&EPA
MED in Review
www.epa.gov
EPA/600/N-11/001
Spring 2011
United States Environmental
Protection Agency
Office of Research and
Development
National Health and
Environmental Effects
Research Laboratory
Mid-Continent Ecology
Division, Duluth,
Minnesota
In this Issue:
Research Events
Featured Research
Current Events
Upcoming Events
New Publications
MED Seminars
People
MED in Review Editor
Mary Ann Starus
(218)529-5075
starus.maryann@epa.gov
MED in Review Design
SES3 Contract
GS-35F-4594G
Task Order 1524
Research Events
PELLSTON WORKSHOP IN ET & C WITH NHEERL AUTHORS
Pellston workshops sponsored by the Society of Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) serve a
critical role in addressing emerging issues and cultivating new ideas in environmental
sciences. In April 2009, a Pellston workshop entitled "A Vision and a Strategy for Predictive
Ecotoxicology in the 21st Century: Defining Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) Associated
with Ecological Risk" was held in Forest Grove, OR. The workshop was supported through
contributions from the National Environment Research Council (UK), the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Proctor and Gamble, and EPA, and brought together 44 international experts to
discuss the role of current and future predictive approaches in the field of ecotoxicology.
Workshop products are featured as a series of six papers published in the January 2011 issue
of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. The manuscripts include a "Focus" article by the
workshop co-chairs, Dan Villeneuve of the Mid-Continent Ecology Division (MED) and
Natalia Garcia-Reyero of Jackson State University, providing background and major
conclusions from the meeting, as well as papers from each of the five workgroups at the
meeting dealing with (1) derivation of ecologically relevant AOPs from existing data, (2) use
of network modeling approaches based on genomic data to develop AOPs, (3) consideration
of the role of adaptation in assessing pathway-based toxicity, (4) species extrapolation of the
effects of toxic chemicals, and (5) use of AOPs to translate mechanistic data into
population-level responses. Among the authors of the other five papers were NHEERL
researchers Kevin Crofton and Miyuki Breen (Integrated Systems Toxicology Division);
Matthew Etterson, Gerald Ankley, and John Nichols (MED); and Stephen Edwards
(Immediate Office of the Associate Director for Health). The workshop products speak to the
need to develop a scientific foundation for the application of alternative data types (e.g.,
quantitative structure-activity relationships, in vitro, biomarkers, genomics) in support of
chemical screening and risk assessment. Contact: Dan Villeneuve (218) 529-5217.
Tramtript
amirs
Ecological Relevance
Depiction of adverse outcome pathways as a conceptual approach to bridge from mechanistic
information generated at the sub-organismal level to predicted consequences at higher levels of
organization (e.g., populations) considered relevant to ecological risk assessment - Kramer, V.J.,
M.A. Etterson, M. Hecker, C.A. Murphy, G. Roesijadi, D.J. Spade, J.A. Spromberg, M. Wang, and
G.T. Ankley. 2011. Adverse outcome pathways and ecological risk assessment: Bridging to
population-level effects. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 30 (1):64-76.
MED in Review
Mid-Continent Ecology Division
Duluth, MN
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NHEERL/NRMRL PROPOSAL SELECTED FOR ORD PATHFINDER INNOVATION PROJECT
An ORD Pathfinder Innovation Project proposal submitted by NHEERL and National
Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRML) scientists was recently selected for
award from among 117 total proposals. This project will use a transgenic Xenopus
laevis tadpole containing a thyroid hormone responsive reporter gene to evaluate the
utility and applicability of a newly developed portable flow-through fluorescence
detection system for small aquatic species. This thyroid signaling "biosensor" will be
used to identify thyroid disrupting potential of xenobiotics and environmental samples
including receiving and effluent waters at waste water treatment facilities.
Thyroid-disrupting chemicals can be structurally diverse due to the multiple potential
target sites at which to perturb the thyroid axis, so an assay that can detect disruption of
multiple pathways within this axis has advantages. Because thyroid hormone is critical
for development of multiple organ systems including neural development, and it plays
an important role in physiological homeostasis throughout life, there is considerable
health concern related to thyroid-disrupting chemicals in the environment. Furthermore, Xen°Pus tadPoles< Ton9 Zhan9< McGNI University
the molecular action of thyroid hormones is well-conserved across species making this project a unique opportunity to integrate both
human health and ecological environmental goals. Proposal title: Developing an Integrated Screening Assay for Detection of Thyroid
Hormone Disrupters: Environmental Samples and Chemicals of Concern. Mary Gilbert (NHEERL/TAD), Marc Mills and Joel Allen
(NRMRL), Kevin Crofton (NHEERL/ISTD) and Michael Hornung (NHEERL/MED). Contact: Mike Hornung (218) 529-5236.
