00412 ed StcVes
Apr-Jun ronrnewtal Protection
1988 ncv *
ncy
00412A
vvEPA
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
APRIL-JUNE 1988
Environmental
Research Laboratory
Duluth, Minnesota 55804
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY - DULUTH
\ PRO^0 6201 CONGDON BOULEVARD
DULUTH, MINNESOTA 55804
August 19, 1988
MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT: Third Quarter FY88 Progress Report on Projects of the
Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth (ERL-D)
FRCM: Nelson A. Thomas, Chair
Strategic Oonnunication Council, ERL-Duluth
TO: Addressees
Attached is a copy of the ERL-Duluth progress report on research
projects for the third quarter. The following are highlights from various
projects/activites .
0 Research was undertaken to identify and quantify toxic
components of sediment in the lower Fox River, WI.
Screening tests identified 5 of 12 sediment samples as
acutely toxic to ^phnj?i and fish. Project 35, page 1.
The National Effluent Toxicity Assessment Center (NETAC)
was established at Duluth. Each region was requested to
submit one candidate effluent for a TIE evaluation.
NETAC will be working closely with all EPA regions and
the states to test effluents and to exchange information
through workshops and seminars. Project 5, page 3.
An ERL-D project on the Fox River/Green Bay watershed
was funded by Region V (Great Lakes National Program
Office) to focus on sediment criteria and inplace
pollutants. Project 2, page 8.
Protocols for fractionation, identification and
evaluation of toxicity in effluents are scheduled to be
published soon. These protocols were successfully used
to identify and fractionate components causing toxicity
in a number of effluents. Project 37, page 18.
The Ecological Risk Assessment Program has undertaken
research on the dynamic response of aquatic communities
to various contaminants and perturbations. The initial
research indicates that most systems are relatively
resilient because recovery times were less than 3 years.
Exceptions are noted under Project 31, page 32.
Attachment: As stated above
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Table of Contents
HIGHLIGHTS
Water Quality
Duluth
Aquatic Life Sediment Criteria Development
WQ Toxicity-Based NPCES Permits Methods
WQ Assessment Techniques
Ecological Research with the Peoples* Republic of China
Aquatic Life WQ Criteria Develcpment/Modifications
Grosse lie
Sources-Fate-Effects of Toxic Substances in Great Takes
Mass Balance Models for Toxics in Freshwater Systems
Tech Assistance for GLNFO, ow, LJC, 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. Carlson
N. Thomas
A. Carlson
N. Thomas
A. Carlson
R. Kreis
W. Richardson
W. Richardson
G.
R.
Nieml
Erickson
R. Siefert
R. Anderson
F. Stay
S. Broderius
G. Veith
G. Niemi
J. Eaton
1
3
6
8
10
13
15
17
18
20
22
24
28
28
30
32
34
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PRINT DATE: 08/16/88
PMS-060
CTJFNT OFFICE AA OW
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of EnvirOTunental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
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CODE TTTIE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY:
ISSUE:
PPA (L) :
B101 WATER QUALITY
A WQBA/i*WlLTriNG
09 AQUATIC LIFE SEDIMENT CRITERIA DEVELOPMENT
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 35 Aquatic Life Sediment Criteria Development
PROJECT OFFICER: Anthony R. Carlson
PHONE: -780-5523
******************************************
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.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Work plans are being written. Data is being compiled from the literature for use
in determining the relative sensitivity of benthic and non-benthic organisms to
specific chemicals.
A research project was undertaken to identify and quantify toxic components of
the lower Fox River, Wisconsin sediments. Preliminary toxicity screening tests
identified 5 of 12 sediment samples as being acutely toxic to Daphnia and fish.
Definitive studies are planned for this summer and fall.
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7896 DUE: 08/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
RETORT ON DEVELOPMENT OF TEST METHODS WITH BENTHIC ORGANISMS TO DEFINE THE
BIQAVAILABILITY 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 TOXIdTY
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: 08/16/88 CLIENT OFFICE OWEP
PMS-060
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
******************************************
CODE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: A WQEA/PERMTTTING
PPA (L): 11 WQ TOXICnY-BASED NFDES PERMIT METHODS
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 05 WQ Toxicity-Based NPDES Permits Methods
PROJECT OFFICER: Nelson A. Thomas
PHONE: -780-5702
******************************************
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 ACCCMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
Evaluations are complete on the 7-day chronic Ceriodaphnia and fathead minnow
toxicity tests to predict instream impact at nine sites. ERL-D provided the
support for the toxicity testing, while field studies were supported by the
Office of Water, Permits Division and ERL-D. 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. Methods were reviewed to assemble an approach to
address the persistence of toxicity.
