Toxicity of underground coal gasification condenser water and selected constituents to aquatic biota

The acute and embryo-larval toxicity of the Laramie Energy Technology Center's Hanna-3 underground coal gasification (UCG) condenser water and its constituents were studied in continuous-flow bioassays. The 96-hr LC₅₀ dilution values for untreated Hanna-3 UCG condenser water were 0.1% for rainbow trout, 0.11% for fathead minnows and the 48-hr LC₅₀ dilution forDaphnia pulicaria was 0.18%. Separate 96-hr acute tests with phenol, ammonia, and ammonia plus phenol showed that these two constituents, acting synergistically, were the major constituents affecting the acute toxicity of this coal conversion effluent to fishDaphnia pulicaria, on the other hand, was relatively insensitive to phenol exposure; the primary constituent of Hanna-3 UCG condenser water affecting this species was ammonia.A previously described model was used for predicting the toxicity of effluents with high concentrations of phenol and ammonia to confirm our hypothesis that the acute toxicity of Hanna-3 UCG condenser water to fish was primarily due to the presence of phenol and ammonia. Using the Hanna-3 concentrations of phenol and ammonia in this formula, it was calculated that the 96-hr LC₅₀ values for rainbow trout and fathead minnows exposed to Hanna-3 condenser water would be 0.11% and 0.28%, respectively; values which are near the observed acute toxicity of Hanna-3 condenser water.In a 30-day embryo-larval exposure, fathead minnow egg hatchability, growth, and survival were significantly reduced at 0.04%, 0.02% and 0.01% Hanna-3 condenser water, respectively. At a Hanna-3 dilution of 0.01%, the phenol and un-ionized ammonia concentrations were calculated to be 0.23 mg/L and 0.14 mg/L, respectively. The phenol and un-ionized ammonia concentrations are within ranges expected to produce the long-term effects which were observed.Work funded under an Interagency Agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Contract No. DE-AS20-79 LC 01761 to the Rocky Mountain Institute of Energy and Environment, University of Wyoming.     

Toxicity of anin situ oil shale process water to rainbow trout and fathead minnows

Anin situ oil shale process water, designated Omega-9 water, was used in flow-through bioassays with fathead minnows, rainbow trout and rainbow trout eggs. Of the two fish species, rainbow trout were more sensitive to acute exposure to Omega-9 water with 96-hour LC₅₀ dilutions of 0.51% and 0.41% in two independent determinations. In embryo-larval studies, the length of fry from eggs hatched and maintained in 0.16% process water was significantly less than that of eggs hatched in control water. A solution of the 13 major inorganic constituents of Omega-9 water, with a 96-hour LC₅₀ of 0.56% for rainbow trout, showed that inorganics accounted for most of the acute toxicity of Omega-9 water.Work funded under an Interagency Agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Contract No. DE-AS20-79 LC 01761 to the Rocky Mountain Institute of Energy and Environment, University of Wyoming.     

Effects of naphthalene and benzene on fathead minnows and rainbow trout

Fathead minnows (FHM) and rainbow trout (RBT) were used in flow-through bioassays to determine the acute toxicity of benzene and naphthalene, and to determine the embryo-larval effects of naphthalene on FHM. On an acute basis, naphthalene was more toxic than benzene (naphthalene LC₅₀ values were 1.6 mg/L for RBT and 7.9 mg/L for FHM; benzene LC₅₀ values were 5.3 mg/L for RBT and >15.1 mg/L for FHM). In the embryo-larval test naphthalene significantly (= 0.05) reduced FHM growth at concentrations as low as 0.85 mg/L. The highest concentration producing no effect was 0.45 mg/L naphthalene, which was 5.7% of the FHM 96-hr LC₅₀. Based upon long-term no-effects naphthalene concentration, the best estimate of the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) was >0.45 to <0.85 mg/L naphthalene.Work funded under an Interagency Agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Contract No. DE-AS20-79 LC 01761 to the Rocky Mountain Institute of Energy and Environment, University of Wyoming     

