EPA/600/R-94/068
April 1994
SPOTLIGHT ON
RESEARCH
1994
This report was prepared by various individuals. Research and
related activity inputs were written by those listed as contacts for
more information. These inputs were, reviewed, edited and
re-formatted by: Evelyn Hunt, EPA, from a technical information
perspective; Bob Drummond, EPA, scientific outreach perspective;
and Ann Sigford, ELS, environmental education perspective.
Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth
Office of Environmental Processes and Effects
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Printed on Recycled Paper
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DIRECTOR'S PERSPECTIVE
The mission of our laboratory continues to focus on providing the science
necessary to protect and maintain sustainable freshwater ecosystems. Our
scientists have focused their research on the important aspects of predicting the lexicological
and ecological effects of chemical, physical and biological stressors on important ecosystems
and the aquatic life and wildlife that live within them. At the same time, the ongoing efforts
to reinvent and streamline government offer opportunities to increase our efficiency and,
therefore, the quantity and quality of our products.
The Office of Research and Development (ORD) is increasingly taking
advantage of the opportunities for improved integration and interactions that occur by focusing
on a few geographic areas. The Great Lakes basin is one of those areas that is benefiting
through cooperative studies between our laboratory, other ORD laboratories, EPA Regions and
Program Offices as well as other state and federal agencies. The Environmental Research
Laboratory-Duluth (ERL-D) continues to be ORD's lead in Great Lakes ecology, toxicology
and mass balance modeling. Our research capabilities were recently expanded by obtaining
the R/V Lake Explorer. This 82 foot research vessel makes the Great Lakes much more
accessible for our direct research involvement.
As can be seen in this document, however, our research is not solely directed
toward the Great Lakes. Our research in predictive toxicology and ecology provides a
foundation of knowledge that can be applied throughout our nation and, in fact, the world.
Please feel free to contact the individuals listed to obtain additional information on
the research described.
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CONTENTS
RESEARCH AREAS
Page
Biotechnology , 1
Contaminated Sediment Research 2
Databases
AQUIRE 3
QSAR 4
ASTER 5
ECOTOX 6
Ecosystem Response 7
Environmental Monitoring & Assessment Program (EMAP) 8
Global Climate Change Program 9
Great Lakes-Overview , 10
-Modeling 11
-Food Chain Contaminant Research 12
Introduced Species 13
Nonpoint Source Characterization 14
Point-Source Discharges/Effluent Characterization 15
Risk Assessment -Predictive Toxicology 16
Water Quality Criteria-Metals 17
Watersheds 18
Wetlands 19
RELATED ACTTvTTIES
American Indian Program 20
Environmental Education Outreach 21
International Exchange 22
Research Seminars 23
Research Vessel - The Lake Explorer. 24
Organizational Structure 25
Recent Publications 26
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-Biotechnology
.^* Ecological risk assessment for the intentional addition of
^ microorganisms to freshwater systems requires information from
laboratory tests. Experiments are conducted using simple and complex
laboratory systems. In the simplest tests, one fish or invertebrate species is
exposed to the microbe. Fish are exposed to a pathogen in poor as well as good
conditions to measure how environmental change affects infection. Invertebrate
studies measure if and how the animal transports microbes. In a special single
species study, the potential for exchange of DNA between microbes living in an
insect's gut is being determined. The latter study is an important key in regulating
"engineered" microbes.
The most complex test system is called TEMPOCORE. It is based on soil
cores collected from a dried, temporary pool of water. Water is added and soon a
representative pool is produced in the laboratory. Microbes having different
characteristics are added to measure how they survive or affect other
animals living the laboratory pool'. Once these systems are proven
"\ they will be used to evaluate microbes used for controlling pests,
degrading toxic materials or in industrial processes.
\
For more information contact
Dick Anderson (218) 720-5616
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Contaminated Sediment Research
Scientists here have developed a set of standard test protocols,
to be used across the EPA, for assessing the toxicity and
bioaccumulation of sediment-associated contaminants by freshwater
invertebrate species. Short-term (10 day) toxicity tests are conducted
with the amphipod Hyalella azteca and the midge Chironomus tentans,
while long-term (28 day) bioaccumulation tests are conducted with the
oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus. Research is underway to develop
long-term life cycle tests with both the amphipod and the midge. Results of
these tests will serve as a basis for directly estimating the potential effects of
contaminated sediments on aquatic ecosystems.
Studies are being conducted to define factors controlling the partitioning
behavior of different classes of contaminants in sediments. We currently
are evaluating an organic carbon-based model for predicting the bioavail-
ability of nonionic organic chemicals such as pesticides and PCB's, and a
model based on sediment acid volatile sulfide concentration to predict the
bioavailability of cationic metals such as cadmium. This research
serves as a basis for developing numeric sediment quality criteria for
specific contaminants, and also supports efforts focused upon
evaluating the fate/transport of sediment-associated
contaminants.