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Technical assistance on methods continues. Ceriodaphnia cultures are being
sent to states, EPA regions, contract laboratories, universities and industry.
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 (TIEs). 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 and effluent fractions. A TIE indicated that a treated
effluent owed its toxicity to 600 ug/1 nickel, nearly 8 times the lethal limit
for aquatic organisms. Region 9 requested an extensive evaluation of the las
Vegas POTW. The TIE determined that diazinon and dichlorvos were the primary
cause of toxicity and 5 effluents were partially identified. Overall 46
effluents were evaluated at least once as potential candidates for the TIE
work. A report on the Hollywood POTW TIE was sent to Region 4. Toxicants
responsible for the toxicity were diazinon and chlorfenvinphos. Also, 4
effluents are being tested and characterized for cause of toxicity. Region 5
sent a sample to determine whether something other than ammonia is causing the
toxicity. This effluent was characterized and it was determined that ammonia
did not cause the toxicity.
The announcement of the National Effluent Toxicity Assessment Center (NETAC)
was made in March. Each region was requested to submit one candidate effluent
for a TIE evaluation. Candidate effluents must have acute toxicity. Seven of
the 10 regions have formally submitted candidate effluents from which 2
effluents were chosen. Also, 1 effluent has been received and another is
scheduled to arrive. A TIE techniques workshop was presented by Don MDunt to 30
attendees from Region 5 state agencies. Similar workshops are planned for
Atlanta, GA and South Carolina. A toxicity methods workshop will be conducted
in Aug/Sept. for Region 9 (California, Arizona). A July methods data
interpretation and site study workshop is planned for Region 6. A new document
on Phase I TIE procedures is available. An extensive field project involving
ERL-D, ERL-N and 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. The report, which is complete and in
inhouse review, is available in draft form. An October field trip to Casper, WY
was requested by Region 8. TIE and toxicity tests were conducted to demonstrate
to the Region the feasibility of conducting the procedures and to 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
arrived from 6 regions.
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.
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Cooperative agreements are in place to evaluate 4-d vs 7-d Ceriodaphnia tests,
to develop techniques to generate ephippial egg production and hatching and
to develop standard freeze-dried foods for use in culturing Ceriodaphnia.
CETIS: Funding is not available and all tasks are on hold.
TTUS AND SQranrrR OF
7163 DUE: 12/31/87 REVISED: 04/30/89 COMPLETED:
MANUSCRIPT ON TOXKTTY IDENTIFICATION IN EFFLUENTS
7814 DUE: 06/30/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON THE FIELD AND LABORATORY TESTING OF THE BIOCCNCENTRATICN
FACTOR (BCF) PROTOCOL USING FRESHWATER ORGANISMS
7815 DUE: 05/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON THE TOXICTIY IDENTIFICATION OF THE TOXIC COMPONENT (S) OF
EFFLUENTS
7816 DUE: 06/30/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 05/31/88
REVISED TOXnCTTY IDENTIFICATION PROTOCOL TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSES OF
TOXECTTY IN EFFLUENTS
7823 DUE: 09/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
PROTOCOL FOR A FOUR-DAY CERIODAPHNIA 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: 08/16/88 CLIENT OFFICE AA OW
PMS-060
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DUTH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
*************************************
CODE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY : B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: A
PPA (L) : 12 INTEGRATED WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 01 Water Quality Assessment Techniques
PROJECT OFFICER: Anthony R. Carlson
PHONE: -780-5523
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/85 PLANNED END: 09/01/88
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
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 ACCOMPT-TSHMKKns TO DATE:
A proposal for a one-year ecological risk demonstration was forwarded to DEFER,
and provides for a joint project by ERL-Duluth (toxicity prediction) and ERL-A
(exposure assessment) . Exposure analyses will involve documentation of internal
and external heavy metal sources to the upper Clark Fork River, both under
normal ranges of river conditions and extreme flow events. Toxicity assessment
will estimate fish mortalities due to the unsteady state exposures, joint
toxicity, and effects of associated physical and chemical factors.
