Pathogens in water deer (Hydropotes inermis) in South Korea, 2010-12.

Water deer (Hydropotes inermis) are among the most common wildlife to approach farmhouses and livestock barns in Korea. We collected 305 water deer from Gangwon (n=168), South Chungcheong (n=89), and Gyeongsang (n=48) provinces in 2010-12 and used PCR and serologic tests to screen the deer for pathogens. In 2010, tests for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), rotavirus, and Brucella abortus were positive in 8% (5/60), 2% (1/60), and 59% (33/56) of the animals, respectively. In 2010, the water deer were negative for foot-and-mouth disease virus, coronaviruses, and Mycobacterium bovis. All samples collected in 2011 and 2012 were negative for all pathogens analyzed. These results suggest that at least two of the investigated pathogens, BVDV and B. abortus, circulate among water deer in South Korea.

Effects of ionization on the toxicity of silver nanoparticles to Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos.

Increase in the use of manufactured nanomaterials (NMs) has led to concerns about the environmental impacts. Especially, hazard of metal-based NMs is more severe due to ions released from surface by water quality parameters and physicochemical properties after entering into the water environment. However, little is known about the effects of ionization on the toxicity of metal-based NMs in the water environment. To address this question, we prepared the suspensions of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) at 25 µg L(-1) containing different concentrations of Ag(+) (5, 10, 20, 45, and 75% Ag(+) to total Ag), and evaluated their toxicity to Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos. Higher Ag(+) ratios in the AgNP suspension, suggesting the lower number of particles, led to the higher adverse effects on embryos and sac-fries. In addition, histopathology analysis revealed that AgNPs penetrated through chorion of eggs and skin membrane, and were distributed into the tissues. The results imply that the ionization could decrease the toxicity of metal-based NMs in the water environment.

Chronological trends of emission, environmental level and human exposure of POPs over the last 10 years (1999-2010) in Korea: implication to science and policy.

Despite the first comprehensive reviewing on POPs status in Korea, a previous review chapter (Departments in Environmental Science, Volume 7, Chapter 2) could not discuss and evaluate the temporal trends and the effect of the efforts and policies invested in POPs control and management, since most data were based on individual research results of academic groups in which POPs could not be systematically monitored in terms of time and space. Recently, we have collected monitoring data long enough in time (over 10 years) and wide enough in space (covering various land-use patterns and the Korean peninsula), which were produced at national monitoring stations under the governmental programs. This study aimed to elucidate the temporal trends of POPs emissions, concentrations in multiple compartments (air, water, soil, sediment, organisms, and marine products), and human exposure. The chronological data available for all the subjects investigated were present only for PCDDs/DFs and coPCBs. Their emission reduction with half-lives of ~2 years was followed by contemporaneous decrease of contamination levels in inland compartments, while a considerably slow or slight reduction occurred in human exposure and its related compartments (fishes and shellfishes as foodstuffs consumed, and marine compartments). The findings prove that a lag-time is present for the efforts of emission reduction to be so much effective as to be reflected directly in human exposure, and such a lag-time can be related with the fates connecting inland and marine environments. PCBs showed faster reduction in human exposure than dioxin-like compounds. As for other POPs, chronological trends and half-lives could not be determined owing to low detection frequencies of PCBs and OCPs in environmental compartments, the absence of monitoring data for OCPs in human exposure, and data limitation for emerging POPs present in recent a few years. Monitoring strategies are also recommended based on this meta-analysis.

Combined repeated-dose toxicity study of silver nanoparticles with the reproduction/developmental toxicity screening test.

Combined repeated-dose toxicity study of citrate-capped silver nanoparticles (7.9 ± 0.95 nm) with reproduction/developmental toxicity was investigated in rats orally treated with 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg, once a day for 42 days for males and up to 52 days for females. The test was performed based on the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development test guideline 422 and Good Laboratory Practice principles. No death was observed in any of the groups. Alopecia, salivation and yellow discolouration of the lung were observed in a few rats but the symptoms were not dose-dependent. Haematology, serum biochemical investigation and histopathological analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between control group and the treated groups. Toxicity endpoints of reproduction/developmental screening test including mating, fertility, implantation, delivery and foetus were measured. There was no evidence of toxicity.

Hexabromocyclododecanes in crucian carp and sediment from the major rivers in Korea.

