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.

A tecnologia foge melhora os métodos existentes em 4,9 por manter e controlar sedimentos suspensos sobre uma vasta gama de tempos de exposição e concentrações de sedimentos suspensos utilizando um sistema automatizado, controlado por computador. A tecnologia é flexível de modo que ele pode ser usado para avaliar os efeitos de sedimentos suspensos a múltiplas espécies aquáticas e fases da vida de diferentes tamanhos de ovos para adultos, dependendo das espécies. No futuro, a tecnologia é capaz de avaliar os efeitos de sedimento em suspensão a vegetação aquática submersa. A foge foi usado para gerar dados com sucesso efeitos (por exemplo, de sobrevivência e crescimento) para várias espécies como o walleye 5,10, esturjão do Atlântico 11 e ostras 12. Os foge executadas conforme projetado em avaliar os efeitos de diferentes sedimentos em suspensão recolhidos a partir de vários locais em todo os Estados Unidos sobre espécies aquáticas, tanto frescosambientes aquáticos e marinhos. A portabilidade e embalagem da tecnologia também torna mais propício para uso no campo. Os passos mais críticos na metodologia para garantir o sucesso são: 1) calibrar os foge com todos os sedimentos de teste para a relação entre TSS e turbidez pode ser quantificado, possibilitando, assim, combinando concentrações de SST-alvo; 2) a realização de experimentos com base no TSS e não turbidez para que os resultados experimentais podem ser comparados aos critérios e normas regulamentares adequadas; 3) use a bomba de duplo diafragma apropriada para que a suspensão de sedimentos / água pode ser encaminhado sem estragar a bomba; 4) use sedimentos considerados quimicamente não contaminada para que os efeitos físicos de sedimentos em suspensão não é confundida por contaminação química. A tecnologia mede a turbidez como NTUs em cada aquário via OBS montado em cada aquário, ainda existem diferenças distintas e significativas entre as duas mediçõess 9. medições de sedimento em suspensão detectar partículas que têm massa, e é muitas vezes determinado por medição gravimétrica ou com tecnologias acústicas. A turbidez é uma medida de clareza, que é medida como a luz dispersa pelo material de uma amostra de água por um nefelómetro. Enquanto turbidez é um fator importante na descrição de sedimentos em suspensão, é influenciada pelo tamanho das partículas de sedimentos, forma e número e, portanto, pode variar amplamente no meio ambiente e de experiência para experiência ao usar diferentes sedimentos. Para as experiências que usam a tecnologia, as medições de TSS (mg / l) são usadas para desenvolver a concentrações de exposição porque quantificar a massa de partículas presentes na coluna de água e estão directamente relacionados com os efeitos em organismos aquáticos 4. TSS é também a unidade de medida órgãos reguladores usar para definir limites de janelas ambiental para turbidez. Existem alguns limites para esta tecnologia na quantidade máxima de sedimentos em suspensão que pode transpoRT. Com base em experiências realizadas até à data, as concentrações TSS foram mantidas com sucesso até 600 mg / L. Foge tem continuamente produzido até 600 NTUs durante sete dias contínuos e 10-30 NTUs por 30 dias contínuos com a manutenção da bomba mínima. Enquanto o foge pode manter as concentrações de SST que se aproximam de 800 mg / L, concentrações superiores a este montante exigiria um tanque de retenção pasta de aumento de capacidade. concentrações de sedimentos em suspensão superior a cerca de 800 mg / L também potencialmente resultar em partículas maiores abandono da suspensão, resultando em leituras NTU que não refletem com precisão a exposição real. No entanto, as concentrações de até 500 a 600 mg / L são considerados a concentração máxima esperada directamente adjacente a uma draga de operação, de modo que concentrações mais elevadas não são relevantes para a maioria das operações de dragagem 4. Outro limite a esta tecnologia, é a distribuição de tamanho de grão de sedimentos. Partículas de tamanho superior a cerca de 250 &amp; #181; m precisa ser peneirado antes do uso, para que as partículas maiores não tributar a bomba ou estabelecer-se nos aquários. Essas limitações não são considerados significativos porque é o silte e argila partículas mais finas que migram mais distante da fonte e, portanto, têm o maior potencial para causar danos a animais aquáticos. Enquanto o programa de computador pode ser programado para se obter concentrações de sedimentos suspensos contínuas em cada aquário, que também pode ser programado para variar ou pulso dependendo objectivos experimentais. Em alguns casos, no entanto, sedimentos com fração argila alta percentagem não pode resolver o suficiente para imitar adequadamente uma exposição pulsada. Os recursos de automação e programação dos resultados foge em um sistema que pode com precisão e precisamente manter os níveis de SST, bem como introduzir água limpa. Devido a estas características, foge pode ser facilmente modificado para satisfazer outras necessidades experimentais. Por exemplo, cada FOGE aquário pode ser tratado como um reservatório de lama lá e para cám lo pasta pode ser introduzida na outra câmara de exposição no exterior do aquário. Se aquários de exposição maiores são desejados, em seguida, o sistema pode ser ampliado para atender a essas necessidades. tanques foge também pode ser adaptado para estudar os efeitos de sedimentação. Foge é um sistema durável e requer uma manutenção mínima. carcaças de bombas de aquário pode ser usado várias vezes antes de precisar de manutenção. A carcaça deve ser desmontados, limpos uma inspecionados após cada experimento. Tipicamente o propulsor constitui a primeira parte a falhar, eventualmente, seguido pelo resto do alojamento. A bomba de duplo diafragma operado ao ar é bastante durável e geralmente não requer inspeção após cada experimento; no entanto, recomenda-se, dependendo do uso, que ser inspeccionados pelo menos anualmente. O fabricante da bomba normalmente fornece um kit de reparação de peças comumente usadas. A água potável deve ser bombeado através da linha de pasta depois de cada experimento para remover lama remanescente e para limpar UOt as válvulas solenóides. O restante foge, incluindo aquários, banhos de água e reservatórios devem ser limpos de acordo com procedimentos laboratoriais adequados. A foge é projetado para o transporte para outros locais. O encanamento, elétrica e conexões de dados entre cada módulo são feitas com sindicatos ou plugs para que eles possam ser facilmente desconectados para o transporte e reconectado em um novo local. Uma vez transportado, o foge pode utilizar uma fonte de água local, que pode ser necessária para atender às necessidades específicas experimental. Este recurso permite o teste de espécies aquáticas que podem ser de outra forma inatingível devido às limitações de transporte ou de sobrevivência em um ambiente de laboratório. Este artigo descreve um sistema de laboratório automatizado projetado para avaliar os efeitos de sedimentos em suspensão em diversas espécies aquáticas. A tecnologia foge é capaz de expor os organismos aquáticos a concentrações de SST refletindo as operações de dragagem, tráfego de navios, freshets, e tempestades 14. Esta tecnologia pode ser usada por qualquer pesquisador interessado em responder a perguntas sobre os efeitos de sedimentos em suspensão em corpos d&#39;água superficiais sobre espécies aquáticas.

