United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
00412B
00412
Apr-Jun
1989
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
APRIL-JUNE, 1989
Environmental
Research Laboratory
Duluth, Minnesota 55804
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U.S. Environmental Prct
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Table of Contents
HIGHLIGHTS
Hater Quality
Duluth
Environmental Effects of Global Climate Change
Aquatic Life Sediment Criteria Development
Aquatic Life Sediment Criteria Evaluation
WQ Toxicity-Based NPDES Permits Methods
Whole Effluent Toxicity Methods
WQ Assessment Techniques
Aquatic Resource Characterization in a BMP Watershed
Ecol. Research with the People's Republic of China
Aquatic life WQ Criteria Development/Modifications
Criteria Document Testing & Test Endpoint Eval.
Physical and Chemical Factors Affecting Toxics
Wetlands Research on Mitig. & Cumu. Effects of Loss
Monticello
Water Quality Criteria Evaluation
Grosse lie
Assessment & Remedial Strategies for Contain. Sediment
Mass Balance Models for Toxics in Freshwater Systems
Tech Assistance for GLNPO, CW, LJC, State & Local Govt.
Great Lakes Confined Disp. Facilities: Effects/Mitig.
Great Lakes Support for Superfund
Hazardous Waste
Leachate Toxicity Profiles for HW Characterization
Predicting Aquatic Tox. of HW Constituents & Exposures
Pesticides
Field Validation for Hazard Assessment Techniques
Develop Guideline Protocols & Test for BCA Effects
Develop Methods for Predicting Susceptible Populations
Project Officer Page
Chemical Testing &
nt
Small Fish to Assess Tox. Prop, of Chemicals
Dose Determination in Fish for use in Risk Assessment
Structure-Act, relationships & Estimation Techniques
Exp. System to Predict Metabolism of Toxicants
QSAR Models for Chemical Reactivity
Predicting Susceptible Populations & Communities
Multi Media Energy
Watershed Manipulation Project
J. Eaton
A. Carlson
A. Carlson
T. Norberg-King
T. Norberg-King
J. Arthur
J. Arthur
N. Thomas
A. Carlson
R. Spehar
J. Eaton
W. Sanville
S. Hedtke
R. Kreis
W. Richardson
W. Richardson
R. Kreis
W. Richardson
D. Kuehl
R, Erickson
R. Siefert
R. Anderson
F. Stay
R. Johnson
S. Bradbury
S. Broderius
S. Bradbury
G. Veith
S. Broderius
J. Eaton
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
14
15
17
21
22
19
2'
21
4<
3i
3
3
3
3
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
ft****************)
NUMBER: 51
TITLE: Ecological Effects of Global Climate Change
PROJECT OFFICER: John G. Eaton
FHONE: 780-5557
********************!
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Explore means of using an existing data base on temperature requirements
for freshwater fish, in conjunction with available data on surface water
temperatures and fish distributions, to forecast the impact of global wanning
on the distribution of fisheries resources of the U.S.
RATIONALE: No information is available on the probable impact of global warming
on economically important fishery resources of the U.S.
APPROACH: Complete analysis of the temperature requirements of freshwater fish
from a lab and field data base developed at ERL-D. Verify the ability to
predict fishery resources on the basis of water temperature using ERL-D STORET
and perhaps U.S. FWS surface water temperature and fish survey data. Estimate
the current range of cold-, cool- and warmwater fishes by mapping the
distribution of the required surface water temperatures. Based on regional
weather change scenarios predicted from GCM models, estimate changes in surface
water characteristics of the U.S. Project changes in fish distribution (thermal
guilds) corresponding to the changed surface water conditions. Subsequent work
will involve a more comprehensive estimation of impacts, considering effects on
other aquatic organisms, trophic relationships, bioenergetics, functional
attributes, water quality conditions, etc.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
A workplan which summarizes our plans to measure the effects of global climate
change on fisheries resources of the United States has been developed and is in
inhouse review. A manuscript has been prepared for the American Fisheries
Society editorial staff entitled "Temperatures supporting stream fish
populations in field and laboratory: Implications for regulatory criteria and
climate change." The AScI Corporation staff is responsible for data management
and has been editing and resurrecting a 15-year-old fisheries temperature
database in support of this activity; they have also begun a literature search
on lethal temperature data for freshwater fishes to use in global climate
change assessments. A cooperative agreement proposal to model changes in
surface water temperature has been submitted to Headquarters and is now
receiving external reviews. Long-term planning activities continue toward site
selection for the cooperative agreement and securing databases for the
corresponding fisheries assessment.
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Hydrological data sources relevant to the distribution of aquatic organisms are
being identified and a work plan is being written. FY90 funding levels are
uncertain at present, limiting our ability to plan the program.
SCHEDUTF OF
7932 DUE: 07/31/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
DRAFT REPORT ASSESSING THE SENSITIVITY OF FRESHWATER FISH TO CHANGES IN
HABITAT DUE TO CLIMATIC CHANGE
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
******************
NUMBER: 35
TITLE: Aquatic Life Sediment Criteria Development
PROJECT OFFICER: Anthony R. Carlson
PHONE: 780-5523
k********************i
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Develop sediment quality criteria protocols for use in protecting
aquatic life.
RATIONALE: Generally particulate bound chemicals from anthropogenic sources
remain in aquatic systems for long periods of time. Suspended particulates
regulate toxic chemical dispersal, sedimentation and ecological effects.
Bioaccumulation extends the exposure to such chemicals through food webs to
fish, wildlife, and humans. The release of toxic chemicals from different
sediment types to water or organisms varies with sediment types and physical and
chemical characteristics of the overlying water. Thus, techniques are needed
for use in deriving numerical sediment criteria for the protection of aquatic
life that account for the effect of environmental variables on the tdxicity
and/or bioavailability of chemicals of interest.
APPROACH: Relationships between tissue residue and just-barely-safe toxic
endpoints for sediment associated organisms chronically exposed to specific
non-polar organic chemicals and metals of high environmental concern will be
determined. Criteria will be based on just-barely-safe residue concentrations
for sensitive organisms. Data base needs and protocols(s) to field evaluate and
implement the approach will be identified and generated.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Data has been compiled from the literature and used to determine 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 exposures to chemicals via sediment. The laboratory is set
up and running. The test apparatus has been constructed so that multi-species
testing is possible. Two diluters are up and running. One diluter is capable of
quadruplicate testing in the multi-species mode. The other diluter is capable
of multi-species testing with duplicates of each of 6 test concentrations.
Cadmium toxicity tests were completed on 6 different species in water. The
species and their respective LC50 in ug/liter for cadmium are as follows:
1. Lumbriculus (worm) = 96h=158.2 240h=134.7
2. Helisoma (snail) = 96h=163.4 240h=160.8
3 Planaria (flatworm) =96h>760.9 240h>760.9
4. Daphnia magna (waterflea) = 48h=14.7
5. Ceriodaphnia (waterflea) = 48h=17.7
6. Hyalella (amphipod) = 240h<2.80
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A 10-day, 4-test series was conducted to test the hypothesis that cadmium is
bound to the sediment on a mole-per-mole basis with acid-volatile sulfide (AUS)
and is biologically unavailable. Three diverse, uncontaminated sediments with
different AUS concentrations were chosen for testing. Each sediment was spiked
with cadmium at 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0 and 10 times the AUS concentration for each
sediment. Additionally a water-only test was conducted with cadmium chloride to
determine the 96- and 240-hr I£50s for the two tested species, aquatic
earthworm, Lumbricus variegatus and snail, Helisoma sp. Presently the fate and
concentrations of cadmium chloride in the different sediment conpartments, as
well as body burdens in the animals, are being determined.
SCHEDULE OP nRT.TVERABLES:
7896 DUE: 08/31/89 REVISED: 08/31/90 COMPLETED:
REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT OF TEST METHODS WITH BENTHIC ORGANISMS TO DEFINE THE
BIOAVAIIABILITY AND/OR TOXIdTY OF 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: 05/31/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report on Biological Assessment of Known Sediment-Activity of Metal Ions
in Pore Water and Its Activity
8205 DUE: 09/30/92 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Guidelines for the Development of Sediment Criteria
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
******************
NUMBER: 45
TITLE: Aquatic Life Sediment Criteria Development
PROJECT OFFICER: Anthony R. Carlson
PHONE: 780-5523
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Ecological assessment of predictive cause and effective methods for
determining sediment quality criteria for the protection of aquatic life and
its vises.
RATIONALE: There are currently no EPA approved protocols for determining
sediment quality. Several methods have been proposed, or are in use across the
U.S.A., but none have been evaluated and/or validated as a cost-effective
regulatory tool. Research is needed to determine whether selected criteria
approaches being pursued by the OW and ORD are protective, but 'not overly
protective of aquatic life.
APPROACH: Specific toxic and/or bioaccumulative components of sediments from
impacted ecosystems will be identified and quantified. Based on laboratory
derived water and sediment quality criteria, predicted safe and unsafe
conditions for aquatic life will be evaluated. Safe and unsafe conditions will
be determined using ambient toxicity testing, bicaccumulation and ecological
survey data.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Sediment samples for 13 Fox River/Green Bay systems of Lake Michigan have been
collected, homogenized and stored for later analysis. Macroinvertebrate samples
for analyses of chemical body burdens have been collected, sorted and frozen
for later analysis. Macroinvertebrate communities at each site have been
sampled, sorted and identified to subfamily and/or genus. The chironomids
predominantly consist of the subfamilies Tanypodinae and Chironominae.
