Fred Pinkney - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Fred Pinkney

Science of The Total Environment, 2019

A reconnaissance project completed in 2009 identified intersex and elevated plasma vitellogenin i... more A reconnaissance project completed in 2009 identified intersex and elevated plasma vitellogenin in male smallmouth bass inhabiting the Missisquoi River, VT. In an attempt to identify the presence and seasonality of putative endocrine disrupting chemicals or other factors associated with these observations, a comprehensive reevaluation was conducted between September 2012 and June 2014. Here, we collected smallmouth bass from three physically partitioned reaches along the river to measure biomarkers of estrogenic endocrine disruption in smallmouth bass. In addition, polar organic chemical integrative samples (POCIS) were deployed to identify specific chemicals associated with biological observations. We did not observe biological differences across reaches indicating the absence of clear point source contributions to the observation of intersex. Interestingly, intersex prevalence and severity decreased in a stepwise manner over the timespan of the project. Intersex decreased from 92.8% to 28.1%. The only significant predictor of intersex prevalence was year of capture, based on logistic regression analysis. The mixed model of fish length and year-of-capture best predicted intersex severity. Intersex severity was also significantly different across late summer and early spring collections indicating seasonal changes in this metric. Plasma vitellogenin and liver vitellogenin Aa transcript abundance in males did not indicate exposure to estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals at any of the four sample collections. Analysis of chemicals captured by the POCIS as well as results of screening discrete water samples or POCIS extracts did not indicate the contribution of appreciable estrogenic chemicals. It is possible that unreported changes in land-use activity have ameliorated the problem, and our observations indicate recovery. Regardless, this work clearly emphasizes that single, snap shot sampling for intersex may not yield representative data given that the manifestation of this condition within a population can change dramatically over time.

The Science of the total environment, 2017

From the 1940s through 1977, at least 590,000kg of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were released... more From the 1940s through 1977, at least 590,000kg of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were released into the Hudson River from General Electric manufacturing plants located in Hudson Falls and Fort Edward, New York. In 1984, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated a nearly 322km reach as the Hudson River PCBs Superfund Site. Here we describe a Fish Health Assessment study, part of a Natural Resource Damage Assessment, that evaluated the prevalence of toxicopathic lesions in adult brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens). In fall 2001, 29-51 fish of each species were collected in fall 2001 from highly contaminated areas below the plants (Thompson Island Pool (TIP) and Stillwater Dam Pool (STW)), an upriver reference area (Feeder Dam Pool (FDP)), and a reference lake, Oneida Lake (ODA). The focus was on histopathologic lesions and observations associated with contaminant exposure: liver-neoplasms, foci o...

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2016

Intersex as the manifestation of testicular oocytes (TO) in male gonochoristic fishes has been us... more Intersex as the manifestation of testicular oocytes (TO) in male gonochoristic fishes has been used as an indicator of estrogenic exposure. Here we evaluated largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) or smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) form 19 National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) in the Northeast U.S. inhabiting waters on or near NWR lands for evidence of estrogenic endocrine disruption. Waterbodies sampled included rivers, lakes, impoundments, ponds, and reservoirs. Here we focus on evidence of endocrine disruption in male bass evidenced by gonad histopathology including intersex or abnormal plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) concentrations. During the fall seasons of 2008-2010, we collected male smallmouth bass (n ¼118) from 12 sites and largemouth bass (n ¼ 173) from 27 sites. Intersex in male smallmouth bass was observed at all sites and ranged from 60% to 100%; in male largemouth bass the range was 0-100%. Estrogenicity, as measured using a bioluminescent yeast reporter, was detected above the probable no effects concentration (0.73 ng/L) in ambient water samples from 79% of the NWR sites. Additionally, the presence of androgen receptor and glucocorticoid receptor ligands were noted as measured via novel nuclear receptor translocation assays. Mean plasma Vtg was elevated (40.2 mg/ml) in male smallmouth bass at four sites and in male largemouth bass at one site. This is the first reconnaissance survey of this scope conducted on US National Wildlife Refuges. The baseline data collected here provide a necessary benchmark for future monitoring and justify more comprehensive NWR-specific studies. Published by Elsevier Inc. They run the gamut of natural and synthetic chemicals, but also include biogenic plant and animal hormones. To date, estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDCs) have received considerable attention due to the perceived risk they pose to vertebrate reproduction and better established biomarkers. In aquatic ecosystems, two dominant sources of EEDCs are agricultural production such as animal feeding operations (AFOs) and crop fields applied with manures and herbicides (