For more information please contact
GaryAnkley (218) 720-5603.
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Databases: AQUIRE
AOUatic toxicity Information REtrieval
^ S"
, c The AQUIRE database was established in 1981 and is updated
,? and maintained at ERL-D. It provides quick access to a comprehensive,
3* systematic, computerized compilation of aquatic toxic effects data. Scientific
papers published world-wide on the toxic effects of chemicals to aquatic organisms
and plants are collected and reviewed for AQUIRE. Toxicity test results and related
testing information for any individual chemical from laboratory and field aquatic
toxicity tests are extracted and added to AQUIRE. Acute, sublethal and bioconcen-
tration effects are recorded for freshwater and marine organisms.
As of January 1994, AQUIRE consists of over 115,000 individual test results
on computer file. These tests contain information for 5,292 chemicals and 2,550
organisms, extracted from over 8,000 publications. All data entries have been
subjected to established quality assurance procedures.
AQUIRE is a VAX-based system located at ERL-D and the EPA
National Computer Center at RTP, NC. It can be accessed through the EPA
x. network via the VAX system or through a modem and personal computer.
A user-friendly, menu-driven program to extract toxicity
information is available for use by government offices.
There are several commercial vendors of AQUIRE ||
for access by the private sector.
For more information please contact
Christine Russom (218) 720-5709.
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Databases: QSAR
Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship
QSAR is an expert system which provides immediate information on
physicochemical properties, fate and effects of organic chemicals on the
environment.. QSAR utilizes structure-activity relationships; statistical methods
which relate the structure and physicochemical properties of compounds to
biological activity.
The QSAR system includes a database of measured physicochemical properties
such as melting point, boiling point, vapor pressure, and water solubility as well as
more than 56,000 molecular structures stored as SMILES (Simplified Molecular
Input Line Entry System) strings for specific chemicals. When empirical data are
not available mechanistically-based predictive models are used to estimate
ecotoxicology endpoints, chemical properties, biodegradation, and environmental
partitioning. QSAR also provides information on the potential genotoxicity of a
chemical by either retrieving information from a database of known
carcinogens/mutagens or invoking an expert system.
QSAR is a VAX-based system located at ERL-D and the EPA National
Computer Center at RTF, NC. The database can be accessed through the
\ EPA network via the VAX system or through a modem and personal
"\ computer. A user-friendly, menu-driven program to
PV <" ff
extract information is available for use by
government offices.
For more information please contact
Christine Russom (218)720-5709.
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Databases: ASTER
Assessment Tools for the Evaluation of Risk
~/ ASTER was developed by ERL-D to assist regulators in performing
^ ecological risk assessments. ASTER is an integration of the AQUIRE
y.* (AQUatic toxicity Information REtrieval) toxic effects database and the QS AR
;
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Databases: ECOTOX
The goal of the proposed ECOTOX system is to establish a single
database containing ecotoxicological effects information for aquatic life,
wildlife, and plants that will be available for state, regional, national and inter-
national agencies through the EPA National Computing Center at Research Triangle
FPark, NC. Development of this database will insure that high quality and properly
reviewed toxic effects data are readily available to the regulatory and research
community for use in performing ecological risk assessments and evaluating results of
environmental monitoring programs.
The proposed project will integrate three high quality ORD laboratory eco-
toxicological effects databases: AQUIRE (see page 3), TERRE-TOX, developed at the
Environmental Research Lab-Gorvallis (ERL-C), which contains toxicological effects
data for terrestrial animals, and PHYTOTOX, also developed by ERL-C, which
contains toxicological effects data for terrestrial plants. Currently these three data
bases are not integrated into a single system. Risk assessors and researchers are
therefore confronted with an inefficient and expensive means of gathering
\ ecological hazard assessment data.
ERL-D, ERL-C and the Office of Science Planning and
Regulatory Evaluation, with support from Agency Program Offices
and other Federal Agencies, have developed a demon-
stration version of ECOTOX. A beta-test version is i-
expected by the end of FY94.
V
For more information please contact
Christine Russom (218) 720-5709.
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Ecosystem Response
v ^ We have developed and refined a littoral enclosure
V% design which allows us to partition a natural freshwater ecosystem
\* and measure the effects of pesticides, toxicants and other stressors without
j° harming the total ecosystem. Data from these experiments represent the
response of a natural system, and they are being used to develop and calibrate
the Littoral Ecosystem Risk Assessment Model (LERAM). Our goal with
experimental ecosystems is to apply this technology to problems found in the
Great Lakes Basin.