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Reviews were completed on a proposed contract between the the Montana Department
of Health Environmental Services and the University of Montana for a periphyton
growth and nutrient loading study for the Clark Fork River/Lake Pend oreille
system. Region VIII awarded the study funds.
Ambient toxicity tests continue on samples collected from the upper Illinois
River basin. At several stations instream toxicity was noted to Ceriodaphnia
and fathead minnows. Tests were also conducted with the green alga, Selenastrum
capricornutum, to biologically characterize the water's nutrient status. Both
growth stimulation and inhibition effects were found. Additional testing was
completed this spring and summer.
An ERL-D project on the Fox River/Green Bay watershed was funded by Region V
(Great lakes National Program Office) . The project focuses on sediment
criteria and inplace pollutants. Sediment criteria will involve developing
methods to determine "safe" conditions using a toxicity/residue approach.
Inplace pollutants will generate protocols to evaluate sediment quality and
physical/chemical modeling.
S AND SCPEmTB Qp
7170 DUE: 09/30/87 REVISED; 09/30/89 COMPLETED:
KEPT. GN THE FEAS. OF PEED. THE taftHKiS AND INCORP. FLUCTUATING EXP. IN THE
APPLICATION OF WQC AND EFFLUENT TOXICS TESTS
7187 DUE: 03/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 03/31/88
REPORT GN IMPACTS OF AMGNIA/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 BLUEGTLL 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: 08/16/88 CLIENT OFFICE AA OW
IMS-060
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'SS PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
******************************************
POPE; TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACT1 Vl'lY : B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: A
PPA (L) : 13 ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH WITH THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
PC: N ERL DOTH
PROJECT: 02 Ecological Research with the People's Republic of China
PROJECT OFFICER: Nelson A. Thomas
PHONE: -780-5702
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/84 PLANNED END: 09/01/89
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
GOAL: To participate jointly with the People's Republic of China (PRC) in
mutually beneficial studies through a cooperative research proqidin. 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-EEC 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.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACOOMPT-TSHMrairs TO DATE:
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
evaluation of the effluent protocol was tested at a steel mill in Wuhan. Two
toxicologists from ERL-D traveled to Wuhan to cotplete cooperative testing
using cadmium and effluent samples. Reports are being prepared on heavy metal
8
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toxicity and effluent testing. A work plan is being developed for the
histopathological study of exposed fish for teratogenic and carcinogenic
effects. A scientist from the Wuhan Laboratory arrived in May for a 12-month
exchange of histopathologic methods. Field studies are currently being
undertaken for the collection of fish with contaminated sediments.
US AND SGHETITTF OF
7832 DUE: 04/30/89 REVISED: OCMPIEIED:
REPORT ON THE APPLICATION OF U.S. TEST METHODS FOR WQC DEVELOPMENT,
EFFLUENT TOXICHY. TESTING, & AMBIENT TOXLCTIY ASSESSMENT IN THE PRC
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PRINT DATE: 08/16/88 CLIENT OFFICE AA OW
PMS-060
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: A WQBA/PEBMrnTNG
PPA (L): 14 AQUATIC LIFE WQ CRITERIA DEVEK>PMENT/1*X>IFICATION
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 03 Aquatic Life WQ Criteria Development/Modifications
PROJECT OFFICER: Anthony R. Carlson
PHONE: -780-5523
******************************************
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, which
requires 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 to predict recovery.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACOCMPT-T.qHMRMTS TO DATE:
Six criteria documents (aniline, 2,4-dimethylphenol, phenol, methyl parathion,
thallium and tributyltin) are in preparation.
A computer data base containing historical fish and water temperature records
was compiled for over 300 species of freshwater fishes at 574 stream stations
in the United States. A statistical summary of the cumulative frequency of
occurrence of stream temperature (i.e., over stations and years) where 30
freshwater fish species were present has been compiled. Temperature envelopes
described for these species are collated with temperature requirements
determined in laboratory experiments. Adaptations to the seasonal temperature
10
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cycle are described in full detail for eight species of freshwater fishes as
representatives of distinct thermal guilds. The highest weekly mean temperature
in U.S. streams for 30 species is evaluated in relation to the ultimate upper
incipient lethal temperature, upper zero net growth, physiological optimum and
upper spawning threshold for each species. Composite annual temperature
regimens were developed for cold-, cool-, and warm-water fishes. Envelopes for
thermal guilds can be used to describe the temperature environment for most
temperate climate species when data for temperature requirements for individual
species are lacking. Ihe relationship between temperature criteria and thermal
responses is discussed in relation to maximum weekly mean temperature of
streams in summer. Implications for development of thermal criteria are
discussed.
