Seasonal changes in imposex and tissue burden of butyltin compounds in Thais clavigera populations along the coastal area of Mirs Bay, China

We assessed the current status of tributyltin (TBT) contamination of Thais clavigera (Gastropoda) along the coastal area of Mirs Bay, China for the first time. The snail samples were collected from 10 different sites in the summer (June) and winter (December) of 2006, respectively. They were analyzed for imposex status, i.e. relative penis size index (RPSI) and vas deferens sequence index (VDSI), followed by quantification of butyltins in their tissues. Most of the collected females suffered from imposex, but the level of butyltin contamination varied with the distance from Yantian Port, which is currently the fourth busiest container port in the world. The tissue concentration of TBT varied with season. For a particular site, the winter samples in general contained much higher concentration of TBT than the summer samples. RPSI, VDSI and organotin concentrations were higher in T. clavigera collected from sites closer to the Port, such as the Seafood Street and Kat O. Both RPSI and VDSI were positively correlated with the tissue burden of tributyltin. VDSI exhibited little seasonal variability, whereas RPSI showed marked seasonal variability, with lower values in the summer samples. The current results will serve as an important reference for long-term monitoring of butyltin contamination in this area.     

Seasonal changes in imposex and tissue burden of butyltin compounds in Thais clavigera populations along the coastal area of Mirs Bay,China

We assessed the current status of tributyltin (TBT) contamination of Thais clavigera (Gastropoda) along the coastal area of Mirs Bay, China for the first time. The snail samples were collected from 10 different sites in the summer (June) and winter (December) of 2006, respectively. They were analyzed for imposex status, i.e. relative penis size index (RPSI) and vas deferens sequence index (VDSI), followed by quantification of butyltins in their tissues. Most of the collected females suffered from imposex, but the level of butyltin contamination varied with the distance from Yantian Port, which is currently the fourth busiest container port in the world. The tissue concentration of TBT varied with season. For a particular site, the winter samples in general contained much higher concentration of TBT than the summer samples. RPSI, VDSI and organotin concentrations were higher in T. clavigera collected from sites closer to the Port, such as the Seafood Street and Kat O. Both RPSI and VDSI were positively correlated with the tissue burden of tributyltin. VDSI exhibited little seasonal variability, whereas RPSI showed marked seasonal variability, with lower values in the summer samples. The current results will serve as an important reference for long-term monitoring of butyltin contamination in this area.     

Spatio-temporal comparisons of imposex status and tissue organotin concentration in the whelk Reishia clavigera collected along the coasts of Dapeng Bay and Daya Bay,Shenzhen, China

Organotin compounds (OTs) have caused widespread adverse effects on marine organisms. As no local restrictions on OT-based antifouling paints have been implemented in China, high concentrations of OTs still occur in coastal environments. In this study, we measured the imposex status and tissue concentrations of OTs in the whelk Reishia clavigera collected along the coast of Dapeng Bay and Daya Bay of Shenzhen, China in 2013. Our results showed that all female whelks suffered from the onset of imposex. The highest concentration of total OTs was 27,756 μg kg⁻¹ dry weight in the samples collected from Shuitousha. Triphenyltin was the most predominant residue, accounting for more than 97.8% of total OTs across all sites. Compared with the results from previous studies, the marine environment of this region is still heavily contaminated with OTs. Therefore, a tightened control is necessary to regulate the use and release of OTs in China.     

A review and assessment of tributyltin contamination in the North Sea,based on surveys of butyltin tissue burdens and imposex/intersex in four species of neogastropods

It is evident from measures of butyltin tissue burdens and imposex or intersex in neogastropods that tributyltin (TBT) contamination of coastal waters and open parts of the North Sea is now low. It has been declining for at least the past decade. This is probably due to two measures. First, regulations prohibiting the use of TBT-based paints on small boats and fish farms have reduced inputs of TBT from these sources so that they are now negligible (except possibly where the regulations are flaunted). Second, there is evidence from sites, where commercial vessels are the sole source of TBT, that the adoption of TBT SPC paints has been effective in reducing environmental levels of these contaminants. However, poor dockyard practices, allowing TBT-contaminated wastes, including paint flakes, to accumulate in sediments have left a legacy of hot-spots of contamination in some ports. The impact is localised so that TBT contamination is low in coastal areas immediately adjacent to ports.     