Third quarter objectives accomplished include the completion of a 30-day worm
bioassay, completion of a fish 10-day bioassay and completion of a 10-day
insect bioassay. A 30-day fish bioassay and a 10-day amphipod bioassay are
underway. Preliminary Ames mutagenicity assays have been completed and data are
being analyzed. Ames testing will be completed in the fourth quarter.
Studies concerning the toxicity of interstitial (pore) water prepared from
sediments from 13 sites in the lower Fox River/Green Bay to Photobacterium
phosphoreum (Microtox R), Ceriodaphnia dubia, Pimephales promelas and
Selenastrum capricornutum have been completed. Pore water from 10 of the 13
sites was acutely toxic to C. dubia and P. promelas, and all 13 sites exhibited
some degree of chronic (reproductive) toxicity to C. dubia. Approximtely one
half of the sites exhibited toxicity in the 14-day S. capricornutum bioassay.
None of the sites significantly inhibited light production in the P.
phosphoreum bioassay.
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Toxicity identification work indicated that toxicity of the pore water was
reduced by lowering pH, and also could be reduced by passing the samples over a
zeolite resin, indicating the presence of ammonia. Measurement of ammonia
indicated sufficient concentrations to have resulted in a significant degree of
the observed toxicity.
Subsequent TIE work indicated that most, if not all, of the acute toxicity of
the pore water samples to fathead minnows and C. dubia was due to ammonia. A
final report for the project has been completed and accepted for publication in
a peer-reviewed journal.
OF DELIVERABT F& ;
NO DELTVERABIES AVAILABLE
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3RD QUARTER STATUS
ERL-DULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
************************************************************************
NUMBER: 05
TITLE: Effluent Toxicity Identification
PROJECT OFFICER: Teresa Norberg-King
PHONE: 780-5529
*********************<
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Develop a scientific basis to identify the cause of toxicity in
industrial and municipal effluents.
RATIONALE: Many NPDES permits contain toxicity limits as part of the Water
Quality Based Approach (WQBA) to control toxics. The WQBA should identify the
cause of toxicity and predict impact of the chemicals. Interpretation of toxic
or bioaccumulative chemicals in wastewater has relied on water quality criteria
standards or chemical analysis and toxicity testing of specific chemicals.
These methods are limited by the need for large data bases. EPA needs to provide
the states with cost effective methods to identify toxicity in discharges.
APPROACH: Before effluent toxicity can be reduced or eliminated, primary
toxicants need to be identified. Techniques characterizing effluents have been
developed to rely on the use of aquatic organisms to detect toxicity, and
chemical fractionation to follow the changes in toxicity. Once narrowed down to
probable toxicant(s), chemical analyses are used to determine the quantity of
toxicant (s). Additional methods for toxicity identification evaluations are
under development, and further work relies on simultaneous biological and
chemical efforts to confirm the cause(s) of toxicity.
STATUS AND ACOOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Emphasis is being placed on toxicity testing to aid in toxicity reduction
evaluations, and ERL-D is combining toxicity testing with chemical
fractionation, called toxicity identification evaluations (TTEs). This permits
more positive coupling of chemical identification with toxicity. Acute toxicity
tests with Ceriodaphnia, Daphnia magna, medaka and fathead minnows are used to
assess toxicity of the whole effluent and concentrated fractions of the
effluent. Three documents describing the TIE process are now complete; Phase I,
Phase II and Phase III and all have been distributed to each region.
A total of 64 sites have been evaluated at least once for a TEE, with 31
industrial discharges, 27 municipal discharges and 6 from other sources (such
as ambient waters, elutriates or hazardous wastes). Of the 64 sites, only 6
lacked enough acute toxicity to proceed. In some instances, only Phase I
(chemical/physical characterization) was done to identify the characteristic
toxicant(s); and for 39 of the 40 Phase I's the chemical/physical
characteristics were identified. Questions such as "Is the toxicity due to
ammonia or total dissolved solids?" were posed for some of the samples that did
not require toxicant identification. In those cases, Phase I was successful in
all 18 requests. The results of Phase I tests have shown toxicity to be pH
dependent (n=3), due to inorganics (n=15), due to oxidants (n=9), due to
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non-polar organics (n=25), and due to volatiles (n=l). Where further toxicity
identification was needed (Phase II and/or III) / 16 out of 18 times they were
successful. In the instances where they were not completely identified, it was
because only one sample was evaluated. With the industrial effluents, several
compounds have been identified: zinc and non-polar organics, salinity (TDS),
ammonia and nickel. Compounds identified for the municipal effluents were zinc
and non-polar organics; ammonia, diazinon and malathion; nickel; diazinon and
chlorfenvinphos; diazinon and dichlorovos; ammonia and non-polar organics;
diazinon and non-polar organics; and diazinon. In the other samples, additional
toxicants such as carbofuran and methyl parathion and diazinon have been
identified, as well as ammonia.
A TIE workshop was held in Region III and there currently are two more planned
for this fiscal year. These workshops are given to permit writers, contractors
and dischargers.
Results of the diazinon survey have been summarized and indicate that the
presence of diazinon occurs more frequently in the southern United States. This
report is in the draft stage and will be available by early summer. Additional
method development for TIEs on chronically toxic effluents are being initiated.
Further techniques for acute TTEs and chemical separations are also being
initiated.
SCHEDULF OF DiRT.TVERARTFy;;
7823 DUE: 09/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Protocol for an Abbreviated NPDES Permit Toxicity Testing Methods
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
8206 DUE: 09/30/91 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Protocol for the Use of Toxicity Testing in the Water Quality Based Approach
for the Control of Toxics
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************'
NUMBER: 44
TITLE: Whole Effluent Toxicity Methods
PROJECT OFFICER: Teresa Norberg-King
PHONE: 780-5529
»********************<
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Develop toxicity test methods to incorporate effluent toxicity limits
in the next round of NPDES permits.
RATIONALE: Discharge of toxics in effluents must be controlled whether or not
specific single chemical criteria are available and/or the specific toxicant(s)
is known. Toxicity test methods for effluents that reflect effects on the
aquatic system are needed.
APPROACH: Short-term chronic toxicity tests have been, and continue to be
developed to test municipal and industrial wastewaters and receiving waters. A
series of field studies has been used to positively evaluate their ability to
predict ecosystem impact. As validation is established, issues relating to
persistence, bioaccumulation, additivity of multiple discharges under an
integrated approach will be the focus of research. A battery of toxicity tests
is required to assess a broad range of species sensitivity. A protocol to
assess bioaccumulation is being developed and will be field tested.
STATUS AND ACOOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
Evaluations and site reports are complete on the 7-day chronic Ceriodaphnia and
fathead minnow toxicity tests to predict instream impact at nine sites. An
update of a new method to analyze the combined effects of mortality and
production of young-per-female for the Ceriodaphnia and weight for the fathead
minnows was sent to biologists in all ten regions. A report addressing the
persistence of toxicity was completed and is available. Feeding and water type
generation studies are being summarized into manuscripts. The duckweed method
was sent to a journal. A paper on comparative sensitivity of Ceriodaphnia,
Daphnia magna and fathead minnows was presented at the April ASTM symposium.
Technical assistance on methods continues; Ceriodaphnia cultures are being
sent to state, EPA regions, contract laboratories, universities and industry.
Cooperative agreements continue to develop and evaluate 4-d vs. 7-d
Ceriodaphnia tests, and to develop techniques to generate ephippial egg
production and hatching.
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, and samples have been extracted and analyzed. A draft guideline on
this approach is available, and will be sent to all regions for comment next
quarter.
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The emphasis of CETTS has shifted from data entry and checking to programming
to insure that others can enter new data. A PC version and user's manual has
been developed. The new system has built-in QA to enhance error checking. Work
is proceeding on file transfer protocols to transmit data to the National
Computing Center (NCC). Uploads of Region V files to NCC were completed.
SCHEDULE OF DRT.TVFRARTES;
7163 DUE: 04/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED: 04/30/89
REPORT ON TOXZCTTY IDENTIFICATION IN EFFLUENTS
10
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3RD QUARTER STATUS
ERL-DULOTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
***************************************************************************************
NUMBER: 01
TITLE: Integrated Watershed Assessment Techniques
PROJECT OFFICER: John W. Arthur
PHONE: 780-5565
k********************l
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Provide methods to characterize biotic resources at risk in large
regional watersheds.
RATIONALE: Acceptable integrated protocols are needed to perform watershed
inventories, toxicity relationships and provide tiered measures of biotic
impact. The procedures will link water quality standards and designate uses
into definable measures.
APPROACH: Conventional tiered procedures will be applied to furnish an
integrated assessment on the status of aquatic resources within watersheds.
Laboratory toxicity tests will be performed to measure ambient toxicities and
relative sensitivities of test species, in situ techniques used for comparison
with laboratory results and instream biological assessments of indigenous
biota. The comparative data base will be gathered in two or three large
watersheds impacted by common pollutant categories to evaluate the
applicability of the tiered protocols. The comparative assessments will be
performed over a period of two to three years and will encompass all four
seasons of the year.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
In the last quarter a manuscript was submitted to "Environmental Toxicology and
Chemistry" describing results of sediment pore water toxicity tests from the
lower Fox River/Green Bay, WE. This manuscript has now been accepted for
publication.