MED SCIENTIST TO BRIEF MN AGENCIES ON MINERAL FIBER TOXICOLOGY
i
X
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The elongated particles/fibers are ferroactinolite
(amphibole) after simulated splitting in lung
following inhalation.
For the past eight years Philip Cook has provided technical assistance to the state of
Minnesota and EPA Region 5 with regard to data and models for assessment of potential
health risks associated with inhalation exposures to complex mixtures of elongated
amphibole mineral particles. Such particles are in airborne dusts associated with taconite
(iron) mining in northeastern Minnesota. The state's goal is to promulgate a new, more
scientifically based, site-specific air quality standard for Silver Bay, to replace the
standard originally required by a federal court ruling in the 1970s. Technical issues
include determination of relative cancer potencies for the elongated particles in taconite
dust emissions. This involves using models established through ongoing research at
MED, under EPA's Libby Action Plan, for a wide variety of mineral particles in
toxicology studies. The state is seeking broader federal advice and assistance for
completing their air standard. Phillip King, EPA Region 5 representative on the federal
Interagency Asbestos Working Group (IAWG), has arranged a conference call briefing
for the IAWG on May 5, 2011. Therein, Dr. Cook will present a summary of the relevant
toxicological data and emerging dose-response and particokinetic models applicable to
Minnesota's goal. State scientists then will provide an overview of their plans for development of the air quality standard, including
components that would benefit from further federal consultation and assistance. Contact: Dr. Philip Cook (218) 529-5202.
Featured Research
GREAT LAKES NEARSHORE ASSESSMENT
The Great Lakes nearshore area supplies drinking water, is a nursery region to fisheries, and provides recreational opportunities,
among many other ecosystem services. The nearshore area also receives waste water discharge and is a primary path for anthropogenic
stress to the whole of the Great Lakes. Water is actively discharged (point-sources) or flows across the landscape and ultimately winds
up in nearshore receiving waters (tributary mouths or direct coastal runoff) where it begins to mix into the lake. Complex processes
often obscure the linkages between various stresses from human activities in the surrounding watersheds to water quality in the Great
Lakes.
Continued on next page...
MED in Review
Mid-Continent Ecology Division
Duluth, MN
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GREAT LAKES NEARSHORE ASSESSMENT - CONTINUED
Our research supports legal obligations to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes
Basin Ecosystem under both the Clean Water Act (1972) and the Great Lakes Water Quality Act (1972, amended in 1978) agreed to
by the International Joint Commission (1909) between Canada and the United States. Monitoring programs have been established in
open water offshore regions of the Great Lakes (EPA Great Lakes National Program Office, GLNPO), while the nearshore has been
largely ignored until recently because it has been considered too variable and dynamic, and too difficult to monitor using traditional
sampling techniques. We have been developing assessment methods and strategies for the Great Lakes nearshore that will complement
the open water monitoring to deal with the large spatial scales and variability, and the identification of multiple stressors as part of our
long range goal for a comprehensive observation system for the Great Lakes basin (Kelly and Yurista submitted).
We have developed a time efficient observation strategy for assessing the nearshore that is effective at detecting conditions and
depicting significant water quality and biology features at multiple scales from localized regions to the whole nearshore for a lake
(Yurista and Kelly 2009). Three primary elements are intertwined in the strategy: electronic instrumentation for high resolution and
high-density data (backed up by point samples), a towing approach to optimize coverage at multiple spatial scales that is time efficient,
and a GIS for linkage to landscape stress. The electronic instrumentation we have deployed included a CTD (conductivity,
temperature, and depth), fluorometer (algal fluorescence), transmissometer (light transmittance), nitrate analyzer (NO3), and LOPC
(laser optical plankton counter). The tow approach consists of a long continuous tow at a specified depth contour (20-m). The GIS
(Danz et al. 2005) was developed under an EPA STAR grant project (Niemi et al. 2006).
We conducted a pilot exercise in 2004 (Figure 1) that provided us with an unprecedented set of nearshore data to explore and some
additional concerns to address (Yurista and Kelly 2009).
Figure 1
Duluth/5up=riDr
Bayfi=ld Wl
Ontonagon Ml
Our continued studies have allowed us to address some these issues more fully (Yurista et al. submitted JGLR, submitted CJFAS):
1) How broadly can a single depth contour represent the nearshore environment using in situ sensors? 2) Does water quality condition
in the nearshore region across all the Great Lakes correlate with the character of adjacent watersheds? 3) How dependable is a single
tow during summer peak production as an estimate of conditions in the nearshore? We also addressed tow survey measurements
across multiple spatial scales and time. The tow at a depth contour (20-m) was representative of a broader depth region (10 to 30 m).
