Search

The present study was aimed at identifying geospatial patterns of pollutants including concentrations and toxicity as complex environmental mixtures, in topsoil samples close to petrochemical facilities in the heavily industrialized area of Augusta and Priolo in south-eastern Sicily (Italy). Elemental analysis of soil was conducted by ICP-MS for 23 metals and 16 rare earth elements (REEs). Organic analyses were primarily focused on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (16 parent homologs) and total aliphatic hydrocarbons (C10 – C40). Topsoil samples were tested for toxicity in multiple bioassay models including: 1) developmental defects and cytogenetic anomalies in sea urchin Sphaerechinus granularis early life stages ; 2) growth inhibition of diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum ; 3) mortality in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans ; and 4) induction of mitotic abnormalities in onion Allium cepa. Samples collected at sites closest to defined petrochemical facilities were highest in select pollutants and correlated with biological effects in different toxicity endpoints. A noteworthy finding was the increased level of total REEs in sites closest to petrochemical facilities, suggesting their contributions to identifying petrochemical sources of pollutants to the environment. The combined data obtained in the different bioassays allowed exploration of geospatial patterns of effect in biota as a function of contaminant levels. In conclusion, this study provides consistent data of soil toxicity, metal and REE contamination at Augusta- Priolo sampling sites, and may provide an appropriate baseline for epidemiological studies on high incidences of congenital birth defects in the area and identification of at-risk localities.

Bisphenol S (BP-S) is one of the most important substitutes of bisphenol A (BP-A), and its environmental occurrence is predicted to intensify in the future. Both BP-A and BP-S were tested for adverse effects on early life stages of Arbacia lixula sea urchins at 0.1 up to 100 mu M test concentrations, by evaluating cytogenetic and developmental toxicity endpoints. Embryonic malformations and/or mortality were scored to determine embryotoxicity (72 h post-fertilization). It has been reported in academic dataset that bisphenols concentration reached mu g/L in aquatic environment of heavily polluted areas. We have chosen concentrations ranging from 0.1-100 mu M in order to highlight, in particular, BP-S effects. Attention should be paid to this range of concentrations in the context of the evaluation of the toxicity and the ecological risk of BP-S as emerging pollutant. Cytogenetic toxicity was measured, using mitotic activity and chromosome aberrations score in embryos (6 h post-fertilization). Both BP-A and BP-S exposures induced embryotoxic effects from 2.5 to 100 mu M test concentrations as compared to controls. Malformed embryo percentages following BP-A exposure were significantly higher than in BP-Sexposed embryos from 0.25 to 100 mu M (with a similar to 5-fold difference). BP-A, not BP-S exhibited cytogenetic toxicity at 25 and 100 mu M. Our results indicate an embryotoxic potential of bisphenols during critical periods of development with a potent rank order to BP-A vs. BP-S. Thus, we show that BP-A alternative induce similar toxic effects to BP-A with lower severity., Faculty of Fisheries, Ege University; Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II within the CRUI-CARE Agreement, This work was supported by Faculty of Fisheries, Ege University and The Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Open access funding provided by Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II within the CRUI-CARE Agreement.

Potassium cyanide (KCN), a highly water soluble and bioaccumulative cyanide salt, is examined to determine the toxic effects by using two green algae (Dunaliella viridis, Nannochloropsis oculata) and genetically different two sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus, Arbacia lixula) species. To determine the toxic effects on the early developmental stages of sea urchin embryos, 72-hour embryotoxicity studies were conducted. Potassium cyanide toxicity at cellular level was also investigated and 6-hour embryos of both sea urchin species were used to determine genotoxic effects of KCN. Since plutei naturally feed on microalgae, two species of plankton were used to reveal phytotoxic effects of KCN. KCN was found to be embryo- geno-and phytotoxic. EC50's for P. lividus and A. lixula were found 7.96 and 6.52 mu M. IC50's for N. oculata for 48 h and 72 h were found 23.66 and 80.45 mu M. IC50's for D. viridis for 48 h and 72 h were found 14.31 and 23.36 mu M.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are recognized as emerging contaminants with implications in human and environmental health. Apart from their adverse effects, REEs have been reported as having positive effects when amended to fertilizers and livestock feed additives, thus suggesting a hormetic trend, implying a concentration-related shift from stimulation to inhibition and toxicity, with analogous trends that have been assessed for a number of xenobiotics. In view of optimizing the success of REE mixtures in stimulating crop yield and/or livestock growth or egg production, one should foresee the comparative concentration-related effects of individual REEs (e.g., Ce and La) vs. their mixtures, which may display distinct trends. The results might prompt further explorations on the use of REE mixtures vs. single REEs aimed at optimizing the preparation of fertilizers and feed additives, in view of the potential recognition of their use in agronomy and zootechny., Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II within the CRUI-CARE Agreement, Open access funding provided by Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II within the CRUI-CARE Agreement.

The issue tending toward alternative water resources tremendously becomes important for supplying the increasing water demand all over the world. It may be a good option to evaluate industrial effluents for agricultural irrigation. However, industrial effluent must be cleansed from the factors such as salt, toxic compounds, and microbial load that possibly cause negative effects on soil during agricultural irrigation. In this study, microbiological qualities and toxicity conditions of water sources such as membrane bioreactor (MBR) influent, MBR effluent, and mixture of MBR effluent and reverse osmosis (RO) permeate (MBR:RO = 2:1) were analyzed and evaluated according to irrigation standards. Total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (TAHB), total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), fecal streptococci (FS), and Clostridium spp. were screened and enumerated as indicator microbial groups for the microbial quality of water samples. Analyses of indicator microorganisms showed that loads of different bacterial groups decreased by 5.2 and 6.66 log units at maximum levels in MBR and MBR + RO system at the end of treatment. Also, evaluation of the toxicity effects of MBR effluent and MBR + RO permeate waters on Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna was investigated. None of the samples showed any acute toxic effect on D. magna after 48 h and V. fischeri in 5 min and 15 min. From the outputs of this study, it can be said that industrial effluents treated by advanced filtration technologies may provide a significant source of water for agricultural irrigation. This option can have positive impacts on both environmental and economic factors., Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [114Y500], This research was funded by Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK-Project No: 114Y500) in behalf of Prof. Kabay.

