00412
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QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
Environmental
Research Laboratory
Duluth, Minnesota 55804
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY - DULUTH
6201 CONGDON BOULEVARD
DULUTH, MINNESOTA 55804
December 6, 1988
MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
FROM:
TO:
Fourth Quarter FY88 Progress Report on Projects of the
Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth (ERL-D)
Nelson A. Thomas, Chair
Strategic Communication Council, ERL-Duluth
Addressees
Attached is a copy of the ERL-Duluth progress report on
research projects for the fourth quarter. The following are
highlights from various projects/activities:
Emphasis is being placed on toxicity testing by
combining these tests with chemical fractionation, to
aid in toxicity reduction evaluation (TIEs). This
permits more positive coupling of chemical
identifications with toxicity. Project 5, page 3.
Preliminary results consisting of a 28-day exposure
period and a six-month dupuration phase suggest that
fish may be a sensitive screen for detecting
carcinogenic responses. Project 3, page 10.
Field studies show concentrations of selenium in water
are not directly responsible for impacts found on fish.
The major route of exposure is thought to be through
the consumption of food that has accumulated selenium.
Project 3, page 10.
Studies on the uptakes of formulated Bacillus
thuringiensis var israelensis (Bti) continue.
6, page 25.
Project
Computerized system for QSAR evaluation of chemicals
delivered to OTS. It contains a CLOGP program for
state-of-the-art Log P calculation as well as an expert
system for chemical evaluation. Other accomplishments
are highlighted. Project 13, page 31.
Final report entitled "Factors controlling the recovery
of aquatic systems from disturbance" submitted this
quarter. Project 31, page 33.
Attachment
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Table of Contents
HIGHLIGHTS
Water Quality
Duluth
Aquatic Life Sediment Criteria Development
WQ Toxicity-Based NPDES Permits Methods
WQ Assessment Techniques
Ecological Research with the People's Republic of China
Aquatic Life WQ Criteria Development/Modifications
Grosse He
Sources-Fate-Effects of Toxic Substances in Great Lakes
Mass Balance Models for Toxics in Freshwater Systems
Tech Assistance for GLNPO, CW, UC, State & Local Gov.
Hazardous Waste
Leachate Toxicity Profiles for HW Characterization
Predicting Aquatic Toxicity of HW Constituents & Exposures
Pesticides
Field Validation for Hazard Assessment Techniques
Develop Guideline Protocols & Test for BCA Effects
Develop Methods for Predicting Susceptible Populations
Chemical Testing & Assessment
Aquatic Toxicology
Structure-Activity Relationships & Estimation Techniques
Predicting Ecosystem Resilience
Multi Media Energy
Watershed Manipulation Project
Project Officer Page
A.
N.
A.
N.
A.
R.
W.
W.
G.
R.
R.
R.
F.
S.
G.
G.
Carlson
Thomas
Carlson
Thomas
Carlson
Kreis
Richardson
Richardson
Niemi
Erickson
Siefert
Anderson
Stay
Broderius
Veith
Niemi
1
3
6
8
10
13
15
17
18
20
22
24
28
28
30
32
J. Eaton
34
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE AA OW
PMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
CODE TITLF!
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: A WQBA/PERMnTING
PPA (L): 09 Aquatic Life Sediment Criteria Development
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 35 Aquatic Life Sediment Criteria Development
PROJECT OFFICER: Anthony R. Carlson
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/87 PLANNED END: 12/31/99
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
GOAL: Develop sediment quality criteria protocols for use in protecting
aquatic life.
RATIONALE: Sediment quality criteria can be used to form the basis for state
sediment quality standards, NPDES permits and assessment of in-place sediment
contaminants.
APPROACH: Determine relationships between tissue residue and just barely safe
toxic endpoints for sediment- associated organisms chronically exposed to
specific non-polar organic chemicals and metals. Calculate criteria based on
just barely safe residue concentrations. Evaluate and validate under field
conditions.
STATUS AND
Data has been compiled from the literature for use in determining the
relative sensitivity of benthic and non-benthic organisms to specific
chemicals. Cultures of five benthic invertebrates have been established for use
in long-term or chronic exposure to chemicals via sediment. Construction of
test apparatus for chronic testing is nearing completion.
Sediment samples for 13 Fox River/Green Bay systems of Lake Michigan have
been collected and homogenized and stored at ERL-D for later use in bioassay
and chemical characterization. Macroinvertebrate samples for chemicals have
been collected. Macroinvertebrate communities at each site have been sampled
and are being sorted. Preliminary studies indicate that pore water for 5 of 10
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™ of the sites are acutely toxic.
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STATUS AND SCHFniTT.F. OF
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.
• 7896 DUE: 08/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT OF TEST METHODS WITH BENTHIC ORGANISMS TO DEFINE THE
_ BIOAVAHABILITY AND/OR SEDIMENT-BOUND TOXICANTS.
• 7969 DUE: 05/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report on minimum tox. data set for Sed.Qual. Criteria based on relative
sensitivity of benthic and non-benthic organisms.
7971 DUE: 05/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
• Report on Biological Assessment of known sediment-activity of metal ions in
Pore water and its toxicity.
7973 DUE: 05/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report on Field Verification Studies of laboratory observations with field
measurements using benthic data of metal.
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE QWEP
PMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
CODE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: A WQBA/PERMTTTING
PPA (L): 11 WQ TOXECITY-BASED NPDES PERMIT METHODS
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 05 WQ Toxicity-Based NPDES Permits Methods
PROJECT OFFICER: Nelson A. Thomas
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/85 PLANNED END: 12/01/91
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Develop the scientific basis for the incorporation of the toxicity
approach into the control of toxics from effluents.
RATIONALE: There is a need to control toxics in effluents when chemical
specific criteria are not available and/or the toxicant is not known. The
major need is the new emphasis on the use of Water Quality Criteria in the next
round of NPDES industrial permits. There is a need to identify and
evaluate the causes of toxicity in toxic effluents.
APPROACH: Short-term chronic toxicity tests have been and will continue to be
developed for testing municipal and industrial effluents and receiving waters.
The tests have been positively evaluated as to their ability to predict
ecosystem impact through a series of field studies. A protocol for conducting
the effluent and ambient tests will be prepared and tested. As validation has
been established, issues related to persistence, bioaccumulation, additivity
of multiple discharges, fractionation/separation and permit development under an
integrated approach will be the focus of the research. Increased emphasis will
be placed on the evaluation and identification of a chemical causing the
toxicity. A protocol for assessing bioaccumulation is being developed and will
be field tested.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
Evaluations are complete on the 7-day chronic Ceriodaphnia and fathead
minnow toxicity tests to predict instream impact at nine sites. Site reports
are complete and the revised statistical methods to analyze the combined
effects of mortality and production of young-per-female for the Ceriodaphnia
and weight for the fathead minnows were developed. An approach to determine the
persistence of toxicity has been developed. A new statistical technique is
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complete and a preview was sent to Regional biologists. A workshop is planned
for Region 9 in December. A methods data interpretation and site study results
workshop was conducted in Region 6 in July. Results of the feeding studies,
water types in generation studies will be presented at the SETAC meeting. The
duckweed method is ready for review. Ceriodaphnia cultures are being sent to
states, EPA regions, contract laboratories, universities and industry.
Cooperative agreements are in place to evaluate 4-d vs. 7-d Ceriodaphnia tests,
and to develop techniques to generate ephippial egg production and hatching.
Development of a bioconcentratable identification procedure in effluents is in
progress.
A chemical analysis procedure is being developed and tested to identify
bioconcentratable materials in effluents. A contract to collect effluents and
place clams in streams to evaluate the bioaccumulation potential of an effluent
is complete. Samples are being extracted and analyzed. A guideline on this
approach is available.
The emphasis of CBTIS has shifted from data entry and checking to
programming to insure that others can enter new data. A PC version in DBASE,
including a users manual, has been developed.
Emphasis is being placed on toxicity testing to aid in toxicity reduction
evaluations. ERL-D is combining toxicity testing with chemical fractionation,
called toxicity identification evaluations (TTEs). This permits more positive
coupling of chemical identifications with toxicity. Acute toxicity tests with
Ceriodaphnia, Daphnia magna, medaka and fathead minnows are used to assess
toxicity of whole effluents and effluent fractions. A new document of the Phase
I TIE procedure is available. One TIE indicated that a treated effluent owed
its toxicity to mor6 than 600 ug/1 nickel, nearly 8 times the lethal limit for
aquatic organisms. At the request of Region 9, an extensive evaluation of the
Las Vegas POTW determined that diazinon and dichlorvos were the primary cause
of toxicity and 5 effluents have been partially identified. Overall 46
effluents were evaluated at least once as potential candidates for the TIE
work. A report on the TIE completed on the Hollywood POTW was sent to Region 4.
Toxicants responsible for the toxicity were diazinon and chlorfenvinphos. In
addition, 4 effluents are being tested and characterized for cause of toxicity.
At the request of Region 5, one effluent sample was sent to Duluth to determine
whether something other than ammonia is causing the toxicity. This effluent was
only characterized, but we determined that ammonia did not cause the toxicity.
The announcement of the National Effluent Toxicity Assessment Center
(NETAC) was made in March and each region was requested to submit one candidate
effluent for a TIE evaluation. Candidates must have acute toxicity. At present
9 of the 10 regions have formally submitted candidates and 4 effluents
were chosen. A workshop on the TIE techniques was presented by Don Mount to
Region 4 contract labs. Five more workshops are planned for the next fiscal
year. An extensive field project involving ERL-D, ERL-N, EPA-Newport working
with the California Regional Water Quality Board to assess the toxicity and
impact of selected discharges into the San Francisco Bay was conducted. The
effort consisted of TIE work and a comparison of the fresh- and saltwater
methods. TIE and toxicity tests on site in Casper, WY were conducted to
demonstrate to Region 8 the feasibility of conducting the procedures and to
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determine whether toxicity in the mining operations was due to more than salt
generated during the mining process. Reports on both sites are now available.
Based on the analysis of POTW's in our TIE work, diazinon has appeared in
several effluents. A survey is in progress of 20-25 POTW plants in the 10 EPA
regions to determine whether the occurrence of diazinon is widespread. Samples
have all been tested and data are being summarized.
The results of 3 effluents will be summarized and sent to the Regions.
Several papers will be presented at the SETAC meeting in November.
Participation in the Virginia Water Pollution Control Association Seminar and a
November Aquatic Toxicity Workshop are planned.
STATUS AND SCHEDULE OF DELJVERABLES;
7163 DUE: 12/31/87 REVISED: 04/30/89 COMPLETED:
MANUSCRIPT ON TOXICITY IDENTIFICATION IN EFFLUENTS.
7814 DUE: 06/30/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 06/30/88
REPORT ON THE FIELD AND LABORATORY TESTING OF THE BICXXJNCENTRATICN
FACTOR (BCF) PROTOCOL USING FRESHWATER ORGANISMS.
7815 DUE: 05/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON THE TOXICITY IDENTIFICATION OF THE TOXIC COMPONENT(S) OF
EFFLUENTS
7816 DUE: 06/30/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 05/31/88
REVISED TOXICITY IDENTIFICATION PROTOCOL TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSES OF
TOXICITY IN EFFLUENTS
7823 DUE: 09/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
PROTOCOL FOR A FOUR-DAY OERIODAPHNIA DUBIA TEST METHOD
7824 DUE: 09/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON THE COMPARATIVE SENSITIVITY OF A FOUR-DAY TO SEVEN DAY
CERIODAPHNIA DUBIA TEST TO SINGLE TOXICANTS
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE AA OW
PMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
CODE TlT> &•
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: A WQBA/PERMTTITNG
PPA (L): 12 INTEGRATED WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 01 Water Quality Assessment Techniques
PROJECT OFFICER: Anthony R. Carlson
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/85 PLANNED END: 09/01/88
******************************************
GOAL: Develop, evaluate and/or demonstrate the validity of toxicological
concepts for deriving numerical water quality criteria for use in protecting
aquatic life from point and non-point pollutants.
RATIONALE: Scientifically defensible methodologies for use in protecting
aquatic life and its uses are needed by program offices.
APPROACH: Evaluate water quality criteria protectiveness and new criteria
derivation methodologies to assess their validity under semi-natural conditions
of outdoor experimental streams located at the Monticello Ecological Research
Station and in real world situations. Apply water quality criteria,
effluent toxicity and effluent toxicant identification methodologies
to non-point source pollutant control. Conceptualize and study fluctuating
exposure-dose response relationships and apply results to water quality
criteria derivation. Develop concepts and guidelines for toxicity factors in
criteria applications. Develop a basic approach of coupling non-point pollution
loadings and aquatic life impacts with the goals of identifying remedial
benefits of BMP's.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Ambient toxicity results were completed on the spring and summer surface water
samples collected from the Upper Illinois River basin. Biosurveys were also
conducted at the same stations for roacroinvertebrates and fish by Region V
E.S.D. personnel. Growth stimulation, inhibition and lethality were found at
some of the stations. Preliminary analyses of the bioassay information
indicate a less diverse community in the heavily urbanized areas. Further
analysis will reveal the level of agreement in surface water degradation with
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the laboratory toxicity, field bioassay and chemical results.
Laboratory results were conducted on 13 sediments and overlying water
samples from the Fox River/Green Bay watershed. The overlying water samples were
not toxic, but 40% of the water associated with the sediment was toxic to
Ceriodaphnia and fathead minnows. Work will continue this fall to confirm the
toxic locations and the causative agent(s) in the sediments.
7170 DUE: 09/30/87 REVISED: 09/30/89 COMPLETED:
KEPT. OH THE FEAS. OF PRED. THE EFFECTS AND INCORP. FLUTUATTNG EXP. IN THE
APPLICATION OF WQC AND EFFLEUENT TOXICS TESTS.
7187 DUE: 03/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 03/31/88
Report on Impacts of Ammonia/Chlorine on Ecosystem Structure and
Function in Experimental Streams
7827 DUE: 04/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
PROGRESS REPORT ON THE INFLUENCE OF SELENIUM IV ON BLUEGILL REPRODUCTION IN
OUTDOOR EXPERIMENTAL STREAMS
7830 DUE: 10/31/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON APPLICABILITY OF WATER QUALITY CRITERIA AND ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS -
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN
7831 DUE: 10/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON FEASIBILITY OF MERGING OF USGS AND EPA DATA BASES FOR USE IN
REGIONAL WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT.