The concentration of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) was measured in crucian carp muscles and eggs and in surrounding sediments collected from the 3 major rivers in Korea. HBCDs were detected in all carp and sediment samples, indicating widespread contamination of this area by HBCD flame retardants. The ∑HBCD (sum of α-, ß-, and γ-HBCDs) concentrations ranged from 0.19 to 13 ng g(-1)dry wt in sediments, 1.7 to 7.2 ng g(-1)lipid wt in carp eggs, and 4.8 to 6.6 ng g(-1)lipid wt in the muscle of carp. The α-diastereomer predominated in the crucian carp and γ-diastereomer predominated in sediments, accounting for 76% and 77% to the ∑HBCD, respectively. The ∑HBCD concentrations in carp and sediment samples collected along the rivers were higher than those in samples collected from an isolated pond, suggesting that the rivers are likely contaminated by HBCDs from the upstream or the environment surrounding the rivers. The diastereomer ratios in carp were different from those in commercial mixtures due to the enrichment of α-diastereomer in carp. The origin of this transition, however, is yet not known, since various transformation processes can lead to a change from the diastereomer ratio in commercial mixtures to that observed in the environment.

Stepwise embryonic toxicity of silver nanoparticles on Oryzias latipes.

The developmental toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was investigated following exposure of Oryzias latipes (medaka) embryos to 0.1-1 mg/L of homogeneously dispersed AgNPs for 14 days. During this period, developmental endpoints, including lethality, heart rate, and hatching rate, were evaluated by microscopy for different stages of medaka embryonic development. To compare toxic sensitivity, acute adult toxicity was assessed. There was no difference in acute lethal toxicity between embryo and adult medaka. Interestingly, we found that the increase in stepwise toxicity was dependent on the developmental stage of the embryo. Lethal embryonic toxicity increased from exposure days 1 to 3 and exposure days 5 to 8, whereas there was no change from exposure days 3 to 5. In addition, 7 d exposure to 0.8 mg/L AgNPs resulted in significant heart beat retardation in medaka embryos. AgNPs also caused a dose-dependent decrease in the hatching rate and body length of larvae. These results indicate that AgNP exposure causes severe developmental toxicity to medaka embryos and that toxicity levels are enhanced at certain developmental stages, which should be taken into consideration in assessments of metallic NPs toxicity to embryos.

Serum kinetics, distribution and excretion of silver in rabbits following 28 days after a single intravenous injection of silver nanoparticles.

Serum kinetics, tissue distribution, and excretion of citrate-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were investigated in rabbits (n = 4) up to 28 days after a single intravenous injection. Following a single injection of AgNPs, the AUC(last) was reported to be 3.65 ± 0.68 µg·day/ml in 5 mg/kg-treated group and 0.90 ± 0.16 µg·day/ml in 0.5 mg/kg-treated group, respectively. The accumulation of silver was observed in all the tested organs including liver, kidney, spleen, lung, brain, testis, and thymus at 1 day, 7 day, and 28 day of measurement. The liver and spleen seemed to be the major targets because of high accumulation of silver. Excretion via feces and urine was also monitored during the entire experimental period. Unexpectedly, much more excretion of silver occurred via feces than through urine after an intravenous injection, which suggests biliary excretion of AgNPs. General toxicity was analyzed and histopathological changes were also evaluated.

Toxicity of citrate-capped silver nanoparticles in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were used as a model to investigate acute toxicity and oxidative stress caused by silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). The fish were exposed to different concentrations of Ag-NPs for 48 h and 96 h. After exposure, antioxidant enzyme levels were measured, including glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxidase dismutase, and catalase (CAT). Other biochemical parameters and histological abnormalities in different tissues (i.e., the liver, gills, and brain) were also examined. The results showed that Ag-NPs agglomerated in freshwater used during the exposure experiments, with particle size remaining <100 nm. Ag-NPs had no lethal effect on fish after 4 days of exposure. Biochemical analysis showed that enzymatic activities in the brain of the fish exposed to 200 µg/L of Ag-NPs were significantly reduced. Varied antioxidant enzyme activity was recorded in the liver and gills. Varied antioxidant enzyme activity was recorded for CAT in the liver and GST in the gills of the fish. However, the recovery rate of fish exposed to 200 µg/L of Ag-NPs was slower than when lower particle concentrations were used. Other biochemical indices showed no significant difference, except for NH(3) and blood urea nitrogen concentrations in fish exposed to 50 µg/L of Ag-NPs. This study provides new evidence about the effects of nanoparticles on aquatic organisms.

Bioavailability and toxicokinetics of citrate-coated silver nanoparticles in rats.

Bioavailability, tissue distribution, blood concentration, and excretion of citrate-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs; size, 7.9 ± 0.95 nm by TEM diameter) were investigated. Male SD rats were treated by a single oral or intravenous administration of either 1 or 10 mg/kg AgNPs. Silver concentration of blood was determined at 10 min, and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48, and 96 h after treatment. Silver in the liver, lungs, and kidneys was also measured at 24 and 96 h after treatment. Excretion of silver nanoparticles via feces and urine was determined at 24 h after treatment. After oral administration, most AgNPs were found in feces, and their blood concentration was very low. This suggests that absorption through the gastrointestinal tract was not good. However, a high level of silver in the blood was detected after tail vein injection. When rats were injected with 1 mg/kg AgNPs, the silver concentration of blood was significantly elevated at 10 min after injection; the level subsequently decreased. In the rats treated with 10 mg/kg AgNPs, the elevated level did not decrease, but was maintained during the experimental period. On the basis of the values of AUC(oral)/AUC(iv), the bioavailability of orally administered AgNPs was 1.2% in the group treated with 1 mg/kg AgNPs and 4.2% in the group treated with 10 mg/kg AgNPs. AgNPs accumulated in the liver, lungs, and kidneys; the accumulated AgNPs were released into the blood stream. AgNP levels in the urine were extremely low compared to the levels in the feces. When rats were injected with AgNPs, these particles were also detected in feces at 24 h after treatment, which suggests bile secretion of AgNPs.

