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This is a copy of the author 's final draft version of an article published in the journal Environmental geochemistry and health. The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10653-016-9840-2, Due to its potential toxic properties, metal mobilization is of major concern in areas surrounding Pb-Zn mines. In the present study, metal contents and toxicity of soils, water extracts from soils, and mine drainage waters from an abandoned F-Ba-Pb-Zn mining area in Osor (Girona, NE Spain) were evaluated through chemical extractions and ecotoxicity bioassays. Toxicity assessment in the terrestrial compartment included lethal and sublethal endpoints on earthworms Eisenia foetida, arthropods Folsomia candida and several plant species whereas aquatic tests involved bacteria Vibrio fischeri, microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata and crustaceans Daphnia magna. Metal quantifications revealed high concentrations of Ba (250-5110 mg kg-1), Pb (940->5000 mg kg-1) and Zn (2370-11300 mg kg-1) that exceeded intervention values to protect human health. Risks for the aquatic compartment were identified through the release of drainage waters and by leaching and run-offs from metal-contaminated soils. Cd (1.98-9.15 µg L-1), Pb (2.11-326 µg L-1) and Zn (280-2900 µg L-1) in water samples surpassed international values of aquatic life criteria. Terrestrial ecotoxicity tests were in accordance with metal quantifications and identified the most polluted soil as the most toxic. Avoidance and reproduction tests with earthworms showed the highest sensitivity to metal contamination. Aquatic bioassays with extracts from soils confirmed the results from terrestrial tests and detected severe toxic effects caused by the mine drainage waters. Algal growth inhibition was the most sensitive aquatic endpoint. In view of the results, the application of a containment or remediative procedure in the area is encouraged., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)

Versió amb una secció encriptada, per drets de l'editor, Environmental impacts associated to the unstoppable growth of human population are threatening ecosystems worldwide. Among them, soil ecosystems are becoming increasingly degraded due to their unsustainable use and management, which is leading to the loss of a key resource that is fundamental to life on the planet. As the interface between land, air and water, soil ecosystems perform many cultural, economic, environmental, and social functions that are worthy of protection. During the last decades, several legislative tools have been created with varying success aiming to ensure soil protection. Even so, soils are major sinks of anthropogenic pollutants and, in consequence, human-induced contamination still represents a serious threat for soil ecosystems due to the massive release of metals, hydrocarbons and pesticides (among others). In this context, the application of methodologies for the proper assessment and remediation of contaminated soils has become mandatory if their ability to perform their functions is to be preserved. The risks associated to soil contamination have been traditionally evaluated through chemical quantification of pollutants. Unfortunately, such techniques have proven insufficient to properly assess soil pollution because they can only focus on concentrations of specific contaminants and they obviate the interactions between pollutants, soil matrix and soil inhabiting organisms. Ecotoxicity bioassays, on the other hand, do integrate all these interactions and can become very valuable tools for a better and more realistic assessment of the effects of contaminants in soil ecosystems. In this work, chemical analysis together with terrestrial and aquatic ecotoxicity bioassays are applied to samples from contaminated sites and to artificially-contaminated soils in order to evaluate their associated ecological risks. The suitability of different ecotoxicity tests is assessed according to the nature of the soil contaminant, and the parameters resp, Els impactes ambientals associats a l’imparable creixement de la població humana estan amenaçant els ecosistemes de tot el món. D’entre ells, els ecosistemes terrestres es veuen cada vegada més degradats degut a un ús i administració insostenibles, els quals estan conduint a la pèrdua d’un recurs fonamental per a la vida al planeta. Com a interfase entre la terra, l’aire i l’aigua, els ecosistemes terrestres realitzen multitud de funcions culturals, econòmiques, ambientals i socials que cal protegir. A tal efecte, durant les últimes dècades s’han creat diverses eines legislatives enfocades a assegurar la protecció dels sòls, les quals han tingut un èxit variable. No obstant això, els sòls són un dels principals destins dels contaminants antropogènics i, en conseqüència, la contaminació induïda per l'home encara representa una seriosa amenaça per als ecosistemes terrestres a causa de l'alliberament massiu de metalls, hidrocarburs i plaguicides (entre d'altres). En aquest context, l’aplicació de metodologies adequades per a l’avaluació i remediació de sòls contaminats ha esdevingut obligatòria si es vol preservar la seva capacitat per a desenvolupar les seves funcions. Tradicionalment els riscs associats a la contaminació del sòl han estat avaluats a través de quantificacions químiques de contaminants. Malauradament, aquestes tècniques han demostrat ser insuficients per a una adequada valoració de la contaminació del sòl ja que només poden centrar-se en les concentracions de contaminants específics i obvien les interaccions entre contaminants, la matriu del sòl i els organismes que l’habiten. D’altra banda, els bioassajos d’ecotoxicitat integren totes aquestes interaccions i poden esdevenir eines valuoses per a una avaluació millor i més realista dels efectes dels contaminants en els ecosistemes terrestres. En aquest treball s’han aplicat anàlisis químics conjuntament amb bioassajos d’ecotoxicitat terrestre i aquàtica a fi d’avaluar els riscs ecològics associats a mos, Postprint (published version)

The closure of mercury mining areas is generally associated with a release of Hg and other metals into the environment due to the abandonment of mining wastes. Because of their potential toxic properties, the mobilization of particulate and soluble metal species is of major concern. In the present study, the environmental risks posed by soils surrounding an abandoned mercury mining area in Valle del Azogue (Almeria, Spain) are assessed through the determination of physical-chemical parameters, the quantification of metal concentrations, and the application of aquatic and terrestrial ecotoxicity bioassays. Chemical analysis of soil samples revealed concentrations of Hg, As, Ba, Pb, Sb, and Zn above international intervention values. Results from terrestrial tests showed detrimental effects in all studied organisms (Eisenia foetida, Folsomia candida, and different plant species) and revealed the avoidance response of earthworms as the most sensitive endpoint. Surprisingly, the most toxic samples were not the ones with higher metal contents but the ones presenting higher electrical conductivity. Aquatic ecotoxicity tests with Vibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia magna, and Danio rerio were in accordance with terrestrial tests, confirming the need to couple environmental chemistry with ecotoxicological tools for the proper assessment of metal-contaminated sites. In view of the results, a remediative intervention of the studied area is recommended, Postprint (author's final draft)

In this study chemical analyses and ecotoxicity tests were applied for the assessment of a heavily hydrocarbon-contaminated soil prior and after the application of a remediation procedure that consisted in the stimulation of soil autochthonous populations of hydrocarbon degraders in static-ventilated biopiles. Terrestrial bioassays were applied in mixtures of test soils and artificial control soil and studied the survival and reproduction of Eisenia fetida and the avoidance response of E. fetida and Folsomia candida. Effects on aquatic organisms were studied by means of acute tests with Vibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, and Daphnia magna performed on aqueous elutriates from test soils. The bioremediation procedure led to a significant reduction in the concentration of hydrocarbons (from 34264 to 3074 mg kg-1, i.e., 91 % decrease) and toxicity although bioassays were not able to report a percentage decrease of toxicity as high as the percentage reduction. Sublethal tests proved the most sensitive terrestrial bioassays and avoidance tests with earthworms and springtails showed potential as monitoring tools of hydrocarbon remediation due to their high sensitivity and short duration. The concentrations of hydrocarbons in water extracts from test soils were 130 and 100 µg L-1 before and after remediation, respectively. Similarly to terrestrial tests, most aquatic bioassays detected a significant reduction in toxicity, which was almost negligible at the end of the treatment. D. magna survival was the most affected by soil elutriates although toxicity to the crustacean was associated to the salinity of the samples rather than to the concentration of hydrocarbons. Ecotoxicity tests with aqueous soil elutriates proved less relevant in the assessment of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils due to the low hydrosolubility of hydrocarbons and the influence of the physicochemical parameters of the aquatic medium, Postprint (author's final draft)

Water quality assessment requires a continuous and strict analysis of samples to guarantee compliance with established standards. Nowadays, the increasing number of pollutants and their synergistic effects lead to the development general toxicity bioassays capable to analyse water pollution as a whole. Current general toxicity methods, e.g. Microtox®, rely on long operation protocols, the use of complex and expensive instrumentation and sample pre-treatment, which should be transported to the laboratory for analysis. These requirements delay sample analysis and hence, the response to avoid an environmental catastrophe. In an attempt to solve it, a fast (15 min) and low-cost toxicity bioassay based on the chromatic changes associated to bacterial ferricyanide reduction is here presented. E. coli cells (used as model bacteria) were stably trapped on low-cost paper matrices (cellulose-based paper discs, PDs) and remained viable for long times (1 month at -20 °C). Apart from bacterial carrier, paper matrices also acted as a fluidic element, allowing fluid management without the need of external pumps. Bioassay evaluation was performed using copper as model toxic agent. Chromatic changes associated to bacterial ferricyanide reduction were determined by three different transduction methods, i.e. (i) optical reflectometry (as reference method), (ii) image analysis and (iii) visual inspection. In all cases, bioassay results (in terms of half maximal effective concentrations, EC50) were in agreement with already reported data, confirming the good performance of the bioassay. The validation of the bioassay was performed by analysis of real samples from natural sources, which were analysed and compared with a reference method (i.e. Microtox). Obtained results showed agreement for about 70% of toxic samples and 80% of non-toxic samples, which may validate the use of this simple and quick protocol in the determination of general toxicity. The minimum instrumentation requirements, Postprint (author's final draft)

This report describes the application of potentiometric multisensory system for estimation of water samples toxicity in terms of Microtox ® analyzer—a widespread instrument for toxicity evaluation. The working principle of Microtox ® analyser is based on a registration of luminescence from Vibrio fischeri bacteria. This luminescence depends on metabolism conditions and toxicity of the environment. Due to the fact that metabolism is influenced by multiple parameters the method is associated with certain limitations. Unlike this bioassay procedure the employment of multisensory system does not require the use of living organisms and can provide for faster toxicity evaluation. Fifty-five real and model polluted water samples, for which the toxicity was established by bioassay, were studied. The response of multisensory array processed with machine learning techniques allows for prediction of toxicity in terms of EC50 with relative errors of 20–25%. Taking into account the complexity of the task (simulation of complex biological reactions with inanimate instrument) this can be considered as a good promise for further research in this direction in order to develop instrumental alternative for toxicity assessment, Postprint (author’s final draft)

El pesticida neonicotinoide imidacloprid se encuentra entre los agroquímicos más vendidos en todo el mundo. Debido a su amplio uso en mezclas con diferentes disolventes y co-adyuvantes, estudiar el impacto ambiental de las formulaciones comerciales derivadas se ha convertido en obligatorio. En este estudio se utilizaron ensayos ecotoxicológicos de laboratorio para cuantificar el impacto del ConfidorR 20SL (formulación que contiene imidacloprid) en los compartimentos terrestre y acuático. Los efectos letales y subletales de las dosis recomendadas de aplicación del producto fueron evaluadas en los invertebrados terrestres Eisenia foetida y Folsomia candida mientras que la toxicidad de los lixiviados de los suelos contaminados se evaluó en los organismos acuáticos modelo Daphnia magna y Raphidocelis subcapitata (anteriormente Selenastrum capricornutum). La exposición a concentraciones ambientalmente relevantes de imidacloprid no causo mortalidad en las lombrices de tierra (CL50 de 4.23 mg de imidacloprid por kg de suelo seco) pero altero los patrones de comportamiento y reproducción (valores de CE50 de 0.43 y 1.40 mg de imidacloprid por kg de suelo seco en los ensayos de alejamiento y reproducción respectivamente). Los efectos en los colembolos F. candida fueron despreciables. El imidacloprid presento una lixiviabilidad moderada, con tasas de recuperación en los extractos acuosos que fueron del 25.4 al 50.4% de la cantidad presente en los suelos y concentraciones de 13.05 a 71.8 µg por litro. Las pruebas estándar de ecotoxicidad acuática no fueron capaces de detectar toxicidad aguda o crónica en los organismos de ensayo. Sin embargo, las concentraciones de insecticida en los extractos fueron lo suficientemente grandes como para representar una amenaza letal para otros organismos acuáticos no estándar, The neonicotinoid pesticide imidacloprid is among the top sold agrochemicals worldwide. Due to its widespread use in mixtures with different solvents and co-adjuvants, studying the environmental impact of its derived commercial formulations has become mandatory. In this study we used laboratory ecotoxicological tests to quantify the impact of the imidacloprid-containing formulation Confidor R20SL on the terrestrial and aquatic compartments. Lethal and sublethal effects of recommended application doses of the product were assessed on standard terrestrial invertebrates Eisenia fetida and Folsomia candida whereas the toxicity of leachates from contaminated soils was evaluated in the aquatic model organisms Daphnia magna and Raphidocelis subcapitata. The exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of imidacloprid caused no mortality to earthworms (LC50 of 4.23 mg imidacloprid kg-1 dry soil) but altered their behavior and reproduction patterns (EC50 values for avoidance and reproduction tests of 0.43 and 1.40 mg imidacloprid kg-1 dry soil, respectively). Effects on collembolans F. candida were negligible. Imidacloprid presented moderate leachability, with recovery rates that ranged from 25.4 to 50.4% of the amount present in soils and concentrations in water extracts from 13.05 to 71.8 µg L-1. Standard aquatic ecotoxicity tests were not able detect chronic or acute toxicity in standard test organisms. Nonetheless, concentrations of the insecticide in water extracts were high enough to pose a lethal threat to several other non-standard aquatic organisms, Postprint (published version)

Avoidance tests with collembolans provide a quick assessment of soil quality. However, some parameters of the procedure can be modified in order to increase its performance. In this study we assessed the tendency of Folsomia candida to avoid soils contaminated with boric acid [350-700-1400-2800-5600 mg/kg soil dry weight (dw)], phenmedipham (35-70-140-280 mg/kg dw) or petroleum hydrocarbons (1312-1838-2625-3675-5250 mg/kg dw) by preferring an untreated soil. Two separate methodologies were applied, the one presented in the ISO standard 17512:2 and a modified version of the Petri dish method that allowed data acquisition after 2, 24 and 48 h of exposure. After combining data from three separate trials, effective median concentration values (EC50) from the presented method were lower and showed similar or less variability than those from the ISO procedure, suggesting the modified protocol as a suitable alternative screening tool, Postprint (author's final draft)

The effect of untreated and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) surface-treated TiO2 nanoparticles when included as filler in poly (ethylene terephthalate) on its compatibility, non-isothermal crystallization behavior, viscoelastic transitions and cold crystallization has been studied. The effectiveness of the surface treatment has been studied using infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of the untreated and surface-treated nanofiller content in the polymer, added by an extrusion process, on the non-isothermal crystallization has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The influence on the viscoelastic transitions and cold crystallization of PET nanocomposites has been studied through thermomechanical analysis (TMA). The surface treatment and the concentration of nanofiller influence the non-isothermal crystallization behavior, the viscoelastic transitions and the cold crystallization of the PET nanocomposites, enables us to evaluate the compatibility and the level of dispersion/aggregation of the nanofiller in the poly(ethylene terephthalate)., Postprint (published version)

