In Situ Dose-Response Relationships for a Mammalian Multiparameter Model for Assessing Petrochemical-Induced Ecotoxicity.
Abstract
Assessing ecological risk in terrestrial environments is an extraordinarily difficult, and yet to be fully-defined, task. Induced toxic effects in the ecosystem are often the result of synergistic and antagonistic interactions among a myriad of physical factors and complex mixtures of pollutants that are difficult to reproduce in the laboratory. Additionally, many pollutants are organ/system-specific in their mode of toxicity (affecting metabolism, genetic integrity, immune system function, reproduction, or some other life processes) and alterations in any one of the above physiological systems in a host organism could have important ecological consequences. Employing a single biomarker approach to risk assessment under these circumstances is largely a futile exercise. We developed an in situ multiparameter approach, incorporating a suite of acute and chronic biological indicators of exposure to lethal (population survival rates), mutagenic, immunotoxic, teratogenic, or sublethal (histopathologic, detoxication, reproductive effects) compounds, using resident small mammals to provide the robustness and sensitivity desired in an ecological risk assessment model. To characterize dose-response relationships in situ, multiparameter response profiles were quantified for cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) returned to the LABORATORY. Response profiles were related to actual concentrations of contaminants in the soil (or fractions of soil) on replicated (N=12) petrochemical-contaminated and reference (N=12) locations. Sites selected for study represented a continuum (none to severe) of contaminant levels and degrees of ecotoxicity (as determined from small mammal community dynamics). We hypothesize that our mammalian multiparameter model would behave in situ in a classic dose-response fashion, mirroring the level of ecotoxicity as determined by soil analyses and ecosystem-level responses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA349609
Entities
People
- Robert L. Lochmiller
Organizations
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater