Publications

Improved SSD software coming soon for the ANZG guidelines.

David Fox, Rick van Dam, Graeme Batley, Rebecca Fisher and Joe Thorley.

2023, Volume 9, Pages 1-3

• ABEEC 2023 Volume 9

ABEEC 2023 Volume 9

 

Improved SSD software coming soon for the ANZG guidelines.

David Fox, Rick van Dam, Graeme Batley, Rebecca Fisher and Joe Thorley.

2023, Volume 9, Pages 1-3

Abstract

Letter to the Editor

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Characterisation of the efficacy of an advanced tertiary sweage treatment plant to remove estrogenic compounds using on-site fish exposure

Lisa A. Hamilton, Richard P Lim, Grant L Northcott, Anupama Kumar, Michael Boake, Olivier Champeau, Louis A Tremblay

2022, Volume 8, Pages 1-16

• ABEEC 2022 Volume 8

ABEEC 2022 Volume 8

Characterisation of the efficacy of an advanced tertiary sweage treatment plant to remove estrogenic compounds using on-site fish exposure

Lisa A. Hamilton, Richard P Lim, Grant L Northcott, Anupama Kumar, Michael Boake, Olivier Champeau, Louis A Tremblay

2022, Volume 8, Pages 1-16

Abstract

The fate and potential risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in treated sewage effluents
remain to be fully characterised. This study applied a combination of chemical analysis and
in vitro and in vivo bioassays to assess the efficacy of an advanced tertiary sewage treatment
plant to remove EDCs. Samples from all treatment stages contained measurable concentrations
of alkylphenol compounds and bisphenol A (BPA); only the post-sandfilter effluent contained
measurable concentrations of the estrogenic steroid estrone (E1). Bioassay results indicated that
the treatment technology of this plant removed estrogenicity to concentrations below the detection
limits. Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) and the Australian native rainbowfish (Melanotaenia
fluviatilis) were exposed to the sandfilter and final effluents and 17β-estradiol as a positive control
for seven days on-site at the treatment plant. Vitellogenin mRNA, a biomarker of estrogenicity
in fish, was measured by rtPCR. Estrogenicity was detected in the sandfilter effluent by the yeast
assay, but the activity was not at a level that modulated up-regulation of vitellogenin mRNA in
either exposed fish species.

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Assessment of molecular biomarker responses in common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus) from the Mataura River

Louis A. Tremblay, James M. Ataria, Gen Kume, Olivier Champeau, Katherine Trought, Grant L. Northcott and Andrew Barrick

2021, Volume 7, Pages 17-26

• ABEEC 2021 Volume 7 pp 17-26

ABEEC 2021 Volume 7 pp 17-26

Assessment of molecular biomarker responses in common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus) from the Mataura River

Louis A. Tremblay, James M. Ataria, Gen Kume, Olivier Champeau, Katherine Trought, Grant L. Northcott and Andrew Barrick

2021, Volume 7, Pages 17-26

Abstract

New Zealand has a reputation for having a comparatively clean environment but there is growing recognition that the freshwater ecosystems are under threat and continue to decline. Many monitoring frameworks use ecosystem-based assessments to demonstrate adverse impacts, but this approach has limitations to identify causalities. The aim of this study was to measure metallothionein, cytochrome P450 and vitellogenin molecular biomarkers in the New Zealand native common bully Gobiomorphus cotidianus sampled across a pollution gradient on the Mataura River. G. cotidianus demonstrated site-specific induction of metallothionein and cytochrome P450 with significant effects occurring at sites more downstream from point sources including a sewage outfall and an industrial estate. This outcome suggests potential biological responses are occurring in the Mataura River that could potentially be linked to anthropogenic activity. The results of the study provide evidence that there may be a response gradient as the Mataura River flows towards the ocean, supporting the need to assess catchments from mountains-to-sea.

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ABEEC 2021 Volume 7 pp 17-26

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Dust from rural Australia as a potential source of persistent organic pollutants to the Southern Hemisphere 

Julia Jasonsmith, Xin Liu, Craig Strong, Xianyu Wang, Chang He, John F Leys

2021, Volume 7, Pages 1-16

• ABEEC 2021 Volume 7 pp1-16

ABEEC 2021 Volume 7 pp1-16

Dust from rural Australia as a potential source of persistent organic pollutants to the Southern Hemisphere 

Julia Jasonsmith, Xin Liu, Craig Strong, Xianyu Wang, Chang He, John F Leys

2021, Volume 7, Pages 1-16

Abstract

The DustWatch program has monitored dust events and collected dust samples from across Australia since 1990 to monitor the extent and severity of wind erosion. A retrospective analysis of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in 10 samples from the Buronga DustWatch Site was undertaken to understand contaminants in dust at this site, and their potential trends and sources over time. Although this study represents a small number of analysed samples, results suggest that dust may be an important vector for POPs in Australia. All families of POPs investigated were found in the samples, varying in both concentration and through time. Further investigation regarding the impact of dust containing POPs on receptors downwind is required and other samples in the DustWatch dataset (about 4,300 samples) should also be assessed for their potential to inform long-term trends of these chemicals in the environment and background concentrations at contaminated sites.

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Standardised chronic toxicity test protocols and culturing methods for a suite of tropical freshwater species

Melanie A Trenfield, Ceiwen J Pease, Samantha L Walker, Tom Mooney, Linda Tybell, Chris Humphrey, Rick A van Dam and Andrew J Harford

2020, Volume 6, Pages 1-80

• ABEEC 2020 Volume 6

ABEEC 2020 Volume 6

Standardised chronic toxicity test protocols and culturing methods for a suite of tropical freshwater species

Melanie A Trenfield, Ceiwen J Pease, Samantha L Walker, Tom Mooney, Linda Tybell, Chris Humphrey, Rick A van Dam and Andrew J Harford

2020, Volume 6, Pages 1-80

Abstract

This paper presents a compilation of ecotoxicological test protocols developed at the Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (eriss) in Australia. It provides detailed methods for seven tropical species: the green alga Chlorella sp., duckweed Lemna aequinoctialis, cladoceran Moinodaphnia macleayi, coelenterate Hydra viridissima, gastropod mollusc Amerianna cumingi, freshwater mussel Velesunio spp., and the teleost fish Mogurnda mogurnda.

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ABEEC 2020 Volume 6

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The effects of the mixtures of three micro-contaminants commonly found in biosolids on earthworm reproduction. 

Louis A Tremblay, Lynn Booth, Jo-Anne E. Cavanagh, Olivier Champeau, Grant L Northcott, and Nina Cedergreen. 

2019, Volume 5, Pages 1-12

• ABEEC 2019 Volume 5

ABEEC 2019 Volume 5

The effects of the mixtures of three micro-contaminants commonly found in biosolids on earthworm reproduction. 

Louis A Tremblay, Lynn Booth, Jo-Anne E. Cavanagh, Olivier Champeau, Grant L Northcott, and Nina Cedergreen. 

2019, Volume 5, Pages 1-12

Abstract

The risks associated with the presence of organic contaminants represent a barrier to the application of biosolids as a soil amendment. The characterisation of the risk of complex mixtures to receiving soil ecosystems remains challenging. In this study, triclosan, carbamazepine, and bisphenol A were selected as micro-contaminants frequently found in biosolids. Chemicals were added to soil and tested individually and in mixtures to characterise any interactions that could result in a nonadditive response. The soil-dwelling earthworm 56-day reproduction chronic test was used to assess the impact of these chemicals on soil ecosystems. The joint toxicity of the three chemicals tested, both in binary and ternary mixtures was partially described by both the Concentration Addition and Independent Action models. This research provided preliminary information to address the knowledge gap on the effects of chemical mixtures on soil biota. Further studies considering different modes of action and better characterisation of chemical fate are required to assess the risk of land application of biosolids to soil biota and derive robust Predicted No Effect Concentration (PNEC) values. Keywords: Triclosan; Carbamazepine; Bisphenol A; Concentration Addition (CA); Independent Action (IA); Eisenia andrei.

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Comparison of the proposed ecosystem protection guideline values for diuron in fresh and marine ecosystems with existing trigger and protective concentration values.

Olivia King and Michael St.J. Warne

2017, Volume 4, Pages 1-12

• ABEEC 2017 Volume 4

ABEEC 2017 Volume 4

Comparison of the proposed ecosystem protection guideline values for diuron in fresh and marine ecosystems with existing trigger and protective concentration values.

