Integrated Use of Biomarkers (O : N Ratio and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition) on Aulacomya ater (Molina, 1782) (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) as a Criteria for Effects of Organophosphate Pesticide Exposition

The effect of residual concentrations of organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 4E) on the activity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme and oxygen : nitrogen ratio in the mussel Aulacomya ater was analyzed. Toxicity tests show a sensitivity to the pesticide in the bivalve estimated at 16 μg L−1 (LC50−96 hours). Concentrations between 0.2 and 1.61 μg L−1 were able to inhibit significantly the AChE activity, and concentrations between 0.8 and 1.61 μg L−1 stimulate ammonia excretion and decrease oxygen : ammonia-N (O : N) ratio, with respect to the control group. A. ater proved to be a species sensitive to pesticide exposure and easy to handle in lab conditions. Thus, it is recommended as a bioindicator for use in programs of environmental alertness in the Eastern South Pacific coastal zone

Survey of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmosphere of rural, urban and industrial areas of Concepción, Chile, using passive air samplers

Passive air samplers (PAS) consisting of polyurethane foam (PUF) disks were used to assess air concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in rural, urban, and industrial sites in Concepcion, Chile during a two-month deployment in the summer of 2007. Results for PCBs and PAHs showed a clear rural-urban-industrial gradient. PCB air concentrations (pg m(-3)) ranged from similar to 30 to similar to 350 and were similar to 2 to 5 times higher at industrial sites compared to rural sites. For PAHs, air concentrations (ng m(-3)) ranged from 26 to 230 and were 4 to 8 times higher at industrial sites. The PCB congener profile was dominated by high molecular weight PCBs at urban and industrial sites. The PAH profile was dominated by 3- and 4-ring PAHs accounting for more than 90% of the Sigma(15)PAH, and dominated by phenanthrene (similar to 40%). Of the HCH isomers, only gamma-HCH was detected with air concentrations ranging from 5 to 120 pg m(-3). While for DDT isomers, p,p'-DDE was the only compound detected, ranging from below detection limit (BDL) to 360 pg m(-3). Other OCPs (chlordanes, heptachlor and Dieldrin) showed low air concentrations (pg m(-3)) on the order of similar to 1 - 3. Endosulfan, which is a newly listed persistent organic pollutant (POP) under the Stockholm Convention (SC) on POPs, ranged from 14 to 20 pg m(-3). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) also newly listed under the SC, were relatively uniform across the transect with air concentrations (pg m(-3)) in the range of similar to 5 to 10. This study represents one of the first efforts to characterize the POPs composition in ambient air for urban and industrial areas of Chile

Actividad acetilcolinesterasa, defensas antioxidativas y peroxidación lipídica en el molusco bivalvo Semele solida:: esta especie ¿Podría ser utilizada como bioindicador?

