Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Over the past five years we have examined the impacts of a number of chemicals (pesticides and xenoestrogens) on aquatic wildlife and their ability to adapt to chronic exposure. Our studies have involved both laboratory and field studies examining the effects on reproduction and population sustainability. Aquatic fisheries in New Jersey are a multi-million dollar industry and impacts on estuarine species from contamination can reduce the stocks of both inshore and off shore species. We have published 14 peer reviewed articles as well as presented our work at a number of national and regional scientific meetings. We also worked with the National Park Service to evaluate what chemical contamination might impact aquatic resources within the barrier island parks. This resulted in a series of seven reports for the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network, which was discussed with the park managers and posted on the National Park Service web site. Three doctoral students graduated in the area of Environmental Toxicology. PARTICIPANTS: Keith Cooper was the PI on the project and managed the project. The graduate students whom worked on this project included: Sean Bugel (current PhD student), Margi Wintermyer PHD, Lisa Domico PhD, Jedd Hillegas PhD, and Morja Borjan PhD. Ms Amy Dimico was an undergraduate whom worked on the project for her honors project. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this work was both scientists in this field and environmental managers who make policy decisions on acceptable contaminant levels. The public at large was also informed of our findings in several seminars and meetings to discuss engineering or policy actions to decrease these contaminants reaching surface waters. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The publications and meetings with managers at the state have resulted in the realization that low levels of estrogenic compounds and other pharmaceuticals can have effects on the ability of fish to reproduce successfully. This has begun discussions and pilot projects as to determine how to minimize pharmaceuticals getting into surface waters. At the state there is an increase awareness of the importance of preventing pharmaceuticals from reaching surface waters and efforts to increase proper ways of disposal. Work with the sewage authorities, state officials and USGS have resulted in additional studies designed to identify sewage streams with high levels of pharmaceuticals. There has also been a movement to develop novel treatment approaches to remove or metabolize the pharmaceuticals. The work on the pesticides has pointed out the need to consider effects on non-target species behavior when it comes to successful reproduction and predator/prey survival especially in larval stages. All of these activities are designed to improve the water quality which will translate into healthier fish and shellfish and reduce human exposure.
Publications
- Cooper, K. R., M. Borjan. 2010. Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network assessment of contaminant threats: Assateague Island National Seashore. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NCBN/NRTR 2010/348. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. 234p
- Cooper, K. R., M. Borjan. 2010. Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network assessment of contaminant threats at Thomas Stone National Historic Site. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NCBN/NRTR 2010/343. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.
- Cooper, K. R., M. Borjan. 2010. Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network assessment of contaminant threats: Sagamore Hill National Park. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NCBN/NRTR 2010/344. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. 184p.
- Cooper, K. R., M. Borjan. 2010. Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network assessment of contaminant threats: Colonial Historical National Park. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NCBN/NRTR 2010/355. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.312p.
- Cooper, K. R., M. Borjan. 2010. Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network assessment of contaminant threats: Fire Island National Seashore. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NCBN/NRTR 2010/332. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. 300p.
- Cooper, K. R., M. Borjan. 2010. Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network assessment of contaminant threats: Gateway National Recreation Area. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NCBN/NRTR 2010/339. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. 392p.
- Cooper, K. R., M. Borjan. 2010. Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network assessment of contaminant threats: George Washington Birthplace National Monument. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NCBN/NRTR 2010/330. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. 224p
- Keith R. Cooper and Wintermyer M. 2009. A Critical Review: 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) effects on gonad development in bivalve mollusks. J. Envir. Science and Health Part C . 27:226-245.
- McCormick J.M., Haggblom M.M., Cooper, K.R., and White L.A. 2010. The Brominated flame Retardant, Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and its metabolites, bisphenol A (BPA) and Tetrabromobisphenol A dimethyl ether (TBBPA DME), cause chemical specific lesions in the developing zebrafish (Dania rerio) embryo. Aquatic Toxicology 100:255-262.
- Spitsbergen, J. M., Blazer, Vicki S., Bowser, Paul R., Cheng, Keith R., Cooper, Timothy K., Frasca Jr., Salvatore, Groman, David B., Harper, Claudia M., Law, Jerry M. (Mac), Marty, Gary D., Smolowitz, Roxanna M., St. Leger, Judy, Wolf, Douglas C., Wolf, Jeffrey C., (2008). Finfish and aquatic invertebrate pathology resources for now and the future, Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part C 149 (2009) 249 257 doi: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2008.10.002
- Hillegass, J.M., Villano, C.M., Cooper, K.R. and White, L.A. 2008. Glucocorticoids Alter Craniofacial Development and Increase Expression and Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Developing Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Tox Sci 102, 413-424.
- Hillegass, J.M., Villano, C.M., Cooper, K.R. and White, L.A. 2007. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) is required for zebrafish (Danio rerio) development and is a target for glucocorticoids. Tox. Sci.100(1), 168-179.
- Domico, L. Cooper, K.R., Bernard, l.P. and Zeevalk, G. 2007. Reactive oxygen species generation by the ethylene-bis-diothiocarbamate (EBDC) fungicide mancozeb and its contribution to neuronal toxicity in mesencephalic cells. Neurotoxicology, doi:10.1016/j.neuro.2007.04.008. Wintermyer M.L. and Cooper, K.R. 2007. The development of an aquatic bivalve model: Evaluating the toxic effects on gametogenesis following 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) exposure in the eastern oyster (Crassostria virginica). Aquatic Toxicology. 81, 10-26.
- Domico, L., Zeevalk, G., Bernard, L., and Cooper, K., 2006. Acute neurotoxic effects of Mancozeb and Maneb in mesencephalic neuronal cultures are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Journal of NeuroToxicology. 27, 816-825.
- Patyna, P.J., Brown, R.A., Davi, R.A., Letinski, D.J., Thomas, P.E., Cooper, K.R. and Parkerton, T.F. 2005. Hazard evaluation of diisononyl and diiodecyl phthalate in a Japanes Medaka multigeneration assay. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 65 (1), 36-47.
- Wintermyer, M., Skaidas, A., Roy, A., Yang, Y., Georgapoulos, P., Burger, J. and Cooper, K., 2005. The development of a physiological-based-pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model using the distribution of 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo p dioxin in the tissues of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Marine Environmental Research 60, 133-152.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The work on Biomarkers in aquatic organisms and potential human impacts have continued to be refined as indicators of the health of the ecosystems within New Jersey. The results from studies looking at pharmaceutical agents (cortical steroids), pesticides (pyrethroids, mancozeb), and gasoline additives (MTBE, ETBE and TAME) have been disseminated at presentations at national and regional meetings. Seminars on these topics were presented at Stoney Brook University, University of Maine, Duke and University of Rhode Island to both scientists and NGOs. The summary findings of our work with NJDEP on developing biomarkers has been posted on their web site. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Hilligass graduated and carried out his Ph.D. dissertation on the pharmaceuticals, and took a post doctoral position at Univ. of new Hapshire. Mr. Sean Bugel is a third year Ph.D. graduate student in Environmental Science who is working on the biomarker project. Ms. Bontevntre is a Ph.D. candidate in the Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology and has been working on the gasoline additive work. The funds provided from this project allow for leveraging funds from both state and federal agencies. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences are regulators at both the state and federal level, as well as informing NGOs and private citizens concerning the health of the ecosystems within the state of NJ. This research is also designed to give tools by which regulators can assess progress when it comes to implementing regulations or cleanup. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The battery of biomarkers are being used by state agency biologist to evaluate the health of waterways based on the use of the biomarkers developed in this study. The use of these biomarkers are being used to determine if restorationa and engineering techniques are removing biologically active compounds. The students who have been working on this project have used the funds from this and other projects to carry out these studies. The developmental biomarkers are being considered by NJDEP to be included in required testing at superfund locations.