Soil pollution and toxicity have been investigated in the Gardanne area (southern France) at a range of sites around a recognized pollution source, a bauxite processing plant (BPP), and a power plant (PP). Soil samples were submitted to inorganic and organic analyses and tested for toxicity in two invertebrate models. Inorganic analysis was based on determining elemental concentrations by ICP-MS, encompassing a total of 26 elements including 13 rare earth elements (REEs), of the soil samples and their leachates after 24 or 48 h in seawater. Organic analyses were performed by measuring the sums of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and of total hydrocarbons (C-10 to C-40). Bioassays were carried out on the early life stages of three sea urchin species (Arbacia lixula, Paracentrotus lividus and Sphaerechinus granularis), and on a nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans). Sea urchin bioassays were evaluated by the effects of soil samples (0.1–0.5% dry wt/vol) on developing embryos and on sperm, and scored as: a) % developmental defects, b) inhibition of sperm fertilization success and offspring damage, and c) frequencies of mitotic aberrations. C. elegans 24 h-mortality assay showed significant toxicity associated with soil samples. The effects of soil samples showed heightened toxicity at two groups of sites, close to the BPP main entrance and around the PP, which was consistent with the highest concentrations found for metals and PAHs, respectively. Total hydrocarbon concentrations displayed high concentrations both close to BPP main entrance and to the PP. Further studies of the health effects of such materials in Gardanne are warranted.

The pervasive spread of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has raised significant concerns on their toxicity in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. These polymer-based materials have implications for plants, wildlife and human health, threatening food chain integrity and ultimate ecosystem resilience. An extensive – and growing – body of literature is available on MP- and NP-associated effects, including in a number of aquatic biota, with as yet limited reports in terrestrial environments. Effects range from no detectable, or very low level, biological effects to more severe outcomes such as (but not limited to) increased mortality rates, altered immune and inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, genetic damage and dysmetabolic changes. A well- established exposure route to MPs and NPs involves ingestion with subsequent incorporation into tissues. MP and NP exposures have also been found to lead to genetic damage, including effects related to mitotic anomalies, or to transmissible damage from sperm cells to their offspring, especially in echinoderms. Effects on the proteome, transcriptome and metabolome warrant ad hoc investigations as these integrated “omics” workflows could provide greater insight into molecular pathways of effect. Given their different physical structures, chemical identity and presumably different modes of action, exposure to different types of MPs and NPs may result in different biological effects in biota, thus comparative investigations of different MPs and NPs are required to ascertain the respective effects. Furthermore, research on MP and NP should also consider their ability to act as vectors for other toxicants, and possible outcomes of exposure may even include effects at the community level, thus requiring investigations in mesocosm models.

The vast category of microplastics in the marine environment, encompassing among other aspects their persistence, degradation and impact on biota, has become an important topic of research. in spite of environmental health concerns, much work has yet to be done on understanding the potential roles of polymer sources, composition and particle sizes in causing adverse effects which have already been observed in a number of biota. the present study was aimed at adding to current knowledge by verifying if, and to what extent, embryogenesis in the sea urchin species Paracentrotus lividus is adversely affected by polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate virgin microparticles over a size range 1-230 mu m and at concentrations of 0.1-10 mg L-1. Developing embryos which came in contact with the microplastics only after fertilisation did not display a significant increase of developmental defects. Unlike embryo exposures, when P. lividus sperm were exposed to the microplastics or their leachates, modest, yet significant effects were observed, both in terms of decreased fertilisation rate and increase of transmissible damage to offspring. Further, it was noted that larvae more readily ingested polymethylmethacrylate than polystyrene microparticles after 3 days which may represent a route for enhancing the toxicity of the former compared to the latter. Overall, these findings provide evidence for lesser sensitivity of P. lividus early life stages to microplastics compared to other urchins such as Sphaerechinus granularis. in turn, the more robust response of P. lividus highlights the importance of choosing an appropriate test species with the highest sensitivity when investigating mildly harmful materials., Croatian Science Foundation [IP-2018-01-5351]; Environment and Climate Change Canada, This work has been supported by the Croatian Science Foundation under grant number IP-2018-01-5351, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. the authors are grateful to Dr. Ozge Kozgus Guldu for DLS measurements.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are key constituents of modern technology and play important roles in various chemical and industrial applications. They also are increasingly used in agricultural and zootechnical applications, such as fertilizers and feed additives. Early applications of REEs in agriculture have originated in China over the past several decades with the objective of increasing crop productivity and improving livestock yield (e.g., egg production or piglet growth). Outside China, REE agricultural or zootechnical uses are not currently practiced. A number of peer-reviewed manuscripts have evaluated the adverse and the positive effects of some light REEs (lanthanum and cerium salts) or REE mixtures both in plant growth and in livestock yield. This information was never systematically evaluated from the growing body of scientific literature. The present review was designed to evaluate the available evidence for adverse and/or positive effects of REE exposures in plant and animal biota and the cellular/molecular evidence for the REE-associated effects. The overall information points to shifts from toxic to favorable effects in plant systems at lower REE concentrations (possibly suggesting hormesis). The available evidence for REE use as feed additives may suggest positive outcomes at certain doses but requires further investigations before extending this use for zootechnical purposes.

Background A number of applications have been developed using rare earth elements (REE), implying several human exposures and raising unsolved questions as to REE-associated health effects. Methods A MedLine survey was retrieved from early reports (1980s) up to June 2015, focused on human and animal exposures to REE. Literature from animal models was selected focusing on REE-associated health effects. Results Some REE occupational exposures, in jobs such as glass polishers, photoengravers and movie projectionists showed a few case reports on health effects affecting the respiratory system. No case-control or cohort studies of occupational REE exposures were retrieved. Environmental exposures have been biomonitored in populations residing in REE mining areas, showing REE accumulation. The case for a iatrogenic REE exposure was raised by the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents for nuclear magnetic resonance. Animal toxicity studies have shown REE toxicity, affecting a number of endpoints in liver, lungs and blood. On the other hand, the use of REE as feed additives in livestock is referred as a safe and promising device in zootechnical activities, possibly suggesting a hormetic effect both known for REE and for other xenobiotics. Thus, investigations on long-term exposures and observations are warranted. Conclusion The state of art provides a limited definition of the health effects in occupationally or environmentally REE-exposed human populations. Research priorities should be addressed to case-control or cohort studies of REE-exposed humans and to life-long animal experiments.

The widespread use of rare earth elements (REEs) in a number of technological applications raises unanswered questions related to REE-associated adverse effects. We have previously reported on the multiple impact of some REEs on the early life stages of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. The present investigation was to evaluate REE toxicity to early life stages in two unrelated sea urchin species, Sphaerechinus granularis and Arbacia lixula. The comparative toxicities were tested of seven REEs, namely yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, samarium, europium and gadolinium as chloride salts at concentrations ranging from 10-7 to 10-4 M. The evaluated endpoints included developmental defects and cytogenetic anomalies in REE-exposed embryos/larvae, and decreased fertilization success and offspring damage following sperm exposure. The results showed different toxicity patterns for individual REEs that varied according to test species and to treatment protocol, thus showing toxicity scaling for the different REEs. Further, the observed effects were compared with those reported for P. lividus either following embryo or sperm exposures. S. granularis showed a significantly higher sensitivity both compared to A. lixula and to P. lividus. This study provides clear-cut evidence for distinct toxicity patterns among a series of REEs. The differences in species sensitivity at micromolar REE levels may warrant investigations on species susceptibility to impacts along polluted coasts.

Adverse environmental conditions in the Taranto area (southern Italy) were investigated in studies of air, marine sediment, and human health. The present study aimed at providing unprecedented information on soil pollution and toxicity in a set of sites around recognized pollution sources in the Taranto area, since previous studies were focused on marine or air pollution, or on human health effects. The investigated area included a steel foundry and a power plant, as well as some sites located in an adjacent neighborhood. Surface soil samples and urban dust were collected and submitted to inorganic and organic analyses and tested for toxicity in two invertebrate bioassay models; a sea urchin (Sphaerechinus granularis) and an annelid (Caenorhabditis elegans). Inorganic analysis was carried out using ICP-MS for elemental composition for a total of 34 elements, whose levels were evaluated as a function of bioassay data analyzed through principal component analysis (PCA). Other analyses included asbestos search by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and organic analysis for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aliphatic compounds (C10-C40). Toxicity bioassays were carried out on a sea urchin (Sphaerechinus granularis), and an annelid (Caenorhabditis elegans). Sea urchin bioassays evaluated effects of topsoil or street dust sample exposures (0.1 to 0.5% dry wt/vol) on developing embryos and on sperm, and scored as (a) % developmental defects, (b) inhibition of fertilization success and offspring damage, and (c) frequencies of mitotic aberrations. C. elegans mortality assay displayed significant toxicity associated with soil samples. The overall effects of samples showed very high toxicity at four out of nine sites. These effects were consistent with the highest levels measured for metals and PAHs. Further studies of health effects related to dust exposures in residential areas are warranted. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

WOS: 000497259100061, PubMed: 31629182, Two microplastic sets, polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), were tested for adverse effects on early life stages of Sphaerechinus granularis sea urchins. Microparticulate PS (10, 80 and 230 mu m diameter) and PMMA (10 and 50 mu m diameter) were tested on developing S. granularis embryos from 10 min post-fertilisation (p-f) to the pluteus larval stage (72 h p-f), at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 5 mg L-1. Both PS and PMMA exposures resulted in significant concentration-related increase of developmental defects and of microplastic uptake in plutei. Moreover, embryo exposures to PS and PMMA (5 and 50 mg L-1) from 10 min to 5 h p-f resulted in a significant increase of cytogenetic abnormalities, expressed as significantly increased mitotic aberrations, while mitotoxicity (as % embryos lacking active mitoses) was observed in embryos exposed to PS, though not to PMMA. When S. granularis sperm suspensions were exposed for 10 min to PS or to PMMA (0.1-5 mg L-1), a significant decrease of fertilisation success was observed following sperm exposure to 0.1 mg L-1 PS, though not to higher PS concentrations nor to PMMA. Sperm pretreatment, however, resulted in significant offspring damage, as excess developmental defects in plutei, both following sperm exposure to PS and PMMA, thus suggesting transmissible damage from sperm pronuclei to the offspring. the overall results point to relevant developmental, cytogenetic and genotoxic effects of PS and PMMA microplastics to S. granularis early life stages, warranting further investigations of other microplastics and other target biota., Croatian Science Foundation [IP-2018-01-5351]; Environment and Climate Change Canada, This work has been supported by the Croatian Science Foundation under project IP-2018-01-5351. Financial support from Environment and Climate Change Canada is also gratefully acknowledged. Declarations of conflict: none.

Heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) were tested for adverse effects to early life stages of the sea urchin Sphaerechinus granularis. Embryos were exposed to analytically measured HREE concentrations ranging from 10-7 to 10-5 M. No significant developmental defects (DD) increases were observed in embryos exposed to 10-7 M HREEs, whereas 10-5 M HREEs resulted in significant DD increase up to 96% for HoCl3 vs. 14% in controls. Embryos exposed to 10-6 M HREEs showed the highest DD frequency in embryos exposed to 10-6 M DyCl3 and HoCl3. Cytogenetic analysis of HREE-exposed embryos revealed a significant decrease in mitotic activity, with increases in mitotic aberrations. When S. granularis sperm were exposed to HREEs, a significant decrease of fertilization success was observed, with the offspring of sperm exposed to 10-5 M GdCl3 and LuCl3 showing significant DD increases. The results warrant investigations on HREEs in other test systems, and on REE-containing complex mixtures.

