Showing papers in "Environmental Health Perspectives in 1978"

Influence of age on metal metabolism and toxicity.

Abstract: The metabolism and toxicity of lead, cadmium, mercury, and manganese in the postnatal period was studied in rats. Absorption, whole body retention, and organ distribution of 203Pb, 115mCd, 203Hg, and 54Mn were determined after oral and parenteral administration of these radioisotopes. The acute oral toxicity (LD50) was determined after a single application of metal chlorides. The results obtained in sucklings show a very high intestinal absorption of all metals which is partly attributed to milk diet; a higher whole body retention, higher blood levels and a much higher accumulation in the brain; and a higher oral toxicity. These results indicate age specific differences in the pharmacokinetics of metals in sucklings. It seems reasonable to consider the early neonatal age as a critical period for metal accumulation and therefore for metal toxicity. The results are interpreted on the basis of current concepts of developmental physiology and pharmacology and suggestions for future research trends are made.

Soil and plant factors influencing the accumulation of heavy metals by plants.

Abstract: The use of plants to monitor heavy metal pollution in the terrestrial environment must be based on a cognizance of the complicated, integrated effects of pollutant source and soil-plant variables. To be detectable in plants, pollutant sources must significantly increase the plant available metal concentration in soil. The major factor governing metal availability to plants in soils is the solubility of the metal associated with the solid phase, since in order for root uptake to occur, a soluble species must exist adjacent to the root membrane for some finite period. The rate of release and form of this soluble species will have a strong influence on the rate and extent of uptake and, perhaps, mobility and toxicity in the plant and consuming animals. The factors influencing solubility and form of available metal species in soil vary widely geographically and include the concentration and chemical form of the element entering soil, soil properties (endogenous metal concentration, mineralogy, particle size distribution), and soil processes (e.g., mineral weathering, microbial activity), as these influence the kinetics of sorption reactions, metal concentration in solution and the form of soluble and insoluble chemical species. The plant root represents the first barrier to the selective accumulation of ions present in soil solution. Uptake and kinetic data for nutrient ions and chemically related nonnutrient analogs suggest that metabolic processes associated with root absorption of nutrients regulate both the affinity and rate of absorption of specific nonnutrient ions. Detailed kinetic studies of Ni, Cd, and Tl uptake by intact plants demonstrate multiphasic root absorption processes over a broad concentration range, and the use of transport mechanisms in place for the nutrient ions Cu, Zn, and K. Advantages and limitations of higher plants as indicators of increased levels of metal pollution are discussed in terms of these soil and plant phenomena.

Chromosome aberrations in plants as a monitoring system.

Abstract: The potential of higher plants as a first-tier assay system for detecting chemical mutagens is evaluated. The use of plant tissue (primarily root tips and pollen mother cells) for studying the induction of chromosomal aberrations is one of the oldest, simplest, most reliable, and inexpensive methods available. Specific types of abnormalities have been induced by different classes of pesticides. Chromosome clumping, contraction, stickiness, paling, fragmentation, dissolution, chromosome and chromatid bridges, C-mitosis, and endoploidy have been reported in the literature. Examples of cytogenetic studies with pesticides demonstrating the usefulness of higher plants as a monitoring system are reviewed. Pesticides which cause chromosome aberrations in plant cells also produce chromosome aberrations in cultured animal cells. Frequently, the aberrations are identical. For example, studies have shown that compounds which have a C-mitotic effect on plant cells have the same effect on animal cells. It is recommended that plant systems be accepted as a first-tier assay system for the detection of possible genetic damage by environmental chemicals.

Modification of methylmercury toxicity and metabolism by selenium and vitamin E: possible mechanisms.

Abstract: Selenium and vitamin E exert powerful effects in reducing acute or chronic methylmercury toxicity. Levels of selenium normally found in foods (below 1 ppm) delay the onset of toxic signs caused by ...

Effects of anesthesia on cardiovascular control mechanisms.

Abstract: The manner in which general anesthesia affects circulatory control was studied by examining the effects of commonly employed anesthetics on left ventricular function and distribution of cardiac output, and the extent to which responses to physiological and pharmacological stimuli are modified by general anesthesia. While commonly employed anesthetics affect almost every aspect of the circulatory system, the importance of general anesthesia on the circulation tends to be underestimated by considering only its direct effects. More important is the modification of the organism's integrative response to any perturbation. Major differences often directionally opposite, in responses of conscious and anesthetized animals were found for reflex control of the circulation, effects of hemorrhage and alterations in preload and after load. In addition, commonly employed pharmacologic agents, e.g., cardiac glycosdies, catecholamines, and morphine sulfate exerted differing actions in the conscious and anesthetized states. Thus, while it is generally held that the overall responses to complex physiological functions such as exercise or eating can be best described in the intact, conscious organism, the importance of conducting any experiment involving integrative control of the circulation in the conscious organism should also be recognized.