In 1999, the Chesapeake Bay Program Toxics Subcommittee characterized the tidal tributaries of th... more In 1999, the Chesapeake Bay Program Toxics Subcommittee characterized the tidal tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay for their potential for adverse effects due to chemical contamination. One finding was that, due to a paucity of data, many segments were characterized as Areas with Insufficient or Inconclusive Data. The purpose of the current study was to help fill these data gaps. The study, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chesapeake

Journal of fish diseases, 2014

For two decades, fish tumour surveys have been used to monitor habitat quality in the Chesapeake ... more For two decades, fish tumour surveys have been used to monitor habitat quality in the Chesapeake Bay (USA) watershed. Tributaries with sediments contaminated with polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), known to cause liver neoplasia, were frequently targeted. Here, we compare surveys in brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus conducted in 2009-2011 in the tidal Potomac River watershed (including the Anacostia River) with previous surveys. Using logistic regression, we identified length and sex as covariates for liver and skin tumours. We reported a statistically significant decrease in liver tumour probabilities for standardized 280 mm Anacostia bullheads between the 1996 and 2001 samplings (merged collections: female-77.5%, male-43.0%) and 2009-2011 (female-42.2%, male-13.6%). However, liver tumour prevalence in bullheads from the Anacostia, Potomac River (Washington, DC) and Piscataway Creek (17 km downriver) was significantly higher than that for Chesapeake Bay watershed reference l...

Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 1999

The nontarget effects of temephos (as Abate 4E, 44.6% active ingredient) on fiddler crabs were ex... more The nontarget effects of temephos (as Abate 4E, 44.6% active ingredient) on fiddler crabs were examined on the salt marsh at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, near Dover, DE. Six 170 x 170-m plots were established; 3 were sprayed on 4 occasions at a rate of 1.5 fl oz/acre (0.054 kg active ingredient/ha) and 3 were controls. On each plot, marsh fiddler crab (Uca pugnax) populations were monitored by repeatedly counting the number of burrow holes in 2 counting areas marked out along tidal guts. One half of each counting area was covered with bird netting to evaluate sublethal toxic effects, which, if present, could result in increased susceptibility to bird predation. A statistically significant linear association was established between the number of holes and the number of crabs. No significant differences were found in the numbers of holes (or crabs) in the sprayed vs. control plots and in the covered vs. uncovered sections. However, survival of juvenile crabs in in situ bioass...

Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 1994

Science of The Total Environment, 2011

We surveyed four Chesapeake Bay tributaries for skin and liver tumors in brown bullhead (Ameiurus... more We surveyed four Chesapeake Bay tributaries for skin and liver tumors in brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus). We focused on the South River, where the highest skin tumor prevalence (53%) in the Bay watershed had been reported. The objectives were to 1) compare tumor prevalence with nearby rivers (Severn and Rhode) and a more remote river (Choptank); 2) investigate associations between tumor prevalence and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylating agents; and 3) statistically analyze Chesapeake Bay bullhead tumor data from 1992 through 2008. All four South River collections exhibited high skin tumor prevalence (19% to 58%), whereas skin tumor prevalence was 2%, 10%, and 52% in the three Severn collections; 0% and 2% in the Choptank collections; and 5.6% in the Rhode collection. Liver tumor prevalence was 0% to 6% in all but one South River collection (20%) and 0% to 6% in the three other rivers. In a subset of samples, PAH-like biliary metabolites and (32)P-DNA adducts were used as biomarkers of exposure and response to polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs). Adducts from alkylating agents were detected as O6-methyl-2'-deoxyguanosine (O6Me-dG) and O6-ethyl-2'-deoxyguanosine (O6Et-dG) modified DNA. Bullheads from the contaminated Anacostia River were used as a positive control for DNA adducts. (32)P-DNA adduct concentrations were significantly higher in Anacostia bullhead livers compared with the other rivers. We identified alkyl DNA adducts in bullhead livers from the South and Anacostia, but not the Choptank. Neither the PAH-like bile metabolite data, sediment PAH data, nor the DNA adduct data suggest an association between liver or skin tumor prevalence and exposure to PACs or alkylating agents in the South, Choptank, Severn, or Rhode rivers. Logistic regression analysis of the Chesapeake Bay database revealed that sex and length were significant covariates for liver tumors and length was a significant covariate for skin tumors.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 1987

A monthly sampling programme for dibutyltin (DBT), tributyltin (TBT) and tetrabutyltin (TTBT) was... more A monthly sampling programme for dibutyltin (DBT), tributyltin (TBT) and tetrabutyltin (TTBT) was initiated for a period of one year (July 1985–June 1986) in the Maryland waters of Chesapeake Bay. Concentrations of the above butyltin species were evaluated in the microlayer and ...

JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 1984

ABSTRACT: The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the avoidance responses of juvenile... more ABSTRACT: The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the avoidance responses of juvenile striped bass, Morone saxatilis and Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus to bis (tri‐n‐butyltin) oxide. An avoidance responses was exhibited by striped bass at a total organic tin concentration of 24.9 μg/L. Atlantic menhaden exhibited avoidance to total organic tin concentrations of 5.5 μg/L and greater. Atlantic menhaden are generally more sensitive to toxicants than striped bass; therefore, avoidance responses reported in this study are not surprising. It is highly likely that the concentrations of total organic tin that were avoided by the test species in this study were much higher than expected environmental concentrations. Ecologically significant hazards may occur due to potential effects that unperceived or non‐avoided organotin concentrations may have on behavioral responses mediated by chemosensory systems.

Journal of Fish Biology, 1989

The effects of tributyltin (TBT) compounds on gill morphology were examined in the mummichog, Fun... more The effects of tributyltin (TBT) compounds on gill morphology were examined in the mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, in 96‐h LC50 and 6‐week sublethal exposures. Morphometry was used for the identification and quantification of effects with the light microscope. A 96‐h LC50 of 17.2 μg 1 1 was determined. Morphometric analysis of gill tissues revealed hypertrophy of the lamellar epithelium in fish exposed to 17.2 μg 1–1. Relative diffusing capacity was significantly decreased (−41 %); (P<0.05, ANOVA, Bonferroni t‐test). At 35.6 μg 1−1, TBT exposure resulted in a significant reduction (− 40%) in the volume of the lamellar blood channels. Both of these observations occurred in fish that showed signs of acute poisoning including loss of equilibrium. In fish exposed to sublethal concentrations of 0.105–2.000 μg TBT 1−1 for 6 weeks, there were no pathological changes in the gill. There were no treatment‐related changes in the surface morphology of the gills of fish from both experiment...

Journal of Aquatic Animal Health, 2009

Liver and skin tumor prevalences in brown bullheads Ameiurus nebulosus have been used in the Nort... more Liver and skin tumor prevalences in brown bullheads Ameiurus nebulosus have been used in the North American Great Lakes to designate highly contaminated areas of concern and monitor their recovery. Here we interpret the results of six surveys conducted in the Chesapeake Bay watershed between 1992 and 2006, with data for 647 fish. The objective has been to develop an adequate database to critically evaluate the use of tumor prevalence as a habitat quality indicator within the watershed. Surveys featured randomized fish collection; recording of sex, length, weight, and age; and histopathology of all livers and all raised skin lesions. The Bayes information criterion was used to analyze all possible combinations of age, gender, length, and weight as covariates for logistic regression. Length and gender were the covariates that best described liver tumor prevalence. There were no covariates in the model for skin tumor prevalence. In some surveys, biomarkers, such as biliary polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-like metabolites, hepatic cytochrome P450 activity, and hepatic DNA adducts, were used with sediment and tissue chemistry data to evaluate classes of chemicals as likely contributors to tumor prevalence. We highlight two surveys of the Anacostia River, Washington, D.C. (average = 55% liver tumors, 23% skin tumors), where sediment PAHs, biliary PAH-like metabolites, and hepatic DNA adducts were high, suggesting that PAHs play a major role. We show that logistic regression is an appropriate procedure for comparing &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;contaminated&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; versus &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;reference&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; locations, and we evaluate the utility of tumor surveys as an environmental indicator for the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2000

... Pinkney, AE, McGowan, PC, Murphy, DR, Lowe, TP, Sparling, DW and Ferrington, LC (2000), Effec... more ... Pinkney, AE, McGowan, PC, Murphy, DR, Lowe, TP, Sparling, DW and Ferrington, LC (2000), Effects of the mosquito larvicides temephos and ... Two Hester-Dendy artificial substrates (HD Supply,Brandon, FL, USA) were assembled and placed in each pond on May 19 and then ...