Imposex levels and concentrations of organotin compounds (TBT and its metabolites) in Nassarius nitidus from the Lagoon of Venice

Specimens of Nassarius nitidus were collected in seven stations of the Venice Lagoon to assess the levels of tributyltin (TBT) and its metabolites monobutyltin and dibutyltin in the tissues and monitor their effect on organisms, in particular the phenomenon of imposex (superimposition of male sexual characteristics on females). The following values of population indices were found: vas deferens sequence: 1.2 ± 0.7–4.0 ± 0.5; relative penis length: 6–47%. The least impacted station was situated in the northern part of the Lagoon, where females without imposex were found and Butyltin (BuTs) concentrations in the organisms (average sum of BuTs = 43 ± 14 ng Sn g⁻¹ w.) were significantly lower than in the other stations (range of average sum of BuTs: 101 ± 22–217 ± 27 ng Sn g⁻¹ d.w.). Population indices were found to be related to the TBT content in the tissues. In particular VDSI had a significant logarithmic correlation: r = 0.95, n = 8, p < 0.05.     

Inshore/offshore gradients of imposex and organotin contamination in Nassarius reticulatus (L.) along the Portuguese coast

Imposex and organotin (OT) tissue contamination of the netted whelk Nassarius reticulatus (L.) were assessed in the continental shelves around the main estuaries of the central coast of Portugal (Lisbon: Tagus estuary; Setúbal: Sado estuary) and the main coastal lagoon in the Southern of Portugal (Faro: Ria Formosa). Pollution levels were higher in areas of more intense boat traffic and shipyard activities and imposex showed a clear decreasing gradient from the estuaries to the offshore, in relation to a similar gradient of tissue contamination by tributyltin. Remarkably, imposex was extensively spread over the adjacent continental shelves of Tagus and Sado estuaries. The current work shows that TBT pollution is undoubtedly a matter of concern not only for the above estuaries where harbours are implanted but also for the adjacent continental shelves, regardless the massive dilution of contaminants that may occur in these deeper areas.     

A survey of imposex in muricids from 1996 to 2000 and identification of optimal indicators of tributyltin contamination along the east coast of Phuket Island,Thailand

The present investigation is the most extensive survey of imposex in gastropods from the west coast of Thailand. Imposex in Thais distinguenda increased significantly (p < 0.001; Chi Square test for trend) from 1996 to 2000 at 21 stations in Phangna Bay, Thailand. Females with imposex increased, extending from 3.5 km in 1996 to 10 km from the harbour areas in 1999 and 2000. Increasing intensity of imposex was also observed for Thais bitubercularis from 1996 to 2000. The less sensitive species: Morula musiva, Morula granulata, Morula margariticola and Thais rufotincta only developed imposex at the three main areas of intense shipping activities. T. bitubercularis and T. distinguenda are recommended as indicators of tributyltin (TBT) in Southeast Asia because of their sensitivity and wide distribution in the region. The results suggest that TBT contamination is worsening, against global trends, because regulations prohibiting the use of TBT-based paints, do not exist in Thailand.     

Spatial and temporal changes of TBT pollution along the Portuguese coast: inefficacy of the EEC directive 89/677

Nucella lapillus imposex (superimposition of male characters onto prosobranch females) and organotin body burden were surveyed in the Portuguese coast in 1997 and 2000. Time comparisons of the available data on Nucella lapillus imposex in the Portuguese coast indicate a global increase of TBT pollution in recent years, revealing the inefficacy of the 1993 legislation that bans the use of TBT paints on small boats (<25 m). The absence or scarcity of the species inside harbours, which are the most polluted sites in Portugal, is probably a consequence of extinction due to female sterilisation by TBT.     

太湖贡湖湾鲚(Coilia ectenes taihuensis Yen et Lin)食物组成的季节变化

鲚(Coilia ectenes taihuensis Yen et Lin)是太湖主要的鱼类之一,其产量随水体富营养化程度的加重呈上升趋势.本研究于2009年4-12月用刺网(a=10 mm)在太湖贡湖湾采集了鲚,分析了其胃含物中食物组成的季节变化以及鲚对食物种类的选择性.结果表明,鲚在各月中主要以浮游动物为食,同时也摄食幼鱼、幼虾和水生昆虫等.鲚的食物组成具有明显季节变化,4月份以桡足类为食,其中桡足幼体、汤匙华哲水蚤(Sinocalanus dorrii Brehm)和剑水蚤(Cyclops spp.)所占的平均个数百分比相当;6、8和10月份主要以枝角类为食,其中6月以裸腹溞(Moina spp.)为主,而8和10月以象鼻溞(Bosmina spp.)为主.食物选择性方面,鲚对大型浮游动物表现出主动选择;当环境中出现溞(Daphnia spp.)和透明薄皮溞(Leptodora kindti Focke)时,鲚对它们表现出很强的选择性摄食,但透明薄皮溞只出现在6月鱼类食物中;个体较小的裸腹溞也是鲚主动选择的重要食物,在整个调查期间鲚对裸腹溞都表现出较高的主动选择性;象鼻溞虽然在各月份食物中的出现率最高,但除10月份鲚对其表现出主动选择外,其它月份表现为主动回避或随机选择.本研究结果有助于我们了解鲚对浮游动物群落影响的季节变化,为制定合理的湖泊与渔业管理方案提供依据.     

洱海南部近岸微囊藻原位增殖的季节变化及影响因子

2017年7月—2018年4月在洱海南部近岸开展了4个季度的野外调查,利用细胞分裂频率法研究微囊藻原位增殖的季节变化及影响因子,结果显示:微囊藻细胞分裂频率的变化范围为6.13%～29.23%,白天显著大于夜间,但两个点位间和表中底3层间的差异均不显著;经计算,微囊藻原位生长速率的均值为(0.36±0.06)d^-1,总体高于其它有相关研究的湖泊。同时,微囊藻细胞分裂频率和原位生长速率具有显著的季节变化,表现为冬季最大(1月,19.65%±4.10%、(0.39±0.01)d^-1),秋季(10月,14.48%±4.73%、(0.36±0.02)d^-1)和夏季(7月,12.77%±3.81%、(0.37±0.07)d^-1)次之,春季(4月,10.37%±2.64%、(0.30±0.06) d^-1)最小,其中营养盐浓度的作用不明显,而地表太阳辐射和水温等影响较大。进一步分析发现,除地表太阳辐射外,影响细胞分裂频率昼夜变化的其它因子具有一定的季节异质性。研究结果可为深入研究洱海微囊藻水...     

Toxicity of tributyltin in the marine mollusc Mytilus edulis

Our previous studies have demonstrated that tributyltin (TBT) is genotoxic to the early life stages of marine mussels and worms. Here, the toxicity of TBT to adult organisms was determined using a suite of biomarkers designed to detect cytotoxic, immunotoxic and genotoxic effects. Exposure of adult mussels, Mytilus edulis, to environmentally realistic concentrations of TBTO for 7 days resulted in a statistically significant decrease in cell viability at concentrations of 0.5 μg/l and above. TBT had no effect on phagocytic activity or antioxidant capacity (FRAP assay). There was a statistically significant increase in DNA damage detected using the comet and micronucleus assays between the controls and 0.5, 1 and 5 μg/l of TBTO (P > 0.0005). Furthermore there was a strong correlation between DNA strand breaks (comet assay) and formation of micronuclei (P = 0.0005; R² = 61.5%). Possible mechanisms by which TBT could damage DNA either directly or indirectly are discussed including the possibility that TBT is genotoxic due to its ability to disrupt calcium homeostasis.     

Cloning and developmental expression of kinesin superfamily7 (kif7) in the brackish medaka (Oryzias melastigma), a close relative of the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)

kif7 is a member of the kinesin superfamily members which are molecular motor proteins that move along microtubules in a highly regulated manner through ATP hydrolysis. In this paper, we report on the cloning of the Oryzias melastigma kif7 (omkif7) using primers designed according to the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) database. The cloned omkif7 has an open reading frame of 3762bp and is deduced to encode a polypeptide of 1254 amino acids that possesses the putative ATP-binding and microtubule-binding motifs in its motor domain at the N-terminal region. We characterized the cloned omkif7 by comparison with the zebrafish kif7. Both omkif7 and zebrafish kif7 are shown to be expressed in all embryonic stages and adult tissues examined with higher expression level in the testis and ovary. Whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed that the expression of omkif7 is ubiquitous during the early stages of embryonic development, but became more restrictive and localized to the brain, fin bud and eye at later development. This study suggested that the brackish O.melastigma can serve as a good seawater model organism for developmental studies by utilizing the resources developed from its close relative of the Japanese medaka.     