We analyzed the relationships between biochemical parameters: acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE); glutathione S-transferase activity (GST); glutathione concentration (GSH) and lipid peroxidation; in the bivalve mollusc Semele solida, with the effects of environmental stress (anthropogenic activity), from three estuaries in Eastern South Pacific bays: Coliumo estuary (in Coliumo Bay), Lenga estuary (in San Vicente Bay) and Andali¨¦n estuary (in Concepci¨®n Bay). Coliumo is the estuary with minor environmental stress. Thirty juveniles from each site were selected for individual analyses in homogenized of gill or digestive gland tissue to assess AChE activity, GST activity, GSH concentration, malonyldialdehyde concentration (MDA) (lipid peroxidation), and protein content. The biochemical parameters analyzed in specimens from Coliumo estuary, differed significantly from that in Andali¨¦n estuary, with lower AChE activity in gill tissue (2189.9 ¡À 189.6 ¦Ìmol min¡¥1mg protein¡¥1) and intracellular GSH levels (59.8 ¡À 13.3 ¦ÌM), and the highest lipid peroxidation (31.9, 7.4 nmol MDA mL¡¥1) and GST activity (614.9, 92.3 mol mini mg protein). The biochemical parameters in S. solida were closely related to the sector`s stress. Due to this bivalve sensitivity, is recommended as bioindicator for use in programs of environmental alertness in the Eastern South Pacific coastal zone.Se eval¨²a en terreno un conjunto de par¨¢metros bioqu¨ªmicos: actividad acetilcolinesterasa (AChE), glutation-S-transferasa (GST), concentraci¨®n de glutation (GSH) y peroxidaci¨®n lip¨ªdica, en el molusco bivalvo Semele solida, con el objeto de analizar su relaci¨®n con el efecto del estr¨¦s ambiental generada por la actividad antr¨®pica, en tres estuarios del Pac¨ªfico Sureste: estuario Coliumo (Bah¨ªa Coliumo), estuario Lenga (Bah¨ªa San Vicente) y estuario Andali¨¦n (Bah¨ªa Concepci¨®n). Coliumo es el estuario con menor estr¨¦s ambiental. Para ello, se seleccion¨® 30 individuos juveniles de S. solida desde cada sitio. Se analiz¨® en el homogenizado de branquias o tejido digestivo de cada individuo: actividad AChE; actividad GST, concentraci¨®n GSH, concentraci¨®n de malonildialdeh¨ªdo (peroxidaci¨®n lip¨ªdica) y contenido de prote¨ªnas. Los par¨¢metros bioqu¨ªmicos analizados en los organismos recolectados en el estuario Coliumo difirieron significativamente de los recolectados en el estuario Andali¨¦n, los que presentaron menor actividad AChE en tejido branquial (2189,9 ¡À 189,6 ¦Ìmol min¡¥1mg prote¨ªna¡¥1) y concentraci¨®n intracelular de GSH (59,8 ¡À 13,3 ¦ÌM) y en gl¨¢ndula digestiva mayor actividad GST (614,9 ¡À 92,3 ¦Ìmol min¡¥1mg prote¨ªna¡¥1) y mayor grado de peroxidaci¨®n lip¨ªdica (31,9 ¡À 7,4 nmol MDA mL¡¥1). Se observ¨® una estrecha relaci¨®n entre la respuesta de los par¨¢metros bioqu¨ªmicos analizados en S. solida y el nivel de estres ambiental presente en el ¨¢rea. Dado la sensibilidad de S. solida respecto de los par¨¢metros analizados, se recomienda utilizar a esta especie como bioindicador en programas de vigilancia ambiental en la zona costera del Pac¨ªfico sureste

Distribución y concentración de Zn total en sedimentos del fiordo Aysén, sur de Chile, posterior al terremoto y tsunami de 2007

Between February and May 2007, more than 1,200 seismic movement of intensity above 3 degrees on the Richter scale (i.e., swarming) and a 6.2 degree earthquake, occurred in Aysén Fjord, southern Chile. The epicenter was located at Liquiñe - Ofqui fault, which is perpendicular to the middle of the fjord. This resulted in a landslide of soils and rocks along the coastline and followed by a local tsunami towards the fjord head. As a consequence of this seismic activity, the possible suspension and redistribution of the total Zn in marine sediments Aysén Fjord, is analyzed. Sampling was carried out during the 13° Campaign of the program Research Cruises on Marine Remote Areas: CIMAR13-FJORD, November 2007. The sampling stations chosen were same ones used in previous 1995 and 2001 cruises. Acid extracts of the samples were analyzed for Zn, in quintuplicate replicas by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed large variability in the concentration of Zn among stations, but no significant difference was observed in the concentrations of total Zn between sampling sites. This suggests that resuspension and redistribution of contents total Zn in the sediments was a local event, which in turns affected only the middle of the fjord where the landslides of soil and rocks occurred.Entre febrero y mayo de 2007, se produjeron más de 1.200 movimientos sísmicos de una intensidad mayor de 3 grados Richter (i.e., enjambre) y un sismo de 6,2 grados, en el Fiordo Aysén, sur de Chile. El epicentro fue la Falla Liquiñe-Ofqui, ubicada perpendicular a la parte media del fiordo. Como resultado se produjo una avalancha de tierra y rocas en la costa y ondas de tsunami local, hacia la cabeza. Se analiza la posible suspensión y redistribución de Zn total en los sedimentos marinos del Fiordo Aysén, por efecto de la actividad sísmica ocurrida en el área. El muestreo se realizó durante la 13° campaña del Programa Cruceros de Investigación Marina en Áreas Remotas, (CIMAR13-FIORDO), en noviembre de 2007. Las estaciones muestreadas fueron las mismas elegidas en campañas anteriores, 1995 y 2001. Se analizaron extractos ácidos de las muestras por quintuplicado, en un espectrofotómetro de absorción atómica. Los resultados mostraron una alta variabilidad en la concentración de Zn entre las estaciones. Sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias significativas en las concentraciones de Zn total entre los sitios de muestreo, lo que sugeriría que la resuspensión y redistribución de los contenidos de Zn total en los sedimentos fue un proceso local leve, que sólo afectó a la parte media del fiordo en que se produjo avalanchas de tierra y piedras