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2006

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1997

... we renewed the Abate concentration each day, whereas temephos degrades rapidly under field co... more ... we renewed the Abate concentration each day, whereas temephos degrades rapidly under field conditions (Lores et al. 1985), tadpoles are probably at even less risk than suggested by these data. Acknowledgements. We thank Colleen O&amp;#x27;Rourke and Jennifer Angel who ...

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2004

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1997

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1990

Effects of tributyltin (TBT) on survival, growth, morphometry, and RNA-DNA ratio in larval stripe... more Effects of tributyltin (TBT) on survival, growth, morphometry, and RNA-DNA ratio in larval striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were assessed in three experiments. In Experiment I, 13 day old larvae were exposed to 0, 0.067, 0.766, or 2.284 micrograms TBT/L for 6 days. All larvae exposed to 2.284 micrograms/L died by day 5; exposure to 0.766 micrograms/L significantly reduced survival relative to controls (59.8% vs. 81.8%). Significant, concentration-dependent decreases in body depth occurred in larvae exposed to 0.067 and 0.766 micrograms/L. In Experiment II, all 16 day old larvae exposed to 1.498 micrograms/L died by day 6. Survival, weight, and morphometry parameters were not significantly different in larvae exposed to 0, 0.052, or 0.444 micrograms/L for 6 days. In Experiment III, survival was similar in 21 day old larvae exposed to 0, 0.055, 0.281, or 0.514 micrograms/L for 7 days. Notochord length and dry weight decreased significantly in larvae exposed to 0.514 micrograms/L. Weight and morphometry parameters were more sensitive indicators of sublethal stress than RNA-DNA ratio. Maximum TBT concentrations reported in Chesapeake Bay marinas are likely to cause increased larval mortality. Longer-term studies are needed to assess effects at less than 0.050 micrograms/L, which may be more representative of habitat conditions.

Freshwater Mollusk Biology and Conservation, 2020

Degraded water quality, particularly elevated concentrations of ammonia, chloride, and toxic meta... more Degraded water quality, particularly elevated concentrations of ammonia, chloride, and toxic metals, can be harmful to freshwater mussels. We investigated whether the contraction in Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) distribution that occurred between 2002 and 2012 within Browns Branch (BB), a stream within a predominantly agricultural watershed on the Coastal Plain of Maryland, was associated with these and other water-quality factors. We measured surface-and porewater concentrations of different forms of nitrogen, orthophosphate, anions, and dissolved metals at two sites in BB for 7 mo in 2014. The upstream site (BBUP) represented the lower extent of the current Dwarf Wedgemussel population, and the downstream site (BBDO) represented the lower extent of the species' distribution observed in a 2002 survey. As a comparison, we also sampled one site in Nanjemoy Creek (NANJ), a largely forested Coastal Plain watershed where Dwarf Wedgemussel distribution exhibited no change over the same 10-yr period. We tested the hypothesis that concentrations of potentially toxic analytes were significantly higher at BBDO than at BBUP and NANJ. Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) was the only analyte consistent with this hypothesis in both surface and pore water. Concentrations of pore-water un-ionized ammonia (UIA-N) at BBDO were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Ambient Water Quality Criterion, but they frequently exceeded 0.2 lg/L, a concentration previously associated with a lack of mussel recruitment. We recommend conducting a new mussel survey of BB to assess current condition. If range contraction is still evident, more frequent and extended sampling should be performed, including capturing high-flow events to determine if pulses of ammonia and other pollutants occur.

Bioassay studies were conducted to determine if leachate from a coal ash depository was a potenti... more Bioassay studies were conducted to determine if leachate from a coal ash depository was a potential factor in reducing abundance of yellow perch spawning stocks in Zekiah Swamp Run, a tributary of the Wicomico River, Maryland. In situ bioassays conducted in Zekiah Swamp Run in 1989 and 1990 using yellow perch yolk-sac larvae resulted in higher mortality upstream and downstream of the ash storage facility relative to reference stations in both years. Similar high mortality was observed at the upstream unaffected site and the downstream potentially affected site, suggesting that poor larval survival in these locations is a system-wide phenomenon. Analysis of water samples for metals, inorganic monomeric-aluminum, volatile organics, pH and measurements of physical parameters did not identify a specific cause for the high mortality observed. Surveys of the abundance and distribution of yellow perch egg strands during spring 1990 revealed that over 1,500 females spawned in a relatively r...

