Effects of dietary lead,cadmium, mercury,and selenium on fatty acid composition of blood serum and erythrocyte membranes from chicks

A series of experiments was conducted to study the effects of dietary and injected lead (as Pb acetate-3H₂O) and of dietary Cd, Hg, and Se on fatty acid composition of serum lipids of chicks as measured by gas-liquid chromatography. The effect of dietary Pb on fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes was measured also. Dietary Pb (1000 ppm) increased the serum concentration of arachidonic acid (20:4, first no. = no. of carbon atoms:second no. = no. of double bonds) and decreased the concentration of linoleic acid (18:2) and the ratio 18:2/20:4. Intraperitoneal injection of Pb (52 mg/100 g body weight) did not alter serum fatty acid composition by 4 h post-injection. The separate effects of 2000 ppm Pb, 60 ppm Cd, 500 ppm Hg, and 10 ppm Se added to the diet on serum fatty acids were measured in a single experiment. In comparison to controls, Pb and Cd lowered serum concentration of 18:2. Only Pb raised serum 20:4. Pb lowered the ratio 18:2/20:4, whereas Cd and Hg raised the ratio and Se was without effect. Dietary Pb (2000 ppm) raised the concentration of 20:4 and lowered the ratio 18:2/20:4 in erythrocyte membranes. The different effects of injected and dietary Pb on the serum 18:2/20:4 ratio suggest that Pb alters 20:4 synthesis from 18:2 rather than mobilization of 20:4 from tissues. The Pb-induced increase of lipid peroxida-tion in erythrocytes observed by other workers may be a reflection of increased 20:4 level in erythrocyte membranes.     

Growth and nutrient status of citrus plants as influenced by mycorrhiza and phosphorus application

To test the hypothesis that high levels of soluble phosphate applied in combination with VAM fungi, to citrus plants, can cause growth depression even in the absence of other limiting factors, and also to test if rock phosphate, under these conditions, may be a satisfactory P source, a greenhouse experiment was conducted using sterilized soil with four levels of phosphate (0, 50, 100 and 200 ppm P) supplied either as soluble P or as rock phosphate. Citrus seedlings were either inoculated with the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus Glomus etunicatum or left uninoculated. Six months after the start of the experiment, the plants were harvested and shoot dry weight, P and K uptake, root colonization and the number of spores in 50 cm³ of soil were determined. Significant increases were found in dry matter yields and in P and K contents, due to VAM fungus inoculation, at the zero and 50 ppm soluble P levels and at all rock phosphate levels. At 100 ppm soluble P, the development of VAM plants was equilvalent to that of non-VAM plants, and at 200 ppm, growth was significantly less than that of non-VAM plants. Root colonization and sporulation were reduced at higher P levels. The absolute growth depression of VAM plants at the higher P level was likely due to P toxicity. In addition, high leaf P and K concentrations may have interfered with carbohydrate distribution and utilization in these symbioses. Rock phosphate may be used with VAM citrus to substitute for medium amounts of soluble phosphate.     

The interaction of iron and ascorbic acid with lead in the chick

Three experiments were conducted with chicks to examine the effects of dietary iron and ascorbic acid on the accumulation of lead in various organs. Lead was fed as PbCl₂, 500 or 1000 ppm Pb, iron as FeSO₄·7H₂O, 1000 ppm Fe, and ascorbic acid at 0.5%. Iron was effective in reducing the accumulation of lead in the femur and kidneys at both levels of lead. Ascorbic acid reduced the lead level in the kidneys when the concentration of lead in the diet was 500 ppm, but not at 1000 ppm. The effects of ascorbic acid on bone accumulation was variable. In two experiments the lead concentration was increased and in one it was decreased. These findings may reflect two influences of ascorbic acid found by others, namely an increase in absorption and an increase in urinary excretion. The rapid accumulation of lead in chick bones suggests that it may be an excellent experimental animal for lead studies.     