The observed patterns have continuity over time given the dynamic nature of the nearshore environment (Yurista et al. submitted
JGLR, submitted CJFAS). The high-density data we have collected provided strong statistical power for correlating nearshore water
quality with adjacent landscape character (Yurista and Kelly 2009, Yurista et al. submitted AEHMS, submitted JGLR, submitted
CJFAS). The relationship between nearshore water variables and GIS characterization of associated landscape was observed to be
strong (Yurista and Kelly 2009, Yurista et al. submitted CJFAS). Landuse in the associated watersheds explained as much as 73% of
Continued on next page...
MED in Review
Mid-Continent Ecology Division
Duluth, MN
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GREAT LAKES NEARSHORE ASSESSMENT - CONTINUED
the variance in various variables measured along the nearshore. The nearshore region retains a consistent pattern that is not
substantially changed by weather patterns and events, and gives confidence to a single monitoring event during a reference time frame
(Yurista et al. submitted AEHMS, submitted JGLR, submitted CJFAS).
Status
We have completed our major field operations in all of the Great Lakes (2010).
Some analyses have been published, submitted, and some in preparation for publication.
We have provided technology transfer and basic training in data processing to GLNPO personnel.
Much data mining still ahead (giga bytes).
Our basic conclusion is that for the nearshore, while highly variable, monitoring is tractable and we have demonstrated a powerful
monitoring strategy to accomplish it.
References
Danz, N.P., R.R. Regal, G.J. Niemi, V. Brady, T. Hollenhorst, L.B. Johnson, G.E. Host, J.M. Hanowski, C.A. Johnston, T. Brown,
J. Kingston, J.R. Kelly. 2005. Environmentally stratified sampling design for the development of Great Lakes environmental
indicators. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 102: 41-65.
Kelly, J.R. and P.M. Yurista. Integrated assessment of large lakes with synoptic in situ technologies: linking nearshore conditions with
adjacent watersheds, submitted AEHMS, Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management Society.
Niemi, G.J., R.P. Axler, V.J. Brady, J. Brazner, T.N. Brown, J.H. Ciborowski, N.P. Danz, J.M. Hanowski, T.P. Hollenhorst, R. Howe,
L.B. Johnson, C.A. Johnston, E.D. Reavie, M. Simcik, D. Swackhamer. 2006. Environmental indicators of the U.S. Great Lakes
coastal region. Report NRRI/TR-2006/11 to the USEPA STAR Program, ver.l. Agreement R82-8675, Washington, DC. Prepared
by Great Lakes Environmental Indicators Collaboration, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth.
Yurista, P.M. and J.R. Kelly. 2009. Spatial patterns of water quality and plankton from high-resolution continuous in situ sensing
along a 537-km nearshore transect of western Lake Superior, 2004. In: M. Munawar, I.F. Munawar (Eds.), State of Lake
Superior, Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management Society, Burlington, ON, Canada; pp. 439-471.
Yurista, P.M., J.R. Kelly, S.E. Miller.Lake Superior: nearshore variability and a landscape driver concept, submitted AEHMS,
Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management Society.
Yurista, P.M., J.R. Kelly, S. Miller, J. VanAlstine. Lake Ontario: nearshore variability, submitted JGLR, Journal of Great Lakes
Research.
Yurista, P.M., J.R. Kelly, S. Miller, J. VanAlstine. Water quality and plankton in the US nearshore waters of Lake Huron, submitted
CJFAS, Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences.
Contact: Peder Yurista (218) 529-5148.
USING LARVAL FISH IN COASTAL WETLANDS TO INDICATE WETLAND CONDITION AND CONNECTIVITY
t.
G. Peterson (left) and J. Hoffman (center) retrieve a tucker trawl
sample from aboard the R/V Prairie Sounder. The trawl is used to
collect fish larvae in the water column. The instrument mounted to
the top bar of the trawl measures water conductivity, temperature,
and depth and transmits the data in real-time to the research vessel.
Great Lakes coastal wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that
support a large portion of Great Lakes fishes. Coastal wetlands,
however, are highly responsive to watershed development, and
continued anthropogenic change will alter the condition and function
of these systems. Our research has focused on evaluating chemical
biomarkers, particularly carbon (513C) and nitrogen (515N) stable
isotope values, in fish larvae as indicators of wetland function. Our
interest in using fish larvae is two-fold. First, a fish-based indicator
would have an immediate connection to the general public. Second,
fish larvae have relatively fast responses to environmental conditions
(weeks to months) on potentially small spatial scales (kilometers),
and thus could be used to test functional differences with respect to
time, hydrology, or landscape character. The importance of this work
to EPA is that it will advance our understanding of landscape-scale
effects on coastal ecosystem function, and fish production, a
high-value ecosystem service of coastal wetlands.
Continued on next page...