溯河洄游长江刀鲚(Coilia nasus)摄食虾类的调查

刀鲚(Coilia nasus)是长江的名贵经济鱼类.虽然传统上认为其溯河生殖洄游全过程不会摄食,但该问题一直尚未完全弄清.作为有效解明这一问题的第一步,本研究在前期长江流域干流和湖泊刀鲚资源调查的基础上,先利用耳石微化学技术筛选出长江河口区、江苏江段、安徽江段和鄱阳湖水域溯河洄游型的刀鲚个体,再对其胃、肠容物的大型游泳动物(鱼、虾类)进行调查分析.结果发现,在河口区、江苏和安徽江段所有刀鲚个体胃充塞度为0级,均未发现摄食有游泳动物;而鄱阳湖水域刀鲚个体的胃充塞度达4~5级,均发现有摄食淡水虾类的日本沼虾(Macrobrachium nipponense)和秀丽白虾(Exopalaemon modestus)的情况.其中29%和71%的刀鲚胃中分别含有1只和2只虾.所有刀鲚个体肠内均未发现有内容物.鉴于鄱阳湖已被确定为溯河洄游型刀鲚的产卵场之一,结果表明长江刀鲚在经河口,通过长江江苏和安徽江段干流到达鄱阳湖产卵场的过程中应该不会摄食大型游泳动物;而进入鄱阳湖产卵场后会开始摄食日本沼虾和秀丽白虾.这种两阶段的现象可能反映出了刀鲚的一种在洄游通道上节约能量,以利长距离溯河;而在产卵场补充能量,以利于性腺最终成熟的生存策略.     

The influence of diet on comparative trace metal cadmium,copper and zinc accumulation in Thais clavigera (Gastropoda: Muricidae) preying on intertidal barnacles or mussels

The influence of diet on comparative metal accumulation was investigated using a predatory muricid gastropod Thais clavigera. Individuals were fed for up to 56 days on either barnacles, i.e., Tetraclita squamosa, or mussels, i.e., Perna viridis, collected from metal-contaminated and clean sites. Barnacles and mussels have contrasting metal handling strategies and, therefore, different body concentrations, intracellular distributions and detoxification systems. Field collection of prey items that accumulated body metal concentrations over a lifetime of exposure allowed bioavailability to the predator, T. clavigera, to be assessed naturally, which may not be the case for prey exposed to metals for a short time in the laboratory. T. clavigera that was fed cadmium- and copper-contaminated barnacles or mussels ingested significantly greater amounts compared to those fed conspecifics collected from clean locations. T. clavigera body cadmium and copper concentrations were not, however, significantly different between individuals fed either contaminated or clean prey. Amount of zinc ingested was similar in mussels collected from clean and contaminated environments but much less when compared to the barnacle prey. The body concentrations of zinc in T. clavigera fed mussels collected from both sites fell. In contrast, the amount of zinc ingested from barnacle prey was significantly greater from those collected from the metal-contaminated site as compared to the clean one. This was reflected as significantly greater body zinc concentrations in T. clavigera fed contaminated barnacles compared to those fed clean individuals. Copper and zinc accumulation from prey was, therefore, complex. It varied between metal and between prey type, but appeared to be related to the amount ingested and the metal handling strategy of the prey.     

Comparative petroleum hydrocarbons levels and biochemical responses in mussels from hydrothermal vents (Bathymodiolus azoricus) and coastal environments (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

Aliphatic hydrocarbons and PAHs in the whole soft tissues of Bathymodiolus azoricus from three Mid-Atlantic Ridge hydrothermal vents (Menez-Gwen, Lucky Strike and Rainbow), and Mytilus galloprovincialis from three contaminated coastal sites in South Portugal were analysed, and its effects on the digestive gland microsomes mixed-function oxygenase system (MFO) were assessed.Aliphatic hydrocarbons levels were present in the same magnitude in both coastal and hydrothermal environments, while the UCM (unresolved complex mixture) for coastal mussels were higher than in vent mussels. In general, significantly higher PAHs concentrations were found in coastal mussels, compared to B. azoricus where low molecular weight PAHs (2–3 rings) represented the majority of PAHs contrarily to what was observed in M. galloprovincialis. The MFO components were present in both mussel species, and were detected in vent mussels for the first time. However this system seems to have different roles in species from these contrasting environments. In coastal mussels MFO responded to hydrocarbon contamination while response in hydrothermal organisms appeared to be related mainly to endogenous factors.     