LERAM is a model derived from CASM (the Comprehensive Aquatic System
Model) which predicts the probability of different levels of damage to a littoral
ecosystem caused by toxic stress. The model includes fish and most other trophic
levels in the littoral zone of lakes. Because the littoral ecosystem and many wetland
ecosystems have similar foodwebs, we will be modifying this model to describe the
wetland ecosystem. Taken together, the wetlands model, CASM (for a north
temperate dimictic lake), POND (for a small lake: or pond) and LERAM, represent
most aquatic ecosystems found in the Great Lakes Basin.
Our goal is to link these ecosystem models together to represent
\ the interconnected lentic ecosystems in large drainage basins and
:>- use this network of models to predict changes in risk
associated with management decisions at the
watershed level.
For more information please contact
Richard Siefert (218) 720-5552 or
Frank Stay (218) 720-5542
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Environmental Monitoring & Assessment Program
(EMAP)
The EMAP-Great Lakes Program is an interagency, inter-
disciplinary program whose goals are to estimate the current status, trends
and changes in selected biological indicators of the condition of the Great
Lakes with known confidence. We are looking for associations between
selected indicators of natural and anthropogenic stresses and indicators of
condition. We plan to provide annual statistical summaries and periodic
assessments of the Great Lakes.
Within each of the five lakes, nearshore, offshore, harbor/bay and
wetland resource classes have been established for monitoring activities.
Trophic status, sediment characterization, diatom assemblage and
benthic invertebrate indices are being developed for Lake Michigan
and Lake Superior.
**»
For more information please contact
Stephen Lozano, (218) 720-5594.
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^>; ° Global Climate Change Program
-/
*v? - \
/ The objectives of this research program are to (1) predict the
^ / effects of climate change on freshwater ecosystems and fisheries
^ resources of North America, and (2) determine the effects of climate change
* on the spread of exotic species in North America;
Recent research activities have been focused on developing methods to estimate
the effect of climate change associated with a doubling of CO2 in the atmosphere on the
distribution and abundance of fishes in different regions of the U.S. This requires
integrating information on the thermal sensitivity offish, 2X CO2 meteorological
projections, water body physical characteristics in different regions, and 2X CO2 thermal
regimes and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in lakes and streams obtained from
validated physics-based models. Fish thermal sensitivity is being investigated here while
the University of Minnesota is modeling temperature and DO conditions of surface
waters. Estimates of effects on fish in Minnesota indicated that cold water species
(trout, salmon) would be reduced in abundance while cool water fish
(walleye, northern pike) would increase. Future work will deal with the
x impact of changes in winter conditions and with general ecosystem
productivity.
\ Also being studied is the role of climate change in the spread
of exotic species. Distribution and effects of present nuisance
species (e.g. zebra mussels) and those that will displace
indigenous species but are still desirable within ...,,,.,;-%
their current range are being studied.
For more information please contact
John Eaton (218) 720-5557.
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Great Lakes Research - Overview
\
The EPA's Office of Research and Development's
Great Lakes Research program is designed to solve environmental
problems confronting Great Lakes ecosystems. The general approach
involves determining relative risks so that regulatory priorities may be
established.
This is done by collecting essential data, conducting scientific
assessments and using mathematical models to make predictions of future
conditions. These models relate sources and quantities of chemical inputs to the
lakes to concentrations in water, sediment, and biota. Model predictions are
then used to determine the effectiveness of alternative regulatory control .
strategies.
The scientific goal is to develop an understanding of the Great
Lakes ecosystem and how human activities impact this valuable
resource.
For more information please contact
William Richardson, (313) 692-7611.
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Great Lakes Research Modeling
\
0^/ Mathematical models are being developed that relate the
^? input of toxic chemicals to their eventual destination in water,
sediment, and biota. Although individual studies and experiments may
provide useful information on ecosystem structure and behavior, the models
are able to integrate all the components so that interactions are accounted for.
Once models are calibrated they can be used to predict future concentra-
tions under various regulatory scenarios. This approach has been demonstrated to
a large degree in a recently completed project for Green Bay and the Fox River.
Results from the study are being used by EPA Region 5 and the State of Wiscon-
sin to establish priorities for reducing inputs of PCB's.
Currently, models are being used to evaluate various sediment removal
scenarios in the Fox River. Total removal could cost up to one billion dollars.
By assessing the location of contaminated sediments and determining their
susceptibility for resuspension, the model of the lower Fox River will predict
which sediment areas are the most susceptible and will help to establish
removal priorities.
We are now developing the next generation of models for Lake
Michigan and have planned future model development for Lake
Erie and Lake Huron with an ultimate goal of producing a
model of all five lakes in a series connected to
important watershed models.