Potentially Carcinogenic Species Emitted to the Atmosphere by Fossil-Fueled Power Plants

Abstract: The identities and physicochemical characteristics of potentially carcinogenic species emitted to the atmosphere by fossil-fueled power plants are presented and discussed. It is pointed out that many so-called carcinogens are preferentially concentrated on the surface of respirable fly ash particles thus enabling them to come into intimate contact with lung tissues when inhaled. Relatively little information is available about the identities of particulate polycyclic organic compounds whose emission from coal fired power plants may well be substantially greater than hitherto supposed. The importance of chemical changes, which several species may undergo following emission (but prior to inhalation) in determining their potential carcinogenic impact, is stressed.

Atmospheric pollution and lung cancer.

Abstract: Lung cancer is consistently more common in urban areas than in rural. The excess cannot be accounted for by specific occupational hazards but some of it might be due to the presence of carcinogens in urban air. The excess cannot be wholly due to such agents, because the excess in nonsmokers is small and variable. Cigarette consumption has also been greater in urban areas, but it is difficult to estimate how much of the excess it can account for. Occupational studies confirm that pollutants present in town air are capable of causing lung cancer in man and suggest that the pollutants and cigarette smoke act synergistically. The trends in the mortality from lung cancer in young and middle-aged men in England and Wales provide uncertain evidence but support the belief that atmospheric pollution has contributed to the production of the disease. In the absence of cigarette smoking, the combined effect of all atmospheric carcinogens is not responsible for more than about 5 cases of lung cancer per 100,000 persons per year in European populations.

Activation of chemicals into mutagens by green plants: a preliminary discussion.

Abstract: This paper is a review of recent studies that demonstrate the activation of chemicals (especially pesticides into mutagens by green plants. Such activation of pesticides may be hazardous to the public health because of their widespread use in agriculture and the current lack of information that exists about such processes. The mutagenic properties of the s-triazine herbicides (atrazine, simazine, and cyanazine) as exhibited in various assay systems are discussed. In vivo, in vitro, and in situ plant assays are presented, and the maize wx locus assay is discussed.

Pesticide use in agriculture.

Abstract: During the last three decades, the use of modern organic synthetic pesticides has increased about 40-fold. Total U.S. production, for domestic and expert use, in 1976 was about 1.4 million pounds. Crops receiving the most intensive application of various pesticides were cotton for insecticides, corn for herbicides, and fruits and vegetables for fungicides. Examination of use trends of pesticides indicates that the volume in pounds of herbicides used on crops is increasing, whereas the quantities of insecticides and fungicides remain stable. New chemical classes of compounds such as the synthetic pyrethroid insecticides are being introduced, but are not yet significant in terms of their share of the market. The increased usage of pesticides, together with knowledge of some of their adverse effects, has alerted the public to the need for regulation. To assist in the regulatory decision-making process, emphasis is being placed on benefit-cost analyses. Additional and improved biological inputs and methodologies are needed to provide accurate analyses.

Exploratory monitoring of air pollutants for mutagenicity activity with the Tradescantia stamen hair system.

Abstract: The Tradescantia genetic system developed by the late Dr. Arnold H. Sparrow for the study of effects of ionizing radiation is applicable to chemical mutagen detection. Early radiobiological data demonstrated that the stamen hairs were sensitive to as little as 0.25 rad of x-rays and that the number of cells showing a phenotypic change in pigmentation from blue to pink plateaus after approximately 21 days of chronic, low-level irradiation. Exposures to the air pollutants SO(2), NO(2), and O(3) and to vapors of mutagens such as 1,2-dibromoethane (DBE) and ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) demonstrated the usefulness of the system as a detector of chemical mutagens. A significant number of phenotypic changes was observed following exposures to as little as 0.14 ppm of DBE. The maximum sensitivity of the system is obtained with long-term or chronic exposures because the response increases linearly in proportion to the duration of exposure up to 21 days. To monitor industrial sites for atmospheric mutagens a mobile laboratory was designed to support plant culture in the field. Environment-controlled growth chambers were installed in a trailer so that both ambient air fumigations and concurrent clean-air control exposures could be made. Sites monitored by the mobile laboratory were: Elizabeth, N. J.; Charleston, W. Va.; Birmingham, Ala.; Baton Rouge, La.; Houston, Tex.; Upland, Calif.; Magna, Utah; and Grand Canyon, Ariz. The latter site at Grand Canyon served as a clean air control study. Atmospheric contaminants from petroleum and chemical processing plants generated a significant number of phenotypic pigment changes that were 17 to 31% above the control levels; contaminants from steel and copper smelters, automotive combustion products and photochemical compounds were negative. Chemical analyses are underway to identify the atmospheric mutagens at the sites that showed a positive response.