Forest leaf litter decomposition in the vicinity of a zinc smelter

Summary Concentrations of about 26,000 ppm Zn, 10,000 ppm Fe, 2,300 ppm Pb, 900 ppm Cd, 340 ppm Cu, and 0.40% S were measured in the O₂ litter horizon about 1 km from a zinc smelter at Palmerton, Pennsylvania. Samples taken about 6 km east of the smelter had concentrations of about 15,000 ppm Zn, 6,500 ppm Fe, 970 ppm Pb, 250 ppm Cd, 170 ppm Cu, and 0.26% S. Samples from a control area about 40 km east of the smelter had concentrations of 2,800 ppm Fe, 650 ppm Zn, 260 ppm Pb, 50 ppm Cu, 9 ppm Cd, and 0.13% S.Litter bags were used to estimate first-year weight loss in sassafras leaves and a mixture of chestnut oak/red oak leaves in the three sites. At the end of one year, average weight loss for sassafras was 39.3% in the control site, 21.8% at 6 km, and 17.5% at the 1 km site. For the chestnut oak/red oak mixture, average weight loss was 36.8% (40 km), 25.7% (6 km), and 19.1% (1 km). Numbers and diversity of soil microarthropods inhabiting the litter bags showed a corresponding decline at sites near the smelter. Concentrations of Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, N, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S and Zn in the decomposing litter were also measured.The average amount of organic matter on the forest floor was estimated to be 3.8 kg/m² in the control site, about 3.8 kg/m² at 6 km, and about 8.1 kg/m² 1 km from the smelter. Average thickness of the litter horizons in these three sites was 6.0 cm (40 km), 7.0 cm (6 km), and 12.4 cm (1 km), suggesting a long-term depression of decomposition and mineral cycling near the smelter.     

Field nursery inoculation of Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg. seedling rootstock with vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi

The growth response of Hevea brasiliensis to vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi inoculation was assessed in two field nursery sites containing indigenous mycorrhizal fungi (IMF). Seedling rootstocks were inoculated with mixed VAM-fungal species in a factorial combination with phosphorus (P) fertilizer application, and planted in randomised blocks on sandy (site 1) and clayey (site 2) soils. Plants were harvested after 26 weeks for measurements of shoot dry weight (DW), stem diameter, height, mycorrhizal root colonization and leaf nutrient contents. At site 1, VAM increased shoot DW, stem diameter and plant height only in treatments without P applied. Increases in shoot DW due to VAM were 70% greater than the uninoculated controls although this was reduced to 5% when P was applied. At site 2, VAM inoculation also increased shoot DW and stem diameter but the magnitude of the increases was smaller. Shoot DW response due to VAM was only 29%. At this second site, applying phosphate to uninoculated plants did not increase shoot yields further. Leaf concentrations of all nutrients were unaffected by VAM at both sites, except for copper (Cu) which was increased by VAM in treatments where P was not applied. However, leaf contents of P, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and Cu were increased by VAM at site 1, and of leaf nitrogen (N) and K at site 2. These experiments demonstrate that VAM-fungi could be introduced into field nursery sites to improve growth and P uptake by H. brasiliensis. The relevance of VAM-fungi to H. brasiliensis seedling rootstock development and the influence of IMF in determining field responses is discussed.     

Interaction of lead toxicity and riboflavin status in chicks (Gallus domesticus)

Chicks (Gallus domesticus) were fed diets containing 0 or 2000 ppm lead (Pb) and adequate, marginal or deficient levels of riboflavin. In comparison to adequate, marginal riboflavin depressed growth at 2000 ppm Pb but not at 0 ppm Pb. Deficient riboflavin depressed growth at both Pb levels, and Pb depressed growth at all riboflavin levels. Hepatic glutathione reductase activity was reduced by riboflavin deficiency, but Pb was without effect. Hepatic non-protein sulfhydryl concentrations were increased by Pb, and the increases were greater at the lower riboflavin levels. Dietary Pb appears to increase the level of riboflavin required in chick diets.     

