Effects of monocrotophos and fenthion on discrimination acquisition and reversal in northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)

J.F. Kreitzer; W. James Fleming

doi:10.1002/etc.5620070307

Home/Archive/USGS

USGS · 5220745

Effects of monocrotophos and fenthion on discrimination acquisition and reversal in northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)

J.F. Kreitzer·W. James Fleming

View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Adult male northern bobwhite ( Colinus virginianus ) were fed diets containing organo-phosphorus pesticides, and the birds' discrimination acquisition and reversal performance was evaluated. The birds received the pesticide-laced diets continually, beginning 2 d before behavioral testing and ending after the birds completed the test series consisting of an acquisition and 10 reversals. Bobwhites fed a diet containing 0.18 ppm monocrotophos made 118% more errors ( p ± 0.05) than did controls during reversals but not during acquisition. The behavior of bobwhites fed diets containing 0.02 and 0.06 ppm monocrotophos was not different from that of controls. Acquisition performance of bobwhites fed a diet containing 7 ppm fenthion was not different ( p > 0.05) from that of controls; however, bobwhites fed the fenthion diet made 48% fewer errors ( p ± 0.05) in the reversals. When retested after 18 (monocrotophos) and 73 (fenthion) d on clean diets, no residual behavioral effects were detected. Brain cholinesterase activity was inhibited in all treatment groups.

Explore related subjects

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Article

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeX RIS

J.F. Kreitzer, W. James Fleming. 1988-03-01. Effects of monocrotophos and fenthion on discrimination acquisition and reversal in northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5620070307

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

USGS2026

Using organic compounds and salt mixtures to investigate potential mechanisms of major ion toxicity to the mayfly Neocloeon triangulifer

Field assessments and laboratory studies have demonstrated that mayflies (Ephemeroptera) are relatively sensitive to increased concentrations of major geochemical ions (Na + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , K + , Cl − , SO 4 2− , HCO 3 − /CO 3 2- ), but much remains to be learned about potential mechanisms of toxicity. In the present study, we sought to determine whether solution osmolarity is sufficient to predict the toxic effects of major ions to a mayfly, Neocloeon triangulifer . We further investigated whether binary mixtures of major ion salts with common cations or common anions provide evidence of concentration addition or independent action, potentially illuminating toxicity drivers for this species. Finally, we sought to determine if there are mechanisms for major ion toxicity to mayflies that are comparable to those for other species. The toxicity of single salts showed a Ca-dependent correlation with the total component concentration (the sum of individual ion concentrations, a close correlate of osmolarity), but the effect concentrations were well below those causing toxicity from mannitol (presumed to have only an osmotic effect), suggesting that a general osmotic effect is not responsible for major ion toxicity in this species. The mixture experiments consistently indicated additive toxicity and consistency with the relationship to total component concentration, which supports a single toxic mechanism and thus no evidence for ion-specific mechanisms, as reported for other species. Given the lack of evidence of ion-specific toxicity, the total component metric is likely useful for a broad range of ionic compositions.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry↗

USGS2026

Accumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their association with immune parameters in nestling ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) from Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, USA

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of widespread, environmentally persistent compounds that pose a potential threat to wildlife and human health. Despite recent efforts to reduce the use of long-chain PFAS in industrial practices and commercial/consumer products, the persistence and solubility of PFAS have led to their detection in wildlife on a global scale. Osprey ( Pandion haliaetus ) have long been used as a sentinel species with an extensive history of serving as an effective bioindicator of contamination. Here we report on a large-scale evaluation of PFAS and potential health effects in osprey from the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, USA. In 2011 and 2015, we collected plasma samples from osprey nestlings throughout the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay watersheds. We quantified 40 PFAS congeners in osprey plasma via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and analyzed plasma for indicators of immune and thyroid function, and plasma biochemistry. In all birds, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was the most commonly detected PFAS, followed by perfluoroundecanoic acid, (PFUnA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA). In nestling plasma from Chesapeake Bay, PFOS tended to be a higher average contributor to PFAS profiles compared to samples from Delaware Bay. In contrast, long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) such as PFUnA and PFDA comprised larger percentages of total PFAS in osprey plasma from Delaware Bay relative to Chesapeake Bay. While some PFAS concentrations were associated with plasma health indicators, the proportion of variation explained was low. Overall, our study provides a more thorough understanding of PFAS presence in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays and is one of the first to examine whether PFAS exposure is associated with adverse health effects in wildlife.

Chesapeake and Delaware Bays↗

USGS2025

A critical perspective on the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry’s adherence to founding principles—Opportunities for the future

The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) is a global organization whose mission is the advancement of environmental science and the promotion of science-informed decision making. On SETAC’s 45th anniversary, the following question was raised: Are the 1979 founding principles of SETAC, multidisciplinary approaches to solving environmental problems, multisector engagement and scientific objectivity, still relevant to the fulfillment of its mission? In a special session held at the 45th Annual Meeting in Fort Worth, Texas, U.S., a critical evaluation of the founding principles was initiated by reviewing SETAC’s history and ongoing activities, and recommendations were made for the future. With few exceptions, participants appreciated SETAC’s purposeful efforts to approach challenging environmental issues through multisector balance, an approach that is unique amongst scientific societies. We recognized that scientists have biases and views of what they find important, regardless of employing organization, and that objectivity is best served by being aware of these biases and views. SETAC’s founding principles have stood the test of time and continue to provide a strong foundation for the Society’s mission, and with a few suggested improvements, will continue to be instrumental in guiding environmental science, stewardship and policy into the future. The significance of SETAC’s contribution of robust science grounded in reliable evidence and data was recognized as being especially crucial at this time of triple planetary crisis (climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss), compounded by rapid technological developments and geopolitical issues.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry↗