Assessment of the hazards of polybrominated biphenyls.

Abstract: During their peak use period, PBBs represented under 1% of the total sales of fire retardant chemicals, and very probably would have escaped intensive study if they had not been mixed accidentally with animal feed preparations. Instead, international attention was drawn to PBBs by the state-supervised killing of over 35,000 cattle which had been contaminated with PBBs. Interestingly, low doses of PBBs exert a broad spectrum of toxicological, pharmacological, and biochemical effects despite low acute toxicity. These effects and the intensive bioaccumulation of PBBs derive from their structure and their consequent resistance of biotransformation and high solubility in fat. In rodents, PBBs are teratogenic, immunosuppressive, and potentially carcinogenic. In bovine, rodent, and avian species, PBBs reduce feed intake and induce mixed function oxidases of liver microsomes. The latter effect may be responsible for steroid level changes which underline hormonal toxicities observed in cows, mink, rats, and chickens. The effects of PBBs on humans are controversial, but data suggestive of immunological, skin, and liver disorders continue to accumulate. Concern about the clinical effects of PBBs is heightened by the knowledge that these compounds readily enter the fetus by crossing the placental barrier and can be transferred to newborn children after extensive passage into breast milk.

Some observations on the interaction of zinc, copper, and iron metabolism in lead and cadmium toxicity.

Abstract: A brief review of the literature indicates that nutritional deficiencies have been shown to increase the absorption and toxicity of orally ingested lead and cadmium. Results from recent studies ind...

Environmental health sciences center task force review on halogenated organics in drinking water.

Abstract: The disinfection of drinking water by chlorination has in recent years come under closer scrutiny because of the potential hazards associated with the production of stable chlorinated organic chemi...

Interaction between selenium and methylmercury.

Abstract: The available data on the influence of selenium on the toxicity of methylmercury and of methylmercury on selenium as a nutrient and toxic agent are reviewed. Selenium as selenite has a relative protective effect on acute and subacute toxicity of methylmercury in the rat and the quail. The protective mechanism is far from clear. Of special interest is the fact that selenium-treated animals may remain unaffected, even when they have attained tissue mercury levels otherwise associated with toxic effects. Selenite causes some increase of tissue mercury levels in methylmercury-exposed animals. On the other hand, methylmercury induces a remarkable enhancement of organ concentrations of selenium in animals given selenite. The interaction between selenium and methylmercury is in many ways different from that between selenium and inorganic mercury, and also from that between selenium and other metals. Due to the considerable interspecies differences in the toxicity of methylmercury, the available data do not allow conclusions on interactions in man. Practical implications of a possible protective effect of selenium on methylmercury toxicity in humans are discussed.

Interactions among lead, cadmium, and arsenic in relation to porphyrin excretion patterns.

Abstract: This paper reviews the effects of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) on the mitrochondrion with emphasis on alteration of mitochondrial heme biosynthetic pathway. The information was used to...

Autonomic innervation of the heart.

Abstract: This brief review describes recent advances in the areas of myocardial receptors that discharge into nonmyelinated, afferent, vagal C-fibers and the regional distribution of sympathetic postganglionic neurons to the myocardium. Complex, nonencapsulated nerve endings discharging into myelinated afferents have been known to exist for many years. More recently, however, indirect evidence for the existence of cardiac receptors that are either silent or exhibit low resting rates of activity, and discharge into slowly conducting C-type fibers, has been demonstrated. The receptors themselves have not yet been identified histologically. Cardiac receptors include subpopulations that are preferentially activated by chemical stimuli, including a variety of exogenous chemicals as well as prostaglandins. Another subpopulation is preferentially activated by mechanical stresses in the physiological range. Further investigation may reveal their participation in overall cardiovascular regulation, and mediation of responses to exogenous chemical stimuli. Four principal cardiac sympathetic nerves have been identified in the right thoracic region and three on the left. Most carry sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers. Stimulation of individual nerves, before and after parasympathetic blockade, results in regionally, well-defined myocardial responses.