An additional study was begun in the upper Illinois River basin to further
describe toxicity profiles encountered with the ambient surface water samples.
Last May sediments were collected in the river basin from eight waterways and
pore water was prepared by centrifugation. Chronic toxicity tests were then
conducted with Ceriodaphnia and Selenastrum. To achieve a "no effect" level, it
was necessary to dilute the samples from the Calumet/Cal Sag Channel (at
Halsted St.) to between three to six percent. It was not necessary to dilute
the samples from the Fox and Kankakee Rivers. An additional evaluation is
scheduled for later this summer.
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SCHEDULE
7830 DUE: 10/31/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON APPLICABILITY OF WATER QUALITY CRITERIA AND ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN
8207 DUE: 06/30/93 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Integrated Water Quality Approach for the Control of Toxics
8245 DUE: 03/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED: 03/30/89
Interim Report on Ambient Toxicity in Upper Illinois River Basin
12
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************!
NUMBER: 36
TITLE: Aquatic Resource Characterization in a BMP Demo Watershed
PROJECT OFFICER: John W. Arthur
PHONE: 780-5565
k********************i
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
GOAL: Determine meaningful relationships among Best Management Practices
(BMP's) , water quality designed uses and impacted biotic resources.
RATIONALE: The relationship between the effectiveness of BMP's in watersheds
and the goal of meeting intended water quality standards and uses (fishable,
swimmable) is unclear. Meaningful bioligical trend assessments are required
both before and after BMP applications to demonstrate their utility.
APPROACH: This will be a long-term pilot study representative of a watershed
impacted by agricultural practices. Anticipated NFS pollutants are total
suspended solids, nutrients and toxics (i.e., herbicides). The comprehensive
study will include defining land use and runoff measurements of instream
toxicity, biotic impacts and mass balance relationships. An interagency agency
will be undertaken. An appropiate state environmental agency will select and
inplement BMP practices in the watershed. A multidisciplinary group, USEPA and
USGS, will perform the physical (hydrology, land use) chemical (contaminant
mass balance) and biological assessments. The role of the USEPA will center on
characterizing the aquatic resource impacts.
STATUS AND ACXXMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
A work plan has been prepared for characterizing aquatic resource impacts in
the Minnesota River. Coordination for the biology/toxics portion of this work
is being done by ERL-Duluth and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
(Ecological Services Division) . Several principal investigators have been
identified representing the following institutions: Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency, Mankato State University and St. Olaf College. The work plan
must be reviewed and approved by a steering committee spearheading the project
prior to release of state funds. The study is scheduled to start in mid July,
1989.
SGHETfTTiR OF
8151 DUE: 10/31/92 REVISED: CCMPLETED:
Report on Indicators of Surface Water Ecological Impairment
13
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULOTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************!
NUMBER: 02
TITLE: Ecological Research with the People's Republic of China
PROJECT OFFICER: Nelson A. Thomas
PHONE: 780-5702
k********************i
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
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.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
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. All fish have been sectioned and slides
prepared. Slide analysis of the first collection indicates that none of the fish
had carcinogenic livers. Examination of bullhead livers from the second
sampling site in Green Bay in September 1988 is complete. There was evidence of
parasitic infestation in many of the livers sampled, but no preneoplastic or
neoplastic lesions were found in fish sampled from the second cruise.
After 12 months of cooperative research on the Fish Tumor Study, Zhang Fuying
has returned to Wuhan. A joint study of fish tumor associated with
contaminated sediments in the People's Republic of China is being planned.
SCHFTTTTK OF nKT.TVERABLES:
NO DELTVERABLES AVAILABLE
14
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
EKL-DULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
***********************************************************************************
NUMBER: 03
TITLE: Aquatic Life WQ Criteria Development Modifications
PROJECT OFFICER: Anthony R. Carlson
PHONE: 780-5523
*********************!
PROJIJCi' DRSCRIPI'ION:
GOAL: (1) Formulate guidelines for the development of aquatic life water
quality criteria and advisories. (2) Prepare criteria and advisories. (3)
Evaluate criteria under site-specific conditions as to aquatic life protection
afforded. (4) Assist in transferring criteria into state standards.
RATIONALE: The Office of Water, Criteria and Standards Division periodically
needs updated guidelines for developing water quality criteria reflective of
the state-of-the-art in ecotoxicology. Criteria must reflect (1) identifiable
effects on the health and welfare of aquatic life, (2) dispersal of pollutants
through biological, chemical and physical processes and (3) effects of
pollutants on biological community diversity, productivity and stability.
APPROACH: Laboratory and field studies will be undertaken to evaluate and
validate the guidelines and criteria. 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.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Criteria documents for several chemicals are in various stages of development
for submission to Criteria and Standards Division (CSD) of the Office of Water.
Thallium, and methyl parathion have been reviewed by ERLD and ERLN and are
being revised to incorporate the comments. The test for a freshwater acrolein
document was completed and is being reviewed by the laboratories. Seven
documents including (diazinon, phenol, 1,2,4-TCB and acenaphthene are scheduled
for submission to CSD by fall of 1989. Test needs for 1990 criteria chemicals
(malathion, dichlorvos, propoxur, atrazine and carbaryl) have been delineated.
Work on these documents has already begun for their submission in 1990. A work
plan on three projects involving low log P (<5) chemicals (whose mode of action
is narcosis) has been completed for research work needed to revise current
advisory guidelines. Work is expected to begin as soon as this work plan is
reviewed by ERL-D.
Work to update and customize the AQUIRE data base is continuing. Work completed
this quarter included several programming efforts to make AQUIRE more user
friendly. Bioconcentration data was separated into its own sections for output
and streamlined to improve the quality of BCF data in AQUIRE. AQUIRE files were
15
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formatted, taped and sent to NTIS for distribution to the University of Utrect,
Netherlands. AQUIRE was demonstrated at Headquarters 6th Annual OIRM/WIC Open
House. Currently AQUIRE contains 104,507 data entries for 5,238 chemicals and
2,410 species from 6,010 publications.
The database management system for the Aquatic Toxicity Test Analysis System
(ATTAS) was completed. Ongoing work includes the addition of a statistical
analysis section. An ATTAS user guide is scheduled for completion this fall.
A series of 30-day early life stage toxicity tests on the effect of fluctuating
concentrations of copper sulfate on fathead minnows is complete. These tests
strongly indicate that most of the copper effect on the test organism can be
elicited using intermittent exposures with concentrations only slightly to
moderately higher than steady concentrations producing the same effect and that
periods of non-exposure do not result in protection proportionate to their
length, relative to the exposure periods. Applying steady concentration
toxicity tests to situations with fluctuating concentrations can therefore
result in underprotection unless averaging periods are suitably restricted or
appropriate mathematical models are used to account for fluctuations. Effects
could not be modeled based on the total accumulation of copper by the fish.
Ninty-six hour and 30-day tests are being initiated for selected organic
chemicals. Laboratory and dosing apparatus modifications to accommodate
pentachloroethane were made. Testing and analytical procedures have been
developed. Initial acute and chronic exposures have been completed and
additional exposures are in progress. An extensive uptake and depuration rate
exposure has been conducted to support toxicokinetic calculations.
Papers from the Recovery Workshop were received and revised in accord with the
reviewers' comments. A revision of Appendix D (Duration and Frequency) of the
Technical Support Document (TSD) for Water Quality Based Toxics Control (6964A)
has been drafted and internally reviewed. It was submitted to the Water Quality
Analysis Branch (OW) for incorporation into the overall revision of the TSD. A
final report, "Clark Fork River Nuisance Algae Study" was reviewed for the
Region 8, Montana Office.
SCHEDUTF: OF
6964 DUE: 11/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON ANALYSIS OF FREQUENCY OF CRITERIA EXCEEDANCES AS RELATED TO
AQUATIC COMMUNITY IMPACT
7170 DUE: 09/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
KEPT. ON THE FEAS. OF PRED. THE EFFECTS AND INCORP. FIDTUATTNG EXP. IN THE
APPLICATION OF WQC AND EFFLEUENT TOXICS TESTS.
7171 DUE: 12/31/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report on Field Validation of Methods for Predicting and
Assessing Fluctuating Exposure Effects
16
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULCJTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************!
NUMBER: 41
TITLE: Criteria Document Testing and Test Endpoint Evaluation
PROJECT OFFICER: Robert L. Spehar
PHONE: 780-5564
*********************
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To provide the Office of Water with aquatic toxicity test data for
deriving water quality criteria documents and to define new toxicity test
endpoints to more accurately predict environmental hazards.
RATIONALE: Aquatic toxicity tests are conducted to fulfill data requirements
for deriving water quality criteria and advisory documents for chemicals of
priority to the Office of Water. At the same time, current EPA test procedures
may underestimate the toxicity of specific classes of toxic pollutants in the
environment. Research is needed to develop new cost effective methods to obtain
chronic test endpoints to more accurately predict long-term adverse effects of
toxics in aquatic systems.
APPROACH: Acute and chronic toxicity tests with several species of aquatic
organisms and chemicals from a variety of classes will be conducted.