Repeated-dose toxicity and inflammatory responses in mice by oral administration of silver nanoparticles.

Toxicity of nanoparticles depends on many factors including size, shape, chemical composition, surface area, surface charge, and others. In this study, we compared the toxicity of different sized-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which are being widely used in consumer products due to its unique antimicrobial activity. When mice were treated with AgNPs 1mg/kg for 14 days by oral administration, small-sized AgNPs (22nm, 42nm, and 71nm) were distributed to the organs including brain, lung, liver, kidney, and testis while large-sized AgNPs (323nm) were not detected in those tissues. The levels of TGF-ß in serum were also significantly increased in the treated group of small-sized AgNPs but not in large-sized AgNPs. In addition, B cell distribution was increased in small-sized AgNPs but not in large-sized-AgNPs by the phenotype analysis. However, body weight or in the ratio of organ/body weight were not different between the control group and all the AgNPs-treated groups. The repeated-dose toxicity of AgNPs (42nm) was also investigated in mice by oral administration for 28 days. By the administration of AgNPs (0.25mg/kg, 0.50mg/kg, 1.00mg/kg), adverse impacts on liver and kidney were observed in a high dose-treated group (1.00mg/kg), when determined by blood chemistry and histipathological analysis. Cytokines including IL-1, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, and TGF-ß were also increased in a dose-dependent manner by repeated oral administration. In addition, B cell distribution in lymphocyte and IgE production were increased. Based on these results, it is suggested that repeated oral administration of nano-sized AgNPs may cause organ toxicity and inflammatory responses in mice.

Induction of chronic inflammation in mice treated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles by intratracheal instillation.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TNP) are nanomaterials which have various applications including photocatalysts, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals because of their high stability, anticorrosiveness, and photocatalytic properties. Induction of cytokines and potential chronic inflammation were investigated in mice treated with TNP (5 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 50 mg/kg) by a single intratracheal instillation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, TNF-a, and IL-6 were significantly induced in a dose-dependent manner at day 1 after instillation. The levels of Th1-type cytokines (IL-12 and IFN-gamma) and Th2-type cytokines (IL4, IL-5 and IL-10) were also elevated dose-dependently at day 1 and the inflammatory responses were sustained until the remainder of experimental period for 14 days. By the induction of Th2-type cytokines, the increased B cell distributions both in spleen and in blood, and increased IgE production in BAL fluid and serum were observed. In lung tissue, increase of inflammatory proteins (MIP and MCP) and granuloma formation were observed. Furthermore, the expressions of genes related with antigen presentation (H2-T23, H2-T17, H2-K1, and H2-Eb1) and genes related with the induction of chemotaxis of immune cells (Ccl7, Ccl3, Cxcl1, Ccl4, Ccl2) were markedly increased using microarray analysis. From these data, it could be suggested that TNP possibly cause chronic inflammatory diseases through Th2-mediated pathway in mice.

Determination of organochlorine pesticides in sediment using graphitized carbon black solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

An analytical method for the determination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in sediment samples involves ultrasonic extraction, solid-phase extraction (SPE), gas-chromatography (GC)/electron-capture detection (ECD), and GC/mass spectrometry (MS). OCPs were extracted from sediment samples by ultrasonication in mixtures of n-hexane and acetone. Several SPE sorbents [Florisil, silica gel, C18, Oasis HLB, and graphitized carbon black (GCB)] were evaluated as means of preliminary purification. GCB SPE cartridges successfully removed major contaminants such as non-polar hydrocarbons when eluted with an acetone-acetonitrile mixture. After purification, the extract was preferentially screened using GC/ECD and confirmed and quantified using GC/MS. The percentage recovery of samples spiked with 10 or 100ng/g OCP ranged from 73.9% to 106.0% with a relative standard deviation of 0.4-5.7%. Detection limits ranged from 0.002 to 0.005ng/g for GC/ECD and from 0.03 to 0.50ng/g for GC/MS detection. The linear dynamic range extended from 0.2 to 20ng/g, with a correlation coefficient (R(2)) greater than 0.995. The method was validated using a standard reference material (SRM 1941b) and spiked sediment samples. Real sediment samples collected from a river near a Korean industrial area exhibited low levels of several OCPs when analyzed using this method.