Teratological effects of pesticides in vertebrates: a review

Biodegradation of chlorpyrifos pollution from contaminated environment - A review on operating variables and mechanism

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a highly toxic phosphate-rich organic pesticide (OP), identified as an emerging contaminant and used extensively in agricultural production. CPF persistence in the environment and its potential health hazards has become increasingly concerning worldwide in recent years due to exponential rise in food demand. Biodegradation of chlorpyrifos by microbial cultures is a promising approach to reclaiming contaminated soil and aquatic environments. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current understanding of microbiological aspects of xenobiotic chlorpyrifos biodegradation, including microbial diversity, metabolic pathways, and factors that modulate it. In both aerobic and anaerobic environments, CPF is biochemically broken down by a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. Hydrolysis, dehalogenation, and oxidation of chlorpyrifos are all enzymatic reactions that lead to its degradation. Biodegradation rate and efficiency are strongly influenced by parametric variables such as co-substrates abundance, pH, temperature, and initial chlorpyrifos concentration. The review provides evidence that microbial biodegradation is a viable method for remediating chlorpyrifos-contaminated sites in a sustainable and safe manner.

Wildlife ecotoxicology of plant protection products: knowns and unknowns about the impacts of currently used pesticides on terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity

Agricultural practices are a major cause of the current loss of biodiversity. Among postwar agricultural intensification practices, the use of plant protection products (PPPs) might be one of the prominent drivers of the loss of wildlife diversity in agroecosystems. A collective scientific assessment was performed upon the request of the French Ministries responsible for the Environment, for Agriculture and for Research to review the impacts of PPPs on biodiversity and ecosystem services based on the scientific literature. While the effects of legacy banned PPPs on ecosystems and the underlying mechanisms are well documented, the impacts of current use pesticides (CUPs) on biodiversity have rarely been reviewed. Here, we provide an overview of the available knowledge related to the impacts of PPPs, including biopesticides, on terrestrial vertebrates (i.e. herptiles, birds including raptors, bats and small and large mammals). We focused essentially on CUPs and on endpoints at the subindividual, individual, population and community levels, which ultimately linked with effects on biodiversity. We address both direct toxic effects and indirect effects related to ecological processes and review the existing knowledge about wildlife exposure to PPPs. The effects of PPPs on ecological functions and ecosystem services are discussed, as are the aggravating or mitigating factors. Finally, a synthesis of knowns and unknowns is provided, and we identify priorities to fill gaps in knowledge and perspectives for research and wildlife conservation.

Toxicity evolution and control for the UV/H2O2 degradation of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds: SDZ and PMM

This study aimed to achieve toxicity control of sulfadiazine (SDZ) and pirimiphos-methyl (PMM) via the UV/H2O2 process by optimizing the reaction parameters. The results show that both drugs had a good degradation effect under the following parameters: a H2O2 molar ratio of 1:200, and neutral conditions. SDZ and PMM could be degraded by more than 99% within 3 min, respectively. In the Daphnia magna acute toxicity assay and Vibrio fischeri inhibition assay, both SDZ and PMM exhibited a phenomenon of increasing toxicity. Additionally, through the use of density functional theory (DFT) calculation and HPLC-QTOF-MS, 21 transformation products (TPs) were identified, and the principal degradation pathways were proposed. The toxicity of the TPs was determined by comparing the QSAR prediction results with toxicity test data. As a result, under the higher UV light intensity (2300 μW/cm2) and neutral conditions, SDZ showed highest toxicity, whereas PMM showed lowest toxicity under the lowest UV light intensity (450 μW/cm2) and neutral conditions. Four main toxic TPs were identified, and their yields could be reduced by adjusting the reaction parameters. Therefore, the selection of appropriate reaction parameters could reduce the production of toxic TPs and ensure the safety of water environment.

Exposure to Low Concentrations of AMPA Influences Morphology and Decreases Survival During Larval Development in a Widespread Amphibian Species

Glyphosate's primary metabolite, AMPA (aminomethylphosphonic acid), is one of the most widely detected anthropogenic substance in surface waters worldwide. However, ecotoxicological studies on the potential effects of this metabolite at environmental concentrations on wildlife are scarce. Yet, due to its chemical properties, AMPA is likely to affect non-target species. In this study, we investigated sublethal effects of environmental concentrations of AMPA on the larval development of a widespread amphibian species, the spined toad Bufo spinosus. We performed a factorial experiment to study the effect of concentration and the timing of exposure (during embryonic development, larval development or both) to AMPA on the morphology, rate of development and survival of tadpoles. AMPA and timing of exposure interactively affected tadpole size (individuals exposed to AMPA after hatching were transitorily smaller, while individuals exposed to AMPA before hatching were longer), but not duration of development. Most of these effects were linked to exposure during embryonic development. Such effects in individuals exposed during embryonic development solely were long-lasting and persisted until the latest larval stages. Finally, we found that exposure to AMPA after hatching (during the larval stage) increased mortality. Exposure to low environmental concentrations of AMPA could have long-lasting consequences on fitness and population persistence. These findings are especially important to take into account at a time when multiple threats can interact to affect wildlife.