Sea Urchin Bioassays in Toxicity Testing: I. Inorganics, Organics, Complex Mixtures and Natural Products Based on established knowledge in physiology and embryology, sea urchins have proven to be excellent bioassay models since the early 1970’s when evaluating the impacts to early life stages and cellular functions after exposure to a number of xenobiotics. This review attempts to build a comprehensive survey of reports on sea urchin gametes and embryos used in toxicity testing of different classes of xenobiotics including inorganics, organics, different complex mixtures, and natural products. Our results provide support for common endpoints used when evaluating adverse effects on sea urchin early life stages, including frequency of developmental defects and/or cytogenetic abnormalities, changes in sperm fertilization success and offspring damage, and other endpoints related to redox alterations, DNA damage and other molecular biomarkers. Current studies using sea urchin bioassays continue to provide support for this tool in toxicology including, amongst others, studies of ocean acidification, action mechanisms of candidate new drugs, and novel xenobiotic releases to the environment.

Sea Urchin Bioassays in Toxicity Testing: II. Sediment Evaluation Bioassays on sea urchin early life stages have been used extensively in evaluating the pollution impact on seawater, coastal sediments, and other matrices as soil, freshwater sediment, and industry effluents. Here we review the literature in this field to determine whether testing whole sediment vs. pore water or elutriates by sea urchin bioassays provides a better estimation of actual risk. The present review of our results and from independent groups suggests that testing whole sediment as opposed to other substrates is better suitable, especially when a topographic evaluation of sediment toxicity is required, such as in enclosed bays or in lagoons. Unrestricted to marine sediment, the available methods in testing whole sediment provide an opportunity to test inland, freshwater or terrestrial materials, useful when answering complex mixture questions common to various monitoring and research programs, or for environmental assessment evaluations, or for remediation/ mitigation planning exercises.

Background: Heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) have been scarcely studied for their toxicity, in spite of their applications in several technologies. Thus HREEs require timely investigations for their adverse health effects. Methods: Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula embryos and sperm were exposed to trichloride salts of five HREEs (Dy, Ho, Er, Yb and Lu) and to Ce(III) as a light REE (LREE) reference to evaluate: 1) developmental defects (% DD) in HREE-exposed larvae or in the offspring of HREE-exposed sperm; 2) mitotic anomalies; 3) fertilization success; and 4) reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Nominal HREE concentrations were confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: HREEs induced concentration-related DD increases in P. lividus and A. lixula larvae, ranging from no significant DD increase at 10(-7)M HREEs up to ≅100% DD at 10(-5)M HREE. Larvae exposed to 10(-5)M Ce(III) resulted in less severe DD rates compared to HREEs. Decreased mitotic activity and increased aberration rates were found in HREE-exposed P. lividus embryos. Significant increases in ROS formation and NO levels were found both in HREE-exposed and in Ce(III) embryos, whereas only Ce(III), but not HREEs resulted in significant increase in MDA levels. Sperm exposure to HREEs (10(-5)-10(-4)M) resulted in a concentration-related decrease in fertilization success along with increase in offspring damage. These effects were significantly enhanced for Dy(III), Ho(III), Er(III) and Yb(III), compared to Lu(III) and to Ce(III). Conclusion: HREE-associated toxicity affected embryogenesis, fertilization, cytogenetic and redox endpoints showing different toxicities of tested HREEs Heavy rare earth elements affect early life stages in Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula sea urchins.

Background Broad-ranging adverse effects are known for rare earth elements (REE), yet only a few studies tested the toxicity of several REE, prompting studies focusing on multi-parameter REE toxicity. Methods Trichloride salts of Y, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd were tested in Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin embryos and sperm for: (1) developmental defects in either REE-exposed larvae or in the offspring of REE-exposed sperm; (2) fertilization success; (3) mitotic anomalies in REE-exposed embryos and in the offspring of REE-exposed sperm, and (4) reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Results REEs affected P. lividus larvae with concentration-related increase in developmental defects, 10−6 to 10−4 M, ranking as: Gd(III)>Y(III)>La(III)>Nd(III)≅Eu(III)>Ce(III)≅Sm(III). Nominal concentrations of REE salts were confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Significant increases in MDA levels, ROS formation, and NO levels were found in REE-exposed embryos. Sperm exposure to REEs (10−5 to 10−4 M) resulted in concentration-related decrease in fertilization success along with increase in offspring damage. Decreased mitotic activity and increased aberration rates were detected in REE-exposed embryos and in the offspring of REE-exposed sperm. Conclusion REE-associated toxicity affecting embryogenesis, fertilization, cytogenetic and redox endpoints showed different activities of tested REEs. Damage to early life stages, along with redox and cytogenetic anomalies should be the focus of future REE toxicity studies.

In this study, embryotoxic and genotoxic effects of nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP), which are the derivates of alkylphenol (APs), were evaluated using the gametes and embryos of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. The sperm and eggs of sea urchins were exposed to increasing concentrations of NP (0.937-18.74 microg/L) and OP (5-160 microg/L) under static conditions. The endpoints were sperm fertilization success, quantitative and morphologic changes in mitotic activity, larval malformations, developmental arrest, and embryonic/larval mortality. A dose-response-related reduction (approximately 20%) was observed in fertilization success and significant increases in the number of larvae with skeleton malformations at the pluteus stage of the contaminated sperms. The spermiotoxic and embryotoxic concentrations were determined as 0.937 microg/L for NP and 4.685 microg/L for OP for this species. The embryotoxicity of NP and OP is concentration dependent, and significant growth reduction at the early life stages and an increase in larval malformations as skeleton deformities at the pluteus stage were observed. Cytogenetic analysis of embryos showed a decreasing curve in mitotic indexes (number of mitosis per embryo) with increasing concentrations of NP and OP. It can be concluded that NP and OP adversely affect the reproduction and embryonic developmental stages of the P. lividus and this is of great ecological importance because of the hazard at the population level.

PubMed ID: 19086528, Due to municipal, industrial and nonpoint source waste discharges to streams and rivers and tendency of many chemicals to become associated with sediments. Sediments are particularly problematic near densely populated and industrialised urban areas, such as the Izmir metropolitan area in west part of Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the potential adverse effects of sediments from five streams flowing into inner part of Izmir Bay by using sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus embryotoxicity test and if there was any correlation between toxicity and chemical data. Toxicity tests indicated that with the exception of the smallest concentration of only one stream sediment samples (0.6 mg wet wt. mL-1) all sediment samples resulted in significant increases in the frequencies of developmental defects on P. lividus embryos. Analytical data showed that the sediments from five streams had chemical characteristics similar to sediments defined by other authors as polluted sediments. An important point to note was the excellent correlation between total organic carbon content of stream sediments and sea urchin P. lividus embryotoxicity data, but not with metal content. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.

