Athanasios Kamarianos

Transfer of Methylmercury to Hens' Eggs after Oral Administration

The present investigation was performed to elucidate the possibility of transport of methylmercury into eggs after its oral administration. Also, to determine the quantity of mercury excreted via eggs after oral administration of a certain quantity of this element once or in doses.

Analysis for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from the Thermaikos gulf, Greece

The Thermaikos Gulf area is suspected of being contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. A total of 57 samples were analyzed as follows: 29 from the western area (industrial) and 28 from the eastern area (agricultural) of the Gulf. All samples examined were found to be contaminated. The levels detected ranged from trace to 13 ng/g (wet weight, drained). Seven of the samples examined contained benzo(a)pyrene at an average level of 1 ng/g. Dibenzo(a,i)pyrene was found at trace levels in a small proportion of samples. Another compound, benzo(a)anthracene, was found in 19 samples at concentrations ranging from 2 ng/g to 42 ng/g. Dibenzo(a,h)pyrene was not found in any of the samples analyzed. On the basis of the above data, the concentration of total PAH in mussels of the Thermaikos Gulf amounted to 91 ng/g (wet weight) and those of the carcinogenic PAH counted to 19 ng/g. (JMT)

Sorption of the antiparasitic drug eprinomectin in three soils.

Batch equilibrium studies were conducted to determine eprinomectin partitioning behavior in three Greek soils (agricultural, pastoral and riparian soil). An analytical method was developed to quantify eprinomectin in aqueous 0.01 M CaCl₂. Recovery was 95% and limits of detection and quantification were both 0.005 mgL⁻¹. An existing method for its quantification in soil was successfully tested in this study. Mass balance determinations showed that we accounted for 89-98% of the eprinomectin spiked in 5 g soil/25 mL 0.01 M CaCl₂. The concentration specific adsorption distribution coefficient (K(d)(ads)) ranged from 6.4 to 21.4 L kg⁻¹ while concentration specific desorption distribution coefficient (K(d)(des)) ranged from 23.2 to 124.6 L kg⁻¹. The Freundlich model adequately described adsorption and desorption with n values from 0.6 to 1.07. Hysteresis between adsorption and desorption was observed in two (agricultural and pastoral) soils. Moreover, eprinomectin binding to the clay mineral vermiculite and natural peat was tested. The drug binds to both materials. Hydroxyl groups and the nitrogen group present in eprinomectin are probably responsible for the binding to vermiculite. Coefficient K(d)(ads) significantly correlated with cation exchange capacity (CEC), Fe and Cu content of the soils when data for eprinomectin and data for ivermectin and abamectin were combined. These could be evidence that eprinomectin fate is related not only to organic matter (lipophilic binding) but also to clay content and other charged inorganic groups typically present in the soil environment.

Seasonal fluctuations of organochlorine compounds in the water of the Strimon River (N. Greece)

Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are among the most persistent globally distributed organic pollutants. Owing to their stability for long periods, serious environmental changes have resulted, especialy in the coastal marine environment. The uptake and accumulation of these pollutants, by planktonic organisms and fishes can introduce such compounds in the human food chain, (Macek and Korn 1970; Kerr and Vass 1973; Addison 1976).

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in marine sediment of Thermaikos Gulf, Greece

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations were determined in marine sediment samples collected from 7 different locations around Thermaikos Gulf in north Greece. PBDEs were detected in all sampling sites and their average total concentration (ΣPBDEs) ranged from 0.26 to 4.92 ng g−1 d.w. Concentrations were an order of magnitude higher in locations outlining the inner part of the Gulf, which were also closer to industrial areas, sewage treatment plant discharges, the citys harbour and landfill area. These findings suggest pollution in the aquatic ecosystem from industrial and urban activities in the area. Congener profiles exhibit predominance of BDE-209, while concentrations of other PBDE congeners were usually lower, when compared to similar studies from other countries globally, indicating that Thermaikos Gulf is among the low-polluted areas. Statistical analysis showed significant differences among the higher polluted sampling stations. Statistically significant differences also existed between sampling stations with high and low PBDE concentrations. Correlations between congeners suggested local contamination sources; however, specific point sources of pollution were not established.

Methylmercury concentrations in broiler's meat and hen's meat and eggs

The concentration of mercury in food has been considered to present the greatest toxicological danger to the average citizen. The presence of mercury in foods has been reported in several studies. Much of the research has been carried out on total mercury concentration in foods and not on methylmercury concentration and as it is known methylmercury is the most dangerous form of mercury. Methylmercury, which is highly resistant to biodegradation, can be synthesized from any other form of mercury in the aquatic biosphere, can be bioconcentrated in the aquatic food chain and through fish-meals can be transported and concentrated in animals and their products. Such food chains, together with the various terrestrial food chains would represent a serious risk for man. This study was undertaken to determine the methylmercury levels in broilers meat, hens meat and eggs.

Water quality and organic pollution of the Strimon river (N. Greece)

The influence of the catchment area on the water quality of Strimon river (N. Greece) was investigated in this study. Several physico‐chemical parameters such as temperature, D.O., pH, conductivity, silicates, sulfates, N—NO3, N—NO2 and ortho‐phosphates were determined, for a 12 months period. Also, B.O.D.5 values and the concentrations of detergents were determined for the evaluation of organic pollution. The results show that the untreated domestic waste and the agricultural waste of the intensive multicultivated catchment area are responsible for the low water quality of Strimon river. Statistical analysis show significant fluctuations in the concentrations of the above temporally and regionally depended parameters.

Ecological studies on the Kerhni reservoir (N-Greece)

This paper refers to the morphometric and hydrological conditions, as well as to the physical and chemical characteristics of the Kerkini reservoir (N Greece) and determines the trophic status. The flushing rate, and the residence time of the water show clearly the dominance of the riverine system upon the lacustrine circulation pattern. The shallowness of the reservoir, the inflow of river Strimon, and the nearly continuous functioning of the dam throughout the year should be considered as the factors influencing the circulation of the water in the reservoir. Phosphorous mean annual value, mean annual and maximum values of chlorophyll-a were found 106.6 μg P 1−1, 18.4 μg 1−1, 29.7 μg 1−1 respectively. There is a tendency of the reservoir to decline into a hypertrophic state from a eutrophic one. River Strimon contributes significantly to the overloading of the reservoir by nitrogenous agricultural effluents.