Acute and chronic toxicity tests using several species of aquatic organisms and
acrolein, diazinon and 2,4-D were completed to provide data for water quality
criteria development. Toxicity tests with fluoranthene and different aquatic
species are presently being planned.
The AQUIRE data base has over 101,000 tests on computer file. AQUIRE contains
acute, sublethal and BCF toxicity literature for aquatic organisms on 4,900
chemicals and 2,300 organisms, extracted from over 5,500 publications.
A series of 30-day early life stage toxicity tests on the effect of fluctuating
concentrations of selected organic chemicals on fathead minnows are underway.
The streams at Monticello have been exposed to selenium since February
1987. Two streams have been dosed at 30 ug/1, two at 10 ug/1, and two are
serving as unexposed controls. 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. In general, fish food organisms in the Monticello streams have
attained selenium concentrations proportional to the amount in the water.
Because accumulation in fishes to levels that might be harmful can take several
months, bluegill sunfish were placed in the streams during September 1987.
After eight months of exposure and before spawning, a population count of
bluegills was made in the streams exposed to 30 ug/1. This was an unexpected
result because laboratory data predicted that this would be a safe
concentration. Effects on reproductive success will be evaluated when spawning
begins in June. In addition, the effects of selenium on duck reproduction and
iirrauno-responses are being evaluated in the streams. Ducks have been in the
streams since late April and many pairs have active nests.
A journal article on the life-cycle chronic toxicity of fathead minnows exposed
to Hf ions, low Ca and elevated Al has been submitted for journal publication.
Initial exposures of embryos and larvae of yellow perch, largemouth bass and
rock bass have been completed and are described in a submitted journal article.
Additional lab tests and in-situ field exposures of rock bass, yellow perch,
largemouth bass and black crappies are nearing completion.
11
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A review of the Appendix D of the Technical Support Document for Water Quality
Based Toxics Control indicated the need for additional research and analysis of
the 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. A recovery workshop is planned for October.
The states of Montana, Washington and Idaho have received 300K for FY88 funding
for the Clark Fork River/Lake Bend Oreille studies. Details of the specific
projects will be discussed during a meeting at Coeur d1 Alene, Idaho on June
29. The discussions will stress experimental design, sampling details and
remote sensing.
STATUS AND SCPTCTtTTK OF
6525 DUE: 09/30/85 REVISED: 09/30/88 COMPLETED:
REPORT EVALUATING THE NEED TO REVISE 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
ALKAUOTTY/HARDNESS WATER
7171 DUE: 12/31/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON FIELD VALIDATION OF METHODS FOR PREDICTING AND
ASSESSING FLUCTUATING EXPOSURE
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
12
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PRINT DATE: 08/16/88 CLIENT OFFICE GLNPO
PMS-060
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 FROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
******************************************
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 Takes
PROJECT OFFICER: Russell G. Kreis
PHONE: 313-675-7706
******************************************
PLANNED START: 06/01/85 PLANNED END: 12/31/95
******************************************
PROJECT
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 to simulate the effects of inplace pollutants and 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
waterway and may relate to sediment criteria development, implementation of
the Clean Water Act and the US/Canada agreements.
PROJECT STATUS AND AOOOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
The In-Place Pollutant Project (IPP) is being conducted in the Trenton Channel
of the Detroit River as a component of the Upper Great Takes Connecting
Channels Study (UGLCCS) . The project is multidisciplinary and encompasses
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 and analytical chemistry, with the exception of small data set,
has been completed. An interim report was submitted to UGLCCS and a final
13
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UGLCCS report will be submitted during the next quarter. Statistical analyses
are underway, journal articles were submitted and all tasks are nearing
completion. Draft and final project reports are 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 initiations: 1) Assessment and
Remedial Strategies for Contaminated Sediments, 2) Sediment Criteria, and 3)
Green Bay-lower Fox River Mass Balance. Field studies have begun and will
continue into the next quarter. Project on target.
STATUS AND SCHETTTTE OF
7204 DUE: 05/31/88 REVISED: 12/31/88 COMPLETED:
REPORT ON METHODS FOR PREDICTING PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION OF EXPOSURE
FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
7205 DUE: 09/30/88 REVISED: 12/31/88 COMPLETED:
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)
14
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PRINT DATE: 08/16/88 CLIENT OFFICE GINPO
FMS-060
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
******************************************
CODE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: B MARINE, ESTUARIES & LAKES
PPA (L): 26 SCURCES-FATE-EFFECTS OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN GREAT IAKES
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 33 Mass Balance Models for Toxics in Freshwater Systems
PROJECT OFFICER: William Richardson
PHONE: 313-675-7704
******************************************
PLANNED START: 06/01/85 PLANNED END: 09/30/95
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
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 c»ntaminants, 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.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACOOMPT.TSHMfynS TO DATE:
Two papers were presented at the IAGLR Annual Conference in Hamilton, Ontario,
concerning the results of the Detroit River Mass Balance research. The draft
UGLCC mass balance report was received from GINPO and comments were provided to
the UGLCC Modeling Committee Chairperson. A workshop was held at LLRS on the
Green Bay Mass Balance Project to finalize the modeling and field plans. The
primary extramural cooperative agreement package was completed and funding for
the University of Notre Dame (Victor Bierman, P.I.) should begin on July 1.
Other funding actions were taken for cooperative work with the ERL-Athens and
ERL-^arragansett.
15
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STATUS AND SCHETUIJB OF
7203 DUE: 12/31/87 REVISED: COMPLETED: 12/31/87
RETORT DESCRIBING MASS BALANCES OF TOXICANTS OF CONCERN IN THE
UPPER GREAT IAKES CONNECTING CHANNELS
7875 DUE: 03/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 03/31/88
REPORT ON ALTERNATIVE MDDELS 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
16
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PRINT DATE: 08/16/88
PMS-060
CLIENT OFFICE GLNPO
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DIHH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
******************************************
CODE TIT' f-
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: B101 WATER QUALITY
ISSUE: B MARINE, ESTUARIES & LAKES
PPA (L) : 26 SOURCES-FATE-EFFECTS OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN GREAT IAKES
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 34 Tech Assist, for GLNP, OW, IJC, Regions, States & Local Gov.
PROJECT OFFICER: William Richardson
PHONE: 313-675-7704
******************************************
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
Talc**? 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.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPT-T-c;HMT::^TS TO DATE;
The LIBS staff continued to participate on committees for the Upper Great
Connecting Channels and the Green Bay studies and to provide Region II
Superfund with modeling support for the Hyde Park case.
STATUS AND SCHEDULE OF DRT.TVFRARTFS;
8085 DUE: 12/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
PILOT CONFINED DISPOSAL FACILITY BIOM3NTTORING FIELD AND DATA REPORT
17
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PRINT DATE: 08/16/88 CLIENT OFFICE QSW
PMS-060
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
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
PHONE: 8-780-5511
******************************************
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
chrcnatographic 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 will be aligned with
existing subsurface transport models.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACOCMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
Protocols for fractionation, identification and evaluation of toxicity in
effluents will be published later this summer. These protocols have been
successfully used to fractionate and identify components causing toxicity in a
number of effluents. Components identified as causing toxicity in effluents
include chlorine, ammonia, chelatable metals and non-polar organics. Research
and development on methods for polar organics and nonchelatable metals is
continuing.
In addition, the possibilities of incorporating information on biomarkers in
leachate toxicity profiles is continuing. An indicator of damage to mammalian
DNA/RNA from toxic organic contaminants is the change in the profile of
modified nucleosides released in the blood and urine relative to creatinine. A
18
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sensitive HPLC method has been developed to characterize these nucleosides in
fish. Fish from the Pox River, Wl have been collected and are being analyzed
for modified nucleosides. These results will be correlated to histopathological
examination of fish liver for cancerous growths.