En les darreres dècades la necessitat d'una major producció en l'agricultura ha implicat l'ús de productes químics per a millorar la producció. Entre aquests productes trobem els insecticides que, tot i ser específics per a determinades funcions, en molts casos acaben afectant també a altres organismes que no en són la diana. Els assajos d'ecotoxicitat són una eina clau per a determinar el grau d'afectació d'aquests insecticides. En aquest estudi es pretén determinar l'efecte de l'aplicació directa en el sòl de les dosis recomanades de l'insecticida Confidor 20SL (amb imidacloprid com a principi actiu) sobre Eisenia fetida i dels lixiviats d'aquests sòls sobre Daphnia magna i Selenastrum capricornutum simulant fenòmens d'escorrentia o lixiviació naturals. En el cas de E.fetida s'obté una LC50 de 24.71 mg/kg sòl i per la reproducció un valor de EC50 de 8.41 mg/kg sòl. S'observa allunyament en totes les dosis utilitzades i la EC50 és de 2.57 mg/kg sòl. No s'han pogut determinar efectes a nivell neurològic a partir de la determinació de l'activitat de l'AChE. A l'exposar D.magna als lixiviats del sòl contaminat no s'han observat efectes clars ni en la mortalitat ni en la reproducció. El mateix succeeix amb S.capricornutum. Les dosis d'aplicació del pesticida Confidor, representen una amenaça per a E.fetida pel que fa a efectes subletals però no podem dir el mateix per als organismes aquàtics., Durante las últimas décadas la necesidad de una mayor producción en la agricultura ha implicado el uso de productos químicos para mejorar la producción. Entre estos productos encontramos los insecticidas que, aun siendo específicos para determinadas acciones, en muchas ocasiones afectan también a organismos no diana. Los ensayos de ecotoxicidad constituyen una herramienta esencial para determinar el grado de afectación de estos insecticidas. En este estudio se pretende determinar el efecto de la aplicación directa en el suelo de las dosis recomendadas del insecticida Confidor 20SL (con imidacloprid como principio activo) sobre Eisenia fetida i de los lixiviados de este suelo sobre Dafnia magna i Selenastrum capricornutum simulando efectos de escorrentía i lixiviación naturales. En el caso de E.fetida se obtiene una LC50 de 24.71 mg/kg suelo y para la reproducción un valor de EC50 de 8.41 mg/kg suelo. Se observa alejamiento en todas les dosis utilizadas con una EC50 de 2.57 mg/kg suelo. No se han podido determinar efectos a nivel neurológico a partir de la determinación de la actividad de la AChE. Al exponer D.magna a los lixiviados del suelo contaminado no se han observado efectos claros ni en la mortalidad ni en la reproducción. Lo mismo sucede con S.capricornutum. Las dosis de aplicación del pesticida Confidor, representan una amenaza para E.fetida a nivel de efectos subletales pero no podemos decir lo mismo para los organismos acuáticos., During the last decades, the need of increasing agricultural production in has triggered the use of many chemicals to improve production. Among these products we find insecticides that, despite their specificity for certain functions, can effect non- target organisms. Ecotoxicity tests have become a key tool to determine how these insecticides affect the enviroment. This study aims to determine the effects that the direct application of field doses of the insecticide Confirdor (a.i imidacloprid) on soil cause to Eisenia fetida, and the effects that leachates from these soils have on Daphnia magna and Selenastrum capricorutum, simulating natural effects of run-off and leaching. In the case of 1.reproduction was 8.41 mg/kg soil. Avoidance response was observed in all concentrations and the EC50 was 2.57 mg/kg soil. Effects at neurological level by determination of acetylcholine esterase activity determinations could not been determined. Exposure of D.magna to leachates from contaminated soils showed no effects in mortality or in reproduction. The same occurred with S.capricornutum. The application of the pesticide Confidor in its file doses, represent a threat for E.fetida at sublethal levels but the same cannot be said for aquatic organisms.

Marine bivalves such as oysters are widely used as bioindicators to monitor marine coastal pollution. This study aimed to use B-esterase activity responses in oysters (Crassostrea gigas) cultured in Ebro Delta bays to monitor environmental effects of pesticides. The B esterases investigated were acetylcholinesterase, propionylcholinesterase, and carboxylesterase and their activities were measured in adductor muscle and gills from oysters transplanted in Ebro Delta bays where the are traditionally grown. Enzyme activities were related with physico-chemical parameters and pesticide levels measured in water. Cholinesterase activities measured in gills were unaffected across sites and periods. Conversely, carboxylesterase activities in oyster gills varied across periods and sites and were negatively correlated with residue levels of organophoshporous and carbamate pesticides in water. Therefore, inhibition of carboxylesterase activities can be considered a good indicator of exposure to anti-cholinergic pesticides in oysters, Postprint (published version)

The aim of this study was to determine heavy metal content (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Cd, Pb, and Zn) in oysters transplanted in Ebro Delta bays (Alfacs and Fangar) where oysters are traditionally cultured for human consumption. Metal body burdens were monitored weekly during the period ofmaximal agriculture activity from May to June in 2008 and 2009. Results indicate that regardless of the high levels of metals reported in biota living in Ebro River, metal levels in oysters from both bays were similar to those found in unpolluted areas and far below the maximum limits of tolerance recommended by the European Commission. Nevertheless, metal accumulation patterns in oysters differentiate two sources of pollution: one coming from agriculture activities within the Ebro’s delta for As, Cd, Cu, and Zn and other coming from Ebro River probably related to industrial activities upstream (Hg, Pb) or to lead shot pellets form hunting activities (Pb). Reported results, thus, are in concern with previous studies and indicate that metallic pollutants do not affect oysters cultures in Ebro Delta associated bays, Postprint (published version)

A new system for monitoring toxicity TOXcontrol® (MicroLAN BV, The Netherlands) has been used to assess the toxicity of a selection of priority or emergent compounds in the laboratory. In this study, inhibition curves and EC50 – Effective Concentration causing 50% inhibition – of selected compounds (including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, surfactants and metals commonly detected in surface or drinking waters) were determined. This new technology is based on the measurement of Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition (ISO 11348). The main advantage of this equipment, compared to other laboratory assays, is the fully automation of the procedure. The instrument can be operated online in a simple, rapid and reproducible way. The variability of the results obtained with the TOXcontrol® biomonitoring system has been studied. A comparison with standardised technology based in V. fischeri (Microtox®) and additional test with Daphnia magna for selected organic compounds is presented. The results show that the methodology based on the TOXcontrol® system being validated is accurate and reproducible enough enabling this system to be used as an on-line automatic alert system to detect abnormal concentrations of toxic compounds, Postprint (published version)

