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It is here shown how partial order can be used to provide a robust and consistent implementation of the DF4 approach which provides unbiased information enabling comparison and open up the possibility for grouping. The approach is based on few assumptions, works well with the data, can include different types of input parameters, and can provide fundamental information about the ranks of tested materials. It is shown that the materials in many cases are below one threshold within a tier, but above another threshold within the same tier. It is also observed that the ranks of the materials can differ between tiers, although this is less relevant for DF4 since parameters evaluation may be hierarchical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver (Ag) is one of the most used elements in the nanomaterials (NMs) form, which upon release to the environment can be harmful to organisms. We compared the toxicokinetics (TK) and toxicodynamics (TD) of Ag from AgNO 3 (0, 15, 45, 135, 405 mg Ag/kg soil) and AgNM300K (0, 75, 150, 300, 600, 1200 mg Ag/kg soil) in the model organism Enchytraeus crypticus. Organisms were exposed in LUFA 2.2 soil, and besides body Ag concentrations, survival and reproduction were determined, in a time series (for 21 days). In the soil, the available (CaCl 2 extractable) Ag fraction from Ag NM300K increased from 0 to 21 days but did not consistently change for AgNO 3. Internal concentrations reached equilibrium in most exposures to both Ag forms. The organisms were able to internalize and eliminate Ag, but less when exposed to Ag NM300K. The overall uptake rate constants for Ag from AgNO 3 and Ag NM300K exposures were 0.05 and 0.06 kg soil/kg organism/day, respectively, the elimination rate constants 0.2 and 0.1 day−1, respectively. For AgNO 3 the median lethal concentrations decreased steadily with time, while for Ag NM300K they remained constant during the first 10 days of exposure followed by a 2-fold decline in the last 7 days. The 21-d LC50s for both Ag forms were similar but the LC50 inter (based on internal concentrations) were 63 and 121 mg Ag/kg body DW (Dry Weight) for AgNO 3 and Ag NM300K, respectively, showing higher toxicity of AgNO 3. These results show the importance of assessing time to toxicity, a relevant factor in toxicity assessment, especially for NMs. [Display omitted] • Toxicokinetics and Toxicodynamics of ionic and nano silver in enchytraeids differed. • Available Ag fraction in soil increased with time for Ag NM300K but decreased for AgNO 3. • The 21-day LC50 was similar for both silver forms. • The LC50inter (based on internal concentrations) was higher for the nano Ag form. • Time proved to be an important factor in the toxicity assessment of nano Ag forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the combined effects of temperature and copper (Cu) contamination in the structure of soil bacterial community. For this, contaminated or spiked and control soils from two different geographic origins (PT-Portugal and DK-Denmark) were used. The DK soil was from a historically contaminated study field, representing a long-term exposure to Cu while the PT soil was from a clean site and freshly spiked with Cu. Soil bacterial communities were exposed in mesocosms during 84 days to 3 different temperatures based on values typically found in each geographic region and temperature conditions that simulated a warming scenario. Obtained results indicate that Cu stress alters the structure of bacterial community and that this effect is, to some extent, temperature-dependent. Effects on bacterial diversity for both soils were also observed. Differences in the DK and PT communities' response were apparent, with the community from the historically contaminated soil being more resilient to temperature fluctuations. This study presents evidence to support the hypothesis that temperature alters the effect of metals on soils. Further, our results suggest that the definition of soils quality criteria must be based on studies performed under temperatures selected for the specific geographic region. Studies taking into account temperature changes are needed to model and predict risks, this is important to e.g. future adjustments of the maximum permissible levels for soil metal contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on the ability of organisms to avoid contaminated soils, avoidance tests have a great potential as early screening tools in lower tier levels of ERA schemes. Aiming at their standardization, the definition of the minimum exposure time necessary to observe an avoidance response to a contaminant is needed. To fill this gap, avoidance tests with earthworms (Eisenia andrei) and springtails (Folsomia candida), comparing distinct time periods (from 1–7 to 1–14 days, respectively), were performed using the artificial OECD soil and reference chemicals for each test organism. Results showed that for both organisms a clear response within 24h of exposure can be obtained. This rapid response enhances the utility of the test for “on site” analysis to evaluate contaminated sites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The current environmental hazard assessment is based on the testing of the pristine substance. However, it cannot be excluded that (nano)pharmaceuticals are excreted into sewage during the use phase followed by entry into wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Sorption to sewage sludge or release via effluent can result in modified ecotoxicological effects which possibly can only be detected with a modified test approach. The objective of our study was to investigate a realistic exposure scenario for metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in pharmaceutical products, excreted into effluent, and released into the environment after treatment in WWTPs. The test approach was illustrated by using gold (Au) NPs. Effluent from model WWTPs were investigated in aquatic tests (Daphnia magna , fish cell lines). Sewage sludge was used as a sole food source (Eisenia fetida) or mixed with soil and used as test medium (soil microorganisms, Folsomia candida , Enchytraeus crypticus). To cover the aspect of regulation, the test systems described in OECD-test guidelines (OECD TG 201, 211, 220, 232, 249, 317) were applied. Modifications and additional test approaches were included to meet the needs arising out of the testing of nanomaterials and of the exposure scenarios. The results were assessed regarding the suitability of the test design and the toxicity of Au-NPs. Except for activated sludge as a sole food source for E.fetida , the selected test approach is suitable for the testing of nanomaterials. Additional information can be gained when compared to the common testing of the pristine nanomaterials in the standardized test systems. Effects of Au-NPs were observed in concentrations exceeding the modeled environmental. [Display omitted] • Proposal of a higher test design for nanopharmaceuticals exemplified for nano gold. • Simulation of wastewater treatment plants followed by soil and aquatic tests is feasible. • Low risk of medical applied Au expected for soil invertebrates, daphnids. • Effects on microbial community structure unlike microbial function and fish cells are not excluded. • Aging of Au-NPs during the process in the WWTP induces toxicity in the fish cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Folsomia candida (Collembola) is a standard soil ecotoxicological species; effect assessment includes survival and reproduction as endpoints. In the present study, and for the first time, a range of oxidative stress biomarkers measurement was optimized and validated. The antioxidant capacity was measured by the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and content of total glutathione (TG). The oxidative damage in the lipid membranes was estimated by lipid peroxidation (LPO) and metallothionein (MT) levels. The exposure included the essential and non-essential metals Cu and Cd, in LUFA 2.2 natural standard soil, using a series of sampling times along a 10 days period (0, 2, 4, 6 and 10 days). Exposure concentrations were selected based on their reproduction EC50 values, 60 and 1000 mg/kg soil DW, for Cd and Cu respectively. The protocols were optimized and results show that oxidative stress biomarkers can be successfully used in F. candida , this being highly relevant as complementary information to the mechanistic level. The selected sampling times gave a good indication of the markers dynamic and can be reduced/adapted in future testing. Results showed that both metals caused an increase in the MT levels after 6 days but Cd acted as a stronger oxidant agent compared to Cu, i.e. causing higher damage. In sum, Cd mobilized/activated more antioxidant enzymes, but the increased activities were not enough to prevent LPO. This study confirms that the oxidative stress caused by Cd is higher despite the use of same reproduction EC50 indicating that toxicity seems more reversible for Cu than for Cd. Among others, GST and MT would be a good selection of biomarkers for Cd effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]