Jan L. Sykora

Riffle zoobenthos in streams receiving acid mine drainage

Abstract The bottom fauna of a stream polluted by acid mine drainage, was studied, using the standard methods of sample collecting. In localities immediately influenced by mine drainage, where very low pH values and high acidities prevail, the effect of acid mine wastes on the ecology and composition of the benthic fauna is, in general, similar to the effect of organic pollution. In these areas we found high numbers of individuals comprised of a few species. In the zones of active neutralization, where iron hydroxides are deposited, species diversity slightly increases but the biomass is very low. The most numerous invertebrates in the stream sections exhibiting high acidity and low pH are midge larvae, especially Tendipes gr. riparius. The number of insect groups present increases steadily with progressive neutralization until Crustacea (Amphipoda) and Oligochaeta appear, indicating considerable improvement in water quality. The supply of desirable benthic fish food (Tendipes ssp.) is very high in the parts of the stream where low pH, high acidity, and high ferrous iron concentrations prevail. Unfortunately, fish cannot survive under these conditions to utilize this abundant food supply. On the other hand, in the less acidic zones, where fish could possibly survive, the deposition of ferric iron drastically diminishes the total biomass of benthic organisms and therefore severely limits fish populations.

Effect of lime neutralized iron hydroxide suspensions on juvenile brook trout (salvelinus fontinalis, mitchill)

Abstract The experimental dosing apparatus was a modified proportional diluter equipped with a neutralization device and with a series of detention and oxygenation tanks. Ferric hydroxide was obtained by neutralization of ferrous sulfate using calcium hydroxide. After neutralization, oxygenation, and detention, suspended iron was released automatically at regular intervals into the test aquaria. Four concentrations of iron were maintained, each containing 10 young brook trout (3 months old). The data on length of brook trout revealed a definite trend toward smaller size with increasing concentration of suspended ferric hydroxide, with the largest trout in 6 mg Fe I-1 and in the control. The average weight of brook trout was much lower in high iron concentrations than in the control and 6 mg Fe 1-1. The final mean weight of fish in 50 mg Fe 1-1 represented only 16 per cent of the control, with gradually increasing percentage proportions occurring in lower iron concentrations. The final mean weights of the fish in 6 mg Fe 1-1 and in the control were almost identical. The average growth rate computed for five different size groups of fish revealed a sudden decline in growth of brook trout exposed to 12, 25, and 50 mg Fe 1-1. The growth rate of brook trout in 6 mg Fe 1−1 and in the control shows only a leveling trend as of the thirty-fifth week. It is assumed that impaired visibility due to high turbidity prevented the fish from feeding which in turn resulted in slow growth in high iron concentrations—12, 25 and 50 mg Fe 1−1.

Combined sewer overflows : A source of Cryptosporidium and Giardia

Throughout the past several years there has been an increasing concern to reduce the pollutants within urban stormwater discharges, particularly combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The majority of the research on CSOs has focused on physical, chemical, and some biological components. This preliminary study investigated the occurrence of two pathogenic protozoa, Cryptosporidium and Giardia , in an urban stream during dry weather compared to their occurrence in a combined sewer overflow (CSO) end-of-pipe discharge to determine the loading potential and the potential human health impacts. Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts were commonly observed in the urban stream during dry weather conditions, with concentrations of 5-105 oocysts/100L and 13-6,579 cysts/100L respectively. The CSO end-of-pipe samples during wet weather conditions discharged Cryptosporidium and Giardia at high levels, 250-40,000 oocysts/100L and 9,000-283,000 cysts/100L respectively. This preliminary study suggests that CSOs may significantly contribute to the load of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in ambient waters and source waters utilized for recreational use and potable water. However, further investigation will be needed to determine and characterize the full effect of this apparent loading source.

Endotoxins, algae and Limulus amoebocyte lysate test in drinking water

Abstract Field and laboratory studies were conducted to determine the distribution of algae and bacteria, and investigate sources of endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) in drinking water. The field survey was performed on five drinking water systems located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania during the spring and summer of 1978. The highest concentrations of phytoplankton were found in uncovered finished water reservoirs. The major source of “endotoxic” response as measured by the Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) gelation test was a non-specific reaction caused by algae. This was documented by a highly positive correlation of phytoplankton concentrations occurring in the reservoirs with respective LAL titers. Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorophyta) was the most common alga, whereas Schizothrix calcicola was the most dominant Cyanobacterium found in the five water systems. LAL gelation test with C. vulgaris grown in the laboratory verified the phenomenon observed on samples collected in the field and indicated a non-specific reaction, whereas S. calcicola cultures under identical conditions produced a specific response. Alkali and lysozyme treatments were successful in distinguishing specific and non-specific LAL reactions. These two techniques in conjunction with LAL test are recommended for drinking water quality assessment.