Food risk associated with vegetable consumption, exposure to antimicrobial-resistant strains and pesticide residues

This preliminary study aimed to detect biological and chemical contaminants in vegetables sold in Sicily for human consumption, assess the spread of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) strains in these foods, and characterize their antimicrobial-resistance genes. A total of 29 fresh and ready-to-eat samples were analyzed. Microbiological analyses were performed for the detection of Salmonella spp. and the enumeration of Enterococci, Enterobacteriaceae, and Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed by the Kirby-Bauer method, according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Pesticides were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. No samples were contaminated by Salmonella spp., E. coli was detected in 1 sample of fresh lettuce at a low bacterial count (2 log cfu/g). 17.24% of vegetables were contaminated by Enterococci and 65.5% by Enterobacteriaceae (bacterial counts between 1.56 log cfu/g and 5.93 log cfu/g and between 1.6 log cfu/g and 5.48 log cfu/g respectively). From 86.2% of vegetables, 53 AMR strains were isolated, and 10/53 isolates were multidrug resistant. Molecular analysis showed that the blaTEM gene was detected in 12/38 β-lactam-resistant/intermediate-resistant isolates. Genes conferring tetracycline resistance (tetA, tetB, tetC, tetD, tetW) were detected in 7/10 isolates. The qnrS gene was detected in 1/5 quinolone-resistant isolates, the sulI gene was detected in 1/4 sulfonamide- resistant/intermediate-resistant isolates and the sulIII gene was never detected. Pesticides were detected in 27.3% of samples, all of which were leafy vegetables. Despite the satisfactory hygienic status of samples, the high percentage of AMR bacteria detected stresses the need for an effective monitoring of these foods as well as adequate strategies to counteract the spread of AMR bacteria along the agricultural chain. Also, the chemical contamination of vegetables should not be underestimated, especially considering that leafy vegetables are commonly consumed raw and that no official guidelines about maximum residue limits of pesticides in ready-to-eat vegetables are available.

Evaluation of the anti-viral efficacy of three different dsRNA nanoparticles against potato virus Y using various delivery methods

Nanoparticles (NPs) derived from RNA interference (RNAi) are considered a potentially revolutionary technique in the field of plant protection in the future. However, the application of NPs in RNAi is hindered by the conflict between the high cost of RNA production and the large quantity of materials required for field application. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral efficacy of commercially available nanomaterials, such as chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (CQAS), amine functionalized silica nano powder (ASNP), and carbon quantum dots (CQD), that carried double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) via various delivery methods, including infiltration, spraying, and root soaking. ASNP-dsRNA NPs are recommended for root soaking, which is considered the most effective method of antiviral compound application. The most effective antiviral compound tested was CQAS-dsRNA NPs delivered by root soaking. Using fluorescence, FITC-CQAS-dsCP-Cy3, and CQD-dsCP-Cy3 NPs demonstrated the uptake and transport pathways of dsRNA NPs in plants when applied to plants in different modes. The duration of protection with NPs applied in various modes was then compared, providing references for evaluating the retention period of various types of NPs. All three types of NPs effectively silenced genes in plants and afforded at least 14 days of protection against viral infection. Particularly, CQD-dsRNA NPs could protect systemic leaves for 21 days following spraying.

