This research was funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Dredging Operations and Environmental Research Program, Todd Bridges, Director. Permission was granted by the Chief of Engineers to publish this material.

<ol>
	<li>National Research Council (NRC). <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+process+for+setting,+managing,+and+monitoring+environmental+windows+for+dredging+projects.">A process for setting, managing, and monitoring environmental windows for dredging projects.</a> Marine Board, Transportation Research Board, Special Report 262. , (2001).</li><li>Suedel, B. C., Kim, J., Clarke, D. G., Linkov, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+risk-informed+decision+framework+for+setting+environmental+windows+for+dredging+projects.">A risk-informed decision framework for setting environmental windows for dredging projects.</a> Sci Total Environ. 403, 1-11 (2008).</li><li>Reine, K. J., Dickerson, D. D., Clarke, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Environmental+windows+associated+with+dredging+operations.">Environmental windows associated with dredging operations.</a> DOER Technical Notes Collection. ERDC TN DOER-E2. , (1998).</li><li>Wilber, D. H., Clarke, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Biological+effects+of+suspended+sediments:+A+review+of+suspended+sediment+impacts+on+fish+and+shellfish+with+relation+to+dredging+activities+in+estuaries.">Biological effects of suspended sediments: A review of suspended sediment impacts on fish and shellfish with relation to dredging activities in estuaries.</a> N Am J Fish Manag. 21, 855-875 (2001).</li><li>Suedel, B. C., Lutz, C. H., Clarke, J. U., Clarke, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effects+of+suspended+sediment+on+walleye+(Sander+vitreus)+eggs.">The effects of suspended sediment on walleye (Sander vitreus) eggs.</a> J. Soils Sediments. 12, 995-1003 (2012).</li><li>Travis, J., Kring, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> LabVIEW for Everyone: Graphical Programming Made Easy and Fun (National Instruments Virtual Instrumentation Series). , (2006).</li><li>Hazardous Waste Test Methods/SW-846 On-line. Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) Available from: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.epa.gov/hw-sw846/sw-846-compendium">https://www.epa.gov/hw-sw846/sw-846-compendium</a> (2016)</li><li>Plumb, R. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Procedure for handling and chemical analysis of sediment and water samples, EPA/CE-81-1. , (1981).</li><li>Clarke, D. G., Wilber, D. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Assessment of potential impacts of dredging operations due to sediment resuspension. , (2000).</li><li>Suedel, B. C., Clarke, J. U., Lutz, C. H., Clarke, D. G., Godard-Codding, C., Maul, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Suspended+sediment+effects+on+walleye+(Sander+vitreus).">Suspended sediment effects on walleye (Sander vitreus).</a> J. Great Lakes Res. 40, 141-148 (2014).</li><li>Wilkens, J. L., Katzenmeyer, A. W., Hahn, N. M., Hoover, J. J., Suedel, B. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Laboratory+test+of+suspended+sediment+effects+on+short-term+survival+and+swimming+performance+of+juvenile+Atlantic+Sturgeon+(Acipenser+oxyrinchus+oxyrinchus).">Laboratory test of suspended sediment effects on short-term survival and swimming performance of juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus).</a> J. Appl. Ichthy. 31, 984-990 (2015).</li><li>Suedel, B. C., Clarke, J. U., Wilkens, J., Lutz, C. H., Clarke, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effects+of+a+simulated+sediment+plume+on+eastern+oyster+(Crassostrea+virginica)+survival,+growth,+and+condition.">The effects of a simulated sediment plume on eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) survival, growth, and condition.</a> Estuaries and Coasts. 38 (2), 578-589 (2015).</li><li>Bilotta, G. S., Brazier, R. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Understanding+the+influence+of+suspended+solids+on+water+chemistry+and+aquatic+biota.">Understanding the influence of suspended solids on water chemistry and aquatic biota.</a> Water Res. 42, 2849-2861 (2008).</li><li>Reine, K., Clarke, D., Dickerson, C., Pickard, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessment+of+potential+impacts+of+bucket+dredging+plumes+on+walleye+spawning+habitat+in+Maumee+Bay,+Ohio.">Assessment of potential impacts of bucket dredging plumes on walleye spawning habitat in Maumee Bay, Ohio.</a> Proceedings of the 18th World Dredging Congress (WODCON XVIII). , (2007).</li></ol>

Opinions, interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the U.S. Army. Citations of commercial organizations or trade names in this report do not constitute an official Department of the Army endorsement or approval of the products or services of these organizations. Authors Burton C. Suedel and Justin L. Wilkens, both of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, declare that they have no competing financial interests.