Science of The Total Environment, 2019

A reconnaissance project completed in 2009 identified intersex and elevated plasma vitellogenin i... more A reconnaissance project completed in 2009 identified intersex and elevated plasma vitellogenin in male smallmouth bass inhabiting the Missisquoi River, VT. In an attempt to identify the presence and seasonality of putative endocrine disrupting chemicals or other factors associated with these observations, a comprehensive reevaluation was conducted between September 2012 and June 2014. Here, we collected smallmouth bass from three physically partitioned reaches along the river to measure biomarkers of estrogenic endocrine disruption in smallmouth bass. In addition, polar organic chemical integrative samples (POCIS) were deployed to identify specific chemicals associated with biological observations. We did not observe biological differences across reaches indicating the absence of clear point source contributions to the observation of intersex. Interestingly, intersex prevalence and severity decreased in a stepwise manner over the timespan of the project. Intersex decreased from 92.8% to 28.1%. The only significant predictor of intersex prevalence was year of capture, based on logistic regression analysis. The mixed model of fish length and year-of-capture best predicted intersex severity. Intersex severity was also significantly different across late summer and early spring collections indicating seasonal changes in this metric. Plasma vitellogenin and liver vitellogenin Aa transcript abundance in males did not indicate exposure to estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals at any of the four sample collections. Analysis of chemicals captured by the POCIS as well as results of screening discrete water samples or POCIS extracts did not indicate the contribution of appreciable estrogenic chemicals. It is possible that unreported changes in land-use activity have ameliorated the problem, and our observations indicate recovery. Regardless, this work clearly emphasizes that single, snap shot sampling for intersex may not yield representative data given that the manifestation of this condition within a population can change dramatically over time.

The Science of the total environment, 2017

From the 1940s through 1977, at least 590,000kg of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were released... more From the 1940s through 1977, at least 590,000kg of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were released into the Hudson River from General Electric manufacturing plants located in Hudson Falls and Fort Edward, New York. In 1984, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated a nearly 322km reach as the Hudson River PCBs Superfund Site. Here we describe a Fish Health Assessment study, part of a Natural Resource Damage Assessment, that evaluated the prevalence of toxicopathic lesions in adult brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens). In fall 2001, 29-51 fish of each species were collected in fall 2001 from highly contaminated areas below the plants (Thompson Island Pool (TIP) and Stillwater Dam Pool (STW)), an upriver reference area (Feeder Dam Pool (FDP)), and a reference lake, Oneida Lake (ODA). The focus was on histopathologic lesions and observations associated with contaminant exposure: liver-neoplasms, foci o...

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2016

Intersex as the manifestation of testicular oocytes (TO) in male gonochoristic fishes has been us... more Intersex as the manifestation of testicular oocytes (TO) in male gonochoristic fishes has been used as an indicator of estrogenic exposure. Here we evaluated largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) or smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) form 19 National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) in the Northeast U.S. inhabiting waters on or near NWR lands for evidence of estrogenic endocrine disruption. Waterbodies sampled included rivers, lakes, impoundments, ponds, and reservoirs. Here we focus on evidence of endocrine disruption in male bass evidenced by gonad histopathology including intersex or abnormal plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) concentrations. During the fall seasons of 2008-2010, we collected male smallmouth bass (n ¼118) from 12 sites and largemouth bass (n ¼ 173) from 27 sites. Intersex in male smallmouth bass was observed at all sites and ranged from 60% to 100%; in male largemouth bass the range was 0-100%. Estrogenicity, as measured using a bioluminescent yeast reporter, was detected above the probable no effects concentration (0.73 ng/L) in ambient water samples from 79% of the NWR sites. Additionally, the presence of androgen receptor and glucocorticoid receptor ligands were noted as measured via novel nuclear receptor translocation assays. Mean plasma Vtg was elevated (40.2 mg/ml) in male smallmouth bass at four sites and in male largemouth bass at one site. This is the first reconnaissance survey of this scope conducted on US National Wildlife Refuges. The baseline data collected here provide a necessary benchmark for future monitoring and justify more comprehensive NWR-specific studies. Published by Elsevier Inc. They run the gamut of natural and synthetic chemicals, but also include biogenic plant and animal hormones. To date, estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDCs) have received considerable attention due to the perceived risk they pose to vertebrate reproduction and better established biomarkers. In aquatic ecosystems, two dominant sources of EEDCs are agricultural production such as animal feeding operations (AFOs) and crop fields applied with manures and herbicides (