MED in Review
Mid-Continent Ecology Division
Duluth, MN
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USING LARVAL FISH IN COASTAL WETLANDS - CONTINUED
Our first research objective was to characterize how these
biomarkers change along river-lake transition zones in
coastal wetlands where seiches force lake water inland. The
513C and 515N are useful biomarkers because they provide
information on the functional attributes of ecosystems. In
consumers such as fish 513C values are conserved along a
food chain; thus, where primary producers (e.g., aquatic
vegetation versus phytoplankton) have different 513C values,
513C can trace energy sources fueling a food web. In
contrast, the 515N value of a consumer is consistently much
higher than its prey and so 515N is useful for determining
trophic level. However, in systems where two different
hydrologic sources with distinct geochemistry mix, such as
estuaries (where river and sea water mix) or perhaps Great
Lakes coastal tributaries ("freshwater estuaries," where river
and Great Lake water mix), there is strong geochemical
control on the natural abundance of stable isotopes. This
aspect of geochemical control needs to be understood to
utilize these biomarkers.
In 2006, for our pilot study, we characterized stable isotope
mixing along the river-Great Lake transition zone in the St.
Louis River, an important fish nursery in western Lake
Superior. At five stations in the lower river that ranged from
low to high lake influence, we measured all components of
the food web to determine the change in 513C and 515N. We
found that all food web components shared a common
isotopic pattern and generalized spatial trend along the
river-lake transition zone. The most plausible underlying
cause was strong geochemical influence arising from
physical mixing of Lake Superior and St. Louis River waters.
Specifically, we found that the 513C change along the mixing
zone was recorded in the isotopic signatures of primary
producers such as phytoplankton and benthic algae. This was
important because it meant that the seiche-driven interaction
between lake and river water produced a biomarker (513C)
that contained spatial information.
Because 513C carries both food web and spatial information,
we could use it to characterize the spatial dynamics of fish
production in the St. Louis River. This is an important aspect
of understanding the spatial scale to which fish respond;
because they are highly mobile, there is a good deal of
uncertainty as to whether a fish can provide information
about the quality of a specific place. In brief, we found that
the fish assemblage specific to any location along the
transition zone incorporated energy sources from across the
watershed. Notably, black crappie and rock bass fed within a
small geographic range on consumers that utilize local
primary producers such as phytoplankton and epiphytic
algae, implying these species can indicate local conditions.
Other fishes fed throughout the transition zone or fed on prey
from adjacent habitat (Lake Superior). This approach for
delineating trophic linkages is widely applicable to estuaries
and Great Lakes coastal wetlands because this physical
property of hydrologic mixing inherent to the St. Louis River
is held in common with many coastal receiving waters, both
freshwater and marine. We conclude that fishery production
within the St. Louis River is supported at multiple spatial
scales. Thus, we would expect a complex response to
watershed disturbance. Results from our pilot study were recent
published in the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation's journal
Estuaries and Coasts.
Our second research goal was to evaluate the use of larval fish 513C
and 515N as indicators of landscape-scale processes. In 2007-2008,
we sampled coastal wetlands in five Lake Superior south shore
tributaries that had contrasting landcover attributes, but similar
agricultural practices within their watersheds and their receiving
coastal waters. Preliminary results demonstrate that 513C was largely
controlled by the source geochemistry of the water in which the fish
was caught, which reflected the mixing of river and lake water in the
lower portions of these rivers, giving rise to pronounced river-to-lake
513C gradients within these tributaries. This is consistent with our
pilot study that demonstrated the importance of geochemical control
on 513C. Likewise, the 515N value in fish was strongly influenced by
mixing of river and lake water. However, after accounting for this
influence, we found that the 515N in larval fish is strongly correlated
to both the nitrogen concentration of the water in which the fish was
captured, as well as the human pressure on the landscape (measured
as either the percent of developed land or the human population
density in the watershed; Figure 1). Our 515N findings are
particularly interesting with respect to indicator development
because they suggest that there are nested scales of watershed
response to human-caused change. At a lake basin scale, researchers
at MED have shown 515N responds to regional-scale changes in
agriculture practices. At a regional scale in which agriculture
practices are similar, our study suggests 515N is sensitive to human
pressures, likely responding to sources of waste water contributed by
humans to the local watershed. Thus, larval fish are a potentially
powerful indicator of nutrient pollution at both watershed and
within-watershed scales.
lower pop.
density, [NHJ
.... higher pop.
density, [NHJ
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USING LARVAL FISH IN COASTAL WETLANDS - CONTINUED
Numerous individuals have contributed to this research
effort, including Jon Van Alstine, Tim Corry,
Anne Cotter, John R. Kelly, Greg Peterson, Lindsey
Seifert, Mike Sierszen, Matthew Starry, and Corlis West.