For more information please contact
Douglas Endicott (313) 692-7613 or
William Richardson (313) 692-7611.
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\
Great Lakes Research - Food Chain Contaminants
Progress has been made in reducing and eliminating toxic
chemicals from the environment, yet many fish and wildlife species in the
Great Lakes remain affected. Lake trout do not reproduce naturally in Lake
Michigan and concentrations of PCBs remain above the acceptable level for
human consumption.
Research is underway to determine the source of contamination and how
it moves up the links of the food chain. Part of the research goal is to
develop bioaccumulation models for important Great Lakes food chains.
The Green Bay project demonstrated the utility of such an approach and EPA's
Office of Research and Development is now extrapolating these results to Lake
Michigan where issues are more complex.
Working with the Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO),
the Great Lakes states, NOAA and the National Biological Survey, the
food chain of greatest significance is being selected for detailed
investigation. This will include development of a bioaccum-
ulation model with linkages to a mass balance, fate and
transport model.
For more information please contact
Russell Kreis (313) 692-7615 or
Douglas Endicott (313)692-7613
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* -x Introduced Species
^
^ The U.S. EPA research program on aquatic nuisance species
^/ is managed and conducted by research scientists at ERL-D. The ob-
, Y jectives are to develop an integrated, coordinated research program on
";-% aquatic nuisance species throughout the continental United States, focusing
initially on the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basin. The program is
in response to the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act
of 1990, and is coordinated with other agencies through the Aquatic Nuisance
Species Task Force and its committees.
The approach has been to consider the problem of introduced species from
three aspects; as an interaction of (1) a species population with (2) a vulnerable
ecosystem to (3) produce effects. Under this framework ERL-D is focusing ini-
tially on several species which have demonstrated their ability to successfully
invade lake and river ecosystems, including the zebra mussel, the ruffe (a fish)
and the rusty crayfish. The effect of projected changes in climate on the ability
of invading species to enter new environments is being investigated, as well
as possible changes in ecosystem vulnerability to invasion induced by
climate change. Finally, projects are underway or planned on the accu-
mulation and trophic transfer of organic chemicals by zebra mussels
\ and their effect on nutrient and energy dynamics, metabolism
\ and toxicokinetics of contaminants in zebra mussels, and
the potential influence of zebra mussels on native
benthic communities in the upper
Mississippi River.
\
For more information please contact
J. David Yount (218) 720-5752.
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Nonpoint Source Characterization
"=!
We have continued to determine the impact
of agrichemicals on aquatic life. This project is fulfilling certain
objectives of EPA's Midwest Agrichemical Surface/Subsurface
Transport and Effects Research (MASTER) Plan that outlines research
needs for the Walnut Creek Watershed located near Ames, Iowa and the
western corn belt ecoregion.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Management Systems Evaluation
Areas (MESA) Program has emphasized research on the transport and fate of
selected agrichemicals and effects on water. However, the ecotoxicological
effects associated with varying farming systems and agrichemical loadings have
not been addressed to date. The goals of the research at ERL-D are to develop
fate and ecotoxicological cause-and-effect information for typical classes of
agriculture chemicals found in the surface waters of the Midwest corn belt.
This information will assist in developing diagnostic procedures and
predictive techniques to describe their impacts on the well-being of
aquatic life and to assess the environmental benefits of dif-
ferent ecosystem restorative techniques or alternate farm
management systems.
For more information please contact
A. Ron Carlson (218) 720-5523.
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Point-Source Discharges /
Effluent Characterization
The complex effluent research program has had an active
involvement in the development of the basic science and technological
tools supporting the whole effluent toxicity based approach of EPA's
water quality based effort to control toxics.
Current effluent related research includes (1) the performance of field studies
investigating the relationships between point source toxicity and ambient toxicity,
and their impacts upon the biological structure in ambient (receiving) water, (2) the
development of procedures for identifying, assessing and controlling chemicals
which cause chemical residues in fish and shellfish by bioconcentration and/or
bioaccumulation processes, and (3) the development of toxicity identification
evaluation (TIE) procedures for identifying the cause of acute and chronic toxicity
in effluents and ambient waters.
Guidance documents for performing TIE procedures for characterizing,
identifying, and confirming the cause(s) of toxicity for acutely and
chronically toxic freshwater effluents recently have been revised.
\ These revised documents, Phase I (Toxicant Characterization),
Phase n (Toxicant Identification), and Phase HI (Toxicant _ '
Confirmation) have been printed and are
available. ',,
For more information please contact
Lawrence Burkhard (218) 720-5554.