Biopesticides as a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides: A case for microbial pesticides, phytopesticides, and nanobiopesticides

Over the years, synthetic pesticides like herbicides, algicides, miticides, bactericides, fumigants, termiticides, repellents, insecticides, molluscicides, nematicides, and pheromones have been used to improve crop yield. When pesticides are used, the over-application and excess discharge into water bodies during rainfall often lead to death of fish and other aquatic life. Even when the fishes still live, their consumption by humans may lead to the biomagnification of chemicals in the body system and can cause deadly diseases, such as cancer, kidney diseases, diabetes, liver dysfunction, eczema, neurological destruction, cardiovascular diseases, and so on. Equally, synthetic pesticides harm the soil texture, soil microbes, animals, and plants. The dangers associated with the use of synthetic pesticides have necessitated the need for alternative use of organic pesticides (biopesticides), which are cheaper, environment friendly, and sustainable. Biopesticides can be sourced from microbes (e.g., metabolites), plants (e.g., from their exudates, essential oil, and extracts from bark, root, and leaves), and nanoparticles of biological origin (e.g., silver and gold nanoparticles). Unlike synthetic pesticides, microbial pesticides are specific in action, can be easily sourced without the need for expensive chemicals, and are environmentally sustainable without residual effects. Phytopesticides have myriad of phytochemical compounds that make them exhibit various mechanisms of action, likewise, they are not associated with the release of greenhouse gases and are of lesser risks to human health compared to the available synthetic pesticides. Nanobiopesticides have higher pesticidal activity, targeted or controlled release with top-notch biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this review, we examined the different types of pesticides, the merits, and demerits of synthetic pesticides and biopesticides, but more importantly, we x-rayed appropriate and sustainable approaches to improve the acceptability and commercial usage of microbial pesticides, phytopesticides, and nanobiopesticides for plant nutrition, crop protection/yield, animal/human health promotion, and their possible incorporation into the integrated pest management system.

Evidence of environmental transfer of tebuconazole to the eggs in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus): An experimental study

Triazole compounds are among the most widely used fungicides in agroecosystems to protect crops from potential fungal diseases. Many farmland birds spend a significant part of their life cycle in agroecosystems, which may chronically expose them to pesticides. We experimentally tested whether exposure to environmental concentrations of tebuconazole could induce a contamination of the eggs in an agroecosystem sentinel species, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Wild-caught adult sparrows were maintained in captivity and exposed (exposed group) or not (control group) for seven months to tebuconazole through drinking water. Eggs were opportunistically collected for the determination of tebuconazole concentration by Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem Mass Spectrometry in eggs. We found that eggs from exposed parents all contained tebuconazole with a mean concentration of 1.52 ng g^-1 dry weight. In eggs from control parents, the tebuconazole concentration was below the limit of quantification (0.23 ng g^-1 dry weight) for 11 out of 13 eggs. Thus, our study demonstrates for the first time that environmental exposure of female birds to tebuconazole can translate into egg contamination by this fungicide.

Recent advances in assessment methods and mechanism of microbe-mediated chlorpyrifos remediation

Chlorpyrifos (CP) is one of the Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) primarily used in agriculture to safeguard crops from pests and diseases. The pervasive use of chlorpyrifos is hazardous to humans and the environment as it inhibits the receptor for acetylcholinesterase activity, leading to abnormalities linked to the central nervous system. Hence, there is an ardent need to develop an effective and sustainable approach to the on-site degradation of chlorpyrifos. The role of microbes in the remediation of pesticides is considered the most effective and eco-friendly approach, as they have strong degradative potential due to their gene and enzymes naturally adapted to these sites. Several reports have previously been published on exploring the role of microbes in the degradation of CP. However, detection of CP as an environmental contaminant is an essential prerequisite for developing an efficient microbial-mediated biodegradation method with less harmful intermediates. Most of the articles published to date discuss the fate and impact of CP in the environment along with its degradation mechanism but still fail to discuss the analytical portion. This review is focused on the latest developments in the field of bioremediation of CP along with its physicochemical properties, toxicity, fate, and conventional (UV-Visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, NMR, GC-MS, etc) and advanced detection methods (Biosensors and immunochromatography-based methods) from different environmental samples. Apart from it, this review explores the role of metagenomics, system biology, in-silico tools, and genetic engineering in facilitating the bioremediation of CP. One of the objectives of this review is to educate policymakers with scientific data that will enable the development of appropriate strategies to reduce pesticide exposure and the harmful health impacts on both Human and other environmental components. Moreover, this review provides up-to-date developments related to the sustainable remediation of CP.

Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation of Pesticides into Nanocomposites: A Review

The extensive use of pesticides in agriculture has significantly impacted the environment and human health, as these pollutants are inadequately disposed of into water bodies. In addition, pesticides can cause adverse effects on humans and aquatic animals due to their incomplete removal from the aqueous medium by conventional wastewater treatments. Therefore, processes such as heterogeneous photocatalysis and adsorption by nanocomposites have received special attention in the scientific community due to their unique properties and ability to degrade and remove several organic pollutants, including pesticides. This report reviews the use of nanocomposites in pesticide adsorption and photocatalytic degradation from aqueous solutions. A bibliographic search was performed using the ScienceDirect, American Chemical Society (ACS), and Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) indexes, using Boolean logic and the following descriptors: "pesticide degradation" AND "photocatalysis" AND "nanocomposites"; "nanocomposites" AND "pesticides" AND "adsorption". The search was limited to research article documents in the last ten years (from January 2012 to June 2022). The results made it possible to verify that the most dangerous pesticides are not the most commonly degraded/removed from wastewater. At the same time, the potential of the supported nanocatalysts and nanoadsorbents in the decontamination of wastewater-containing pesticides is confirmed once they present reduced bandgap energy, which occurs over a wide range of wavelengths. Moreover, due to the great affinity of the supported nanocatalysts with pesticides, better charge separation, high removal, and degradation values are reported for these organic compounds. Thus, the class of the nanocomposites investigated in this work, magnetic or not, can be characterized as suitable nanomaterials with potential and unique properties useful in heterogeneous photocatalysts and the adsorption of pesticides.

Pesticide impacts on avian species with special reference to farmland birds: a review

For decades, we have observed a major biodiversity crisis impacting all taxa. Avian species have been particularly well monitored over the long term, documenting their declines. In particular, farmland birds are decreasing worldwide, but the contribution of pesticides to their decline remains controversial. Most studies addressing the effects of agrochemicals are limited to their assessment under controlled laboratory conditions, the determination of lethal dose 50 (LD₅₀) values and testing in a few species, most belonging to Galliformes. They often ignore the high interspecies variability in sensitivity, delayed sublethal effects on the physiology, behaviour and life-history traits of individuals and their consequences at the population and community levels. Most importantly, they have entirely neglected to test for the multiple exposure pathways to which individuals are subjected in the field (cocktail effects). The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview for ecologists, evolutionary ecologists and conservationists. We aimed to compile the literature on the effects of pesticides on bird physiology, behaviour and life-history traits, collecting evidence from model and wild species and from field and lab experiments to highlight the gaps that remain to be filled. We show how subtle nonlethal exposure might be pernicious, with major consequences for bird populations and communities. We finally propose several prospective guidelines for future studies that may be considered to meet urgent needs.

Revisiting pesticide pollution: The case of fluorinated pesticides

Fluorinated pesticides acquired a significant market share in the agrochemical sector due to the surge of new fluoroorganic ingredients approved in the last two decades. This growing trend has not been accompanied by a comprehensive scientific and regulatory framework entailing all their potential negative impacts for the environment, especially when considering the hazardous properties that may result from the incorporation of fluorine into organic molecules. This review aims to address the safe/hazardous dichotomy associated with fluorinated pesticides by providing an updated outlook on their relevancy in the agrochemical sector and how it leads to their role as environmental pollutants. Specifically, the environmental fate and distribution of these pesticides in the ecosystems is discussed, while also analysing their potential to act as toxic substances for non-target organisms.

Transcriptome-Based Identification of Genes Responding to the Organophosphate Pesticide Phosmet in Danio rerio

Organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) are one of the most widely used insecticides. OPPs exert their neurotoxic effects by inhibiting acetylcholine esterase (AChE). Most of the gross developmental abnormalities observed in OPP-treated fish, on the other hand, may not be explained solely by AChE inhibition. To understand the overall molecular mechanisms involved in OPP toxicity, we used the zebrafish (ZF) model. We exposed ZF embryos to an OPP, phosmet, for 96 h, and then analyzed developmental abnormalities and performed whole transcriptome analysis. Phenotypic abnormalities, such as bradycardia, spine curvature, and growth retardation, were observed in phosmet-treated ZF (PTZF). Whole transcriptome analysis revealed 2190 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 822 and 1368 significantly up-and downregulated genes, respectively. System process and sensory and visual perception were among the top biological pathways affected by phosmet toxicity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of metabolic pathways, calcium signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, cardiac muscle contraction, drug metabolism-other enzymes, and phototransduction. Quantitative real-time PCR results of six DEGs agreed with the sequencing data expression profile trend. Our findings provide insights into the consequences of phosmet exposure in ZF, as well as an estimate of the potential risk of OPPs to off-target species.