8086 DUE: 12/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
PROGRESS REPORT ON NUTRIENT LOADS, ATTACHED ALGAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS
IN CLARK FORK RIVER AND LAKE PEND OREILLE
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE AA OW
PMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
OQDE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: A WQBA/PERMTTTING
PPA (L): 13 ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH WITH THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 02 Ecological Research with the People's Republic of China
PROJECT OFFICER: Nelson A. Thomas
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/84 PLANNED END: 09/01/89
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRJ
GOAL: To participate jointly with the People's Republic of China (PRC) in
mutually beneficial studies through a cooperative research program. Scientists
from both countries will participate in research and exchange scientific
information on the environmental processes and effects of pollution on
freshwater organisms.
RATIONALE: In support of the United States' policy to provide scientific and
technological cooperation with China, the USEPA and PRC in 1980 entered into an
agreement known as the US-PRC Environmental Protection Protocol. This agreement
provides for establishment of a cooperative research program.
APPROACH: Participating scientists from both countries will discuss and
identify the specific projects that will be conducted in the research program.
Projects (subject to modification and approval) include emphasis on toxicity
tests methods, effect of environmental variables on toxicity and toxicity
mixtures. Scientists from PRC will study at ERL-D to develop an understanding
of the testing of single chemicals and complex effluents.
The four visiting scientists completed their studies and returned to China.
Wang Shida and Zhuang Dehui studied fish and invertebrate test procedures while
here and are transferring these procedures to the Wuhan Laboratory. The second
group is conducting tests with the mini diluter constructed at ERL-D. Field
studies were undertaken in the U.S. and PRC to conduct toxicity tests on
effluents and heavy metals. Two experts from ERL-D traveled to Wuhan to begin
the joint testing with Chinese species of aquatic life. Toxicity testing and
culture procedures will be the focus of the exchanges in the PRC. Field
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evaluation of the Effluent Protocol was tested at a steel mill in Wuhan. Two
toxicologists from ERL-D traveled to Wuhan to complete cooperative testing
using cadmium and effluent samples. Reports are being prepared on heavy metal
toxicity and effluent testing. Joint research is currently being conducted on
the detection of teratogenic and carcinogenic effects of fish in areas
containing contaminated sediments. Two field collections are complete on the
Fox River. Black bullheads were collected for histopathological analyses.
STATUS AND SCHEDULE OF pFI,TVFRART,fy;:
7832 DUE: 04/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT OK THE APPLICATION OF U.S. TEST METHODS FOR WQC DEVELOPMENT,
EFFLUENT TOXICITY TESTING, & AMBIENT TOXICITY ASSESSMENT IN THE PRC
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE AA OW
FMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
CODE TTTT'^
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: A WQBA/PERMITnNG
PPA (L): 14 AQUATIC LIFE WQ CRITERIA DEVELOPMENT/MXIFICATION
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 03 Aquatic Life WQ Criteria Development/Modifications
PROJECT OFFICER: Anthony R. Carlson
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/84 PLANNED END: 09/01/88
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Formulate guidelines for the development of aquatic life water quality
criteria and advisories. Prepare aquatic life water quality criteria and
advisories. Test criteria under site-specific conditions as to aquatic life
protection afforded.
RATIONALE: Many states are using the site-specific modification protocol, thus
requiring additional testing of its application. With the need to develop
additional water quality, testing of the minimum data set requirements is
necessary. Field validation of present and new criteria is required.
APPROACH: Laboratory and field studies will be undertaken for the development
and validation of the guidelines and criteria. Chronic testing and evaluation
of more sensitive endpoints will be undertaken for compounds for which criteria
are to be developed. The protection of ecosystem functions will be determined.
Issuing aquatic life advisories with minimum data sets will be assessed. The
expression of concentration, duration and frequency in the new aquatic life
criteria requires the development of methodologies to classify and assess
impact on ecosystem as well as predict recovery.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Drafts of eight criteria documents (acenaphthene, antimony III,
2,4,5-trichlorophenol, DEHP, phenanthrene, hexachlorobenzene, silver and
1,2,4-trichlorobenzene) were updated after Headquarters review and were
resubmitted for the public comment process. Five criteria documents (phenol,
thallium, 2,4-D, diazinon and methyl parathion) are in preparation.
Work to expand and improve the quality of criteria documents is underway;
several factors such as CAS numbers, molecular descriptors, partition
coefficients, chemical usage and more detailed descriptions of the data are now
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being included in criteria documents. Format changes are also being made to
give a clearer explanation of the criteria and their implementation.
The Aquatic Information Retrieval (AQUIRE) toxicity data base is a major
souce of literature data used for developing water quality criteria for toxic
pollutants. Currently the AQUIRE data base has over 102,400 individual test
results on computer file. These tests contain information for 5,200 chemicals
and 2,400 organisms, extracted from over 5,700 publications. Tbxicity test
results for the effects of 650 organic chemicals to the fathead minnow were
appended from an independent laboratory data file. All entries have been
subjected to established quality assurance procedures.
Acute and chronic tests to fill data gaps needed to derive water quality
criteria for 2,4,-D were conducted. Acute values for rainbow trout and fathead
minnows were approximately 1000 mg/1 whereas chronic values determined from
early-life stage tests with these species were slightly less than 50 mg/1.
Chronic tests with other species indicated that daphnids were more sensitive
(factor of two) to 2,4-D than fish, but both fish species were about six times
more sensitive to this chemical than plants (duckweed). New chemicals are
currently being selected with the Office of Water for the development of next
year's criteria documents.
Research testing with several other chemicals and fish was conducted to
develop new test endpoints for determining long-term adverse effects on aquatic
organisms. Preliminary results of 11 tests consisting of a 28-day exposure
period and a six-month depuration phase have indicated that fish may be a
sensitive screen for discerning carcinogenic responses. Five of eleven tests
were analyzed and results showed that three chemicals were positive and
resulted in fish tumors within seven months or less.
The streams at Monticello were exposed to selenium since February 1987. Two
streams were dosed at 30 ug/1, two at 10 ug/1, and two are control streams.
Results of field studies have suggested that these concentrations of selenium
in the water are not directly responsible for impacts found on fish in aquatic
systems. The major route of exposure is thought to be through the consumption
of food that has accumulated selenium.
After eight months of exposure and before spawning, a population count of
bluegills was made in the streams. Substantial mortality (>50%) had occurred in
streams exposed to 30 ug/1. This was an unexpected result since laboratory data
predicted that this would be a safe concentration. During the summer of 1988
the remaining fish at this concentration died. Fish exposed in streams dosed at
10 ug/1 appeared healthy. However, edema caused very few of the newly hatched
larvae in this stream to survive past 5-7 days. Edema has been associated with
the death of larvae from parents exposed to selenium in food.
The effects of selenium in the streams on mallard duck reproduction and
immuno-responses is being evaluated. Ducks were placed in the streams in late
April where they remained into August. Many pairs of ducks have active nests,
but no obvious effects on reproduction were found. There is preliminary
evidence that some immunosuppression may have resulted from the exposures.
A journal article on the life-cycle chronic toxicity of fathead
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minnows exposed to H+ ions, low Ca and elevated Al was submitted for journal
publication. Initial exposures of embryos and larvae of yellow perch,
largemouth bass and rock bass are complete and described in a submitted
journal article. Additional lab tests and in-situ field exposures of rock bass,
yellow perch, largemouth bass and black crappies have been completed and are
being summarized prior to manuscript preparation. Young-of-the-year largemouth
bass are being acclimated to laboratory conditions prior to their use in
over-winter, low-temperature survival testing.
