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The dioRAMA project: assessment of dioxin-like activity in sediments and fish (Rutilus rutilus) in support of the ecotoxicological characterization of sediments

  • SEDIMENTS, SEC 1 • SEDIMENT QUALITY AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT • SHORT ORIGINAL COMMUNICATION
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Abstract

Introduction

Given the complex interactions of re-suspension processes and bioavailability of sediment-bound pollutants such as dioxin-like chemicals, there is need for a better integrative understanding of the cause–effect relationship of these pollutants. Currently, the majority of studies investigating potential risks of these chemicals only focus on characterizing sediment extracts via in vitro bioassays, thereby disregarding bioavailability, uptake, metabolism, and elimination rates of these compounds in vivo. To determine to which extent mechanism-specific effects in vitro reflect possible adverse effects in vivo, the research project dioRAMA, involving partnership between the Institute for Environmental Research of RWTH Aachen University and the Department Biochemistry/Ecotoxicology of the German Federal Institute of Hydrology, was established.

Methods

Animals from an elevated trophic level—common roach (Rutilus rutilus)—will be exposed to sediments from two major German rivers. Exposure will be performed in a system that enables a concurrent monitoring of environmental parameters. In parallel, in vitro studies will be conducted to determine dioxin-like potentials of sediment and fish extracts from the in vivo exposure experiments using different cell lines with varying endpoints. Moreover, extract fractionation procedures, using the strategy of effect-directed analysis, will enable the detection of specific contaminant groups responsible for the biological activity observed.

Conclusion

A closer interconnection between applied ecotoxicological science and regulatory needs will facilitate the improved assessment of dioxin-like compounds in sediment and biota. Consequently, this will enable their application in sediment management programs, which is one of the main goals of the dioRAMA project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ecosystem Analysis, Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany

    Kathrin Eichbaum, Markus Brinkmann & Henner Hollert

  2. German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068, Koblenz, Germany

    Sebastian Buchinger & Georg Reifferscheid

  3. Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada

    Markus Hecker

  4. School of the Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada

    Markus Hecker

  5. Man–Technology–Environment Research Centre (MTM), Department of Natural Science, University of Örebro, 70182, Örebro, Sweden

    Magnus Engwall & Bert van Bavel

Authors
  1. Kathrin Eichbaum
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  2. Markus Brinkmann
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  3. Sebastian Buchinger
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  4. Markus Hecker
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  5. Magnus Engwall
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  6. Bert van Bavel
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  7. Georg Reifferscheid
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  8. Henner Hollert
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Correspondence to Kathrin Eichbaum or Henner Hollert.

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Responsible editor: Arnold V. Hallare

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Eichbaum, K., Brinkmann, M., Buchinger, S. et al. The dioRAMA project: assessment of dioxin-like activity in sediments and fish (Rutilus rutilus) in support of the ecotoxicological characterization of sediments. J Soils Sediments 13, 770–774 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-013-0668-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-013-0668-4

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