Abstract  A variety of so-called innocuous chemicals can have insidious and long lasting effects on the developing male reproductive system. Developmental exposures of male rabbits to common industrial contaminants in drinking water (a mixture of arsenic, chromium, lead, benzene, chloroform, phenol, and trichloroethylene); alkyl phenols (e.g. octylphenol); water disinfection by-products (e.g. dibromoacetic acid); anti-androgenic pesticides (e.g. pp'-DDT and vinclozolin); and plasticizers (e.g. dibutyl phthalate) produce testicular dysgenesis. The lesions include testicular carcinoma in situ, also called intratubular germ cell neoplasia - the precursor lesion of germ cell tumors in men, and acrosomal dysgenesis - characterized by sharing of a dysplastic acrosome by two or more spermatids resulting in characteristic sperm acrosomal-nuclear malformations. Certain manifestations of testicular dysgenesis arch across environmental agents, and sequelae of intentional developmental exposures of rabbits duplicate what has been encountered in deer, horses, and humans for which the etiology is uncertain. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Indoor air quality has been recognised as a significant health, environment, and economic issue in many countries. Research findings have demonstrated that some air pollutants occur more frequently and at a higher concentration in indoor air than in outdoor air, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this context, the indoor environment can be of crucial importance because modem society spends most of their time indoors, and exposure to VOCs may result in a spectrum of illnesses ranging from mild, such as irritation, to very severe effects, including cancer. These effects have been seen at very low levels of exposure in many epidemiological studies. In this review, we discuss the nature of the VOCs that are ubiquitous in indoor environment and the evidence for adverse health effects associated with exposure to some of these compounds.

Abstract  In 1982, Levin et al. published a paper describing a new Salmonella typhimurium strain, TA102, for detecting mutagenic agents that react preferentially with AT base pairs. This strain has an AT base pair at the critical mutation site within the hisG gene, which is located on a multicopy plasmid, pAQ1; the chromosomal copy of the hisG gene has been deleted. It also has an intact excision repair system, thus facilitatin the detection of cross-linking agents, and carries the mutator plasmid, pKM101. Although TA102 has been shown to be reverted by certain mutagenic agents that are not detected in the usual battery of strains (TA1535, Ta1537, TA1538, TA98 and TA100), there has been a general reluctance within the field to include TA102 as one of the standard screening strains. This may in part result from the difficulties which have been experienced in many laboratories in maintaining the strain, and in obtaining reproducible spontaneous and induced revertant counts. At Glaxo we routinely include certain Escherichia coli strains in our mirobial test battery, and were aware that some of the genetic features offered by TA 102 were already being covered by these strains. For examples, E. coli WP2 (pKM101) has an AT base pair at the critical mutation site within the trpE gene, is excision proficient (and thus will detect cross-linking agents) and carries the pKM101 plasmid to enhance error-prone repair. From the published literature it was apparent that a number of the ‘TA102 specific’ mutagens could be detected in E. coli e.g. neocarzinostatin, UV and 8-MOP plus UV. We have expanded this data base by comparing the activity of nine ‘TA102 specific’ mutagens (cumene hydroperoxide, hydrogen peroxide, phenylhydrazine, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, Danthron, bleomycin, streptonigrin and mitomycin C) in plate incorporation assays using S.typhimurium TA102, and E. coli WP2 (pKM101) and E. coli WP2 uvrA (pKM101). The results obtained indicate that these E. coli strains, used in combination, will detect a similar spectrum of mutagens as TA102.

Abstract  The derivatization method of thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TZCA) and methyl-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (Me-TZCA) in urine with alcohol/chloroformate was achieved. TZCA and Me-TZCA were derivatized in one step in urine with ethyl chloroformate in 1 min at room temperature. The derivatives of TZCA and Me-TZCA had very good chromatographic properties and offered very sensitive response for gas chromatography-electron impact ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS). On the basis of derivatization, the method for simultaneous determination of TZCA and Me-TZCA in human urine was developed. Deuterated Me-TZCA (Me-TZCA-d4) was synthesized as the internal standard (IS) for the analysis of urine samples. TZCA and Me-TZCA were derivatized and extracted from urine at pH 9.5 with toluene, and then the dried extract was dissolved with 100 µl ethyl acetate and injected in GC/MS system. The recoveries of TZCA and Me-TZCA were about 102 and 103%, respectively, at the concentration of 0.05 mg/l. The method detection limits (MDL) were 1.0 and 0.5 µg/l, respectively, for TZCA and Me-TZCA in 1 ml human urine. The coefficients of variation of TZCA and Me-TZCA were less than 6% at the concentrations of 0.05 and 0.2 mg/l, respectively. To assess the formation of TZCA during inhalation with formaldehyde (FA) (about 3.1 and 38.1 ppm FA in air), urine samples from rats were taken during 3 days after initiation of treatment. The mean amount of TZCA determined was 0.07 mg/l in control group and 0.18 mg/l during treatment with 3.1 ppm. The TZCA levels increased up to about 1.01 mg/l during treatment with 38.1 ppm. It is planned to study whether urinary TZCA can be used as an indicator in the biological monitoring of exposure to FA.