Acute toxicity of hydrogen cyanide to freshwater fishes

Acute toxicity of hydrogen cyanide was determined at various temperatures from 4° to 30°C and oxygen concentrations of 3.36 to 9.26 mg/L on different life history stages of five species of fish: fathead minnow,Pimephales promelas Refinesque; bluegill,Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque yellow perch,Perca flavescens (Mitchill); brook trout,Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill); and rainbow trout,Salmo gairdneri Richardson. Median lethal threshold concentrations and 96-hr LC50's were established by flow-through type bioassays. Acute toxicity varied from 57μg/L for juvenile rainbow trout to 191μg/L for field stocks of juvenile fathead minnows. Juvenile fish were more sensitive at lower temperatures and at oxygen levels below 5 mg/L. For most species juveniles were most sensitive and eggs more resistant. Paper No. 9954, Scientific Journal Series,Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, St. Paul, Minnesota. Research supported by theU.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research Laboratory, Duluth, Minnesota, under Grant No. R802914.     

Toxicity of selected priority pollutants to various aquatic organisms

Toxicity tests were conducted with selected compounds listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as priority pollutants. Acute toxicity information was determined for acenaphthene, arsenic trioxide, cadmium chloride, mercury(II) chloride, silver nitrate, chlordane, endosulfan, and heptachlor. Acute tests were conducted using one or more of the following species: fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), brown trout (Salmo trutta), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus), snails (Aplexa hypnorum), or chironomids (Tanytarsus dissimilis). Acute values from these tests ranged from a silver nitrate 96-hr LC50 of 6.7 micrograms/liter for fathead minnows to an arsenic trioxide 48-hr LC50 of 97,000 micrograms/liter for chironomids. In addition to acute tests, a fathead minnow embryo-larval exposure was conducted with silver nitrate to estimate chronic toxicity. The estimated maximum acceptable toxicant concentration for silver nitrate, based on fathead minnow survival, lies between 0.37 and 0.65 micrograms/liter.     

Acute toxicity of hydrogen cyanide to freshwater fishes.

Acute toxicity of hydrogen cyanide was determined at various temperatures from 4 degrees to 30 degrees C and oxygen concentrations of 3.36 to 9.26 mg/L on different life history stages of five species of fish: fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas Refinesque; bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque; yellow perch, Perca flavescens (Mitchill); brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill); and rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson. Median lethal threshold concentrations and 96-hr LC50's were established by flow-through type biassays. Acute toxicity varied from 57 microgram/L for juvenile rainbow trout to 191 microgram/L for field stocks of juvenile fathead minnows. Juvenile fish were more sensitive at lower temperatures and at oxygen levels below 5 mg/L. For most species juveniles were most sensitive and eggs more resistant.     

Toxicity of the herbicide glyphosate and several of its formulations to fish and aquatic invertebrates

Studies were initiated to determine the acute toxicity of technical grade glyphosate (MON0573), the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate (MON0139), the formulated herbicide Roundup^® (MON02139), and the Roundup^® surfactant (MON0818) to four aquatic invertebrates and four fishes: daphnids (Daphnia magna), scuds (Gammarus pseudolimnaeus), midge larvae (Chironomous plumosus), mayfly nymphs (Ephemerella walkeri), Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), and bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus). Acute toxicities for Roundup ranged from 2.3 mg/L (96-h LC50, fathead minnow) to 43 mg/L (48-h EC50, mature scuds). Toxicities of the surfactant were similar to those of the Roundup formulation. Technical glyphosate was considerably less toxic than Roundup or the surfactant; for midge larvae, the 48-h EC50 was 55 mg/L and for rainbow trout, the 96-h LC50 was 140 mg/L. Roundup was more toxic to rainbow trout and bluegills at the higher test temperatures, and at pH 7.5 than at pH 6.5. Toxicity did not increase at pH 8.5 or 9.5. Eyed eggs were the least sensitive life stage, but toxicity increased markedly as the fish entered the sac fry and early swim-up stages. No changes in fecundity or gonadosomatic index were observed in adult rainbow trout treated with the isopropylamine salt or Roundup up to 2.0 mg/L. The aging of Roundup test solutions for seven days did not reduce toxicity to midge larvae, rainbow trout or bluegills. In avoidance studies, rainbow trout did not avoid concentrations of the isopropylamine salt up to 10.0 mg/L; mayfly nymphs avoided 10.0 mg/L of Roundup, but not 1.0 mg/L. In a simulated field application, midge larvae avoided 2.0 mg/L of Roundup. Application of Roundup, at recommended rates, along ditchbank areas of irrigation canals should not adversely affect resident populations of fish or invertebrates. However, spring applications in lentic situations, where dissolved oxygen levels are low or temperatures are elevated, could be hazardous to young-of-the-year-fishes.     

Toxicity of acenaphthene and isophorone to early life stages of fathead minnows

Flow-through 96-hr and early-life-stage toxicity tests were conducted with acenaphthene and isophorone, using fathead minnows (Pimephalespromelas) as test animals. The 96-hr LC₅₀'s were 608g/L for acenaphthene and 145 and 255 mg/L for isophorone, depending on fish age. No-effect concentrations from early-life-stage exposures were 413g acenaphthene/L and 14 mg isophorone/L; these showed good agreement with published toxicity data.     

The influence of season and exercise on the lethal toxicity of cyanide to rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

The lethal toxicity (96-hr LC₅₀) of cyanide (HCN) to juvenile rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) varied seasonally and with exercise (swimming at one body length/sec). The trout were acclimated to the 12C test temperature for 3–4 weeks, under a 12 hr photoperiod before being tested at different times of the year. In summer, there was no significant difference of sensitivity between exercised and non-exercised trout. From summer to winter, the 96-hr LC₅₀ for exercised trout remained unchanged at 0.052 mg/L HCN while the LC₅₀ of the non-exercised trout dropped significantly to 0.043 mg/L HCN. The median survival times of the two groups of trout were the same in the summer, but in winter the exercised fish survived twice as long as the non-exercised fish. A longer acclimation period of the non-exercised trout from 4 weeks to 10 weeks during the winter increased resistance to cyanide.     

Acute and chronic toxicities of arsenic(III) to fathead minnows,flagfish, daphnids,and an amphipod

Acute and chronic toxicities of arsenic (III) (As) to four species of freshwater organisms were determined. All tests were flow-through exposures except the daphnid (Daphnia magna) tests which were static concentration renewal exposures. Acute exposures of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), flagfish (Jordanella floridae), and an amphipod (Gammarus pseudolimnaeus) to As resulted in 96-hr LC₅₀ or EC₅₀ estimates of 14,100, 14,400, and 874 g/L, respectively. Daphnids were exposed to As with and without food resulting in 96-hr EC₅₀ estimates of 4,340 and 1,500 g/L, respectively. Chronic exposures of 28 to 31 days duration were made for fathead minnows, flagfish, and daphnids. The chronic limit ranges (highest tested exposure concentration having no adverse effect and the lowest tested exposure concentration having an adverse effect) based upon the most sensitive measured parameters of body length and wet weight were 2,130 to 4,300 g/L for fathead minnows and 2,130 to 4,120 g/L for flagfish. Daphnids had chronic limits of 633 to 1,320 g/L based upon survival and the measured parameters of reproduction and body length. Calculation of an acute test/chronic test ratio for fathead minnows, flagfish, and daphnids (fed and unfed) resulted in a range of values from 1.64 to 4.80.     

Chronic Effects of the Herbicide Diuron on Freshwater Cladocerans, Amphipods, Midges, Minnows, Worms, and Snails

The chronic effects of the herbicide diuron on survival and reproduction of Daphnia pulex, and survival and growth of the amphipod Hyalella azteca, the midge Chironomus tentans, juvenile and embryo/larval fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas, annelid worms, Lumbriculus variegatus, and snails, Physa gyrina, were determined in laboratory static and static-renewal tests. D. pulex 96-h and 7-day LC50 values were 17.9 and 7.1 mg/L; 7-day LOAEL and NOAEL values based on mortality and reproduction were 7.7 and 4.0 mg/L. H. azteca 96-h and 10-day LC50 values were 19.4 and 18.4 mg/L; 10-day LOAEL and NOAEL values based on survival and reduced weight were 15.7 and 7.9 mg/L. C. tentans 10-day LC50 value was 3.3 mg/L; 10-day LOAEL and NOAEL values based on growth were 7.1 and 3.4 mg/L, and 3.4 and 1.9 mg/L based on mortality. Juvenile fathead minnows had a 10-day LC50 of 27.1 mg/L and 10-day LOAEL and NOAEL values based on growth of 3.4 and <3.4 mg/L. The fathead minnow embryo-larval test had a 7-day LC50 value of 11.7 mg/L and 7-day LOAEL and NOAEL values based on reduced growth of 8.3 and 4.2 mg/L. L. variegatus had 10-day LOAEL and NOAEL values based on reduced weight of 3.5 and 1.8 mg/L. P. gyrina had 10-day LOAEL and NOAEL values based on reduced weight of 22.8 and 13.4 mg/L. Laboratory effects concentrations were higher that those found in normal field application situations, except in areas of localized pooling after recent herbicide applications, indicating that there would probably be little harm to these fish and invertebrates from diuron exposure in the field. Received: 18 January 1998/Accepted: 28 March 1998     

Acute Toxicity of Firefighting Chemical Formulations to Four Life Stages of Fathead Minnow

Laboratory studies were conducted with four early life stages of fathead minnow,Pimephales promelas,to determine the acute toxicity of five firefighting chemical formulations in standardized soft and hard water. Egg, fry, 30-day posthatch, and 60-day posthatch life stages were tested with three fire retardants (Fire-Trol GTS-R, Fire-Trol LCG-R, and Phos-Chek D75-F) and two fire-suppressant foams (Phos-Chek WD-881 and Ansul Silv-Ex). Fry were generally the most sensitive life stage tested, whereas the eggs were the least sensitive life stage. Formulation toxicity was greater in hard water than in soft water for all life stages tested. Fire-suppressant foams were more toxic than the fire retardants. The 96-hr LC₅₀s derived for fathead minnows were rank ordered from the most toxic to the least toxic formulation as follows: Phos-Chek WD-881 (13–32 mg/liter) > Silv-Ex (19–32 mg/liter) > Fire-Trol GTS-R (135–787 mg/liter) > Phos-Chek D75-F (168–2250 mg/liter) > Fire-Trol LCG-R (519–6705 mg/liter) (ranges are the lowest and highest 96-hr LC₅₀for each formulation).     

Chronic toxicity of hexavalent chromium to the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)

The chronic effects of hexavalent chromium on the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) were investigated. Survival was affected only at the high test concentration of 3.95 mg Cr/L. All chromium concentrations, including 0.018 mg/L, the lowest tested, retarded the early growth of first-generation fish, but this effect was only temporary. Growth of second-generation fish was not affected at concentrations of 1.0 mg/L or lower. Reproduction and hatchability of eggs were not affected at any chromium concentration tested.The maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) for fathead minnows in hard water (209 mg/L as CaCO₃ at pH 7.7) was based on survival and lies between 1.0 and 3.95 mg Cr/L, respectively. The application factor (MATC/96-hr LC50) is between 0.03 and 0.11.     

Effect of loading density on the acute toxicities of surfactants,copper, and phenol toDaphnia magna straus

The effects of various densities ofDaphnia magna on the acute toxicities of three surfactants, and copper, and phenol were evaluated in 48-hr static toxicity tests. LC₅₀ values were determined at six loading densities for each of the test materials. The mean LC₅₀ values (±1 SD) were 4.8 (0.29) mg/L, 0.62 (0.16) mgL and 0.24 (0.10) mg/L for the anionic, nonionic, and cationic surfactants, respectively. Toxicity values for copper averaged 0.026 (0.01) mg/L and those for phenol, 7.7 (2.2) mg/L. For the nonionic surfactant, copper and phenol there was a trend of increasing toxicity with decreasing density. The differences in LC₅₀ values were not biologically significant with the maximum difference being approximately three-fold.     

Toxicity of fenitrothion to fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and alternative exposure duration studies with fenitrothion and endosulfan

The objectives of this study were to determine the toxic effects of fenitrothion to fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), to investigate effects of short-term exposures of fenitrothion and endosulfan on this species, and to determine if these compounds caused delayed mortality. Fenitrothion significantly reduced survival of fathead minnows at 0.86 and 0.74 mg/L during two 14-day embryo-larvae studies. In the 30-day embryo-larvae study, growth (weight) was not adversely affected at 0.13 mg/L; however significant differences occurred at 0.30 mg/L. Growth differences were more significant than survival. A 96-hr acute value for endosulfan was 1.32 g/L (1.13–1.54) which agrees with published values. In this study, no delayed mortality occurred.     

Toxicity of iodine,iodide, and iodate to Daphnia magna and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The acute toxicity (96-h LC₅₀) of aqueous stable iodine species (I^–, IO ₃ ^– , I₂) to rainbow trout and Daphnia magna were measured at three individual concentrations of hardness, total organic carbon, and chloride. Rainbow trout were most sensitive to I₂ (LC₅₀0.53 mg/L), and much less sensitive to IO ₃ ^– (LC₅₀220 mg/L) or I^– (LC₅₀860 mg/L). Daphnia magna were equally sensitive to I₂ (LC₅₀0.16 mg/L) and I^– (LC₅₀0.17 mg/L), but were less sensitive to IO ₃ ^– (LC₅₀10.3 mg/L). The external and internal radiological dose imparted by equivalent molar quantities of radioactive ¹²⁵I, ¹²⁹I, and ¹³¹I were calculated for both the Daphnia and trout using the LC₅₀ values obtained from a standard water treatment. As expected, the dose from ¹²⁵I and ¹³¹I would exceed the expected lethal dose rate long before a chemically toxic level is reached. In contrast, a molar concentration of ¹²⁹I likely to cause death by chemical toxicity would impart a radiological dose less than that expected to be lethal. Thus, for short-lived aquatic organisms, risks due to chemical toxicity of ¹²⁹I may exceed risks due to its radioactive emissions.     

Aquatic toxicity evaluation of para-methylstyrene

The aquatic toxicity of para-methylstyrene was evaluated in acute toxicity studies using fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), daphnids (Daphnia magna), and freshwater green algae (Selenastrum capricornutum). Static tests were performed in sealed containers with no headspace to minimize loss of this volatile compound to the atmosphere. Concentrations of para-methylstyrene in test solutions were analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with a purge and trap module and flame ionization detection. Test results are based on mean, measured concentrations. para-Methylstyrene was moderately toxic to fathead minnows, daphnids, and green algae. The 96-h LC(50) and NOEC for fathead minnows were 5.2 and 2.6 mg/L, respectively. The 48-h EC(50) and NOEC for daphnids were 1.3 and 0.81 mg/L, respectively. The 72-h EC(50) and NOEC for green algae were 2.3 and 0.53 mg/L, respectively; these effects were algistatic rather than algicidal. para-Methylstyrene's potential impact on aquatic ecosystems is significantly mitigated by its volatility, an important fate process.     

