Background: Data from a one-year field study on the effect of a fertilizer (calcium cyanamide, tr... more Background: Data from a one-year field study on the effect of a fertilizer (calcium cyanamide, trade name: Perlka ®) on Collembola served as the basis for a broader discussion on performance and evaluation of these data for terrestrial risk assessment according to the REACH regulations) of the European Union. Performance: Details of the technical performance of this study have been described in Part 1 of this article. In this part, the experiences made in this very large field study with a non-pesticide (i.e., a fertilizer) is discussed in a wider context, in particular by asking: Is the existing information suitable for preparing a field test guideline for Collembola-and, secondly, would such a guideline be suitable for improving current REACH and/or EFSA guidelines for testing very different chemicals in the soil compartment? Results: By discussing individually the most important properties of such studies we could show that by combining experiences from earthworm field studies, literature, and our field study higher-tier testing with Collembola is not only technically possible, but also suitable for the evaluation of chemicals in soil (i.e., similar to existing OECD approaches for earthworms). Conclusion: Due to our experience as well as information from literature, we could show that such Collembola field studies are suitable for improving risk assessment procedures in the soil compartment. This is in particular true, when realizing that the long-term protection of soil biodiversity is of high value both from an ecological as well as an ecotoxicological point of view. Thus, a specific Collembolan field test guideline is urgently needed.
Umweltwissenschaften und Schadstoff-Forschung, May 1, 2003
... Henner Holtert .l, Ralf Petto 2, Peter Ebke 3 und Hans-Christian Stolzenberg 4 Institut fiir ... more ... Henner Holtert .l, Ralf Petto 2, Peter Ebke 3 und Hans-Christian Stolzenberg 4 Institut fiir Zoologie, Universidit Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, D ... Dort wurde die German-Language-Branch SETAC of-fiziell mit Dr. Hans Toni Ratte als erstem Pr~isidenten des regi-onalen ...
Because of their high ecological relevance, algae are often used in environmental monitoring of f... more Because of their high ecological relevance, algae are often used in environmental monitoring of freshwater ecosystems. They are used to assess the state of the environment, and can be used to estimate the diversity and productivity of the ecosystem. Chlorophyll a is the most commonly used indicator where no taxonomic information is obtained. In this two-year study, algae were monitored in small lotic waterbodies using a high precision method of evaluating algal pigments: delayed fluorescence (DF). The method allows quantifying algae and differentiating algal groups using pigments unique to each algal group. DF correlated strongly with biovolume (derived from cell count) data (r 2 D 0.94) and could therefore be recommended as a biomonitoring tool. In addition, seasonal dynamics in both the attached and suspended algal communities were studied. Both algal fractions displayed seasonal variations with either a single peak in biomass in summer (type 1), or with two peaks in biomass in spring and fall (type 2). Green algae dominated type 1 patterned communities whereas diatoms dominated type 2 patterned communities. Spatial synchronicity between sampling sites and waterbodies was observed within the studied watershed. Sampling time rather than spatial site selection was found to be a key factor in the study of algal communities in lotic bodies of water.
Aquatic mesocosms are complex test systems used within regulatory risk assessment of plant protec... more Aquatic mesocosms are complex test systems used within regulatory risk assessment of plant protection products. These model ecosystems allow to capture interactions of multiple species under environmental conditions. They enable assessment of direct and indirect effects of stressors at all trophic levels and impacts on ecosystem functions. Due to the limited ability to test the multitude of potential exposure scenarios, cross-linking aquatic mesocosm studies with virtual mesocosms, i.e. aquatic system models (ASMs), can serve to meet the demand for more environmental realism and ecological relevance in risk assessment. In this study, full control data sets from seven aquatic mesocosm studies conducted at a single test facility under GLP are graphically analysed. Thereby, not only a comprehensive data base but also an insight into the species present, their dynamics over time and variability in unchallenged mesocosms is provided. While consistency in dynamics could be discerned for p...