In the recent decades, rare earth elements (REE) have undergone a steady spread in several industrial and medical applications, and in agriculture. Relatively scarce information has been acquired to date on REE-associated biological effects, from studies of bioaccumulation and of bioassays on animal, plant and models; a few case reports have focused on human health effects following occupational REE exposures, in the present lack of epidemiological studies of occupationally exposed groups. The literature is mostly confined to reports on few REE, namely cerium and lanthanum, whereas substantial information gaps persist on the health effects of other REE. An established action mechanism in REE-associated health effects relates to modulating oxidative stress, analogous to the recognized redox mechanisms observed for other transition elements. Adverse outcomes of REE exposures include a number of endpoints, such as growth inhibition, cytogenetic effects, and organ-specific toxicity. An apparent controversy regarding REE-associated health effects relates to opposed data pointing to either favorable or adverse effects of REE exposures. Several studies have demonstrated that REE, like a number of other xenobiotics, follow hormetic concentration-related trends, implying stimulatory or protective effects at low levels, then adverse effects at higher concentrations. Another major role for REE-associated effects should be focused on pH-dependent REE speciation and hence toxicity. Few reports have demonstrated that environmental acidification enhances REE toxicity; these data may assume particular relevance in REE-polluted acidic soils and in REE mining areas characterized by concomitant REE and acid pollution. The likely environmental threats arising from REE exposures deserve a new line of research efforts. (c) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A technical fungicide mixture, R6 and its components, cymoxanil (CYM) and cupric oxychloride (Cu-OCl), were tested by sea urchin bioassays (Paracentrotus lividus and Sphaerechinus granularis). A set of toxicity endpoints was evaluated including both lethal and sublethal effects with the following endpoints: (a) acute embryotoxicity, (b) developmental defects, (c) changes in sperm fertilization success, (d) transmissible damage from sperm to the offspring, and (e) cytogenetic abnormalities. Acute effects on developing embryos were observed as early (prehatch) mortality at R6 levels > or =25 microg/ml. The pesticide mixture R6 was tested at realistic concentrations, ranging from 25 ng/ ml to 2.5 microg/ml, and the two components, CYM and Cu-OCl, were tested, either alone or in mixture, at concentrations equal to their levels in the corresponding R6 solutions. R6 was either dissolved in filtered seawater (water only, W-O), or spiked in "pristine" silt-clay sediment or soil samples before bioassays. Developmental toxicity of R6, following W-O dissolution, displayed a significant dose-related increase of larval malformations and differentiation arrest at concentrations of 750 ng/ml to 2.5 microg/ml both in P. lividus and in S. granularis larvae. Developmental toxicity was removed in spiked sediment up to R6 nominal levels (25 microg/ml), 10-fold above the embryotoxic R6 levels in W-O exposure. No significant developmental toxicity was exerted by CYM or Cu-OCl (W-O exposure) up to their concentrations equivalent to 2.5 microg/ml R6. The laboratory-prepared mixture of CYM and Cu-OCl, in the same concentration range, only resulted in minor effects, as larval retardation, suggesting the presence of toxic impurities (or additional components) in the R6 formulation. When sperm from either P. lividus or S. granularis were exposed to R6 before fertilization, a W-O exposure resulted in a dose-related decrease in fertilization of P. lividus sperm (up to 250 microg/ml R6), whereas S. granularis sperm underwent a significant increase of fertilization rate at the highest R6 nominal levels (up to 25 microg/ml). Equivalent CYM or Cu-OCl levels were ineffective on sperm fertilization success in both species. The offspring of S. granularis sperm exposed to 25 microg/ml R6 showed a significant increase in larval malformations, which were not detected in the offspring of R6-exposed P. lividus sperm. Again, CYM or Cu-OCl was unable to exert any transmissible damage from sperm to the offspring in either species. The present study raises the case of possible discrepancies between toxicity of a technical mixture and of its analytical-grade components, also providing evidence for a loss of pesticide toxicity following dispersion in an environmental matrix such as sediment or soil.

The antiestrogen tamoxifen (TAM) is widely used as a drug against breast cancer and is currently being tested as a chemopreventive agent. However, a number of studies showed genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of TAM. These effects are thought to be related to oxygen radical overproduction which occurs during TAM metabolic activation. There is no evidence, thus far, on TAM toxicity to embryos and gametes. The present study was designed to elucidate the mechanisms of TAM-induced developmental, reproductive and cytogenetic toxicity towards sea urchin (SU) embryos with regard to the possibility of TAM-initiated oxidative stress. Embryo cultures from SU were subjected to long-term (throughout embryogenesis) or short-term (two hours) incubation with TAM at concentrations from 10(-8) to 10(-5) M. The experiments on TAM-induced toxicity to gametes were carried out with SU sperm, or unfertilized eggs, suspended in TAM (10(-8) to 10(-6) M). To assess the effects of TAM to embryos or to gametes, developmental defects, embryonic mortality, fertilization success, and cytogenetic abnormalities were scored. Oxidative damage to DNA and lipids was detected by measurements of 8OHdG levels and lipid peroxidation, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by eggs and embryos was recorded by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (LDCL) and cytochrome c reduction methods. The changes in activities of SU superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were also evaluated. TAM exerted: a) early embryonic mortality to exposed embryos and to the offspring of exposed eggs; b) developmental defects to the offspring of exposed sperm; c) decrease in sperm fertilization success, and d) cytogenetic effects in the offspring of exposed sperm or eggs. These morphological effects corresponded to the state of oxidative stress in SU embryos (increased oxidative damage to DNA and lipids and induction of antioxidant enzymes). Since TAM did increase significantly ROS production by embryos, it is suggested that TAM may be metabolically activated by SU embryonic oxidases and peroxidases, which in turn could be induced by TAM. The present study provides further support to the utilization of the SU system as a useful model to help elucidate mechanisms of chemical teratogenesis and carcinogenesis.