For more information, see Hoffman, J.C., A.M. Cotter,
G.S. Peterson, and J.R. Kelly. 2010. Using stable isotope
mixing in a Great Lakes coastal tributary to determine
food web linkages in young fishes. Estuaries and Coasts 33:1391-1405,
DOI: 10.1007/S12237-010-9295-0.
This research was also featured in EPA's Science Notebook:
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/sciencenb/wetlands/wetlands-grtlakes.html
Contact: Joel Hoffman (218) 529-5420.
NEW FATHEAD MINNOW SEX DETERMINATION METHOD
Division scientists recently published a manuscript in Environmental Science & Technology describing the developmental of methods
for determining the genetic sex of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). The article was featured in a news story in Chemical and
Engineering News. Fathead minnows are one of the most utilized model testing species
in environmental toxicology and have been used in toxicity testing for over 50 years.
^ Until this work, it was not possible to determine the genetic sex, as the sex chromosomes
in this species have not been identified. The ability to evaluate genetic sex is particularly
important in assessing endocrine disrupters, which are chemicals that interfere with and
mimic an organism's hormones. Early larval exposure to these types of toxicants can
result in aberrant sexual development and can lead to complete sex reversal. In these
cases, an individual will possess all the normal characteristics of the opposite sex and
even be fully capable of reproducing. The only difference between a sex-reversed and
normal fish would be in the DNA, which the described genetic sexing method would be
able to determine.
Development of this method was accomplished by using amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis to identify sex-linked DNA
markers. From one of these markers, a simple PCR-based method was developed for determining genetic sex in experiments. This PCR
method was designed to be simple and cost-effective, such that any laboratory possessing basic molecular biology instruments would
be able to incorporate genetic sexing into their research. A major
advantage to using this method in toxicity testing of endocrine
disrupters is that it allows for greater statistical power in assessing
changes to gonad differentiation and development, and also
reduces the numbers of animals needed for testing.
.......
1
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: '
,, I ' ', AflM
Chromatogram trace of the DNA sequence of the sex-linked marker used
in the method.
This method is currently being employed along several lines of
research here at the Division and in collaboration with other
research groups. In a research effort headed by Carlie Lalone,
Division postdoctoral researcher, to characterize the effects of
Pharmaceuticals, this method has been incorporated into toxicity
testing to assess the ability of a chemical to alter sexual
differentiation of fathead minnows. This method is also being used to evaluate sexually-dimorphic patterns of growth in juvenile
fathead minnows for use in population-level modeling efforts by Division research teams. Researchers at St. Cloud State and Purdue
Universities are using genetic sex information to characterize the earliest events of gonad differentiation, both histologically and
through gene expression, at developmental stages in which the differences between males and females are not readily apparent.
References:
Olmstead, A.W., D.L. Villeneuve, G.T. Ankley, J.E. Cavallin, A. Lindberg-Livingston, L.C. Wehmas, and S.J. Degitz. 2011. A method
for the determination of genetic sex in the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas, to support testing of endocrine-active
chemicals. Environmental Science & Technology 45:3090-3095.
Cassiday, L. New Method Spots Gender-Bending Minnows, Chemical & Engineering News, 89(11), March 14, 2011.
Contact: Allen Olmstead (218) 529-5122.
MED in Review
Mid-Continent Ecology Division
Duluth, MN
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Current Events
ORD LEADERS VISIT THE DIVISION TO HIGHLIGHT THE PATH FORWARD
April brought visits to the Division by two ORD leaders to discuss EPA Assistant Administrator Paul Anastas' "Path Forward." Dr. Hal
Zenick, Director of ORD's National Health and Environmental Effects Laboratory, visited on April 11-12 to discuss future research
directions under the new integrated transdisciplinary research themes. Division managers and staff discussed with Dr. Zenick future
research under the ORD programs in Chemicals for Safety and Sustainability, Sustainable and Healthy Communities, and Sustainable
and Safe Water. On April 21, Ramona Trovato, ORD Associate Administrator, visited the Division to hold discussions with Division
managers and a Town Hall meeting with staff to highlight progress under the Path Forward. Ms. Trovato also attended the Division's
Earth Day Pancake Breakfast. Contact: Janet Keough (218) 529-5025.