Carcinogenic effects of chronic exposure to very low levels of toxic substances.

Abstract: The sort of situation that I wish to consider is contamination of the air around vinyl chloride plants with low levels of vinyl chloride monomer. People living nearby would be exposed to it continuously for however many decades they lived there. If some cancers are caused by ambient levels of (say) 0.01 ppm, I want to discuss the likely effects on the numbers of cancers and the age distribution of these cancers that would result from a different ambient concentration.OOI ppm, or 0.1 ppm, for example. I believe that what should in general be expected in such circumstances is that the age distribution of the cancers that are caused will be the same whatever the dose rate may be; lower dose rates will simply cause fewer cancers than higher dose rates would do, but the age distribution will be almost identical. Moreover, the actual number of extra cancers will, when the dose rate is sufElciently low, simply be proportional to the dose rate: if the dose rate IS low, halving it will halve the numbers of cancers, quartering it will just quarter the number of cancers, and so on; no "threshold" should be anticipated. I would, of course, expect to find the same sort of results in other circumstances where humans are exposed to chronic low doses of other toxic agents, and I would also expect to find this in animal experiments involving chronic exposure of animals to low dosage rates.

Metabolism and biochemical toxicity of PCBs and PBBs.

Abstract: One of the major biochemical effects of PCBs is the induction of microsomal enzymes in the liver. Risebrough et al. (1) suggested that PCBs have the capability to induce the activities of microsomal enzymes. Subsequently, Street et al. (2), demonstrated the induction of liver enzymes in rats by PCBs. Since then, a great number of articles have been published on this subject. The enzyme systems studied have included mainly hydroxylases, Nand O-demethylases and nitroreductases, and to a lesser extent nonspecific carboxylesterase, bromosulfophthalein-glutathione conjugating enzyme, p-nitrophenol UDP-glucuronyl transferase and EPN-detoxification systems. The induction of microsomal enzymes by commercial PCBs has been demonstrated perorally in rabbits (3) rats (4) and primates (5) and via intraperitoneal injection (6) and skin application in rats (7). Values reported for the threshold of enzyme induction by PCBs vary between 0.5 and 25 ppm (3, 8, 9) (et al., 1974). The time course of microsomal enzyme induction was studied by Litterst et al. in rats (10). They

Persistent liver lesions in rats after a single oral dose of polybrominated biphenyls (firemaster FF-1) and concomitant PBB tissue levels.

Abstract: In a preliminary study, 12 male and 12 female weanling Sherman strain rats were given a single dose of 1000 mg polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) FireMaster FF1 Lot 7042 kg/body weight as a 5% solutio...

Effects of polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) on immune response in rodents.

Abstract: Studies were performed to investigate the effects of FireMaster FF-1, a chemical fire retardant consisting of a mixture of polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), on immune functions in mice and rats. Animals received 22 daily treatments of 0.03, 0.3, 3.0, or 30 mg PBB/kg body weight in a period covering 30 days. PBB exposure severely depressed cell mediated immunity in both mice and rats at the higher dosage levels as indicated by depressed responsiveness of splenic lymphocytes to mitogenic stimulation by polyclonal T-cell activators. Additionally, humoral immunity was depressed in mice at the 30.0 ppm dosage level. Assays for humoral immune functions included antibody production, serum immunoglobulin levels, and mitogenic stimulation of splenic lymphocytes to a polyclonal B-cell activator. These studies indicate that PBB exposure can lead to suppression of both humoral and particularly cell-mediated immune responses.

Accumulation of radionuclides by plants as a monitor system.