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Risk Assessment - Predictive Toxicology
Efforts at ERL-D have been initiated to address a variety of new
research and application issues associated with use of predictive
toxicology models in ecological risk assessments. Research to support the
use of quantitative structure activity relationships (QSARs), physiologically-
based toxicokinetic models, and molecular dosimetry techniques in assessing
the hazards of chemical stressors has been undertaken.
Recent results have led to improved understanding of chemical
reactivity and studies involving xenobiotic metabolism and cellular intoxica-
tion will provide the toxicologic knowledge base to develop second generation
QSAR models for reactive toxicants. In turn, state-of-the-art analytical
techniques are being perfected whereby the presence of potentially toxic
reactive chemicals can be identified in sediments, leachates, or aquatic
organisms. These models help provide the means to relate environ-
mental exposures to residue accumulation and adverse effects.
For more information please contact
Steven Bradbury (218)720-5527.
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Water Quality Criteria-Metals
\
^ Current water quality criteria for metals were developed
\/ on the basis of total concentration of metal in laboratory test
^ ^ waters. The applicability of these criteria is uncertain because many \
"f natural waters have a higher fraction of total metals bound to suspended
>' solids, organic matter, and other constituents than laboratory water. This
bound metal will often be less available to organisms, thus less toxic, so that
laboratory-derived criteria would overestimate risks. In short, bioavailabilities of
different forms of metals are uncertain and variable, and there is currently no
reliable way to chemically measure or calculate bioavailable metal.
Efforts at ERL-D are directed at better establishing the bioavailabilities of
different forms of metal and at developing methods to modify criteria to reflect metal
bioavailability in specific waters. Acute and subchronic toxicity tests using
fathead minnows and Ceriodaphnia dubia were conducted to assess the bioavail-
ability of copper and lead bound to suspended solids. Copper toxicity was strictly
correlated with dissolved metal, suggesting little or no bioavailability of the copper
bound to solids. For lead, there were indications of some contribution from the
bound metal, but dissolved metal still appeared to be a reasonable basis for
assessing risk for these organisms and endpoints.
Ongoing work addresses the effects of dissolved organic
matter and pH on copper toxicity to these same organisms
and the role of copper speciation in these effects. ,, -"
For more information please contact
RussErickson (218) 720-5534.
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Watersheds
Our goal for this research is to develop procedures
that define watershed quality. This project focuses on assessing
the susceptibility of watersheds to human disturbance.
Particular emphasis is placed on agricultural low order streams in the
states of. Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota. A variety of physical,
chemical and biological approaches are being used that identify and
quantify natural descriptors (attributes) controlling watershed quality. The
studies are being conducted both through in-house research and extramural
assistance agreements.
The gathered information is consolidated with statistical and
geographical procedures to provide integrative systems that discern
degradation severity. Occurrence of impacted biological stream communities
has already been related to poor habitat conditions and elevated sediment
and nutrient concentrations. In particular/amounts of woody debris,
fine stream-borne sediments, and elevated ammonia and nitrate
levels are important descriptors of watershed quality.
An important final product from this research is to
\ provide regulators with procedures to classify water- -,;,
%. shed status and assist in formulating goals for _
%%. remediation activities.
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For more information please contact
John Arthur (218)720-5565.
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X
Wetlands
The objectives of our research are three-fold: (1) determine
the contribution of individual and wetland complexes to water quality
improvement, wildlife habitat and hydrology functions and to develop
techniques to protect and enhance these functions, (2) quantify the effects
of environmental stressors and adjacent environments on wetland function,
and (3) provide support to regulatory groups for the development of criteria to
protect wetland function.
Studies addressing these objectives for three different wetland types are under-
way. The most comprehensive of these is occurring in the prairie pothole
region of North Dakota and Minnesota where research is characterizing these
wetlands and evaluating the effects of sediment and agricultural chemicals. A
field study is assessing the effect of watershed manipulations on prairie pothole
habitat functions by evaluating the impacts of four different land uses. The
second research project is investigating the role Great Lakes wetlands play in
the health of the Great Lakes. Initial research is characterizing the animal
and plant life that inhabit these wetlands. Following this characterization,
it will be possible to differentiate between stressed and unstressed
wetlands. The third study area is investigating the role southeastern
\ forested wetlands play in the water quality of adjacent small
\ streams. The research is determining how forest
harvesting techniques affect pesticide movement
and ultimately downstream . >
water quality. ''
\
For more information please contact
William Sanville (218) 720-5723.
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American Indian Program
Over the past five years ERL-D, the Fond du Lac Indian
//*'' Reservation, and the Center of American Indian and Minority
^ Health have maintained a positive working relationship. As a result of
this cooperative effort, several programs are in place and planned which
:nefit American Indian students.