A review of the Appendix D of the Technical Support Document for Water
Quality Based Toxics Control was prepared as scheduled, indicating the need for
additional research and analysis of the research literature to better
understand the impact of frequency and duration of exposure. Literature review
has resulted in the compilation of over 100 case studies in which some aspect
of recovery from disturbance was investigated. An in-house report and potential
journal article is being prepared. This report will relate case studies to
relevant ecological theory and discuss needs for additional research.
STATUS
OF DFJ.TVRRART,Fy!:
6525 DUE: 09/30/85 REVISED: 09/30/88 COMPLETED:
Report evaluating the need for revising national
guidelines for deriving water quality criteria (WQC)
6958 DUE: 06/30/85 REVISED: 09/30/88 COMPLETED:
Report on the need and feasibility of revising the other
aquatic life criteria.
6964 DUE: 09/30/87 REVISED: 11/30/89 COMPLETED:
REPORT ON ANALYSIS OF FREQUENCY OF CRITERIA EXCEEDANCES AS RELATED TO
AQUATIC COMMUNITY IMPACT
7088 DUE: 04/30/87 REVISED: 01/31/88 COMPLETED: 01/31/88
Report on Toxicity of Metals and Hydrogen Ions in Low
Alkalinity/Hardness Water
7171 DUE: 12/31/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report on Field Validation of Methods for Predicting and
Assessing Fluctuating Exposure Effects
7838 DUE: 09/30/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
FINAL AQUATIC LIFE CRITERIA DOCUMENTS FOR 11 COMPOUNDS
7843 DUE: 09/30/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
DRAFT AQUATIC LIFE CRITERIA DOCUMENTS FOR UP TO 10 COMPOUNDS TO BE
SELECTED AND PREPARED JOINTLY WITH THE OFFICE OF WATER
7844 DUE: 09/30/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
DRAFT AQUATIC LIFE ADVISORIES FOR UP TO 45 COMPOUNDS TO BE SELECTED
AND PREPARED JOINTLY WITH THE OFFICE OF WATER
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE _
PMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
CODE Tl'i'l F.
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: A WQBA/PERMTlTlNG
PPA (L): 16 WETLANDS RES. ON WQ, MITIGATION & CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF LOSS
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 39 Wetlands Research on Mitigation & Cumulative Effects of Loss
PROJECT OFFICER: William D. Sanville
******************************************
PLANNED START: 01/01/00 PLANNED END: 01/01/00
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Develop rapid assessment procedures which enable Section 404 permit
reviewers to forecast the loss of water quality and aquatic life support
functions associated with loss or contamination by pollutants.
RATIONALE: Beneficial wetland f unctions in region watersheds include
stabilization of erosion, uptake and/or transformation of inorganic and organic
pollutants and maintenance of aquatic life support systems. Adverse impacts on
wetlands cause both discrete as well as cumulative impacts on watershed
quality. Current methods are inadequate to directly limit impacts on wetlands
to adverse impacts on regional water quality.
APPROACH: This project will use a combination of literature review efforts on
wetland assimilation models, basic research on critical wetland processes and
comparative assessments over different wetland and watershed types to develop
guidelines for estiinateing relationships between wetlands and watershed
quality. Selection of sites currently undergoing transition and/or mitigation
will be used to evaluate the guidelines. Working with the Wetland Coordinator
at ERL-Corvallis, the guidelines and toher assessment technologies will be
transferred to Regional staff.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
NO STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE AVAILABLE
STATUS AND SCHEDULE OF
NO DELTVERABLES AVAILABLE
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE GLNPO
PMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
CODE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: B MARINE, ESTUARIES & LAKES
PPA (L): 26 SOURCES-FATE-EFFECTS OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN GREAT LAKES
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 29 Sources-Fate-Effects of Toxic Substances in Great Lakes
PROJECT OFFICER: Russell G. Kreis
******************************************
PLANNED START: 06/01/85 PLANNED END: 12/31/95
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Develop methods to predict effects of inplace pollutants, identify and
prioritize sites for remedial action, determine the optimal combination of
mitigative strategies, and simulate the results/consequences of actions.
RATIONALE: The contaminated sediment problem impacts both freshwater and marine
ecosystems; inplace pollutants is a priority research topic in the Great Lakes.
The problem of inplace pollutants is long-term even if zero discharge is
assumed. Regulatory offices require guidance to establish a cost-effective
mitigation policy.
APPROACH: An interdisciplinary approach will be used to develop and verify methods t
identify and prioritize remedial strategies. Research consists of: 1) field
collection, 2) field experimentation, 3) laboratory experimentation, 4) data
base development, 5) model development and 6) remedial action guidance. The
test sites include impacted "Areas of Concern": Detroit River (1985-1988),
lower Fox River - inner Green Bay complex (1987-1992), and Lake Ontario
(1990-1995). Methods and strategies developed can be used in any "Area of
Concern" or other national waterways and may relate to sediment criteria
development, implementation of the Clean Water Act and the US/Canada
agreements. Methods will be applied to other areas as resources allow.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
The In-Place Pollutants Project (IPP) is being conducted in the Trenton Channel
of the Detroit River as a component of the Upper Great Lakes Connecting
Channels Study (UGLCCS). The project is multidisciplinary and encompasses
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toxicity tests, measurements of heavy metals and organic contaminants, sediment
resuspension, transport and deposition dynamics, vertical toxicity and
contamination of sediment, fish tumor surveillance and mathematical modeling.
All field work amd analytical chemistry has been completed. A final UGLCCS
report was submitted during the quarter. Statistical analyses are underway,
journal articles have been submitted and all tasks for the Detroit River are
nearing completion. Final project reports will be due during the next quarter.
A research strategy for contaminated sediments has been developed for the lower
Fox River to meet the requirements of three initiatives: 1) Assessment and
Remedial Strategies for Contaminated Sediments, 2) Sediment Criteria, and 3)
Green Bay-lower Fox River Mass Balance. Field studies for FY88 have been
completed and analyses will continue through the next quarter. Project on
target.
STATUS AND SCHKnHTfr OF nTT.TVRRART.RS;
7204 DUE: 05/31/88 REVISED: 12/31/88 OCMPLETED:
Report on Methods for Predicting Probability Distribution of Exposure
for Toxic Substances in Freshwater Ecosystems
7205 DUE: 09/30/88 REVISED: 12/31/88 CCMPLETED:
Report on Methods for Predicting Biological Impacts of In-place
Pollutants in the Upper G.L. Connecting Channels.
7877 DUE: 06/30/91 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report on Impacts of resuspension and diffusion of contaminants in Green
Bay/Fox River (Tentative) .
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE
FWS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: B MARINE, ESTUARIES & LAKES
PEA (L): 26 SOURCES-FATE-EFFECTS OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN GREAT LAKES
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 33 Mass Balance Models for Toxics in Freshwater Systems
PROJECT OFFICER: William Richardson
******************************************
PLANNED START: 06/01/85 PLANNED END: 09/30/95
******************************************
GOAL: Conduct mass balance research to link identified ecosystems effects with
their causes, assuring that results are related to possible remedial actions.
RATIONALE: Over 833 chemical compounds have been identified in Great Lakes
ecosystems and biological effects continue to be documented. Fish
contamination in many areas has resulted in health advisories and closing of
commercial fishing. Site specific mass balance research is required to
quantitate the processes and flux of contaminants to predict consequences of
remedial actions.