Concurrently, new toxicity test end points will be studied to predict adverse
chemical effects on long-term biological processes. The data obtained from this
research will be used to develop a chemical toxicity profile which can be used
by several program offices and will be aligned with current research to
validate predictive extrapolation models.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
A 90-day early life stage test and a 96-hr flow-through acute test with rainbow
trout and phenol were completed to fill data gaps needed for deriving a phenol
criteria document for the Office of Water. Results indicated that the chronic
value and 96 LC50 values were 157 and 6,082 ug/1 respectively. These data
provided definitive endpoints for the development of the phenol criteria and
will be used to lower the previous phenol criteria to specifically protect this
important species.
Research to validate the medaka assay is continuing. Exploratory tests with
cyclophos-phamide (a human carcinogen) and 2-imidazolidinethione were
completed. Both biological range finding tests and extensive chemistry analysis
techniques for measuring these chemicals in water were needed in this exercise.
Results from these studies will be used to conduct 28-day exposures as part of
the validation and screening process for the medaka assay.
Culture work has continued to provide test organisms for various laboratory
projects. The fathead culture unit has supplied 6 lots of embryos, 50 lots of
larvae and 24 lots of juveniles for testing at ERL-D, and has provided outside
17
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groups with organisms for culture 24 times. The medaka culture unit has
supplied 1 lot of embryos, 11 lots of larvae and 10 lots of adults for tests
with single chemicals, sediments, liver enzyme work and for the medaka assay
development program. A protocol for culture of the Japanese medaka is scheduled
to be completed this fall. In addition, several other species are now being
considered for inhouse projects as a needed response to the program offices.
NO DEUVERflRTES AVAIIABIE
18
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULDTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************'
NUMBER: 42
TITLE: Water Quality Criteria Evaluation in Controlled Ecosystems
PROJECT OFFICER: Steven F. Hedtke
PHONE: 777-2491
»********************<
PROJECT DESCRIPnON;
GOAL: To evaluate the level of protection provided by water quality criteria
to aquatic life, wildlife and wetlands. To investigate the relationship
between water quality criteria and sediment contamination.
RATIONALE: Water quality criteria are derived primarily from laboratory
toxicity data. We need to know the degree of protection criteria provide to
aquatic ecosystems under field conditions for regulatory activities. Criteria
are needed for the protection of wildlife and wetlands. The ability to adapt
current criteria to wildlife and wetlands would be both cost- and
time-effective.
APPROACH: Data on toxicological effects can be developed in the laboratory, the
degree of protection provided by criteria can only be determined in the field.
The experimental ecosystems at the Monticello Ecological Research Station can
simultaneously test criteria for aquatic life, wildlife and wetlands.
Controlled inputs of chemicals into the streams and the subsequent effects on
stream and wetland structure and function will be evaluated. The relationship
between water concentrations and sediment concentrations can be evaluated under
stream and wetland conditions.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Previous research results in the Monticello outdoor experimental streams show
that exposure to 30 ug/1 selenium (IV) caused complete mortality to adult
bulegills over a 356-day period. In addition, exposure to 10 ug/1 resulted in
bluegill larvae which were unable to survive past 5-7 days. These impacts were
not predicted by standard laboratory tests. This difference between lab and
field data was due to selenium having accumulated in fish food organisms and
served as a major route of exposure to fish that was unaccounted for in lab
tests.
To further test the application of the current water quality criterion for
selenium (5 ug/1), exposure of two streams was initiated at 2.5 ug/1 in October
1988. The two stream studies in which bluegill are exposed to 10 ug/1 selenium
are being continued to verify the effects observed at this concentration. In
addition, the 30 ug/1 dose studies were terminated. These streams are being
studied to determine whether selenium persists in the ecosystem and therefore
influences recovery rates.
19
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As of June 1989, the sediments in the recovery streams show selenium
concentrations similar to levels that existed during dosing. Because sediments
may be a source of selenium for fish food organisms, the potential for effects
on fish still exists. No effects on adult survival or grwoth have been detected
in these streams or in those being dosed at 2.5 and 10 ug/1. However, due to
the low concentrations of selenium, any effects are expected to involve larval
survival. Bluegills in all streams are just beginning to enter the spawning
period. Therefore, any effects will not be detectable until later in the
summer.
SGHEDUU
7827 DUE: 04/30/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report on Validation of Water Quality Criteria for Selenium
20
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************<
NUMBER: 43
TITLE: Studies on Physical and Chemical Factors Affecting Toxicity
PROJECT OFFICER: John G. Eaton
PHONE: 780-5557
*********************<
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To determine the tcxicity of low pH and aluminum in very soft, (low Ca)
water for several species of North American warmwater fishes. To relate the
toxicity of combinations of these laboratory variables to responses of fish
populations exposed to them in a whole lake acid manipulation experiment.
RATIONALE: Adverse effects of Al on aquatic ecosystems are often a consequence
of acidification of surface waters, which sometimes produces inorganic
monomeric Al concentrations which are toxic. The low Ca concentrations usually
found in poorly buffered surface waters exacerbate pH and Al tojdcity. Little
information is available for warmwater fish and invertebrates. Previous work at
this laboratory has demonstrated that early life stages are the most sensitive '
to direct effects.
APPROACH: Conduct laboratory bioassays to determine the toxicity of
combinations of low pH and Ca and elevated Al which could occur under adverse
field circumstances. Concentrate on tests with early life stages of sensitive
species and fish occurring in experimentally acidified Little Rock Lake (LRL).
Conduct in situ exposures of species tested in the lab and that occur in LRL in
order to more precisely relate lab and field conditions.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLIS
A journal article on the life-cycle chronic toxicity of fathead minnows exposed
to Hf ions, low Ca and elevated Al has been accepted for publication.
laboratory 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 have been completed and are being summarized
prior to manuscript preparation. Observations from the Little Rock Lake field
project indicate that the added stresses of low pH and elevated aluminum might
reduce over^winter survival of young-of-the-year (YOY) largemouth bass. To test
this hypothesis, YOY bass have been exposed to a series of aluminum concentra-
tios and low pHs at winter temperatures by the Duluth Environmental Research
Laboratory. Results concur with field observations that low pH and 25 ug/1
inorganic monomeric Al drastically reduces survival during winter conditions.
Data reduction and analysis are underway.
SCHETIULE OF DETJWRABTF.q;
NO DELIVERABLES AVAILABLE
21
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERI/-DULUIH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
:*****************!
NUMBER: 39
TITLE: Wetlands Research on Mitigation & Cumulative Effects of loss
PROJECT OFFICER: William D. Sanville
PHONE: 780-5723
k********************i
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Develop procedures which enable Regional Wetland Coordinators to forecast
wetland water quality enhancement and life support functional losses following
wetland hydrological, physical or biological modifications.
RATIONALE: Important wetland functions include water quality enhancement and
life support. We need to understand these functions quantitatively to predict
the effect on them of wetland alterations. The effect of the alteration must be
understood from the single, isolated wetland to the landscape perspective
encompassing- the entire aquatic resource. In addition, it is necessary to
develop criteria to establish maximum tolerable wetland loading rates for a
variety of substances. lacking these, the wetland functional values will be
altered and their importance to ecosystem integrity will be lost.
APPROACH: A literature survey, water quality workshop and meetings with
regional EPA wetland staff will be the basis for the development of a five-year
work plan. General program structure will include the following: 1) general
models of water quality functions and their quantification, 2) how changes in
number or extent of wetlands affects higher level landscape processes and 3)
criteria for establishing permissible wetland loading rates.
STATUS AND ACOCMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
The RFP entitled "Experimental Determination of Factors Affecting Assimilative
Capacity of Freshwater Wetlands" was advertised in the Commerce Business Daily
as scheduled. We received 21 preproposals in response and these were
distributed to 12 reviewers. The 21 will be ranked and 4 institutions will be
requested to submit expanded proposals. We have requested that we receive final
proposals by mid-July to enable us to fund the project in this fiscal year.
Richard Horner, University of Washington, will serve as the reviewer for the
WET 2.0 (Wetland Evaluation Technique) authored by Paul Adamus and now being
evaluated for the Corp of Army Engineers and EPA's Office of Wetlands
Protection. NRRI Cooperative Agreement status: The project is continuing on
schedule. The early spring water quality sample collection (including routine, snow
melt and event-based samples) was successfully completed. Sediment cores to be used
for calibrating the Pb dating technique were obtained from two wetlands for which
previous loading data were available. These are currently being analyzed. Late
spring sampling and water quality analyses are now underway. CIS mapping of
site watersheds continues. The early summer sampling period will begin on July
15 and continue until mid-August.
22
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SCHFT1TTE OF
8154 DUE: 08/31/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report on water quality functions of wetlands
8234 DUE: 10/31/89 REVISED: 01/31/90 COMPLETED:
Report on the Applicability of Current Aquatic Life Water Quality to
Wetlands
23
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERIr-DULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************!
NUMBER: 29
TITLE: Assessment & Remedial Strategies for Contaminated Sediment
PROJECT OFFICER: Russell G. Kreis
FHONE: 313/675-7706
PROJECT
GOAL: Develop methods to measure and predict effects of inplace pollutants,
identify/prioritize sites for remedial action, determine the optimal combination
of mitigative strategies, and simulate the results/consequences of actions.