In 1999, the Chesapeake Bay Program Toxics Subcommittee characterized the tidal tributaries of th... more In 1999, the Chesapeake Bay Program Toxics Subcommittee characterized the tidal tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay for their potential for adverse effects due to chemical contamination. One finding was that, due to a paucity of data, many segments were characterized as Areas with Insufficient or Inconclusive Data. The purpose of the current study was to help fill these data gaps. The study, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chesapeake

Journal of fish diseases, 2014

For two decades, fish tumour surveys have been used to monitor habitat quality in the Chesapeake ... more For two decades, fish tumour surveys have been used to monitor habitat quality in the Chesapeake Bay (USA) watershed. Tributaries with sediments contaminated with polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), known to cause liver neoplasia, were frequently targeted. Here, we compare surveys in brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus conducted in 2009-2011 in the tidal Potomac River watershed (including the Anacostia River) with previous surveys. Using logistic regression, we identified length and sex as covariates for liver and skin tumours. We reported a statistically significant decrease in liver tumour probabilities for standardized 280 mm Anacostia bullheads between the 1996 and 2001 samplings (merged collections: female-77.5%, male-43.0%) and 2009-2011 (female-42.2%, male-13.6%). However, liver tumour prevalence in bullheads from the Anacostia, Potomac River (Washington, DC) and Piscataway Creek (17 km downriver) was significantly higher than that for Chesapeake Bay watershed reference l...

Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 1999

The nontarget effects of temephos (as Abate 4E, 44.6% active ingredient) on fiddler crabs were ex... more The nontarget effects of temephos (as Abate 4E, 44.6% active ingredient) on fiddler crabs were examined on the salt marsh at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, near Dover, DE. Six 170 x 170-m plots were established; 3 were sprayed on 4 occasions at a rate of 1.5 fl oz/acre (0.054 kg active ingredient/ha) and 3 were controls. On each plot, marsh fiddler crab (Uca pugnax) populations were monitored by repeatedly counting the number of burrow holes in 2 counting areas marked out along tidal guts. One half of each counting area was covered with bird netting to evaluate sublethal toxic effects, which, if present, could result in increased susceptibility to bird predation. A statistically significant linear association was established between the number of holes and the number of crabs. No significant differences were found in the numbers of holes (or crabs) in the sprayed vs. control plots and in the covered vs. uncovered sections. However, survival of juvenile crabs in in situ bioass...

Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 1994

Science of The Total Environment, 2011

We surveyed four Chesapeake Bay tributaries for skin and liver tumors in brown bullhead (Ameiurus... more We surveyed four Chesapeake Bay tributaries for skin and liver tumors in brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus). We focused on the South River, where the highest skin tumor prevalence (53%) in the Bay watershed had been reported. The objectives were to 1) compare tumor prevalence with nearby rivers (Severn and Rhode) and a more remote river (Choptank); 2) investigate associations between tumor prevalence and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylating agents; and 3) statistically analyze Chesapeake Bay bullhead tumor data from 1992 through 2008. All four South River collections exhibited high skin tumor prevalence (19% to 58%), whereas skin tumor prevalence was 2%, 10%, and 52% in the three Severn collections; 0% and 2% in the Choptank collections; and 5.6% in the Rhode collection. Liver tumor prevalence was 0% to 6% in all but one South River collection (20%) and 0% to 6% in the three other rivers. In a subset of samples, PAH-like biliary metabolites and (32)P-DNA adducts were used as biomarkers of exposure and response to polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs). Adducts from alkylating agents were detected as O6-methyl-2&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;-deoxyguanosine (O6Me-dG) and O6-ethyl-2&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;-deoxyguanosine (O6Et-dG) modified DNA. Bullheads from the contaminated Anacostia River were used as a positive control for DNA adducts. (32)P-DNA adduct concentrations were significantly higher in Anacostia bullhead livers compared with the other rivers. We identified alkyl DNA adducts in bullhead livers from the South and Anacostia, but not the Choptank. Neither the PAH-like bile metabolite data, sediment PAH data, nor the DNA adduct data suggest an association between liver or skin tumor prevalence and exposure to PACs or alkylating agents in the South, Choptank, Severn, or Rhode rivers. Logistic regression analysis of the Chesapeake Bay database revealed that sex and length were significant covariates for liver tumors and length was a significant covariate for skin tumors.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 1987

A monthly sampling programme for dibutyltin (DBT), tributyltin (TBT) and tetrabutyltin (TTBT) was... more A monthly sampling programme for dibutyltin (DBT), tributyltin (TBT) and tetrabutyltin (TTBT) was initiated for a period of one year (July 1985–June 1986) in the Maryland waters of Chesapeake Bay. Concentrations of the above butyltin species were evaluated in the microlayer and ...

JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 1984

ABSTRACT: The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the avoidance responses of juvenile... more ABSTRACT: The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the avoidance responses of juvenile striped bass, Morone saxatilis and Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus to bis (tri‐n‐butyltin) oxide. An avoidance responses was exhibited by striped bass at a total organic tin concentration of 24.9 μg/L. Atlantic menhaden exhibited avoidance to total organic tin concentrations of 5.5 μg/L and greater. Atlantic menhaden are generally more sensitive to toxicants than striped bass; therefore, avoidance responses reported in this study are not surprising. It is highly likely that the concentrations of total organic tin that were avoided by the test species in this study were much higher than expected environmental concentrations. Ecologically significant hazards may occur due to potential effects that unperceived or non‐avoided organotin concentrations may have on behavioral responses mediated by chemosensory systems.

Journal of Fish Biology, 1989

The effects of tributyltin (TBT) compounds on gill morphology were examined in the mummichog, Fun... more The effects of tributyltin (TBT) compounds on gill morphology were examined in the mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus, in 96‐h LC50 and 6‐week sublethal exposures. Morphometry was used for the identification and quantification of effects with the light microscope. A 96‐h LC50 of 17.2 μg 1 1 was determined. Morphometric analysis of gill tissues revealed hypertrophy of the lamellar epithelium in fish exposed to 17.2 μg 1–1. Relative diffusing capacity was significantly decreased (−41 %); (P<0.05, ANOVA, Bonferroni t‐test). At 35.6 μg 1−1, TBT exposure resulted in a significant reduction (− 40%) in the volume of the lamellar blood channels. Both of these observations occurred in fish that showed signs of acute poisoning including loss of equilibrium. In fish exposed to sublethal concentrations of 0.105–2.000 μg TBT 1−1 for 6 weeks, there were no pathological changes in the gill. There were no treatment‐related changes in the surface morphology of the gills of fish from both experiment...

Journal of Aquatic Animal Health, 2009

Liver and skin tumor prevalences in brown bullheads Ameiurus nebulosus have been used in the Nort... more Liver and skin tumor prevalences in brown bullheads Ameiurus nebulosus have been used in the North American Great Lakes to designate highly contaminated areas of concern and monitor their recovery. Here we interpret the results of six surveys conducted in the Chesapeake Bay watershed between 1992 and 2006, with data for 647 fish. The objective has been to develop an adequate database to critically evaluate the use of tumor prevalence as a habitat quality indicator within the watershed. Surveys featured randomized fish collection; recording of sex, length, weight, and age; and histopathology of all livers and all raised skin lesions. The Bayes information criterion was used to analyze all possible combinations of age, gender, length, and weight as covariates for logistic regression. Length and gender were the covariates that best described liver tumor prevalence. There were no covariates in the model for skin tumor prevalence. In some surveys, biomarkers, such as biliary polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-like metabolites, hepatic cytochrome P450 activity, and hepatic DNA adducts, were used with sediment and tissue chemistry data to evaluate classes of chemicals as likely contributors to tumor prevalence. We highlight two surveys of the Anacostia River, Washington, D.C. (average = 55% liver tumors, 23% skin tumors), where sediment PAHs, biliary PAH-like metabolites, and hepatic DNA adducts were high, suggesting that PAHs play a major role. We show that logistic regression is an appropriate procedure for comparing &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;contaminated&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; versus &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;reference&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; locations, and we evaluate the utility of tumor surveys as an environmental indicator for the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2000

... Pinkney, AE, McGowan, PC, Murphy, DR, Lowe, TP, Sparling, DW and Ferrington, LC (2000), Effec... more ... Pinkney, AE, McGowan, PC, Murphy, DR, Lowe, TP, Sparling, DW and Ferrington, LC (2000), Effects of the mosquito larvicides temephos and ... Two Hester-Dendy artificial substrates (HD Supply,Brandon, FL, USA) were assembled and placed in each pond on May 19 and then ...