Abstract  Delayed (or incomplete) ossification of developing fetal bones and wavy ribs are some of the most common skeletal variations encountered in regulatory guideline developmental toxicity studies. Although they tend to be regarded as minor effects, they can be quite sensitive and consequently may influence the study lowest-observed-adverse-effect levels (LOAELs), and thus, impact classification, labeling, and risk assessment. In this study, we review the underlying mechanisms of these skeletal variations, evaluate different scenarios in which they have been observed, offer guidance for their interpretation, and comment on their use for risk assessment. Both minor delays in ossification and wavy ribs seem to be readily repairable via postnatal skeletal remodeling, are not mechanistically linked to malformation, and often are seen in the presence of maternal or fetal toxicity. As such, these minor variations would not generally be considered adverse in and of themselves but should be interpreted in the context of other maternal and fetal findings, information available on normal skeletogenesis patterns, mode of action of the test agent, and historical control incidence using a weight of evidence approach.

Abstract  Alloxan diabetes enhances the hepatotoxic response of male rats to chloroform and 1, 1, 2-trichloroethane, but not to trichloroethylene nor 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane. Insulin treatment partially protects the animals against the alloxan-induced enhancement of chloroform hepatotoxicity. Alloxan diabetes also enhances the hepatotoxic response to galactosamine but not to beryllium nor alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. Toluene/o-xylene monooxygenase (ToMO) from Pseudomonas stutzeri OX1, which oxidizes toluene and o-xylene, was examined for its ability to degrade the environmental pollutants trichloroethylene (TCE), 1,1-dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE), cis-1,2-DCE, trans-1,2-DCE, chloroform, dichloromethane, phenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 2,3,5,6-tetrachlorophenol, and 2,3,4,5,6-pentachlorophenol. Escherichia coli JM109 that expressed ToM0 from genes on plasmid pBZ1260 under control of the lac promoter degraded TCE (3.3 muM), 1,1-DCE (1.25 muM), and chloroform (6.3 muM) at initial rates of 3.1, 3.6, and 1.6 nmol/(min), respectively. Stoichiometric amounts of chloride release were seen, indicating mineralization (2.6, 1.5, and 2.3 Cl- atoms per molecule of TCE, 1,1-DCE, and chloroform, respectively). Thus, the substrate range of ToMO is extended to include aliphatic chlorinated compounds.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. RRM RESEARCH ARTICLE WASTEWATER TREATMENT WATER QUALITY MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE LEVELS SOIL POLLUTION AGRICULTURE RECYCLING

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. Acute, sublethal neurotoxicity data for the neurotropic effects of some common solvents were subjected to quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis. Hydrophobicity was found to be important in modelling neurotoxicity; however, highly significant QSARs from regression analysis were not obtained, which may imply that metabolic activity and differing mechanisms of action play an important role in neurotoxicity. It is proposed that hydrophobicity could be used to predict a 'minimal' neurotoxic effect level, above which there will be a neurotoxic effect. Principal component analysis was applied to separate chemicals with high neurotoxicity (EC30 less than 50 micromoles/litre) from those with low neurotoxicity. This was successful when parameters describing hydrophobicity, molecular volume and size, melting and boiling point were included and provides a potential method to predict whether a compound is highly neurotoxic. This suggests that in addition to p