Pesticide usage in Delta del Ebro (NE Spain) during the rice growing season has been associated with oyster episodes of mortality that occur early in summer. However, there are no studies that have directly evaluated pesticide levels and effects in oysters (Crassotrea gigas) cultured in Ebro's Bays. In this study pesticide levels in water, metal body burdens and up to 12 different biochemical markers were monitored in gills and digestive glands of oysters transplanted from May to June in 2008 and 2009. Biochemical responses evidenced clear differences in oysters from 2008 and 2009. Oysters transplanted in 2009 showed their antioxidant defenses unaffected fromMay to June and consequently increased levels of tissue damagemeasured as lipid peroxidation and DNA strand breaks and ofmortality rates. Conversely oysters transplanted in 2008 increase their antioxidant defenses from May to June, had low levels of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage and lowmortality rates. Some pesticides in water such as bentazone and propanil together with high temperatures and salinity levels were related with tissue damage in oyster transplanted in 2008 but the observed large differences between years indicate that abiotic factors alone could not explain the high mortalities observed in 2009. An analysis of recent reported studies pointed out in the direction that in addition to abiotic factors the use of oysters sensitive to diseases may explain the observed responses, Postprint (published version)

La aplicación de pesticidas en el Delta del Ebro (NE de España) durante el periodo de cultivo de arroz se ha asociado a episodios de mortalidad de ostras (Crassostrea gigas) que ocurren anualmente durante la primavera. Sin embargo no hay estudios previos que hayan realizado una evaluación directa de los niveles de pesticidas en agua y efectos en las ostras cultivadas en las bahías del Delta del Ebro. En el presente trabajo de Tesis, se monitorizaron parámetros físico-químicos y contenido de pesticidas en agua, el contenido de metales pesados en ostras y hasta 19 marcadores bioquímicos en ostras transplantadas durante el periodo de máxima aplicación de pesticidas (de Mayo a Junio) en dos años consecutivos (2008 y 2009) con el objetivo de establecer posibles conexiones entre ellos y con los episodios de mortalidad de las ostras. Los resultados de los niveles de metales en las ostras son similares a los encontrados en zonas no contaminadas indicando que los metales presentes en el agua de las bahías son bajos. Los patrones de acumulación de metales diferenciaron dos fuentes de contaminación: una procedente de las actividades agrícolas dentro del propio Delta del Ebro para el As, Cu, Zn y otra procedente del río Ebro, relativa a las actividades industriales aguas arriba (Hg y Pb) o al plomo procedente de las actividades cinegéticas (Pb). Los niveles de pesticidas encontrados en el agua de las bahías, fueron elevados y similares a los encontrados en áreas impactadas por lo que se estudió su relación con las respuestas fisiológicas observadas en las ostras. Las actividades de las colinesterasas analizadas en branquias se mostraron invariables en el tiempo y puntos de muestreo lo que indicó una escasa sensibilidad a la presencia de pesticidas organofosforados y carbamatos en agua. Sin embargo la actividad de la carboxilesterasa en branquias se mostró correlacionada con los residuos de pesticidas organofosforados y carbamatos presentes en agua pudiéndose considerar un buen, The use of pesticides in the Ebro Delta has been associated to Crassostrea gigas mortality. In the present Thesis physico-chemical parameter and pesticide levels in water, together with a battery of biomarkers and metal body burdens in oysters were monitored in oysters transplanted from May to June in 2008 and 2009 with the aim of establishing possible connections between them and the mortality of oysters. Metal accumulation patterns differed two sources: one from agricultural activities, (for As, Cu, Zn )and the another from industrial activities in the upper part of the Ebro River (Hg and Pb) or from hunting activities (Pb). Carboxylesterase activity in gills showed to be a good indicator of exposure to anticholinergic pesticides in oysters. Biomarkers responses evidenced clear differences between years. Oysters transplanted in 2008 increased their antioxidant defences from May to June and presented low oxidative damage and mortality rates. Conversely oysters transplanted in 2009 showed unaffected antioxidant defences from May to June and consequently increased levels of tissue damage and mortality rates. Bentazone and propanil together with high temperatures and salinity levels were related with tissue damage in oysters but the observed large differences between years and the high mortalities in 2009 suggest that in addition to abiotic factors, other factors such as the use of oysters susceptible to diseases could be affecting., Postprint (published version)

Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

Carbofuran and chlorpyrifos are two well-known pesticides widely investigated, and its effects on different organisms have been previously reported in separate studies. For this reason were considered to be good model subtances, relevant from the environmental perspective. On the other hand, we selected this kind of compounds because they are used in many tones annually in agriculture and horticulture and they are significant especially in greenhouse-based production of vegetables and fruits in southern Europe, particularly Spain. The general objective of this work was to compare the response of in vitro assays using cell lines with assays using fish in vivo in order to contribute to the development of alternative methods to the use of laboratory animals. Furthermore, we compared two types of cells, a fish cell line from an established culture and mammalian cells obtained from a primary cell culture, in order to see if there are similar responses based on common mechanisms of toxicity. A better knowledge of these mechanisms facilitates the interspecies extrapolation of the impact of environmental contaminants, which is one of the major challenges to ecotoxicologists. In order to have a general point of view of the toxicity of these pesticides, single and in mixture, acute toxicity was evaluated using a battery of ecotoxicological model systems and indicators representative of a wide range of organisms. The systems studied included: RTG-2 fish cell line, primary cell cultures from bovine granulosa cells, the marine bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), three species of freshwater microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus subspicatus and Selenastrum capricornutum) and the vertebrates zebra fish (Danio rerio). Sublethal effects were also evaluated in both types of cells using several biomarkers such as assessment of the DNA damage as genotoxic indicator, inhibition of production of progesterone as indicator of the aromatase activity and inhibiton of acetylcholi, Carbofuran i chlorpyrifos són dos pesticides àmpliament investigats. Els seus efectes en diferents organismes han estat prèviament estudiats en diferents treballs. Per aquesta raó es va considerar que serien bones substàncies model, rellevants des de una perspectiva medi ambiental. Per altra banda, aquesta classe de compostos són utilitzats anualment en moltes tones en agricultura i horticultura i són especialment importants en la producció de vegetals i fruites en hivernacles en el sud d'Europa, particularment en Espanya. L'objectiu general d'aquest treball és comparar la resposta de assaigs in vitro utilitzant cèl·lules amb assaigs in vivo utilitzant peixos, per tal de contribuir al desenvolupament de mètodes alternatius a l'ús d'animals de laboratori. A més a més dintre dels assaigs in vitro, és van comparar dos tipus de cèl·lules, una línia cel·lular establerta de peix i un cultiu primari de cèl·lules de mamífer, per veure les diferents respostes basades en mecanismes comuns de toxicitat. El fet d'assolir un millor coneixement d'aquestos mecanismes facilita l'extrapolació entre espècies per l'avaluació de l'impacte de contaminants medi ambientals, la qual cosa és un dels majors reptes dels ecotoxicolegs. La toxicitat aguda d'aquestos pesticides, individuals i en barreja, es va avaluar emprant una barreja de sistemes i indicadors de models ecotoxicològics . Els sistemes estudiats inclouen: la línia cel·lular RTG-2 , cultius primaris de cèl·lules de la granulosa d'ovaris de bovins, la bactèria marina Vibrio fischeri, tres espècies de microalgues, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus susbspicatus i Selenastrum capricornutum i com a model de vertebrat, el peix zebrafish, Danio rerio. Els efectes subletals també van ser avaluats en els dos tipus cel·lulars utilitzant biomarcadors, tals com l'avaluació del dany a l'ADN com indicador genotòxic, la inhibició de la producció de progesterona com indicador de l'activitat de l'aromatasa i la inhibició de la acti, Carbofuran y chlorpyrifos son dos pesticidas ampliamente investigados. Sus efectos en diferentes organismos han sido previamente estudiados en diferentes trabajos. Por esta razón se considero que serian unas buenas sustancias modelo, relevantes desde una perspectiva medioambiental. Por otra parte, esta clase de compuestos son utilizados anualmente en muchas toneladas en agricultura y horticultura y son especialmente importantes en la producción de vegetales y frutas en invernaderos en e l sur de Europa, particularmente en España. El objetivo general de este trabajo es comparar la respuesta de los ensayos in vitro utilizando células y los ensayos in vivo utilizando peces, para contribuir al desarrollo de métodos alternativos al uso de animales de laboratorio. Además dentro de los estudios in vitro se compararon dos tipos de células, una línea celular establecida de pez y un cultivo primario de células de mamífero, para ver las diferentes respuestas basadas en mecanismos comunes de toxicidad. El hecho de alcanzar un mejor conocimiento de estos mecanismos facilita la extrapolación entre especies para la evaluación del impacto de contaminantes medio ambientales, lo cual es uno de los mayores retos de los ecotoxicólogos. La toxicidad aguda de estos pesticidas, individuales y en mezcla, se evaluó utilizando una mezcla de sistemas y indicadores de modelos ecotoxicológicos. Los sistemas estudiados incluyen: la línea celular RTG-2, cultivos primarios de células de granulosa de ovarios bovinos, la bacteria marina Vibrio fischeri, tres especies de microalgas, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus subspicatus y Selenastrum capricornutum como modelo de vertebrado, el pez zebra fish, Danio rerio. Los efectos subletales también fueron evaluados en los dos tipos celulares utilizando biomarcadores tales como la evaluación del daño al ADN como indicador geonotóxico, la inhibición de la producción de progesterona como indicador de la actividad aromatasa y la inhibición de la, Postprint (published version)