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2006

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1997

... we renewed the Abate concentration each day, whereas temephos degrades rapidly under field co... more ... we renewed the Abate concentration each day, whereas temephos degrades rapidly under field conditions (Lores et al. 1985), tadpoles are probably at even less risk than suggested by these data. Acknowledgements. We thank Colleen O&amp;#x27;Rourke and Jennifer Angel who ...

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2004

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1997

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1990

Effects of tributyltin (TBT) on survival, growth, morphometry, and RNA-DNA ratio in larval stripe... more Effects of tributyltin (TBT) on survival, growth, morphometry, and RNA-DNA ratio in larval striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were assessed in three experiments. In Experiment I, 13 day old larvae were exposed to 0, 0.067, 0.766, or 2.284 micrograms TBT/L for 6 days. All larvae exposed to 2.284 micrograms/L died by day 5; exposure to 0.766 micrograms/L significantly reduced survival relative to controls (59.8% vs. 81.8%). Significant, concentration-dependent decreases in body depth occurred in larvae exposed to 0.067 and 0.766 micrograms/L. In Experiment II, all 16 day old larvae exposed to 1.498 micrograms/L died by day 6. Survival, weight, and morphometry parameters were not significantly different in larvae exposed to 0, 0.052, or 0.444 micrograms/L for 6 days. In Experiment III, survival was similar in 21 day old larvae exposed to 0, 0.055, 0.281, or 0.514 micrograms/L for 7 days. Notochord length and dry weight decreased significantly in larvae exposed to 0.514 micrograms/L. Weight and morphometry parameters were more sensitive indicators of sublethal stress than RNA-DNA ratio. Maximum TBT concentrations reported in Chesapeake Bay marinas are likely to cause increased larval mortality. Longer-term studies are needed to assess effects at less than 0.050 micrograms/L, which may be more representative of habitat conditions.

Freshwater Mollusk Biology and Conservation, 2020

Degraded water quality, particularly elevated concentrations of ammonia, chloride, and toxic meta... more Degraded water quality, particularly elevated concentrations of ammonia, chloride, and toxic metals, can be harmful to freshwater mussels. We investigated whether the contraction in Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) distribution that occurred between 2002 and 2012 within Browns Branch (BB), a stream within a predominantly agricultural watershed on the Coastal Plain of Maryland, was associated with these and other water-quality factors. We measured surface-and porewater concentrations of different forms of nitrogen, orthophosphate, anions, and dissolved metals at two sites in BB for 7 mo in 2014. The upstream site (BBUP) represented the lower extent of the current Dwarf Wedgemussel population, and the downstream site (BBDO) represented the lower extent of the species' distribution observed in a 2002 survey. As a comparison, we also sampled one site in Nanjemoy Creek (NANJ), a largely forested Coastal Plain watershed where Dwarf Wedgemussel distribution exhibited no change over the same 10-yr period. We tested the hypothesis that concentrations of potentially toxic analytes were significantly higher at BBDO than at BBUP and NANJ. Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) was the only analyte consistent with this hypothesis in both surface and pore water. Concentrations of pore-water un-ionized ammonia (UIA-N) at BBDO were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Ambient Water Quality Criterion, but they frequently exceeded 0.2 lg/L, a concentration previously associated with a lack of mussel recruitment. We recommend conducting a new mussel survey of BB to assess current condition. If range contraction is still evident, more frequent and extended sampling should be performed, including capturing high-flow events to determine if pulses of ammonia and other pollutants occur.

Bioassay studies were conducted to determine if leachate from a coal ash depository was a potenti... more Bioassay studies were conducted to determine if leachate from a coal ash depository was a potential factor in reducing abundance of yellow perch spawning stocks in Zekiah Swamp Run, a tributary of the Wicomico River, Maryland. In situ bioassays conducted in Zekiah Swamp Run in 1989 and 1990 using yellow perch yolk-sac larvae resulted in higher mortality upstream and downstream of the ash storage facility relative to reference stations in both years. Similar high mortality was observed at the upstream unaffected site and the downstream potentially affected site, suggesting that poor larval survival in these locations is a system-wide phenomenon. Analysis of water samples for metals, inorganic monomeric-aluminum, volatile organics, pH and measurements of physical parameters did not identify a specific cause for the high mortality observed. Surveys of the abundance and distribution of yellow perch egg strands during spring 1990 revealed that over 1,500 females spawned in a relatively r...