Abstract  The efficiency of chloride reactant ion formation, when chlorinated hydrocarbon reagent chemicals were added to the ionization region of an ion mobility spectrometer, corresponded to the electron attachment rate constant of the chemical. The chemicals investigated here included chloromethane, dichlormethane, trichloromethane, tetrachloromethane and chlorobenzene, with tetrachloromethane producing the greatest amount of chloride reactant ions for the amount of chemical added. Reagent chemicals with smaller electron attachment rate constants required the addition of more chemical to reach functional reactant ion levels. The excess neutral reagent molecules clustered to the chloride reactant ions and reduced the effectiveness of abstracting a proton from 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). The effect of clustering was different for each chemical. Tetrachloromethane, which had the least exothermic clustering reaction, had the most effective production of the (TNT-H)(-) product ion per mole of reagent chemical. Bromide and iodide ions were also investigated as potential reactant ions. Bromide was found to effectively produce the proton abstracted (TNT-H)(-) ion. Iodide, however, was not a strong enough base to form (TNT-H)(-) from TNT. There was no apparent transfer of an electron to TNT by chloride, bromide or iodide.

Abstract  A small monomictic, volcanic lake, Lago di Vico in Central Italy, was studied intensively for one calendar year 1992–1993 for its water quality and phytoplankton. The results were compared with those obtained 20 years before. A significant increase in nutrients such as orthophosphates and nitrates was found to have taken place during 1971–1991. Also, eutrification can be seen by the appearance of several algal species characterizing the present mesotrophic stage of the lake, while in 1971 it was classified as an oligotrophic lake.

Abstract  Some of the most frequent drinking water contaminants are halogenated hydrocarbons formed, in part, by the chlorination of water. This study involves the gas-chromatographic analysis of water samples from the water supply of different cities in Galicia (Spain): La Coruna, Ferrol, Lugo, Orense, Pontevedra and Vigo. The compounds investigated were: bromochloromethane, bromodichloromethane, chlorobenzene, chloroform, dibromochloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, dichloromethane, tetrachloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene. A total of 400 samples were analyzed. The results obtained showed that the range of concentrations is between 160.9-1.3-mu-g.l-1 for bromochloromethane, 79.5-2.0-mu-g.l-1 for chloroform, 53-1.5-mu-g.l-1 for dichloromethane, 58.7-1.5-mu-g.l-1 for tetrachloroethylene, 39.5-1.5-mu-g.l-1 for carbon tetrachloride, 44.6-2-mu-g.l-1 for bromodichloromethane, 22-2-mu-g.l-1 for 1,2 dichloroethane and 11.6-1.0-mu-g.l-1 for trichloroethylene. Dibromochloromethane and chlorobenzene were not detected.

Abstract  Single non-lethal doses (3 mmol/kg) of chloroform (CHCl3), dichlorobromomethane (CHCl2Br), dibromochloromethane (CHClBr2), and bromoform (CHBr3) were administered by intraperitoneal injection to male Sprague-Dawley rats and glomerular filtration and renal concentrating ability were assessed at varied times (5-8 h, 21-24 h, and 45-58 h) following treatment. At this dose, each of the four trihalomethanes (THMs) elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and reduced renal concentrating ability (as measured by H2O intake/output ratios, urinary total osmolality, and electrolyte levels). Three of the four THMs also significantly reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), with only CHCl3 failing to demonstrate an effect at 3 mmol/kg. In general, CHCl2Br demonstrated the greatest interference with these renal function parameters. The times of maximal THM-induced effect on BUN and glomerular filtration rate were observed to be 24 h and 21-24 h post-treatment, respectively. These data suggest that a single acute THM treatment can inhibit mammalian renal concentrating ability and glomerular filtration.

Abstract  Biosis copyright: biol abs. rrm review groundwater pollution soil pollution water pollution control drinking water analysis hazardous waste humic acids polychlorinated biphenyls pesticide contamination

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. Pure humic acid was isolated from Azraq Oasis sediments in the east of Jordan. Different concentrations of humic acid solutions, under different experimental conditions were analyzed for trihalomethanes (THMs), using different concentrations of hypochlorite ion as the chlorinating agent. The analysis of the THMs was done by capillary gas chromatography equipped with a 63N-electron capture detector. The presence of trihalomethanes in drinking water from some sites in Jordan was also studied, and some treatment techniques were attempted that could be used for reducing or eliminating trihalomethanes from drinking water.