Interactions of dietary lead with fish oil and antioxidant in chicks

Two experiments were conducted with day-old broiler chicks reared to 18 or 19 d of age. The objectives were: (1) to examine the effects of the antioxidant ethoxyquin (EQ) on peroxidation in feeds containing fish oil (FO) or lead (Pb), and (2) to determine whether systemic effects of Pb, which are attributed to tissue peroxidation, can be reversed by dietary EQ. Experiment 1 was a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with the factors being 4% dietary cottonseed oil (CSO) vs FO and dietary Pb as lead acetate trihydrate (0 vs 1000 ppm). Feed was mixed 1 d prior to initiation of the experiment and stored at 4 degrees C until it was placed in the feeders. Experiment 2 was a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with the factors being 3.5% dietary oil (CSO vs FO), dietary Pb (0 vs 1000 ppm), and EQ (0 vs 75 ppm). Feed was mixed 1 d prior to initiation of the experiment and held at room temperature thereafter. Growth depression by FO and Pb was less pronounced in Experiment 1 than in Experiment 2. In Experiment 2, FO and Pb increased the concentration of feed peroxide, and the increases were prevented by EQ. The growth depression by FO was completely reversed by EQ. EQ reversal of Pb-induced growth depression, although substantial, was not complete. The FO diet without Pb had a peroxide content (12.4 meq/kg feed) similar to the CSO + Pb diet (12.3 meq/kg feed); however, growth was not similar (407 vs 213 g body weight at 19 d, respectively). The results suggest that the toxic effects of Pb are mediated by peroxidative alterations both in the feed and in tissues. The ability of EQ to reverse significantly Pb effects on growth suggests a systemic action of this antioxidant.     

Initial and residual toxicity of soil-applied thiram on the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

The effect of the non-systemic fungicide thiram on the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) symbiosis and on Leucaena leucocephala was evaluated in a greenhouse experiment. In the uninoculated soil treated with P at a level optimal for mycorrhizal activity, mycorrhizal colonization of roots was low, and did not change as the concentration of thiram in the soil increased with the from 0 to 1000 mg/kg. When this soil was inoculated VAM fungus Glomus aggregatum, with VAM colonization was enhanced significantly, but decreased increase in thiram concentration until it coincided with the level observed in the uninoculated soil. Similarly, symbiotic effectiveness was reduced, its expression delayed or completely eliminated with increase in the concentration of thiram. Amending soil to a P level sufficient for non-mycorrhizal host growth fully compensated for thiram-induced loss of VAM activity if the thiram levels did not exceed 125 mg/kg. In soil treated with 50 mg thiram/kg, the toxicity of the fungicide dissipated within 66 days of application. At higher concentrations, the toxicity of the chemical on the mycorrhizal symbiosis appeared to be enhanced.Contribution from the Hawaii Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Journal Series No. 3716     

A crop tolerating oxidative stress induced by excess lead: maize

Two 14-day-old seedlings of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars (3223 and Vero) were exposed to different concentrations of lead [0, 2, 5 and 8 mM Pb(NO₃)₂·4H₂O] for 8 days. Exposure of maize cultivars to excess Pb resulted in a significant root growth inhibition though shoot growth and absolute water content remained less affected. The results of chlorophyll a fluorescence indicated that the highly toxic Pb level affected photochemical efficiency in 3223, while no significant effect was observed in the Vero. At the highly toxic Pb concentration, higher membrane leakage was observed in 3223 leaves than that of Vero. This result was related to the accumulation of Pb. On the other hand, the results suggested that there were similar responses in total soluble POD and GR activities with increasing Pb concentrations between both cultivars. But APX activity significantly decreased at highly toxic Pb level in the Vero while a significant increase observed in the 3223. However, SOD activity in 3223 significantly decreased at the highly toxic Pb concentration compared with that at 2 mM Pb concentration. The results of the present study indicated that, Vero withstands excess Pb with its higher Pb accumulation capacity in roots and better upregulated protective mechanisms compared to 3223. Therefore, Vero is more tolerant to Pb toxicity compared to 3223 which was found to be a less tolerant cultivar.     

The effects of pH and aluminium toxicity on the growth and symbiotic development of cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)

Summary The interaction of pH (4 or 6), aluminium (0 or 16 ppm at pH 4) and N source (symbiotic or combined) on the growth and nutrient status of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) was studied in a glasshouse experiment.Low pH significantly decreased the growth of the plants dependent on symbiotic nitrogen fixation but at pH 4 the addition of 16 ppm Al further depressed growth in both nitrogen regimes. Al-ions appear to exert their effect primarily on the root system, as shown by the reduction in total length and fresh weight. The symbiotic development of the plants was affected by low pH but more markedly by the Al treatment.Shoot nitrogen concentrations were reduced from ca. 2.6% at pH 6 to 1.8% and 0.9% at pH 4 without and with aluminium respectively. Calcium concentration was decreased by low pH and further by Al in both nitrogen regimes.In all Al-treated plants, the aluminium was mainly accumulated in the roots and was associated with an increase in their phosphorus concentration.     