APPROACH: Mathematical models for toxic substances based on mass balances,
including transport, fate and bioaccumulation processes will be developed,
calibrated and verified for important freshwater systems. The research
includes: 1) development and application of sampling and analytical chemistry
methods appropriate for low level contaminants, 2) development and maintenance
of data bases, 3) development and application of mathematical models and other
computational techniques. Application will be made in important freshwater
systems. Models will be used in other areas as requested and as resources
allow.
STATUS AND ACCQMPLIS
All Cooperative Agreements, Interagency Agreements and Interlab Agreements are
in place with FY88 funding completed. A meeting of the final Green Bay
Committee was held during the quarter to bring all investigators up to date and
to provide feedback on the field/experimental plan to GLNPO. The first
shakedown cruise took place during the week of September 1st.
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STATUS AND SGHEffTLK OF
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7203 DUE: 12/31/87 REVISED: COMPLETED: 12/31/87
I REPORT DESCRIBING MASS BALANCES OF TOXICANTS OF CONCERN IN THE
UPPER GREAT LAKES CONNECTING CHANNELS.
7875 DUE: 03/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 03/31/88
• Report on Alternative Models and associated monitoring requirements for
• Green Bay Project Planning.
7876 DUE: 12/31/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report on Mass Balance and Food Chain Models for contaminants of concern
in Green Bay.
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88
PMS-060
CLIENT OFFICE
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: B101
ISSUE: B
PPA (L) : 26
WATER QUALITY
MARINE, ESTUARIES & LAKES
SOURCES-FATE-EFFECTS OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN GREAT LAKES
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 34 Tech Assist, for GLNP, OW, IJC, Regions, States & Local Gov.
PROJECT OFFICER: William Richardson
******************************************
PLANNED START: 01/01/71 PLANNED END: 01/01/99
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To assure Great Lakes research is applied to the regulatory process and
to the needs of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
RATIONALE: EPA has a primary role in fulfilling the requirements of the 1978
Water Quality Agreement with Canada. The ORD Great Lakes Program at the Large
Lakes Research Station is the primary focus for EPA's response. ORD/LLRS staff
and on-site contractors have the experience and knowledge to efficiently
fulfill technical assistance requests from GLNPO, IJC, Regions, Office of Water,
and State and local governments.
APPROACH: Technical assistance will be provided on a priority basis to EPA
Program Offices, IJC, Regions, States, and local governments. Specific areas
of support will include: 1) maintenance, documentation, application and
training for mathematical models, 2) computer service support for water quality
and point source data bases, 3) participation on IJC committees and boards,
state and local government committees, and 4) providing information to the
regulatory community including consultants working for government agencies.
Documentation of the Point Source File System was completed and storage of
Michigan, Ontario MOR's was begun. Conversion of Great Lakes eutrophication
models was completed. Storage of Canadian phosphorus data was completed.
STATUS AND SGHTTfirJl OF
8085 DUE: 12/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
PHOT CONFINED DISPOSAL FACILITY BIOMONTTORING FIELD AND DATA REPORT
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE QSW
PMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
CODE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: D109 HAZARDOUS WASTE
ISSUE: C WASTE CHARACTERIZATION
PPA (L): 96 Waste Futures and Aquatic Impacts
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 37 Leachate Toxicity Profiles for Haz. Waste Characterization
PROJECT OFFICER: Gerald J. Niemi
******************************************
PLANNED START: 01/31/88 PLANNED END: 09/30/95
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To develop leachate toxicity profiles which accurately predict the
hazards to aquatic lifeforms and alteration in subsurface transport.
RATIONALE: Current technology permits the measurement of potency of
constituents or whole leachates to a variety of lifeforms. There is no
acceptable protocol to extrapolate these data to aquatic impacts and no methods
to accurately forecast the modification of whole leachate toxicity due to the
chromatographic effects of subsurface transport. This project will provide a
new profile which expands current practices to fill these voids.
APPROACH: The toxicity profile will be expanded to meet the minimum needs
established by the National Water Quality Data Guidelines to protect aquatic
lifeforms. New methods to cost effectively assess the broad spectrum of chronic
effects will be assimilated. The profile will include the distribution of
toxicity in existing waste fractionation methods and be aligned with existing
subsurface transport models.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
Protocols for fractionation, identification and evaluation of toxicity in
hazardous leachate effluents are being submitted for publication. These
protocols have been successfully used to fractionate and identify components
causing toxicity in a number of samples. Components identified as causing
toxicity in effluents includes chlorine, ammonia, chelatable metals and
non-polar organics. Research and development on methods for polar organics and
nonchelatable metals continues.
In addition, the possibilities of incorporating information on biomarkers in
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leachate toxicity profiles continues. An indicator of damage to mammalian
DNA/RNA from toxic organic contaminants is the change in the profile of
modified nucleosides released in blood plasma and urine relative to creatinine.
A sensitive HPLC method has been developed to characterize these nucleosides in
fish. Fish on one hundred and thirty samples from the Fox River, WI have been
collected and are being analyzed to detect modified nucleosides in plasma.
These results will be correlated to histopathological examination of fish liver
for cancerous growths. Completion of nucleoside profiles is expected by June l,
1989. Also, blood cells and portions of liver have been saved for the
development of DNA-adduct methods as possible additional biomarkers for
toxicity profiles.
STATUS AND SCHEDULE DF n
8090 DOE: 08/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT OK METHODS FOR LEACHATE TOXICITY IDENTIFICATION
8092 DUE: 04/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR THE USE OF TOXECITY PROFILES TO PREDICT AQUATIC
IMPACTS OF WHOLE LEACHATE COMPONENTS
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE QSW
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
CODE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTTVnY: D109 HAZARDOUS WASTE
ISSUE: C WASTE O1ARACTERIZATION
PEA (L): 96 Waste Futures and Aquatic Impacts
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 38 Predicting Aquatic Toxicity of HW Constituents and Exposures
PROJECT OFFICER: Russell J. Erickson
******************************************
PLANNED START: 01/31/88 PLANNED END: 09/30/95
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
GOAL: To develop toxic effects models, suitable for thousands of waste stream
constituents, which enable aquatic impact assessment for diverse habitats and
exposure conditions.
RATIONALE: We have the capability to assess the toxic impact of organic
chemicals and metals only under constant exposure. The uncertainties in risk
assessment of this limited approach are unacceptably large. Current methods
also grossly underestimate the toxicity of specific classes of waste
constituents. This project provides OSW with the critical effects models to
accurately assess the impact of waste stream constituents on aquatic systems.
APPROACH: Aquatic impacts will be estimated based on a model which integrates
fluctuating exposures with the total dose and residue in representative aquatic
lifeforms. The fate of constituents within organisms will be linked to specific
toxicity effects models to determine dilution factors which minimize risk.
A model which was developed to relate gill exchange of organic chemicals to
cardiac and respiratory parameters, has been demonstrated to provide useful
results for large rainbow trout, and is being further refined. Experiments are
underway to compare uptake of organic chemicals by smaller fish to
relationships already established for large rainbow trout and to consumption of
oxygen. Experiments are underway to establish rates of elimination of a set of
chlorinated alkanes via various routes in rainbow trout and to support
development of better toxicokinetic models. The relationship of chemical
accumulation to effects is being reviewed and studies on the utility of
kinetic-based effects models for predicting effects of fluctuating
concentrations are being initiated in cooperation with other projects.