STATUS AND SCPETHTR OF nET.TVKRARTKS;
8090 DUE: 08/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON METHODS FOR LEACHATE TOXICITY IDENTIFICATION PROFILE
8092 DUE: 04/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR THE USE OF TOXICTIY PROFILES TO PREDICT AQUATIC
IMPACTS OF WHOL£ LEACHATE COMPONENTS
19
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FEINT DATE: 08/16/88 CLIENT OFFICE OSW
PMS-060
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCKEPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
******************************************
POPE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACnVTIY: D109 HAZARDOUS WASTE
ISSUE: C WASTE CHARACTERIZATION
PPA (L): 96 WASTE FUTURES AND AQUATIC IMPACTS
RC: N ERL Dion
PROJECT: 38 Predicting Aquatic Toxicity of HW Constituents and Exposures
PROJECT OFFICER: Russell J. Erickson
PHONE: 8-780-5534
******************************************
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.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPTTSHMENTS TO DATE:
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 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 being initiated to establish rates of elimination of diverse chemicals via
various routes in rainbow trout and to support development of better
toxiookinetic 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.
20
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D
8091 DUE: 08/31/89 REVISED: OCMPLEIED:
REPORT ON AQUATIC EFFECTS MODEL FOR FLUCIUATING TRANSIENT EXPOSURES
8093 DUE: 04/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON EFFECTS MDDEL FOR HIGHLY HAZARDOUS WASTE CONSTITUENTS
21
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PRINT DATE: 08/16/88 CLIENT OFFICE QPP
PMS-060
THIRD QUARTER STAIUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
******************************************
CODE 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
PHONE: -780-5552
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/83 PLANNED END: 04/30/89
******************************************
PROJECT
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 AOOCMPTTSHMENTS 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
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
22
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analyses of the water and sediment) , and primary and secondary (ecological)
effect measurements of microbes, algae, roacrophytes, microinvertebrates,
macroinvertebrates, 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 OPP.
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 SCff^TtTTfr QF*
7368 DUE: 09/30/87 REVISED: 03/31/88 COMPLETED; 03/31/88
FIELD VALIDATION ENCLOSURE STUDY ON JttJtotMS OF PESTICIDES IN A NATURAL FOND
7592 DUE: 09/30/88 REVISED: 03/31/89 CCMPLETED:
REPORT ON FIELD VALIDATION OF ENCLOSURE PROTOCOLS FOR EVALUATING
PESTICIDES ON NATURAL WATERS (N)
23
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PRINT DATE: 08/16/88 CT.TEMT OFFICE OPP
FMS-060
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DITH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
******************************************
BUDGET SUB-ACnvTTY: E104 PESTICIDES
ISSUE: H BICTECHNOICGY/MICRDBIAL 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
PHONE: -780-5565
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/83 PLANNED END: 11/30/89
******************************************
PROJECT
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, communities 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 AOOOMPTT-SHMENTS TO DATE;
Our goal is_to develop acute and chronic laboratory tests for target and
non-target invertebrates and fish to establish a microcosm test system that
will accurately portray events in outdoor, natural systems.
During the last quarter activities were divided between administration and
research. Administrative activities included participation in the competitive
cooperative agreement process for the Biotechnology/MPCA program and
participation in the program review of biotechnology research in pesticides and
toxic substances. This review was conducted on June 1 and 2 in Gulf Breeze,
Florida. One result of the review was a request for additional funding and
FTEs for the program.
24
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The research activities included completion of sane studies and the beginning
of new research. Completion activities included a report and paper at the 12th
Symposium on Aquatic Ecotoxicology and Hazard Assessment. The paper,
"Adaptation of Mixed Flask Culture Microcosms to Testing the Survival and
Effects of Introduced Microorganisms" summarized the results of three nricrocosm
experiments with three formulations of the MPCA Bacillus thuringiensis var
israelensis (Bti). The experiments proved that the microcosm procedure is a
useful method for evaluating the survival and effects of microbial spores.
Based on our success with the microcosm test system, research was begun on
monitoring the distribution of Bti in the water and animals in a natural pond.
In this study Bti was added to the surface of the pond and samples were taken
several times after the application. Animal samples were also taken and the
amount of Bti in or on these animals was determined. The water and animal
measurements will be compared to the data from the microcosm to aid in the
calibration of the microcosm data. The pond will be sampled throughout the
summer, it is now dry, to assess the toxicity of the agent to the target
animal.
other research activities include continuation of the uptake of Bti by fish.
Acute and chronic protocols and support data for invertebrates and fish exposed
to Bti are being written. These protocols will be available this fall.