Abstract: The accumulation of radionuclides by plants acting as a monitoring system in the environment may occur by two modes; foliar absorption by the leaves and shoot of the plant, or by root uptake from the soil. Data on plant accumulation of radionuclides may be obtained from studies of fission product radionuclides deposited as worldwide fallout, and from tracer studies of plant physiology. The epidermal features of plant foliage may exert an effect upon particle retention by leaves, and subsequent uptake of radionuclides from the surface. The transport of radionuclides across the cuticle and epidermis of plant leaves is determined in part by the anatomy of the leaf, and by physiological factors. The foliar uptake of fallout radionuclides, 99Sr, 131I, and 137Cs, is described with examples from the scientific literature. The environmental half-life of 131I, for example, is considerably shorter than its physical half-life because of physical and biological factors which may produce a half-life as short as 0.23/day. 99Sr and 137Cs are readily taken up by the leaf, but 137Cs undergoes more translocation into fruit and seeds than 99Sr which tends to remain in the plant part in which it was initially absorbed. Soil-root uptake is conditioned primarily by soil chemical and physical factors which may selectively retain a radionuclide, such as 137Cs. The presence of organic matter, inorganic colloids (clay), and competing elements will strongly affect the uptake of 99Sr and 137Cs by plants from the soil. The role of plants as monitors of radionuclides is twofold: as monitors of recent atmospheric releases of radionuclides; and as indicators of the long-term behavior of aged deposits of radionuclides in the soil.

Comparative aspects of pesticide metabolism in plants and animals

Abstract: Pesticide chemicals are an important component of modern agriculture. Through their use, plants and animals are exposed to pesticides directly and indirectly from transport through soil, water, and other environmental components. Pesticide chemicals which are absorbed by plants and animals undergo extensive biotransformation. Lipophilic compounds are converted to polar metabolites through a variety of microsomal and extramicrosomal reactions in plants and animals. Generally, biotransformations are qualitatively similar in both systems. However, there are important quantitative rate differences in metabolism which often determine the balance between activation and deactivation of a pesticide. Furthermore, there are qualitative differences in conjugative mechanisms in plants and animals. Animals through an efficient excretory system eliminate transformation products via the urine and feces. Since efficient excretory systems are absent in plants, terminal degradation products are stored as conjugates and/or derivatives which may be incorporated into the plants themselves. Metabolic transformations of selected pesticides illustrating various types of reactions in plants and animals are discussed.

Cadmium and zinc relationships.

Abstract: Cadmium and zinc concentrations in kidney and liver have been measured under different exposure situations in different species including man. The results show that zinc increases almost equimolarly with cadmium in kidney after long-term low-level exposure to cadmium, e.g., in man, horse, pig, and lamb. In contrast, the increase of zinc follows that of cadmium to only a limited extent, e.g., in guinea pig, rabbit, rat, mouse, and chicks. In liver, the cadmium--zinc relationship seems to be reversed in such a way that zinc increases with cadmium more markedly in laboratory animals than in higher mammals. These differences between cadmium and zinc relationships in humans and large farm animals and those in commonly used laboratory animals must be considered carefully before experimental data on cadmium and zinc relationships in laboratory animals can be extrapolated to humans.

Formation of brominated dibenzofurans from pyrolysis of the polybrominated biphenyl fire retardant, firemaster FF-1.

Abstract: The polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) fire retardant, FireMaster FF-1, was pyrolyzed for 20 min at 380-400 degrees C in open glass tubes and in tubes sealed after nitrogen flushing. The pyrolyzed residue was extracted with benzene, and extracts were cleaned up on columns of graphite (Carbopack A) and alumina. Analysis was carried out by low resolution direct probe mass spectrometry (MS). Spectra from extracts of the open tube pyrolyzed material had a series of ions characteristic of tetra- and pentabrominated dibenzofurans as evidenced by comparison with spectra from 2,3,7,8-tetrabromodibenzofuran (TBDF). Confirmatory evidence for the brominated dibenzofurans was obtained by high resolution MS dual ion analysis of certain fragment and molecular ions. Recovery values of TBDF through the cleanup procedure averaged 50% and, using this recovery value and TBDF as an external standard, dual ion analyses indicated that 40 ppm tetra- and 4 ppm pentabrominanted dibenzofuran were produced based on the PBB level used in the pyrolysis experiments. Additional analysis of the open tube pyrolyzed material by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry provided evidence that there was one tetrabromodibenzofuran compound with a retention time equal to that of TBDF. Trace levels (less than 1 ppm) of the molecular ion of tetrabrominated dibenzofuran were found after analysis by low resolution MS of the PBB pyrolyzed under nitrogen in sealed tubes. The experimental evidence is consistent with a mechanism for brominated dibenzofuran formation involving attack of oxygen on PBB compounds.

General subcellular effects of lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.