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) nutrient and lead uptake affected by zeolite and DTPA in a lead‐polluted soil

• Development of alleviation strategies, which enhance plant growth under heavy metal stress, is important. Inorganic (zeolite) and organic (diethylene triamine penta‐acetic acid, DTPA) amendments affecting the alleviation of lead (Pb) stress in a calcareous soil were tested by investigating leaf nutrient uptake of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) plants.
• Experimental quantities of lead (Pb) at 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg·kg^?1 soil, zeolite (clinoptilolite) at 0%, 0.5% and 1%, and DTPA at 0, 50 and 100 mg·kg^?1 soil were tested in a factorial experiment with three plant replicates.
• According to the anova , Pb, zeolite, DTPA and their interactions significantly affected plant concentrations of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb). With increasing DTPA concentration at different levels of zeolite and Pb, plant concentrations of macro‐ and micronutrients significantly increased. Increasing soil Pb increased leaf Pb concentration and decreased the uptake of N, K, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn. Although with increasing Pb concentration the uptake of macro‐ and micronutrients decreased in tomato, the use of zeolite and DTPA alleviated this stress by increasing nutrient uptake compared to the control. Interestingly, however, increased levels of zeolite and DTPA led to a decreased uptake of nutrients by plants (compared with control), indicating the absorption of such nutrients by the two amendments and their partial release for further plant use.
• Zeolite and DTPA may alleviate the negative effects of soil Pb on tomato growth by decreasing nutrient leaching and increasing plant nutrient uptake.

     

Pb and Cd Bioaccumulations in the Habitat and Preys of Red-Crowned Cranes (Grus japonensis) in Zhalong Wetland, Northeastern China

Pb and Cd concentrations in the habitat and preys of the red-crowned crane (i.e., reed rhizomes and three typical aquatic animal families (Perccottus glehni Dybowski, Carassius auratus Linnaeus, and Viviparidae)) were analyzed to examine the impact of these hazards on red-crowned cranes in northeastern China. Results indicated that Pb and Cd concentrations in the preys of the red-crowned cranes were elevated via food chain. Most of the detected Pb and Cd contents in the sediments were above the natural background level, ranging from 9.85 to 129.72 ppm and 1.23 to 10.63 ppm (dry weight), respectively. Cd geo-accumulation index at all sites were larger than 3, even reached 5.22, suggesting serious pollution in this region. Three common water animal families were detected to contain heavy metals, following the order of increasing concentrations: primary consumers (i.e., Viviparidae and Carassius auratus Linnaeus)?<?secondary consumers (i.e., Perccottus glehni Dybowski). Pb and Cd concentrations in the buffer zone are significantly higher than in the core area and being elevated in the food chain. The molten feathers of the red-crowned cranes showed the highest toxic metal concentrations of Pb (2.09 to 5.81 ppm) and Cd (1.42 to 3.06 ppm) compared with the feces produced by cranes and residual eggshell left by water fowls. Exceptionally high Pb and Cd concentrations in the cranes and their preys were thought to be associated with their habitat.     

Assessment of heavy metal induced stress responses in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Exposure of plants to heavy metals severely affects their growth and physiological processes. Nevertheless, different plants show variable responses to different heavy metals, generally in a concentration-dependent manner. In this study, phytotoxic effects of cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb) applied as chlorides at concentration 500, 750, 1000 and 1250 ppm were evaluated on seed germination, early seedling growth and dry biomass of pea (Pisum sativum L.). A lower concentration (500 ppm) of Pb promoted seed germination but declined other growth parameters. Higher concentration had a phytotoxic influence on the pea. Cd and Co severely affected germination and seedling growth of pea resulting in complete failure of germination and seedling growth at higher metal concentration. Tolerance index (TI) calculated for seed germination and dry biomass indicated that tested plant had zero tolerance to 1250 ppm of Cd as well as 750 ppm and higher concentrations of Co. The order of heavy metals for their phytotoxic effects was Co > Cd > Pb. The study suggests that P. sativum is relatively tolerant to Pb but highly sensitive to Co and Cd.     

