Geology topics

C.J. Schmitt

Publications and source records attributed to C.J. Schmitt.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2010

The H4IIE cell bioassay as an indicator of dioxin-like chemicals in wildlife and the environment

The H4IIE cell bioassay has proven utility as a screening tool for planar halogenated hydrocarbons (PHHs) and structurally similar chemicals accumulated in organisms from the wild. This bioassay has additional applications in hazard assessment of PHH exposed populations. In this review, the toxicological principles, current protocols, performance criteria, and field applications for the assay are described. The H4IIE cell bioassay has several advantages over the analytical measurement of PHHs in environmental samples, but conclusions from studies can be strengthened when both bioassay and analytical chemistry data are presented together. Often, the bioassay results concur with biological effects in organisms and support direct measures of PHHs. For biomonitoring purposes and prioritization of PHH-contaminated environments, the H4IIE bioassay may be faster and less expensive than analytical measurements. The H4IIE cell bioassay can be used in combination with other biomarkers such as in vivo measurements of CYP1A1 induction to help pinpoint the sources and identities of dioxin-like chemicals. The number of studies that measure H4IIE-derived TCDD-EQs continues to increase, resulting in subtle improvements over time. Further experiments are required to determine if TCDD-EQs derived from mammalian cells are adequate predictors of toxicity to non-mammalian species. The H4IIE cell bioassay has been used in over 300 published studies, and its combination of speed, simplicity, and ability to integrate the effects of complex containment mixtures makes it a valuable addition to hazard assessment and biomonitoring studies.

Critical Reviews in Toxicology↗

USGS2006

Biochemical changes in longear sunfish, Lepomis megalotis, associated with lead, cadmium and zinc from mine tailings

Longear sunfish were collected from a stream contaminated with mine tailings rich in lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). Blood samples were analysed for δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) activity and Pb concentration. Vertebrae were tested for bone strength and composition, and Pb, Zn, and Cd concentrations were determined in muscle tissue. ALA-D activity was negatively correlated with blood Pb concentration ( r =–0.66), and enzyme activity was significantly higher and blood Pb significantly lower at the reference site than at the contaminated sites. Blood Pb was highly correlated with Pb in muscle tissue ( r = 0.72), and the concentrations of Pb and Cd in muscle tissues were themselves correlated ( r = 0.64). In fish from contaminated sites, two of the mechanical properties of the vertebrae measured (elastic limit and modulus of elasticity) were significantly different from values in fish from the reference site. These properties and one other (stress) were weakly correlated with muscle Cd concentration (0.42 < r < 0.46). Biochemical differences among fish from different sites were also evident; concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and collagen were lower in the vertebrae of fish from some of the contaminated sites than at the reference site, and bone phosphorus was negatively correlated with concentrations of Pb in both muscle ( r =– 0.62) and blood ( r =– 0.75). Collectively, these results indicate that, in addition to the well-documented effects of Pb on haem synthesis, other important biochemical pathways may be disrupted by continuous low-level exposure to elemental contaminants.

Missouri↗

USGS1987

Effects of cover materials on leaching of constituents from dolomitic lead mine tailings

Five raised-bed test plots were used to study the effects of cover materials on the leaching of constituents from dolomitic Pb mine tailings over a 2-yr period. The cover materials studied were a fertilizer and seed mixture, anaerobically digested sewage sludge, loam and sod, and fallen leaves from silver maples ( Acer Saccharinum ); one plot was not covered. Fresh leachates and receiving pool waters were analyzed for ten metals, Si, P, inorganic anions, filterable organic carbon (FOC), and alkalinity. The mixture of fertilizer and seed decreased leaching of Pb and Zn during the first year. The leaf cover increased leaching of Pb during both years; this effect decreased as the leaves weathered. Sludge caused some increase in Pb leaching during the first year, and increased Cd leaching during both years. Concentrations of most leachate constituents decreased, and pH increased in the receiving pools. Concentrations of Pb remained higher in the receiving pool for the leaf-covered plot than in the other pools. Increases in leaching of Pb and Cd with a sludge cover were moderate, and the ability of the material to support plant growth on the tailings suggested that it may be a good medium for inducing growth of vegetative cover on the dolomitic tailings. Other organic materials may cause pronounced increase in the concentration of toxic trace metals in leachate from the tailings.

Missouri↗