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STATUS AND SCHEDULE OF
8091 DUE: 08/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
m REPORT ON AQUATIC EFFECTS MODEL FOR FLUCTUATING TRANSIENT EXPOSURES
8093 DUE: 04/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
_ REPORT ON EFFECTS MODEL FOR HE31LY HAZARDOUS WASTE CONSTITUENTS
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE OPP
PMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
POPE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: E104 PESTICIDES
ISSUE: D ECOLOGY: TRANSPORT/FATE/FIELD VALIDATION
PPA (L): 06 FIELD VALIDATION FOR HAZARD ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 19 Field Validation for Hazard Assessment Techniques
PROJECT OFFICER: Richard E. Siefert
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/83 PLANNED END: 09/30/90
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Design an approach to validate current methodologies to measure
pesticide impact on non-target organisms under natural pesticide use
conditions. Data generated will be used to design more appropriate tests for
hazard assessments.
RATIONALE: Accurate hazard assessments are needed to effectively regulate
pesticides. This field research will assist in validation of existing
freshwater test methods as well as develop improved field protocols.
APPROACH: Conduct natural pond studies using actual pesticide application
procedures and determine the pesticide effects on non-target organisms.
Primary and secondary (ecological) effects will be studied on microbes, algae,
microinvertebrates, macroinvertebrates and fish. Environmental chemistry
studies will include both water and sediment. Biota recovery studies will be
conducted after pesticide applications. Results will be combined with
information obtained from the literature to improve the accuracy and
predictability of pesticide effects by freshwater laboratory methodology, and
will provide field testing protocols.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
A national workshop entitled "Aquatic Field Testing: Experimental Mesocosms and
Field Techniques" was hosted by ERL-D on September 14-17. Attending were
experts on aquatic field research from the pesticide industry, academia,
private consulting firms and government agencies.
Studies in 1985 and 1986 indicated that use of littoral enclosures in natural
waters is feasible to improve hazard evaluation testing. Field work using
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multiple enclosures built in a pond and treated with three concentrations of a
high use pesticide (chlorpyrifos) was accomplished. Included in this mesocosm
enclosure design are controls and replications for sound statistical analyses,
precise environmental chemistry (both in application of the pesticide and
analyses of the water and sediment) , and primary and secondary (ecological)
effect measurements of microbes, algae, macrophytes, inicroinvertebrates,
inacroinvertebrates , and fish. Analyses of chemical and biological samples,
biota recovery studies, investigations on environmental chemistry (pesticide
concentration profiles), fish reproduction studies and other work to refine
protocol were completed. A final report describing this new field testing
protocol and the results of testing chlorpyrifos has been submitted to the user
groups.
The littoral enclosure protocol is currently being validated. The SS isomer of
fenvalerate (Asana) is the pyrethroid pesticide used in this year's study.
Asana is the high priority pesticide recommended to be tested by the Ecological
Effects Branch of OFF. Field work for this study has been completed and
analyses on chemical and biological samples are underway.
The project will result in a field testing guidance document for the Office of
Pesticide Program for use in the registration of new pesticides, as well as
provide ecological effects data on those pesticides tested in the littoral
enclosures.
STATUS AND SCHEraiT.!? O
7368 DUE: 09/30/87 REVISED: 03/31/88 COMPLETED: 03/31/88
FIELD VALIDATION ENCLOSURE STUDY ON EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES IN A NATURAL POND
7592 DUE: 09/30/88 REVISED: 03/31/89 COMPLETED:
REPORT ON FIELD VALIDATION OF ENCLOSURE PROTOCOLS FOR EVALUATING
PESTICIDES ON NATURAL WATERS. (N)
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PRINT DATE: 12/05/88 CLIENT OFFICE OPP
PMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
CODE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: El04 PESTICIDES
ISSUE: H BIOTECHNOLOGY/MICROBIAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PEST CONTROL AGENTS
PPA (L): 12 DEVELOP GUIDELINE PROTOCOLS AND TEST FOR BCA EFFECTS
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 06 Develop Guideline Protocols and Test for BCA Effects
PROJECT OFFICER: Richard L. Anderson
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/83 PLANNED END: 11/30/89
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
GOAL: Develop or improve methods that can determine the effects on freshwater
ecosystems of microbial pest control agents (MPCA).
RATIONALE: Ecological risk assessment requires knowledge of an agents
toxicity, concentration in the system and the populations that may be exposed
after the agent enters the system. For a MPCA, knowledge of the pathology of
the agent is also essential for a risk assessment.
APPROACH: The pathology experiments are directed towards the organism and how
it is affected by the MPCA. The toxicity program is divided in two categories.
One is to develop methods that determine direct acute and chronic toxicity to
non-target animals and the second is to develop methods to measure direct acute
or chronic effects on populations, cxsnmunities and ecosystems. The ecological
studies are to develop methods to measure the relationship of the MPCA to the
ecosystem and how other populations, not directly affected respond to its
introduction.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Our immediate goal is to develop acute and chronic laboratory tests for target
and non-target invertebrates and fish and to establish a microcosm test system
that will accurately portray events in outdoor, natural systems. Our extended
goal is to evaluate the predictive capacity of laboratory data in situations
where the agents are applied.
During the last quarter, activities were mainly confined to research.
Administrative activities were limited to coordination of program activites
with Gulf Breeeze, Corvallis and Headquarters. Efforts were also directed
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toward preparation of reports for the "all hands" meeting in Baltimore in
October.
The research activities centered on continuation of research projects. Data
from a section that studied the uptake of formulated Bacillus thuringiensis var
israelensis (Bti) by fathead minnows and brook trout was recently compiled.
Fish rapidly picked up suspended Bti and most appeared to be deposited in the
gut. After transfer to Bti-free water, there was a rapid clearance from the
gut. The fecal material was toxic to mosquitoes snowing that the toxicity was
retained during the gut passage. These uptake and loss results show that fish
could be an active factor in the distribution of an agent. Laboratory exposures
of caddisflies were continued with an emphasis on short time exposures designed
to simulate the short-exposure conditions associated with blackfly control
activities. We were able to show that even in short (<30 min) exposures, Bti
was accumulated and retained for several days.
STATUS AND SrHRnT7T.R OF nRT.TVRRART.Efi;
7254 DUE: 12/31/87 REVISED: COMPLETED: 12/31/87
REPORT ON THE MOVEMENT AND SURVIVAL OF A BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
AGENT IN TWO NATURAL SYSTEMS.
7674 DUE: 10/30/87 REVISED: OOMPLETED: 10/30/87
REPORT ON FRESHWATER TESTS OF SINGLE SPECIES EXPOSED TO PESTICIDAL
AND NON-PESTICIDAL MICROBES. (N)
7675 DUE: 10/30/88 REVISED: CCMPLETED:
REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF SINGLE SPECIES TEST PROTOCOLS
FOR PESTICIDAL AND NON-PESTICIDAL MICROBES. (N)
7894 DUE: 10/31/88 REVISED: CCMPLETED:
REPORT ON ACUTE AND CHRONIC TEST PROTOCOLS FOR EXPOSING
FRESHWATER FISH TO BCA'S.