La tecnología huye mejora de los métodos existentes 4,9 por mantener y controlar los sedimentos en suspensión en un amplio rango de tiempos de exposición y las concentraciones de sedimentos en suspensión utilizando un sistema automatizado, controlado por ordenador. La tecnología es flexible de manera que puede ser usado para evaluar los efectos de los sedimentos en suspensión a múltiples especies acuáticas y etapas de la vida de diferentes tamaños de los huevos a los adultos dependiendo de la especie. En el futuro, la tecnología es capaz de evaluar los efectos de sedimentos en suspensión a la vegetación acuática sumergida. El huye se ha utilizado con éxito para generar datos de efectos (por ejemplo, supervivencia y crecimiento) para diversas especies como la lucioperca 5,10, esturión del Atlántico 11 y 12 ostras. Los huye realizadas tal como fue diseñado para evaluar los efectos de diferentes sedimentos en suspensión recogidas de varios lugares de los Estados Unidos sobre las especies acuáticas, tanto de frescosagua marina y ambientes. La portabilidad y el embalaje de la tecnología también hace que sea propicio para el uso en el campo. Los pasos más importantes en la metodología para asegurar el éxito son los siguientes: 1) calibrar los sedimentos huye con cada prueba de lo que la relación entre el SAT y la turbidez se puede cuantificar, permitiendo de este modo correspondiente al objetivo concentraciones de SST; 2) la realización de experimentos basados ​​en TSS y no turbidez para que los resultados experimentales se pueden comparar con los criterios y las normas reguladoras apropiadas; 3) utilizar la bomba de doble diafragma adecuado para que la suspensión del sedimento / agua se puede encaminar sin arruinar la bomba; 4) el uso de sedimentos no contaminados considerados químicamente de manera que los efectos físicos de sedimentos en suspensión no es confundida por la contaminación química. La tecnología mide la turbidez como NTU en cada acuario a través OBS montada en cada acuario, sin embargo, hay diferencias claras y significativas entre las dos mediciones9 s. mediciones de sedimentos en suspensión detectan partículas que tienen masa, y con frecuencia se mide gravimétricamente o con tecnologías acústicas. La turbidez es una medida de la claridad que se mide como la luz dispersada por el material en una muestra de agua por un nefelómetro. Mientras que la turbidez es un factor importante en la descripción de los sedimentos en suspensión, se ve influido por el tamaño del sedimento de partículas de, forma, y ​​número y por lo tanto puede variar ampliamente en el medio ambiente y de experimento a experimento utilizando diferentes sedimentos. Para los experimentos que utilizan la tecnología, las mediciones de TSS (mg / L) se utilizan para desarrollar las concentraciones de exposición, ya que cuantifican la masa de las partículas presentes en la columna de agua y se relacionan directamente con los efectos en los organismos acuáticos 4. TSS es también la unidad de medida de los organismos reguladores utilizan para establecer los umbrales de ventanas ambientales para la turbidez. Hay algunos límites a esta tecnología en la cantidad máxima de sedimento en suspensión que puede Transport. Sobre la base de experimentos llevados a cabo hasta la fecha, las concentraciones de TSS se han mantenido con éxito hasta 600 mg / L. Huye ha producido de forma continua hasta 600 NTU durante siete días continuos y 10-30 NTU durante 30 días continuos, con un mínimo de mantenimiento de la bomba. Mientras que el huye puede mantener la concentración de TSS se acercan a 800 mg / L, las concentraciones superiores a esta cantidad requerirían un tanque contenedor de lechada de mayor capacidad. las concentraciones de sedimentos suspendidos que exceden aproximadamente 800 mg / L también serían potencialmente dar lugar a partículas más grandes abandono de la suspensión, lo que resulta en lecturas NTU que no reflejan con exactitud la exposición real. Sin embargo, concentraciones de hasta 500 a 600 mg / L se consideran la concentración máxima esperada directamente adyacente a una draga de funcionamiento, por lo que concentraciones mayores no son relevantes para la mayoría de las operaciones de dragado 4. Otro límite para esta tecnología es la distribución del tamaño de grano del sedimento. Tamaños de partícula mayor de aproximadamente 250 &amp; #181; m necesitan ser tamizada antes de su uso para que las partículas más grandes no gravan la bomba o se asientan en los acuarios. Tales limitaciones no se consideran significativos, ya que son las partículas más finas limo y arcilla que migran más alejado de la fuente y por lo tanto tienen el mayor potencial para causar daño a los animales acuáticos. Si bien el programa de ordenador se puede programar para dar concentraciones de sedimentos en suspensión continua en cada acuario, también puede ser programado para variar o pulso dependiendo de los objetivos experimentales. En algunos casos, sin embargo, los sedimentos con fracción de arcilla alto porcentaje no puede conformarse suficientemente adecuada para imitar una exposición pulsada. Las funciones de automatización y programación de los resultados huye en un sistema que forma exacta y precisa puede mantener niveles de SST, así como introducir agua limpia. Debido a estas características, huye se puede modificar fácilmente para satisfacer otras necesidades experimentales. Por ejemplo, cada huye acuario puede ser tratado como un depósito de suspensión de un lado a otrom es suspensión puede ser introducido en otra cámara de exposición exterior del acuario. Si se desean más grandes acuarios de exposición a continuación, el sistema se puede ampliar para satisfacer estas necesidades. tanques huye también pueden ser adaptados para estudiar los efectos de la sedimentación. Huye es un sistema duradero y requiere un mantenimiento mínimo. carcasas de bombas de acuario se pueden utilizar varias veces antes de necesitar mantenimiento. La carcasa debe ser disimulado, limpiado un inspeccionado después de cada experimento. Típicamente, el impulsor es la primera parte a fallar seguido finalmente por el resto de la carcasa. La bomba de doble diafragma accionada por aire es bastante resistente y generalmente no requiere la inspección después de cada experimento; Sin embargo, se recomienda, dependiendo del uso, que se controlen al menos anualmente. El fabricante de la bomba por lo general proporciona un kit de reparación de piezas comúnmente usados. El agua limpia debe ser bombeado a través de la línea de suspensión después de cada experimento para eliminar el lodo restante y limpiar out las válvulas de solenoide. El resto del huye, incluyendo acuarios, baños de agua y embalses debe limpiarse después de procedimientos de laboratorio adecuados. El huye está diseñado para su transporte a otros sitios. La fontanería, electricidad y conexiones de datos entre cada módulo se hacen con los sindicatos o los tapones para que puedan ser desconectados fácilmente para su transporte y vuelven a conectar a una nueva ubicación. Una vez transportado, el huye puede utilizar una fuente de agua local que pueda ser necesaria para satisfacer las necesidades específicas experimentales. Esta característica permite el ensayo de especies acuáticas que de otro modo serían inalcanzables debido a las limitaciones de transporte o de supervivencia en un entorno de laboratorio. En este trabajo se describe un sistema de laboratorio automatizado diseñado para evaluar los efectos de los sedimentos en suspensión en diversas especies acuáticas. La tecnología huye es capaz de exponer a los organismos acuáticos a concentraciones de TSS que refleja las operaciones de dragado, el tráfico marítimo, freshets, y las tormentas 14. Esta tecnología puede ser utilizado por cualquier investigador interesado en responder a preguntas sobre los efectos de los sedimentos en suspensión en los cuerpos de agua superficiales en las especies acuáticas.

Las operaciones de dragado utilizan métodos mecánicos para eliminar los sedimentos del fondo de los puertos y canales de navegación. Durante la extracción, una parte del sedimento perturbado se suspende en la columna de agua, lo que podría hacer de esto una fuente de estrés físico para las especies acuáticas. Además de haber sido suspendido, el sedimento puede ser transportado lejos de la draga por las condiciones ambientales antes de establecerse fuera de la columna de agua. La combinación de estos dos mecanismos significa que un organismo acuático que se presenta cerca de una draga de funcionamiento puede estar expuesto a los sedimentos en suspensión y sufren efectos adversos. Para abordar estas preocupaciones, ventanas ambientales (restricciones de dragado de temporada) se utilizan rutinariamente como una práctica de manejo para reducir o eliminar el riesgo de los efectos potencialmente nocivos de los sedimentos en suspensión de las actividades de dragado en los recursos acuáticos 1,2. ventanas ambientales son los más comúnmente establecidos para proteger peligro de extinción, amenazadas oespecies de valor comercial, tales como la lucioperca (Sander vitreus) y ostras (Crassostrea virginica) 3. La justificación de apoyo para la imposición de las ventanas ambientales a menudo se centra en cómo las actividades de dragado pueden potencialmente alterar físicamente (por ejemplo, sedimentos en suspensión) la capacidad del animal para completar una parte específica de su historia de vida. Las etapas de la vida comúnmente citados son los huevos y larvas para mantener abiertas las rutas de migración de las especies anádromas 3. Sin embargo, existe poca información referente a especies específicas de efectos biológicos pertinentes a 4,5 sedimentos en suspensión disponible para informar el uso de ventanas ambientales como una herramienta de gestión de riesgos. Por estas razones, el huye fue diseñado, construido y utilizado para simular la suspensión de sedimentos, y para determinar sus efectos en las etapas tempranas de la vida de los organismos acuáticos. Huye de los estudios se usan partículas de sedimentos de grano fino (es decir, predominantemente limos,arcillas y arenas finas), que son más propensos a permanecer en suspensión y emigran más lejos de la fuente. El huye es capaz de huevos de peces y larvas de las pruebas, pero también puede ser adaptado para dar cabida a otros organismos acuáticos, por lo que es una capacidad única. Los datos de la respuesta biológica resultantes se pueden utilizar para evaluar los efectos de los sedimentos en suspensión. Los procedimientos siguientes proporcionan una visión general de cómo la tecnología puede ser construido y operado para dar concentraciones de sedimentos en suspensión y repetibles datos de efectos utilizando diversas especies acuáticas.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Parts List for one FLEES Module, Water Bath, and Aquarium</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>post, wood - used to build module (cut to 78 in)</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 4 
			Size: 4 in x 4 in x 8 ft</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>plywood, marine grade - fastened to wooden posts about 18 in off ground - for holding water bath (60 in x 42 in)</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 3/4 in x 4 ft x 8 ft</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>plywood - fastened on top of wooden posts - for holding pipes, solenoids and electrical (60 in x 42 in)</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 1/4 in x 4 ft x 8 ft</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>stud, wood - used to brace plywood and wooden posts (cut to fit)</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 4 
			Size: 2 in x 4 in x 96 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tank, fiberglass - water bath with two drains: 1) to supply chiller; and 2) to drain water</td>
			<td>Hydro Composites, LLC, Stockdale, TX, USA</td>
			<td>FBT-226</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 150-gal</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>chiller, water with self contained pump - for water bath; chiller sits under module</td>
			<td>Remcor Products Co., Glendale Heights, IL, USA</td>
			<td>CFF-500</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 1/2 hp</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tank, domed bottom - FLEES aquaria - sit inside water bath</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>5197</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 19 L</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tank, stand - acrylic stand, 12 in x 12 in x 6 in - to hold aquaria</td>
			<td>custom built by ERDC shops</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: custom</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>urethane, liquid- to seal carboy plug and prevent leaking</td>
			<td>Forsch Polymer Corporation, Englewood, CO</td>
			<td>60A Liquid Urethane</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: epoxy kit</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pump, magnetic drive - to suspend sediment in each aquarium</td>
			<td>March Manufacturing Inc., Glenview, IL, USA</td>
			<td>MDX-3-1/2 115 v</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 28 liter per min</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>light, LED - installed over water bath</td>
			<td>C2 Development, Inc., Ames, IA, USA</td>
			<td>Hydra 26</td>
			<td>Quantity: 2 
			Size: based on area to light</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pipe, PVC schedule 40 - installed in drain of water bath to control water level</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: - 
			Size: 1 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, bulkhead - for aquaria/water bath connections to pumps, drains, water and slurry lines</td>
			<td>Lifegard Aquatics, Cerritos, CA, USA</td>
			<td>R270900</td>
			<td>Quantity: 20 
			Size: 1/2 in FPT x FPT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, quick-disconnect, male pipe threaded inserts - insert in tank bulkhead</td>
			<td>Cole-Parmer, Vernon Hills, IL, USA</td>
			<td>EW-31303-36</td>
			<td>Quantity: 10 
			Size: 1/2 in MPT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, quick-disconnect, valved hose barbs - connection between aquarium and insert in tank bulkhead</td>
			<td>Cole-Parmer, Vernon Hills, IL, USA</td>
			<td>EW-31303-11</td>
			<td>Quantity: 10 
			Size: 1/2 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, black HDPE threaded elbow - for aquaria vinyl tube connections to slurry/water line and pump</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>62043</td>
			<td>Quantity: 20 
			Size: 1/2 NPT x 1/2 in Hose ID</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, black HDPE threaded adapter - for connections between pump and tank bulkhead</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>62017</td>
			<td>Quantity: 10 
			Size: 1/2 NPT x 1/2 in Hose ID</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tube, vinyl - connect slurry/water line to aquaria and to connect pumps to aquaria</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 25 ft 
			Size: 1/2 in ID</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tube, vinyl - connect to aquaria drains inserts and water bath drain</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 25 ft 
			Size: 5/8 in ID</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>clamp, hose, stainless steel - to clamp vinyl tube to hose barbs</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 40 
			Size: #8</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments 
			&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Parts list for Slurry System</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td> 
			&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>chiller, water with self contained pump - sits off to side of slurry tank</td>
			<td>Remcor Products Co., Glendale Heights, IL, USA</td>