COMMISSION MIXTE INTERNATIONALE
IJC CONSULTATION ON EFFECT-BASED MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES -APRIL 6-7, 2011, CHICAGO, IL
The International Joint Commission (IJC), the bi-national commission authorized by the 1909
Boundary Waters Treaty to help coordinate and resolve boundary water issues between
Canada and the United States, held a consultation at the Great Lake National Program Office
(GLNPO) to address the need for a strategy to deal with so called "Chemicals of Emerging
Concern" (CECs). Historically, both countries have had strong analytical monitoring
programs which evaluate concentrations of chemicals in various Great Lakes media. Such
monitoring programs have been instrumental in understanding the distribution and occurrence of selected chemicals, including legacy
compounds. Recently, these monitoring efforts have been broadened in scope and consequently have detected various CECs
(Pharmaceuticals, personal care products, flame retardants, etc.) across the Great Lakes. Despite a strong history of systematic
analytical monitoring, less effort has been put forth on monitoring biota for effects. Consequently, significant uncertainties exist with
respect to the assessment of CECs. Recognizing this gap in information, the GLNPO has been working, with ORD support, to develop
a strategy to implement broader effects-based monitoring and surveillance programs across the Great Lakes. This meeting initiated an
IJC discussion about how to move forward with monitoring and surveillance recommendations. The consultation was attended by
approximately 40 scientists from Canadian and US governmental agencies, industry, and academia. It was also attended by
Commissioner Lana Pollack, the US Section Chair. Division scientists, Joe Tietge and Gary Ankley, also participated in the meeting in
support of GLNPO's effort. Following the consultation, a draft strategy will be prepared, taking into account the discussions at the
consultation, and this strategy will be submitted to the IJC for consideration. Contact: Joe Tietge (218) 529-5176.
Upcoming Events
MED SCIENCE AND SCIENTISTS PLAY CENTRAL ROLE IN UPCOMING IAGLR CONFERENCE
The 54th International Conference on Great Lakes Research - "Big Lakes - Big World" - will be held in Duluth May 30-June 3. A
great program is in store with plenary talks on Lake Baikal, African lakes, and invasive species, plus more than 35 scientific sessions
exploring large-lakes research that crosses borders, disciplines, and temporal and spatial scales. Also on the agenda are Great Lakes
science and policy, including areas as diverse as ecology, limnology, habitat, fisheries, invasive species, contaminants, climate, and
water quality, as well as the vital intersections of these topics. The Division is co-hosting this event, along with University of MN
Duluth (UMD), MN Sea Grant Program, Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute, MN Pollution Control Agency, and others. MED
ecologist Dr. Anett Trebitz is co-chair for the scientific program, with Dr. Jay Austin of UMD's Large Lakes Observatory. MED
research intersects Great Lakes issues across a broad spectrum of science including toxicology, nutrient effects, and biological
condition. MED staff are authors or co-authors on over 15 oral or poster presentations to be given at this meeting, and will co-chair
these sessions:
Exploring Food Web Linkages and Dynamics in the Upper Great Lakes: Past, Present and Future - Jack Kelly
Linkages between the Landscape and Great Lakes Coastal Ecosystems - Joel Hoffman, Peder Yurista, John Morrice
Assessing Effects of Toxic Substances in the Great Lakes - Joe Tietge
Nutrients, Eutrophication, Hypoxia, and Harmful Algal Blooms - Mark Rowe, James Pauer/ICF, David Miller
Science to Management in the St. Louis River Area of Concern - Brent Bellinger.
Contact: Anett Trebitz (218) 529-5209, http://www.iaglr.org/conference/index.php
MED in Review
Mid-Continent Ecology Division
Duluth, MN
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LAKE SUPERIOR Bi NATIONAL SURVEY
The Division and the Ashland station of the USGS are conducting a set of field surveys at the request of the Binational Lake Superior
Work Group (SWG), a group of state, federal, tribal, and provincial agencies who are implementing priorities of the Lake Superior
Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP). Through the LaMP, the SWG has been leading efforts for Lake Superior under a Coordinated
Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) over the past few years. MED and USGS agreed to lead the design and coordination of this
2011 effort, partnering to accomplish a historic, integrated (water quality to fish) lakewide sampling using the same sampling design
framework for all measures. Funds for field and laboratory analyses have been provided by EPA's Great Lakes National Program
Office (GLNPO) in Chicago.
Lakewide sampling of a 56-station set, using a spatially-balanced random probability survey design, is planned for summer 2011.
Planned measurements include: water quality (nutrients and carbon, cations, anions, vertical CTD++ profiles), "lower" food web
(LFW) components (microbial biomass and activity; species composition and abundance; and biomass of phytoplankton, zooplankton,
mysids, and benthos), and fish (species abundance and biomass from bottom trawls and acoustic mid-water surveys).
Surveys will be conducted in three phases at the whole set of sites. A survey using bottom trawls (day
sampling) will run from 27 June to 22 July. A second fish survey with acoustics (night sampling) will
be conducted from 1 August to 22 September. A third survey for LFW components and water quality
will be conducted in early September (Sept 6-16), duplicating the time of previous extensive
biological lakewide surveys (1973, 2005/2006). The first two (fisheries) surveys will be conducted
from the R/V Kiyi, operated for fisheries assessment by the USGS Ashland station. The September
survey will be conducted from the R/V Lake Guardian, operated for lake monitoring/assessment by
GLNPO. A fourth, complementary, survey is currently planned in late August/early September: the
R/V Lake Explorer II, operated for ecosystem assessment research by MED, will use
continuously-towed in situ sensors to conduct high resolution spatial transects from shore to mid-lake,
to supplement the 56-station data.