RATIONALE: Contaminated sediment impacts both freshwater and marine ecosystems;
inplace pollutants is a priority research topic in the Great Lakes. The problem
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 measure and predict the effects of inplace pollutants and identify
and prioritize remedial strategies. Research consists of: 1) field collection
2) field and laboratory experimentation, 3) data base development, 4) model
development and 5) 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.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
Sediment studies are continuing in the Detroit River, lower Fox River, Lake
Ontario and for the Clean Water Act demonstration sites (ARCS) program. The
In-Place Pollutants Project (IPP) , conducted in the the Detroit River, has
produced two Agency deliverables, ("Integrated study of exposure and biological
effects of inplace sediment pollutants in the Detroit River, Michigan: An upper
Great Lakes connecting channel" and "Development, verification and application
of interconnecting channel models") , five reports to the Upper Great Lakes
Connecting Channels Study, ten journal publications and numerous task reports
and oral presentations. Results from the Detroit River indicate that sediments
were contaminated, toxic, mutagenic and resuspendable. In addition, the water
column was temporarily toxic and point sources contribute large fluxes of
contaminants to the water column. These factors suggest that continued
regulation and control of point and non-point sources are required prior to
sediment remediation. Other aspects concerning vertical toxicity and
contamination of Detroit River sediments, cause-effect relationships, and
application of a numerical ranking system for contaminated sediments will be
24
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examined during FY90, along with formulating new initiatives with the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources. The primary emphasis of Project 29 during FY89
has been the lower Fox River study. The lower Fox River study is composed of
numerous tasks and has been coordinated to meet the needs of three sediment
initiatives: (1) Assessment and Remediation of Contaminated Sediments, (2)
Sediment Quality Criteria and (3) the Green Bay/Fox River Mass Balance Study.
Intensive field studies were conducted in FY88 and limited follow-up studies
are underway in FY89. Numerous contaminant analyses and bioassays are complete
and indicate that sediments are toxic and ammonia toxicity is a major component
in these sediments; a manuscript has been submitted for journal publication
regarding this topic. Fish tumor surveillance in the lower Fox River indicated
that there was no evidence of neoplasia in livers from bottom-dwelling
bullheads. A Fox River coordination meeting is planned for early FY90 to
discuss the data and to compile the data for synthesis reports. Reports on
dioxins and furans in Lake Ontario sediments are nearing completion. The ARCS
Program for the Clean Water Act is in the planning stage and ERL-D personnel
are represented on all ARCS work groups. Numerous meetings have been held and
work plans have been prepared and reviewed for management committee approval.
Six proposals have been prepared for ERL-D concerning sediment sampling,
sediment characterization, toxicity identification evaluation, hazardous
sediment ranking, database management and CIS graphical data management.
Meetings will continue and field work may commence in Indiana Harbor early in
the next quarter.
SCPKTITTF: OF
7204 DUE: 12/31/88 REVISED: CCMPLETED: 12/31/88
Models for Predicting the Probability of Exposure to Toxic Substances from
Contaminated Sediments in Great Lakes Areas of Concern
7205 DUE: 12/31/88 REVISED: CCMPLETED: 12/31/88
Report on Methods for Predicting Biological Impacts of In-place
Pollutants in the Upper G.L. Connecting Channels.
7877 DUE: 06/30/91 REVISED: CCMPLETED:
Report on Numerical Ranking of Hazardous Sediment in the Lower Fox River
25
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULOTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************)
NUMBER: 33
TITLE: Mass Balance Models for Toxics in Freshwater Systems
PROJECT OFFICER: William Richardson
PHONE: 313/675-7704
*********************<
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
GOAL: Conduct mass balance research to link identified ecosystem effects with
their causes, ensuring that results are related to possible remedial actions.
RATIONALE: Over 800 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 shutdown 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 areas of the
Great Lakes. Models will be used in other freshwater systems as requested and
as resources allow.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
The primary accomplishment during the third quarter of FY89 has been the
development of the initial Green Bay/Fox River models and associated computer
programs and historical bases. Simplified transport and toxics (WASP4) models
have been implemented. Hydrodynamic models have been initiated and initial
computations completed for the Fox River and Green Bay with partial success in
comparing model results to historical data. Food chain and ecosystem models are
under development and the initial model framework completed. A number of the
Green Bay principal investigators presented papers at the International
Association for Great Lakes Research Conference in Madison, WI. In addition to
the modeling activities, the first two Green Bay cruises have been completed by
GLNPO and samples have been returned to LLRS for analysis.
SCHFTfTTr: ap nRT.TVERABTKS;
7876 DUE: 12/31/90 REVISED: 11/30/91 COMPLETED:
Feasibility of Using Mass Balance and Food Chain Models for the Management
of Toxic Substances in Green Bay
26
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3RD QUARTER STATUS
ERL-DULOTH
PROTECT SYNOPSIS
*****************!
NUMBER: 34
TITLE: Technology Transfer to GLNPO, OW, IJC, Regions, State & local
PROJECT OFFICER: William Richardson
PHONE: 313/675-7704
k********************i
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To assure that 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
and 1987 Water Quality Agreements 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 agencies.
APPROACH: Technical transfer will be accomplished through interaction with 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) technology transfer to the regulatory
community including consultants working for government agencies.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
During the third quarter of FY89, major strides were made to implement the Great
Lakes Geographical Information System (CIS) at LLRS. A CIS framework and work
plan has been completed in cooperation with the Great Lakes National Program
Office. Work has begun to access various databases, particularly those from the
Michigan Department of Natural Resources' GIS and their files for the Detroit
River basin. Organizing an October, 1989 Great Lakes GIS conference was
completed. Work continued on organizing and managing the Great Lakes point
source file database in cooperation with the GLNPO and the IJC.
SCPEHULE OF DET.TVERABTFS:
NO DELIVERABLES AVAILABLE
27
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3RD QUARTER STATUS KEEGKT
ERI/-DULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************!
NUMBER: 48
TITLE: Great Lakes Confined Disposal Facilities: Effects/Mitigation
PROJECT OFFICER: Russell G. Kreis
PHONE: 313/675-7706
k********************i
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: Develop and field-test methods and strategies to evaluate confined
disposal facility (CDF) performance. Determine if biota receive significant
contaminant exposure through dike walls of disposal facilities. Develop a CDF
biomonitoring protocol to address contaminant transport through dike walls.
Results could impact future regulatory policy concerning CDF construction and
use practices.
RATIONALE: The Great Lakes have 40 CDFs to dispose of dredged materials from
navigation channel maintenance. Contaminants in CDFs have been associated with
high body burden concentrations and reproductive disorders in resident biota.
The primary concern is CDF performance and whether biota in the surrounding
environment are impacted by contaminant transport through dike walls.
APPROACH: A combined biomonitoring and congener-specific PCB approach will be
used to assess CDF performance. Each aspect will be individually evaluated for
effectiveness. Caged and resident biota will be used for biomonitoring at
several sites. Congener-specific PCB analyses will be conducted on all biota to
determine whether congeneric patterns discriminate between contaminant sources.
The sample design developed is amenable to nonparametric and parametric
statistical techniques.
STATUS AND ACXXMPIJSHMENTS TO DATE:
Results of the 1987 pilot CDF biomonitoring study indicated that PCB transport
through Saginaw CDF dike walls was not demonstrated using a biomonitoring
approach. Modeling similations indicated that very low concentrations of PCBs
would be expected to be tranported through dike walls and was consistent with
the biomonitoring study results. Upon completion of an "A" deliverable, "Pilot
confined disposal facility biomonitoring study: Channel/Shelter Island diked
facility, Saginaw Bay, Bay City, Michigan, 1987" and several other reports for
studies conducted during 1987, primary effort for Project 48 is being devoted
to the 1988 Biomonitoring Study, a more intensive field study than that
conducted in 1987. Field work is complete and samples are being analyzed. Water
sample analyses for PCB concentrations (particulate and dissolved) are
complete; total suspended solids samples have been completed. A review of
sample priorities was provided by the ERL-D Research Council and a response
will be provided in the next quarter. The primary suggestion was that fish
tissue, rather than clam tissue, be analyzed as well as a greater number of
statistical methods inspected. Because of the limited number of fish available
28
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per sample, due to the difficulty in field recovery, clam tissue must remain
the primary biological tissue used in the study. Clam tissue has been prepared,
extracted and is currently being analyzed. Limited samples of fish tissue will
also be analyzed in the future. Sample analyses of biological specimen will
continue through the next several quarters. A Wide array of parametric and
non-parametric statistical analyses are planned when sample analysis is
complete. Ihree presentations concerning the 1987 CDF studies were given at the
Great Lakes Conference, May 1989, Madison, WI. One is scheduled for the SEIAC
meeting (October, 1989, Toronto, Ontario, Canada).
SCHEDULE OF nRT.TVKRARTRS;
8085 DUE: 12/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 12/31/88
PILOT CONFINED DISPOSAL FACILITY BIOMONTTORING FIELD AND DATA REPORT
29
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULUTH
PROTECT SYNOPSIS
*****************<
NUMBER: 37
TITLE: Leachage Toxicity Profiles for Hazardous Waste Characterization
PROJECT OFFICER: Douglas W. Kuehl
PHONE: 780-5511
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To develop test protocols to assess the hazard of leachates to aquatic
lifeforms and the effects of transport on hazard.
RATIONALE: Current methods allow the measurement of hazardous waste leachate
toxicity to a variety of aquatic life. There is no acceptable protocol to apply
such data to assess aquatic impacts or to adjust for modification of toxicity
during environmental transport. This project will define a test "profile" for
leachates which will characterize their hazard to aquatic life and the effect
of fate processes on toxicity.