Calidad ecotoxicológica de los sedimentos en fiordos del sur de Chile

We analysed the ecotoxicological quality of sediments in Moraleda, Puyuguapi and Elefantes Channels and Aysén Fjord, located between 44º and 46.5ºS, using non-specific tests in order to evaluate their base conditions in terms of possible pollutants that may have been introduced in the area. The survival tests with Ampelisca araucana and Tisbe longicornis and fertility test with Arbacia spatuligera indicate that the sediments do not present problems of toxicity. Nevertheless, the increased cellular density observed in the tests with microalgae (Dunaliella tertiolecta, Dunaliella salina and Isochrysis galbana) indicates the accumulation of sediments rich in nutrients within the area

Dissolved trace metals in the water column of Reloncaví Fjord, Chile Metales trazas disueltos en la columna de agua en el fiordo Reloncaví, Chile

We analyzed the concentration of dissolved trace metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb) in the water column of Reloncaví Fjord. Sampling was performed during the CIMAR 12 Fiordos cruise in 2006. A total of 36 passive samplers or DGTs (diffusion gradient in thin films) were anchored at four stations along the longitudinal axis of the fjord. The DGTs were deployed at three depths per station and left there for 48 h. The metal contents on each thin film were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Concentrations were highest in the surface layer at the head of the estuary, which is directly influenced by Petrohué River. Characteristic sequences of the studied metals were defined in the area with the greatest continental influence (Z(5-25m) = Cu >Mn> Fe > Ni >Pb> Cr > Cd > Co) and in the area with a marine or coastal influence (Z(5-25m) = Fe > Cu>Mn> Ni >Pb> Cr > Cd > Co). A similar metal sequence was found in the deepest layer: Z(40-m) = Fe >Mn> Cu >Pb> Ni > Cd > Cr > Co. The passive sampling technique using DGTs to determine dissolved trace metals in the sea water provided robust information on the concentrations of the ten metals analyzed.<br>Se analiza la concentración de metales trazas disueltos (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni y Pb), en la columna de agua del fiordo Reloncaví. El muestreo se realizó durante la campaña CIMAR 12 Fiordos, 2006. Para ello se fondeó en cuatro estaciones y en tres profundidades, un total de 36 muestreadores pasivos o DGT (láminas de gradiente de difusión) a lo largo del eje longitudinal del fiordo, durante 48 h. El contenido de metales en cada lámina fue analizado mediante espectroscopía de emisión atómica con acoplamiento inductivo de plasma. Las mayores concentraciones se observaron en la superficie de la columna de agua, en la cabeza del estuario, directamente influenciada por el río Petrohué. Se definió para el área una secuencia de los metales estudiados característica, para la zona de mayor influencia continental: Z(5-25m) = Cu > Mn > Fe > Ni > Pb > Cr > Cd > Co y para la zona de influencia marina o costera: Z(5-25-m) = Fe > Cu > Mn > Ni > Pb > Cr > Cd > Co, observándose una secuencia semejante para los metales analizados en la capa de mayor profundidad: Z(40 m) = Fe > Mn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cr > Co. La técnica de muestreo pasiva, con DGTs, para la determinación de metales traza disueltos en agua de mar, permitió obtener información robusta de las concentraciones de los diez metales analizados

Efecto del EDTA sobre la toxicidad del cromo (VI) en el desarrollo larval de Petrolisthes laevigatus (Guérin, 1835)