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2010
Introduction and background Primary producers play critical structural and functional roles in aq... more Introduction and background Primary producers play critical structural and functional roles in aquatic ecosystems; therefore, it is imperative that the potential risks of toxicants to aquatic plants are adequately assessed in the risk assessment of chemicals. The standard required macrophyte test species is the floating (non-sediment-rooted) duckweed Lemna spp. This macrophyte species might not be representative of all floating, rooted, emergent, and submerged macrophyte species because of differences in the duration and mode of exposure; sensitivity to the specific toxic mode of action of the chemical; and speciesspecific traits (e.g., duckweed's very short generation time). Discussion and perspectives These topics were addressed during the workshop entitled "Aquatic Macrophyte Risk Assessment for Pesticides" (AMRAP) where a risk assessment scheme for aquatic macrophytes was proposed. Four working groups evolved from this workshop and were charged with the task of developing Tier 1 and higher-tier aquatic macrophyte risk assessment procedures. Subsequently, a SETAC Advisory Group, the Macrophyte Ecotoxicology Group (AMEG) was formed as an umbrella organization for Responsible editor: Henner Hollert G. Arts (*) Alterra WUR,
Background A field study lasting one year was performed to study the effects of a calcium cyanami... more Background A field study lasting one year was performed to study the effects of a calcium cyanamide fertiliser (trade name: Perlka®) on Collembola in order to support the terrestrial risk assessment under the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation. Due to the lack of an appropriate guidance document, the design of the study was based on the ISO Guideline 11268–3, originally developed for earthworm field studies. However, the sampling procedure was adapted accordingly by applying ISO Guideline 23611–2, i.e. taking soil core and pitfall trap samples. Two groups of four plots each were treated with 200 kg/ha and 400 kg/ha Perlka®, respectively. A third group served as a fertiliser control, i.e. it was treated with a standard urea fertiliser (172.9 kg Piagran®/ha) at the same total nitrogen rate (79.5 kg/ha) as provided by the high Perlka® application rate. The fourth group served as negative control without any fertiliser treatment and t...
Pesticides contribute to this reduction of biodiversity in ecosystems. Obviously, environmental r... more Pesticides contribute to this reduction of biodiversity in ecosystems. Obviously, environmental risk assessment did not prevent adverse pesticide effects on non-target organisms. This called for an identification of processes that are relevant to extrapolate from simplified investigations to the reality of pesticide effects in the field, one of the prominent research areas at the SETAC GLB since two decades. We identify research areas that are relevant to link toxicant effects from test systems with the ecosystem to increase the realism of pesticide risk assessment.
Background: In mesocosms, the fate and effects of chemicals can be investigated under more realis... more Background: In mesocosms, the fate and effects of chemicals can be investigated under more realistic conditions than in laboratory-scale experiments and most mesocosm studies for higher-tier risk assessment are conducted in lentic test systems. However, particularly for the assessment of EPT taxa (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) and gammarids (Amphipoda), which are considered to be ecologically vulnerable macroinvertebrates, lotic systems seem to be more appropriate. Within this pilot study, eight newly constructed stream mesocosms were tested for their suitability in the effect assessment of plant protection products (PPP). By using the insecticide carbaryl as an example test item, five concentrations without replicates were tested under a worst case exposure scenario and three stream mesocosms served as controls. Results: 15 out of the 51 invertebrate taxa found during the study belonged to EPT taxa, while the common lotic amphipod Gammarus sp. (G. pulex and G. roesili) was the most dominant taxa. Estimation of minimum detectable differences based on mean abundances and variance of taxa in the eight mesocosms before application indicate that for five arthropoda taxa and two non-arthropoda taxa, an analysis of effects would have probably would have been possible in a typical test design for a higher-tier study with more test units. Five of these taxa were typical stream taxa, i.e. mayflies, caddisflies and gammarids. With respect to the effects of carbaryl, multivariate analysis (principal response curve) indicates long-term effects on the macroinvertebrates community over several weeks for the highest carbaryl concentration (120 µg a.i./L). Potential effects were observed for the amphipod Gammarus sp., the mayfly Ephemera danica and the caddisfly family Limnephilidae. Conclusions: Through this study it was shown that the stream mesocosms provided suitable habitats for potential sensitive and vulnerable taxa, including those typical for lotic systems. To enable a reliable statistical analysis of the effects within the higher-tier ecological risk assessment, the number of stream mesocosms needs to be enhanced. In addition, colonisation and sampling should be improved to increase the number of taxa with sufficiently high abundances for evaluation.
Because of their high ecological relevance, algae are often used in environmental monitoring of f... more Because of their high ecological relevance, algae are often used in environmental monitoring of freshwater ecosystems. They are used to assess the state of the environment, and can be used to estimate the diversity and productivity of the ecosystem. Chlorophyll a is the most commonly used indicator where no taxonomic information is obtained. In this two-year study, algae were monitored in small lotic waterbodies using a high precision method of evaluating algal pigments: delayed fluorescence (DF). The method allows quantifying algae and differentiating algal groups using pigments unique to each algal group. DF correlated strongly with biovolume (derived from cell count) data (r 2 D 0.94) and could therefore be recommended as a biomonitoring tool. In addition, seasonal dynamics in both the attached and suspended algal communities were studied. Both algal fractions displayed seasonal variations with either a single peak in biomass in summer (type 1), or with two peaks in biomass in spring and fall (type 2). Green algae dominated type 1 patterned communities whereas diatoms dominated type 2 patterned communities. Spatial synchronicity between sampling sites and waterbodies was observed within the studied watershed. Sampling time rather than spatial site selection was found to be a key factor in the study of algal communities in lotic bodies of water.