Photo by John Simenson, UMD
Large Lakes Observatory
A map of planned stations, and more details of still-emerging plans will be available soon. Future plans include a schedule for
preliminary report out of information, and possibly another Ecology of Lake Superior-style conference in late 2012 or early 2013.
Contact: John R. (Jack) Kelly (218) 529-5119.
New Publications since January 12, 2011
Ekman, D.R., D.L. Villeneuve, Q. Teng, K.J. Ralston-Hooper,
D. Martinovic-Weigelt, M.D. Kahl, K.M. Jensen, E.J. Durhan,
E.A. Makynen, G.T. Ankley, and T.W. Collette. 2011. Use of gene
expression, biochemical and metabolite profiles to enhance exposure
and effects assessment of the model androgen 17 -trenbolone in fish.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 30:319-329.
Hill, B.H., D.W. Bolgrien, A.T. Herlihy, T.M. Jicha, and T.R. Angradi.
2011. A synoptic survey of nitrogen and phosphorus in tributary
streams and great rivers of the Upper Mississippi River basin. Water,
Air, and Soil Pollution 216:605-619.
Korte, J.J., R.M. Sternberg, J.A. Serrano, K.R. Thoemke, S.M. Moen,
K.E. Lillegard, M.W. Hornung, J.E. Tietge, and S.J. Degitz. 2011.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Measurement of intracellular,
secreted, and circulating hormone in Xenopus laevis andXenopus
tropicalis. General and Comparative Endocrinology 171:319-325.
Kramer, V.J., M.A. Etterson, M. Hecker, C.A. Murphy, G. Roesijadi,
D.J. Spade, J.A. Spromberg, M. Wang, and G.T. Ankley. 2011.
Adverse outcome pathways and ecological risk assessment: Bridging
to population-level effects. Environmental Toxicology and
Chemistry 30:64-76.
Jayaraman, S., M.L. Knuth, M. Cantwell, and A. Santos.
2011. High performance liquid chromatographic
analysis of phytoplankton pigments using a C16
-Amide column. Journal of Chromatography
A,online at doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2011.03.058.
Martinovic-Weigelt, D., R.-L. Wang, D.L. Villeneuve,
D.C. Bencic, J. Lazorchak, and G.T. Ankley. 2011.
Gene expression profiling of androgen receptor
antagonists flutamide and vinclozolin in zebrafish
(Danio rerio) gonads. Aquatic Toxicology 101:
447-458.
Olmstead, A.W., D.L. Villeneuve, G.T. Ankley,
J.E. Cavallin, A. Lindberg-Livingston,
L.C. Wehmas, and S.J. Degitz. 2011. A method for
the determination of genetic sex in the fathead
minnow, Pimephalespromelas, to support testing of
endocrine-active chemicals. Environmental Science
& Technology 45:3090-3095.
Continued on next page...
MED in Review
Mid-Continent Ecology Division Duluth, MN
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PUBLICATIONS - CONTINUED
Pauer, J.J., A.M. Anstead, W. Melendez, K.W. Taunt, and R.G. Kreis Jr.
2011. Revisiting the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
phosphorus targets and predicting the trophic status of Lake
Michigan. Journal of Great Lakes Research 37:26-32.
Porter, K.L., A.W. Olmstead, D.M.Kumsher, W.E. Dennis, R.L. Sprando,
G.W. Holcombe, J.J. Korte, A. Lindberg-Livingston, S.J. Degitz.
2011. Effects of 4-tert-octylphenol on Xenopus tropicalis in a long
term exposure. Aquatic Toxicology 103:159-169, online at
doi:10.1016/i.aquatox.2011.02.019.
Skolness, S.Y., E.J. Durhan, N. Garcia-Reyero, K.M. Jensen, M.D. Kahl,
E.A. Makynen, D. Martinovic, E. Perkins, D.L. Villeneuve, and
G.T. Ankley. Effects of a short-term exposure to the fungicide
prochloraz on endocrine function and gene expression in female
fathead minnows (Pimephalespromelas). Aquatic Toxicology
103:170-178, online at doi: 10.1016/i.aquatox.2011.02.016, June
issue.
Walters, D., M. Mills, B. Cade, and L.P. Burkhard.
Trophic magnification of PCBs and its relationship
to the octanol-water partition coefficient.
Environmental Science & Technology, online at
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/esl03158s.
Wehmas, L.C., J.E. Cavallin, E.J. Durhan, M.D. Kahl,
D. Martinovic, J. Mayasich, T. Tuominen,
D.L. Villeneuve, and G.T. Ankley. 2011. Screening
complex effluents for estrogenic activity with the
T47D-Kbluc cell bioassay: Assay optimization and
comparison to in vivo responses in fish.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
30:439-445.
