Grantee Research Project Results
Ecotoxicity Risks Associated with the Land Treatment of Petrochemical Wastes
EPA Grant Number: R826242Title: Ecotoxicity Risks Associated with the Land Treatment of Petrochemical Wastes
Investigators: Lochmiller, Robert L. , Qualls, Charles W.
Current Investigators: Janz, David M.
Institution: Oklahoma State University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: October 1, 1997 through September 30, 2000
Project Amount: $406,229
RFA: Exploratory Research - Environmental Biology (1997) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Aquatic Ecosystems , Biology/Life Sciences
Description:
Although many consider Land Treatment of Petrochemical Industrial wastes to be a viable and safe management practice, recent field studies by our laboratory raises serious environmental concerns regarding immunotoxicity and fluorosis risks to wild vertebrates. We propose to examine these concerns by monitoring immunologic and pathologic responses of cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) in situ by seasonally collecting resident animals from replicated Land Treatment and Reference Sites throughout Oklahoma. Biomarker responses (immune system function, biotransformation enzyme activities, pathology) will be compared to soil and tissue contaminant levels to identify probable causative agents. We hypothesize that fluoride, lead, arsenic, and other contaminants are universally high in Land-Treatment soils and that these contaminants behave in a dose-response fashion to cause a high incidence of dental fluorosis and immune system dysfunction in resident small mammal populations.Approach:
Our experimental approach will be to seasonally (winter, summer) monitor demographic changes and physiological integrity of resident rodents from 5 Land Treatment sites and 5 ecologically-matched reference sites across 2 years to assess ecotoxicity risks from immunotoxicants and fluoride in soil; a randomized block design. Populations will be surveyed to determine if survival rate, recruitment, age/sex structure, and density are adversely impacted by Land Treatment of petroleum wastes. Seasonally, adult rodents will be returned to the laboratory to assess immune system function, pathology, biotransformation enzyme activity, and tissue contaminant levels.Expected Results:
Our studies will provide the first examination of ecotoxicity risks associated with the Land Treatment of petrochemical waste products that are generated by the oil refining industry. We anticipate that our research will identify potential problems with chronic exposure to immunotoxicants and fluoride in the soil of these sites.Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 12 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 10 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
land farm, petrochemical pollution, wildlife toxicology, ecotoxicity, oil refinery pollution, immunotoxicity, soil contaminants, terrestrial ecosystem., RFA, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Scientific Discipline, Waste, Toxics, Hazardous, National Recommended Water Quality, Ecological Indicators, Ecological Risk Assessment, Ecosystem Protection, chemical mixtures, Environmental Chemistry, Ecosystem/Assessment/Indicators, exploratory research environmental biology, Hazardous Waste, Ecological Effects - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Biochemistry, Ecological Effects - Human Health, Chemical Mixtures - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Ecology and Ecosystems, Environmental Monitoring, petrochemical wastes, petrochemical waste, assessment methods, biotransformation, lead, water quality, ecological assessment, oil spills, immunotoxicity, ecotoxicological studies, adverse impacts, arsenic, wildlife, oil refinery pollution, ecological exposure, land use, biomonitoring, dose-responseProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.