Cyanobacteria and Endotoxins in Drinking Water Supplies

Field and laboratory studies were performed to evaluate the quantitative distribution and sources of endotoxins (lipopoly- saccharides = LPS) in drinking water supplies. The Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) test was used to measure total, bound and free endotoxins in six drinking water systems.

Early Developmental Effects of Lime-Neutralized Iron Hydroxide Suspensions on Brook Trout and Coho Salmon

Abstract A study of the effect of lime-neutralized iron hydroxide suspensions on eggs and alevins of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) was conducted with a modified proportional diluter. Effects were interpreted from data on hatchability, survival, and growth in five test concentrations and control. Growth of 90-day-old coho salmon alevins was reduced in water containing 1.27 mg Fe/liter of lime-neutralized suspended iron, whereas hatchability was unaffected in the highest concentration tested, 10.5 mg Fe/liter, However, 10.5 mg Fe/liter water had no measurable effect on hatchability, survival, and growth of brook trout alevins. The safe upper limit of lime-neutralized suspended iron for hatchability, survival, and growth of coho salmon alevins may lie between 0.97 and 1.27 mg Fe/liter.

Some observations on spawning of brook trout (Salvelinus Fontinalis, mitchill) in lime neutralized iron hydroxide suspensions

Abstract The long-term effect of lime neutralized suspended iron on brook trout spawning and egg hatchability was assessed in a flow-through environment with a modified proportional diluter. Results of a two year study reveal low survival of maturing fish and a decline in egg production at higher suspended iron concentrations. Brook trout egg hatchability was unaffected in concentrations of lime neutralized iron hydroxide ranging from 0.75 to 12 mg Fe 1−1. A comparison of data on survival, growth, and egg hatchability indicates that the safe level of lime neutralized iron hydroxide suspensions for brook trout in an enclosed, intermittent-flow testing system presumably lies between 7.5 and 12.5 mg Fe 1−1.

Isolation and Characterization of Endotoxin from Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)

A Sewickley, Pennsylvania, epidemic of water-borne gastroenteritis of unknown etiology which occurred in 1975 was characterized by high concentration of Schizothrix calcicola (Cyanobacteria) in the corresponding drinking water system. As a consequence, the most common cyanobacterial contaminants of drinking water were tested for endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide - LPS) content. LPS was isolated and characterized from Schizothrix calcicola, Anabaena flos-aquae (UTEX 1444), Oscillatoria tenuis, and Oscillatoria brevis. The isolation was performed by using Westphal’s modified phenol-water extraction method. Subsequently, the glucan contaminating LPS was eliminated by enzymatic hydrolysis by cellulase. The resulting macromolecular substances were composed of a polysaccharide moiety and a lipid part. Contrary to Wang and Hill’s report that Anabaena flos-aquae A37 contains a polysaccharide without covalently bound lipid, Anabaena flos-aquae (UTEX 1444) contained a true LPS. No endotoxin could be isolated from the toxic strain Anabaena flos-aquae NRC-44-1 and preliminarily from Anabaena cylindrica.

Three new species of Trichoptera from Brazil

Zusammenfassung Es werden drei Kocherfliegenarten aus Brasilien beschrieben. Atopsyche usingeri n. sp. (Abb. 1), Chimarra donamariae n. sp. (Abb. 2) und Smicridea sattleri n. sp. (Abb. 3, 4). Die Arbeit enthalt auserdem neue Abbildungen der Genitalien von Smicridea albo‐signata Ulmer (Abb. 5, A, B, C).

Amoebae as sources of hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Abstract Pulmonary hypersensitivity has been associated with inhalation of many diverse occupational and environmental airborne agents. Of biological materials, spores of thermophilic actinomycetes have been recognized frequently as causative agents of the disease. Amoebae have rarely been associated with inhalation hypersensitivity. However, recent isolation of several species of amoebae from heated humidification systems in homes and factories has prompted concern for the role of amoebae in hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In this study, an animal model was employed to investigate hypersensitivity to nonpathogenic Naegleria gruberi . Guinea pigs were sensitized by injection of axenic as well as nonaxenic N. gruberi emulsified in Freunds complete adjuvant. Animals were evaluated for three distinguishing characteristics of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Delayed-onset skin reactivity was apparent in all animals upon intradermal challenge with N. gruberi antigen. Test sites on animals sensitized with axenic N. gruberi developed extensive rashes lasting 96 h. Antibodies were detected in experimental animals. However, antibodies in animals sensitized with nonaxenic N. gruberi were directed mainly toward the bacteria Enterobacter aerogenes , which was used as the feeder culture. This finding points out the importance of using axenic cultures of amoebae. Bronchial provocation challenge was employed to investigate pulmonary hypersensitivity. Animals sensitized with axenic N. gruberi displayed delayed-onset respiratory responses beginning 6 h post challenge. The study indicates that attention should be given to nonpathogenic free living amoebae as causative agents of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.