This article gives a comprehensive overview on the strategy, the development and the progress of ... more This article gives a comprehensive overview on the strategy, the development and the progress of the German postgraduate degree program in ecotoxicology (SETAC GLB and GDCh). The program soon prompted positive results: more than 10 years now the courses had an average enrolment rate of 90 %, and employment-seeking graduates from the first courses mostly succeeded in quickly finding employment relevant to their training. With over 450 students enrolled to date, the degree program contributes significantly to the field of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology.
ABSTRACT Als weiterer Stellvertreterorganismus für Makrophyten neben Lemna minor (OECD Guideline ... more ABSTRACT Als weiterer Stellvertreterorganismus für Makrophyten neben Lemna minor (OECD Guideline 211) wurde ein steriles Testverfahren mit dem Ährigen Tausendblatt Myriophyllum spicatum für ökotoxikologische Fragestellung vom Umweltbundesamt entwickelt. Bedingt durch die Sterilität während der Vorkulturen und des Versuchs entsteht ein vergleichsweise hoher Aufwand in der Durchführung. Auch die Applikation unter sterilen Bedingungen ist nicht immer problemlos umzusetzen. Die Erfordernis der Sterilität beruht auf der Zugabe von Saccharose (zum Biomasseaufbau), welche ohne steriles Arbeiten eine Infektion des Testsystems durch Algen, Pilze und Bakterien nach sich ziehen würde. Das Ziel ist es für dieses Testverfahren weitere Rezepturen für Nährmedien zu erproben um ggf. die Notwendigkeit einer Zugabe von Saccharose und somit die Sterilität des Testverfahrens überflüssig zu machen. In den ersten Vorversuchen konnten bereits unter nicht sterilen Bedingungen erfolgsversprechende Ergebnisse für Myriophyllum spicatum erzielt werden. Auch ein auffälliges Wachstum von Algen, Pilzen oder Bakterien konnte nicht beobachtet werden.
Background: Data from a one-year field study on the effect of a fertilizer (calcium cyanamide, tr... more Background: Data from a one-year field study on the effect of a fertilizer (calcium cyanamide, trade name: Perlka ®) on Collembola served as the basis for a broader discussion on performance and evaluation of these data for terrestrial risk assessment according to the REACH regulations) of the European Union. Performance: Details of the technical performance of this study have been described in Part 1 of this article. In this part, the experiences made in this very large field study with a non-pesticide (i.e., a fertilizer) is discussed in a wider context, in particular by asking: Is the existing information suitable for preparing a field test guideline for Collembola-and, secondly, would such a guideline be suitable for improving current REACH and/or EFSA guidelines for testing very different chemicals in the soil compartment? Results: By discussing individually the most important properties of such studies we could show that by combining experiences from earthworm field studies, literature, and our field study higher-tier testing with Collembola is not only technically possible, but also suitable for the evaluation of chemicals in soil (i.e., similar to existing OECD approaches for earthworms). Conclusion: Due to our experience as well as information from literature, we could show that such Collembola field studies are suitable for improving risk assessment procedures in the soil compartment. This is in particular true, when realizing that the long-term protection of soil biodiversity is of high value both from an ecological as well as an ecotoxicological point of view. Thus, a specific Collembolan field test guideline is urgently needed.
Umweltwissenschaften und Schadstoff-Forschung, May 1, 2003
... Henner Holtert .l, Ralf Petto 2, Peter Ebke 3 und Hans-Christian Stolzenberg 4 Institut fiir ... more ... Henner Holtert .l, Ralf Petto 2, Peter Ebke 3 und Hans-Christian Stolzenberg 4 Institut fiir Zoologie, Universidit Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, D ... Dort wurde die German-Language-Branch SETAC of-fiziell mit Dr. Hans Toni Ratte als erstem Pr~isidenten des regi-onalen ...