STATUS AND SCHFTTTTK OF DET.TWRARTES;
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: CCMPLEIED: 10/30/87
REPORT ON FRESHWATER TESTS OF SINGLE SPECIES EXPOSED TO PESTICTDAL
AND NON-PESTICIDAL MICROBES (N)
7675 DUE: 10/30/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDAnCN OF SINGLE SPECIES TEST PROTOCOLS
FOR PESTICIDAL AND NON-PESTICIDAL MICROBES (N)
7894 DUE: 10/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
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
25
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PRINT DATE: 08/16/88 CLIENT OFFICE QPP
PMS-060
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DISH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
******************************************
CODE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: E104 PESTICIDES
ISSUE: I ECOLOGY: ECOTOXIdTY AND RISK ASSESSMENT
PPA (L): 13 DEVELOPMENT OF INTEGRATED RISK ASSESSMENT MODELS
RC: N ERL DIHH
PROJECT: 32 Develop Methods of Predicting Susceptible Populations
PROJECT OFFICER: Frank S. Stay
PHONE: 8-780-5542
******************************************
PLANNED START: 01/01/86 PLANNED END: 07/25/89
******************************************
PROJECT DFy»CRIPTION;
GOAL: To integrate information from toxicology, biochemistry and physiology
with ecosystem models, develop a method of predicting the population most
susceptible to a freshwater stressor, and develop a computerized ranking system
for populations within designated communities.
RATIONALE: 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 to generate 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.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPT-TSHMFTfTS TO DATE;
A database structure was developed to include individual databases on specific
areas relevant to susceptibility, related by taxonomy. This structure is
being implemented under the FOCUS DBMS. Codes from the EPA TAXON system are
being obtained to allow analysis of taxonomic relationships. Investigators in
the research areas of toxicokinetics, toxicity mechanisms, and ecosystem
recovery are identifying methods which can assist in predicting species
susceptibilities and biological parameters needed to support these methods. A
database on fish respiration developed earlier in this project is being
incorporated into the FOCUS structure. A literature review and data coding of
fish cardiac output is completed and will be entered into the database. A
literature review of fish enzyme activity is in progress and will result in a
26
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selected database at the end of FY88. Planning for a database of parameters
important to species recovery is underway.
A presentation, describing laboratory-to-field comparisons of the SAM and MFC
microcosins, was given at the ASTM special session, Interpretation of Mirocosm
Data. Microcosm studies were initiated to conpare with field studies using
littoral enclosures exposed to the pesticide ASANA and to evaluate concepts on
susceptibility of aquatic systems.
S AND SCTTTE <">F
7470 DUE: 07/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
FINAL REPORT ON BIOLOGICAL DATA BASE FOR RISK ASSESSMENT
7781 DUE: 04/30/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
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 COMUNITY ECOSYSTEM MODELS FOR
USE IN ESTIMATING ECOLOGICAL RISK
27
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PRINT DATE: 08/16/88 CLOUT OFFICE OTS
FMS-060
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DIHH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
******************************************
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
PHONE: -780-5574
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/80 PLANNED END: 10/01/88
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To develop and validate methods for vising 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
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 AOODMPT-TSHMRNTS TO DATE;
A paper entitled "Simultaneous Multiple Species Testing: Acute Toxicity of 13
Chemicals to 12 Diverse Freshwater Amphibian, Fish, and Invertebrate Families"
has been published by the Archives of Environmental Contamination Toxicology,
16:697-710 (1987) . The method described was written in EPA format as an EPA
Test Protocol. A draft protocol was submitted to OTS for review. The
cooperative agreement deliverable #7610 on a low-cost amphibian test for
specific cytotoxic tests is in its third year and testing is near completion.
Due to a reprogramming of projects within the Toxics Branch the above described
Aquatic Toxicology Project has been terminated and a new project dealing with
validation of the medaka carcinogen assay has been established.
28
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Deliverable 7896A has been transferred to BSAB101, Issue A, PPA 09, Project 35.
STATUS AND SCBET'in'g OF DELIVERAPT3ES;
7623 DUE: 06/30/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
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
29
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PRINT DATE: 08/16/88
PMS-060
CLIENT OFFICE OTS
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DLTH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY:
ISSUE:
PPA (L) :
L104
G
20
TOXICS
STRUCTURE ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIPS
STRUCTURE-ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIPS AND ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES
RC: N ERL DLTH
PROJECT: 13 Structure-Activity Relationships and Estimation Techniques
PROJECT OFFICER: Gilman D. Veith
PHONE: 8-780-5500
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/80 PLANNED END: 09/01/93
******************************************
PROJECT
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 and NOEL.
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.