L'adob de pells ovines és un procés llarg i complex, en el que s'utilitza l'aigua com a vehicle per treure les parts no desitjables de la pell i introduir-hi productes químics per transformar-la. El resultat és la generació d'uns efluents residuals contaminants que han de ser tractats. L'estudi va ser plantejat per l'interès que determinades empreses adoberes tenien per reduir la càrrega contaminant dels seus efluents residuals, i reduir els costos del tractament de les seves aigües residuals. L'objectiu general d'aquest treball ha estat el de donar una resposta al sector adober sobre la influència dels diferents banys residuals sobre l'efluent homogeneïtzat, així com avaluar el risc que suposa el seu abocament directe en el medi aquàtic, tot comparant els resultats obtinguts amb les anàlisis ecotoxicològiques, cromatogràfiques i microcoulombimètriques. El projecte per dur a terme l'avaluació dels efluents de l'adob de pells s'ha plantejat agrupant els diferents paràmetres en 3 grups. En primer lloc, per la caracterització fisicoquímica dels banys residuals s'han fet unes proves genèriques físiques i químiques (DQO, pH, MES, AOX i TOC), i unes anàlisis de compostos concrets (clorurs, sulfurs i òxid de crom III). En segon terme s'ha identificat sobre quins nivells tròfics podrien actuar (bacteris, microalgues, peixos i línia establerta de cèl·lules de peix) estimant la concentració/efecte mitjançant assaigs de toxicitat aguda; les espècies utilitzades han estat el bacteri Vibrium fischerii (CE50 15 min), l'espècie de microalga Scenedesmus subspicatus (CI50 72h), el teleosti Brachydanio rerio (CL50 96h) i la línia cel·lular establerta RTG-2 d'Oncorhynchus mykiss (CE50 48h). En darrer lloc, s'han identificat cromatogràficament els compostos orgànics volàtils i semivolàtils. L'estudi realitzat ha permès concloure que els banys residuals de desgreixatge i d'encalcinament són els responsables de més del 50 % de la DQO i del 60 % del TOC. El prim, Postprint (published version)

Se describen los resultados de la investigación relacionada con la acción del hongo Aspergillus niger sobre las propiedades físicas de la fibra rayón-viscosa de distintas características (título, corte, tenacidad en húmedo y porcentaje de elongación). El biodeterioro se valora en términos de cambios en la resistencia a la rotura y porcentajes de alargamiento., The results of investigation related to the action of Aspergillus niger on physical proprieties of viscose rayon fibre of different characteristics (title, cut, humidity tenacity and percent elongation) have been described. It has been shown that technological factors have an effect on textile deterioration. The bio deterioration was described in the terms of breaking strength variations and percent elongation., Les résultats de la recherche ont été décrits en relation avec l ´action des Aspergillus niger sur les propriétés physiques des fibres rayonne-viscose de différentes caractéristiques (titre, coupe, tension en humidité et pourcentage d`élongation).Il a été démontré que des facteurs technologiques ont un effet sur la détérioration du textile. La bio-détérioration a été décrite en terme d´échange dans la résistance de la tension et le pourcentage d`élongation.

Las zonas industriales y urbanas constituyen focos muy importantes de vertido de todo tipo de sustancias tóxicas al medio acuático. La industria textil, y concretamente el sector algodonero también ejerce su contribución mediante diversos tipos de efluentes según el procesado realizado. En este trabajo se ha estudiado el impacto ambiental ejercido por dos procesos de blanqueo del algodón. Como agentes blanqueantes se han considerado el hipoclorito sódico y el peróxido de hidrógeno. Se han determinado en todos los efluentes diversos parámetros químicos (COT, DBO5,DQO, AOX, EOX y cloro residual) y parámetros biológicos (CL50 en peces, CI50 en microalga y CE50 en bacterias luminiscentes). Se ha podido observar que en el efluente del proceso de blanqueo de algodón con peróxido de hidrógeno se obtienen valores superiores de COT, DQO y DBO5, que en el efluente de blanqueo con hipoclorito sódico. Los valores de compuestos organohalogenados (AOX y EOX) en el efluente con hipoclorito son de 24,5 mg/l y de 0,98 mg/l respectivamente. El ensayo toxicológico multiespecies realizado ha indicado que las concentraciones efectivas para las distintas especies consideradas han sido muy similares para ambos tipos de efluentes., Industrial and urban areas make up important focal points for the dumping of all types of toxic substances into the aquatic environment. The textile industry, and more specifically the cotton production sector, also adds its contribution through the various types of effluent in accordance with the type of processing. This paper examines the environmental impact produced by two cotton bleaching processes. The bleaching agents in question are sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide. Various chemical parameters (COT, DBO5, DQO, AOX, EOX and residual chlorine) were determined in all effluents, together with biological parameters (CL50 in fish, CI50 in micro-algae and CE50 in luminescent bacteria). It was observed that higher values of COT, DQO and DBO5 were obtained from the effluent of the cotton bleaching process when hydrogen peroxide was used than when sodium hypochlorite was used. The values of organohalogenated compounds (AOX and EOX) in the hypochlorite effluent were 24.5 mg/l and 0.98 mg/l respectively. The multi-species toxicological assays that were performed revealed that the effective concentrations for the various species that were examined were very similar for the two effluent types., Les zones industrielles et urbaines constituent des foyers très importants de déversement de toutes sortes de substances toxiques dans le milieu aquatique. L’industrie textile en général et le secteur cotonnier en particulier génère également différents types d’effluents, en fonction du processus appliqué. Le présent travail propose une étude de l’impact environnemental engendré par deux processus de blanchissement du coton: l’un utilisant l’hypochlorite de sodium, l’autre ayant recours au peroxyde d’hydrogène comme agents blanchissants. Tous les effluents ont été analysés en fonction de divers paramètres chimiques (COT, DBO5, DQO, AOX, EOX et chlore résiduel) et biologiques (CL50 pour les poissons, CI50 pour les microalgues et CE50 pour les bactéries luminescentes). Il s’avère que le processus de blanchissement du coton utilisant le peroxyde d’hydrogène génère un effluent dont les valeurs de COT, DQO y DBO5 sont supérieures à celles qui résultent du processus ayant recours à l’hypochlorite de sodium. Les valeurs des composés organohalogénés (AOX et EOX) de l’effluent provenant de ce dernier processus sont de 24,5 mg/l et de 0,98 mg/l, respectivement. Le test toxicologique multiespèces réalisé indique que les concentrations affectant les différentes espèces considérées sont très similaires dans les deux types d’effluents.

Debido a que los plaguicidas afectan al ecosistema acuatico por contaminación indirecta, el presente estudio se ha basado en la utilización de organismos unicelulares que se encuentran en este medio y son alimento importante de la mayoria de animales acuáticos superiores. Los sistemas bioindicadores utilizados fueron dos especies algales unicelulares: Chlorella vulgaris y Scenedesmus subspicatus , que se expusieron durante 72 horas a cinco formulaciones comerciales de plaguicidas organofosforados: Clorpirifos, Metilparatión, Azinfós metil, Metamidofos y Diazinón. Para la determinacipón de sus efectos se aplicó el método de inhibición del crecimiento algal siguiendo la norma OCDE 201 (1984). Las lecturas de densidad de población se realizaron en un espectrofotómetro lector de microplacas a una longitud de onda de 450 nm. Los resultados obtenidos se han expresado en concentraciones inhibitorias a las 72 horas de exposición de cada uno de los plaguicidas comerciales sobre los cultivos. Los organismos experimentales se muestran resistentes a este tipo de plaguicidas, la especie que presenta en general más sensibilidad es Chlorella vulgaris. El plaguicida menos tóxico sobre las dos algas unicelulares es el Metamidofos con valores de C150 (72 h) de 673.87mg/l para Scenedesmus y 134.07 mg/lpara C hlorella. Las demás formulaciones plaguicidas se comportan de forma similar sobre la especie Chlorella vulgaris., This study was carried out to determine the effect of some pesticides organophosphorus to unicellular species of the natural system which are important in the food chain, as they belong to the acuatic system and are affected by ihe preience of these toxic agents. The bioindicators used were two unicellular algae: Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus subspicatus which, were exposed to various concentrations of pesticide organophosphorus (Chlorpyrifos, Parathion-methyl, Azinphos-methyl, Metamidophos and Diazinon) for a fixed period of 72 hours. The determination of the algae growth inhibition was carried out by the OCDE method 201 (1984) and the quantification of the optical density by reading at 450 nm in an Automated Microplate Reader for "in vitro" diagnostic use. Results found in this study were stablished to inhibitory concentrations of 72hr exposed with each one of the commercial pesticides in the culture algae. The microalgae especies were resistant on the application of this kind of organophosphorus pesticides, the species more affected by the presence of the toxic was Chlorella vulgaris. The pesticide with a lower toxicity between the two unicellular algae was metamidofos with a range from 109.03 to 159.11 mg/l to Chlorella vulgaris and range from 935.01 to 412.73 mg/l to Scenedesmus subspicatus. The toxic effects caused by others pesticides studied was similar to Chlorella vulgaris species., Parce que les pesticides nuisent à l'ecosystème aquatique par contamination indirecte, la présente étude porte sur l'utilisation d'organismes unicellulaires de ce milieu qui alimentent la plupart des animaux aquatiques supérieures. Le systèmes bio-indicateurs utilisées sont deux especes d'algues unicellulaires, la Chlorella vulgaris et le Scedenemus subspicatus, qui ont été exposées pendant 72 heures a cinq formulations commerciales de pesticides organophosphorés: Clorpirifors, Metil Paratión, Azinfós metil, Metamidofos et Diazinón. Pour déterminer leurs effets, nous avons appliqué la méthode d'inhibition de la croissance des algues selon la norme OCDE 201 (1984). Pour les lectures de densité de population, nous avons utilisé un spectrophotometre lecteur de microplaques avec une longueur d'onde de 450 nm. Les résultats obtenus ont été exprimés en concentrations inhibitrices au bout de 72 heures d'exposition des cultures pour chaque pesticide commercial. Les organismes expérimentaux se sont montrés résistants a ce genre de pesticides, l'espece qui présente généralement une plus grande sensibilité étant la Chlorella vulgaris. Le pesticide moins toxique sur les deux algues unicellulaires est le metamidofos avec des valeurs de C150 (72 h) de 673,87 mg/l pour le Scenedesmus et de 134,07 mg/l pour la Chlorella. Les autres formulations de peticides ont le même comportememt sur la Chlorella vulgaris. Les autres formulations de pesticides ont le même comportement sur la Chlorella vulgaris., Peer Reviewed

El objetivo principal de este trabajo es estudiar la letalidad de los Plaguicidas organofosforados: Metil Paratión, Metil Azinfós, Clorpirifos, Diazinón y Metamidofos, en camarones del género Penaeus sp. Se ha realizado una exposición a diferentes concentraciones de los compuestos, determinándose la CL50 (concentración que ocasiona e1 50 % de mortalidad) en un tratamiento agudo de 48 horas. Clorpirifos resultó ser el más tóxico con una CL50-48h de 0.0027 mg/l mientras que Metamidofos presentó la menor toxicidad con una CL50-48 h. de 5.132 mg/l., The main purpose of this work is to study the lethality of the pesticides Methyl Parathion, Methyl Azinfos, Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon and Methamidophos on shrimps of the genus Penaeus sp. exposed at diferent concentrations of these compounds; CL50 was determined (the one causing 50% of death rate) in an acute treatment of 48 hours. Results show that Chlorpyrifos is the most toxic (48h-LC50:0.0027 mg/l) and Methamidophos presented the lowest toxicity of al1 them (48h-LC50:5.132 mg/l)., L'objectif principal de ce travail est d'étudier l'efficacité létale des anti-fléaux organophosphorés: Metil Paration, Metil Azinfos, Clorpirifos, Diazinon et Metamidofos, sur les crevettes du genre Penaeus sp. Les crevettes ont été exposées a différentes concentrations de composants, pour déterminer la CL50 (concentration qui provoque 50% de mortalité) pendant un traitement aigu de 48 heures. Clorpirifos a démontré être le plus toxique avec une LC50-48 h de 0,0027 mg/l, et Metamidofos le moins toxique avec une CL50-48 h de 5.132 mg/l., Peer Reviewed

El objetivo de este estudio es realizar la validación del método de determinación de compuestos orgánicos halogenados adsorbibles (AOX) verificando sus características técnicas, selectividad y especificidad, intervalo de trabajo, linealidad, sensibilidad, limite de detección, limite de cuantificación y exactitud (sesgo e imprecisión). Para ello se ha cogido una serie de soluciones estándar que contienen cantidades conocidas de analito y cada solución se ha analizado por separado a través de un procedimiento de análisis con un protocolo bien definido., The objective of this study is to validate the method for the determination of adsorbable halogens compounds (AOX) verifying their characteristics, specificity and selectivity, work range, linearity sensitivity, limit of detection, limit of quantification and accuracy (bias and precision). To this end, a series of standard solutions containing known amounts of analyte has been selected; each solution has been analysed by separate through an analytical procedure with a well defined protocol., Dans le présent travail on étudie la validation de la méthodologie pour la detérmination des composés organohalogenés adsorbibles (AOX) tout en vérifiant les caractéristiques téchniques; la selectivité et l'especificité, intervalle du travail, la linealité, la sensibilité, le limite de detection et de cuantification et aussi l'exactitude. Pour faire ça, ont été choisis des solutions standard avec quantités connues d'analyte et chaque solution a été analisée individuellement au moyen d'un procédé d'essai avec un protocole bien défini., Peer Reviewed