Because of their high ecological relevance, algae are often used in environmental monitoring of f... more Because of their high ecological relevance, algae are often used in environmental monitoring of freshwater ecosystems. They are used to assess the state of the environment, and can be used to estimate the diversity and productivity of the ecosystem. Chlorophyll a is the most commonly used indicator where no taxonomic information is obtained. In this two-year study, algae were monitored in small lotic waterbodies using a high precision method of evaluating algal pigments: delayed fluorescence (DF). The method allows quantifying algae and differentiating algal groups using pigments unique to each algal group. DF correlated strongly with biovolume (derived from cell count) data (r 2 D 0.94) and could therefore be recommended as a biomonitoring tool. In addition, seasonal dynamics in both the attached and suspended algal communities were studied. Both algal fractions displayed seasonal variations with either a single peak in biomass in summer (type 1), or with two peaks in biomass in spring and fall (type 2). Green algae dominated type 1 patterned communities whereas diatoms dominated type 2 patterned communities. Spatial synchronicity between sampling sites and waterbodies was observed within the studied watershed. Sampling time rather than spatial site selection was found to be a key factor in the study of algal communities in lotic bodies of water.
Aquatic mesocosms are complex test systems used within regulatory risk assessment of plant protec... more Aquatic mesocosms are complex test systems used within regulatory risk assessment of plant protection products. These model ecosystems allow to capture interactions of multiple species under environmental conditions. They enable assessment of direct and indirect effects of stressors at all trophic levels and impacts on ecosystem functions. Due to the limited ability to test the multitude of potential exposure scenarios, cross-linking aquatic mesocosm studies with virtual mesocosms, i.e. aquatic system models (ASMs), can serve to meet the demand for more environmental realism and ecological relevance in risk assessment. In this study, full control data sets from seven aquatic mesocosm studies conducted at a single test facility under GLP are graphically analysed. Thereby, not only a comprehensive data base but also an insight into the species present, their dynamics over time and variability in unchallenged mesocosms is provided. While consistency in dynamics could be discerned for p...
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2010
Introduction and background Primary producers play critical structural and functional roles in aq... more Introduction and background Primary producers play critical structural and functional roles in aquatic ecosystems; therefore, it is imperative that the potential risks of toxicants to aquatic plants are adequately assessed in the risk assessment of chemicals. The standard required macrophyte test species is the floating (non-sediment-rooted) duckweed Lemna spp. This macrophyte species might not be representative of all floating, rooted, emergent, and submerged macrophyte species because of differences in the duration and mode of exposure; sensitivity to the specific toxic mode of action of the chemical; and speciesspecific traits (e.g., duckweed's very short generation time). Discussion and perspectives These topics were addressed during the workshop entitled "Aquatic Macrophyte Risk Assessment for Pesticides" (AMRAP) where a risk assessment scheme for aquatic macrophytes was proposed. Four working groups evolved from this workshop and were charged with the task of developing Tier 1 and higher-tier aquatic macrophyte risk assessment procedures. Subsequently, a SETAC Advisory Group, the Macrophyte Ecotoxicology Group (AMEG) was formed as an umbrella organization for Responsible editor: Henner Hollert G. Arts (*) Alterra WUR,
Background A field study lasting one year was performed to study the effects of a calcium cyanami... more Background A field study lasting one year was performed to study the effects of a calcium cyanamide fertiliser (trade name: Perlka®) on Collembola in order to support the terrestrial risk assessment under the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation. Due to the lack of an appropriate guidance document, the design of the study was based on the ISO Guideline 11268–3, originally developed for earthworm field studies. However, the sampling procedure was adapted accordingly by applying ISO Guideline 23611–2, i.e. taking soil core and pitfall trap samples. Two groups of four plots each were treated with 200 kg/ha and 400 kg/ha Perlka®, respectively. A third group served as a fertiliser control, i.e. it was treated with a standard urea fertiliser (172.9 kg Piagran®/ha) at the same total nitrogen rate (79.5 kg/ha) as provided by the high Perlka® application rate. The fourth group served as negative control without any fertiliser treatment and t...
Pesticides contribute to this reduction of biodiversity in ecosystems. Obviously, environmental r... more Pesticides contribute to this reduction of biodiversity in ecosystems. Obviously, environmental risk assessment did not prevent adverse pesticide effects on non-target organisms. This called for an identification of processes that are relevant to extrapolate from simplified investigations to the reality of pesticide effects in the field, one of the prominent research areas at the SETAC GLB since two decades. We identify research areas that are relevant to link toxicant effects from test systems with the ecosystem to increase the realism of pesticide risk assessment.
