Xanthippos Karamanlis

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).

Analytical procedure for the determination of eprinomectin in soil and cattle faeces.

A new analytical HPLC-fluorescence method was developed for the quantitative determination of eprinomectin (EPM) in soil and cattle faeces. EPM was extracted with acetone and acetonitrile from soil and cattle faeces, respectively. Solid phase extraction and derivatization reaction with N-methylimidazole in the presence of trifluoroacetic anhydride and acetic acid were applied. The limit of quantitation was 1 ng g(-1) air dried soil and 2.5 ng g(-1) moist cattle faeces. Overall recovery (RSD) was 89% (8) in soil and 85% (10) in cattle faeces and its good reproducibility (RSD<15%) allows the application of the method in advanced ecotoxicological studies, required for the environmental fate assessment of EPM.

Are the parasiticidal avermectins resistant to dissipation in the environment? The case of eprinomectin

Eprinomectin (EPM) is a veterinary drug currently licensed in many countries for the treatment of endo- and ecto-parasites in cattle. Despite the notable evidence for its high toxicity to the terrestrial and aquatic environment ecosystems, its environmental behavior and fate are currently unknown. In the present research, the dissipation of EPM was studied in three soils and in cattle manure by using the OECD 307 guideline and the recently developed European Medicines Agency (EMA/CVMP/ERA/430327) guideline, respectively. The procedure presented by the FOrum for Co-ordination of pesticide models and their USe (FOCUS) was adopted for estimating the EPM degradation kinetics in soil and cattle manure. The EPM dissipation in soil was best described by the SFO (Simple First Order) and the HS (Hockey Stick) models, under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively. The EPM dissipation in cattle manure was best described by the FOMC (First Order Multi Compartment) model. The Dissipation Time for the 50% of the initial EPM mass (DT50) range was 38-53days under aerobic and 691-1491days under anaerobic conditions. In addition, the DT50 for EPM in cattle manure was 333days. Therefore, EPM could be characterized as moderately to highly persistent to dissipation in soil, which depends on soil type, its oxygen content (aerobic or anaerobic conditions in soil) and the microbial activity. Moreover, the EPM resists dissipation in cattle manure, resulting to a high load in soil after manure application in agricultural land (or direct defecation in grassland). Consequently, the high possibility for EPM accumulation in soil and cattle manure should be considered when assessing the environmental risk of the drug.

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.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in mussels from cultures and natural population

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) mass fractions were determined in mussel samples collected from 6 locations around Thermaikos Gulf in north Greece. PBDEs were present in all sampling sites and the average total (ΣPBDEs) ranged from 17.7 to 32.3ng/g l.w., characterising Thermaikos as low polluted, a fact further supported by congener ratios and literature comparison. Distribution was even among stations with one exception. Congener profiles exhibited predominance of penta-/octa-BDEs as well as BDE-209. Statistical analysis showed significant difference in pollution levels between the two types of mussel cultures. No variations were observed for mussel bunch position or between cultures and natural population. Congener correlation analysis suggested different pollution sources between higher and lower brominated congeners as well as different metabolic/degradation processes. Bioaccumulation factors indicated that an increase in congener bromination degree leads to bioaccumulation capacity reduction. Consumption of mussels from Thermaikos gulf area poses no threat for public health concerning PBDEs.

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Goby (Gobius spp.) and Sole(Solea solea) from Thermaikos Gulf, Greece

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) mass fractions were estimated in samples from two benthic species of fish, goby and sole, originating from Thermaikos Gulf in north Greece. The samples were analyzed using a well-established cold extraction method. The average total (Σ PBDE) ranged from 8.98 to 35.00 ng g-1 lipid weight (lw) and 12.36 to 163.26 ng g-1 lw for goby and sole, respectively. Significant differences were observed between samplings but not between the two species. Thermaikos Gulf was classified as low polluted or comparable with regard to similar areas worldwide; however, the notable mass fraction increase in some cases as well as the increasing temporal trend of PBDE levels established for both species signify the need for further monitoring. Congener profiles showed dominance of penta-/octa-BDEs (50-70% from Σ PBDEs) and the presence of deca-BDE as well (18-19%). Congener correlation analysis suggested different pollution sources between higher and lower brominated congeners, as well as different metabolic/degradation processes. Calculations of bioaccumulation factors (BSAF) highlighted the influence of congener bromination degree on the bioaccumulation potential

Effects of the Antibiotic Amoxicillin on Key Species of the Terrestrial Environment

The antibiotic amoxicillin (AMX) is globally important for human and animal health. Although AMX is considered as a threat for the aquatic and terrestrial environment, limited data are present for its toxicity against key species such as denitrifying bacteria in soil, earthworms and plants. In the present research, the OECD protocols for environmental risk assessment were applied to study AMX acute toxicity, at nominal concentrations, close to the environmentally relevant, in soil bacteria responsible for nitrogen cycling, in the earthworm species Eisenia fetida and six plant species. The results revealed no significant effects of the antibiotic on the parameters related to the end-points of each respective test, at the selected concentration range. Therefore, the antibiotic did not present acute toxicity for the species, under the framework of the OECD tests. Further research is essential to be conducted also considering the patterns of degradation of AMX during the experimental periods.

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.