Olivia King and Michael St.J. Warne

2017, Volume 4, Pages 1-12

Abstract

Currently, there are eight different sets of protective concentration values, trigger values and guideline values for ecosystem protection for diuron in Australian waters. Included among these are the guideline values that we are proposing for diuron in freshwaters and marine waters that were generated as part of the revision of the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. These proposed guideline values will be submitted for national endorsement and incorporation into the Guidelines and the Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Guidelines. The various sets of guideline values differ substantially from each other. This paper was prepared with three primary aims: 1) to examine the various sets of protective concentration values, current trigger values, and the proposed guideline values for freshwater and for marine waters; 2) to explain how the different values were derived; and 3) to explain the purpose of each set of values. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the various sets of ecosystem protection values for diuron, and presents arguments for why the proposed guideline values should be adopted and used in preference to existing trigger values or protective concentration values derived prior to 2017. Keywords: Guideline Value; Trigger Value; Australian and New Zealand Guidelines; Water quality

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Considering background ionic proportions in the development of sulfate guidelines for the Fitzroy River basin

Jason E. Dunlop, Reinier M. Mann, Dustin Hobbs, Ross E.W. Smith, Vinitha Nanjappa, Suzanne Vardy and Sue Vink

2016, Volume 3, Pages 1-10

• ABEEC 2016 Volume 3

ABEEC 2016 Volume 3

Considering background ionic proportions in the development of sulfate guidelines for the Fitzroy River basin

Jason E. Dunlop, Reinier M. Mann, Dustin Hobbs, Ross E.W. Smith, Vinitha Nanjappa, Suzanne Vardy and Sue Vink

2016, Volume 3, Pages 1-10

Abstract

Sulfate (SO₄ ^2-) is commonly associated with saline mine water discharges to aquatic ecosystems. Despite the prevalence of sulfate in mine water releases around the world, there is a paucity of sulfate toxicity data describing its potential impacts on aquatic species and a lack of ecosystem protection guideline values relevant to Australia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of sulfate using a test water representative of natural waters. An outcome of this study was the development of aquatic ecosystem protection guideline values for Na₂ SO₄ using a test water and suite of test species relevant to the Fitzroy River basin in northeastern Australia where mine water releases are prevalent. Toxicity tests were undertaken on six species including a mayfly (Atalophlebia sp. AV 13), a ubiquitous freshwater alga (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata), a plant (Lemna disperma), a zooplankton (Ceriodaphnia dubia), a fish (Melanotaenia splendida) and a shrimp (Paratya australiensis). Preliminary toxicant guidelines for sulfate (as Na₂ SO₄ ) estimated to be protective of 80%, 90%, 95% and 99% of species in the receiving ecosystem and their upper 95th and lower 5th percentile confidence intervals were 936 (731-1548), 706 (525-1242), 545 (380-1103) and 307 (161-866) mg/L SO₄ ^2-, respectively, at a water hardness of 550 mg/L (as CaCO₃ ). Results were comparable to guideline values developed using species relevant to North America. Keywords: Salinity; Sulfate; Coal mining; Water quality guidelines

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Booragoon Lake: Environmental implications of trace elements derived from road runodd storm water in wetland sediments during wetting and drying cycles

Donya Rajabian Tabesh, David W.G.T Oldmeadow and Ronald T. Watkins

2015, Volume 2, Pages 35-47

• ABEEC 2015 Volume 2 pp 35-47

ABEEC 2015 Volume 2 pp 35-47

Booragoon Lake: Environmental implications of trace elements derived from road runodd storm water in wetland sediments during wetting and drying cycles

Donya Rajabian Tabesh, David W.G.T Oldmeadow and Ronald T. Watkins

2015, Volume 2, Pages 35-47

Abstract

Booragoon Lake is one of the shallow groundwater lakes that comprise the Beeliar Wetlands
chain, a string of wetlands that sit in a north-south trending interdunal depression on the Swan
Coastal Plain, in Perth, Western Australia. Situated on the southern boundary of the lake is Leach
Highway, a major arterial road with traffic volumes of up to 60 000 vehicles per day. Stormwater
runoff from Leach Highway is a major source of contamination in the lake environment. In this
study we investigated changes in the concentrations of metals (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Pb) in
lake water and sediments throughout a three-month period from February to April 2012, during
which the lake dried out. Eleven sets of water samples were taken between February and April from
Booragoon Lake and stormwater inputs, to assess the geochemical conditions of the lake, and the
concentrations of metals derived from road stormwater runoff. Fourteen sediment samples were
also collected from the dry lake bed to analyse for major and trace element concentrations. The
results of the analyses showed that the concentration of metals in dry sediments was higher than that
in wet sediment, most likely as a result of evaporative concentration and drying of metal enriched
pore fluids during the drying cycle. Furthermore, these metals were shown to be readily soluble
upon rewetting, presenting a danger of a first flush of metal-rich waters during heavy rainfall events.

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ABEEC 2015 Volume 2 pp 35-47

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Persistent organic pollutants in Australasian harriers (Circus approximans) from New Zealand

Jo-Anne E. Cavanagh, Penny M. Fisher, Lynn H. Booth and Philip Bridgen

2015, Volume 2, Pages 16-34

• ABEEC 2015 Volume 2 pp 16-34

ABEEC 2015 Volume 2 pp 16-34

Persistent organic pollutants in Australasian harriers (Circus approximans) from New Zealand

Jo-Anne E. Cavanagh, Penny M. Fisher, Lynn H. Booth and Philip Bridgen

2015, Volume 2, Pages 16-34

Abstract

Birds of prey are widely used internationally as bioindicators of environmental contamination
of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). However, there is a dearth of information on POPs
concentrations in New Zealand birds of prey. We assessed tissue concentrations of established and
emerging POPs in Australasian harriers (Circus approximans) from the Canterbury Region of New
Zealand. ΣDDTs comprised up to 98% of the POPs detected, with concentrations up to 200 μg/g
lipid weight. Similar concentrations were measured approximately 35 years ago in harriers from the
same region, and are among the highest reported internationally for raptors. DDE concentrations
were above those anticipated to cause detrimental effects in other bird species. Polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) were present at the next highest concentrations with up to 3060 ng/g lipid weight
in harriers. Concentrations of PCBs, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated
dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDD/PCDFs) in harriers were at the lower
end of the range of concentrations reported in international surveys of raptors, with our results
including the first reported detection of PBDEs in New Zealand raptors.

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ABEEC 2015 Volume 2 pp 16-34

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Assessing the toxicity of saline waters: The importance of accommodating surface water ionic composition at the river basin scale

Jason E. Dunlop, Reinier M. Mann, Dustin Hobbs, Ross E.W. Smith, Vinitha Nanjappa, Suzanne Vardy and Sue Vink

2015, Volume 2, Pages 1-15

• ABEEC 2015 Volume 2 pp1-15

ABEEC 2015 Volume 2 pp1-15

Assessing the toxicity of saline waters: The importance of accommodating surface water ionic composition at the river basin scale

Jason E. Dunlop, Reinier M. Mann, Dustin Hobbs, Ross E.W. Smith, Vinitha Nanjappa, Suzanne Vardy and Sue Vink

2015, Volume 2, Pages 1-15

Abstract

Salinity impacts in freshwater ecosystems are a concern in Australia and around the world. There is a need for greater understanding of the salinity tolerance thresholds of freshwater biota to support the derivation of water quality guidelines that form the basis of policy and regulation aimed at managing salinity impacts. The salinity of freshwater is a mixture of ions (including Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, SO42-, CO32-, HCO3-, and Cl-) that vary according to factors such as underlying geology and surface/ground water interactions. The composition and concentration of ions is known to affect toxicity making it important to account for such variation when designing toxicity tests used to define water quality guidelines. Test exposures using standard solutions such as marine salts may not be representative of many freshwaters, so may have limited applicability. This study defines a test exposure for salinity based on observed ionic composition at the river basin scale and evaluated the 96-h (acute) response of 10 macroinvertebrate families. It is proposed that such an approach may provide a useful means of defining test exposures for salinity where the aim is to define trigger values for the management of diffuse sources of salinity at a river basin scale.

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Impact of salinity and ionic composition on freshwater macroinvertebrates in the Fitzroy River catchment, Central Queensland, Australia

Rajesh Prasad, Sue Vink and Vinitha Nanjappa

2014, Volume 1, Pages 12-29

• ABEEC 2014 Volume 1 pp 12-29

ABEEC 2014 Volume 1 pp 12-29

Impact of salinity and ionic composition on freshwater macroinvertebrates in the Fitzroy River catchment, Central Queensland, Australia