En este trabajo se estudian algunas de las propiedades fisico-químicas y ecológicas del NTA y del DTPMP comparativamente con el Estabilizador C, desde el punto de vista de su uso como estabilizadores en el blanqueo de la lana con peróxido de hidrógeno. Como propiedades físico-químicas se estudian: a) las curvas de neutralización de los estabilizadores y su influencia en el pH interno de la fibra; b) la cinética de descomposición del peróxido de hidrógeno en presencia y en ausencia de la fibra de lana; c) capacidad de formación de complejos con el hierro contenido en la lana a diferentes pH. Como propiedades ecológicas se determina la biodegradabilidad y el efecto eutroficante de los estabilizadores. El estudio se finaliza con unas pruebas preliminares de blanqueo de la lana. En general el orden de prioridad puede establecerse como, Estabilizador C, DTPMP y NTA, aunque debe continuarse el estudio para adosar una clasificación definitiva., Some physicochemical and ecological properties of NTA and DTPMP are comparatively studied with the Stabiliser C in this paper with regard to their use as stabilisers in wool bleaching with hydrogen peroxide. The physicochemical properties examined are as follows: a) the neutralization curves of stabilisers and their influence in the internal pH of the fibre; b) the descomposition kinetics of the hydrogen peroxide in the presence and in the absence of wool fibre; c) ability to form a complex with the iron in the wool, at different pH. The ecological properties determined were the biodegradability and the eutrophic effect of the stabilisers. This study finalizes with some preliminary test of wool bleaching. The provisional priority can be established in this way: Stabiliser C, DTPMP and NTA. It will be later convenient to continue this study to fix the definitive classification., Dans ce travail, on étudie quelques-unes des propriétés physico-chimiques et écologiques du NTA et du DTPMP en comparaison avec le Stabilisateur C, du point de vue de leur utilisation comme stabilisateurs dans le blanchiment de la laine avec du peroxyde d'hydrogene. Comme propriétés physico-chimigues, on étudie: a) les courbes de neutralisation des stabilisateurs et leur influence sur le pH interne de la fibre; b) la cinétique de décomposition du peroxyde d'hydrogene en présence ou en absence de la fibre de laine: c) la capacité de formarion de complexes avec le fer contenu dans la laine a différents DH. Comme propriétés écologiques, on détermine la biodégradabilité et l'effet eutrophisant des stabilisateurs. L'étude se termine par des essais préliminaires de blanchiment de la laine. En général, l'ordre de priorité peut être établi comme, Stabilisateur C, DTPMP et NTA; néanmoins cette étude doit être poursuivie pour adopter une classification définitive., Peer Reviewed

Este artículo pretende dar una visión general sobre el tema y las técnicas de toxicidad in vitro con cultivos celulares, las consideraciones básicas, las ventajas y limitaciones, y destacar las posibilidades que ofrecen este tipo de ensayos en la valoración del posible efecto nocivo de los productos químicos de uso humano o industrial en el medio ambiente., This article try to give a general review about in vitro cytotoxicity assays with cultured cells; basic considerations, advantages and limitations, and the possibilities they offer in the effect valuation of chemicals (of human or industrial use) in the environment are presented in this paper., On pretend donner une vision générale sur les techniques de toxicité in vitro avec cultures cellulaires, les considérations basiques, les avantages et limitations, et détacher les possibilites dans l'évaluation de l'effet des produits chimiques d'usage humain et industriel, dans l'environnement., Peer Reviewed

Algunos agentes tensioactivos e insecticidas a menudo son aplicados a la lana, y son importantes componentes en los efluentes del proceso antipolilla. En este trabajo se estudia el efecto de dichos compuestos en tres especies de microalgas sujetas a distintas condiciones de luz. Se cuantifican la toxicidad, las variaciones en los niveles de los distintos pigmentos algales y el comportamiento estadístico de las respuestas de las poblaciones consideradas., Insect proofing and sutface active agents are often applied mainly to wool. They are important components of the textile mothproofing process effluents. The effect of some compounds on three microalga species, subjected to different ligth conditions are studied in this paper. Toxicify, levels of pigments and statistical behavior of the response of each population are determined., Des agents de sutface et des insecticides sont souvent appliqués principalement a la laine. Ils sont très importants dans les effluents du procedé antimite. On montre les effets de ceux composés vis-à-vis de trois especes de microalgues en differentes conditions de lumiere. On determine la toxicité, les variations dans les niveaux des pigments algales, et le comportement statistique de la réponse despopulations choisies., Peer Reviewed

La industria lanera genera diferentes tipos de efluentes durante los procesos y tratamientos del vellón desde su obtención hasta su conversión en fibra empleada en el tejido. Dos de los más importantes procesos aplicados a la lana son el lavado y el tratamiento inencogible. La producción de efluentes en el lavado resulta de los siguientes procesos: mojado y desgrasado, y lavado completo del vellón. En algunos de ellos se utilizan agentes tales como bicarbonato sódico y un detergente no iónico. En el tratamiento inencogible es importante resaltar la utilización de compuestos de cloro. En la evaluación de la toxicidad de estos efluentes en peces, se han llevado a cabo ensayos detoxicidad agudos y subcrónicos y se han estudiado los efectos en Oncorhynchus mykiss y en Brachydanio rerio., The wool industry generates different kinds of effluents throughout the processing and treatment of the fleece from its obtaining to its conversion into the fibre employed in the fabric. Two of the most important treatments applied to wool are the scouring and shrinkproofing processes. The effluent production in the scouring results from the following processes: sweating and degreasing washing, and complete washing of fleece. In some of these processes some agents as builder and nonionic detergent take part. In the shrinkproofing treatment ir is important to note the utilization of chloride compounds. In order to evaluate the toxicity of these effluents to fish, acute and subchronic toxicity tests were carried out, and the effects on Oncorhynchus mykiss and Brachydanio were studied., L'industrie de la laine génére differentes types d'effluents pendant les procedés et traitements du flocon de laine, dépuis l'obtention jusqu'à la conversion en fibre ou tissu. Les deux procedés les plus importants appliqués a la laine sont le lavage et le traitement irrétrécisable. La production d'effluents dans le lavage provient des opérations de mouillure ou trempage et de dégraissage, et du lavage complet du flocon de laine. Il faut rémarquer la presence des agents tels comme le bicarbonate de sodium et un détergent non ionique. Dans le traitement irrétrécisable de la laine est important l'utilization des composés au chlore. Des essais de toxicité aigue et subchronique ont été efectues en étudiant les effets sur Oncorhynchus mykiss et sur Brachydanio rerio., Peer Reviewed

En este artículo se pretende dar a conocer las principales nociones y planteamientos básicos de la especialidad toxicológica como soporte a las distintas áreas de la industria, en la preservación del medio ambiente. Se citan por último algunas especies de organismos acuáticos, utilizadas en nuestro Centro en los ensayos de toxicidad, siguiendo la metodología de la Organización de Cooperación y Desarrollo Económicos (OCDE)., A basic protocol about ecotoxicology and a revision of the data required to assess the risk of chemicals in the environment is presented in this paper. The most frequent aquatic biotests carried out in our laboratory following the OECD regulations, are indicated., Dans ce travail on traite les principes basiques de la toxicologie au service des differentes branches de l'industrie, pour la preservation de l'environnement. On présente aussi les organismes aquatiques les plus utilisées pour les tests biologiques, dans notre laboratoire, en suivant la metodologie de la OCDE., Peer Reviewed