Abstract: This working paper summarizes the known ultrastructural and biochemical effects of lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic on subcellular organelle systems following in vivo administration. Documented metal-induced alterations in nuclear, mitochondrial, microsomal, and lysosomal functions are discussed in relation to their potential impact on cellular responses to other environmental agents. Each of the above elements has been found to interfere with normal cellular replication and genetic processes. Mitochondrial swelling and depression of respiratory function are discussed in relation to known metal-specific perturbations of mitochondrial heme biosynthetic pathway enzymes. Inhibition of microsomal enzyme activities and protein synthesis by lead and mercury is compared to the apparent absence of such effects following arsenic or cadmium exposure. Lysosomal uptake of all the metals is documented, but biochemical alterations in these structures have been reported for only mercury and cadmium. It is concluded that these toxic metals are capable of interacting with, and biochemically altering major cellular systems at dose levels below those required to produce signs of overt metal toxicity. The impact of these effects on cellular response to other metals and xenobiotics in complex exposure situations is presently unknown, and further research is urgently needed in this area.

Ecological aspects of mercury--selenium interactions in the marine environment.

Abstract: In the marine environment, mercury is accompanied by selenium in all investigated species of mammals, birds, and fish--possibly due to a normal homeostatic regulation. It therefore seems likely that selenium will exert its protective action against mercury toxicity in the marine environment, decreasing its detrimental effects on reproduction, behavior, growth, etc. of the organisms and thus protect the population and ecosystem. On the other hand, the increased retention of mercury caused by selenium may lead to a higher level of biomagnification in the food chain and a higher burden in the individual. This might counteract the positive effect of decreased intoxication.

Potential of plant genetic systems for monitoring and screening mutagens

Abstract: Plants have too long been ignored as useful screening and monitoring systems of environmental mutagens. However, there are about a dozen reliable, some even unique, plant genetic systems that can increase the scope and effectiveness of chemical and physical mutagen screening and monitoring procedures. Some of these should be included in the Tier II tests. Moreover, plants are the only systems now in use as monitors of genetic effects caused by polluted atmosphere and water and by pesticides. There are several major advantages of the plant test systems which relate to their reproductive nature, easy culture and growth habits that should be considered in mutagen screening and monitoring. In addition to these advantages, the major plant test systems exhibit numerous genetic and chromosome changes for determining the effects of mutagens. Some of these have not yet been detected in other nonmammalian and mammalian test systems, but probably occur in the human organism. Plants have played major roles in various aspects of mutagenesis research, primarily in mutagen screening (detection and verification of mutagenic activity), mutagen monitoring, and determining mutagen effects and mechanisms of mutagen action. They have played lesser roles in quantification of mutagenic activity and understanding the nature of induced mutations.Mutagen monitoring with plants, especially in situ on land or in water, will help determine potential genetic hazards of air and water pollutants and protect the genetic purity of crop plants and the purity of the food supply. The Tradescantia stamen-hair system is used in a mobile laboratory for determining the genetic effects of industrial and automobile pollution in a number of sites in the U.S.A. The fern is employed for monitoring genetic effects of water pollution in the Eastern states. The maize pollen system and certain weeds have monitored genetic effects of pesticides. Several other systems that have considerable value and should be developed and more widely used in mutagen monitoring and screening, especially for in situ monitoring, are discussed. Emphasis is placed on pollen systems in which changes in pollen structure, chemistry, and chromosomes can be scored for monitoring; and screening systems which can record low levels of genetic effects as well as provide information on the nature of induced mutations. THE VALUE OF PLANT SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING AND SCREENING MUTAGENS CAN BE IMPROVED BY: greater knowledge of plant cell processes at the molecular and ultrastructural levels; relating these processes to mutagen effects and plant cell responses; improving current systems for increased sensitivity, ease of detecting genetic and chromosome changes, recording of data (including automation), and for extending the range of genetic and chromosome end points; and designing and developing new systems with the aid of previous and current botanical and genetic knowledge.

Bioaccumulation and detection of trace levels of cadmium in aquatic systems by Eichhornia crassipes

Abstract: The water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) may be used as a sensitive biological indicator for continuously monitoring trace quantities of toxic heavy metals in aquatic systems. A river water system...

Factors influencing reproduction and genetic toxic effects on male gonads.

Abstract: The objective of toxicological study of a target organ, such as the testis, is to elucidate the qualitative and quantitative toxic effects of a chemical on that organ. The ultimate objective is to ...