Wild mammalian biomonitors for assessing impacts of environmental contamination on population and community ecology. Final technical report, 1 June 1991-31 October 1994
The overall objective of this research project was to explore the use of in situ bIomonitoring using wild mammalian animal models to assess ecotoxicity risks from petrochemical contaminants. We approached this objective by comparing the relative sensitivities of selected measures of metabolic, immunologic, genetic, and histopathologic toxicity (multiparameter model) in small-mammalian residents of terrestrial ecosystems contaminated with complex mixtures of petrochemicals (an abandoned oil refinery complex). Multiparameter response profiles of small mammals were evaluated relative to results from common laboratory bioassay tests (fathead minnow survival, rice seed germination test, etc.) and soil chemical analyses to determine their ability to predict ecotoxicity risks (as indexed by demographic changes in the small mammal community). Our principal in situ biomonitor was the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), which is the dominant member of the small mammal community on 3 uncontaminated reference and 3 heavy metal-petrochemical contaminated study sites. Chemical analyses of soil and soil extracts identified a variety of heavy metal and organic contaminants on the 3 suspected toxic study sites, which was reflected in common laboratory bioassay results using fathead minnow, microtox, rice seed germination, and Ceriodaphnia assays.
- Research Organization:
- Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, OK (United States). Dept. of Zoology
- OSTI ID:
- 6517403
- Report Number(s):
- AD-A-286551/7/XAB; CNN: AFOSR-91-0316
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
DATA
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
EVALUATED DATA
INFORMATION
MAMMALS
NUMERICAL DATA
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PROGRESS REPORT
RISK ASSESSMENT
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES