Michael O. Gaylor

Bio: Michael O. Gaylor is an academic researcher from Dakota State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Biosolids & Supercritical fluid extraction. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 22 publications receiving 1458 citations. Previous affiliations of Michael O. Gaylor include Northern State University & Davis & Elkins College.

Automotive sources of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with particulate matter in the chesapeake bay region

Abstract: We analyzed >400 particulate samples collected from throughout the Chesapeake Bay region between 1991 and 1998 for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Isomer ratios of PAHs associated with aerosol and surface water particles demonstrate that motor vehicles are a major source of carcinogenic combustion-derived PAHs to Chesapeake Bay. Most of the benz[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and their isomers in air, rain, and surface waters of Chesapeake Bay appear to be derived from automotive sources. Lesser, but still significant amounts (53(±5)%) of these PAHs in the sea surface microlayer near urban areas are motor vehicle-derived, with 47(±5)% being coal-derived. In contrast, PAHs in surface sediments of Chesapeake Bay are predominantly coal-derived (86(±8)%) and at most 14(±8)% motor vehicle-derived. Thus, carcinogenic PAHs input to the bay from motor vehicles are either degraded prior to deposition to the sediments or are diluted by previously deposited coal-derived PAHs in the seabe...

Polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants in Virginia freshwater fishes (USA).

Abstract: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were examined in fish fillets collected from two large Virginia watersheds. Emphasis was on the tetra- to hexabrominated congeners since these exhibit the greatest bioaccumulation and toxicological potentials. These congeners are dominant constituents of Penta-, a commercial PBDE product used to flame retard polyurethane foam. In 1999, North America accounted for98% of global Penta-demand. Concentrations of total tetra- to hexabrominated congeners in fillets ranged from <5 to 47,900 microg/kg (lipid basis). BDE-47, one of the two major constituents of Penta-, was detected in 89% of samples and contributed 40-70% of the total PBDEs observed. Concentrations of BDE-99, the second major constituent of the Penta- commercial mixture, were much lower in fish. While some differences in PBDE profiles between fish species were apparent, dominant congeners were consistent with those in surficial sediments from the Virginia sites and recently published data for U.S. air samples. PCB and PBDE concentrations in fish were generally associated. These factors point to exposure from nonpoint sources. Exceptions existed, likely due to inputs from local sources. The Virginia study area has historically served as a center for furniture and textile manufacturing, although polyurethane foam production here has been limited.

Flame retardants. Persistent pollutants in land-applied sludges.

Abstract: Disposal of sewage sludge by application to agricultural and other land is widely practised and is presumed to be environmentally beneficial, but we have found high concentrations of an environmentally persistent class of organic pollutants, brominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs), in 'biosolids' from four different regions of the United States. These compounds are widely used as flame retardants, and their presence suggests that the environmental consequences of land application of biosolids need further investigation. We also frequently detected BDEs in wild-caught fish, indicating another pathway for human exposure.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) accumulation by earthworms (Eisenia fetida) exposed to biosolids-, polyurethane foam microparticle-, and Penta-BDE-amended soils.

Abstract: Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants have been used in consumer polymers at up to percent levels. While long viewed as biologically inaccessible therein, PBDEs may become bioaccessible following volatilization or polymer deterioration. PBDEs may then enter soils via polymer fragmentation or following land application of sewage sludge-derived biosolids. Studies of direct PBDE uptake from these materials by soil organisms are scarce. We thus exposed earthworms (Eisenia fetida) to artificial soil amended with a Class B anaerobically digested biosolid (ADB), an exceptional quality composted biosolid (CB), PBDE-containing polyurethane foam (PUF) microparticles, and Penta-BDE-spiked artificial soil (SAS). Worms accumulated mg/kg (lipid) ∑Penta-PBDE burdens from all substrates. Biota-soil accumulation factors (BSAFs) for worms exposed to ADB- and CB-amended soils were comparable after 28 d. BSAFs generally decreased with increasing congener KOW and substrate dosage. Biosolids-associated PBDE bio...

Ingested plastic transfers hazardous chemicals to fish and induces hepatic stress

Abstract: Plastic debris litters aquatic habitats globally, the majority of which is microscopic (< 1 mm) and is ingested by a large range of species. Risks associated with such small fragments come from the material itself and from chemical pollutants that sorb to it from surrounding water. Hazards associated with the complex mixture of plastic and accumulated pollutants are largely unknown. Here, we show that fish, exposed to a mixture of polyethylene with chemical pollutants sorbed from the marine environment, bioaccumulate these chemical pollutants and suffer liver toxicity and pathology. Fish fed virgin polyethylene fragments also show signs of stress, although less severe than fish fed marine polyethylene fragments. We provide baseline information regarding the bioaccumulation of chemicals and associated health effects from plastic ingestion in fish and demonstrate that future assessments should consider the complex mixture of the plastic material and their associated chemical pollutants.