Our cooperative education program with area schools targets kindergarten
irough senior high school students. The objective of this program is to expose
merican Indian elementary students to science, thereby increasing their interest in
careers as scientists. Internships for high school students and K-12 teachers are
available to foster interest in science, math, and bio-medical careers. Students and
teachers complete research projects over a four-week period each summer. ERL-D
also hosts a program for undergraduate science and bio-medical students. This
program, through the Fond du Lac Reservation's Ni-Shou Gabawag grant (NTH),
; allows students to work with research teams for ten hours per week during the
\ school year and full-time during breaks and summer vacations.
We recently developed a pre-collegiate program titled 'Summer
Bridges' with the Education Department of the Fond du Lac Reservation.
This cooperative training agreement consists of a summer experience
. designed to encourage junior and senior high school students to pursue
\ college level education in the sciences. Through continued partic- jj
\, ipation in these programs, ERL-D anticipates a small, r
% steady stream of American Indian scientists in
''*
five years.
For more information please contact
Sherry Linder (218) 720-5543.
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Environmental Education Outreach
// We have expanded our efforts to help students and teachers
// better understand our science. An environmental education
vv specialist was hired, under contract, to execute our outreach programs.
" Our focus is on elementary students and their teachers. We hope to visit all area
schools at least once during the school year. Hands-on presentations will be given
to illustrate the science of freshwater ecology and water pollution studies. Other
activities include conducting teacher workshops, developing new learning units,
participating in science fairs and field excursions, and preparing handout materials.
For high school and college students we continue to provide in-house tours and
follow-up discussions. A special guidebook was ptrepared that describes research
being conducted in each room at ERL-D. The book is designed for use by our
staff when giving a tour. Each room description includes two sections: one for
j. technical audiences; the other for the general public (students).
\ .
\ Lastly, we have an excellent working relationship with EPA Region 5,
Chicago. They have been most supportive of our efforts to promote
\ EE from a science perspective. We have helped in the review of
grant proposals, especially those dealing with freshwater.
For more information please contact
RobertDrummond(218) 720-5733.
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International Exchange
In 1993 approximately 10 scientists from many countries of the
world visited ERL-D. These men and women spent days or weeks
interacting with ERL-D scientists. Some of the homelands represented
were Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Canada.
ERL-D scientists traveled world-wide to share their expertise with
scientists in Finland, Norway, Canada, Australia and Thailand.
We at ERL-D are proud to be part of the world-wide scientific
community, and we expect this interaction to continue and to accelerate
in the coming years.
\
For more information please contact
Evelyn Hunt (218) 720-5509.
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Research Seminars
ERL-D scientists and staff members gather regularly to listen
to seminars presented by their colleagues and other scientists from the
United States, Canada, and other countries. Scientists share their
accomplishments in their areas of interest and expertise. Local and area
researchers from other institutions also attend these interesting and
illuminating lectures.
In addition, scientists at ERL-D share their expertise by presenting
poster sessions and giving formal papers at symposia such as the Society of
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) and the American
Chemical Society.
For more information please contact
Evelyn Hunt (218) 720-5509.
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Research Vessel
Lake Explorer
Our Laboratory recently acquired a new research vessel to
augment its research mission. It will be used as one the means of
conducting environmental sampling necessary to support Great Lakes research.
In particular, the Lake Explorer will be used in research on Lake Superior
that will help implement EPA's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Program (EMAP). This program has the goal of monitoring and assessing the
status and trends of the ecological condition of the Great Lakes.
The Lake Explorer is an 82-foot vessel originally used by the Coast Guard
as a patrol boat for search and rescue operations. It has twin diesel engines and
can house a crew of 10 operators and scientists. Floyd Boettcher,
ERL-D, will serve as captain. The boat has a cruising speed of 18 knots
which makes it one of the fastest research vessels on the Great Lakes.
X
For more information please contact
Floyd Boettcher (218) 720-5701.
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RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Ankley, G.T., D.A. Benoit, R.A. Hoke, E.N. Leonard, C.W. West,
G.L. Phipps, V.R. Mattson and L.A. Anderson. 1993. Development
and evaluation of test methods for benthic invertebrates and
sediments: Effects of flow rate and feeding on water quality and
exposure conditons. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 25:12-19.
Ankley, G.T., V.R. Mattson, E.N. Leonard, C.W. West and J.L.
Bennett. 1993. Predicting the acute toxicity of copper in
freshwater sediments: Evaluation of the role of acid volatile
sulfide. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 12:315-320.
Ankley, G.T., G.J. Niemi, K.B. Lodge, H.J. Harris, D.L. Beaver,
D.E. Tillitt, T.R. Schwartz, J.P. Giesy, P.D. Jones and C.