The larval development and growth of Petrolisthes laevigatus were analyzed in five concentrations of Cr VI, 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 5 mg L-1 chrome (VI) in filtered sea water and the same chrome (VI) concentrations, plus 0.7 mg L-1 EDTA. Analyses were done during 21-day period. Measurement of total length, individual wet average larvae weight and the presence or absence of deformations in P. laevigatus larvae were determined. The larvae of the control group (0 mg L-1 chrome (VI)) did not exhibit deformations and developed normally. The total length and biomass of the larvae exposed to Cr VI were significantly lower than those of the larvae subjected to Cr VI plus EDTA concentrations and the control larvae. It is hereby confirmed that the presence of EDTA in the medium mitigates the negative effects of Cr VI via a yet unknown mechanism.Se analizó el desarrollo larval y el crecimiento de Petrolisthes laevigatus en cinco concentraciones de Cr (VI): 0 (control), 0,25; 0,5; 1 y 5 mg L-1 de cromo (VI) en agua de mar filtrada y las mismas cinco concentraciones de cromo (VI) más la adición de 0,7 mg L-1 de EDTA. El estudio se condujo en 21 días. Se determinó longitud total, peso promedio y presencia o ausencia de malformaciones en larvas de P. laevigatus. Las larvas de las unidades control (0 mg L-1 de cromo (VI)) no presentaron malformaciones y se desarrollaron en forma normal. La longitud total y peso promedio de las larvas expuestas a Cr (VI) fueron significativamente menores con respecto a los de las larvas sometidas a las concentraciones de Cr (VI) más EDTA y a las unidades control. Se confirma que la presencia de EDTA en el medio atenúa los efectos negativos del Cr (VI) por un mecanismo aún no dilucidado

Hongos aislados desde sedimentos de fiordos chilenos degradadores de oxitetraciclina

It is proposed that marine fungi are a good alternative for remediation of areas contaminated with antibiotics due to their heterotrophic condition, adaptability to environmental changes, and specific resistance to stressors. With this assumption we investigated the fjords of Southern Chile, which are characterized by salmon farming. We evaluated the concentration of oxytetracycline (OTC) in sediments from different areas surrounding salmon cages. In addition, we isolated fungi species to assess their ability to degrade OTC. Measurable amounts of OTC were detected in deeper sediments located at the eastern sector of cages and rafts (Z= 100 m; 4.62 ± 0.12 to 24.1 ± 1.03 µg g-1). Thirty-eight strains of endemic fungi were isolated and identified in the sediments near the farming center. Among these strains we detected species from the Phylum Ascomycetes, including Penicillium commune, Aspergillus terreus, Beauveria bassiana, Trichoderma harzianum, Epicoccum nigrum and Emericellopsis alkaline. These strains fungi were capable of degrading about 76 to 92% of the OTC present in the culture media. The results of this study constitute a first step into implementing processes that could favor waste bioremediation from marine sediments.Los hongos marinos por su condición heterótrofa, su adaptabilidad a la variabilidad ambiental y su resistencia específica a diferentes estresores, son una opción para ser empleados como restauradores de sectores contaminados con antibióticos. Con esta hipótesis se realizó la investigación en una zona de cultivo de salmones en el sur de Chile. Para ello se evaluó la concentración de oxitetraciclina (OTC) de sedimentos de diferentes zonas cercanas a jaulas de cultivo de salmón. También se aisló de sedimentos cepas de hongos para evaluar su capacidad de degradar OTC. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron en el área de estudio concentraciones de OTC que fluctuaron entre 4,62 ± 0,12 a 24,1 ± 1,03 µg g-1, en el sector Este a la balsa jaula y en los sedimentos de 100 m de profundidad. Además, de estos sedimentos se aisló 38 cepas de hongos y se identificó y trabajó con 6 cepas del Phylum Ascomycetes: Penicillium commune, Aspergillus terreus, Beauveria bassiana, Trichoderma harzianum, Epicoccum nigrum y Emericellopsis alkalina. Las pruebas de biodegradación demostraron que las cepas fueron capaces de degradar OTC en porcentajes que fluctuaron entre 76 y 92%. Los resultados representan un primer paso en la implementación de procesos que permitan la biorremediación de residuos de OTC desde los sedimentos