Rajesh Prasad, Sue Vink and Vinitha Nanjappa

2014, Volume 1, Pages 12-29

Abstract

Disposal of high salinity water from coal mines in Queensland is a serious issue for coal mines. This is exacerbated during high rainfall events associated with La Niña conditions as excess water often accumulates in water storages. Release of excess water from mine sites to local streams and rivers is one of the most effective disposal options in order to avoid long term accumulation of saline water. However, if saline water is discharged into the streams and rivers, it is likely to impact the aquatic biota, aquatic ecosystems and ecosystem values. To minimise impacts from environmental releases, the coal industry and environmental regulatory authorities need information related to the potential impacts of salinity on the aquatic environment to help inform appropriate release criteria. In this study, macroinvertebrates from the Fitzroy River Catchment in Central Queensland, where many Queensland coal mines are situated, were tested for their sensitivity to saline waters. The primary aim was to derive LC50 values, for macroinvertebrates from the Fitzroy Catchment for mine waters of known ionic compositions, which could potentially be used to derive guidelines for mine salts. A second aim was to consider the levels of dilution that would be necessary to reduce salt concentration in mine water to levels tolerable by macroinvertebrates. Test solutions comprised of two artificial mine water types (AMW1 and AMW2), diluted with artificial creek water, all prepared in the laboratory. The results showed that Leptophlebiidae and Baetidae (Order: Ephemeroptera), were more sensitive (or less tolerant) to artificial mine water in comparison with their sensitivity/tolerance to marine salts. Although it was not possible to statistically test whether the difference in toxicity of the two mine waters was significant, it seemed that AMW2 was less toxic than AMW1. This is highly probable as AMW2 contained a much higher proportion of calcium compared to AMW1. The assays conducted agree with results from earlier studies that show that ionic composition can have ameliorating or confounding effects on the toxicity of saline waters. Further research on the ionic composition of coal mine effluent may provide solutions for management of effluent discharge. Keywords: Mine water; Salinity; Toxicity; Macroinvertebrate sensitivity; Ephemeroptera.

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ABEEC 2014 Volume 1 pp 12-29

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Are variations in ionic proportions important for the derivation of trigger values for saline mine discharge waters?

Reinier M. Mann, Sue Vink, Tina Micevska, Dustin Hobbs and Ross E.W. Smith

2014, Volume 1, Pages 1-11

• ABEEC 2014 Volume 1 pp 1-11

ABEEC 2014 Volume 1 pp 1-11

Are variations in ionic proportions important for the derivation of trigger values for saline mine discharge waters?

Reinier M. Mann, Sue Vink, Tina Micevska, Dustin Hobbs and Ross E.W. Smith

2014, Volume 1, Pages 1-11

Abstract

The discharge of saline waters that accumulate in mine pits following seasonal rain presents a toxicity testing challenge, because it is the salt profile of the water that is of concern for release to natural waterways. Recent studies designed to establish site specific electrical conductivity (EC) trigger values through the generation of species sensitivity distributions (SSD) have aimed to address this challenge. Two test waters representing coal-mine pit-water (AMW1 and AMW2) were formulated with chemical salts and differing in the proportions of various ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3-, SO42-, Cl-). Similarly, diluent waters were formulated based on the salinity profile of receiving waters. The use of formulated waters permitted the comparison of salinity profiles representing different coal mining areas in Queensland on an equal footing, without the confounding effects of other contaminants that would be found in natural waters. However, the use of formulated waters presented some practical problems. On the one hand, consistent salinity profiles needed to be maintained across all tests, thereby providing reliable SSDs for deriving trigger values. On the other hand, artificial mine waters needed to be customised to each test species to ensure that the nutritional requirements of each species (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Ceriodaphnia dubia, Melanotaenia splendida, Macrobrachium australiense, Chironomus tepperi) were not compromised. The data presented here demonstrate that for individual test-species, the toxicities of AMW1 and AMW2 were quite different, with AMW1 being more toxic than AMW2 in prawns and chironomids, and conversely, AMW2 more toxic than AMW1 in fishes and cladocerans. Overall, the TVs derived for the protection of 80% to 99% of species suggest that AMW1 was less toxic than AMW2. However, despite substantial differences in ionic composition, and despite individual differences in sensitivity among different test species, the opposing toxicity indices in individual test-species resulted in SSDs of similar shape and position when salinity was measured as electrical conductivity. Keywords: Coal-mine discharge; Direct Toxicity Assessment; Salinity trigger value; Species Sensitivity Distribution; Test standardisation.

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ABEEC 2014 Volume 1 pp 1-11

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