Monitoring of organochlorine pesticide residues in pikeperch, Stizostedion lucioperca L. in Beysehir Lake (Central Anatolia).

Fishes in Beysehir Lake were analysed to determine organochlorine pesticide residues. The more frequently detected compounds are DDT complex (DDT, DDD, DDE and isomers), total HCH complex (alpha-HCH, beta-HCH and gamma-HCH or lindane), aldrin, dieldrin, endrin and heptachlorine. Eighty five percent of the fish samples were found to be contaminated. While 75% of the total samples were contaminated by one or more HCH isomers, 63% of the organochlorinated pesticide is DDT and its metabolites. Aldrin, dieldrin and endrin are minor pesticides in samples. Heptachlorine was found in only one sample. Despite their presence high concentrations are sporadic, the mean values being less than FAO/WHO maximum recommended limits.

Embryotoxicity assay of aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999.

1. The embryotoxicity of mixed aflatoxins (AF) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) were evaluated by a modified chick embryotoxicity screening test (CHEST). Adverse effects on the early embryonic development of thymus and bursa of Fabricius were also investigated by light microscopy. AF consisted of 83.06% AFB1, 12.98% AFB2, 2.84% AFG1 and 1.12% AFG2. 2. A total of 448 fertilised laying hens' eggs were used. AF and AFB1 were injected into the eggs at doses of 10, 100 and 1000 ng/egg. Embryonic developmental stages were evaluated according to the Hamburger-Hamilton scale (HH-scale). 3. The results showed that AFB1 given at 10 ng/egg had a significantly (P<0.05) greater embryotoxic effect than AF given at a similar dose. The higher doses of both AF and AFB1 caused higher embryonic mortality and also an increase in early deaths. 4. In the groups receiving 100 ng/egg AF and AFB1 an abnormal development was seen, with a protruded central region, corresponding to the area pellucida of the blastoderm. No other developmental abnormality attributable to AF or AFB1 was found.