7895 DUE: 11/30/89 REVISED: . COMPLETED:
RPT. ON THE EFFECT OF TARGET & NON-TARGET INVERTEBRATES ON THE DISTRIBUTION,
PERSISTENCE & VIRULENCE OF BCA IN FRESHWATER MICROCOSMS & NATURAL SYSTEMS.
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE OPP PMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
CODE 'iTJTiE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY:
ISSUE:
PPA (L):
RC:
PROJECT:
PROJECT OFFICER:
PLANNED
***********
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
E104
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32
Frank
START:
* * *
PESTICIDES
ECOLOGY: ECOTOXICrrY AND RISK ASSESSMENT
DEVELOPMENT OF INTEGRATED RISK ASSESSMENT
ERL DLTH
Develop Methods of Predicting Susceptible
S. Stay
01/01/86 PLANNED END: 07/25/89
MODELS
Populations
GOAL: To integrate information from toxicology, biochemistry and physiology
with ecosystem models, develop a method of predicting the roost susceptible
population to a freshwater stressor, and develop a computerized ranking system
for populations within designated communities.
RATIONAL: The research in this project will compile a biological data base for
a test set of 2400 aquatic species covering major taxa. The parameters will
include information on anatomy, life history, ecology, physiology, and
biochemistry for each organism.
APPROACH: Initial efforts include extensive literature reviews of methods.
Methods for comparative bioenergetics, metabolism, and detoxification are being
developed for generating missing data in the second and third years. Methods
of clustering organisms with respect to susceptibility parameters instead of
conventional taxonomy will be evaluated. Finally a chemical-specific species
ranking system will be computerized to direct subsequent risk assessments.
Computerized databases have been developed for organism parameters related to
toxicological response, including respiration, cardiovascular function and
metabolism. Application and analyses of these databases to predicting
susceptibility and identification of additional parameters useful for
predicting susceptibility, are in progress.
Two microcosm experiments were conducted and preliminary analysis of the
sensitivity of the populations contained in these laboratory (Communities
provided insights which aided in the selection of ASANA exposure concentrations
used in the littoral enclosure experiment. Future analyses and studies will
develop information which can be used to test the ranking of species in more
complex systems, to evaluate the accuracy of microcosms through comparisons
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with littoral enclosures, and to describe the effect of ecosystem age on
community sensitivity.
STATUS AND SCHFraiT;R OF DELIVERABLE^'
7470 DUE: 07/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report on Biological Data Base for Risk Assessment
7781 DUE: 04/30/90 REVISED: OCMPLETED:
Final Report on Resistance and Resilience of Pond and Stream
Ecosystems to Toxicant Stress
7985 DUE: 02/28/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 02/28/88
THE IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF AQUATIC COMMUNITY ECOSYSTEM MODELS FOR
USE IN ESTIMATING ECOLOGICAL RISK.
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE QTS
FMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
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CODE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: L104 TOXICS
ISSUE: A TEST METHOD DEVELOPMENT
PPA (L): 04 AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 17 Aquatic Toxicology
PROJECT OFFICER: Steven J. Broderius
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/80 PLANNED END: 10/01/88
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To develop and validate methods for using small aquarium fish to assess
the toxicological properties of chemicals.
RATIONALE: Low cost, validated assays developed on sound toxicological
principles which provide data applicable for extrapolation to other species and
with multiple endpoints are necessary for accurate environmental and health
hazard assessments.
APPROACH: Many of the in vivo assays being used to ascertain the carcinogenic
potential of synthetic chemicals are very costly. Relatively less expensive
assays using small fish have shown promise for establishing endpoints such as
reproductive toxicity and teratogenicity. Appropriate exposure techniques and
endpoint analysis designed on sound toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic principles
will provide useful data on several endpoints which can be extrapolated to
other species as well as provide a data base for SAR predictions.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACOCMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
The deliverable #8095A entitled "Validation of the medaka assay for chemical
carcinogens: A progress report" was completed and submitted to OEPER in August,
1988. Summary results of the report state that 4-chloroaniline and aniline
cause tumors in medaka while hexachlorobenzene does not. DEHP might also be a
carcinogen in medaka. Further work is being done to confirm this result.
Research on characterization of peroxisome proliferation in medaka hepatocytes
after DEHP exposure is progressing favorably. Medaka from six other
exposures are being prepared for pathology analysis. Additionally, fish from
seven more exposures are in the "grow-out" phase of the assay. Exposures to
other chemicals are being planned and will be initiated shortly.
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STATUS AND SCHEDUT.K OF
7623 DUE: 06/30/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 06/30/88
REPORT ON COMPARATIVE TOX. DATABASE FOR SPECIES/SPECIES EXTRAPOLATIONS
AMONG AQUATIC ORG. (N)
8094 DUE: 03/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF USING MEDAKA FOR PREDICTING THE
CARCINOGENIC POTENTIAL OF CHEMICALS
8095 DUE: 08/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
PROGRESS REPORT ON VALIDATION OF THE MEDAKA CARCINOGENESIS ASSAY
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88
CLIENT OFFICE OTS
PMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
CODE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACl'lVl'lY: L104 TOXICS
ISSUE: G STRUCTURE ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIPS
PPA (L): 20 STRUCTURE-ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIPS AND ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 13 Structure-Activity Relationships and Estimation Techniques
PROJECT OFFICER: Oilman D. Veith
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PLANNED START: 10/01/80 PLANNED END: 09/01/93
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To develop comprehensive SAR models for the aquatic toxicology of
chronic effects of industrial chemicals. The SAR models address non-specific
as well as specific toxicity mechanisms for new and existing chemicals.
RATIONALE: Fewer than one percent of chemicals on the TSCA inventory have been
tested and many of the PMN chemicals have no test data. To screen for
potential effects rapidly, structure-activity methods have been the only
technically sound approach. The TSCA inventory is generically categorized and
systematic test sets are generated for each important endpoint such as LC50.
Molecular descriptors are generated for each chemical and structure-activity
relationships derived. The relationships are validated by independent testing
and provided to OTS with full documentation.
APPROACH: A systematic reference data base for acute effects of chemicals was
developed for industrial chemicals. The reference data set is used to develop
mechanism-specific SAR models. Representative chemicals for each mechanism are
being selected for the development of a high quality chronic effects data base
which will validate SAR models for growth and reproduction effects in aquatic
organisms.
The theoretical research on predictive toxicology has been somewhat delayed
while the critical short-term objectives are being addressed. The in-house
research is completing phase I. QSAR methods for ecotoxicity, QSAR work on
acute and chronic toxicity and specific modes of action is progressing on
schedule, with extensive participation by OTS staff.
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Aoxmplishments 1. A computerized system for QSAR evaluation of chemicals was
delivered to OTS. It contains a CLO3P program for state-of-the-art Log P
calculation as well as an expert system for chemical evaluation. 2. A major
report on electrophile-nucleophile profiles of industrial chemicals was
completed. 3. A method to draw and analyze structures of reactive chemicals in
three dimensions from SMILES was perfected for QSAR. 4. A file of natural
substrates in living organisms has been compiled to define a natural products
universe. 5. A QSAR model for polar narcotic chemicals has been defined. 6. We
are continuing to define fish acute toxicity syndromes (FATS) and joint toxic
action methodology that is used to help assign chemical structures to specific
modes of toxic action. 7. Additional progress has been made in developing an
expert system that will define metabolic pathways and rates of metabolism for
industrial chemicals. 8. The first volume containing chronic data from 37 early
life-history-stage tests with fathead minnows was completed. 9. A preliminary
procedure for developing ecotoxicity profiles for SARA Title III chemicals has
been developed through an interface of the ERL-D QSAR system and the AQUIRE
data base. 10. Ecological hazard fact sheets have been prepared for SARA Title
III Bco I chemicals. Similar work is progressing for Eco II and III chemicals.