Xia, X. and D.H. Miller. 2011. The stratification
analysis of sediment data for Lake Michigan.
Journal of Data Science 9(2).
MED Seminars
January 26
Olufemi Adedeji, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Surface water pollution in Nigeria - impacts on aquaculture and prospects
February 2
Pamela Shubat & Helen Goeden, MN Dept. of Health
Prioritization strategies related to Pharmaceuticals in the environment
February 9
Dr. Robert Hecky, UM Duluth Biology & Large Lakes Observatory
Paleolimnological application of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes to reconstruct the
productivity history of African and North American Great Lakes
February 16: MED Research Forum
Dr. Dan Villeneuve, Elucidating adverse outcome pathways associated with the reproductive axis - small fish computational
toxicology
March 2
Dr. Phil Cook, MED
The long search for a holistic model of relative potency for assessment of complex mixtures of respirable elongated particles for
mesothelioma potential
March 16: MED Research Forum
Dr. Peder Yurista, Great Lakes nearshore research - monitoring designs
Dr. Jan Keough, ORD research planning updates
March 30
Drs. Chris & Tom Custer, USGS, LaCrosse, WI
Birds as indicators of contaminant exposure in the Great Lakes
April 13
Michelle Embry, ILSI-HESI, Washington, DC
A seat at the table: improving environmental risk assessment through HESI's global collaborative programs
MED in Review
Mid-Continent Ecology Division Duluth, MN
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SEMINARS - CONTINUED
April 20: MED Research Forum
* Mike Sierszen, Developing indicators of ecosystem services for Great Lakes coastal wetlands
* Chris Russom, What's new with the ECOTOX Knowledge System?
April 27
Dr. Brent Bellinger, MED
Ecosystem responses to active management in a eutrophic area of the Florida Everglades
May 4
Don Schreiner, MNDNR - topic pending
May 11
Dr. John Nichols, MED
In vitro models for metabolism
May 18: MED Research Forum
Dr. David Bolgrien, Ecosystem benefits from Great Lakes embayments
Dr. Sig Degitz, Development of the EDSP Tier 2 frog reproductive development test
May 25
Nathan Johnson, UMD Water Resources, Dept. of Civil Engineering - topic pending
People
Guest Worker Olufemi Bolarinwa Adedeji (Femi) joined the Division January 5, coming from the
Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
The Niger Delta has an enormously rich natural endowment of land, water, forests, and fauna. Oil
prospecting and spills have severely degraded these assets, pushing many people into poverty, as natural
resources have traditionally been primary sources of sustenance. Other pollution sources include
agricultural chemicals, dredging activities, waste dumping and gas flaring, mining, thermal sources,
logging, effluent from slaughterhouse and food processing outlets, and dumps - all with generally
inadequate clean up.
Nigeria is entirely within the tropics and subject to heavy rains. Most of the landfills and dumpsites are usually unlined, so toxic wastes
leak or leach into the soil, contaminating underground water. Waste from dump sites, landfills, and land spreads wash into surface
water bodies, and inland and coastal waters are used for waste disposal. This pollution poses a serious threat to the sustainability of the
water resources through damage to soil, water, and air, causing loss of biodiversity; loss of aquatic resources/food security/food safety;
loss of means of subsistence, especially fishing; and public health hazards.
Nigeria lacks appropriate methods, facilities, and staff to detect, monitor, and mitigate pollution. The way forward to environmental
protection requires political will, education and research, effective government policy, enforceable legislation, recognition of the right
to an adequate standard of living, monitoring of pollution sources and aquatic ecosystem health, and clean up and rehabilitation.
Femi is particularly interested in the use of biomarkers (naturally occurring molecules, genes, or characteristics by which a particular
pathological or physiological process, disease, etc. can be identified) as a sensitive early warning tool to measure biological effects in
environmental quality assessments. Biomarkers can give information on the biological effects of pollutants, rather than a mere
quantification of environmental levels, and applied both in laboratory and field studies, can provide an important linkage between
laboratory toxicity and field-based assessments.
Femi's goal while at MED is to improve his teaching and research abilities, to learn to use biotechnology in ecological studies and
pollution monitoring, to be exposed to current trends in ecotoxicological studies, and to learn more about the use of biomarkers. He
hopes to bridge the gap in knowledge and skilled personnel in both the University and Nigeria, to translate existing knowledge into
practice towards environmental protection. The University will grow as a leader in ecosystem health studies, and will benefit from its
current and future connection with EPA. Femi will be here until the end of June. He is in room 140, x5250.
MED in Review
Mid-Continent Ecology Division
Duluth, MN
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