El cromo es el metal pesado cuantitativamente más importante en el vertido de la Industria Textil; procede esencialmente de los procesos de tintura con colorantes cromatables. Hemos sometido carpines dorados al tratamiento agudo con dicromato potásico disuelto en el agua de tanques experimentales. Se determina la toxicidad y los niveles de cromo en branquias. La concentración de cromo en el tejido branquia1 se halla mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica, previa digestión con HNO, y HC1(1:3). Se establecen las curvas « % Mortalidad-Tiempo de tratamiento» para dosis de cromo hexavalente., Le chrome est le métal lourd quantitativement le plus important dans les rejets de l'Industrie Textile; il provient essentiellement des proceasus de teinture avc colorants chromatables. On a soumis des petites carpes dorées au traitement aigu avec du dichro mate de potassium dissous dans l'aeau de réservoirs expérimentaux. On détermine la toxicité tet les niveaux de chrome dans les branchies. On trouve la concentration de chrome dans le tissu branchial moyennant spectrophotométrie d'obsortion atomique, digestion préalable avec NO3H et C1H (1:3). On établit les courbes "% Mortalité-Te.mps de traitement" pour doses de chrome hexavalent., Chromium is quantitatively the most import metal in the rejects of the Textile Industry; it comes essentially from dyeing processes with chromatable dyes. Carps of the species "Carassius auratus" have' been submitted to the acute treatment with potassium dichromate dissolved in the water of experimental tanks. Toxicity and chromium levels in branchia are determined. The chromium concentration in the branchial tisswes is obtained by means of atomic absortion spectrophotometry, previous digestion with NO3H and C1H (1:3). Curves "% Mortality-Time of treatment" for doses of hexavalent chromium are established., Peer Reviewed

Sabiendo que las vias de excreción de cromo (bránquias y bilis) permiten regular los niveles corporales de metal y habiéndose sugerido un posible período de latencia de sus mecanismos reguladores, se investiga la influencia del tiempo y de la edad. Las concentraciones de cromo fueron analizadas en "pools" cuyos especímetros tuvieron aproximadamente el mismo peso, y los niveles de metal se determinaron por AAS en bránquias, bilis, músculo e hígado de 26 grupos de carpines dorados separados por tamaños tras distintos períodos de tratamiento con dicromato potásico (20 ppm Cromo VI). Nuestros resultados muestran que no hay correlación entre los niveles de cromo en esos órganos y el peso del cuerpo dentro de un margen de pesos comprendidos entre 2-12 gr., En sachant que les voies d'excrétion de chrome (branchies et bile) permettent de régler les niveaux corporaux de métal et ayant été suggéré une possible période de latence de leurs mécanismes régulateurs, on recherche l'influence du temps et de l'age. Les concentrations en chrome ont été analysées en "pools" dont les spécimen ont eu, a peu pres, le même poids, tandis que les niveaux de métal ont été déterminés par AAS dans les branchies, la bile, le muscle et le foie de 26 groupes de "carassius auratus" séparés suivant les tailles, apres différentes périodes de traitement avec du dichromate de potassium (20 ppm Chrome VI). Nos résultats montrent qu'il n'existe pas de corrélation entre les niveaux de chrome dans ces organes et le poids du corps dans une marge de poids comprise entre 2-12 g., Because the excretion passage of chrome (gills and bile) can regulate the body levels of metal and because of a possible period ollatency of these regulating mechanisms, this paper studies the influence of time and age on Goldfish. The chrome concentrations were analysed in pools with specimens of the same weight while the levels of metal were determined by AAS in gills, bile, muscle and liver to groups of 26 goldfish separated according to their size and after different periods of treatment with potassium dichromate (20 ppm Chrome VI). Results show not to exist correlation between the chrome levels in those organs and the body weight the range of weight 2-12 g., Peer Reviewed

El objetivo fundamental de esta Tesis ha sido una ampliación de conocimientos sobre toxicidad y efectos de los colorantes premetalizados en la trucha arcoiris Salmogairdneri. Se ha dedicado especial atención a la toxicocinética del colorante premetalizado (acumulación y eliminación, tanto de colorante como de cromo y base azoica, en diferentes órganos y partes del cuerpo de los animales), así como a los efectos a nivel sanguíneo y en algunas características histológicas., The main objective of this Thesis is the enlargement of the present knowledge about toxicity and effects of the premetallized dyes in the rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri Special attention has been paid to the toxicokinetics of the premetallized dye: accumulation and removal of both the dye and chrome and azoic base in various organs and parts of the animal body; the effects on the blood and some histological characteristics has been also studied., L'objectif principal de cette Thèse est un agrandissement des connaissances sur la toxicité et les effets des colorants prémétallizés chez la truite arc-en-ciel Salmo gairdneri On a prêté special atention en ce que concerne la toxicocinetique du colorant prémétalizé: c'est adire l'accumulation et l'elimination du colorant ainsi que du chrôme et du corps azoique, au diverses organes et parties des animaux, et aussi des effets au niveau sanguin et sur quelques caractères histologiques., Peer Reviewed

Pesticide usage in Delta del Ebro (NE Spain) during the rice growing season has been associated with oyster episodes of mortality that occur early in summer. However, there are no studies that have directly evaluated pesticide levels and effects in oysters (Crassotrea gigas) cultured in Ebro's Bays. In this study pesticide levels in water, metal body burdens and up to 12 different biochemical markers were monitored in gills and digestive glands of oysters transplanted from May to June in 2008 and 2009. Biochemical responses evidenced clear differences in oysters from 2008 and 2009. Oysters transplanted in 2009 showed their antioxidant defenses unaffected fromMay to June and consequently increased levels of tissue damagemeasured as lipid peroxidation and DNA strand breaks and ofmortality rates. Conversely oysters transplanted in 2008 increase their antioxidant defenses from May to June, had low levels of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage and lowmortality rates. Some pesticides in water such as bentazone and propanil together with high temperatures and salinity levels were related with tissue damage in oyster transplanted in 2008 but the observed large differences between years indicate that abiotic factors alone could not explain the high mortalities observed in 2009. An analysis of recent reported studies pointed out in the direction that in addition to abiotic factors the use of oysters sensitive to diseases may explain the observed responses, Postprint (published version)

A new system for monitoring toxicity TOXcontrol® (MicroLAN BV, The Netherlands) has been used to assess the toxicity of a selection of priority or emergent compounds in the laboratory. In this study, inhibition curves and EC50 – Effective Concentration causing 50% inhibition – of selected compounds (including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, surfactants and metals commonly detected in surface or drinking waters) were determined. This new technology is based on the measurement of Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition (ISO 11348). The main advantage of this equipment, compared to other laboratory assays, is the fully automation of the procedure. The instrument can be operated online in a simple, rapid and reproducible way. The variability of the results obtained with the TOXcontrol® biomonitoring system has been studied. A comparison with standardised technology based in V. fischeri (Microtox®) and additional test with Daphnia magna for selected organic compounds is presented. The results show that the methodology based on the TOXcontrol® system being validated is accurate and reproducible enough enabling this system to be used as an on-line automatic alert system to detect abnormal concentrations of toxic compounds, Postprint (published version)