STATUS AND SGHKHT.f: OF
7911 DUE: 05/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 05/31/88
REPORT ON FATHEAD MINNOW CHRONIC TOXICITY DATA BASE FOR QSAR MODELS
OF ECOTOXICTTY
7912 DUE: 07/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
PROGRESS REPORT ON SAR METHODS OF PREDICTING METABOLISM FROM
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
7913 DUE: 08/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
FINAL REPORT ON SAR METHODS OF PREDICTING METABOLISM FROM CHEMICAL
STRUCTURE
7915 DUE: 10/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON METHODS TO COMPUTE REACTIVITY PARAMETERS FOR ELECTROPHILES
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE OTS OTS
PMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
CODE TIT' 'F
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: KL04 TOXICS
ISSUE: I ECOLOGY: ECTOXIdTY AND RISK ASSESSMENT
PPA (L): 26 DEVELOP METHODOLOGIES FOR ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 31 Predicting Ecosystem Resiliency
PROJECT OFFICER: Steven F. Hedtke
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PLANNED START: 10/01/06 PLANNED END: 09/01/91
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
GOAL: Develop risk assessment protocols for ecosystems through the study of
the dynamic response of aquatic communities to various contaminants and
perturbations.
RATIONALE: The base program addresses methods of assessing impacts of
toxicants on aquatic ecosystems. This initiative will also provide predictive
and field assessment methods for judging recovery period in a given aquatic
ecosystem. ERL-D is currently studying aquatic ecosystem impacts in lakes,
ponds, streams, mesocosms and microcosms. Although current evidence suggests
that contaminant effects can be predicted from laboratory data, many factors
influencing responses in the field are absent from lab tests.
APPROACH: Studies in the systems mentioned above are evaluating the accuracy
of predictions derived from lab tests, as well as looking for a limited number
of additional indications of detrimental effects. Two complementary studies
have recently been initiated as part of the Ecological Risk Assessment
Initiative: 1) a literature survey and data analysis of factors controlling
recovery of ecosystems from damage; and 2) a field study intended to advance
our understanding of important and sensitive community and ecosystem level
properties that should be protected to maintain ecosystem health.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A project was initiated to create data bases on recovery processes in aquatic
ecosystems. Information from the published literature is being collected and
compiled in such a manner as to facilitate retrieval and statistical analysis. A
generalized freshwater ecosystem data base is being developed using detailed
data on systems which were extensively studied. A second data base specifically
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related to systems where recovery was quantified is also being developed. These
data bases will be used to identify factors controlling recovery, to evaluate
the ability to extrapolate between systems, to develop a classification scheme
based on recovery rates, and to determine minimum variables needed to predict
recovery.
The PARADOX data base management system has been used to enter and collate the
physical, biological and chemical data gathered for aquatic systems across
North America. Information has been obtained on more than 150 systems from
approximately 120 publications which meet criteria for accurate interpretations
of recovery time.
A final report which satisfies deliverable 7465A entitled "Factors controlling
the recovery of aquatic systems from disturbance" was submitted this quarter.
The majority (75%) of aquatic systems studied for recovery are less than 4th
order streams with most of the remaining consisting of small lentic systems.
The most common impacts reviewed are acute toxic (e.g. , DDT and rotenone) and
chronic physical (e.g. , logging and channelization) forms of stress.
As part of this study, the major hypotheses proposed to explain recovery rates
have been reviewed. Unfortunately there is generally insufficient data
available to test many of them. The factors that did emerge as most important
in the case studies are: (1) availability of refugia which enables populations
to recolonize, (2) the high flushing rates for the small lotic systems, and
(3) life history characteristics that allow fast population growth or
recolonization rates.
A workshop designed to bring together approximately 30 national experts to
discuss the application of current ecosystem theory to predict recovery of
stressed lotic ecosystems has been organized and will be held October 3-6. The
proceedings and recommendations will be published following the workshop.
Response variables used in littoral enclosure experiments were reviewed and
additional measurements were identified which would make the results of the
littoral enclosure protocol more compatible for testing current ecosystem
models.
STATUS AND SQffJTTnr.^ OF
7465 DUE: 08/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report on Methods to Determine Ecosystem Recovery Periods
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PRINT DATE: 11/29/88 CLIENT OFFICE OAR OPD
FMS-060
FOURTH QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: JULY - SEPTEMBER 1988
******************************************
CODE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: N104 MULTmEDIA ENERGY
ISSUE: E UNDERSTAND & QUANTIFY AQUATIC EFFECTS
PPA (L): 05 Watershed Manipulation Project
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 25 Watershed Manipulation Project
PROJECT OFFICER: John G. Eaton
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PLANNED START: 10/01/83 PLANNED END: 09/01/92
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Determine the early indicator, as well as later, more dramatic chemical
and biological responses of a warmwater bass lake to acid additions causing 0.5
pH unit reductions (from 6.0 to 4.5) every other year; evaluate the current
state of the art of predicting acid effects; use results to substantiate
assessments of impacts inferred from lab or survey data; obtain mechanistic
data needed for acid effects modeling; evaluate the use of lab data for
predicting acid effects on fish populations in the field.
RATIONALE: Experimental studies on whole ecosystems are a powerful technique
for determining acid effects; very few such studies have been conducted; chemi-
cal and biological results will be relatable to conditions in lakes elsewhere
in the U.S. and Canada; mechanistic data result in stronger models than corre-
lative data; no lab data validation studies have been conducted for low pH.
APPROACH: Acidify one-half of a clear, warmwater, low alkalinity lake in
northern Wisconsin after dividing it with a removable plastic barrier; reduce
the pH over 6 years after a 2-year baseline study; compare extensive preacidi-
fication effect predictions with observed results; conduct lab bioassays to
help elucidate organism- and population-level acid effects, and to explore
organism-level sublethal response indicators.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Nearly six years of this eight-year study have been completed and the ambient
pH of 6.0 is being maintained at 5.1 for the second consecutive year.
Responses have been observed by nearly all biological groups in the lake
(microbes, phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthos and fish). Effect mechanisms are
being explored for some of these organisms (zooplankton, macroinvertebrates,
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fish) and results from these studies have been described in several recent
technical journal publications. Indirect effects, mediated through food web or
other organism interactions, have been implicated or demonstrated in several
cases. Some consideration is being given to maintaining a pH of 5.1 for three
years instead of two because of the subtlety of some responses, and acidifying
the lake to a pH of 4.5 for only a single year. Cooperative agreements have
been negotiated for the terminal phase of the study. A new sea-curtain was
installed in July to insure continued separation of the acidified and reference
basins of Little Rock Lake. All milestones have been met on schedule.
STATUS AND SCPFrtTT,E OF
7324 DUE: 03/31/88 REVISED: CXUPLETED: 03/31/88
Journal Article: Fish Population Changes and Mechanisms Associated with
Changes in Acidified Lake
7325 DUE: 03/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 03/31/88
Journal Article on Response of Little Rock Lake to Artif . Acidif . Water
Chemistry, Productivity, Nutrients, Hydrology
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