Malathion-induced oxidative stress in a parasitoid wasp: effect on adult emergence, longevity, fecundity, and oxidative and antioxidative response of Pimpla turionellae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Effects of an organophosphorus insecticide, malathion, on survivorship and lipid peroxidation of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.), pupae were investigated by rearing the newly hatched larvae on an artificial diet containing 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ppm of the insecticide. As bioindicators of long-term physiological stress responses, the adult emergence rate, longevity, and fecundity associated with lipid peroxidation level and antioxidant enzyme activity in the endoparasitoid Pimpla turionellae (L.) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) were determined by rearing the parasitoid on a factitious host, G. mellonella pupae treated with malathion. At 100 ppm, malathion significantly decreased pupation rate of G. mellonella larvae and the rate of adult emergence of the parasitoid from these pupae. This concentration resulted in a significant increase in the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) in both the host and the parasitoid. Malathion at 1 and 10 ppm significantly increased pupation rate and lipid peroxidation level of G. mellonella pupae. The adult emergence rate of P. turionellae was significantly decreased from 63.7 to 20% by these concentrations, whereas MDA content was increased by two- and three-fold, respectively, compared with the control (45.3 +/- 3.2 nmol/ g protein). The longevity of adults was significantly extended from 52.5 +/- 5.7 to 75.7 +/- 6.3 d when the parasitoids emerged from host pupae exposed with 0.1 ppm malathion. At low concentrations (0.01 and 0.1 ppm), malathion significantly increased the number of eggs laid per female per day. However, the lowest concentration (0.01 ppm) had no significant effect on hatchability, whereas 0.1 ppm of the insecticide resulted in significant decrease in egg hatch compared with the control. A significant increase in total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity for low concentrations of malathion (0.01-1 ppm) was found compared with the control. There was a significant positive correlation of SOD activities with adult longevity and fecundity. This study suggested that malathion-induced oxidative stress was causative factor in the deterioration of biological fitness and that increased SOD activities may have resulted in decreased oxidative damage, which retarded the rate of deteriorative physiological changes in P. turionellae in response to sublethal doses of malathion.     

Lead uptake from solution by perennial ryegrass and its transport from roots to shoots

Summary The uptake of lead by roots and its transport to the shoots was examined with perennial ryegrass in solution cultures. Root uptake as measured by the decrease in concentration of lead in an aqueous solution containing 1 mg Pb/l as Pb (NO₃)₂ was rapid, almost complete, and unaffected by removing the shoots or killing the roots. Lead bound in the roots was not released by exchange with Ca or Ba ions. The distribution of lead within the plant was examined at intervals after a single, 3-day exposure to various levels of lead added to a nutrient solution. The total uptake, or lead burden, increased with increasing rates of addition and ranged from 281 to 9969 g/Pb per 3 plants. The proportion of the lead reaching the shoots at the first harvest (7 days after adding lead) was 3.5 to 22.7 per cent of total uptake, the lower value being for plants with the greatest burden. Transport to the shoots continued throughout the experimental periods of 21 and 28 days but did not exceed 28.9 per cent of total uptake. The concentration of lead in shoots at the first harvest ranged from 0.2 to 58.4 ppm and that in the corresponding roots from 5.5 to 5310 ppm. At later harvests, and after cutting, the concentration in the shoots decreased; an exception was in plants with the greatest lead burden. It is concluded that roots of actively growing ryegrass provide a barrier which restricts the movement of lead to the above-ground parts of plants, and so to animals or man.     

Phosphorus effect on phosphatase activity in endomycorrhizal maize

Success of a mycorrhizal symbiosis is influenced by the availability of phosphorus (P) in the soil. Maize ( Zea mays L. cv. Great Lakes 586) plants were grown under five different levels of soil P, either in the presence or absence of formononetin or the vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus Glomus intraradices Schenck and Smith. We detected physiological differences in mycorrhizal roots very early in the development of symbiosis, before the onset of nutrient‐dependent responses. Under low P levels, VAM roots accumulated a greater shoot dry weight (13%), root P concentration (15%) and protein concentration (30%) than non-VAM roots, although root growth was not statistically significantly different. At higher P levels, mycorrhizal roots weighed less than non-VAM roots (10%) without a concomitant host alteration of growth or root P concentration. Mycorrhizal colonization decreased as soil P increased. Formononetin-treatment enhanced colonization of the root by G. intraradices and partially overcame inhibition of VAM colonization by high soil P concentrations. This is the first report that formononetin improves root colonization under high levels of soil P. Acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were closely related to the level of fungal colonization in corn roots. ACP activity in corn roots responded more to soil P availability than did ALP activity (38% more). These results suggest that ACP was involved in the increased uptake of P from the soil, while ALP may be linked to active phosphate assimilation or transport in mycorrhizal roots. Thus, soil P directly affected a number of enzymes essential in host-endophyte interplay, while formononetin enhanced fungal colonization.     