Fabrication of gelatin microspheres containing ammonium hydrogen carbonate for the tunable release of herbicide

The major challenge in utilizing pesticides lies in identifying the precise application that would improve the efficiency of these pesticides and decline their environmental and health hazards at the same time. Such application requires the development of specific formulations that enable controlled, stimuli-responsive release of the pesticides. Gelatin is a relatively cheap material characterized by temperature-sensitivity and abundant amino acid groups, which makes it suitable for the storage and controlled release of pesticides. In this study, gelatin microspheres were prepared by emulsion and cross-linking, then they were loaded with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid sodium (2,4-D Na) as a model herbicide. To achieve temperature-tunable release of 2,4-D Na from the microspheres, NH₄HCO₃ was added to the formulations at different concentrations. The prepared formulations were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and size distribution analyzes, and their drug loading capacities were determined. Based on bioassay experiments, the 2,4-D Na-NH₄HCO₃-loaded gelatin microspheres can effectively control the spread of dicotyledonous weeds. Therefore, the strategy proposed herein can be used to develop novel, effective herbicide formulations.

Environmental and Health Risks of Pesticide Use in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

There are frequent reports of unsafe pesticide use in many parts of Africa. Ethiopia is the second most populous nation in Africa with around 80% of the population still depending on agriculture which intensively uses pesticides. A number of studies have examined pesticide-related health and environmental risks in Ethiopia. However, most of these studies have been small in scale and it is therefore challenging to get a general overview of the extent of health risks and level of environmental contamination in the country.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to synthesize and summarize contemporary knowledge on pesticide-related risks and relevant gaps in Ethiopia.

METHODS

An electronic database search and gathering of grey literature were done to collect information on the risks of pesticide use in Ethiopia. The electronic search was conducted using MEDLINE (via PubMed) without any publication date or language specifications. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) checklist was used as guide in the creation of this review.

DISCUSSION

A synthesis of the reviewed studies showed evidence of health risks due to occupational pesticide exposure, surface water pollution with pesticides that could cause chronic health risks to the public, evidence of pesticide contamination of the environment (e.g., soil organisms, fish, bee colonies and wildlife) and local as well as international consumer risks due to pesticide residues in food items. In addition, there have been frequent reports of health and environmental hazards in association with cut-flower farms. There is also evidence of direct use of DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) on food crops and detection of DDT residues in surface water, soil and human breast milk. Those reported risks might be due to lack of knowledge among farm workers, negligence of farm owners, absence of post-registration monitoring systems and poor implementation of both national and international regulations in Ethiopia due to poor institutional capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

The health and environmental risks of inappropriate use of pesticides requires action by all concerned bodies. Improved institutional arrangements for enforcement of regulations, awareness and further intervention studies could lessen the high risks of pesticide misuse.

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Strategies for Enhancing in vitro Degradation of Linuron by Variovorax sp. Strain SRS 16 Under the Guidance of Metabolic Modeling

Phenyl urea herbicides are being extensively used for weed control in both agricultural and non-agricultural applications. Linuron is one of the key herbicides in this family and is in wide use. Like other phenyl urea herbicides, it is known to have toxic effects as a result of its persistence in the environment. The natural removal of linuron from the environment is mainly carried through microbial biodegradation. Some microorganisms have been reported to mineralize linuron completely and utilize it as a carbon and nitrogen source. Variovorax sp. strain SRS 16 is one of the known efficient degraders with a recently sequenced genome. The genomic data provide an opportunity to use a genome-scale model for improving biodegradation. The aim of our study is the construction of a genome-scale metabolic model following automatic and manual protocols and its application for improving its metabolic potential through iterative simulations. Applying flux balance analysis (FBA), growth and degradation performances of SRS 16 in different media considering the influence of selected supplements (potential carbon and nitrogen sources) were simulated. Outcomes are predictions for the suitable media modification, allowing faster degradation of linuron by SRS 16. Seven metabolites were selected for in vitro validation of the predictions through laboratory experiments confirming the degradation-promoting effect of specific amino acids (glutamine and asparagine) on linuron degradation and SRS 16 growth. Overall, simulations are shown to be efficient in predicting the degradation potential of SRS 16 in the presence of specific supplements. The generated information contributes to the understanding of the biochemistry of linuron degradation and can be further utilized for the development of new cleanup solutions without any genetic manipulation.

Congenital Malformations in Sea Turtles: Puzzling Interplay between Genes and Environment

Simple Summary

Congenital malformations can lead to embryonic mortality in many species, and sea turtles are no exception. Genetic and/or environmental alterations occur during early development in the embryo, and may produce aberrant phenotypes, many of which are incompatible with life. Causes of malformations are multifactorial; genetic factors may include mutations, chromosomal aberrations, and inbreeding effects, whereas non-genetic factors may include nutrition, hyperthermia, low moisture, radiation, and contamination. It is possible to monitor and control some of these factors (such as temperature and humidity) in nesting beaches, and toxic compounds in feeding areas, which can be transferred to the embryo through their lipophilic properties. In this review, we describe possible causes of different types of malformations observed in sea turtle embryos, as well as some actions that may help reduce embryonic mortality.