Hagley. 1993. Uptake of planar polychlorinated biphenyls and
2, 3 , 7, 8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzdfurans and dibenzb-p-
dioxins by birds nesting in the lower Fox River/Green Bay,
Wisconsin, USA. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 24:332-344.
Benoit, D.A., G.L. Phipps and G.T. Ankley. 1993. A sediment
testing intermittent renewal system for the automated renewal of
overlying water in toxicity tests with contaminated sediments.
Water Res. 27:1403-1412.
Bradbury, S.P., J.M. Dady, P.N. Fitzsimmons, M.M. Voit, D.E.
Hammermeister and R.J. Erickson. 1993. Toxicokinetics and
metabolism of aniline and 4-chloroaniline in medaka Oryzias
latipes. Toxixol. Appl. Pharmacol. 118:205-214.
Brezonik, P.L., J.G. Eaton, T.M. Frost, P.J. Garrison, T.K.
Kratz, C.E. Mach, J.H. McCormick, J.A. Perry, W.A. Rose, C.J.
Sampson, B.C.L. Shelley, W.A. Swenson and K.E. Webster. 1993.
Experimental acidification of Little Rock Lake-, Wisconsin-:
Chemical and biological changes over the pH range 6.1 to 4.7.
Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Scl. 50:1101-1121.
Burkhard, L.P. and J.J. Jenson. 1993. Identification of
ammonia, chlorine and diazinon as toxicants in a municipal
effluent. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 25:506-515.
Cook, P.M., R.J. Erickson, R.L. Spehar, S.P. Bradbury and G.T.
Ankley. 1993. Interim report on data and methods for assessment
of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin risks to aquatic life and
associated wildlife. EPA 600/R-93/055, March, 1993 (Released in
April, 1993) .
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Detenbeck, N.E., C.A.. Johnston and G.J. Niemi. 1993. Wetland
effects on lake water quality in the Minneapolis/St. Paul
metropolitan area. Landscape Ecol. 8:39-61.
Drummond, R. 1993. Multiple newsbriefs or one newsletter for
all? Published in Government Communications, June, 1993.
Durhan, E.J., M.T. Lukasewycz and S. Baker. 1993. Alternatives
to methanol-water elution of solid-phase extraction columns for
the fractionation of high log Row organic compounds in aqueous
environmental samples. J. Chromatography 629:67-74 .
Eaton, J.G., W.A. Swensen, J.H. McCormick, T.D. Simonson and K.M.
Jensen. 1993. A field and laboratory investigation of acid
effects on largemouth bass, rock bass, black crappie and yellow
perch. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 121:644-658.
Featherstone, D., C.D. Drewes, J.R. Coats and S.P. Bradbury.
19'93. A_non-invasive neurotoxicity assay using larval medaka .
In: Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment: 2nd Volume,
ASTM STP 1216, 275-288. J.W. Gorsuch, F.J. Dwyer, C.G. Ingersoll
and T.W. LaPointe, Eds., American Society for Testing and
Materials, Philadelphia.
Harris, H.J., T.C. Erdman, G.T. Ankley and K.B. Lodge. 1993.
Measures of reproductive success and polychlorinated biphenyl
residues in eggs and chicks of-Forster's tern on Green Bay, Lake
Michigan-1988, Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 25:304-314.
Hoke, R.A. , J.P. Giesy, M. Zabik and M. linger. 1993. Toxicity
of sediments and sediment pore waters from the Grand Calumet
River-Indiana Harbor, Indiana area of concern. Ecotoxicol.
Environ. Saf. 26:86-112.
Jones,_P.D., G.T. Ankley, D.A. Best, R. Crawford, N. DeGalan,
J.P. Giesy, T.J. Kubiak, J.P. Ludwig, J.L. Newsted, D.E. Tillitt
and D.A. Verbrugge. 1993. Biomagnification of bioassay-derived
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents. Chemosphere
26:1203-1212.
Jones, P.D.., J.P. Giesy, J.L. Newsted, D.A. Verbrugge, D.L.
Beaver, G.T. Ankley, D.E. Tillitt, K.B. Lodge and G.J. Niemi.
1993. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents in tissues
of birds at Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA. Arch. Environ. Contam
Toxicol. 24:345-354.
Leino, R.Lv and J.H. McCormick. 1993. Responses of juvenile
largemouth bass to different pH and aluminum levels at
overwintering temperatures: effects on gill morphology,
electrolyte balance, scale calcium, liver glycogen and depot fat
Can. J. Zool. 71:531-543.
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Leonard, E.N., V.R. Mattson, D.A. Benoit, R.A. Hoke and G.T.