Lead exposure in an "urban" peregrine falcon and its avian prey

Necropsy of a 7-yr-resident peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinis) from Baltimore showed a Pseudomonas infection involving the pharynx as the immediate cause of death. Concentrations of lead in liver and kidney measured 0.74 and 1.40 ppm, respectively. A survey of lead exposure was performed on 40 urban rock doves (Columbia livia). Thirteen additional rock doves were collected from sites removed from lead contamination and served as controls. The mean concentration of lead in the blood of the urban rock doves was 0.96 ppm (range 0.29-17.0 ppm) compared to 0.05 ppm (0.01-0.07 ppm) for control birds. Ninety-eight percent (39/40) of the urban rock doves had elevated concentrations of lead in their blood, while 27% (11/40) had sublethal concentrations. None of the control birds had increased concentrations of lead in their blood. Concentrations of lead in liver and kidney of 13 urban rock doves were 3.48 ppm and 9.53 ppm, respectively, compared to concentrations of 0.43 ppm and 0.50 ppm for four control rock doves. From these data a mean total concentration of lead per rock dove was calculated at 4.60 ppm for urban birds and 0.33 ppm for control birds.     

Effect of mycorrhiza and biofertilisers on reducing the incidence of Fusarium root and pod rot diseases of peanut

Pathogenicity tests of twenty-six fungal isolates were tested on peanut plants (Giza 5 cv.) and the results revealed that, Fusarium oxysporum isolate (No. I) followed by F. solani (No. II) then F. moniliforme (No III) significantly caused highest incidence of root rot disease. Also, F. moniliforme (No III) followed by F. solani (No II) then F. oxysporum (No I) gave the highest incidence of pod rot disease. The effectiveness of vescular arbuscular-mycorrhiza (VAM) at different application rates on the incidence of root rot, pod rot diseases and plant growth parameters of peanut was studied. All soil treatments with each rate of VAM significantly reduced root and pod rot diseases compared with control (rate 0%). The best reduction in the severity of both diseases with VAM was found at the rate of 3%. Application of rhizobacterin, microbin and cerialin biofertilisers at the different concentrations decreased the severity of both root rot and pod rot severity diseases compared with non-treated seeds. The greatest reduction in both diseases was achieved at a concentration of 8/100?g seeds. The highest number of pods and fresh weight (g) was achieved in seed supplemented with each biofertiliser at concentration of 8/100?g seed.     

Lead toxicity in chickens

Two experiments were conducted in which varying levels of lead (up to 2000 ppm as lead acetate trihydrate) and selenium (up to 40 ppm as Na2SeO3) were fed, either alone or in combination, to chicks from day-old through 18 or 20 d. Lead additions depressed growth in a dose-dependent manner without affecting mortality. Selenium addition at 20 ppm was severely growth inhibitory, but mortality was not affected. The growth inhibition of 20 ppm Se was partially alleviated by feeding it in combination with 2000 ppm Pb; however, mortality was increased significantly by the combination. In contrast 40 ppm Se resulted in almost complete cessation of growth and 85% mortality, whereas the combination with 2000 ppm Pb partially overcame the growth inhibition and eliminated the excess mortality. When Pb or Se were fed alone, hepatic levels of the fed element were elevated. There were further significant elevations of hepatic levels of both elements when fed in combination at identical dietary concentrations as the single element additions. The results suggest that Pb and Se are antagonistic. The nature of the interaction of these elements is such that although 2000 ppm Pb partially overcomes the growth inhibition by 20 or 40 pm Se, the reverse (relief of Pb inhibition by Se) is not observed.     

重金属铅对鲫鱼乳酸脱氢酶和过氧化氢酶活性的影响

在实验室条件下,采用毒性实验方法研究不同浓度重金属铅(Pb2 )对鲫鱼血清乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)和血液过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性的影响.研究结果表明,随着金属离子铅浓度的增高血清中乳酸脱氢酶和过氧化氢酶活性下降,但两种酶对铅离子影响的敏感程度不同.影响LDH活性的最低铅离子浓度为0.1mmol/L,而CAT为0.5mmol/L,当Pb2 浓度为1mmol/L时,LDH活性降至10%左右,而CAT仅下降50%左右.对重金属离子浓度与酶活性的定性和定量分析为有效监控鱼类生存环境提供了有价值的参考资料.