mm with the silica filler, nitrogen gas as carrier and flame ionization detector (FID) that are special for these constructs. For data analysis, Statistical tests were used by computer soft ware identified that the difference in the amount of lipid within the flesh and skin of each species and also among each other is significant. The largest amount was in Herrings flesh and skin, 18.74% in skin and 14.47% in flesh. The least amount in the skin 4.19% and the flesh 3.10% of Sefid. The amount in Silver carp was 13.28%in skin and 8.16% in flesh. The examination of the PAH compounds in smoked fish showed that is carcinogenic compounds; exist in these in these fish with different quantities in each. It seems that its amount is directly related to the amount of their lipid. The amount is different in flesh and skin. One of the most important reasons is the direct content of smoke and the concentration of lipid in tissues of all three types. The maintenance of the smoked fish for three months showed that most of PAH compounds were solved and their density decreased. The changes in density within time in different in each type and in flesh and skin. The amount of their receiving in human through the consumption of the smoked fish depends on the resulted density, the way and the amount of consumption and now we can determine and execute standards for the maximum dosage per day and per month regarding effective factors.