PROJKC1' STATUS AND ACCOMPT.TSHMRNTS TO DATE;
The theoretical research on predictive toxicology has been somewhat delayed
while the critical short-term objectives are being attained. 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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Accortplishments
1. The computerized system for QSAR evaluation of chemicals was delivered to
OTS two months ahead of schedule. CLOGP 3.3 was provided for state-of-the-art
Log P calculation as well as an expert system for chemical evaluation. 2. A
major report on electxcfiiile-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 (EATS) 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-^iistory-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.
STATUS AND SCHEDULE OF
7911 DUE: 05/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 05/31/88
REPORT ON FATHEAD MINNOW CHRONIC TOXKHTY DATA BASE FOR QSAR MODELS
OF ECOTOXICnY
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 PREDICTED METABOLISM FROM CHEMICAL
STRUCTURE
7915 DUE: 10/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON METHODS TO COMPOTE REACTIVI'IY PARAMETERS FOR ELECTROPHILES
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PRINT DATE: 08/16/83 rr.TTMT OFFICE CIS
PMS-060
IHT.T' -'JJARTER STATUS REPORT CM FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DIJTH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
******************************************
CODE TITLE
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVITY: L104 TOXICS
ISSUE: I ECOLOGY: ECOTOXECrrY 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
PHONE: 8-777-2492
******************************************
PLANNED START: 10/01/06 PLANNED END: 09/01/91
******************************************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Develop risk assessment protocols for ecosystems through the study of the
dynamic response of aquatic conraunities 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.
PROJECT STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
Of the >120 case studies on recovery that have been identified, about 75% of
the systems are small (<4th order) streams with most of the remainder
consisting of small lentic systems (<300 hectares). The most common impacts
reviewed are acute toxic (e.g., DDT and rotenone) and chronic physical (e.g.,
logging and channelization) forms of stress. A variety of endpoints for
measuring recovery have been reported. Most common endpoints relate to fish
(n>150) and macroinvertebrates (n>400). Unfortunately, there is little
consistency in the measurements of recovery. In spite of these inconsistencies,
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it appears that most systems are relatively resilient because recovery times
were usually less than 3 years. Exceptions include when (1) the disturbance
resulted in physical alteration of the existing habitat, (2) residual
pollutants remained in the system, or (3) the system was isolated so that
recolonization was suppressed.
A field study of related research is being conducted via an IAG with the Oak
Ridge National Laboratory.
STATUS AND SCPFJTT OF
7465 DUE: 08/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON METHODS TO DETEEMINE ECOSYSTEM RECOVERY PERIODS
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PRINT DATE: 08/16/88 CLIENT OFFICE OAR OPD
PMS-060
THIRD QUARTER STATUS REPORT ON FY'88 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects Research
ERL DISH: APRIL - JUNE 1988
BUDGET SUB-ACTIVrrY: N104 MULTI-MEDIA 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
PHONE: -780-5557
******************************************
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 studies have been conducted; chemical
and biological results will be relatable to conditions in other lakes in the
U.S. and Canada; mechanistic data result in stronger models than correlative
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 ACCOMPT.T.jrS TO DATE;
Ambient pH in the acidified basin of Little Rock Lake was reduced from 6.0 to
5.6 for two years, and the second of two summers of studies at 5.1 is underway.
Observations from last summer's work consist largely of enhancement of effects
seen at pH 5.5, e.g. extensive blooms of noxious algae, increased water
clarity, shifts in lower organism populations, and direct and indirect effects
on fish populations. These findings are summarized in a series of manuscripts
submitted for journal publication and in fulfillment of 3/31/88 »A' milestones.
The project is on schedule and has resulted in a list of over 50 non-EPA
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research reports and publications. The project cooperative agreements were
recently renewed for the remainder of the acidification study phase. A series
of laboratory toxicity tests was completed in which the early life-stages of
three Little Rock Lake fish species were exposed to low pH and Al in simulated
LRL water. Additional follow-up lab and in-situ work is underway this summer.
These results are expected to be extremely useful in interpreting field
observations.
STATUS AND SCHTTTfTTR OF
7324 DUE: 03/31/88 REVISED: OCMPLEIED: 03/31/88
JOURNAL ARTICLE: FISH POHJLATION 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. AdDIF. WATER
CHEMISTRY, PRODUCTIVITY, NUTRIENTS, HYDROLOGY
35
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