Maurice A. Shapiro

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.

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.

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.

PAH Content of Exhaust Gases from Fuels with Different Aromatic Fraction

It has been ascertained that the quantity of aromatics in fuels is an important factor affecting PAH emission. Many results however, indicate the inadequacy of total fuel aromaticity as a general predictor of PAH emission, especially for gasoline. In fact it has been shown that the kind of aromatics exert a great influence, and particularly that PAH emission increase with the increase of the molecular complexity of aromatics in fuels. Aromatics with 9, 10 or more carbon atoms (C9-C10+) increase PAH emission much more than does benzene or the methyl and ethyl derivatives of benzene.

Legionella and the environment

Legionella can cause two distinct diseases. The first one is Legionnaires’ disease, which is characterized by a pneumonia with a significant mortality rate. The second disease is Pontiac fever, a nonpneumonic, self‐limiting, febrile disease with a high attack rate. This review analyzes the growth, identification, survival, and pathogenicity of Legionella isolated from environmental sources including soil, mud, showers, nebulizers, potable water, water from streams, lakes, water storage tanks, evaporative condensers, cooling towers, and humidifers. The importance of algal metabolites and Flavobacterium for the growth requirements of Legionella in aquatic habitats and plumbing systems is critically evaluated. The final section of the review describes the efficacy of various methods for decontamination of environmental sources of Legionella.

Notes. Mutagenicity of SRC-II coal liquefaction wastewater treatment residues

A first screen bioassay of an SRC-II coal liquefaction residue and 3 sludges resulting from treatment of the wastewater from the process was conducted using the Ames test method for detecting mutagenic activity. All of the residues exhibited some mutagenicity, with the vacuum bottom having 700 times greater specific mutagenic activity than fresh clarifier sludge and 5600 times greater mutagenic activity than aged digester sludge in the first sample set. Organic fractions of each of the tested materials, produced by increasing polar solvent extraction, were also measured for mutagenicity. The toluene and hexane fractions of clarifier sludge as compared to digested sludge, which contains the bulk of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons showed little or no reduction in mutagenic activity. The other organic fractions showed great reduction in activity, and in some cases complete elimination of the mutagenic fractions when the sludge has been digested.

Laboratory leaching of coal conversion solid wastes. Progress report, 1 February-30 April 1980

Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4 are summaries of heavy metal analysis of leachates conducted to date on Chapman fly ash samples, H-Coal No. 3, H-Coal No. 4, and Grand Forks slagging ash No. 1. The tables represent some of the primary and secondary drinking water heavy metals in addition to the metals of Be, Ca, Mg. Each of the samples were sieved in the mesh sizes indicated with pH and conductivity values also reported on the table. Preliminary indications are that the solid waste samples as received will probably not represent hazardous conditions in terms of the primary and secondary drinking water heavy metals with the exception of GFETC samples in conjunction with Hg. As of May 1, 1980 all samples have been analyzed for mercury, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, silver, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, beryllium, calcium, and magnesium. We anticipate continuing the analysis of leachates for arsenic and selenium. Results to date indicate that the smallest particle sizes tend to leach the greatest quantity of metals. Accordingly, in our opinion, some consideration should be given to fixation techniques for the ultimate disposal of coal conversion solid waste residuals.