operações de dragagem utilizar métodos mecânicos para remover sedimentos de fundo de portos e canais de navegação. Durante a remoção, alguma porção do sedimento perturbada é suspensa na coluna de água, o que poderia tornar esta uma fonte de tensão física para as espécies aquáticas. Além de ser suspenso, o sedimento pode ser transportado para longe a partir da draga por condições ambientais antes de se acomodar para fora da coluna de água. A combinação destes dois mecanismos significa que um organismo aquático que ocorrem perto de uma draga de funcionamento pode ser exposto a sedimentos suspensos e sofrem efeitos adversos. Para abordar essas preocupações, janelas ambientais (restrições de dragagem sazonal) são rotineiramente utilizados como uma prática de gestão para reduzir ou eliminar o risco de impactos potencialmente prejudiciais de sedimentos em suspensão de actividades de dragagem sobre os recursos aquáticos 1,2. janelas ambientais são mais comumente estabelecido para proteger perigo, ameaçadas ouespécies de valor comercial, como o walleye (Sander vitreus) e Ostra-americana (Crassostrea virginica) 3. A justificação de apoio para a imposição de janelas ambientais muitas vezes se concentra em como as atividades de dragagem pode potencialmente perturbar fisicamente (por exemplo, sedimentos em suspensão) a capacidade de um animal para completar uma parte específica da sua história de vida. As fases da vida comumente citados são ovos e larvas para manter as rotas de migração abertas para as espécies anádromas 3. No entanto, há pouca informação a respeito dos efeitos biológicos específicos da espécie relevantes para suspensas 4,5 sedimentos disponíveis para informar usando o windows ambientais como uma ferramenta de gestão de risco. Por estas razões, o foge foi projetado, construído e usado para simular a suspensão do sedimento, e determinar seus efeitos sobre as fases iniciais de vida dos organismos aquáticos. FOGE estudos usam partículas de sedimentos de grão fino (ou seja, predominantemente lodos,argilas e areias finas), que são mais susceptíveis de permanecer em suspensão e migrar mais afastada da fonte. A foge é capaz de ovos e larvas de peixes de teste, mas também pode ser adaptada para acomodar outros organismos aquáticos, tornando-se uma capacidade única. Os dados da resposta biológica resultante pode então ser utilizado para avaliar os efeitos de sedimentos suspensos. Os procedimentos a seguir fornecem uma visão geral de como a tecnologia pode ser construído e operado para produzir concentrações de sedimentos em suspensão repetíveis e dados relativos aos efeitos usando várias espécies aquáticas.

<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>
		</tr>
		<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>
		</tr>
		<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.