Acute toxicity of selenium dioxide to freshwater fishes

Acute toxicity tests of selenium dioxide were conducted for 96 to 336 hr in intermittent-flow bioassay systems using six species of freshwater fish. The decreasing order of species sensitivity was: fathead minnow, flagfish, brook trout, channel catfish, goldfish, and bluegill. Curves relating median lethal concentration to exposure time for each species exposed for more than 168 hr were sigmoid in shape and were characterized by a change in slope indicating a more rapid mortality rate after 96 to 168 hr toxicant exposure. The 96-hr LC50 estimates ranged from 2.9 mg/L SeO₂ for fathead minnow fry to 40.0 mg/L for bluegill juveniles.Effects of brief toxicant exposure (24 hr) on fathead minnow and flagfish juveniles included limited delayed mortality and no effects on growth over a 28-day period.Research supported by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency National Water Quality Laboratory, Duluth, Minnesota. (Contract No. 68-01-0748).     

The Acute Toxicity of Gluconic Acid, β-Alaninediacetic Acid,Diethylenetriaminepentakismethylenephosphonic Acid,and Nitrilotriacetic Acid Determined by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daphnia magna,Raphidocelis subcapitata</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Photobacterium phosphoreum</Emphasis>

Acute toxicity of four relatively new chelating agents and their equimolar manganese and cadmium complexes was studied. The chelating agents studied were gluconic acid (GA), β-alaninediacetic acid (ADA), diethylenetriaminepentakismethylenephosphonic acid (DTPMP), and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). Three common bioassays, namely Daphnia magna, Raphidocelis subcapitata, and Photobacterium phosphoreum (Microtox™ bioassay) were applied. R. subcapitata proved the most sensitive to these compounds. With D. magna bioassay the LC₅₀ values were 600–900 mg/L with all other studied chelates and their Mn complexes, except Mn-GA, which yielded LC₅₀ value of 240 mg/L. The Cd-chelate complexes proved highly more toxic compared to Mn-chelate complexes or uncomplexed chelates exhibiting LC₅₀ values of 130–200 μg/L. However, Cd-DTPMP was an exception exhibiting LC₅₀ value of 2170 μg/L. That is to say, DTPMP proved the strongest chelating agent to reduce the Cd toxicity in the present study. The results from these bioassays were well in agreement to each other as well as with the results published elsewhere. Received: 29 October 2001/Accepted: 19 August 2002     

Assessing Contaminant Sensitivity of Endangered and Threatened Aquatic Species: Part III. Effluent Toxicity Tests

Toxicity tests using standard effluent test procedures described by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were conducted with Ceriodaphnia dubia, fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), and seven threatened and endangered (listed) fish species from four families: (1) Acipenseridae: shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum); (2) Catostomidae; razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus); (3) Cyprinidae: bonytail chub (Gila elegans), Cape Fear shiner (Notropis mekistocholas) Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), and spotfin chub (Cyprinella monacha); and (4) Poecillidae: Gila topminnow (Poeciliopsis occidentalis). We conducted 7-day survival and growth studies with embryo-larval fathead minnows and analogous exposures using the listed species. Survival and reproduction were also determined with C. dubia. Tests were conducted with carbaryl, ammonia—or a simulated effluent complex mixture of carbaryl, copper, 4-nonylphenol, pentachlorophenol and permethrin at equitoxic proportions. In addition, Cape Fear shiners and spotfin chub were tested using diazinon, copper, and chlorine. Toxicity tests were also conducted with field-collected effluents from domestic or industrial facilities. Bonytail chub and razorback suckers were tested with effluents collected in Arizona whereas effluent samples collected from North Carolina were tested with Cape Fear shiner, spotfin chub, and shortnose sturgeon. The fathead minnow 7-day effluent test was often a reliable estimator of toxic effects to the listed fishes. However, in 21 % of the tests, a listed species was more sensitive than fathead minnows. More sensitive species results varied by test so that usually no species was always more or less sensitive than fathead minnows. Only the Gila topminnow was consistently less sensitive than the fathead minnow. Listed fish species were protected 96% of the time when results for both fathead minnows and C. dubia were considered, thus reinforcing the value of standard whole-effluent toxicity tests using those two species. If the responses of specific listed species are important for management decisions, our study supports the value in developing culture and testing procedures for those species.