			<td>CFF-500</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 1/2 hp</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>125 gallon open top cone bottom tank w/Stand - 42 in x 35 in - contains the water and sediment to make slurry</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>8586</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 125 gal</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cover for 125 gallon tank</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>8935</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 42 in x 35 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>valve, PVC - connect tank drain to pump - isolate for maintenance</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 2 
			Size: 1-1/2 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pump, double diaphragm mounted on stand - used to recirculate slurry</td>
			<td>Wilden-pumps.co.uk &#38; Air Pumping Ltd., Essex, UK</td>
			<td>P2/PPPP/WF/WF/PTV/400</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			 
			contact distributor</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>sensor, optical backscatter - measure NTU in slurry tank</td>
			<td>Campbell Scientific, Logan, UT, USA</td>
			<td>OBS-3+</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 0-1000 NTU</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pipe, PVC Schedule 40 - to recirculate slurry</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 20 ft 
			Size: 1 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pipe, flexible PVC - fitted with union and used to connect to next module</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 10 ft 
			Size: 1 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>union, PVC Schedle 80 Socket - connect slurry line with next module</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 8 
			Size: 1/2 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>solenoid, plastomatic (normally closed) - introduce slurry</td>
			<td>Plast-O-Matic Valves, Inc., Cedar Grove, NJ, USA</td>
			<td>EASYMT4V12R24-PV</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1/2 in NPT threaded, 24 VAC 
			contact distributor</td>
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		<tr>
			<td>fitting, PVC tee - connect slurry pipe with solenoid</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1 in x 1 in x 1 in slip x slip x FIPT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, 1 in PVC ball valve threaded - shut off for slurry delivery to solenoid/water lines</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 7 
			Size: 1/2 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, 1 in PVC union threaded - connect slurry solenoid to shut off valve</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1/2 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tube, vinyl - connection between water solenoid and slurry solenoid</td>
			<td>Local vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 50 ft 
			Size: 1/4&#34; ID</td>
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		<tr>
			<td>Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments 
			&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Parts list for Water System</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td> 
			&#160;</td>
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			<td>chiller, water with self contained pump - sits off to side of reservoir</td>
			<td>Remcor Products Co., Glendale Heights, IL, USA</td>
			<td>CFF-500</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 1/2 hp</td>
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		<tr>
			<td>125 gallon open top cone bottom tank w/Stand - 42 in x 35 in - contains the water and sediment to make slurry</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>8586</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 125 gal</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cover for 125 gallon tank</td>
			<td>United States Plastic Corp, Lima, OH, USA</td>
			<td>8935</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 42 in x 35 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>valve, PVC - connect tank drain to water pump</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 2 
			Size: 1 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pump, magnetic drive, in-line use - used to recirculate water to aquaria and chiller</td>
			<td>Little Giant, Fort Wayne, IN, USA</td>
			<td>3-MD-SC</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: 1/12 hp</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>solenoid, alco - introduce water</td>
			<td>discontinued; ASCO, Florham Park, NJ,USA for similar</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 24 v, 1/4 in NIPT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, black HDPE reducer connector - connect 1/4 in hose water line from solenoid&#160; to 1/2 in hose</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1/2 in hose ID x 1/4 in hose ID</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, black HDPE tee - connect 1/2 in hose water line and slurry to aquaria</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1/2 in NPT x 1/2 in hose ID x 1/2 in hose ID</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, street elbow</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1/2 in 90&#176; MIPT x FIPT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, PVC threaded pipe nipples - connect union fittings with solenoids and other connections</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 12 
			Size: 1/2 in</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, union threaded - connect slurry/water lines with next module</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 6 
			Size: 1 in PVC&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, reducer bushing - connect to reducer tee in water line</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 1/2 in male by 1/4 in female FIPT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fittings, threaded pipe nipples - connection between bushing and water solenoid</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size:&#160; 4 in long&#160; x 1/4 in&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pipe, PVC&#160; - make connections between tank, pump and chiller</td>
			<td>local plumbing vendor</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 ft 
			Size: Schedule 40</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments 
			&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Parts list for Sensors, Data Acquisition Device, and Computer Software</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td> 
			&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>software, LabView</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>LabView 2015 Base</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SCXI-1001 12-Slot Chassis, U.S. 120 VAC</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>776571-01</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SCXI 1100 - 32-Channel, &#177;10 V Analog Input Module</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>776572-00</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SCXI 1303 - Terminal block designed for high-accuracy thermocouple measurements</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>777687-03</td>
			<td>Quantity: 2 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SCXI 1102B - 32-Channel Thermocouple/Voltage Input Module</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>776572-02B</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SCXI 1161 - General-Purpose Relay Module</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>776572-61</td>
			<td>Quantity: 6 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SCXI 1300 - General-Purpose Voltage Module</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>777687-00</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: N/A</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PCMCIA Card DAQCARD-AI-16E-4</td>
			<td>National Instruments, Austin, Texas, USA</td>
			<td>N/A - legacy</td>
			<td>Quantity: 1 
			Size: N/A 
			used cards available online</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>sensor, optical backscatter - measure NTU in each aquarium</td>
			<td>Campbell Scientific Inc., Logan, UT, USA</td>
			<td>OBS-3+</td>
			<td>Quantity: 5 
			Size: 0-1000 NTU</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a flow-through exposure system for evaluating suspended sediments effects on aquatic life