Abstract  Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are an important public health problem throughout the developed world. Many important questions remain to be addressed in assessing exposure to these compounds. Because they are ubiquitous and highly volatile, special techniques must be applied in the analytical determination of VOCs. The analytical methodology chosen to measure toxicants in biological materials must be well validated and carefully carried out; poor quality assurance can lead to invalid results that can have a direct bearing on treating exposed persons. The pharmacokinetics of VOCs show that most of the internal dose of these compounds is quickly eliminated, but there is a fraction that is only slowly removed, and these compounds may bioaccumulate. VOCs are found in the general population at the high parts-per-trillion range, but some people with much higher levels have apparently been exposed to VOC sources away from the workplace. Smoking is the most significant confo

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. The transformability of trihalomethanes, carbon tetrachloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,2-dibromomethane, tetrachloroethylene, dibromochloropropane, and chlorinated benzenes was evaluated by a biofilm utilizing a mixture of primary electron acceptors (oxygen, nitrate, and sulfate). These compounds at concentrations commonly found in groundwater were continuously administered for 4 years to a biofilm column reactor that resembled polluted groundwater environments. Acetate was the primary substrate to support microbial growth. Sequential biofilm zones of aerobic respiration, denitrification, and sulfate reduction developed within the column. Transformation of the halogenated aliphatic compounds coincided with the onset of sulfate reduction in the column. The temporary absence of nitrate and sulfate in the column feed decreased the steady-state removals for several of the halogenated aliphatic compounds. These results suggest that sulfate was an important primary electron

Abstract  A limited number of soft drinks, juices, beers, and waters from processed vegetables were analyzed for trihalomethanes (THMs), benzene, and toluene by a modified Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 524.2. The THMs, which include chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform, are reaction by-products of water disinfection by chlorination. EPA Method 524.2 is a purge-and-trap capillary gas chromatographic method based on mass spectrometric detection which identifies and simultaneously measures purgeable volatile organic compounds in drinking water. Chloroform was present at concentrations ranging from none detected to 94 ng/g in the 44 foods analyzed. Bromoform was not found in any of the products at a detection limit of 0.1 ng/g. Residue levels of the other THMs ranged from none detected to highs of 12 and 2 ng/g for bromodichloromethane and drbromochloromethane, respectively. Benzene residues were typically <5 ng/g, except for 7 and 9 ng/g in 2 foods. Toluene residues were typically ≤3 ng/g except for 23,29, and 75 ng/g in 3 canned foods.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. The data of a research tending to value the concentration of trihalomethanes (THM) in piped waters in same of the Communes of North-West Sardinia are reported. This study gives rise to further interest in view of the maturity (May 1991) provided for the equalization of this parameter to C.M.A. of 30 mug/l indicated by D.P.R. 236/88. The THM levels are constantly higher then C.M.A. in the Communes exclusively or prevalently supplied with surface water treated with NaClO. Conversely, lower levels are observed considerably in piped ground-water. We also refer preliminary data related to analysis of quantity and modality of THM formation in some drinking-water plants located in the examined area.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. RRM RESEARCH ARTICLE PESTICIDE DRINKING WATER WASTEWATER POLLUTION ENVIRONMENT ANALYTICAL METHOD ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY CHROMATOGRAPHY MASS SPECTROMETRY SAMPLE USAGE SOLVENT USAGE

Abstract  Halogenated hydrocarbon compounds, some of them recognized as carcinogenic to different animal species can be found in drinking water. Chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform are the most important trihalomethanes found in potable water. They are produced in natural waters during chlorinated desinfection by the halogenation of precursors, specially humic and fulvic compounds. The review, in the MEDLINE covers the period from 1974 to 1998, presents the general aspects of the formation of trihalomethanes, sources of human exposure and their toxicological meaning for exposed organisms: toxicokinetic disposition and spectrum of toxic effects (carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic).

Abstract  Rate constants for reactions of the hydroxyl radical with 25 potential organic drinking water contaminants, including solvents, haloalkanes, esters, aromatics, and pesticides for example, aldicarb, atrazine, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane, endrin, glyphosate, haloforms, lindane, picloram, etc.), have been measured in water using relative rate methods. A variety of HO.-generating techniques were used, including ozone decomposition, Fenton's reaction, and a convenient new method employing photo-Fenton's s chemistry. In addition, rate constants for 19 other compounds were estimated using structure-activity relationships. The present results are consistent with previous work that demonstrated that HO. is a relatively nonselective radical toward C-H bonds, but is least reactive with aliphatic polyhalogenated compounds. Olefins and aromatics all react at nearly diffusion-controlled rates in water, unlike the case in the gas phase where these compounds react more selectively. The rate constants are useful in estimating HO.-induced oxidation rates of organic compounds in a variety of aqueous systems including atmospheric water droplets, sunlit surface waters, supercritical and near-critical water reactors, and room temperature radical oxidation processes.