WOS: 000085503400014, PubMed ID: 10657960, The effects and mechanisms of action of diepoxybutane (DEB) and mitomycin C (MMC) were investigated on sea urchin embryogenesis, (Sphaerechinus granularis and Paracentrotus lividus). DEB- and MMC-induced toxicity was evaluated by means of selected end-points, including developmental defects, cytogenetic abnormalities and alterations in the redox status [oxygen-dependent toxicity, Mn-superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase activities and glutathione (GSH) levels]. Both DEB and MMC exhibited developmental toxicity (at concentrations ranging from 3 x 10(-5) to 3 x 10(-4) M and 3 x 10(-6) to 3 x 10(-5) M, respectively) expressed as larval abnormalities, developmental arrest and mortality, The developmental effects of both compounds were significantly affected by oxygen at levels ranging from 5 to 40%. These results confirmed previous evidence for oxygen-dependent MMC toxicity and are the first report of oxygen dependence for DEB toxicity, Both DEB and MMC exerted significant cytogenetic abnormalities, including mitotoxicity and mitotic aberrations, but with different trends between the two chemicals, at the same concentrations as exerted developmental toxicity. The formation of reactive oxygen species was evaluated using: (i) luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (LDCL); (ii) reactions of the main antioxidant systems, such as GSH content and MnSOD and catalase activities. The results point to clear-cut differences in the effects induced by DEB and MMC, Thus, DEB suppressed GSH content within the concentration range 10(-7)-3 x 10(-5) M, The activity of catalase was stimulated at lower DEB levels (10(-7)-10(-6) M) and then decreased at higher DEB concentrations (greater than or equal to 10(-5) M), Increasing MMC concentrations induced LDCL and MnSOD activity (greater than or equal to 10(-6) M) greatly and modulated catalase activity (10(-7) - 10(-6) M), GSH levels were unaffected by MMC, The results suggest that oxidative stress contributes to the developmental and genotoxic effects of both toxins studied, although through different mechanisms.

This study was to investigate developmental toxicity of some selected low molecular weight antioxidants, by utilising sea urchin embryos and gametes as model system. Sea urchin embryos or sperm were exposed at different developmental stages to L-methionine or some selected low molecular weight antioxidants: a) N-acetylcysteine; b) L-carnosine; c) L-homocarnosine, and d) L-anserine. L-methionine displayed developmental toxicity at levels > or = 10(-5) M, whereas the other agents tested were mostly active at levels > or = 10(-4) M. When embryos were exposed to 10(-4) M L-methionine or N-acetylcysteine at different developmental stages, the most severe effects were exerted by early exposures (0 to 2 hr after fertilisation), whereas later exposures turned to lesser or no effects. Cytogenetic analysis of L-methionine-exposed embryos showed a significant mitogenic effect and increase of mitotic aberrations. Fertilisation success was decreased by L-methionine (10(-6) M to 10(-3) M) added at the moment of fertilisation, with increasing developmental and cytogenetic abnormalities in the offspring. The formation of reactive oxygen species in embryos and gametes was determined by: a) analysing the DNA oxidative product, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and b) luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. The results showed that: 1) 8-OHdG levels were increased during embryogenesis; 2) fertilisation was associated with a double-wave luminol-dependent chemiluminescence emission; 3) luminol-dependent chemiluminescence was maximal in cleavage, declining down to zero in plutei, and 4) an embryotoxic L-methionine or N-acetylcysteine level (10(-4) M) turned to a decrease in reactive oxygen species formation. The data suggest that L-methionine- or N-acetylcysteine-induced developmental toxicity is confined to early stages. A role for oxidative activity is suggested in modulating cell differentiation and embryogenesis, consistent with antioxidant-induced damage to early life stages.

The present study achieved cadmium bioaccumulation ability using growth kinetics and ICP-OES for Cd measurements in marine diatom Thalassiosira allenii Takano. T. allenii cells were exposed to different cadmium concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg. Cd L -1 ) for 4 days. T. allenii cells were seen to have bioaccumulation ability both in cells and cellular surfaces. The cadmium uptake of T. allenii species followed a linear trend for most of days for ≤ 25 mg L -1 Cd concentrations while the cell growth was inhibited at concentrations of >25 mg L -1 Cd. T. allenii removed much of cadmium by taking it into the cells in ≤10 mg. L -1 Cd concentrations in the medium. While the adsorption on the cell surfaces is dominant in cells on the first day, the amount of Cd allowed in the cell has become dominant beginning with the second day. The growth rate decreased with increasing Cd concentration and remained stable at about 0.1-0.2 day -1 . However up to the 5 mg. L -1 Cd concentration, the growth rates are not different from the control and continued for about 0.3-0.4 day -1 . When T. allenii species is used in the bioremediation systems, this limit value does not affect growth of the species.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the toxicity of aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride and their 1:1 mixture (Mix) on early development, fertilization and offspring quality in three sea urchins species (Sphaerechinus granularis, Paracentrotus lividus, Psammechinus microtuberculatus) and in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). The endpoints were the following: a) larval malformations; b) developmental arrest; c) embryonic mortality; d) fertilization success; e) cytogenetic effects, and f) luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (LDCL). Overall data point to the induction of developmental defects in both sea urchin and mussel embryos following exposure of embryos to Al(III) or Fe(III) (10(-7) to 10(-6) M), whereas Mix caused varied effects vs. Al(III) or Fe(III) alone, from scarce or no additive effects (M. galloprovincialis and P. lividus) to a dramatic rise in embryolethality even at nominal levels of 10(-8) M (Ps. microtuberculatus).S. granularis sperm underwent a dose-dependent decrease in fertilization success following exposure to Al(III), or Fe(III), or Mix at levels ranging from 10(-8) to 10(-5) M. A significant increase of developmental defects was observed in the offspring of S. granularis sperm exposed to micromolar levels of the agents, suggesting an Al(III)- and Fe(III)-related transmissible damage to sperm. The cytogenetic analysis of Al(III)-, Fe(III)-, or Mix-exposed S. granularis embryos showed a significant increase in mitotic aberrations. A relevant feature of the observed cytogenetic damage included scattered chromosomes, suggesting cytoskeleton damage. The LDCL emission in S. granularis embryos showed a dose-related inhibition by agent levels ranging from 10(-7) to 10(-5) M; this held true for both spontaneous and, to a larger extent, for horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-activated LDCL. LDCL associated with fertilization was affected by Al(III), Fe(III) and Mix, with a time- and dose-related shift from stimulation to inhibition. The changes observed in LDCL emission suggested that the observed damage to embryogenesis, fertilization and mitotic activity may be related, at least partly, to alterations of the embryo prooxidant state. The present data point to developmental, cytogenetic and biochemical changes related to realistic levels of Al(III), Fe(III) and their mixtures, raising concern as to their environmental, occupational and iatrogenic exposures.

The toxicity of aluminum or zinc from either sacrificial anodes (SA) or their sulfate salts (SS) was evaluated in sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) embryos or sperm exposed to Al(III) or Zn(II) (SA or SS, 0.1–10 μM), scoring developmental defects (DDs), fertilization rate (FR), and mitotic abnormalities. A significant DD increase was observed in SS, but not SA Al(III)- and Zn(II)-exposed embryos vs. controls. Both Al(III) and Zn(II), up to 10 μM, from SA and SS, inhibited mitotic activity and induced mitotic aberrations in exposed embryos. SA-Al(III)-exposed sperm displayed a significant FR increase, unlike Al(III) sulfate overlapping with controls. Both SA-Zn(II) and Zn(II) sulfate sperm exposure resulted in a significant FR increase. The offspring of SA-Al(III)-exposed sperm displayed a significant DD decrease, unlike Al(III) sulfate exposure. Zinc sulfate sperm exposure resulted in a significant increase in offspring DDs, whereas SA-Zn(II) sperm exposure decreased DDs. Together, exposures to SA-dissolved Al(III) or Zn(II) resulted in lesser, if any toxicity, up to hormesis, compared to SS. Studies of metal speciation should elucidate the present results.

This study focused on a comparative evaluation of wastewater from a chromium-based tannery in Izmir (Turkey). Two sampling campaigns included raw wastewater (R), the effluents of coagulation/flocculation process (CF), biological treatment (B) and dried sludge (DS). Samples were analyzed for their metal contents. A set of toxicity endpoints were tested by sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividius and Sphaerechinus granularis) for the endpoints of acute embryotoxicity, developmental defects, changes in sperm fertilization success and transmissible damage from sperm to the offspring. Furthermore, algal growth (Selenastrum capricornutum) inhibition and Daphnia magna immobilization tests were performed according to standard procedures. The sea urchin bioassay results showed that raw wastewater toxicity is enhanced by the physico-chemical treatment and is decreased by the biological treatment for both samples. Confirming the data from a previous study, a concentration-related toxicity was exerted by effluent or sludge samples according to the following rank: DS > CF > R > B. On the other hand, offspring quality was not affected by sperm exposure to any wastewater or to sludge samples. However, D. magna was immobilized for both samples by the ranking of R > CF > B while algal growth inhibition was caused in a different order for the samples. Overall results suggest submitting the CF effluent to biological treatment which absorbs the toxic content of the wastewater in leather tanning industry; however, the sludge containing toxic components must be handled very carefully.

Sea urchin embryos and gametes have been utilised in toxicity testing for complex mixtures such as sediment samples. A number of toxicity endpoints can be evaluated by means of sea urchin bioassays, including developmental defects, changes in fertilisation success, offspring quality, and cytogenetic abnormalities. The present investigation has attempted to develop new methods focussing on a relationship between the well-established procedures based on embryological and cytogenetic endpoints, and a new approach based on measurements of redox activities in developing sea urchin larvae, by means of chemiluminescence methods and the measurement of reduced glutathione levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of either spiked or environmentally occurring sediment. Spiking was carried out by using some selected inorganics [Cd(II), Cu(II), Al(III) and Fe(III)] and a herbicide, pentachlorophenol (PCP). Environmental sediments were tested on samples collected in a series of sentinel sites in the Mediterranean, North Sea and Baltic Sea.

Bu çalışmada selenat, selenit ve seleno-DL-metioninin artan konsantrasyonlarının $(10^{-7}M -3x10^{-5}M)$ karşılaştırmalı spenniyotoksik ve embriyotoksik etkileri P. lividus' un gamet ve embriyoları kullanılarak belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Veriler, test edilen tüm konsantrasyonlarda önemli farklılık göstermeyecek şekilde selenyumun tüm kimyasal formlarının P. lividus spermlerinin fertilizasyon başarısını şümule ederek, fertilizasyon oranını yaklaşık % 17 oranında arttırdığını göstermiştir. Bununla birlikte aynı spermlerin 72 saat süreyle optimum koşullarda yetiştirilen döllerinde kontrollere oranla özellikle iskelet bozukluklarına sahip pluteus larvası yüzdesinde önemli artışların olduğu gözlenmiştir. Embriyolojik analizler sonucunda bu tür için spermiyotoksik seviye selenat için $10^{-6}$ M, selenit için $3x10^{-7}M$, ve seleno-DL-metionin için $10^{-7}$ M olarak belirlenmiştir. Ancak aynı tür için embriyotoksik seviye $10^{-6}$ M selenat, $3x10^{-7}M$ selenit ve seleno-DL-metionin olarak saptanmıştır. P. lividus embriyoları ile gerçekleştirilen tüm denemeler sonucunda selenyuhıun karşılaştırmalı toksisitesinde seleno-DL-metionin > selenit > selenat sıralaması görülmüştür., Investigation of spermiotoxic and embryotoxlc effects of selenate, selenite and seleno-DL-methionine on Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816): In this study comparative spermiotoxic and embryotoxic effects of increasing concentrations $(10^{-7}M -3x10^{-5}M)$ of selenate, selenite and seleno-DL-methionine were tested on the gametes and embryos of P. lividus. Data indicated a stimulation in the fertilization success of P. lividus sperms and an increase in the fertilization ratios by about 17 % in all tested concentrations without any significant variations of all chemical forms of selenium. However, significant increases were observed in percentages of the pluteus larvae, having especially skeleton malformations on the offspring of the same sperms cultured for 72 -hours under optimum conditions compared with control base. As a result of embryological analysis, the spermiotoxic level were determined to be $10^{-6}$ for selenate, $3x10^{-7}M$ for selenite and $10^{-7}$ for seleno-DL-methionine for this species. But, the embryotoxic level for the same species were determined to be $10^{-6}$ for selenate, $3x10^{-7}M$for selenite and seleno-DL-methionine. The arrangement of comparative selenium toxicity of seleno-DL-methionine > selenite > selenate was observed during all the tests on P. lividus embryos.

The effluent from a bauxite plant was tested on sea urchin embryos and sperm for the induction of: a) developmental defects in effluent-exposed embryos; b) loss of fertilization success, and c) transmissible damage to the offspring of pretreated sperm. The chemical composition of the bauxite sludge was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Dose-related effects were observed at effluent dilutions ranging from 1:105 to 1:102 [equal to 1.5 to 1,500 μg (dry weight)/ml]. The effects were exerted on developmental toxicity, spermiotoxicity, and offspring malformations/mortality. Toxicity was exerted by sludge concentrations in the order of 1:103 (or 150 μg/ml). Chemical analysis of sludge pointed to the presence of several inorganics, with prevalence of aluminum, iron and chromium. In spite of the recognized difficulties in referring the effects of complex mixtures (bauxite sludge) to the toxicities of individual components, the results reported here are fairly consistent with those reported on the toxicities of the major sludge components. Based on the present data, uncontrolled disposal of bauxite sludge may be a major hazard(s) to the environment, involving early life stages and recruitment in aquatic biota.

Tannin from mimosa trees (Acacia sp.) utilized in traditional leather tanning was tested for toxicity in sea urchin (Sphaerechinus granularis and Paracentrotus lividus) embryos and sperm, marine, and freshwater algae (Selenastrum capricornutum and Dunaliella tertiolecta), and Daphnia magna. Based on a two-step tanning procedure used in traditional tanneries, two mimosa tannin preparations, i.e., fresh tannin (FT) and used tannin (UT), were tested as suspensions. The early results in S. granularis embryos showed that UT exerted lower acute toxicity than FT, namely, 1 vs 100 mg/L, to obtain 100% mortality, respectively. Subsequent bioassays were conducted on fresh tannin water extracts (TWE) corresponding to nominal tannin concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 30 mg/L. Developmental toxicity, up to embryonic mortality was exerted by TWE at levels1 mg/L, S. granularis being more sensitive than P. lividus embryos/larvae. At the concentration of 0.1 mg/L, the frequencies of larval malformations were significantly lower than in controls. This positive stimulatory effect (currently termed as hormesis) was observed in extended numbers of culture replicates (up to 14) and was significant in the embryo cultures characterized by a relatively poor control quality (with70% viable larvae in controls), whereas this effect was not observed in good-quality cultures (withor = 70% viable larvae in controls). Cytogenetic analysis of S. granularis embryos reared in FT or UT suspensions (1 mg/L to 1 g/L) showed mitotoxic effects (decrease in active mitoses per embryo) in FT-exposed, but not in UT-exposed embryos. Mitotic aberrations were significantly increased by 10 mg/L UT. Sperm fertilization success in both sea urchin species showed an increasing fertilization rate (FR) up to 0.3 mg/L TWE and a dose-related decrease in FR up to 30 mg/L. Again, the offspring of P. lividus sperm exposed to TWE (0.1 and 0.3 mg/L) showed a decrease in larval malformations compared to controls, whereas a dose-related increase in developmental defects was observed in the offspring of P. lividus sperm exposed to higher TWE levels (1 to 30 mg/L). Algal cell growth bioassays in two species (S. capricornutum and D. tertiolecta) also showed a maximum growth at TWE levels ranging from 0.3 to 3 mg/L and a subsequent decline up to 30 mg/L TWE. D. magna bioassays resulted in daphnid immobilization by TWE concentrations ranging from 100 to 300 mg/L. The results demonstrate that tannins utilized in traditional leather tanning industry may raise concern of environmental damage at relatively high concentrations, whereas low-level tannins may result in hormetic effects. The present study also points to the need for bioassay design that should rely on adequate criteria in control quality, allowing to detect both inhibitory and hormetic effects.

Bu çalışmada ham madde ve arıtım prosesleri farklı olan iki kağıt fabrikası atık sularının kimyasal kompozisyonu ve deniz kestanesi embriyonik gelişimi üzerine olası etkileri araştırılmıştır. Bu amaçla, her iki kağıt fabrikasından arıtma sistemine girmeden ve arıtma sonrası çıkış suları alınmıştır. Ayrıca bu iki fabrikanın çıkış sularının deşarj edildiği Nif Çayı'ndan da su örneği alınmıştır. Su örneklerinin kimyasal analizleri standart metotlara göre yapılmıştır. Toksisite ise deniz kestanesi embriyo ve spermleri filtre edilmiş deniz suyunda belli oranlarda seyreltilmiş kağıt fabrikası atık sularına maruz bırakılarak belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Sonuçlar ham atık suların arıtılmış atık sulara oranla deniz kestanesi embriyonik gelişimi üzerine daha toksik ve fabrikalar arasında da farklılıklar olduğunu göstermiştir. Atık su konsantrasyonu arttıkça embriyotoksik etkinin de artığı gözlenmiştir.Anahtar sözcükler: Kağıt fabrikası, deniz kestanesi, spermiyotoksisite, embriyotoksisite In this study waste water from two paper mills? which differs from each other with raw material and treatment process, chemical compositions and possible effects on sea urchin embryonic development has been studied. For this purpose waste water samples from two paper mill before entering treatment system and after treatment have been collected. Besides this water samples from Nif Stream which is discharge water for these two paper mills have been taken. For making chemical analyses of water samples standard methods has been followed. Toxicity has been determined by rearing sea urchin embryos and sperms into paper mill effluents that diluted with certain amounts of filtered sea water. The sea urchin bioassay results were pointed out that raw wastewater toxicity is higher than treated one. With the increase of effluent concentration, increase of embriotoxicity was observed, too.KEYWORDS: Paper industry, deniz kestanesi, spermiotoxicity, embriyotoxicity 92