APPROACH: A cost-effective profile of leachate toxicity tests will be developed
that includes enough diversity of organisms and toxic responses so that an
assessment of aquatic life impact can be made. This profile will include
evaluation of the distribution of toxicity among chemical fractions of the
leachate. These fractions will be related to properties affecting fate, e.g.,
retardation or susceptibility to hydrolysis reactions, so that the leachate
profile can be linked with OSW assessment methodologies in order to predict
toxicity modifications/attenuation factors during transport.
STATUS AND
Methods for the characterization of the physical chemical nature of components
in aqueous samples have been developed and published (EPA/600/3-88-034,
September 1988) . The methodology involves manipulation of the sample and
comparison of the toxicity of the altered sample to the initial sample using
aquatic species. Using this methodology, toxicity characteristics of synthetic
leachates of creosote and latex paint will be determined. Initial studies will
focus on creosote.
Synthetic creosote aqueous leachates were found to be acutely toxic to C. dubia
at 48 hours (LC50=2.21%) Adjustment of pH and filtration partially removed
toxicity suggesting that some precipitation of toxic components may have
occurred. C18 solid phase extraction removed all the toxicity. Subsequent HPLC
fractionation of the extracts indicated that multiple toxicants were present.
Work continues to further isolate toxicants and identify them.
SCHEDULE OF
8092 DUE: 04/30/89 REVISED: 11/30/89 COMPLETED:
REPORT ON USE OF TOXICITY PROFILES FOR AQUATIC IMPACTS AS WASTE LEACHATE
CHARACTERISTICS
30
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERIHDULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
:*****************!
NUMBER: 38
TITLE: Predicting Aquatic Toxicity of HW Constituents and Exposures
PROJECT OFFICER: Russell J. Erickson
PHONE: 780-5534
»********************!
PROJECT DESCRIPTION ;
GOAL: To develop toxic effects models, suitable for assessing aquatic impact of
hazardous waste constituents under diverse conditions.
RATIONALE: Standard aquatic toxicology data relate toxicity to a steady water
exposure for a fixed duration. Risk assessments are uncertain due to inadequate
ability to extrapolate such information to different organisms, chemicals,
routes of exposure, durations and environmental conditions. By developing
toxic effects models which include accumulation kinetics, link response to
accumulation, and adjust for organism, chemical and environmental properties,
such extrapolations will be improved.
APPROACH: The relationship of toxic response to accumulation of toxicant and
to chemical and organism properties will be evaluated. Kinetic models will be
developed which will account for different routes of uptake and elimination,
metabolic transformations and internal distribution. The role of accumulation
kinetics in governing response to fluctuating concentrations will be tested.
Generalized computer-based models will be developed for assessing toxicity of
hazardous waste mixtures under diverse conditions.
STATUS AND ACOOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
A physiologically based gill model has been refined to accommodate exchange of
organic electrolytes and has been tested with some success against additional
data sets. Experimental protocols have been developed and tested to allow more
complete evaluation of relationships among cardiac output, gill ventilation,
oxygen consumption and chemical exchange. 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 in progress in cooperation with other projects.
nRT.TVFRARTFS;
8091 DUE: 08/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
REPORT ON AQUATIC EFFECTS MODEL FOR FLUCTUATING TRANSIENT EXPOSURES
31
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULUTH
PROTECT SYNOPSIS
*****************!
NUMBER: 19
TITLE: Field Validation for Hazard Assessment Techniques
PROJECT OFFICER: Richard E. Siefert
PHONE: 780-5552
»********************!
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
GOAL: Design approaches to validate current methodologies to measure pesticide
irrpact on non-target organisms in natural aquatic systems. 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 be vised to validate existing freshwater
test methods as well as to develop improved field protocols.
APPROACH: Conduct natural pond and lake studies using littoral enclosures to
determine the ecological effects of pesticides on the aquatic system.
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 application. 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 for use in the pesticide registration
process.
STATUS AND ACCCMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
The first two seasons of field work to develop a field testing protocol using
enclosures built in a natural pond were successfully completed. A testing
protocol entitled "A Research Design for Littoral Enclosure Studies" has been
completed and peer reviewed, and has been accepted by OPP for use as a guidance
document for field testing of pesticides. The final report "Field Validation
Enclosure Studies on Effects of Pesticides in A Natural Pond" has been
completed and sent to OEPER and the Office of Pesticide Programs. Field work
and analysis of chemical and biological samples for the littoral enclosure
study with the synthetic pyrethroid pesticide, fenvalerate, has been completed
and the write-up of the final report is underway. The additional six-enclosure
study on the reproductive success of bluegills was successful.
A quantitative ranking scheme has been developed to determine the potential for
ecological concern of inert chemicals to freshwater aquatic organisms. The
inert chemicals are ranked based on a summation of scores assigned to each of
five categories of effect data. Scoring is based upon data in the literature
using computer data bases such as the Aquatic Information Retrieval Data Base
(AQUTRE). If no literature data are available, values are predicted using
32
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quantitative structure activity relationships (QSARS) . The five categories of
effect data are: (1) acute toxicity, (2) chronic toxicity, (3)
bioacxxraiulation/biocxjncentration, (4) environmental persistence and (5)
environmental partitioning. An inhouse work plan has been completed for this
project. A computer program is being written to facilitate the retrieval of
toxicity data from the AQUIRE data base. SMILES notations (Simplified Molecular
Identification and Line Entry System) are being written for the inert chemicals
to allow storage, retrieval and modeling of their chemical structures and
chemical information in QSAR.
SGHFTnTR OF
7592 DUE: 06/30/89 REVISED: 09/30/89 COMPLETED:
REPORT OK FIELD VALIDATION OF ENCLOSURE PROTOCOLS FOR EVALUATING
PESTICIDES IN NATURAL WATERS. (N)
8122 DUE: 02/25/90 REVISED: 09/30/90 COMPLETED:
Fish Reproductive Success Studies for Littoral Enclosures
33
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULOTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************:
NUMBER: 06
TITLE: Develop Guideline Protocols, and Test for BCA Effects
PROJECT OFFICER: Richard L. Anderson
JHONE: 780-5565
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
GOAL: Develop or improve methods that determine the relationships of
biological control agents (BCA) to the health of freshwater ecosystems.
RATIONALE: Ecological risk assessment for a BCA requires information on host
range, environmental survival and distribution of the agent, and an estimate of
kinds and functions of the populations that may be exposed. This information
can be supplied by laboratory, microcosm and field testing. However,
well-studied test guidelines and protocols are not available to the people who
must produce the data.
APPROACH: BCA are registered through a tiered system of increasing test
complexity. Test protocols are needed in all tiers. Our goal is to develop
acute and chronic laboratory tests for target and non-target invertebrates and
fish and to establish a laboratory microcosm test system that will accurately
portray events in outdoor, natural systems. The microcosm data is audited with
data from outdoor exposures with the same or surrogate microbes. The acute and
chronic test systems extend beyond simple laboratory tests and lethal endpoints
and will include techniques necessary to assure that sublethal expressions of
BCA and host interactions are measured.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Our immediate goal is to develop acute and chronic laboratory tests that expose
target and non-target invertebrates and fish to microbes and to establish a
microcosm test system that will accurately portray microbe activities in
outdoor, natural systems. Our extended goal is to evaluate the predictive
capacity of laboratory data in situations where microorganisms are applied.
During the last quarter, activities included research and administration. The
administrative activities included completion of the processing of a microcosm
cooperative agreement with the University of Minnesota. Hiring and data
generation has begun. Research activities included completion of a report for a
microbial methods manual that describes the use of the mixed flask culture
microcosm in evaluating effects, distribution and survival of biological
control agents and several laboratory experiments.
Experiments aimed toward developing testing guidelines for acute and chronic
testing of fungi have shown that measuring the "exposure concentration" for
non-target animals is complex. Our research is using the entomopathogenic
34
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fungus, Lagenidium. The infective stage is an actively swimming zoospore whose
life-span can be affected by many physical and biological factors.
Understanding the factors that influence the life-span of the zoospore is
important because infection is time- and concentration-dependent. Developing a
maximum challenge procedure for non-target animals requires an understanding of
the time/survival relationships of the infecting organism. We have continued
our research to describe how animals affect the survival and distribution of
microorganisms added to water. We have recently shown that Daphnia rapidly
accumulate bacterial spores from water and when placed in spore-free water they
will lose the accumulated load. We are determining whether the formulation of
the spore affects uptake. We are also evaluating a published report which
states that acetate will inhibit the growth of Bacillus thuringiensis but not
other spores. The report centered on soil bacillus and we are examining its use
in water and sediments.
SCPETIJTE OF nRT.TWRARTRS:
7675 DUE: 10/30/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 10/30/88
REPORT OK THE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF SINGLE SPECIES TEST PROTOCOLS
FOR PESnCIDAL AND NON-PESTICIDAL MICROBES. (N)
7894 DUE: 10/31/88 REVISED: COMPLETED: 10/31/88
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 TN FRESHWATER MICROCOSMS & NATURAL SYSTEMS.
8126 DUE: 08/25/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report: Protocols for exposing freshwater fish and invertebrates to a
fungal pest control agent.
8236 DUE: 12/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
laboratory methods for appraising the safety of a microbial pest control
agent in freshwater systems
35
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULOTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************!
NUMBER: 32
TITLE: Testing Predictive Models in Laboratory Techniques
PROJECT OFFICER: Frank S. Stay
PHONE: 780-5542
PROJECT
GOAL: Develop protocols to define the uncertainty in ecological risk
prediction by testing ecosystem effects models and predictive laboratory
techniques, and provide information to improve their efficacy.
RATIONALE: Risk assessment models and laboratory tests are the basis for
registration of pesticides and for predicting effects of toxic substances in
natural ecosystems. Testing these models with data from field studies will
improve their predictive efficacy and reduce uncertainty associated with their
use. ERL-D is currently studying effects of pesticides and toxic substances in
lakes, ponds, streams, and littoral enclosures. Data from these field studies/
which measure the parameters most likely to show effects, can be used to test
predictive models and laboratory methods.
APPROACH: Evaluate data from littoral enclosure and ORNL pond studies for
testing CASH, other effects models, and predictive laboratory methods
(microcosms) . Then select data from these and other field studies to test
effects Models. These findings will be used to modify data requirements of the
models and to improve assessment quality of field studies. The database
developed for these tests will be used to evaluate other effects models when
they are developed.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
Manuscripts presented at the Lotic Ecosystem Recovery Workshop have all been
reviewed by the editors (Drs. Yount and Niemi) . All manuscripts have been
revised and are now being prepared for submission to Environmental Management
for peer review and publication. Samples from the ORNL pond experiments
continue to be processed and entered into the pond database. Patterns of
effects on trophic interactions are emerging from the data analysis. The ORNL
model programs are now ready for use and modeling efforts will increase as the
ORNL database nears completion. The principal investigator, Dr. Bartell,
continued to provide technical assistance to the UWS and ERL-D staff on
preparations for testing of the CASM model and the littoral enclosure model
(CASM with input data specific to the littoral enclosures) with the
chlorpyrifos database. Initial runs of the CASM model were conducted to insure
that the model is functioning properly. Environmental characteristsic of the
littoral enclosure and a 96-hr, average ASANA exposure period were used as
inputs to the standard model. These runs suggest that the initial biomass
values in the model may be too high for northern dimictic lakes with nutrient
36
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regimens similar to littoral enclosures. A third irdcrocosm experiment was
started to test the effects of ASANA. Although the zooplankton structure in the
first two experiments were different, the results suggest that the IDEL and
sensitive community components were similar for both experiments.
OF DRT.TVERABTI;y;;
7781 DUE: 04/30/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Final Report on Resistance and Resilience of Pond Ecosystems to Toxicant
Stress
8128 DUE: 07/31/90 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report: The relationship between microcosm and field studies.
8214 DUE: 07/31/92 REVISED: CCMPLETED:
Report on the relationship between microcosm and field studies
37
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULUTH
PROTECT SYNOPSIS
*****************<
NUMBER: 40
TITLE: Small Fish to Assess Toxicological Properties of Qiemicals
PROJECT OFFICER: Rodney D. Johnson
PHONE: 780-5731
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To develop and validate methods for using small aquarium fish to assess
the toxicological properties of chemicals.
RATIONALE: Validated assays developed on sound toxicological principles which
simultaneously provide data on several different endpoints are needed for
cost-effective chemical hazard evaluations.
APPROACH: Many in vivo assays used to ascertain the carcinogenic, teratogenic,
and reproductive toxicology of synthetic chemicals are very costly. Relatively
less expensive assays using small fish have shown promise for establishing
carcinogenic endpoints as well as other endpoints associated with reproductive
toxicity and teratogenicity. Appropriate exposure techniques and endpoint
analysis designed on sound toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic principles will
provide useful data about several endpoints. These data can be extrapolated to
predict endpoints in other species as well as provide a data base for SAR
predictions.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
Medaka exposures are continuing and our progress to date includes 24 exposures.
Of those 24, 4 are in final pathology analysis, 14 are in histological
processing, 4 are in the growout unit and 2 are currently in exposure.
Preparation of exposed fish for pathology analysis is also proceeding on
schedule. Microscopic slides from fish from several assays are currently being
studied. Assay responses will be reported as they are completed.
Research to quantify the peroxisome proliferation response in medaka due to
DEHP exposure is on track. Fish have been sacrificed for the histochemical
procedure. Computer methods for analyzing the slides are also progressing in a
timely fashion.
Deliverable #8094A entitled "The medaka carcinogenesis model: February 1989
progress report" has been submitted.
SCPKTtTTF. OF DKT .TVFRART iRS;
8094 DUE: 03/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED: 03/31/89
REPORT ON PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF USING MEDAKA FOR PREDICTING THE
CARCINOGENIC POTENTIAL OF CHEMICALS
38
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULOTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************)
NUMBER: 47
TITLE: Dose Determination in Small Fish for use in Risk Assessment
PROJECT OFFICER: Steven P. Bradbury
PHONE: 780-5527
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To provide a reliable approach to determine an organism-based dose for
small aquarium fish used in bioassays to assess toxioological properties of
chemicals.
RATIONALE: The use of small aquarium fish in low-cost bioassays is being
developed and validated to provide data regarding a number of endpoints. To
provide a toxicologically-sound basis from which to extrapolate results to
other species and to perform meaningful environmental and health assessments,
the ability to accurately determine an organism dose and to quantify
bioactivation capabilities must be developed.
APPROACH: Current bioassays provide little information to permit an evaluation
of the dose absorbed by a fish, nor the degree of metabolic activation
achieved. Quantification of these factors is crucial to assess responses in
carcinogenicity, reproductive and teratogenicity assays. Empirical information
will be collected to provide a systematic database of organism dose and
metabolic capabilities that directly support bioassay results. These data will
be used to validate and perfect predictive toxicokinetic and metabolism models
that will provide the required data faster and more cost-effectively.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
Initially, aromatic amine and nitro compounds were selected as compounds for
testing because those materials are being screened for carcinogenic activity in
medaka and because of their interest to OTS. Preliininary method development has
been initiated with aniline and 4-chloroaniline to assess uptake and
elimination constants. Results from these studies are being compared to
physiologically based gill uptake models. Preliminary results indicate that the
model predictions are in reasonable agreement with independently determined
empirical values. In vitro methodology for studying the metabolic activation of
primary aromatic amines has also been initiated. Methods have been developed
for analyzing the N-hydroxylamine products directly by HPLC and LSC, which
provides a means for accurate quantification of this metabolic activation step.
Basic methods development for performing microsomal metabolism experiments in
medaka and trout is progressing. Optimal conditions (e.g., time, substrate
concentration, pH) for studying the N-oxidation of these substrates in both
trout and medaka are nearing completion. Additional efforts have also been
initiated to study the activation of acetylenic alcohols to better explain and
predict their acute toxicity in fish.
39
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SCHEDULE OF nFT.TVERABLES:
8134 DUE: 09/30/90 REVISED: CEMPLEIED:
Progress report on determining dose for small aquarium fish used in chronic
bioassays.
40
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULOTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************!
NUMBER: 13
TITIE: Structure-Activity Relationships and Estimation Techniques
PROJECT OFFICER: Steven J. Broderius
PHONE: 780-5574
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To develop comprehensive SAR models for the aquatic toxicology of acute
and chronic effects of industrial chemicals. The SAR models address specific
and non-specific toxicity mechanisms for new and existing chemicals.
RATIONALE: Less than one percent of the TSCA inventory chemicals are tested and
for many of the PMN chemicals no test data exist. 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 growth
inhibition. Molecular descriptors are generated for each chemical and mechanism
specific structure-activity relationships are derived. The relationships are
validated by independent testing and provided to OTS with full documentation.
APPROACH: A systematic reference database for acute and chronic effects of
chemicals is being developed for industrial chemicals. This data set is used to
develop mechanism-specific SAR models. Representative chemicals -for each
mechanism are being selected to develop a high quality acute and chronic
effects data base which will validate SAR models for survival, growth and
reproduction effects in aquatic organisms. QSAR models will be used to help
assess the hazard of SARA Title III Section 313 chemicals to aquatic organisms.
STATUS AND ACCCMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
The theoretical research on predictive toxicology has been delayed while the
critical short-term objectives are being addressed. Different computerized
modules to be used in the QSAR hazard evaluation of chemicals have been
developed and delivered to OTS. The fathead minnow 96-hr acute and 32-day
sublethal toxicity data bases currently contain test results on approximately
700 and 100 individual industrial chemicals, respectively. Our in-house
research to develop QSAR methods for acute and chronic toxicity of chemicals
with specific modes of action is progressing on schedule. The toxic action of
chemicals is being defined from physiological type response fish acute toxicity
syndromes (FATS), joint toxic action experiments and general toxic symptomatic
signs and endpoints. It is assumed that chemicals acting by a common primary
mode of action are concentration additive in their joint toxicity. To date we
have identified seven different mode-of-action groups. Results from a
knowledge acquisition exercise held during a workshop jointly sponsored by
GTS/HERD and ERL-D are also being analyzed. We hope to formalize rules for
assigning toxic mechanisms to chemical structures and develop a predictive
computer-based system to interface with the existing QSAR system to improve
estimates for toxic endpoints.
41
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To aid in the analysis of our systematic toxicity test data and in model
development, we have built a database containing physical/chemical, lipophilic,
electronic, polar, steric, and reactivity properties for approximately 700
chemicals. Regression analysis techniques will be applied to the data to
develop structure-activity relationships for toxicants acting by different
mechanisms.