Ankley. 1993. Seasonal variation of acid volatile sulfide
concentration in sediment cores from three northeastern Minnesota
lakes. Hydrobiologia 271:87-95.
Lien, G.J. and J.M. McKim. 1993. Predicting branchial and
cutaneous uptake of 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl in fathead
minnows (Pimephales promelas) and Japanese medaka (Oryzias
latipes): Rate limiting factors. Aquat. Toxicol. 27:15-32.
McKim, J.M., Jr., J.M. McKim, Sr., S. Naumann, D.E.
Hammermeister, A.D. Hoffman and C.D. Klaassen. 1993. In vivo
microdialysis sampling of phenol and phenyl glucuronide in the
blood of unanesthetized rainbow trout: Implications for
toxicokinetic studies. Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 20:190-198.
Mekenyan, O.G., G.D. Veith, S.P. Bradbury and C.L. Russom. 1993.
Structure-toxicity relationships for a, (3 unsaturated alcohols in
fish. Quant. Struct.-Act. Relat. 12:132-136.
Nichols, J.W., J.M. McKim, G.J. Lien, A.D. Hoffman, S.L.
Bertelsen and C.A. Gallinat. 1993. Physiologically-based
toxicokinetic modeling of three waterborne chloroethanes in
channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Aquat. Toxicol. 27:83-112.
Niemi, G.J., N.E. Detenbeck and J.A. Perry. 1993. Comparative
analysis of variables to measure recovery rates in streams. Env.
Tox. and Chem. 12 (9) :1541-1547.
Norberg-King, T.J. and S. Schmidt. 1993. Comparison of effluent
toxicity results using Ceriodaphnia dubia cultured on several
diets. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 12:1945-1955.
Phipps, G.L., G.T. Ankley, D.A. Benoit and V.R. Mattson. 1993.
Use of the aquatic oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus for
assessing the toxicity and bioaccumulation of sediment-associated
contaminants. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 12:269-279.
Richards, C., G.E. Host and J.W. Arthur. 1993. Identification
of predominant environmental factors structuring stream
macroinvertebrate communities within a large agricultural
catchement. Freshwater Biol. 29:285-294.
Schubauer-Berigan, M.K., J.R. Amato, G.T. Ankley, S.E. Baker,
L.P. Burkhard, J.R. Dierkes, J.J. Jenson, M.T. Lukasewycz and
T.J. Norberg-King. 1993. The behavior and identification of
toxic metals in complex mixtures: Examples from effluent and
sediment pore water toxicity identification evaluations. Arch.
Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 24:298-306.
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Schubauer-Berigan, M.K., J.R. Dierkes, P.D. Monson and G.T.
Ankley. 1993.- pH-dependent toxicity of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn to
Ceriodaphnia dubia, Pimephales promelas, Hyalella azteca and
Lumbriculus varigatus. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 12:1261-1266.
Serrano, J., D.W. Kuehl and S. Naumann. 1993. Analytical
procedures and quality assurance criteria' for the determination
of major and minor deoxynucleosides in fish tissue DNA by liquid
chromatography-ultraviolet spectroscopy and liquid
chromatography-thermospray mass spectrometry. J. Chromatography:
Biomedical Applications 615:203-213.
Sierszen, M.E. and T.M. Frost. 1993. Response of predatory
zooplankton populations to the experimental acidification of
Little Rock Lake, Wisconsin. J. Plankton Res. 15:553-562.
Tillitt, D.E., T.J. Kubiak, G.T. Ankley and J.P. Giesy. 1993.
Dioxin-like potency in Forster's tern eggs from Green Bay, Lake
Michigan, North America. Chemosphere 26:2079-2084.
Velleux, M.L., J.E. Rathbun, R.G. Kreis, Jr., J.L. Martin, M.J.
Mac and M.L. Tuchman. 1993. Investigation of contaminant
transport from the Saginaw Confined Disposal Facility. J. Great
Lakes Res. 19 (1) :158-174.
West, C.W., V.R. Mattson, E.N. Leonard, G.L. Phipps and G.T.
Ankley. 1993. Comparison of the relative sensitivity of three
benthic invertebrates to copper-contaminated sediments from the
Keweenaw Waterway. Hydrobiologia 262:57-63.
*Many of our products are available in the open literature
and in books. EPA reports may be obtained by writing to:
Center for Environmental Research Information (CERI)
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268,
or purchased from the
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
5235 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161.
Also available are:
Spotlight on Research - 1991. EPA/600/R-92/026.
Spotlight on Research - 1992. EPA/600/R-93/029.
Bibliography of Research Products in the Fields of
Freshwater Ecology and Toxicology 1967-1990. NTIS.
EPA/600/3-90/071.
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