Uma série de ensaios operacionais é realizado antes do início de uma experiência para assegurar que o foge está entregando as concentrações apropriadas de sedimentos para cada aquário (Secções 5.5 e 6.2). A Figura 6 ilustra como as concentrações NTU são mantidos em aquários experimentais para atingir concentrações de sedimentos suspensos alvo. Neste exemplo, foge avaliado se o sedimento em suspensão pode ser mantida ao longo de um período de três dias com o sedimento de ensaio proposto, um tempo de exposição típico de tais experiências de simulação de exposições típicas no domínio. Cada um dos aquários foi ajustada para manter de forma consistente uma turbidez ao longo do período de três dias. Sedimentos de teste foram introduzidos ao longo de um período de 4 h em 30 de Maio de 2016. O 0 mg / L de concentração TSS representou um aquário de controle sem sedimentos acrescentou. Às concentrações de 100, 250, e 500 mg L-alvo /, aquários consistentemente mantido turbidez de 90, 240,<html> e 430 NTU, respectivamente, ao longo do período experimental de três dias (Figura 6). pulsos de sedimentos reflectoras de adições programadas e cronometrada de sedimentos suspensos são visíveis a cada concentração no gráfico. A flexibilidade do foge permite aos investigadores a entrar dentro de cerca de 20-40 NTU da concentração de alvo. Estes dados demonstram a capacidade da tecnologia foge para manter a concentração desejada de sedimento suspenso ao longo do tempo. <img alt="Figura 6" src="/files/ftp_upload/54937/54937fig6.jpg" /> Figura 6. Representante FOGE resultados em quatro concentrações de sedimentos suspensos. dados (NTU) de unidades de turvação nefelométrica registadas pelo software de computador foge em intervalos de 5 min durante um período de 3 dias, durante uma experiência concebida para conseguir 0, 100, 250 e 500 mg / L Total de concentrações de sólidos suspensos.arge.jpg &quot;target =&quot; _ blank &quot;&gt; Clique aqui para ver uma versão maior desta figura. De modo semelhante, a Figura 7 mostra os resultados da concentração como TSS pode ser mantida a concentrações consideravelmente mais baixas que representam condições ambientais. <img alt="Figura 7" src="/files/ftp_upload/54937/54937fig7.jpg" /> Figura 7. Representante FOGE resultados próximos de condições ambientais. dados (NTU) de unidades de turvação nefelométrica registadas pelo software de computador foge em intervalos de 5 min durante um período de 7 dias durante uma experiência concebida para atingir 25 NTU, o equivalente de 20 mg / L de TSS no caso do sedimento teste. <a href="https://ecsource-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/54937/54937fig7large.jpg" target="_blank">Por favor clique aqui para ver uma versão maior desta figura.</a> A foge é calibrated usando sedimentos teste para quantificar a relação entre TSS e turbidez para garantir concentrações de SST-alvo são alcançados (Secções 5.4 e 5.5.2). A Figura 8 ilustra a relação entre NTU e SST para um sedimento exemplo de teste avaliada no foge. Neste exemplo, o sedimento de teste exibiram consistentemente mais elevados de NTU valores relativos a cada uma das concentrações TSS correspondente avaliada. Estes dados podem então ser usados ​​para calibrar os foge e resultados do relatório em TSS para avaliação apropriada subsequente de efeitos. <img alt="Figura 8" src="/files/ftp_upload/54937/54937fig8.jpg" /> Figura 8. A relação NTU-TSS para um sedimento exemplo de teste. As concentrações TSS de tratamento-alvo foram 0 (controlo), 100, 250 e 500 mg / L. As barras de erro representam o SEM. <a href="https://ecsource-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/54937/54937fig8large.jpg" target="_blank">Por favor clique aqui para ver um grande</a>r Versão desta 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.

Um Sistema de Exposição Fluxo através de sedimentação de Efeitos Avaliando suspensos sobre a vida aquática

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 visualizações.  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.

Vídeo: 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; Facility Concentração Gradiente para Teste CO<sub&gt; 2</sub&gt; Enriquecimento do solo e efeitos sobre a função da pastagem de Ecossistemas

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

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 remoção de otólitos de 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 ...

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.

Metodologia para desenvolvimento de tabelas de vida para insetos sésseis no campo utilizando a mosca branca, Bemisia tabaci, em algodão como um modelo de sistema

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.

Coleta e extração de ar ocupacional amostras para análise de DNA 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 experimentais de poeira e mobilização sobre superfícies com exposição à radiação ultravioleta ou Plasmas de

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.

Bioindicação teste de adequação de ambiente de fluxo para jovens de água doce da pérola mexilhões usando métodos de exposição em Situ

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 pela análise de perfis de resposta comportamental em peixes Larval: aplicação para a 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.

Amostragem, classificação e caracterização Microplastics em ambientes aquáticos com cargas de sedimentos suspensos altos e grandes destroços flutuantes

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.

Um sistema autónomo e preciso para a detecção de padrões de emergência de insetos

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.

Um novo portátil em Vitro Cassette exposição para amostragem de aerossol

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