A computer program has been developed that allows us to interface the QSAR
system with the AQUIRE database. By using this system we are able to develop
ecotox profiles for organic chemicals from their CAS number or SMIIES notation.
F nRT.TVERARTES;
8142 DUE: 05/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report: Mechanism-specific QSAR Models for Fathead Minnow acute and
chronic toxicity.
8143 DUE: 04/29/89 REVISED: 11/30/89 COMPLETED:
Progress Report - Methods to predict toxic mechanisms from chemical
structure.
42
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************!
NUMBER: 46
TITLE: Expert System to Predict the Metabolism of Toxicants
PROJECT OFFICER: Steven P. Bradbury
PHONE: 780-5527
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To develop an expert system that quantitatively predicts
species-specific metabolism of xenobiotics for use in the assessment of
environmental and health hazards.
RATIONALE: Predictive systems are currently available that have the capacity
to quantify the adverse impact of chemicals. Many times these models grossly
underestimate the toxic effects of specific classes of compounds because they
fail to recognize that adverse responses may be elicited by activated
metabolites. Failure to properly evaluate the metabolism of chemicals of
regulatory concern leads to uncertainties in risk assessment that are
unacceptably large. This project provides OPP/OTS with an expert system,
compatible with current computer-based models, for the consistent, accurate,
and rapid prediction of species-specific metabolites for use in subsequent
hazard assessment.
APPROACH: An automated program for predicting metabolism will be founded on a
knowledge base derived from the literature and experts in the field. Using the
database, algorithms will be established to assess the "correctness" of
predictions. Development of the model will be a micro-computer environment to
enhance the adaptability and accessibility of the system for regulatory use.
STATUS AND ACCCMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
The current system, developed in a micro-computer environment, contains a
database of approximately 190 substructures, with supporting documentation,
that incorporates the metabolism of about 30 common functional groups. Results
of the model; i.e. , predicted metabolites, can be linked to other QSAR models
currently in use at OTS/HERD. A preliminary model was delivered to OTS/HERD in
May, 1989 for evaluation and expansion of the knowledge base. This activity
will permit the model's knowledge base to be expanded and verified faster
because of its day-to-day use by program office staff.
OF nRT.TVRRARTF
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3RD QUARTER STATUS
ERL-DULOTH
PROTECT SYNOPSIS
*****************!
NUMBER: 49
TITLE: QSAR Models for Chemical Reactivity
PROJECT OFFICER: Oilman D. Veith
PHONE: 780-5550
PROJECT DESCRIPTION;
GOAL: To develop methods to predict the reactivity of toxic industrial
chemicals to proteins and DNA.
RATIONALE: Structure-toxicity models adequately predict the toxicity of
non-reactive chemicals and those which are not metabolicly activated to
reactive chemicals, current techniques are inadequate because models to
quantify reactivity are lacking. This project will provide kinetic-based
molecular descriptors for chemical reactivity.
APPROACH: Both classical quantum chemistry and new chemometric techniques will
be evaluated for their ability to accurately identify reactive centers in toxic
chemicals. Rate constants for electrophilic/nucleophilic reactions will be used
to select the appropriate parameters. Ultimately toxicity databases will be
used to evaluate the predictive power of this approach.
STATUS AND ACCCMPLISHMENTS TO
The program, CONCORD, has gone through three modifications, each broadening the
capabilities to handle difficult structures. This program is the technology
breakthrough EPA needed to study chemical reactivity. It has been released to
industry under University of Texas-Austin copywrite. Extensive evaluations
showed that the software computes accurate 3-dimensional structures in
comparison to x-ray data. Moreover, the computation of charge density on all
atoms in the structure can be done in seconds rather than hours. These advances
open new possibilities for modeling hydrogen bonding which controls the
toxicity of more than 20 percent of the industrial chemicals.
This project has developed a multi^wavelength, high pressure liquid
chromatographic technique to identify the electrophile/nucleophile reaction
products. This technique has proven extremely powerful in discriminating among
the reactivity mechanisms which result in increased toxicity of electrophiles
and pro-electrophiles. Moreover, ample evidence now exists to demonstrate that
conventional wisdom for modeling electrophiles is incorrect, particularly with
respect to building empirical reference sets for reactivity parameters. This
project has initiated work on a new approach which models reactivity as
concurrent, competing reaction rates with model nucleophiles.
SCHEDULE OF DFTJVERABLES:
7915 DUE: 10/31/89 REVISED: CCMPLETED:
REPORT ON METHODS TO COMPUTE REACTIVITY PARAMETERS FOR ELECTROFHILES
44
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8243 DUE: 07/31/89 REVISED: OCMPIETED:
Unit led QSAR Strategy for Predictive Ecotoxicology and Initial Environmental
Risk Assessments
45
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************i
NUMBER: 31
TITLE: Methods to Predict Susceptible Populations and Communities
PROJECT OFFICER: Steven J. Broderius
PHONE: 780-5574
Ik********************!
PROJECT DESGRIPTION;
GOAL: Use information from laboratory studies to develop methods to predict
susceptible aquatic populations, use microcosm and natural systems to test
predictions, integrate these models into existing ecosystem effects models, and
test these effects models using a database of field studies.
RATIONALE: Ecorisk assess, models require effect inputs that are generally not
available at the present time. In addition, uncertainties associated w/risk
assessment approaches have not been estimated. Predictive models that specify
susceptible populations must be developed to provide the initial effect inputs.
Population susceptibility models, & risk assess, approaches in general, must be
validated against empirical field data to quantify uncertainty.
APPROACH: Initial efforts will include reviews of lab methods and data to predict
susceptible populations & available field studies to test models. Methods for
studying comparative bioenergetics (to predict toxicant uptake) , xenobiotic
metabolism, & toxic mechanisms are being developed to fill data gaps. These data wil
be used to evaluate methods to cluster susceptibility parameters & to computerize a
species & connnunity toxicant-specific ranking system for risk assessment. A
field study database will be established to test model predictions.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:
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 predict
susceptibility and identification of additional parameters useful for
predicting susceptibility are in progress.
laboratory-based methods are being applied to empirically develop a toxic mode
of action database. Using joint toxicity theory for chemical mixtures and an
assessment of fish acute toxicity syndromes, chemicals that are associated with
nonpolar narcosis, polar narcosis, oxidative phosphorylation uncoupling,
respiratory membrane irritation (reactive-toxicity) and acetylcholinesterase
inhibition are being defined. Efforts are continuing to differentiate
additional modes of action with insecticides and industrial chemicals.
SCHETITTF. QF
7470 DOE: 07/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report on Biological Data Base for Risk Assessment
46
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8145 DUE: 01/31/89 REVISED: COMPLETED: 01/31/89
Report: Comparison of laboratory microcosms and natural pond responses to
Dursban.
8215 DUE: 07/31/91 REVISED: CCMPIETED:
Report on the biological data base for supporting freshwater risk assessment
models
47
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3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULUTH
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
*****************i
NUMBER: 25
TITLE: Watershed Manipulation Project
PROJECT OFFICER: John G. Eaton
PHONE: 780-5557
k********************<
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 vise 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;
chemical and biological results will be relatable to conditions in lakes
elsewhere 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
preacidification 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.
STATUS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE;
The first summer of acidification to pH 4.5, the lowest pH planned during the
project, began with H2SO4 addition to the treatment basin immediately after
ice-out. The intensity and breadth of effects on all trophic levels seen at pH
5.1 over the previous two years is expected to increase. Functional or process
level effects, which have been minimal so far, are expected to become more
evident. Reports of biological and chemical changes at pH 5.1 were submitted as
scheduled in fulfillment of milestone 8225A, "Report on two years of Little
Rock Lake acidification at pH 5.1." Presentation and publication of findings
continues; these data will be used in the 1990 assessment.
SCHEDULE OF
8225 DUE: 04/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED: 04/30/89
Report on two years of Little Rock Lake acidification at pH 5.1
8226 DUE: 05/31/91 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Little Rock Lake Acidification Project Final Report
48
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NUMBER:
TITLE:
PROJECT OFFICER:
PHONE:
3RD QUARTER STATUS REPORT
ERL-DULUTH
PROTECT SYNOPSIS
*****************!
50
Great Lakes Support for Superfund
William Richardson
313/675-7704
PRCu.bx,'r
GOAL: Develop methods to predict the impact of hazardous waste sites on the
water quality and ecosystem of the Great Lakes. Determine allowable discharges
from sites based on acceptable risk.
RATIONALE: Hazardous waste disposal sites within the Great Takes Basin are
suspected of contributing significant mass loadings of toxics to the Lakes.
Because of long detention times and bioaccumulation, impacts on the ecosystem
are greater than might be expected in other systems. Superfund programs
require guidance to establish acceptable discharge levels for specific sites.
APPROACH: An interdisciplinary approach will be used to develop, apply, and
verify models to simulate and predict the longevity and biological impact of
toxic substances leaking from waste sites.
STATUS AND AC
The final report was submitted to OEPER and to Region II in May. Presentation
of the project was made at the 1989 International Association for Great Lakes
Research Conference in Madison, WI on May 31, 1989.
SCHEDULE OF DET-TVERABLES;
8246 DUE: 06/30/89 REVISED: COMPLETED:
Report on Model of TCDD for Lake Ontario
49
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U.S. Environmental Proter!/.•:••:< y
Great Lakes National Pro-gran Ui'
GLNPO Library
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