Publications
- Spitsbergen, J. M., Blazer, Vicki S., Bowser, Paul R., Cheng, Keith C., Cooper, Keith R., Cooper, Timothy K., Frasca Jr., Salvatore, Groman, David B., Harper, Claudia M., Law, Jerry M. (Mac), Marty, Gary D., Smolowitz, Roxanna M., St. Leger, Judy, Wolf, Douglas C., Wolf, Jeffrey C., (2008). Finfish and aquatic invertebrate pathology resources for now and the future, Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, doi: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2008.10.002
- Hillegass, J.M., Villano, C.M., Cooper, K.R. and White, L.A. 2008. Glucocorticoids Alter Craniofacial Development and Increase Expression and Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Developing Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Tox Sci (accepted).
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs: These results have been reported at several local and national scientific toxicology meetings. These results have also been presented at the NJ Department of Environmental Protection Agency as an information seminar. This included discussions with the state department that is involved in pesticide regulation within the state of New Jersey. Both Dr. Hillegass and Domico graduated with Ph.D.s from the Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology and presented open defenses on these topics at Rutgers University
PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Jedd Hillegass and Lesia Dominco were graduate students in the Joint Gaduate Program in Toxicology at rutgers University and recieved their Ph.D.s working on this project. Currently I have two students who are also graduate students who are working on related projects.
TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audiences are scientists in the field and regulators who could put regulations in place concerning these compounds.
Impacts
Outcome: The projects that have been carried out in relation to this project involve the examination of pesticides and how they can result in toxicity in vertebrate organism which is not the target organism. Our studies use model systems (finfish, frogs and rodents) to test the potential impacts of these compounds. In the past year we have and continue to study the effects of fungicides (Maneb and Mancozeb), herbicides (atrazine) and pharmaceutical (glucocorticoides) on target organisms. A great deal of our research has dealt with trying to understand a biochemical mechanism of action in a developing organism and how it translates into permanent effects. The fungicide research has dealt with the examination of two commonly used fungicides Mancozeb and Maneb) on the understanding of how these compounds illicit central nervous system toxicity. Both of these compounds are used on golf courses and in control of fungal growth on grains. Therefore there is both a wide
environmental distribution and a potential exposure through ingestion. The studies have examined the biochemical mechanisms that may target specific neurons that are associated with Parkinson-like syndromes. What has been reported is that these fungicides have the potential to cause damage through the mitochondria by reactive oxygen species being generated. The funds that were made available allowed for the purchase of needed supplies and animals to be able to conduct these studies. The change in knowledge is that it appears that both Maneb and Mancozeb can result in similar CNS lesions that were not previously known. Due to this finding, care needs to be exercised when application of this material is made on golf courses and other uses. In addition, it also gives another endpoint that might be used to monitor impact on humans exposed to these fungicides. Specific effects on fish will be examined in future years. The research on the effects of pharmaceuticals (glucocorticoides) on
developing zebra fish as a model to understand the effects observed when these compounds are used in the veterinary and human diseases. These studies are continuing and will examine the effects on developing organisms at the level of tissue remodeling. These studies are being used as a proof of principle for examining potential pharmaceutical agents impacts on aquatic organisms. It is known that pharmaceuticals are used in a number of animal rearing facilities and the question is what impacts do these have on environmental organisms. The early life stage was selected because of the rapid changes on going and the dramatic impacts pharmaceuticals could have on the organism. The change in knowledge is that pharmaceuticals in the environment are not beneficial to non-target organisms. There needs to monitoring and treatment of these agents before they are released into the environment.
Publications
- Hillegass, J.M., Villano, C.M., Cooper, K.R. and White, L.A. 2007. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) is required for zebrafish (Danio rerio) development and is a target for glucocorticoids. Tox. Sci.100(1), 168-179.
- Domico, L. Cooper, K.R., Bernard, l.P. and Zeevalk, G. 2007. Reactive oxygen species generation by the ethylene-bis-diothiocarbamate (EBDC) fungicide mancozeb and its contribution to neuronal toxicity in mesencephalic cells. Neurotoxicology, doi:10.1016/j.neuro.2007.04.008
- Domico, L., Zeevalk, G., Bernard, L., and Cooper, K., 2006. Acute neurotoxic effects of Mancozeb and Maneb in mesencephalic neuronal cultures are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Journal of Neuroscience. 27, 816-825.
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