Background: In mesocosms, the fate and effects of chemicals can be investigated under more realis... more Background: In mesocosms, the fate and effects of chemicals can be investigated under more realistic conditions than in laboratory-scale experiments and most mesocosm studies for higher-tier risk assessment are conducted in lentic test systems. However, particularly for the assessment of EPT taxa (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) and gammarids (Amphipoda), which are considered to be ecologically vulnerable macroinvertebrates, lotic systems seem to be more appropriate. Within this pilot study, eight newly constructed stream mesocosms were tested for their suitability in the effect assessment of plant protection products (PPP). By using the insecticide carbaryl as an example test item, five concentrations without replicates were tested under a worst case exposure scenario and three stream mesocosms served as controls. Results: 15 out of the 51 invertebrate taxa found during the study belonged to EPT taxa, while the common lotic amphipod Gammarus sp. (G. pulex and G. roesili) was the most dominant taxa. Estimation of minimum detectable differences based on mean abundances and variance of taxa in the eight mesocosms before application indicate that for five arthropoda taxa and two non-arthropoda taxa, an analysis of effects would have probably would have been possible in a typical test design for a higher-tier study with more test units. Five of these taxa were typical stream taxa, i.e. mayflies, caddisflies and gammarids. With respect to the effects of carbaryl, multivariate analysis (principal response curve) indicates long-term effects on the macroinvertebrates community over several weeks for the highest carbaryl concentration (120 µg a.i./L). Potential effects were observed for the amphipod Gammarus sp., the mayfly Ephemera danica and the caddisfly family Limnephilidae. Conclusions: Through this study it was shown that the stream mesocosms provided suitable habitats for potential sensitive and vulnerable taxa, including those typical for lotic systems. To enable a reliable statistical analysis of the effects within the higher-tier ecological risk assessment, the number of stream mesocosms needs to be enhanced. In addition, colonisation and sampling should be improved to increase the number of taxa with sufficiently high abundances for evaluation.
Because of their high ecological relevance, algae are often used in environmental monitoring of f... more Because of their high ecological relevance, algae are often used in environmental monitoring of freshwater ecosystems. They are used to assess the state of the environment, and can be used to estimate the diversity and productivity of the ecosystem. Chlorophyll a is the most commonly used indicator where no taxonomic information is obtained. In this two-year study, algae were monitored in small lotic waterbodies using a high precision method of evaluating algal pigments: delayed fluorescence (DF). The method allows quantifying algae and differentiating algal groups using pigments unique to each algal group. DF correlated strongly with biovolume (derived from cell count) data (r 2 D 0.94) and could therefore be recommended as a biomonitoring tool. In addition, seasonal dynamics in both the attached and suspended algal communities were studied. Both algal fractions displayed seasonal variations with either a single peak in biomass in summer (type 1), or with two peaks in biomass in spring and fall (type 2). Green algae dominated type 1 patterned communities whereas diatoms dominated type 2 patterned communities. Spatial synchronicity between sampling sites and waterbodies was observed within the studied watershed. Sampling time rather than spatial site selection was found to be a key factor in the study of algal communities in lotic bodies of water.
This article gives a comprehensive overview on the strategy, the development and the progress of ... more This article gives a comprehensive overview on the strategy, the development and the progress of the German postgraduate degree program in ecotoxicology (SETAC GLB and GDCh). The program soon prompted positive results: more than 10 years now the courses had an average enrolment rate of 90 %, and employment-seeking graduates from the first courses mostly succeeded in quickly finding employment relevant to their training. With over 450 students enrolled to date, the degree program contributes significantly to the field of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology.
ABSTRACT Als weiterer Stellvertreterorganismus für Makrophyten neben Lemna minor (OECD Guideline ... more ABSTRACT Als weiterer Stellvertreterorganismus für Makrophyten neben Lemna minor (OECD Guideline 211) wurde ein steriles Testverfahren mit dem Ährigen Tausendblatt Myriophyllum spicatum für ökotoxikologische Fragestellung vom Umweltbundesamt entwickelt. Bedingt durch die Sterilität während der Vorkulturen und des Versuchs entsteht ein vergleichsweise hoher Aufwand in der Durchführung. Auch die Applikation unter sterilen Bedingungen ist nicht immer problemlos umzusetzen. Die Erfordernis der Sterilität beruht auf der Zugabe von Saccharose (zum Biomasseaufbau), welche ohne steriles Arbeiten eine Infektion des Testsystems durch Algen, Pilze und Bakterien nach sich ziehen würde. Das Ziel ist es für dieses Testverfahren weitere Rezepturen für Nährmedien zu erproben um ggf. die Notwendigkeit einer Zugabe von Saccharose und somit die Sterilität des Testverfahrens überflüssig zu machen. In den ersten Vorversuchen konnten bereits unter nicht sterilen Bedingungen erfolgsversprechende Ergebnisse für Myriophyllum spicatum erzielt werden. Auch ein auffälliges Wachstum von Algen, Pilzen oder Bakterien konnte nicht beobachtet werden.
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