Differential piscivory of the native Percichthys trucha and exotic salmonids upon the native forage fish Galaxias maculatus in Patagonian Andean lakes

The present paper analyses predation patterns, of Percichthys trucha and salmonid fish upon Galaxias maculatus in five lakes of northern Patagonia with differing community and environmental characteristics. Tank experiments were performed to evaluate relative efficiency of native and exotic predators of G. maculatus under treatments with and without cover (aquatic vegetation). Important differences were found between predators with regards to distribution and consumption of G. maculatus. Salmonids are more efficient than P. trucha in consuming G. maculatus in deep environments with scarcely vegetation; in contrast to native species they frequently use the pelagic environment. Although pelagic habitat might have served in the past as a refuge from native predators in the past, G maculatus now experiences intense predation in the pelagic zone by exotic salmonids. It is suggested that the widespread distribution of G. maculatus in Patagonian lakes may have facilitated the success of salmonids throughout Patagonia.     

广东省镇海水库拟柱孢藻(Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii)的季节动态及驱动因子分析

拟柱孢藻(Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii)是热带地区普遍存在的蓝藻种类,已在广东省很多水库成为优势种类甚至形成水华,作为一种新的有害水华类型,目前对其成因研究甚少.以广东省江门市镇海水库为研究对象,于2014年11月—2015年10月期间对其进行逐月采样,观测理化因子和浮游植物组成,测定拟柱孢藻的丝体长度,初步探讨该水库拟柱孢藻优势形成的原因.数据表明,拟柱孢藻是镇海水库的绝对优势种,常年生物量较高,介于5.9~15.5 mg/L之间,平均生物量为11.3 mg/L,占浮游植物总生物量的93.5%.从季节上看,拟柱孢藻生物量在2—6月相对较高,最高生物量出现在6月,10月和11月生物量最低.拟柱孢藻的丝体长度具有显著的季节变化,与水温呈极显著负相关.相关性分析表明拟柱孢藻生物量与总氮、总磷浓度呈显著正相关,与氮磷比呈显著负相关,而逐步回归分析表明拟柱孢藻生物量的变化主要由总磷浓度决定,推测该藻对磷的超强吸收和储存能力在其生物量季节变动中起重要作用.     

洞庭湖区域黑线姬鼠（Apodemus agrarius）种群迁入湖滩后的繁殖特征

黑线姬鼠(Apodemus agrarius)是广泛分布于我国的主要农田害鼠之一,2003年三峡工程开始蓄水后洞庭湖湖滩鼠类群落结构发生了演变,黑线姬鼠已大量侵入湖滩,且逐步成为湖滩生境鼠类群落的优势鼠种。动物在新生境中的繁殖状况是了解其对环境适应的关键指标。为掌握黑线姬鼠种群侵入湖滩生境后的适应情况,为其种群动态的预测预报提供科学依据,本文对2003—2020年洞庭湖湖滩和农田生境中捕获的黑线姬鼠繁殖状况进行比较分析,并结合季节动态和生境差异等因子分析了该鼠在繁殖方面对湖滩生境的适应。结果表明:(1)湖滩生境中黑线姬鼠平均繁殖指数(0.71±0.27)低于农田生境(1.21±0.47),在2016—2020年湖滩上黑线姬鼠的繁殖指数为0.99,略高于农田的0.96;(2)湖滩生境较农田生境中的孕鼠在繁殖中偏向有更多的胎仔数,有6只以上胎仔数的孕鼠占比(65.59%)高于农田生境(49.10%);(3)湖滩生境中发现有幼年组的黑线姬鼠参与繁殖,其繁殖指数、参产率、怀孕率及雄鼠的睾丸下降率随年龄递增;(4)春季和秋季是湖滩生境中黑线姬鼠的主要繁殖季节,其繁殖指数、参产率、怀孕率都显著高于...     

Distribution of synthetic organotins and total tin levels in Mytilus galloprovincialis along the Portuguese coast

Despite the huge amount of literature available on butyltins (BuTs), few studies addressed the environmental levels of phenyltins (PhTs), octyltins (OcTs) and total tin (Sn_T) in environmental samples. In 2006 a mussel watch survey was developed for the Portuguese coast (total of 29 sampling sites) in order to describe the concentrations of BuTs , PhTs, OcTs and Sn_T in the whole tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819). BuTs were detected in all analyzed samples accounting, in average, for 98.6% of total organotins (∑OTs = BuTs + PhTs + OcTs), and presented highest values in the vicinity of harbors. Tributyltin (TBT) was the dominant butyltin, representing, in average, 62% of ∑BuTs (∑BuTs = TBT + DBT + MBT) suggesting that fresh inputs of TBT are still occurring in the Portuguese coast, particularly near harbors. The contribution of organotin compounds derived from antifouling paints to the total tin levels in M. galloprovincialis is discussed.