This paper describes the Fish Larvae and Egg Exposure System (FLEES). The flow-through exposure system is used to investigate the effects of suspended sediment on various aquatic species and life stages in the laboratory by using pumps and automating delivery of sediment and water to simulate suspension of sediment. FLEES data are used to develop exposure-response curves between the effects on aquatic organisms and suspended sediment concentrations at the desired exposure duration. The effects data are used to evaluate management practices used to reduce the interactions between aquatic organisms and anthropogenic causes of suspended sediments. The FLEES is capable of generating total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations as low as 30 to as high as 800 mg/L, making this system an ideal choice for evaluating the effects of TSS resulting from many activities including simulating low ambient levels of TSS to evaluating sources of suspended sediments from dredging operations, vessel traffic, freshets, and storms.

Una serie de ensayos operacionales se lleva a cabo antes de comenzar un experimento para asegurar que el huye es la entrega de las concentraciones apropiadas de los sedimentos de cada acuario (secciones 5.5 y 6.2). La figura 6 ilustra cómo las concentraciones NTU se mantienen en acuarios experimentales para lograr la suspensión de destino concentraciones de sedimentos. En este ejemplo, huye evaluó si los sedimentos en suspensión se podría mantener durante un período de tres días con el sedimento prueba propuesta, una duración de la exposición típica para este tipo de experimentos que simulan las exposiciones típicas en el campo. Cada uno de los acuarios se ajustó para mantener constantemente una turbidez durante el período de tres días. Sedimentos de ensayo se introdujeron en un período de 4 h en 30 de mayo de 2016. El 0 mg / L concentración TSS representa un acuario control sin sedimentos añadido. A las concentraciones 100, 250, y 500 mg L diana /, acuarios mantiene constantemente turbidez de 90, 240,<html> y 430 NTU, respectivamente, durante el período experimental de tres días (Figura 6). pulsos de sedimentos reflectantes de adiciones programadas y con fecha de sedimentos en suspensión son visibles en cada concentración en el gráfico. La flexibilidad del huye permite a los investigadores vienen dentro de aproximadamente 20-40 NTU de la concentración objetivo. Estos datos demuestran la capacidad de la tecnología huye para mantener la concentración de sedimentos en suspensión deseada en el tiempo. <img alt="Figura 6" src="/files/ftp_upload/54937/54937fig6.jpg" /> Figura 6. Representante HUYE resultados en cuatro concentraciones de sedimentos en suspensión. la unidad de turbidez nefelométrica (NTU) los datos registrados por el software de ordenador huye a intervalos de 5 min durante un período de 3 días durante un experimento diseñado para alcanzar 0, 100, 250 y 500 mg / L suspendidos totales concentraciones de sólidos.arge.jpg &quot;target =&quot; _ blank &quot;&gt; Haga clic aquí para ver una versión más grande de esta figura. Del mismo modo, la Figura 7 muestra los resultados de cómo la concentración de TSS puede mantenerse a concentraciones considerablemente más bajas que representan condiciones ambientales. <img alt="Figura 7" src="/files/ftp_upload/54937/54937fig7.jpg" /> Figura 7. Representante HUYE resultados cercanos a las condiciones ambientales. la unidad de turbidez nefelométrica (NTU) los datos registrados por el software de ordenador huye a intervalos de 5 min durante un período de 7 días durante un experimento diseñado para lograr 25 NTU, equivalente de 20 mg / L de TSS para el sedimento de prueba. <a href="https://ecsource-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/54937/54937fig7large.jpg" target="_blank">Haga clic aquí para ver una versión más grande de esta figura.</a> El huye es CalibraTed utilizando sedimentos de ensayo para cuantificar la relación entre el SAT y la turbidez para asegurar objetivo concentraciones de TSS se logran (Secciones 5.4 y 5.5.2). La Figura 8 ilustra la relación entre la UNT y SST para un sedimento ejemplo de prueba evaluada en el huye. En este ejemplo, el sedimento de prueba exhibió consistentemente mayor NTU valora con respecto a cada concentración de TSS correspondiente evaluado. Estos datos pueden ser utilizados para calibrar las pulgas y los resultados del informe en TSS para su posterior evaluación adecuada de los efectos. <img alt="Figura 8" src="/files/ftp_upload/54937/54937fig8.jpg" /> Figura 8. La relación NTU-TSS para un sedimento ejemplo de ensayo. Las concentraciones de tratamiento de TSS dirigidos fueron 0 (control), 100, 250 y 500 mg / L. Las barras de error representan el SEM. <a href="https://ecsource-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/54937/54937fig8large.jpg" target="_blank">Haga clic aquí para ver una gran</a>r Versión de esta figura.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Flow-through Exposure System for Evaluating Suspended Sediments Effects on Aquatic Life at JoVE.com

A Flow-through Exposure System for Evaluating Suspended Sediments Effects on Aquatic Life

A robust and flexible flow-through exposure system designed to maintain sediment in suspension is presented. The system is used to investigate the effects of suspended sediment on various aquatic species and life stages in the laboratory.

Un sistema de exposición de flujo continuo para la evaluación de sedimentos suspendidos efectos sobre la vida acuática

This paper describes the Fish Larvae and Egg Exposure System (FLEES). The flow-through exposure system is used to investigate the effects of suspended ...

a-flow-through-exposure-system-for-evaluating-suspended-sediments

Nanyang Technological University

Research

JoVE Journal

Environment

8.3K vistas.  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A robust and flexible flow-through exposure system designed to maintain sediment in suspension is presented. The system is used to investigate the effects of suspended sediment on various aquatic species and life stages in the laboratory.

Video: A Flow-through Exposure System for Evaluating Suspended Sediments Effects on Aquatic Life

A CO2 Concentration Gradient Facility for Testing CO2 Enrichment and Soil Effects on Grassland Ecosystem Function

Continuing increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (CA) mandate techniques for examining impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. Most experiments examine only two or a few levels of CA concentration and a single soil type, but if CA can be varied as a gradient from subambient to superambient concentrations on multiple soils, we can discern whether past ecosystem responses may continue linearly in the future and whether responses may vary across the landscape. The Lysimeter Carbon Dioxide Gradient Facility applies a 250 to 500 &#181;l L-1 CA gradient to Blackland prairie plant communities established on lysimeters containing clay, silty clay, and sandy soils. The gradient is created as photosynthesis by vegetation enclosed in in temperature-controlled chambers progressively depletes carbon dioxide from air flowing directionally through the chambers. Maintaining proper air flow rate, adequate photosynthetic capacity, and temperature control are critical to overcome the main limitations of the system, which are declining photosynthetic rates and increased water stress during summer. The facility is an economical alternative to other techniques of CA enrichment, successfully discerns the shape of ecosystem responses to subambient to superambient CA enrichment, and can be adapted to test for interactions of carbon dioxide with other greenhouse gases such as methane or ozone.

A CO2 Concentration Gradient Facility for Testing CO2 Enrichment and Soil Effects on Grassland Ecosystem Function

The Lysimeter Carbon Dioxide Gradient Facility creates a 250 to 500 &#181;l L-1 linear carbon dioxide gradient in temperature-controlled chambers housing grassland plant communities on clay, silty clay, and sandy soil monoliths. The facility is used to determine how past and future carbon dioxide levels affect grassland carbon cycling.

A CO<sub&gt; 2</sub&gt; Fondo gradiente de concentración para las pruebas de CO<sub&gt; 2</sub&gt; Enriquecimiento y suelo Efectos sobre la Función de los Ecosistemas del Prado

Continuing increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (CA) mandate techniques for examining impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. Most ...

Investigación

Medio ambiente

Alternative Method of Removing Otoliths from Sturgeon

Extracting the otoliths (ear bones) from fish that have very thick skulls can be difficult and very time consuming. The common practice of making a transverse vertical incision on the top of the skull with a hand or electrical saw may damage the otolith if not performed correctly. Sturgeons (Acipenseridae) are one family in particular that have a very large and thick skull. A new laboratory method entering the brain cavity from the ventral side of the fish to expose the otoliths was easier than other otolith extraction methods found in the literature. Methods reviewed in the literature are designed for the field and are more efficient at processing large quantities of fish quickly. However, this new technique was designed to be more suited for a laboratory setting when time is not pressing and successful extraction from each specimen is critical. The success of finding and removing otoliths using this technique is very high and does not compromise the structure in any manner. This alternative technique is applicable to other similar fish species for extracting the otoliths.

The goal of the protocol is to show an effective method to extract the otoliths from sturgeon carcasses.

Método alternativo de Extracción de otolitos de esturión

Extracting the otoliths (ear bones) from fish that have very thick skulls can be difficult and very time consuming. The common practice of making a ...

Methodology for Developing Life Tables for Sessile Insects in the Field Using the Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in Cotton As a Model System

Life tables provide a means of measuring the schedules of birth and death from populations over time. They also can be used to quantify the sources and rates of mortality in populations, which has a variety of applications in ecology, including agricultural ecosystems. Horizontal, or cohort-based, life tables provide for the most direct and accurate method of quantifying vital population rates because they follow a group of individuals in a population from birth to death. Here, protocols are presented for conducting and analyzing cohort-based life tables in the field that takes advantage of the sessile nature of the immature life stages of a global insect pest, Bemisia tabaci. Individual insects are located on the underside of cotton leaves and are marked by drawing a small circle around the insect with a non-toxic pen. This insect can then be observed repeatedly over time with the aid of hand lenses to measure development from one stage to the next and to identify stage-specific causes of death associated with natural and introduced mortality forces. Analyses explain how to correctly measure multiple mortality forces that act contemporaneously within each stage and how to use such data to provide meaningful population dynamic metrics. The method does not directly account for adult survival and reproduction, which limits inference to dynamics of immature stages. An example is presented that focused on measuring the impact of bottom-up (plant quality) and top-down (natural enemies) effects on the mortality dynamics of B. tabaci in the cotton system.

Methodology for Developing Life Tables for Sessile Insects in the Field Using the Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in Cotton As a Model System

Life tables allow quantification of the sources and rates of mortality in insect populations and contribute to understanding, predicting and manipulating population dynamics in agroecosystems. Methods for conducting and analyzing cohort-based life tables in the field for an insect with sessile immature life stages are presented.

Metodología para el desarrollo de tablas de vida para los insectos sésiles en el campo de la mosca blanca, Bemisia tabaci, en algodón como un modelo de sistema de

Life tables provide a means of measuring the schedules of birth and death from populations over time. They also can be used to quantify the sources and ...

Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA

Traditional methods of identifying fungal exposures in occupational environments, such as culture and microscopy-based approaches, have several limitations that have resulted in the exclusion of many species. Advances in the field over the last two decades have led occupational health researchers to turn to molecular-based approaches for identifying fungal hazards. These methods have resulted in the detection of many species within indoor and occupational environments that have not been detected using traditional methods. This protocol details an approach for determining fungal diversity within air samples through genomic DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing, and taxonomic identification of fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. ITS sequencing results in the detection of many fungal species that are either not detected or difficult to identify to species level using culture or microscopy. While these methods do not provide quantitative measures of fungal burden, they offer a new approach to hazard identification and can be used to determine overall species richness and diversity within an occupational environment.

Determining the fungal diversity within an environment is a method utilized in occupational health studies to identify health hazards. This protocol describes DNA extraction from occupational air samples for amplification and sequencing of fungal ITS regions. This approach detects many fungal species that can be overlooked by traditional assessment methods.

Colección y extracción de muestras de aire profesional para análisis de ADN fúngico

Traditional methods of identifying fungal exposures in occupational environments, such as culture and microscopy-based approaches, have several ...

Experimental Methods of Dust Charging and Mobilization on Surfaces with Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation or Plasmas

Electrostatic dust transport has been hypothesized to explain a number of observations of unusual planetary phenomena. Here, it is demonstrated using three recently developed experiments in which dust particles are exposed to thermal plasma with beam electrons, beam electrons only, or ultraviolet (UV) radiation only. The UV light source has a narrow bandwidth in wavelength centered at 172 nm. The beam electrons with the energy of 120 eV are created with a negatively biased hot filament. When the vacuum chamber is filled with the argon gas, a thermal plasma is created in addition to the electron beam. Insulating dust particles of a few tens of microns in diameter are used in the experiments. Dust particles are recorded to be lofted to a height up to a few centimeters with a launch speed up to 1 m/s. These experiments demonstrate that photo and/or secondary electron emission from a dusty surface changes the charging mechanism of dust particles. According to the recently developed &#34;patched charge model&#34;, the emitted electrons can be re-absorbed inside microcavities between neighboring dust particles below the surface, causing the accumulation of enhanced negative charges on the surrounding dust particles. The repulsive forces between these negatively charged particles may be large enough to mobilize and lift them off the surface. These experiments present the advanced understanding of dust charging and transport on dusty surfaces, and laid a foundation for future investigations of its role in the surface evolution of airless planetary bodies.

Dust charging and mobilization is demonstrated in three experiments with exposure to thermal plasma with beam electrons, beam electrons only, or ultraviolet (UV) radiation only. These experiments present the advanced understanding of electrostatic dust transport and its role in shaping the surfaces of airless planetary bodies.

Métodos experimentales de polvo de carga y la movilización en las superficies con la exposición a la radiación ultravioleta o Plasmas

Electrostatic dust transport has been hypothesized to explain a number of observations of unusual planetary phenomena. Here, it is demonstrated using ...

Bioindication Testing of Stream Environment Suitability for Young Freshwater Pearl Mussels Using In Situ Exposure Methods

Knowledge of habitat suitability for freshwater mussels is an important step in the conservation of this endangered species group. We describe a protocol for performing in situ juvenile exposure tests within oligotrophic river catchments over one-month and three-month periods. Two methods (in both modifications) are presented to evaluate the juvenile growth and survival rate. The methods and modifications differ in value for the locality bioindication and each has its benefits as well as limitations. The sandy cage method works with a large set of individuals, but only some of the individuals are measured and the results are evaluated in bulk. In the mesh cage method, the individuals are kept and measured separately, but a low individual number is evaluated. The open water exposure modification is relatively easy to apply; it shows the juvenile growth potential of sites and can also be effective for water toxicity testing. The within-bed exposure modification needs a high workload but is closer to the conditions of a natural juvenile environment and it is better for reporting the real suitability of localities. On the other hand, more replications are needed in this modification due to its high-hyporheic environment variability.

Bioindication Testing of Stream Environment Suitability for Young Freshwater Pearl Mussels Using In Situ Exposure Methods

In situ bioindications enable determination of the suitability of an environment for endangered mussel species. We describe two methods based on the juvenile exposure of freshwater pearl mussels in cages to oligotrophic river habitats. Both methods are implemented in variants for open water and hyporheic water environments.

Bioindicación para el examen de idoneidad del entorno de corriente joven agua dulce mejillones utilizando métodos de exposición In Situ de la perla

Knowledge of habitat suitability for freshwater mussels is an important step in the conservation of this endangered species group. We describe a protocol ...

Experimental Protocol for Examining Behavioral Response Profiles in Larval Fish: Application to the Neuro-stimulant Caffeine

Fish models and behaviors are increasingly used in the biomedical sciences; however, fish have long been the subject of ecological, physiological and toxicological studies. Using automated digital tracking platforms, recent efforts in neuropharmacology are leveraging larval fish locomotor behaviors to identify potential therapeutic targets for novel small molecules. Similar to these efforts, research in the environmental sciences and comparative pharmacology and toxicology is examining various behaviors of fish models as diagnostic tools in tiered evaluation of contaminants and real-time monitoring of surface waters for contaminant threats. Whereas the zebrafish is a popular larval fish model in the biomedical sciences, the fathead minnow is a common larval fish model in ecotoxicology. Unfortunately, fathead minnow larvae have received considerably less attention in behavioral studies. Here, we develop and demonstrate a behavioral profile protocol using caffeine as a model neurostimulant. Though photomotor responses of fathead minnows were occasionally affected by caffeine, zebrafish&#160;were markedly more sensitive for photomotor and locomotor endpoints, which responded at environmentally relevant levels. Future studies are needed to understand comparative behavioral sensitivity differences among fish with age and time of day, and to determine whether similar behavioral effects would occur in nature and be indicative of adverse outcomes at the individual or population levels of biological organization.

Here, we present a protocol to examine larval zebrafish and fathead minnow locomotor activities and photomotor responses (PMR) using an automated tracking software. When incorporated in common toxicology bioassays, analyses of these behaviors provide a diagnostic tool to examine chemical bioactivity. This protocol is described using caffeine, a model neurostimulant.

Protocolo experimental para examinar los perfiles de respuesta conductual en peces larvales: aplicación a la Neuro-estimulantes cafeína

Fish models and behaviors are increasingly used in the biomedical sciences; however, fish have long been the subject of ecological, physiological and ...

Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris

The ubiquitous presence of plastic debris in the ocean is widely recognized by the public, scientific communities, and government agencies. However, only recently have microplastics in freshwater systems, such as rivers and lakes, been quantified. Microplastic sampling at the surface usually consists of deploying drift nets behind either a stationary or moving boat, which limits the sampling to environments with low levels of suspended sediments and floating or submerged debris. Previous studies that employed drift nets to collect microplastic debris typically used nets with &#8805;300 &#181;m mesh size, allowing plastic debris (particles and fibers) below this size to pass through the net and elude quantification. The protocol detailed here enables: 1) sample collection in environments with high suspended loads and floating or submerged debris and 2) the capture and quantification of microplastic particles and fibers &lt;300 &#181;m. Water samples were collected using a peristaltic pump in low-density polyethylene (PE) containers to be stored before filtering and analysis in the lab. Filtration was done with a custom-made microplastic filtration device containing detachable union joints that housed nylon mesh sieves and mixed cellulose ester membrane filters. Mesh sieves and membrane filters were examined with a stereomicroscope to quantify and separate microplastic particulates and fibers. These materials were then examined using a micro-attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (micro ATR-FTIR) to determine microplastic polymer type. Recovery was measured by spiking samples using blue PE particulates and green nylon fibers; percent recovery was determined to be 100% for particulates and 92% for fibers. This protocol will guide similar studies on microplastics in high velocity rivers with high concentrations of sediment. With simple modifications to the peristaltic pump and filtration device, users can collect and analyze various sample volumes and particulate sizes.

Most microplastic research to date has occurred in marine systems where suspended solid levels are relatively low. Focus is now shifting to freshwater systems, which may feature high sediment loads and floating debris. This protocol addresses collecting and analyzing microplastic samples from aquatic environments that contain high suspended solid loads.

Muestreo, clasificación y caracterización de Microplastics en ambientes acuáticos con cargas de sedimento en suspensión alta y basura flotante grande

The ubiquitous presence of plastic debris in the ocean is widely recognized by the public, scientific communities, and government agencies. However, only ...

A Precise and Autonomous System for the Detection of Insect Emergence Patterns

Existing systems to measure insect emergence patterns have limitations; they are only partially automated and are limited in the maximum number of emerging insects they can detect. In order to obtain precise measurement of insect emergence, it is necessary for systems to be semi-automated and able to measure large numbers of emerging insects. We addressed these issues by designing and building a system that is automated and can measure emergence of up to 1200 insects. We modified the existing &#34;falling-ball&#34; system using Arduino microcontrollers to automate data collection and expand the sample size through multiple data channels. Multiple data channels enable the user to not only increase their sample size, but also allows for multiple treatments to be run simultaneously in a single experiment. Furthermore, we created an R script to automatically visualize the data as a bubble plot, while also calculating the median day and time of emergence. The current system was designed using 3D printing so the user can modify the system to be adjusted for different species of insects. The goal of this protocol is to investigate important questions in chronobiology and stress physiology, using this precise and automated system to measure insect emergence patterns.

Measurement of insect emergence patterns requires precision. Existing systems are only semi-automated and sample size is limited. We addressed these issues by designing a system using microcontrollers to precisely measure the time of emergence of large numbers of emerging insects.

Un sistema preciso y autónomo para la detección de patrones de aparición de insectos

Existing systems to measure insect emergence patterns have limitations; they are only partially automated and are limited in the maximum number of ...

A New Portable In Vitro Exposure Cassette for Aerosol Sampling

This protocol introduces a new in vitro exposure system, capable of being worn, including its characterization and performance. Air-liquid interface (ALI) in vitro exposure systems are often large and bulky, making transport to the field and operation at the source of emission or within the breathing zone difficult. Through miniaturization of these systems, the lab can be brought to the field, expediting processing time and providing a more appropriate exposure method that does not alter the aerosol prior to contacting the cells. The Portable In vitro Exposure Cassette (PIVEC) adapts a 37 mm filter cassette to allow for in vitro toxicity testing outside of a traditional laboratory setting. The PIVEC was characterized using three sizes of copper nanoparticles to determine deposition efficiency based on gravimetric and particle number concentration analysis. Initial cytotoxicity experiments were performed with exposed lung cells to determine the ability of the system to deposit particles while maintaining cell viability. The PIVEC provides a similar or increased deposition efficiency when comparing to available perpendicular flow in vitro exposure devices. Despite the lower sample throughput, the small size gives some advantages to the current in vitro ALI exposure systems. These include the ability to be worn for personal monitoring, mobility from the laboratory to the source of emission, and the option to set-up multiple systems for spatial resolution while maintaining a lower user cost. The PIVEC is a system capable of collecting aerosols in the field and within the breathing zone onto an air-interfaced, in vitro model.

A New Portable In Vitro Exposure Cassette for Aerosol Sampling

Here, we present a protocol to perform portable cellular aerosol exposures and measure cellular response. The method uses cells, grown at the air-liquid interface, mimicking in vivo physiology. Cellular response to copper nanoparticle aerosols was observed as oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species generation and cytotoxicity as lactate dehydrogenase release.

Un nuevo portátil In Vitro exposición Cassette para el muestreo de aerosoles

This protocol introduces a new in vitro exposure system, capable of being worn, including its characterization and performance. Air-liquid interface (ALI) ...