Abstract

The completion of embryonic development depends, in part, on the interplay between genetic factors and environmental conditions, and any alteration during development may affect embryonic genetic and epigenetic regulatory pathways leading to congenital malformations, which are mostly incompatible with life. Oviparous reptiles, such as sea turtles, that produce numerous eggs in a clutch that is buried on the beach provide an opportunity to study embryonic mortality associated with malformations that occur at different times during development, or that prevent the hatchling from emerging from the nest. In sea turtles, the presence of congenital malformations frequently leads to mortality. A few years ago, a detailed study was performed on external congenital malformations in three species of sea turtles from the Mexican Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata (n = 23,559 eggs), the green turtle, Chelonia mydas (n = 17,690 eggs), and the olive ridley, Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 20,257 eggs), finding 63 types of congenital malformations, of which 38 were new reports. Of the three species, the olive ridley showed a higher incidence of severe anomalies in the craniofacial region (49%), indicating alterations of early developmental pathways; however, several malformations were also observed in the body, including defects in the carapace (45%) and limbs (33%), as well as pigmentation disorders (20%), indicating that deviations occurred during the middle and later stages of development. Although intrinsic factors (i.e., genetic mutations or epigenetic modifications) are difficult to monitor in the field, some environmental factors (such as the incubation temperature, humidity, and probably the status of feeding areas) are, to some extent, less difficult to monitor and/or control. In this review, we describe the aetiology of different malformations observed in sea turtle embryos, and provide some actions that can reduce embryonic mortality.

Sorption Features of Polyurethane Foam Functionalized with Salicylate for Chlorpyrifos: Equilibrium, Kinetic Models and Thermodynamic Studies

Commercial polyurethane foam was treated with salicylate salt to synthesize PUFSalicylate (PUFS) as a novel, promising, stable and inexpensive adsorbent for chlorpyrifos (CPF) extraction. The properties of PUFS were investigated using UV-Vis spectroscopy, apparent density, FTIR spectroscopy, pHZPC, BET surface area, elemental analysis, TGA and DTG tests. Batch experiments were performed for the sorption of CPF under different salicylate concentrations, pH, shaking time, ionic strength, agitation speed, sorbent mass, batch factor and initial concentration of CPF. The results confirmed that 97.4% of CPF in a 25 mL solution, 10 μg/L concentration, could be retained by only 0.3 mg of PUFS (1:105mass ratio of PUFS: solution). In addition, the maximum capacity of PUFS for the sorption of CPF was 1249.8 μg/mg (3.9 × 10-5 mol/g) within 180 min. The negative values of ΔH° and ΔG° indicated that the sorption of CPF onto PUFS is an exothermic spontaneous process (favorable). The calculated data from the experimental procedures fitted perfectly with Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.9952) and the kinetic Equation of pseudo-second order. In addition, the R2 value in the Elovich Equation recorded higher when compared to the Morris-Weber and Bangham Equations; hence, the pore diffusion is not the rate-determining step. Thus, the use of PUFSalicylate for the removal of chlorpyrifos contaminations from agriculture runoff is applicable.

Over-Winter Survival and Nest Site Selection of the West-European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Arable Dominated Landscapes

The West-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) has declined markedly in the UK. The winter hibernation period may make hedgehogs vulnerable to anthropogenic habitat and climate changes. Therefore, we studied two contrasting populations in England to examine patterns of winter nest use, body mass changes and survival during hibernation. No between-site differences were evident in body mass prior to hibernation nor the number of winter nests used, but significant differences in overwinter mass change and survival were observed. Mass change did not, however, affect survival rates; all deaths occurred prior to or after the hibernation period, mainly from predation or vehicle collisions. Hedgehogs consistently nested in proximity to hedgerows, roads and woodlands, but avoided pasture fields; differences between sites were evident for the selection for or avoidance of arable fields, amenity grassland and buildings. Collectively, these data indicate that hibernation was not a period of significant mortality for individuals that had attained sufficient weight (>600 g) pre-hibernation. Conversely, habitat composition did significantly affect the positioning of winter nests, such that different land management practices (historic and current) might potentially influence hibernation success. The limitations of this study and suggestions for future research are discussed.